Mysticism, magic and alternative spiritual practices Books

Book SynopsisThis classic book is a complete but concise guide to the origins, meaning and psychological applications of the Tarot. Its aim is to demystify and to make Tarot symbolism an effective and accessible means of self-enlightenment.Volumes 1 and 2 have now been combined and completely updated into one volume.Trade Review‘Rachel Pollack’s Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom is on my‘Top Ten’list of all time Tarot greats! You can’t do better than this for discovering how Tarot symbols offer insights into the meaning of daily events and guidance through life’s quandaries. This classic book will never outgrow its usefullness.’Mary K. Greer bestselling author of Tarot For Yourself: A Workbook For Personal Transformation and Women of the Golden Dawn

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Book SynopsisA.E. Waite (Author) Arthur Edward Waite was the designer and co-creator of the now famous Rider Waite Tarot deck.An American-born British poet and scholarly mystic, his strong interest in all esoteric matters - divination, magic, Kabbalism, alchemy and Freemasony - led to him penning a number of books. These include the Key to the Tarot, The Book of Ceremonial Magic and A New Encyclopedia of Freemasony.Pamela Colman Smith (Illustrator) Pamela Colman Smith was born in England to American parents. Her childhood years were spent between London, New York and Kingston, Jamaica. She became a theatrical designer, even collaborating with the notable W.B. Yeats on stage designs. She was an illustrator mainly of books, pamphlets and posters too.Under the guidance of A. E. Waite, she undertook a series of seventy-eight allegorical paintings described by Waite as a 'rectified' tarot pack. The designs, published in the same year by Wi

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Book SynopsisFrom Kim Krans, undisputed star of the new tarot movement, comes her hit tarot deck and guidebook—together in a beautifully designed, pocket-sized tin—perfect as a gift for any occasion.For its legion of fans, The Wild Unknown is more than a tarot deck;

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Book SynopsisIn this book is a radical idea. By walking the ancient landscape of Britain and following the wheel of the year, we can reconnect to our shared folklore, to the seasons and to nature. Let this hauntological gazetteer guide you through our enchanted places and strange seasonal rituals: SPRING: Watch the equinox sunrise light up the floating capstone of Pentre Ifan and connect with the Cailleach at the shrine of Tigh nam Bodach in the remote Highlands SUMMER: Feel the resonance of ancient raves and rituals in the stone circles of southwest England's Stanton Drew, Avebury and the Hurlers AUTUMN: Bring in the harvest with the old gods at Coldrum Long Barrow, and brave the ghosts on misty Blakeney Point WINTER: Make merry at the Chepstow wassail, and listen out for the sunken church bells of the lost medieval city of Dunwich

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Book Synopsis*THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*Chani Nicholas has amassed hundreds of thousands of loyal devotees for her radical approach to astrology for the real world - her first book is a modern day guide for using everyday astrology as a route to self-discovery, growth and finding purpose. Gone are the whimsical musings of 'On Tuesday you will meet your prince charming' horoscopes - Nicholas is spearheading an empowering new approach. Challenging readers to take control, confront their emotions, supercharge their intentions and use the power of the stars to reach their true potential. In an era when growing numbers of people are feeling a sense of meaninglessness and a desire to learn more about themselves, You Were Born for This teaches you how to harness the zodiac to become in tune with yourself and able to contextualise in an overwhelming world of confusing experiences and chaos.With journal prompts, reflection questions and affirmations personal to your astrological make-up, this book guides you along the path your chart has laid out for you.

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Book SynopsisLiz Williams is based in Glastonbury, England, where she is co-director of a witchcraft supply business. She has a PhD from Cambridge in the History and Philosophy of Science, and is the author of several books, including Miracles of Our Own Making and Modern Handfasting. She has written for the Guardian on Paganism and also on the Philosophy of Science. She is the UK correspondent for US Pagan news site The Wild Hunt.

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Book SynopsisThis boxed set includes the introductions necessary for any curious reader to become a modern mystic. With three newly redesigned guidebooks outlining basic information on auras, chakras, and crystals, anyone can learn the background and history of these fascinating subjects, as well as some easy-to-use practices that can be incorporated into your daily routine for greater self-understanding.

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Book SynopsisThe Original Rider Waite Tarot is the most popular and widely used tarot card deck in the world.First issued in 1910, each card is rich in symbolism and striking in its design. The deck is accompanied by an invaluable instructional book, The Key to the Tarot explaining the history and usage of the tarot cards, of which there are 78 divided into the Major and Minor Arcanas. The book can be used in conjunction with any set of tarot cards, but it was written in particular to accompany the 78-card Rider Waite tarot deck which was designed by Pamela Colman Smith in accordance with A. E. Waite''s instructions.The Key to the Tarot explains the history and symbolism of the cards and gives instructions on how to use them for purposes of divination. This edition includes a specially commissioned foreword by Liz Greene.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the eerie beauty of the goth garden! As interest in gothic gardening continues to grow, this fully illustrated encyclopedia of plants is an essential tool to help readers understand what a goth garden really is by diving into the history, mythology, and lore of 50 of the darkest plants around.

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Book SynopsisHarness the power of the magical, mystical, glorious Moon with more than 100 spells, chants, and rituals, along with Esbat celebrations for the Full Moon. The Moon is one of our most prominent and ancient symbols. It has shaped how we understand and track time, its movement controls the tides, and its rise into the sky signals the coming of night. The distinct phases of the lunar cycle have associations with different states of being. These states mirror a kind of spiritual quest which, like our search for ourselves, never ends. When we observe the Moon, we see reflections of the grand pattern of life that is birth, death, and rebirth. With this invaluable handbook filled with enchantingly beautiful illustrations, follow the Moon as she traverses each sign of the zodiac and discover how each astrological phase affects magic—and how your personal Moon sign affects your magical work. The discussions include the influence of the seldom-discussed energies of the Blue Moon, the Black Moon, and lunar eclipses. Each Moon phase is explored individually to cover the phase’s main themes along with Moon rituals, intention setting, and practical ways to celebrate and manifest health, wealth, and confidence. With specific suggestions for each phase, you’ll discover a variety of tools for harnessing moon magic, including: Traditional lunar herbs such as lavender, angelica, mugwort, and sage to magnify and support your intentions Crystals and gemstones to raise your personal vibration and enhance your intuitive powers Essential oils and candles to match your mood or intention and add vibrational power to your spells and rituals You’ll soon be using spells during each moon phase for things like: Conquering change (New Moon) Living joyfully (Waxing Moon) Romantic love (Full Moon) Banishing bad (Waning Moon) Open your arms to Mother Moon, and allow her to take you into hers, with Moon Magic. The Mystical Handbook series from Wellfleet takes you on a magical journey through the wonderful world of spellcraft and spellcasting. Explore a new practice with each volume and learn how to incorporate spells, rituals, blessings, and cleansings into your daily routine. These portable companions feature beautiful foil-detail covers and color-saturated interiors on a premium paper blend. Other books in the series include: Moon Magic Journal, Witchraft, Love Spells, Knot Magic, Superstitions, House Magic, Herbal Magic, Book of Shadows, and Goddess Magic. Trade Review"An impressively informative and inherently fascinating read." * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION THE MAGICAL MOON AND HER POWERS THE FULL MOON AND OTHER MAGICAL MOON PHASES CULTURAL BELIEFS, GODDESSES, AND WICCA HARNESSING MOON MAGIC WITH HERBS AND NATURE HARNESSING MOON MAGIC WITH CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES HARNESSING MOON MAGIC WITH ESSENTIAL OILS AND CANDLES THE MOON, ASTROLOGY, AND TAROT WORKING YOUR MOON MAGIC WITH SIMPLE RITUALS AND SPELLS NEW MOON SPELLS WAXING MOON SPELLS FULL MOON SPELLS WANING MOON SPELLS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS RESOURCES AND REFERENCES INDEX

