Magic, alchemy and hermetic thought Books

Book SynopsisExplores the complex interconnection of scent and magic in the Greco-Roman world between 800 BCE and CE 600, drawing on ancient literature and the modern study of the senses to examine the sensory depth and richness of ancient magic.

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Book SynopsisIn this major re-evaluation of Isaac Newton's intellectual life, Betty Jo Teeter Dobbs shows how his pioneering work in mathematics, physics, and cosmology was intertwined with his study of alchemy. Directing attention to the religious ambience of the alchemical enterprise of early modern Europe, Dobbs argues that Newton understood alchemy - and the divine activity in micromatter to which it spoke - to be a much needed corrective to the overly mechanized system of Descartes. The same religious basis underlay the rest of his work. To Newton it seemed possible to obtain partial truths from many different approaches to knowledge, be it textual work aimed at the interpretation of prophecy, the study of ancient theology and philosophy, creative mathematics, or experiments with prisms, pendulums, vegetating minerals, light, or electricity. Newton's work was a constant attempt to bring these partial truths together, with the larger goal of restoring true natural philosophy and true religion.Trade Review"Dobbs is always in complete control of the highly diverse strands of her argument. A splendid achievement." R. Palter, Choice"...provides many interesting insights into Newton's way of working. It is clearly written." J.S. Joel, Mathematical Reviews"...detailed and convincing..." William R. Shea"In this outstanding book Dobbs has raised the understanding of Newton to a new level of sophistication. No superlative I have used overstates my estimate of the value of The Janus Faces of Genius." Richard Westfall, The Times Higher Education Supplement"...tracks, more thoroughly than any single work previously has done, the constant recalibrations of Newton's efforts to synthesize all human knowledge so that history, theology, and science become reflexive confirmations of a mysterious order of the universe....its appeal should extend beyond historians of science. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the intellectual development of early modern history." Robert Markley, Configurations"This is an important and stimulating book. The fruit of long and patient research, it offers a full account of Newton's varied intellectual interests and of the unity that links and shapes the diverse expressions of his quest for truth. Professor Dobbs builds skillfully upon the firm foundations of contemporary scholarship to forge a masterly account of Newton's vision, and to examine the cultural and individual imperatives that impelled his search for an ultimate understanding of the way things are. Dobb's study can be read with profit by specialist and nonspecialist alike." J.E. McGuire, American Journal of Physics"Dobbs's achievement is to make the unity of Newton's many different studies, when viewed within the integrating framework of alchemy, not only evident but obvious; I know of no more thorough or learned treatment of her subject." Tracy Fessenden, History of ReligionsTable of ContentsList of illustrations; Acknowledgments; 1. Isaac Newton, philosopher by fire; 2. Vegetability and providence; 3. Cosmology and history; 4. Modes of divine activity in the world: before the Principia; 5. Modes of divine activity in the world: the Principia period; 6. Modes of divine activity in the world: after the Principia, 1687–1713; 7. Modes of divine activity in the world: after the Principia, 1713–1727; 8. Epilogue; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisAn accessible guide to Thelema, including a brief biography of Aleister Crowley, an overview of his most important ideas, and instructions for performing Thelemic rituals and magick

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Book SynopsisP.G. Maxwell-Stuart presents the history of alchemy traced from its earliest roots through to its influence in modern-day science.Trade Review"'It breaks down a complex subject - the study of nature through experiments with chemicals - into ten easy-to-read chapters... The reader who has always wondered about alchemy and has not yet read a history of the subject will find The Chemical Choir an entertaining starting point.' (Reviews in History)"Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1.China - The Golden Road to Immortality; 2. India - The Way of Tantra and Mercury; 3. Roman Egypt - The White and the Yellow Arising from Blackness; 4. The Islamic World - Balance and Magic Numbers; 5. Medieval Europe - Translations, Debates and Symbols; 6. The Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries - Pretension, Fraud and Redeeming the World; 7. The Rosicrucian Episode and its Aftermath; 8. Theology Wearing a Mask of Science - the later Seventeenth Century; 9. Alchemy in an Age of Self-Absorption - the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries; 10. A Child of Earlier Times - the Twentieth Century.

