Mysticism, magic and alternative spiritual practices Books

Book SynopsisThe mainstream position of the Christian church on sexuality was perhaps best summed up by Pope Innocent III (1160-1216) when he stated that “the sexual act is so shameful that it is intrinsically evil.” Another Christian theologian maintained that the “Holy Ghost is absent from the room shared by a wedded couple.” What Philip records in his gospel is that Christ said precisely the opposite: The nuptial chamber is in fact the holy of holies. For Philip the holy trinity includes the feminine presence. God is the Father, the Holy Ghost is the Mother, and Jesus is the Son. Neither man nor woman alone is created in the image of God. It is only in their relationship with one another--the sacred embrace in which they share the divine breath--that they resemble God. The Gospel of Philip is best known for its portrayal of the physical relationship shared by Jesus and his most beloved disciple, Mary of Magdala. Because it ran counter to the direction of the Church, which condemned the “works of the flesh,” Philip’s gospel was suppressed and lost until rediscovered at Nag Hammadi in 1947. Orthodox theologian Jean-Yves Leloup’s translation from the Coptic and his analysis of this gospel are presented here for the first time in English. What emerges from this important source text is a restoration of the sacred initiatic union between the male and female principles that was once at the heart of Christianity’s sacred mystery.Trade Review“In this rich and lucid translation, Jean-Yves Leloup unlocks mysteries of the enigmatic bridal chamber found in the Gospel of Philip and sheds new light on their associations with Jewish esoteric tradition.” * Margaret Starbird, author of The Woman with the Alabaster Jar: Mary Magdalene and the Holy Grail *“For scholars and seekers alike, every page of this book opens profound new dimensions in the teachings of Jesus.” * Jacob Needleman, author of Lost Christianity and The American Soul *"This book displays new and profound facets and dimensions in the teachings of Jesus." * East and West Series, Vol. 48, No. 2, Feb 2006 *Table of ContentsList of AbbreviationsForeword by Jacob NeedlemanIntroductionTHE GOSPEL OF PHILIP

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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 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 SynopsisA WORLD OF WONDER AND MIRACLES UNFURLS IN THIS TIMELESS COMING-OF-AGE FANTASY''That most rare and precious thing: a brand-new classic, both wholly original and wonderfully nostalgic. It''s an absolute treasure'' Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of JanuaryOff the coast of Ireland sits a legendary island hidden by magic. A place of ruins and ancient trees, sea-salt air and fairy lore, Hy-Brasil is the only home Biddy has ever known. Washed up on its shore as a baby, Biddy lives a quiet life with her guardian, the mercurial magician Rowan. A life she finds increasingly stifling.One night, Rowan fails to return from his mysterious travels. To find him, Biddy must venture into the outside world for the first time. But Rowan has powerful enemies-forces who have hoarded the world''s magic and have set their sights on the magician''s many secrets.Biddy may be the key to stopping them. Yet the closer she gets to answers, thTrade ReviewThe Magician's Daughter is that most rare and precious thing: a brand-new classic, both wholly original and wonderfully nostalgic. It's an absolute treasure -- Alix E. Harrow, author of THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARYthis exciting tale of a young woman caught between two worlds is brilliantly-imagined. I love the way Parry blends mythic elements with wit and heart . . . a book to be absolutely devoured -- Lucy Holland, author of SISTERSONGThere are the best kind of fairy-tale elements in The Magician's Daughter - the ones that draw you in and make you believe that magic does exist. Animal familiars, an island that only appears on certain days, and a young heroine who learns the depths of her strength. I absolutely adored it! -- Andrea Stewart, author of THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTERThe Magician's Daughter casts a spell with its warm and subtle prose. Parry has created an enchantment of a novel. A coming-of-age story teeming with magic, with characters striving to change an unjust world . . . this is a book to be savoured -- E. J. Beaton, author of THE COUNCILLORThe Magician's Daughter is innovative fairy tale and deftly researched historical fiction in one, full of captivating magic and richly drawn characters -- Rowenna MillerA coming-of-age fantasy . . . filled with heartbreak and wonder -- LIBRARY JOURNALThe Magician's Daughter is a beautiful, heartfelt historical fantasy that focuses on found family and what lies at the heart of magic -- NOVEL NOTIONSIf you're looking for something to recapture some magic in your life, something that touches the bit inside all of us that dreams impossible dreams, then I can't recommend this book enough -- LIGHTSPEEDThe Magician's Daughter is a delightful little fantasy that pulls at all the right heartstrings . . . For those who fondly remember the works of Frances Hodgson Burnett or Lewis Carroll, this novel will definitely be your (bread, butter and) jam -- WALL STREET JOURNAL