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Book SynopsisThe Cosmic Companion Workbook: A Guide for Incorporating Astrology Into Your Life offers an interactive foundation in astrology, including insight on your sun, moon, and rising signs, and other features of your birth chart. The world of astrology is a vast ocean of concepts and ideas that can appear intimidating when encountered. However, it is the allure of knowing more of oneself that draws us into this sphere of astrological symbology, birth chart comprehension, and nothing more than the pure magic of what truly connects us humans to the stars. While seemingly daunting, The Pulp Girls open this portal by providing a beginner-friendly guide to understanding the zodiac, the Cosmic Companion Workbook, which incorporates your star sign into your day-to-day life. This guided workbook incorporates writing passages, prompts to get you started on your journey to understanding your star sign, and some guided activities. Utilize this workbook to practice and better your astrological comprehension. This guidebook includes twelve sections, one dedicated to each star sign, that will help you become more attuned to many aspects of your own, and others’, signs including topics surrounding: Self-care style Magic potions for the signs Communication styles Preferred mixology Emotional needs Love languages ...and many more that will quench your thirst for an expertise in every astrological sign! By connecting to your birth chart and star signs, you are embarking on a journey of true knowledge of self. Paired with stunning and diverse illustrations, this is the perfect guidebook for astrology lovers and anyone interested in entering the astrology world! Table of ContentsIntroduction Astrology 101 Diving Deeper The Astrology of You Compatibility Astrology Fun Astrological Occurrences What’s Next? About the Authors

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Book SynopsisEnter the forest, seek wonder and enchantment and hear the curious messages of the forest fae. This set of 40 magickal cards invites you to delight in your imagination and spark joy and inspiration. When you are feeling weighed down by the mundane, may they help you to find a gate in the hedge or a way over the wall, to go beyond the boundary between this world and that … to escape your way into the forest and to magick.

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Book SynopsisA divination tool to deepen your connection with your own magic and Spirit. There is a profound magic to be found in our messy lives. Through the unfolding of your life, you learn to no longer underestimate your own magic, and embark on a sacred voyage of remembering who you really are. It's okay to get lost and then find your way back home, over and over. What if you could source your power from and deepen your connection with the Divine? These oracle cards will take you on a fantastical storytelling adventure of witches, grandmother trees, ancient archetypes, and sparkling portals. And each card shares practical wisdom, rituals,and manifestation practices to take with you into your own life, as well as an affirmation spell to cast upon yourself. There is a synergy to be found when we combine the two worlds of spirituality and the psyche, merging the mystical with the realistic. If we want to grow to the heavens, we must be deeply rooted in the Earth. You can, by some strange alchemy, turn the most ordinary of ingredients of life into the most extraordinary life magic. The cards are the tools and YOU are the magic.

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Book SynopsisThis season get ready to ascend from darkness, reaching for your hopes and dreams as you step out of winter and into the light. Imbolc is associated with patience, hope, transitions, and beginning the ascent back to the light after the darkness of the winter months, this is the perfect season to represent the self. It's a time when the harshness of a spiritually dark cycle may bring up feelings of vulnerability or confusion about your next steps, or when you need some encouragement to keep going. This sabbat is also the most suited for solitary spiritual work, where you turn inward and focus on your own hopes and dreams. ​This is a beautifully designed book and card deck set. Each of the 44 cards in this oracle deck is a seed of spiritual guidance-inspired by ancient Imbolc traditions-to find answers to your most profound questions.The messages give the user a glimpse of the card's inner meaning, making this oracle an excellent way for beginners to developing their own intuitive reading skills. These cards align with your energy, helping you to unlock your inner wisdom with the help of powerful spiritual forces.Along with thoughtful meanings are powerful word spells, to invoke the energy of each card and to send your intentions of spiritual well-being out into the universe.

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Book Synopsis___ Live a life in step with the seasons. In this enchanting book, Rebecca Beattie – a Wiccan priestess who has practised witchcraft for over twenty years – takes us on a magical journey around the Wheel of the Year. Every six weeks, from the Spring Equinox to the Summer Solstice, from the Autumn Equinox to Imbolc, these restorative moments in nature’s cycle offer a moment to pause and reflect, to reconnect with the seasons and ourselves. The Wheel of the Year is alive with the ebb and flow of the natural world, full of nurturing rituals, rejuvenating wisdom and journal prompts to help you sow seeds of change and thrive. ‘Warm, friendly… Encourages us to pause, rather than rush headlong through life. It's a way to make time and space to really experience the world around us.’ Resurgence & Ecologist ‘An enchanting celebration of eight restorative moments in nature’s cycle’ Caught by the RiverTrade ReviewAs heard on Lauren Laverne’s BBC Radio 6 ‘Supernature’ 'A powerful concoction of poems, spells, incantations and rituals' Resurgence & Ecologist ‘A sensitive and poetic work, full of anecdote and poignant self-disclosure’ The Enquiring Eye ‘A great guidebook to assist one to live life in step with the seasons of nature’ Pagan Pages  ‘A lovely volume, beautifully written and full of inspiring ways to develop a nature-based spiritual path’ A Bad Witch’s Blog ‘An enchanting celebration of eight restorative moments in nature’s cycle’ Caught by the River ‘This book will be of interest to many who appreciate nature and the changing seasons’ The Countryman The Bookseller – Editor’s Choice ‘It’s a book to help you connect with your world, the seasons and nature and to yourself’ Netgalley reader

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Book SynopsisShhhhhhh ...Can you hear the ancient dryad wisdom of trees? Do you know how to calm the spirits of storm and wave? Can you see theelusive and intelligent souls of trees, stones, rivers and clouds subtly infusing the world with magic, wonder and meaning? Do you want to know more?In this beautiful book, illustrated throughout by faery artist Dan Goodfellow, Celtic shaman Danu Forest reveals how to communicate with wild nature spirits for mutual benefit, working with air, fire and water, to grow in harmony with nature in all its splendour. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

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Book SynopsisThe classic tarot deck, brought to life in stunning technicolour by Mary Hanson-Roberts. With its 78 cards and instruction booklet all cased in a beautiful tin box, it is perfect for people beginning to connect with Tarot, and those more experienced readers.'Pure joy' -- ***** Reader review'Wonderful quality, vibrant colours, just perfect' -- ***** Reader review'Gorgeous' -- ***** Reader review*********************************************************************This tarot deck, The Universal Waite Tarot Deck, is a recoloured version of the renowned Original Rider Waite Tarot Deck - designed over a hundred years ago and hugely popular for decades.Its combination of softer colour tones with a naturalistic approach offers a more visually soothing alternative to bring new energy, radiance and depth to your readings.The deck, housed in a stunning tin box, includes 78 cards and an instruction booklet with an introduction by Tarot expert Stuart R. Kaplan.