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Book SynopsisAs a practising Christian priest, Hermann Beckh was profoundly aware that the mystery of substance – its transmutation in the cosmos and the human being – was a mystical fact to be approached with the greatest reverence, requiring at once ever-deepening scholarship and meditation. He viewed chemistry as a worthy but materialistic science devoid of spirit, while the fullness of spiritual-physical nature could be approached by what he preferred to call ‘chymistry’ or ‘alchymy’, thereby taking in millennia of spiritual tradition. In consequence, Beckh’s Alchymy, The Mystery of the Material World is not limited to the conventional workings of Western alchemy, nor to what can be found in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation – although he does unveil hidden riches there. Neither should Beckh be considered only as a learned Professor with impeccable academic qualifications and European-wide recognition. Beckh writes about such topics as ‘Isis’, ‘the Golden Fleece’, traditional fairy-stories and Wagner’s Parsifal in a way that enables the reader to catch glimpses of the Mystery of Substance; to share the writer’s authentic experience of the divine substantia – the living reality – of Christ in the world. Beckh’s Alchymy set an entirely new standard, and went on to become his most popular publication. This is the first time that it has been translated into English, along with updated footnotes, making his ideas and insights accessible to a wide readership. In addition, this edition features translations of Beckh’s ‘The New Jerusalem’, where theology could best be expressed in verse; his exemplary essay on ‘Snow-white’; observations on ‘Allerleirauh’, and a substantial excerpt from Gundhild Kačer-Bock’s biography of Beckh.Table of ContentsForeword – Introduction by Neil Franklin – Translator's note – I. Alchymy and Man's Past: – Rosicrucianism, the Virginal Earth, the Philosopher's Stone – II. Alchymy and Mankind in the Present: – Chemistry and chymistry; The 'construction of the atom'; Salt, mercury, sulphur and the mystery of the threefold human being – III. Alchymy and the Bible (Old Testament): – The Creation, the River of Paradise, the Deluge; The secret of gold and of precious stones; Chaos and Astra, primal matter, the chymical process – IV. Alchymy and Mythology: – Isis; The Rhinegold; the Golden Fleece; Venus-Urania – V. Alchymy and the Future of Humanity: – John's Gospel and the Apocalypse of John; The Mystery of Cana (Chymical Wedding) and the New Testament; The Mystery of the twelve precious stones – Appendices – Hermann Beckh: The New Jerusalem, a meditation in verse 1 – Hermann Beckh: Snow-white – Supplement: 'Allerleirauh' – Review: Mysteries of the Material World, Rudolf Bind – Excerpt from the biographical sketch of Hermann Beckh by G. KacÏer-Bock – Notes – The Works of Prof. Hermann Beckh

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Book SynopsisIn what many consider to be his masterwork, Evola contrasts the characteristics of the modern world with those of traditional societies, from politics and institutions to views on life and death.Trade Review"Revolt Against the Modern World is destined to remain an essential work and frame-of-reference for anyone seriously involved in native European spirituality." * Michael Moynihan, Vortru *"Evola does not write in abstract philosophical language but in lively prose, filled with fascinating and concrete details. Given a basic grounding in history and culture, one can dip into the book anywhere and find new twists and reinterpretations. Such an encounter with a totally original mind is a rarity in these days of bland consensus, and a thrilling one whether one agrees with Evola or not." * Joscelyn Godwin, Gnosis Magazine *Table of ContentsRevolt Against the Modern World Politics, Religion, and Social Order in the Kali Yuga A Short Introduction to Julius Evola Translator's Preface Foreword Part One - The World of Tradition 1. The Beginning 2. Regality 3. Polar Symbolism; the Lord of Peace and Justice 4. The Law, the State, the Empire 5. The Mystery of the Rite 6. On the Primordial Nature of the Patriciate 7. Spiritual Virility 8. The Two Paths in the Afterlife 9. Life and Death of Civilizations 10. Initiation and Consecration 11. On the Hierarchical Relationship Between Royalty and Priesthood 12. Universality and Centralism 13. The Soul of Chivalry 14. The Doctrine of the Castes 15. Professional Associations and the Arts; Slavery 16. Bipartition of the Traditional Spirit; Asceticism 17. The Greater and the Lesser Holy War 18. Games and Victory 19. Space, Time, the Earth 20. Man and Woman 21. The Decline of Superior Races Part Two - Genesis and Face of the Modern World Introduction 22. The Doctrine of the Four Ages 23. The Golden Age 24. The Pole and the Hyperborean Region 25. The Northern-Atlantic Cycle 26. North and South 27. The Civilization of the Mother 28. The Cycles of Decadence and the Heroic Cycle 29. Tradition and Antitradition 30. The Heroic-Uranian Western Cycle 31. Syncope of the Western Tradition 32. The Revival of the Empire and the Ghibelline Middle Ages 33. Decline of the Medieval World and the birth of Nations 34. Unrealism and Individualism 35. The Regression of the Castes 36. Nationalism and Collectivism 37. The End of the Cycle Conclusion Appendix: On The Dark Age Index