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Book SynopsisThe latest title in the Art for Modern Makers series, Creative Drawing: Symbols and Sacred Geometry takes readers on an inspired journey that explores the beautiful imagery and fascinating themes of sacred geometry while demonstrating compass drawing and exploring colored pencils, watercolor, inks, and other mediums. Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION My Discovery of Sacred Geometry and Meditative Art Making What Makes Sacred Geometry Sacred?1 GEOMETRY TOOLS AND ART SUPPLIES The Relationship Between Mathematical Precision and Artistic Fluidity Technical Drawing Tools Tools for Creative Interpretation2 BASIC SHAPES AND SYMBOLISM The Circle - Tips for Using Your Compass Vesica Piscis - Drawing Technique Artistic Exploration: Shapes within the Shape Trinity Knot - Drawing Technique Artistic Exploration: Using Colored Pencils and Blending PROJECT: Coloring Your Trinity Knot3 THE SEED OF LIFE Building Circles Upon Circles - Drawing Technique Artistic Exploration: Shapes and Patterns PROJECT: Finding the Yin-Yang Symbol PROJECT: Drawing a Burst Pattern Artistic Exploration: Meditative Art with Mosaics PROJECT: Drawing on Black Paper PROJECT: Collage Moons and Mixed Media4 THE FLOWER OF LIFE The Flower of Life in Many Cultures - Drawing Technique Flower of Life Expanded Pattern - Drawing Technique Artistic Exploration: Connecting the Dots, Uncovering a Hexagram Star Symbol PROJECT: Rainbow Watercolor Flower of Life5 COMPLEX SHAPES BUILT FROM THE FLOWER OF LIFE The Egg of Life - Drawing Technique The Tree of Life - Drawing Technique The Fruit of Life - Drawing Technique Artistic Exploration: Organic Shapes, Mediums, and Colors PROJECT: Tree of Life with Opaque Paint on Black Paper PROJECT: Crystal Grid6 METATRON’S CUBE The Power of Metatron’s Cube - Drawing Technique Platonic Solids: Shapes Derived from Metatron’s Cube - Drawing Technique Artistic Exploration: Emphasizing Specific Lines PROJECT: Platonic Solids on a Sky Background7 THE TORUS The Energy of the Torus - Drawing Techniques Artistic Exploration: Adding and Subtracting Lines and Using Color PROJECT: The Hypnotic Eye PROJECT: The Vortex PROJECT: A Blended Hypnotic Eye EPILOGUE Continue Your Path of Exploration RESOURCES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR INDEX

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Book SynopsisContains grimoires, the classic works of Western magic, that exist in the Western tradition. This title is of interest to the average reader as well as scholars and skilled magicians.

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Book SynopsisEdgar Cayce used his psycic trances to diagnose and treat illnesses from arthritis to epilepsy: many of his cures have been validated by later medical research. This guide provides an easily accessible reference to 9000 of his readings, covering nearly 200 ailments and their treatments.

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Book SynopsisChris Morton and Ceri Thomas have journeyed all over the world meeting people who could tell them about the crystal skulls, including the indigenous peoples, psychics, archaeologists and scientists. This text reveals their acquired knowledge from the travels.