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Book SynopsisBeware the women who are called witches, or those who claim the name for themselves...Banshees - a howling night-witch and harbinger of death; She-devils - Lilith and her daughters; or Bitches - Hecate, whose chariot is drawn by dogs.Alluring women, enchantresses, seekers of revenge, wise old women and badly-behaved girls. As Shahrukh Husain says, witches are ''womanhood in all its complexity''.Over fifty stories of crones and nixies, shape shifters and beauties are here, including the loving fox witch of Japan; Italy''s Witch-Bea-Witch; Scotland''s Goodwife of Laggan; Biddy Earl and the terrifying Kali and Baba Yaga who comes in many forms to haunt, entice, possess, transform and challenge. From every corner of the globe, with tom-foolery, fun, strife and victory, these folklore and legends celebrate women who step out of line.Trade ReviewShahrukh Husain gives us a delightful array of witches of all kinds from across the globe - from the kindly to the cruel, from the wise to the wicked. A collection of stories that won't fail to entertain. -- Elizabeth Lee, author of Cunning Women

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Book SynopsisConcisely written and richly illustrated, Magic Writing is a most accessibleand informative book on the occult history and graphic origins of the signs,symbols, scripts and ciphers of Western Occultism. Making it the first pointof reference for all artists, designers, students and tutors with an interest inthe esoteric glyphs of European mysticism.

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Book SynopsisInfernal inspiration from the Goetic demons. These 40 cards contain messages from the Goetic demons, a group of infernal spirits that helped King Solomon build his temple during ancient times. Just as they helped the biblical king to accomplish his work, these demons can assist you in overcoming your weaknesses by revealing the truth hidden in the shadows. The sigils on the back of each card use Kabbalistic magic to connect you directly with a Goetic demon. Shuffle the deck while thinking of a question or problem you are facing, then draw a card and let the wisdom of the servant demon assist you. The message might answer your question or provide a suggestion that will help you move forward.Try drawing a card after waking up each morning to fill your entire day with fiery, infernal energy. These cards may also be used as a companion to the Occult Tarot to provide added clarification during readings.

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Book SynopsisSpells for all seasons and all reasons.

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Book SynopsisWhat is Hermeticism? How do things above reflect things below? Why did its short text influence so many of the greatest thinkers of the past 1500 years. Professor Kenneth Davis opens the door to the Way of Hermes, its history, ideas and practical methods of connecting with the light and mind of the Cosmos.

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the Autumnal equinox with Seasons of the Witch - Mabon and give thanks for the abundance of Mother Earth, both literally and spiritually! Mabon honours the Earth and is a celebration of balance, equality and harmony. As the wheel of the year comes to an end, Mabon is a good time to set intentions, release the tension and set new personal goals. This is a beautifully designed book and card deck set. Each of the 44 cards in this oracle deck is a seed of spiritual guidance, inspired by ancient Mabon traditions, to find answers to your most profound questions. Unlike the previous decks in the series, the cards in this deck offer intuitive messages rather than invocations. These messages give the user a glimpse of the card's inner meaning, making this oracle an excellent way for beginners to develop their own intuitive reading skills. These cards align with your energy, helping you to unlock your inner wisdom with the help of powerful spiritual forces. Along with thoughtful meanings are powerful word spells, to invoke the energy of each card and to send your intentions of spiritual well-being out into the universe.

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Book SynopsisOne of Neville's Most Transformative Works With a Major Biography and TimelineWritten in 1944, Feeling Is the Secret resounds with the full power of Neville Goddard's mystical vision. With total persuasiveness, Nevillewriting at the peak of his abilitiesdemonstrates how the world without reflects your world within. What's more, the mystical visionary explains exactly how to use his system of mental creativity through the methods of prayer, sleep, and assumption. Feeling Is the Secret is one of the most revolutionary works of practical spirituality ever written. It promises a turning point in your life.In this beautifully designed deluxe edition you benefit not only from Neville's radical statement, but also from a comprehensive and enthralling analysis and biography of Neville, Chariot of Fire, by spiritual thinker Mitch Horowitz, who is considered the most powerful interpreter of Neville's ideas today. Mitch's comprehensive essay is a spiritual and historical journey in itself. This edition is rounded out with Mitch's timeline of Neville's life. Here is a resource book that you will turn to again and again.NEVILLE GODDARD (1905-1972) was one of the most remarkable mystical thinkers of the past century. In more than ten books and thousands of lectures, Neville expanded on one core principle: the human imagination is God. He was a compelling presence at metaphysical churches, spiritual centers and auditoriums. Neville was not widely known during his lifetime, but today his books and lectures have attained new popularity. His principles have influenced several major spiritual writers, including Carlos Castaneda and Joseph Murphy.

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Book SynopsisBest-selling Spiritual writer Lorriane Anderson (Seasons of the Witch oracle series) author of has created a book of unique moon-based spiritual self-care, beauty, and wellness recipes to invite both spiritual and physical nourishment into your life. The recipes take your personal energy, goals and needs into consideration. Use the intelligence of the moon phases to discover your deepest desires and learn how you can channel your intentions into everyday self-care such as lotions and creams, oils and sprays, comforting teas, cleansing soaps, ritual baths and more. You can even learn how to create a new beauty potion for every moon phase or transit through a new sign. You will also find knowledge and inspiration for creating potions based on the zodiac signs as they apply to the moon, special moon events such as blue moons and eclipses.

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Book SynopsisEsoteric scholar, award-winning author, and global authority on virgin birth, Marguerite Mary Rigoglioso, Ph.D. presents a bold new vision of Mother Mary as a holy priestess and spiritual master• Explores obscured periods of Mary’s life, including her time as leader of the Christian community and as the spiritual teacher to Jesus and Mary Magdalene• Examines Mary’s high-level powers, which enabled the divine conception of Jesus, his resurrection, and Mary’s assumption into heaven• Shows how nurturing a relationship with Mother Mary can provide healing, empowerment, and the development of your own womb powersMany women have trouble with the image of the Virgin Mary, a young woman whose most esteemed quality has been celibacy. Yet, as Marguerite Mary Rigoglioso, Ph.D., reveals in inspiring depth, Mary was not just a docile maiden chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. She was a great spiritual master in her own rig

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Book SynopsisS. Elizabeth curates a sourcebook of more than 200 artworks inspired and informed by the morbid, melancholic and macabre.Table of ContentsIntroduction: In Praise of Shadow PART ONE It’s All in Your Mind I. Dreams & Nightmares II. Psychological Distress III. Whispers from the Void PART TWO The Human Condition IV. Ailments & Afflictions V. Depravity & Destruction VI. Matters of Mortality PART THREE The World Around Us VII. Darkness in Bloom VIII. Where the Wild Things Are IX. Mysterious Landscapes, Ruins & Ravaged Places PART FOUR Visions from Beyond X. Gods & Monsters XI. The Restless Dead & Other Eerie Entities XII. Dark Arts & Forbidden Mysteries Further reading Index Picture credits Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisNew B-format paperback - The first book to consider British history from a magical perspective, and how these arcane magical themes developed over time.Trade Review‘A remarkable book … an inspiration from the heart of the Shire’ -- Robert Plant

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Book SynopsisOffers everything you need to celebrate Yule, including hands-on information for modern celebrations, spells and divination, recipes and crafts, invocations and prayers, rituals, and more!