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Book SynopsisAn initiatory and practical guide to creative alchemy. In this initiatory guide to the hermetic art of alchemy, artist Marlene Seven Bremner reveals how the alchemical opus, the Great Work, offers a practical means for liberating the authentic creator within and attaining gnosis, or true self-knowledge. Exploring the connections between Surrealism and alchemy, as well as the rich and complicated symbolism of alchemical art, Bremner elucidates how both Surrealism and alchemy seek to unfetter the imagination and dissolve the boundaries between dream and reality, thus reconciling the conscious and unconscious minds. She details how the three principles (salt, sulphur, and mercury), the four elements, and the seven planets interact together and within the self in creative alchemy, and she explains how to work with and transmute these energies for increased levels of insight, intuition, and imaginative expression. The author shares practical hermetic and alchemical techniques for liberating creative expression and clearing energetic obstructions that prevent us from reaching our higher potential. She also looks at the zodiacal and planetary timing of creative operations. Revealing how the stages of alchemical transmutation are relevant to the creative process, the author shows how the initiate comes to experience for themselves the relationship between consciousness and matter, which is the essence of alchemical teachings. By creating, one transmutes spiritual energies through matter for greater self-knowledge and awakening. Allowing you to truly realize your own creative power, this in-depth guide to creative alchemy shows how the alchemical path attunes the Self to the rhythms of the spheres, so that one is naturally creating in time with the seasons and zodiac signs and in harmony with elemental forces and planetary influences.Trade Review“Marlene Bremner’s The Hermetic Marriage of Art and Alchemy is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating intersection of art and the occult. Marlene’s knowledge and passion will captivate any reader, making this book an indispensable companion for those seeking to unlock the mysteries of the unseen.” * JASON LOUV, author of John Dee and the Empire of Angels and teacher at Magick.me *“The Hermetic Marriage of Art and Alchemy is a sumptuous examination of where our relationship with imagination and our capacity to create intersects with the spiritual and psychic realms. . . . A fantastic guide for both the artist and magical practitioner alike!” * LAURA TEMPEST ZAKROFF, author of Sigil Witchery and Visual Alchemy *“A book rich in colorful illustrations, poignant imagery, and penetrating analysis. Written in a clear and easy-to-understand language that will appeal both to the specialist and the curious alike. This scholarly work is certain to please connoisseurs of the Royal Art with a useful aid to reference, time and again, on decoding the mysteries of life.” * DAVID PANTANO, translator of The Hermetic Physician *“Capably researched, vividly illustrated, and trenchantly argued, this is a treat for those who know their way around the realm of the magical imagination and a revelation for those who are just setting foot on that potent and life-affirming path.” * JOHN MICHAEL GREER, author of The Twilight of Pluto *“This new volume makes me all excited again! I would not call it a sequel but a way of going deeper into that magical realm, where alchemical thinking and practice meet the art world. . . . Another gem from Marlene Seven Bremner, including the wonderful paintings that accompany the book.” * RUDOLF BERGER, performing arts professionaland creator of the Thoth Hermes Podcast *“A remarkable work in scope and depth that explores art as alchemy, Bremner provides the ground for a much-needed discussion on the esoteric currents that have surfaced throughout various art movements such as Symbolism, Dada, and Surrealism. And in doing so, she articulates the basic premise of alchemy—that all creations arise from the same principles. Then, using these alchemical principles and processes, Bremner shows how to incorporate them into your work with clear, insightful descriptions of exercises for the artist/alchemist. The Hermetic Marriage of Art and Alchemy is a ‘must-have’ for anyone seriously working in or investigating the intersection of art and alchemy.” * Brian Cotnoir, author of Practical Alchemy, Alchemy: The Poetry of Matter, and On Alchemy *“Bremner envisions the integration of the modern-day practice of creative alchemy with a deep understanding of its representations in the visual and poetic arts. By locating imagination at the center, Bremner makes evident the hidden connections between alchemy and artists whose gaze initiates psychological change and spiritual evolution. This book is both an esoteric meditation and a feminist call to reclaim personal authority over consciousness and reject hierarchical ideologies in favor of personal exploration. This book is a must-read for historians of ideas, the arts, and practitioners of the esoteric.” * Leslie Korn, Ph.D., M.P.H., author of Rhythms of Recovery *“The Hermetic Marriage of Art and Alchemy is an unprecedented work in decoding the opacity of alchemical allegory and charting the pervasive cultural influence of esotericism. Its rich imagery discloses the intimate mechanisms of modernism within a panoramic assimilation of occult philosophy. Bremner evokes a textured interpretation of ancient arcana through informed and embodied knowledge of their processes, imparting effectual praxis for sacred operations that impel the reader toward spiritual and creative actualization.” * Micki Pellerano, artist, astrologer, and host of Time Lord TV *"For those looking to explore more layers of their creative processes, undertaking the arduous process of transforming lead into gold, The Hermetic Marriage of Art and Alchemy is a wonderful resource. This book is rich with insights about how consciousness and matter can merge to usher in new levels of self-awareness and personal insights, along with uniting readers with spiritual energies to reach their highest potential. By following the path that’s been carved by artists of centuries past, Bremner assists readers in undertaking their own creative alchemy." * Alanna Kali, Musing Mystical *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsINTRODUCTION Imaginatio Vera PART I Alchemy and Imagination 1 Romanticism: Irrational Freedom 2 Symbolism: Dark Dreams and Ideals of the Other World 3 Dada: Cutting to the Chance 4 Surrealism: The Automatic Solution PART II The Magnum Opus 5 Creative Alchemy: Essentials of the Great Work6 Nigredo: Putrefaction and the Generation of the Idea7 Albedo: Purification and the Lunar Stone 8 Citrinitas: Solar Inspiration and Integration 9 Rubedo: The Royal Marriage and the Philosopher’s Stone