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Book SynopsisA record of all the books in Trithemius' secret library of grimoires and books of practical magic in 1508 and what happened to them. Effectively an almost complete catalogue of the classics of magic written by Trithemius, the mentor and teacher in magic of Henry Cornelius Agrippa and Paracelcus.

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Book SynopsisThe venom from Bufo alvarius, an unusual toad found in the Sonoran desert, contains 5-MeO-DMT, a potent natural chemical similar in effect to the more common entheogen DMT. The venom can be dried into a powder, which some researchers speculate was used ceremonially by Amerindian shamans. When smoked it prompts an instantaneous break with the physical world that causes out-of-body experiences completely removed from the conventional dimensions of reality. In Tryptamine Palace,James Oroc shares his personal experiences with 5-MeODMT, which led to a complete transformation of his understanding of himself and of the very fabric of reality. Driven to comprehend the transformational properties of this substance, Oroc combined extensive studies of physics and philosophy with the epiphanies he gained from his time at Burning Man. He discovered that ingesting tryptamines unlocked a fundamental human capacity for higher knowledge through direct contact with the zero-point field of modern physics, known to the ancients as the Akashic Field. In the quantum world of nonlocal interactions, the line between the physical and the mental dissolves. 5-MeO-DMT, Oroc argues, can act as a means to awaken the remarkable capacities of the human soul as well as restore experiential mystical spirituality to Western civilization.Trade Review“James Oroc writes about wresting spiritual insights from the mind-storms catalyzed by psychedelics, and along the way wrestles with his culture and his role in it. His principal drug ally, 5-MeO-DMT, is not easy to use well, but Oroc emerges grounded and inspired with tales worth sharing.” * Rick Doblin, founder and president of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) *“With this book, Oroc has proved that the impossible can in fact be put into words. WOW indeed! A must-have for any serious psychonaut on (arguably) the most important subject matter of all time.” * Dimitri Djanbani, moderator of http://dmt.tribe.net, a DMT discussion group *“If DMT is the ‘Spirit Molecule,’ then 5-MeO-DMT certainly qualifies as the ‘God Molecule’ as illustrated in this highly significant contribution to entheogenic literature. The immediate opening to full God consciousness that 5-MeO-DMT occasions demands careful attention by all those interested in spiritual states of consciousness, entheogenic experience, and the true nature of reality. Oroc’s book is a great beginning to the fascinating exploration that awaits us with 5-MeO-DMT.” * Martin W. Ball, Ph.D., author of Mushroom Wisdom: How Shamans Cultivate Spiritual Consciousness *“A gripping account of a mind transformed by the powerful psychoactive 5-MeO-DMT struggling to understand its unexpected conversion from atheist to true believer. Oroc fuses hard data and engaging speculations to fire the imagination. Tryptamine Palace is ‘Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride’ for entheogen aficionados, where the firsthand experience of God may be just a toke away.” * Jon Hanna, mindstates.org *“Tryptamine Palace is destined to be the seminal study of 5-MeODMT, just as The Spirit Molecule personifies DMT and My Problem Child evokes LSD.” * Andrew Sewell, M.D., LSD cluster-headache researcher *“. . . an essential addition to any entheophile’s library.” * Erowid, October 2011 *“The Tryptamine Palace is a very informative and engaging book, which aside from eloquently describing his own experiences, manages to provoke many interesting thoughts about psychedelic history (there’s a couple of wonderful sections on Burroughs and Leary), modern society, and the nature of 5-MeO-DMT. I highly recommend this book as one of the finest examples of the psycho-spiritual narrative to have been published in recent years.” * Psychedelic Press UK, January 2013 *Table of ContentsForeword by Alex and Allyson Grey Preface Introduction: How This All Began One The 5-MeO-DMT Experience Two 5-MeO-DMT: Science, Discovery, and the History of Human Use Three The Aftermath Four Welcome to the Power Zone Five Into the Quantum Realm Six Enter the Zero-Point Field Seven Toading Eight Burning Man Nine India Ten The High Priest: Timothy Leary and the Legacies of the Psychedelic Age Eleven The Zero-Point Field and the 5MDE: A Quantum Explanation Twelve A Quantum God Thirteen The Role of Light in Eastern Philosophy Fourteen A Transcendent Future for Humanity? Fifteen So Begin the Days of Strangeness Epilogue Appendix 1. Resources Appendix 2. Tryptamine-Containing Plants Appendix 3. Serotonin, Melatonin, 5-MeO-DMT, and the Pineal Gland Appendix 4. Is 5-MeO-DMT the Most Potent Entheogen Known to Humanity? Appendix 5. William S. Burroughs, the Godfather of DMT Appendix 6. Heaven and Hell--Potential Negative Effects of 5-MeO-DMT Notes Bibliography Acknowledgments Index