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Book SynopsisAn around-the-world tour of ancient Christmas celebrations, Pagan Solstice customs, and magical seasonal plants. Whether viewed as a mid-winter observance of the Winter Solstice or a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, for millennia cultures have taken time out to honour the darkest days of the year with lights, foods, and festivities. In ancient Egypt, people decorated their homes with greenery at the festival of the re-birth of the God Horus. The ancient Romans decorated their homes with vines and ivy and shared gifts, especially candles, at the midwinter festival of Saturnalia. In Scandinavian and Germanic cultures, the Yule Log was burned in the hearth, fruit orchards were wassailed, and sheaves of wheat were displayed to carry luck into the New Year. In Celtic cultures, mummers and guisers went door to door and European mistletoe (Viscum album) was gathered by Druids as a medicinal and magical aid. Presenting an around-the-world tour of ancient Christmas celebrations, Pagan Solstice customs, and magical seasonal plants, Ellen Evert Hopman shares lore, recipes, rituals, and crafts you can make as a family activity to enliven your Yuletide observance. She explores the origins of the Christmas tree and Santa Claus, as well as female gift bringers, holiday Spirits, and Yuletide animals. She shows how to make a Yule Log and decorate your house with greenery and grain weavings. She explains how to perform Winter Solstice divinations and cook traditional foods and drinks such as Wassail and Elizabethan gingerbread cookies. And she looks in depth at the medicinal and magical properties of the many herbs, barks, and berries associated with the Christmas and Yuletide season such as Frankincense and Myrrh, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Hibiscus, Bayberry, and many more. Woven throughout with mystical seasonal lore, this guide offers practical and magical ways to celebrate and honour the darkest days of the year.Trade Review“This is so much more than an herbal book. Ellen has covered origins and meanings for this most wonderful time of year as well as including practical workings. Packed full with fascinating myth busters and a festive hamper brimming over with magical and medicinal herbs found and used at Yule. A comprehensive guide to working magic and connecting with the energy of the season. Highly recommended.” * Rachel Patterson, author of A Witch for Every Season *“Amid the swirl of seasonal tastes, smells, and colors, Ellen Evert Hopman sprinkles elves and international lore in abundance. This is a delightful culinary and medicinal reference with Pagan sensibilities. Hopman’s culinary recipes call for unusual herbs blended with humor and cautions in equal measure. My personal favorite is Fallen Oak Leaf Broth. What a treat!” * Lyrion ApTower, author of Musings & Miscellany *“Winter Solstice, Yule, the longest night, shortest day; it has for centuries been held by many as a central sacred point in time. Within it is the shared experience of coming together to share in the warmth of family and community, all yearning for the return of the light. Ellen’s book The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas is stuffed full with bits of seasonal wisdom. It is a delightful gift to take with you into the dark and cold, to help warm the heart with stories and traditions, garnishing the anticipation and participation in the joy of the holiday.” * Laura Wildman, author of What’s Your Wicca IQ? *“A mystical journey through a magical time of year, delving into traditions of old and magical rituals and rites to enrich the wonders of the winter season. The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas is a highly recommended book that adds an extra sprinkling of magic and a depth of meaning to any Yuletide celebration, gathering, or personal observance.” * Roxie J. Zwicker, author of Haunted Portsmouth and Maine Book of the Dead *“With beautiful illustrations and many recipes, The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas is packed full of historical information about the origins of these traditions. It would be a fun project to work through this book, especially with children, being at the same time educational without the boredom or misery often associated with learning.” * Luke Eastwood, author of The Druid’s Primer and coauthor of Kerry Folk Tales *“This is a very interesting book, and Ellen Evert Hopman sure knows her stuff. I recommend The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas to anyone interested in the Yuletide traditions. I have a number of her books and am looking to add this one to my collection.” * T. Sibley, Ph.D., traditional Norse practitioner and author of The Way of the Wise *“A well-developed, comprehensive, and logical presentation on the subject of herbs and seasonal celebrations for Yule and Christmas. The information is accessible for a beginner and insightful for the advanced practitioner. A well-illustrated book that can be used for both instructional and referential purposes.” * Amoric, Third-Degree Alexandrian High Priest with more than 30 years of activity in the craft commun *Table of ContentsForeword by Lucya Starza An Introduction to Yule and Herbal Magic A Primer on Herbal Preparation A Primer on Herb Magic PART ONE TRADITIONS, RITES, FOODS, AND DRINKS OF THE SEASON The Gift Bringers, Spirits, and Mystical Figures of Winter The Animals at Yule Rituals and Rites of Solstice, Yule, and Christmas A Rite for the Goddess at the Winter Solstice Christmas Traditions and Recipes from around the World Wassailing and Other Yuletide Libations PART TWO MAGICAL AND MEDICINAL HERBS OF WINTER Allspice Almond Apple Bayberry BirchBoxwood Cacao Cinnamon CloveCranberry Frankincense and MyrrhGinger Hawthorn Hibiscus Holly Hyssop Ivy JuniperLaurel Lemon Licorice MintMistletoeNutmeg Oak Orange Pine and Other ConifersPoinsettia Rosemary Star of Bethlehem Vanilla Notes Index of Recipes and ProjectsIndex of Plants by Common NameIndex of Plantsby Scientific Name General Index

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Book SynopsisEmpower yourself with the guidance and spells of the Orishas. What if you could control what the reality around you returns by controlling the energies you sent to the Universe in actions, words and thoughts? What if you could become the creator of you own happiness, changing the reality around you and achieving your dreams with the power of African Gods and Goddesses? Through African magical traditions and its resemblance with Latin America, the Orishas spirituality and the lessons of the Odus are part of a growing daily process in which magic happens when we start to assume self-responsibility for our choices in life. Once we understand that what happens to us in the present is a consequence of our past choices (or the lack of them), we begin to connect with the holy source of all happiness and joy, becoming conscious and able to create the life we dreamt about. That's what you'll find in the rituals and meditations from African Gods Oracle: a self-transformation tool from which you can ask the Orishas about the goals and anguishes of your life and get the Odus answers that will lead you to success.

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'The 'Queen of Uplit' returns brilliantly to form with this gloriously good-natured novel.' DAILY MAIL 'Supremely upliftng ...an absolute gem' - MIKE GAYLE 'Stunning, immersive and absolutely wonderful' - ANNIE LYONS 'Woke up early to finish this breathtakingly beautiful story ... absolutely wonderful' - CELIA ANDERSON 'Blooming with wonderful, vibrant and charismatic characters' PRIMA 'A novel that fascinates... that holds mysticism, accidental and deliberate secrets, and unrequited and lost love within Ruth Hogan's very able grasp' KIT FIELDINGMadame Burova - Tarot Reader, Palmist and Clairvoyant is retiring and leaving her booth on the Brighton seafront after fifty years.Imelda Burova has spent a lifetime keeping other people's secrets and her silence has come at a price. She has seen the lovers and the liars, the angels and the devils, the dreamers and the fools. Her cards had unmasked them all and her cards never lied. But Madame Burova is weary of other people's lives, their ghosts from the past and other people's secrets, she needs rest and a little piece of life for herself. Before that, however, she has to fulfill a promise made a long time ago. She holds two brown envelopes in her hand, and she has to deliver them.In London, it is time for another woman to make a fresh start. Billie has lost her university job, her marriage, and her place in the world when she discovers something that leaves her very identity in question. Determined to find answers, she must follow a trail which might just lead right to Madame Burova's door.In a story spanning over fifty years, Ruth Hogan conjures a magical world of 1970s holiday camps and seaside entertainers, eccentrics, heroes and villains, the lost and the found. Young people, with their lives before them, make choices which echo down the years. And a wall of death rider is part of a love story which will last through time.