CONCLUSION Creatio Continua APPENDIX A Chakra Correspondence Charts APPENDIX BPlanetary Correspondences APPENDIX CElemental MeditationNotes BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisMagic, witches, and demons have drawn interest and fear throughout human history. In this comprehensive primary source reader, Martha Rampton traces the history of our fascination with magic and witchcraft from the first through to the seventeenth century. In over 80 readings presented chronologically, Rampton demonstrates how understandings of and reactions toward magic changed and developed over time, and how these ideas were influenced by various factors such as religion, science, and law. The wide-ranging texts emphasize social history and include early Merovingian law codes, the Picatrix, Lombard’s Sentences, The Golden Legend, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. By presenting a full spectrum of source types including hagiography, law codes, literature, and handbooks, this collection provides readers with a broad view of how magic was understood through the medieval and early modern eras.Rampton’s introduction to the voTrade Review"Anyone looking for significant attention paid to the medieval period, and especially the earlier medieval centuries, will find it here. And for the late medieval and early modern periods, its attention to different kinds of sources, especially its mix of literature and drama along with legal and demonological texts, is a welcome addition." -- Michael D. Bailey, Iowa State University * The Medieval Review *"For several decades now, magic and witchcraft have been the focus of scholarly attention, and Martha Rampton’s reader – a collection of primary texts that prepares the topic in all its breadth for use in the classroom – is a welcome addition. University of Toronto Press has to be thanked for providing teachers, students, and scholars alike with a rich and voluminous source-book, albeit less affordable than one might have hoped. European Magic and Witchcraft presents carefully selected texts, eighty-six examples from very different genres, from biblical times to the early modern period in chronological order. Some of these texts are famous and have had an enormous cultural impact, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Augustine’s City of God, while others are quite rare, such as Alferic of Eynsham (ca. 955–1010) or court records of the use of torture in early modern witchcraft trials." -- Sergius Kodera, University of Vienna * Renaissance and Reformation / Renaissance et Réforme *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Preface Chapter One: Late Classical and Early Christian Archetypes 1. Moses and Aaron Challenge Pharaoh’s Magicians 2. The Pythoness Brings the Dead to Life: The Witch of Endor 3. Odysseus and Circe the Sorceress 4. Medea: The Classic Witch 5. Erictho: Divination through the Dead 6. Simon Magus: Money for Miracles 7. Goddess Diana of the Ephesians Bests the Apostle Paul 8. Hecate and the Chaldean Oracles 9. Magic Transforms One into a Bird, Another into an Ass 10. Justin Martyr and the Fallen Angels 11. The Apostle Peter Bests Simon Magus 12. Antony of the Desert Combats Demons 13. Curse Tablets and Binding Spells 14. Saint Martin Battles with Pagans and Demons 15. Augustine: Demons and Magic in the City of God Chapter Two: Post-Roman Kingdoms of Europe: Traffic with Demons (500–750) 16. Three Post-Roman Law Codes against Malicious Magic 17. Caesarius of Arles Preaches against Magic and Paganism 18. Continuity in Magic Spells 19. A Warning to Peasants about the Evils of Trafficking with Demons 20. Sorcery in Gregory of Tours’s Sixth-Century Gaul 21. Saint Patrick Battles Pagan Magicians 22. Early Medieval Sainthood and Demons: Saint Radegund 23. Isidore of Seville Defines Magic: The Etymologies 24. Penance for Sins of Magic 25. A Demoniac in Early Medieval England: Bede Chapter Three: The Carolingian Dynasty: Demons Cut Down to Size (750–1000) 26. An Eighth-Century List of Pagan Practices 27. Paganism of the Saxons 28. Beowulf Fights the Demons: Grendel, and Grendel’s Mother 29. Agobard of Lyons and Weather Magic 30. Carolingian Catalogue of Magical Acts: Council of Paris 31. Treatise on Magic: Hrabanus Maurus 32. Magic at the Court of Louis the Pious: Paschasius Radbertus 33. The Devil of Kempten and the Villager 34. Marriage and Magic: The Divorce of Lothar 35. Loosed Women and Night Flight: Canon episcopi 36. Anglo-Saxon Healing Cures and Charms 37. Anglo-Saxon Sermon against Augury: Aelfric of Eynsham 38. A Prayer to Mother Earth and Other Charms 39. An Eleventh-Century Penitential: Burchard of Worms Chapter Four: The High Middle Ages: Many Threads (1000–1300) 40. Evil Angels: Lombard’s Sentences 41. Divination and the Court: The Policraticus 42. Lanval and the Fairy Queen: Marie de France 43. The Gentle Werewolf: Marie de France 44. Guide for the Perplexed: Jewish Magic and Maimonides 45. Weather Well and Magic Ring: Chrétien de Troyes 46. Norse Magic: Saga of the Volsungs 47. Magic as a Cautionary Tale: Caesarius of Heisterbach 48. A Saintly Dog and the Changelings 49. Picatrix: Arabic Magic 50. Astronomy: Natural Magic or Necromancy? 51. The Golden Legend: Saints and Devils 52. Heresy versus Sorcery 53. A New Kind of Devil: Thomas Aquinas Chapter Five: The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries: Diabolism 54. A Priest Dupes His Friend with a Promise of Magic in The Decameron 55. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 56. Key to Occult Mysteries of Solomon 57. Clerical Magic: A Handbook 58. A Warning to the People of Siena to Expunge Witches from the City 59. Trial of Joan of Arc 60. Witch Beliefs Coalesce: Formicarius 61. The Ordinal of Alchemy 62. Natural Magic and Renaissance Humanism: Oration on the Dignity of Man 63. Pope Innocent VIII Empowers the Inquisitors 64. The Witch Hammer Chapter Six: The Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries: The Full Fury of the Witch-Hunts 65. Defending the Harvest: The Cult of the Benandanti 66. In Praise of Natural Magic: Cornelius Agrippa 67. Martin Luther’s Devil 68. Papists, Popedom, and Witchery: John Calvin 69. A Voice of Skepticism from the Medical Profession: Johann Weyer 70. Witch Persecutions in Trier 71. Charms, Tricks, and Day-to-Day Sorcery 72. Demon Mania in France: Jean Bodin 73. Mechanics of Torture: Dr. Fian and Suzanne Gaudry 74. King James and the Witches of North Berwick: “News from Scotland” 75. Skepticism and a Forced Recantation 76. King James I of England: Treatise on Demons and Witchcraft 77. A Midsummer Night’s Dream 78. Shakespeare’s Witches: Macbeth 79. A Jacobean Comedy 80. The Witches’ Sabbath 81. Persecution of the Burgomaster of Bamberg 82. The Witches of Würzburg 83. Witch Panic in Bonn 84. In Defense of the Accused 85. The Demonic Possession of the Nuns of Loudun 86. England’s Witch Finder General Sources Index of Topics