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Book SynopsisDrawing on 400 years of newspaper articles and photos, first person accounts, state historical records, and illustrated field reports, Richard J. Dewhurst reveals not only that North America was once ruled by an advanced race of giants but also that the Smithsonian has been actively suppressing the physical evidence for nearly 150 years. He shows how thousands of giant skeletons have been unearthed at Mound Builder sites across the continent, only to disappear from the historical record. He examines other concealed giant discoveries, such as the giant mummies found in Spirit Cave, Nevada, wrapped in fine textiles and dating to 8000 BCE; the hundreds of red-haired bog mummies found at sinkhole "cenotes" on the west coast of Florida and dating to 7500 BCE; and the ruins of the giants' cities with populations in excess of 100,000 in Arizona, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Louisiana. Dewhurst shows how this suppression began shortly after the Civil War and transformed into an outright cover-up in 1879 when Major John Wesley Powell was appointed Smithsonian director, launching a strict pro-evolution, pro-Manifest Destiny agenda. He also reveals the 1920s' discovery on Catalina Island of a megalithic burial complex with 6,000 years of continuous burials and over 4,000 skeletons, including a succession of kings and queens, some more than 9 feet tall--the evidence for which is hidden in the restricted-access evidence rooms at the Smithsonian.Trade Review“This is the most comprehensive and level approach to the subject of giant humanoids in Earth’s past to have ever been published. The most appealing aspect is that Dewhurst has collected a vast array of primary sources and presents them here. Reading one newspaper discovery after another of giant skeletons and artifacts is perhaps the most compelling reason to question the standard lines we are given about humanity’s origins. When coupled with his persuasive theories explaining why the Smithsonian would actively cover up such discoveries, you have one valuable and entertaining read! Highly recommended.” * Robert R. Hieronimus, Ph.D., author of Founding Fathers, Secret Societies and host of 21st Century R *“Giants in ancient America? You bet! It’s all here in Richard Dewhurst’s fabulous book. Extensively illustrated and chronicled with firsthand accounts from early 19th- and 20th-century news clippings, this book will shatter the mainstream academic teachings that continue to ignore and cover up the role giants played in early American history.” * Xaviant Haze, author of Aliens in Ancient Egypt and coauthor of The Suppressed History of America *“At last, a comprehensive sourcebook that demystifies the giants of ancient America. Lavishly illustrated, this goliath and gutsy book delivers an unprecedented wealth of information on the great mound builders. Dewhurst digs deeper than the rest. Don’t miss it.” * Susan B. Martinez, Ph.D., author of Lost History of the Little People and The Mysterious Origins of *“I don’t say this lightly, but of all the nonfiction books I have on my precious shelf space, this book actually has its own little stand so I can gaze at it. I’ve highlighted nearly every page and dog-earred many and hope to use these references in future hypotheses I will present about this amazing and unexplainable race of giants. Thank you, Dewhurst, for such an amazing and laboriously loving research into what I consider one of the single most important anthropological puzzles man has ever tackled.” * Sharon Day, Ghost Hunting Theories Blog, January 2014 *“The Ancient Giants who Ruled America is a treasure trove for alternative history and archaeology buffs…This book was an eye-opener, both in its subject matter and also the amount of reporting that Mr. Dewhurst was able to hunt down, covering nearly 400 years.” * Jennifer Hoskins, New Dawn, July 2014 *Table of Contents Acknowledgments Preface: On Being Tall and My Fascination with Giants Introduction: Uncovering the Real History of America Part I Findings on Ancient American Giants 1 How Big Were They? 2 North America Land of the Giants 3 How Old? Clues from Mastodons and Carbon Dating 4 Copper-Crowned Kings and Pearl-Bedecked Queens Part II Sophisticated Cultures of the Ancient Giants 5 Pyramids and Pictorial Mounds 6 Cities in Circles and Lines 7 A Copper Kingdom and Mica Mines 8 Treasures of Giant Burial Grounds Part III Pre-Columbian Foreign Contact 9 Holy Stones, a Calendar Stele, and Foreign Coins 10 Extremely Ancient Red-Haired Mummies 11 Megalithic Catalina The Blond-Haired Children of the Nine-Feet-Tall Kings 12 Insights into Origins Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisFull text of most important witchhunter''s bible, used by both Catholics and Protestants. First published in 1486, the book includes everything known at the time about cults, illicit sex, dealings with the devil, and more.