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Book SynopsisThis is a much needed textbook on fixed stars and their relationship to the natal planets. Bernadette Brady (Brady's Book of Fixed Stars, Samuel Weiser, 1998) has a mission - and that mission is to draw astrologers closer to the foundations of their art, bringing the glory and magnitude of the fixed stars into every day astrology, where she firmly believes they belong. With our light-polluted skies and busy lives, it is easy to practise a form of astrology where we never actually look out at the stars or planets - and in doing so the author shows that we lose vital astrological information about our natal relationship to the heavens. This book offers rare material on the detailed interpretations of an individual's natal heliacal rising and setting stars; these stars yield insight into the nature of one's soul and spiritual path. Additionally, the author gives a comprehensive listing of the meaning of every star when combined with all the planets and nodal axis, for natal as well as predictive use. Tables are provided to help the reader find their own key stars for their time of birth allowing them to work with, and embrace, the sky using the methods that were first employed at the dawn of astrology.Trade ReviewHere is a challenging and refreshing way of thinking about astrology and our connection with the heavens. Is Bernadette Brady the reincarnation of Copernicus, Galileo or Kepler? Don't laugh. Read the book.A" Michael Lutin Author of Sunshines - The Astrology of Being Happy

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Book SynopsisAnd the Wheel turns! Yule reminds us of warmth, happiness, and a time to be thankful for all that we have. For centuries ancient healers have celebrated the restorative energy of the Yuletide festival, the traditional harsh winters reminding us of our impressive ability to weather tough storms and find support and comfort with loved ones. In Seasons of the Witch: Yule Oracle you'll discover 44 healing messages to align you with the divine wisdom of the year's darkest night and the joyful celebration associated with the winter holidays. This oracle is your path to deep reflection and tranquility and is a promise of the brighter days to come.

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Book SynopsisThis immersive 36-card deck of goddesses has been created to help you bring intention and ritual into your day. Each goddess carries her own message, mantra and ritual that you can connect to and practice with mindfulness and intention. The goddesses will help elevate your daily routines into rituals and create mindfulness practices out of the mundane. Display your goddess card around your home in the wooden oracle stand. The purpose is to give you an intention, message, ritual and mantra to connect with throughout your day. It really is a unique interpretation of an affirmation meets oracle. The message is the guidance the card provides. The mantra is the affirmation for you to repeat, and the ritual is the practice you can do today to bring your card's intention to life. Place your card somewhere around your house or workspace where you'll see it most - it's your visual reminder of today's Daily Ritual practice.

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Book SynopsisA practical guide to the magical and ritual use of poison plant allies• Shares a detailed formulary, including rituals, magical correspondences, and recipes for working with the baneful herbs of occult herbalism• Looks at the plants of fate and the divination practices they support, love magic with poison plants, shadow work and spell work, the devil’s garden, and the use of nightshades as power plants for medicine and magic• Explores poison history, lore, occult toxicology, and the alchemical power of working with poisonExamining the art and science of working with noxious and malefic plants and fungi, Coby Michael discusses the occult properties of poison and how poison plants can be used in spell work and other magical operations. He looks at the plants of Fate and the divination practices they support, love magic with poison plants, shadow work, the devil’s garden, and the use of nightshades as power plants for medic

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Book SynopsisA spiritual journey of alchemical initiation in both Eastern and Western traditions

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Book SynopsisAleister Crowley was an English occultist, magician, poet, painter and mountaineer who scandalized society throughout his lifetime. He was widely published and was also founder of the religion of Thelema. An open advocate of drugs, he embraced his notoriety - he was described as 'the wickedest man in the world' by the popular press. In a BBC poll in 2002, he was voted the 73rd Greatest Briton of All Time.

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Book SynopsisAn intimate exploration of the life, philosophy, and lasting occult influence of Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan With his creation of the infamous Church of Satan in 1966 and his bestselling book The Satanic Bible in 1969, Anton Szandor LaVey (1930-1997) became a controversial celebrity who basked in the attention and even made a successful career out of it. But who was Anton LaVey behind the public persona that so easily provoked Christians and others intolerant of his views? One of privileged few who spent time with the “Black Pope” in the last decade of his life, Carl Abrahamsson met Anton LaVey in 1989, sparking an “infernally” empowering friendship. In this book Abrahamsson explores what LaVey was really about, where he came from, and how he shaped the esoteric landscape of the 1960s. The author shares in-depth interviews with the notorious Satanist’s intimate friends and collaborators, including LaVey’s partner Blanche Barton, his son Xerxes LaVey, current heads of the Church of Satan Peter Gilmore and Peggy Nadramia, occult filmmaker Kenneth Anger, LaVey’s personal secretary Margie Bauer, film collector Jack Stevenson, and film historian Jim Morton. Abrahamsson also shares never-before-published material from LaVey himself, including discussions between LaVey and Genesis P-Orridge and transcripts from LaVey’s never-released “Hail Satan!” video. Providing inside accounts of the Church of Satan and activities at the Black House, this intimate exploration of Anton LaVey reveals his ongoing role in the history of culture and magic.Trade Review“In Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan, the ‘Black Pope’ of modern Satanism finds his most able interpreter and biographer. Carl Abrahamsson, the doyen of occulture, has studied LaVey’s life and influence for years, focusing his peculiar instinct for the esoteric and transgressive on a character who brought the two into a piquant and appealing blend. Part showman, part huckster, part prophet, and all devil, LaVey’s shaved head, Fu Manchu moustache, kitschy horns, and buxom coven brought a comic touch to a heresy that is more often taken all too seriously. Abrahamsson captures the smoky, saucy flavor of LaVey’s devilish humor with gusto. Tempted? You should be.” * Gary Lachman, author of Turn Off Your Mind and The Return of Holy Russia *“A rich, engaging, and insightful exploration of one of the most influential and misunderstood thinkers of late twentieth-century occultism. . . . an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of Satanism and late-modern occulture.” * Manon Hedenborg White, author of The Eloquent Blood *“Unique insights into the myth and man that was Anton LaVey--a mustread for anyone interested in the history and future of Satanism.” * Per Faxneld, Ph.D., senior lecturer at Södertörn University and author of Satanic Feminism *“Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan is an act of magic, for it takes you to the Black House at 6114 California Street where you are invited to a party in the honor of Doktor LaVey. Carl Abrahamsson is the ideal host of the party--not only has he invited all the right people, but he will introduce them to you as he takes you by the arm and leads you through the house, making sure that you are having fun while generously sharing his profound knowledge about the Doktor. If you’re lucky, Doktor LaVey will show you a movie or play on one of his many synthesizers. Enjoy the party!” * Henrik Bogdan, professor of religious studies at the University of Gothenburg *“At a moment when there is increased academic interest in the history of Satanism and the gamut of Satanic religion has fanned out from the radical left to the alt-right, there is great value in revisiting Anton LaVey. With fresh analysis and precious interviews with friends and family, Carl Abrahamsson sheds new light on this controversial and enigmatic figure. The more we learn about LaVey, the more he appears as a node, linking diverse streams of culture from magic to art to politics.” * Joseph P. Laycock, associate professor of religious studies at Texas State University and author of *“Abrahamson’s work is a personal, sympathetic, yet nuanced portrait of one of the most enigmatic and fascinating figures of the twentieth century. Anton LaVey was a mercurial figure who contained within him paradoxes that continue to defy any simplistic interpretation of him. The diversity of his influence is clearly felt in this work. With several unique interviews and recollections of LaVey, this book will be essential reading for all future studies on Satanism.” * Fredrik Gregorius, associate professor of the history of religion at Linköping University *“Through a vivid examination of LaVey’s insistence on paving his own road through the pop-cultural landscape of the mid-twentieth century United States, Abrahamsson illuminates a thought-provoking, occultural individual and his circle, ready to shake up any beliefs set in stone to make you think for yourself. Read, and shake!” * Kasper Opstrup, author of The Way Out *“As a whole, Abrahamsson’s personal and scholarly reflections and the unique assembly of interviews form an archive useful for the newly curious, the jaded occultist, the brazen scholar, and the mostly antagonistic. An impressive work.” * Jesper Aagaard Petersen, vice dean of research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology *Table of ContentsFOREWORD “No More Mr. Nice Guy”by Mitch Horowitz PART I Into the Devil’s Den 1 Step Right Up! 2 Welcome to the Hotel California! 3 Anton LaVey, Magical Innovator 4 Canon Fodder 5 Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered 6 Maybe We Should Watch a Movie Now? PART II The Interviews 7 Kenneth Anger 8 Blanche Barton 9 Margie Bauer 10 Peter Gilmore 11 Mitch Horowitz 12 Bob Johnson 13 Xerxes LaVey 14 Jim Morton 15 Michael Moynihan 16 Peggy Nadramia 17 Jack Stevenson 18 Ruth Waytz 19 Larry Wessel 20 Interview with Carl Abrahamsson by Vanessa Sinclair APPENDIX I Anton LaVey in His Own Words: Excerpts from “Hail Satan!” APPENDIX II Genesis P-Orridge and Anton LaVey in Conversation APPENDIX IIIThere Is No Such Thing as Bad Publicity Acknowledgments NotesIndex