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Book SynopsisThe black sun, an ages-old image of the darkness in individual lives and in life itself, has not been treated hospitably in the modern world. Modern psychology has seen darkness primarily as a negative force, something to move through and beyond, but it actually has an intrinsic importance to the human psyche. In this book, Jungian analyst Stanton Marlan reexamines the paradoxical image of the black sun and the meaning of darkness in Western culture.In the image of the black sun, Marlan finds the hint of a darkness that shines. He draws upon his clinical experiences and on a wide range of literature and art to explore the influence of light and shadow on the fundamental structures of modern thought as well as the contemporary practice of analysis.An important contribution to the understanding of alchemical psychology, this book draws on a postmodern sensibility to offer insight into modernity, the act of imagination, and the work of analysis in understanding depression, trauma, and transformation of the soul.Trade ReviewIn The Black Sun, Stan Marlan takes us on an unflinching and ultimately healing journey through the shadowed land of despair where most abandon all hope. There, we find, a strange light shines, and in that light we can discern what is otherwise invisible. Marlan teaches us how to see in the dark. - Murray Stein

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Book SynopsisThe Book of Hermetica is the definitive collection of the most pivotal texts of hermetic wisdom. It includes the three most critical books in the cannon Corpus Hermeticum, The Emerald Tablet, and The Kybalion.Corpus Hermeticum and The Emerald Tablet are both attributed to Hermes Trismegistus and were written between 100-300 BCE. These works form the foundation of hermetic wisdom, expounding on philosophy, religion, magic, and alchemy. The Kybalion was written much later, in the 20th century, and explores the seven basic hermetic principles. Faithfully reproduced in The Book of Hermetica, these esoteric writings have inspired great minds throughout the ageseveryone from Newton and Milton to Leonardo da Vinci and Jungand modern readers will find their pages equally fascinating.The Book of Hermetica is the perfect introduction to the mysteries of hermeticism and essential reading for anyone interested in und