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of our extraordinary shift away from materialism toward renewal of the numinous, mysterious, and uncertain• Examines topics that evoke widespread misunderstanding, including the real history of secret societies, the wisdom of the Satanic, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, out-of-body experience, and the contemporary war on witches• Looks at the influence of the founding lights of modern occultism, including mystic Neville Goddard, occult scholar Manly P. Hall, and surrealist filmmaker David Lynch, and debunks famous pseudo-skeptics such as the Amazing Randi• Explores magickal practices, including Anarchic Magick, mind metaphysics, the Law of Attraction, and Ouija boards, and upends hallowed spiritual concepts like forgivenessAll of us today dwell in uncertain places--realities in which thoughts make things happen, ESP is provable by the scientific methods once used to debunk it, UFOs are mainstream, and magick no longer requires rite and ritual but is as near as your own mind. Today’s leading voice of esotericism and the occult, Mitch Horowitz explores topics that evoke widespread misunderstanding, including the real history of secret societies, the wisdom of the Satanic, the relevance of Gnosticism, and the slender but authentic connection between today’s spiritual culture and antiquity, including in areas of Hermeticism, deity worship, out-of-body experience, and magick. He demonstrates the occult roots of wide-ranging facets of modern culture, including politics, abstract art, mind-body healing, self-help, and breakthrough scientific fields such as quantum physics and neuroplasticity. He looks at the influence of the founding lights of modern occultism, including mystic Neville Goddard, occult scholar Manly P. Hall, and surrealist filmmaker David Lynch, and provides a magnificent take-down of famous debunkers and pseudo-skeptics such as the Amazing Randi. He explores magickal practices, including Anarchic Magick, mind metaphysics, the Law of Attraction, and the history of Ouija boards and questions time-honored spiritual values like forgiveness. Mitch also examines the contemporary war on witches around the world and what it is like to be blacklisted. Offering a thought-provoking investigation of the spiritual, the occult, the magickal, and the extra-physical, Mitch lays the groundwork for readers to continue their own journeys into these esoteric streams of consciousness.Trade Review“Treats esoteric ideas and movements with an even-handed intellectual studiousness that is too often lost in today’s raised-voice discussions.” * Washington Post *“This book is nothing less than a masterpiece. It introduces, informs, inspires, and ignites critical thinking in a way that is unique to Horowitz’s creative mind. He is a constant source of infectious curiosity and openmindedness; no esoteric stone, small or big, is left unturned in his pursuit of new perspectives and connections. His mind and work are those of a restless rebel who provokes the stagnant and causally dull with sparks and nuggets of great wisdom. In many ways, Horowitz is the perfect mix of Manly P. Hall, Joseph Campbell, and Prometheus, eloquently carrying the torch of mythic and spiritual illumination into the twenty-first century.” * Carl Abrahamsson, author of Source Magic and Occulture *“In Uncertain Places, Mitch Horowitz achieves the impossible. He provides a crystal-clear look at topics that are drenched in the murkiest of ambiguities yet continue to fascinate every living soul. Horowitz aims a brilliantly lucid lens toward the great unwashed domain of the occult, and he magically manages to bring into view shocking truths about a realm that has always been hiding in plain sight.” * Dean Radin, Ph.D., author of Real Magic *“Mitch Horowitz is at his best when he throws new light on the hidden subtext of accepted dogma. From ‘anarchic magick’ to ‘reclaiming the damned,’ Uncertain Places stands as a sweeping reinterpretation of major themes at the sharp edge of American imagination.” * Jacques Vallée, coauthor of TRINITY: The Best-Kept Secret *“I admire Mitch Horowitz enormously. He has struggled virtually singlehandedly to get the American intelligentsia to give occult and esoteric currents the serious attention they deserve. This collection exemplifies the intelligence, sincerity, and integrity Mitch has always brought to his inquiry. He has fearlessly faced some of the most awkward subjects in his field and cast his own unique light on them. Fascinating and erudite.” * Richard Smoley, author of A Theology of Love: Reimagining Christianity through A Course in Miracles *“What a welcome guide in these uncertain times! Mitch Horowitz continues his program for bringing esoteric ideas out of the closet and into the public forum. Here he reveals the New Age for what it really is: the exoteric face of the Hermetic philosophy. Once we realize that the human mind is the extension of the divine creative power, the rest follows, like a flood sweeping away the debris of religions and anti-religions alike. To paraphrase: Mind is the ultimate arbiter of reality. All self-expression is sacred. The only evil is to prevent other beings from reaching their highest potential. We are all gods in the making, but more than gods, being forged in the crucible of the world. Even those familiar with this line of thought will relish the parade of characters, charlatans, and sages that emerge from Uncertain Places.” * Joscelyn Godwin, author of The Greater and Lesser Worlds of Robert Fludd *“Who are we? What are we? Have we ever really been entirely human? Whether or not we have or have not, if we want to make any advancement in this respect, we will have to delve into certain quagmires such as the occult and the paranormal to discover ourselves. This work is dangerous, but Mitch Horowitz has the courage to undertake it. As a bonus, his writing is very amusing.” * Peter Lamborn Wilson, author of Peacock Angel *“Here is a learned yet accessible book about the shaping power of will and intention, about the reality of an extraphysical world (or worlds), about just how wrong and stupid the debunkers and conspiracy theorists have been, and about religious belief as dissociation—the still unknown mirror in which we will someday come to recognize ourselves. Here are the ‘uncertain places’ that many of us have not yet gone but will.” * Jeffrey J. Kripal, author of The Superhumanities: Historical Precedents, Moral Objections, New Reali *“To make the density of countless esoteric teachings and life-changing mind metaphysics accessible to nearly anyone is a gift Mitch Horowitz is currently in the practice of leaving us all with.” * Jesse Draxler, American visual artist and author of Misophonia *"A fast-paced collection of essays covering a wide range of controversial topics--among them: the creative agency of the mind, the dynamic interplay of inner and outer realities, paranormal research, causality of thought, the metaphysical dimension of the human experience, and alternative spirituality. This book serves as a compass to navigate the tricky maze of occulture's house of mirrors, with its seductive dead-ends, alluring distorted images, and misinformation galore. Horowitz's essays are erudite yet accessible, persuasive and pragmatic, full of striking observation casting a new light on how we see and interpret the world." * Ferdinando Buscema, BoingBoing.nt *Table of ContentsREINTRODUCTION POWER AND UNCERTAINTYPART IStrange Fire1 RECLAIMING THE DAMNED2 CHOOSE YOUR OWN REALITY 3 “MY WILL BE DONE”4 IS YOUR MIND A TECHNOLOGY FOR UTOPIA?PART II Magickal Operations 5 ANARCHIC MAGICK 6 GOD OF THE OUTSIDERS 7 “DOWN WITH THE BLUE BLOODS”8 SUFFERING AND THE LIMITS OF MAGICK 9 AGAINST TRADITION 10 YOU ARE YOUR MASK11 IS MAGICK NECESSARY? PART III “Up, Up O Ye Gods!” 12 THE NEW AGE AND GNOSTICISM 13 HERMES RESURRECTED 14 THE DEVIL AND MR. JONESPART IVIncarnations 15 OCCULT AMERICAN 16 SEEING IN THE DARK: DAVID LYNCH UNCUT17 THE MAN WHO DESTROYED SKEPTICISMPART V Damned History 18 THE WAR ON WITCHES 19 HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE ILLUMINATI 20 A DIABOLICAL DEVICE21 VISIONS FROM SOMEWHERE 22 THE MAGIC STAFF 23 THE PREFACE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT BANNEDAFTERWORD HOW IT FEELS TO BE BLACKLISTED ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INDEX ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Book SynopsisFor the curious and the adventurous! Turn to any date and you'll find something to learn or do suggested by folklore of the day, the month, or the season.Some suggestions will take no more effort than sticking your head out the window to look at the clouds, while others might involve knee pads and scouring giant chalk horses cut into hillsides. Taking inspiration from folklore found around the world, each daily entry is a tiny snapshot of what goes on - be it animal or plant lore, love predictions, the zodiac, the supernatural, food, festivals, divination, anniversaries, the weather or luck. By following the customs and traditions of the ritual year, you'll find yourself becoming more engaged with what's happening about you and discover how every month and season creates its own identity. Dip into this fascinating book at any time of the year and discover something new and intriguing about the world around you.Just beware of the hare..."An inspiring way to start every day with more joy and fascination." Robin InceTable of ContentsIntroductionFolklore KeyJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberSelected BibliographyIndexAcknowledgments