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Book SynopsisAt age 18, Damien Echols was sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit. “I spent my years in prison training to be a true magician,” he recalls. “I used magick - the practice of reshaping reality through our intention and will - to stave off incredible pain, despair, and isolation. But the most amazing feat of all that practice and study was to manifest my freedom.” With High Magick, this bestselling author shares his first instructional book on the powerful spiritual practice that helped him overcome his struggles - so you can learn how to transform your own reality. What is High Magick? The tradition Damien teaches is not about stage tricks or illusions - it is an ancient discipline of spiritual realisation kept alive for thousands of years. Here he offers clear training for modern audiences on meditations and practices such as the Four-Fold Breath, the Qabalistic Cross, the Lesser Rituals of the Pentagram, using sigils and talismans, and working with angelic forces of creation. “Magick is a journey,” teaches Damien. “It’s a continuously unfolding path that has no end - meant for questioners, seekers, and those who desire to peel away the surface of reality to see what lies beneath.” If you’re ready to discover your untapped potential for co-creating your reality with the energy of the divine, then join this extraordinary teacher to begin your training in High Magick.

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Book SynopsisThe legends of the Norse and Germanic regions of Europe--spanning from Germany and Austria across Scandinavia to Iceland and England--include a broad range of mythical characters and places, from Odin and Thor, to berserkers and Valhalla, to the Valkyries and Krampus. In this encyclopedia, Claude Lecouteux explores the origins, connections, and tales behind many gods, goddesses, magical beings, rituals, folk customs, and mythical places of Norse and Germanic tradition. More than a reference to the Aesir and the Vanir pantheons, this encyclopedia draws upon a wealth of well-known and rare sources, such as the Poetic Edda, the Saga of Ynglingar by Snorri Sturluson, and The Deeds of the Danes by Saxo Grammaticus. The author describes the worship of the elements and trees, details many magical rituals, and shares wild folktales from ancient Europe, such as the strange adventure of Peter Schlemihl and the tale of the Cursed Huntsman. He also dispels the false beliefs that have arisen from the Nazi hijacking of Germanic mythology and from its longtime suppression by Christianity. Complete with rare illustrations and information from obscure sources appearing for the first time in English, this detailed reference work represents an excellent resource for scholars and those seeking to reconnect to their pagan pasts and restore the old religion.Trade Review“For libraries with specialized collections in anthropology, folklore, and mythology.” * Library Journal, Patricia D. Lothrop, May 2016 *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments EDITOR'S NOTE How to Use this Encyclopedia INTRODUCTION Norse and Germanic Mythology and Folklore: Traditions of Considerable Influence Encyclopedia of Norse and Germanic Folklore, Mythology, and Magic From Aage to Zwiesauger Bibliography

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Book SynopsisA leading Jungian psychologist reveals the relationship between alchemy and analytical psychology, delving into the visionary work of a sixteenth-century alchemist Although alchemy is popularly regarded as the science that sought to transmute base physical matter, many of the medieval alchemists were more interested in developing a discipline that would lead to the psychological and spiritual transformation of the individual. C. G. Jung discovered in his study of alchemical texts a symbolic and imaginal language that expressed many of his own insights into psychological processes. In this book, Marie-Louise von Franz examines a text by the sixteenth-century alchemist and physician Gerhard Dorn in order to show the relationship of alchemy to the concepts and techniques of analytical psychology. In particular, she shows that the alchemists practiced a kind of meditation similar to Jung's technique of

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsPreface 1: Approaching Others (Thoughts before Writing) Anthropology and Its Discontents. Occult Thought and Hegemonic Histories. The Hermeneutic Recognition of Others. The Rehabilitation of Hermeneutic Dialogue. Archaeology, Genealogy, and Hermeneutic History. 2: The Scope of Renaissance Magic The New Magic. The World of the Renaissance Magus. Agrippa versus Foucault. Locating Occult Musics. 3: Modes and Planetary Song: The Musical Alliance of Ethics and Cosmology Structures and Their Reproduction. Structural Transformations circa 1500. Structure and Event. 4: Ficino's Magical Songs Spirit, Soul, Music. Word, Image, Music. Phantasmic and Demonic Song. Substance, Figure, Sound. Seeing and Hearing in the Renaissance. 5: Musical Possession and Musical Soul Loss Possession, Shamanism, and Soul Loss. Musical Soul Loss and Possession: Examples from Nonelite Culture. Possession and Soul Loss in Ficino's Furors. Thoughts on the Politics of Early-Modern Mysticism. 6: An Archaeology of Poetic Furor, 1500-1650 Foucault's Epistemes. Magical Furor. Analytic Furor. Poetic Furor and Archaeological Ambivalence circa 1600. 7: Archaeology and Music: Apropos of Monteverdi's Musical Magic 8: Believing Others (Thoughts upon Writing) Appendix: Passages Translated in the Text Works Cited Index