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Book SynopsisDiscover the 7 powers of cat magick protection, independence, affirmation, healing, communication, the supernatural, and connection and tap into the benevolent energy and wisdom of feline magick that will nourish and elevate you to awaken your own magickal powers.

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Book SynopsisRecaptures the magical vitality of the original Orphic Hymns. As famous Renaissance philosopher Marsilio Ficino wrote, “No magic is more powerful than that of the Orphic Hymns.” These legendary teletai of Orpheus were not simply “hymns”—they were initiatic poems for meditation and ritual, magical, and ceremonial use, each one addressed to a specific deity, such as Athena or Zeus, or a virtue, such as Love, Justice, and Equality. Yet despite the mystical concepts underlying them, the original hymns were formulaic, creating an obstacle for translators. Recapturing the magical vitality that inspired mystery cults through the ages, Tamra Lucid and Ronnie Pontiac present new versions of the teletai that include important esoteric details and correspondences about the being or deity to which each hymn is addressed. The authors also include a new version of a lost hymn to Number and messages that were inscribed on golden leaves meant to be passports for the dead, reinventions that preserve the original magical intent and mysticism of the teletai. The authors provide a complete historical survey, based on the latest research, of the obscure origins and evolution of the Orpheus myth, revealing a profound influence at the heart of Western esotericism as well as on countercultures throughout Western history. Revealing the power of the individual hymns to attune the reader to the sacred presence of the Orphic Mysteries and the higher order of nature, the authors also show how, taken together, the Orphic Hymns are a book of hours or a calendar of life, addressing every event, from birth to death, and walking us through all the experiences of human existence as necessary and holy.Trade Review“Tamra and Ronnie have outdone themselves! This book is the most comprehensively intelligent and pleasurably accessible portrait of Orphic mythology now available. Their modern translations of the Orphic hymns yield fresh fruit from an ancient vine. The culmination of their historical and practical research yields a book that testifies to the 21st century: this music is magic, and the magic is real. Anyone interested in the intersections of music, myth, and magic will delight in this work.” * Matt Marble, author of Buddhist Bubblegum *“This book is a marvel of pagan revivalism. Tamra Lucid and Ronnie Pontiac have created a symphonic and learned study of the Orphic mythos encompassing history and meaning; translation of key odes; and reconstructed practice. If you yearn for evidence that the old deities are with us today, look no further than The Magic of the Orphic Hymns.” * Mitch Horowitz, PEN Award–winning author of Occult America and Uncertain Places *“This fascinating, lively, and erudite exploration of Orphism is a superb entrance point to this treasure trove of lore and knowledge.” * Richard Smoley, editor of Quest: Journal of the Theosophical Society in America and author of A Theo *“Tamra Lucid and Ronnie Pontiac have produced a beautifully clear and elegant version of the ancient Orphic hymns, preceded by a meticulously researched mythic, historical, and magical overview of all things Orphic past and present. They are passionate and thorough, their tone contemporary and accessible, creating a wonderful example of what Jeff Kripal calls ‘the gnostic classroom,’ which is rigorously scholarly yet deeply sympathetic to the universal wisdom of the Orphic tradition. A great resource for students and practitioners alike.” * Angela Voss, editor of Marsilio Ficino (Western Esoteric Masters Series) *“A wonderful book for anyone interested in metaphysics and mythology. Not only a fascinating and easy-to-read history but also an exhaustive work of scholarship—and in the translations of the poems that make up the second half of the book, a mind-blowing work of creativity. A must for any visionary’s library.” * Tod Davies, author of the History of Arcadia visionary fiction series and editorial director of Exte *“The Orphic hymns are among the most beautiful and effective invocations that have been handed down to us from the ancient Greeks. But, while Taylor’s classic translations are both admirable and eloquent in practice—that is, used ritualistically—they can seem clumsy and, at times, even cumbersome. Pontiac and Lucid’s welcome interpretive renditions have changed all of that. Theirs have quickly become my go-to translations for using the hymns in practical theurgic rites.” * P. D. Newman author of Theurgy: Theory and Practice *“Ronnie Pontiac and Tamra Lucid, musicians and metaphysicians both, the inheritors of Manly P. Hall’s blessings. Who better to reveal the living magic of the Orphic hymns to a new generation? The Orphic hymns are not spells but poetic and magical evocations aligned with the understanding of pantheism, that all of nature is divinely infused and revealed through its kindred correspondences. Although the book chases the figure of Orpheus through history in a scholarly fashion, the author is not identified, the story is too complex and veiled. The magic is to be encountered in the song, not the singer, so take up the invitation and softly sing to the world outside your window.” * Naomi Ozaniec, author of Becoming a Garment of Isis *“This book delivers what its title indicates: the translations of the Orphic fragments and hymns are rendered in clear modern English, easy to understand for the contemporary reader. The review and analysis of scholarship on the contested ‘Orphic’ religion is wide ranging and comprehensive. All scholarship is taken into consideration from skeptical classicists to engaged occultists. The book presents a ‘feeling’ of the Orphic tradition and at the same time an analytic and critical overview of ‘Orphism’ from ancient to modern times. From the ancient poets to the modern painters of Orphism; from Plato and Plotinus to Ficino, Thomas Taylor, and E. R. Dodds; from Monteverdi to Philip Glass to modern pop culture—it is an accomplishment. I give my warmest endorsement.” * Jay Bregman, author of Synesius of Cyrene *“I have often said that history is not a linear line, but instead a complex web. The goal of the historian is to make that web feel linear to the non-specialist. Tamra Lucid and Ronnie Pontiac have done exactly that, producing a stellar work, including passages so gorgeously written, I found myself returning to previous pages for a reread. Impeccably researched and beautifully written, The Magic of the Orphic Hymns is a wild ride through history, ritual, and the mysteries of the human mind and soul. As Lucid and Pontiac took me through the many ages and evolutions of the Orphic Mysteries, I could almost hear the sweet strings of a lute accompanying the many discoveries I made while reading—such is the strength of this timely work. Highly recommended to those who like their history neat, engaging, and filled with a page-turning allure that can only be described as magic.” * Thomas Hatsis, author of The Witches’ Ointment and Psychedelic Mystery Traditions *Table of ContentsIntroduction: An Experiment with the Orphic Hymns 1 The Mythology of Orpheus2 Mysterious Orpheus3 The Severan Dynasty 4 The Pagan Orpheus 5 The Orphic Mysteries 6 The Golden Leaves 7 The Night Gathering 8 Orpheus in the Renaissance 9 The Occult Orpheus 10 More Popular Than Ever 11 The Backward Glance 12 The Evolution of Eurydice 13 The Mystical Purpose 14 A Note on Incense15 A Note on the Translation Orphic Charms and the Sacred Songs of Orpheus Orphic CharmsMessages on gold leaf buried with the dead, and a grand invocation.The Sacred Songs of OrpheusA poetic interpretation of the Orphic hymns with added details about the sacred correspondences of the gods. Annotated BibliographyIndex of Orphic Charms and the Sacred Songs of OrpheusIndex