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Book SynopsisIsaac Newton was a dedicated alchemist, a fact usually obscured as unsuited to his stature as a leader of the scientific revolution. Author Philip Ashley Fanning has diligently examined the evidence and concludes that the two major aspects of Newton’s research—conventional science and alchemy—were actually inseparable. In Isaac Newton and the Transmutation of Alchemy, Fanning reveals the surprisingly profound influence that Newton’s study of this hermetic art had in shaping his widely adopted scientific concepts.Alchemy was an ancient tradition of speculative philosophy that promised miraculous powers, such as the ability to change base metals into gold and the possibility of a universal solvent or elixir of life. Fanning compellingly describes this carefully tended esoteric institution, which may have found its greatest advocate in the career of the father of modern science. Relegated to the fringes of discourse until its twentieth-century revival by innovative thinkers such as psychiatrist Carl Jung, alchemy offers a key to understanding both the foundations of modern knowledge and important avenues in which we may yet discover wisdom.

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Book SynopsisWhat is a grimoire? The word has a familiar ring to many people, particularly as a consequence of such popular television dramas as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed. But few people are sure exactly what it means. Put simply, grimoires are books of spells that were first recorded in the Ancient Middle East and which have developed and spread across much of the Western Hemisphere and beyond over the ensuing millennia. At their most benign, they contain charms and remedies for natural and supernatural ailments and advice on contacting spirits to help find treasures and protect from evil. But at their most sinister they provide instructions on how to manipulate people for corrupt purposes and, worst of all, to call up and make a pact with the Devil. Both types have proven remarkably resilient and adaptable and retain much of their relevance and fascination to this day. But the grimoire represents much more than just magic. To understand the history of grimoires is to understand the spread of Christianity, the development of early science, the cultural influence of the print revolution, the growth of literacy, the impact of colonialism, and the expansion of western cultures across the oceans. As this book richly demonstrates, the history of grimoires illuminates many of the most important developments in European history over the last two thousand years.Trade ReviewFor anyone interested in magical writing and publication, it's essential. * Steven Moore, Fortean Times *Undoubtedly an important contribution to the field...The range of research here is, frankly astonishing. * Steven Moore, Fortean Times *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Ancient and Medieval Grimoires ; 2. The War against Magic ; 3. Enlightenment and Treasure ; 4. Across the Oceans ; 5. Rediscovering Ancient Magic ; 6. Grimoires USA ; 7. Pulp Magic ; 8. Lovecraft, Satan, and Shadows ; 9. Epilogue ; Further Reading ; Notes ; Index

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Book SynopsisOften alchemy is seen as an example of medieval gullibility and the alchemists as a collection of eccentrics and superstitious fools. Sean Martin shows that nothing could be further from the truth. It is important to see the search for the philosopher's stone and the attempts to turn base metal into gold as metaphors for the relation of man to nature and man to God as much as seriously held beliefs. Alchemy had a self-consistent outlook on the natural world and man's place in it. Alchemists like Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus were amongst the greatest minds of their time and the history of alchemy is both the history of a spiritual search and the history of a slowly developing scientific method. Sir Isaac Newton devoted as much time to his alchemical studies as he did to his mathematical ones. This book traces the history of alchemy from ancient times to the 20th century, highlighting the interest of modern thinkers like Jung in the subject, and in the process covers a major, if neglected area of Western thought.Trade ReviewAlchemists - they were just idiots, weren't they? Crazy hermetic wizard types blinded by greed. Well, not according to this brief history -- Steven Poole * Guardian Unlimited *Packed with facts as well as opinions, the book has all the key information you need to know about alchemy and alchemists * Alchemy Journal *

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisIncludes the History of the Tablet, Followed By Multiple Translations, Textual Remarks, Commentaries, Appendix, and Bibliography -

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Book SynopsisA lively volume exploring the use and abuse of the word 'magic' in late antique texts.Trade Review'This is an entertaining and scholarly introduction to magical beliefs and practices in the early centuries of the Christian era ... This book will be required reading for students and researchers of ancient magic.' - R.J.Clare University of Leeds'[Janowitz's] book will help serve as an introduction to the fascinating study of ancient magic for the non-specialist ...' - Journal of Roman StudiesTable of ContentsIntroduction; Chapter 1 Greco-Roman, Christian and Jewish Concepts of “Magic”; Chapter 2 Daimons and Angels and the World of Exorcism; Chapter 3 Ancient Rites for Gaining Lovers; Chapter 4 Using Natural Forces for Divine Goals; Chapter 5 Divine Power, Human Hands; Chapter 6 “Even the Decent Women Practice Witchcraft”; Chapter 7 Concluding Note;

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Book SynopsisMake Your Magic Come Alive with Color Featuring more than seventy spells, this book shows you how to connect with color for powerful magic. Ileana Abrev teaches you how to align with every color of the rainbow and beyond, tying them to the days of the week and the planetary bodies. All colors have an important place in magic, and this handy book provides simple, color-based ways to enrich your practice. You'll learn how to set up your sacred space, select the best color for your purpose, and use crystals, candles, spray essences, and bath mixtures to strengthen your workings. This beautiful book paves the way to manifesting your deepest thoughts and desires.

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Book SynopsisThe Body-Mind Connection has become an increasingly important part of modern spiritual practice. More people than ever are exploring the benefits of energy healing, breathing techniques, and proper diet in an effort to overcome the deleterious effect of anxiety and stress in daily life. This book offers a very insightful and educational explanation on how the body-mind connection works and how we can use that information to help ourselves. These concepts, expecially the breathing and relaxation techniques can help you to become the vital, powerful, functioning person you were meant to be. If you are filled with unconscious tensions that inhibit the flow of blood to your vital organs, you cannot possibly make full use of your bodys energy. The fight for survival, and the longterm effects of childhood and cultural conditioning, have created restrictive, unhealthy patterns within our bodies. Its time to heal.

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Book SynopsisA multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed print publication, covering all areas of magic, witchcraft, paganism etc; all geographical regions and all historical periods.

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Book SynopsisA multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed print publication, covering all areas of magic, witchcraft, paganism etc., all geographical regions and all historical periods.

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Book SynopsisAleister Crowley''s appeal on the level of popular culture has been well catered for by a number of biographies that have appeared in recent years, but the more intellectual side to him, which is equally fascinating, has not received so much serious treatment. Crowley, a Modern Master is neither an account of his life, nor a straightforward presentation of his teaching, but an attempt to place him clearly in the context of modern ideas as well as a number of older traditions.

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Book SynopsisThe Craft of the Untamed sets out to present the main pillars of traditional witchcraft. Its premise is that a proper tradition is defined as a timeless unity. Outwardly the tradition bears a great diversity across different lands and spirit. Traditional witchcraft is found in various sodalities and groups across the world. Even so it is possible to discern several harmonious, shared themes. These themes are the land, the crossroads, death, night and the mountain of Venus. It is witchcraft where a human and angelic blood mingles to form a special pedigree that has shaped the archetypical image of the witch.

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Book SynopsisThe visualizations here draw their imagery from classical grimoires and Qabalistic philosophy. Plus, they have a specific and useful goal. Each visualization takes you on a journey into the symbolic realm of an archangel, where you are introduced to the entity''s sigils and symbols and other sacred imagery before encountering the archangel himself. Each visualization builds upon those before it, until the aspirant has been led through the seven circles of heaven and has established a personal link to the archangel that governs each one. At the end, the aspirant will have learned to recognize the images, seals and symbols they will encounter in the Solomonic and other advanced systems of angel summoning. Such guided visualizations are certainly absent from the medieval texts about angels. So, why should I urge anyone who wishes to work with angels - even Solomonic practitioners - to follow the instructions in this book? Simply put, this book is based upon the same principle I described above: safely establishing first contact. It accomplishes this without resort to the full-fledged summoning ceremonies intended to call the angel down to the physical plane - an advanced practice the grimoires tend to jump into without preamble. This book even includes simple rituals by which you can submit petitions to the archangels in times of need - and these rituals are not entirely removed from the methods of the grimoires. Therefore, working through the steps outlined in this book can serve as a wonderful bridge between "square one" and the fully adept practices of angelic summoning. -- From Aaron Leitch''s Preface

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Book SynopsisThis is the first in a trio of books that together form The Complete Enochian Chess. Enochian Chess in part comes from the Elizabethan system of Enochian Magic originated by the Court Astrologer, Dr John Dee. It was developed into its current form in Victorian times by SL MacGregor Mathers and William Wynn Westcott. This book includes a complete facsimile and commentary of Moina Mathers''s Alpha et Omega Enochian Chess papers together with a brief history of the game, notes on play and strategy, and instructions for Active divinatory methods utilised by this system. Notes and illustrations by Ithell Colquhoun (some previously unpublished) help explain this advanced system of magick in its own right. Originally it was only taught to Golden Dawn initiates who had risen to the rank of Zelator Adeptus Minor, and required a comprehensive knowledge of Tarot, Geomancy, Kabbalah, various magical formulae, the symbolism of the Candidate, the Ceremony of the Neophyte Grade, the art of Invocation and Banishing, Pentagram and Hexagram rituals, formation of Telesmatic Images, Sigils, and the Enochian Tablets. Enochian Chess subsumes other Passive systems of divination such as Tarot and astrology, and has powerful prophetic properties.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive and extensive grimoire.

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