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Book SynopsisA beautifully evocative account of one man’s odyssey to discover authentic and unbroken magical traditions in the East and reawaken them in the West * Shares the similarities he discovered between the teachings of the Indian tradition and the Western traditions of magic, alchemy, and pagan pantheons * Introduces a wide cast of characters, including Goa Gil, the world-renowned guru of the Goa techno-trance scene, and Mahant Amar Bharti Ji, a “raised-arm Baba,” who for more than 40 years has held up one arm in devotion to Shiva Beautifully detailing his spiritual pilgrimage from West to East and back again, in the age of strife known as the Kali Yuga, Aki Cederberg shares the authentic and unbroken magical traditions he experienced in India and Nepal and how his search for a spiritual homeland ultimately led him back to his native Europe. Cederberg explains how his odyssey began as a search for spiritual roots, something missing in the spiritually disconnected life of the Western world. Traveling to India, he encounters the ancient esoteric order of mystic, wild, naked holy men known as the Naga Babas. Immersing himself in the teachings of the tradition, he receives an initiation and partakes in the Kumbh Mela, the largest spiritual gathering on Earth. He starts to glimpse resemblances and analogies between the teachings of the Indian tradition and the Western traditions of magic, alchemy, and pagan pantheons. After extensive traveling and immersing himself in the extraordinary world of India, Cederberg returns to his native soil of Europe. Traveling to holy places where old pagan divinities still linger in the shadows of the modern world, he dreams of forgotten gods and contemplates how they might be awakened yet again, reconnecting the West with its own pre-Christian spiritual traditions, sacred landscapes, and soul.Trade Review"In his rip-roaring English-language debut, Cederberg sets himself as neither guide nor guru, allowing readers to truly participate in his journey without worrying about what exactly they are supposed to learn." * Publishers Weekly *“This book promises to be a pagan classic. It took rare initiations into the wonders and horrors of sacred India for Cederberg to recognize the same gods, under different names, stirring in his Nordic homeland. His pilgrimage will inspire anyone who seeks or glimpses these ‘beacons of spirit in a soulless age.’” * Joscelyn Godwin, author of The Pagan Dream of the Renaissance *“Often one has to travel far afield to the farthest edge to find out where one belongs. Aki Cederberg tells us the fascinating tale of his journey to the wild heart of mythical India, a journey that changed his life and led him back to his roots.” * Wolf-Dieter Storl, Ph.D., author of Shiva: The Wild God of Power and Ecstasy *“Cederberg has made the outer and inner journey from one end of the geography of tradition to the other, which is only an outer reflection of the inner journey many pilgrims make from the outer world to inner experience. What is remarkable about Cederberg’s journey is that he, like Odysseus of old, found his way home again. The knowledge he gathered on his journeys gave him the tools he needed to discover the inner treasures of his own homeland. By reading this book you can gather some of this knowledge without ever going to India.” * Stephen E. Flowers, author of Original Magic *“From the erotic passion of Shiva to the surreal bliss of the Khumb Mela, Aki Cederberg chronicles his search for meaning in modern India. But, as he discovered, ‘Pilgrimages have to come to an end. Ultimately, one must return home’--not just physically but spiritually as well. His story of how his own native European gods called to him is powerful, beautiful, irresistible. This book bears an important message for our times and delivers it in a way that captivates the reader. I recommend Journeys in the Kali Yuga without reservation.” * Stephen McNallen, author of Asatru: A Native European Spirituality *“Aki Cederberg is an outsider in the modern, spiritually barren West. His quest for a sense of spiritual place takes him to the exotic East. There he is an outsider as well but is allowed something close to an insider’s participation in a living pagan religious tradition. Instead of satisfaction, he finds only more yearning--for the largely forgotten traditions of his own people. Cederberg’s journey--which makes for a highly colorful, absorbing tale--functions as a kind of initiation into those traditions. It is a journey home.” * Collin Cleary, author of What is a Rune? And Other Essays *“This book is as much a classical adventure story as it is a tale of genuine spiritual progress. Cederberg’s travels in search of the roots of pagan/religious culture and how they affect us is both a personal vision quest and a wider speculation. Every plant has its roots, and Cederberg is generous to share his own roots exploration in such an eloquent way. The book is inspiring, intelligent, and a truly great read.” * Carl Abrahamsson, publisher and author of Occulture *“Unlike the congratulatory stories told by self-proclaimed gurus or superhero yoga masters, this is the spiritual autobiography of a guy like you or me who’s just trying to figure it all out in a world that has lost its way.” * Joshua Buckley, editor of TYR: Myth, Culture & Tradition *“Ever since the Beatles, India has had its fair share of ‘spiritual’ tourists. Aki Cederberg is not one of them. The gurus and babas he described having encountered there obviously viewed him as a sincere spiritual pilgrim. His odyssey to the East seems best summed up in the lines of a poem by T. S. Eliot in Four Quartets: ‘And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.’” * Robert N. Taylor, musician and author of Remnants of a Season *“Aki Cederberg’s Journeys in the Kali Yuga offers a visceral, gritty, and at times humorous account of the dreamlike world of Indian Naga Babas. A story of an ongoing search for something real in a world where the deepest concerns of human spirit have become mere commodities, this is a timely book about timeless topics.” * Matti Rautaniemi, author and yoga historian *“Written in poetical prose that is sharp, witty, and honest, the book is a valuable offering to all seekers and pilgrims on the eternal search of self.” * Yogananda Puri, Naga Sannyasi *“Whereas most Westerners drawn to Indian spirituality have an interest in yoga or meditation, it was his passion for magic that led Aki Cederberg to the Naga Babas. With a background within European pagan magic, he is particularly capable of appreciating the esoteric dimensions of the yoga tradition--dimensions largely shunned within modern Western yoga.” * Christian Möllenhoff, founder of Yoga & Méditation Paris *"Aki Cederberg’s Journeys in the Kali Yuga is a unique addition to a very long and venerable tradition of travel writing by Westerners who have spent time in the East. This book is recommended for anyone who wants to know modern India, and still more to benefit from the experiences of a serious seeker on the path to a better understanding of himself and his genuine, rooted identity." * John Morgan, New Dawn Magazine *Table of ContentsForeword: For One Who Wanders Widely By Michael Moynihan Words of Power: A Translator’s Foreword to an Untranslated Work By Ike Vil Acknowledgments Introduction 1 Pilgrimage 2 Between Worlds 3 Initiation 4 Kumbh Mela--The Last Rites 5 The River of Story 6 Festivals of Spring 7 Earth Turns into Gold 8 A Wolf Age 9 Dreams of Forgotten Gods Glossary

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