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Book SynopsisExploring the practice of living resurrection in ancient Egyptian, Phoenician, Greek, Persian, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Celtic, and Native American traditions, Freddy Silva explains how resurrection was never meant for the dead, but for the living--a fact supported by the suppressed Gnostic Gospel of Philip: “Those who say they will die first and then rise are in error. If they do not first receive the resurrection while they live, when they die they will receive nothing.” He reveals how these practices were not only common in the ancient world but also shared similar facets in each tradition: initiates were led through a series of challenging ordeals, retreated for a three-day period into a cave or restricted room, often called a “bridal chamber,” and while out-of-body, became fully conscious of travels in the Otherworld. Upon returning to the body, they were led by priests or priestesses to witness the rising of Sirius or the Equinox sunrise. Silva describes some of the secret chambers around the world where the ritual was performed, including the so-called tomb of Thutmosis III in Egypt, which featured an empty sarcophagus and detailed instructions for the living on how to enter the Otherworld and return alive. He reveals why esoteric and Gnostic sects claimed that the literal resurrection of Jesus promoted by the Church was a fraud and how the Church branded all living resurrection practices as a heresy, relentlessly persecuting the Gnostics to suppress knowledge of this self-empowering experience. He shows how the Knights Templar revived these concepts and how they survive to this day within Freemasonry.Trade Review“Freddy Silva’s latest book is his most brilliant, scintillating, and inviting of all, a superb book on global initiation over thousands of years. In it he explores how ancient sacred cultures guided people to experience psychic death while alive--a ritual near-death experience. The Lost Art of Resurrection is a truly remarkable contribution to the quest of reviving lost wisdom and a must-read for anyone interested in spirituality and sacred sites.” * Barbara Hand Clow, author of Awakening the Planetary Mind *“This is a breakthrough work that topples not only church dogma but a century of pyramidiots stumped by Egypt’s elusively empty sarcophagi. No mummy there! No, it’s all about the round-trip journey to the spirit world and what our ancestors were really doing in their secluded temples. Fabulously illustrated, this important book is as much about the cosmogony of the ancient wisdomkeepers as it is about the hidden chambers of the human mind.” * Susan Martinez, Ph.D., author of The Mysterious Origins of Hybrid Man *Table of ContentsA Scottish Faery Tale 1 A Noble Tradition Recently Suppressed 2 The Myth of Resurrection 3 What Is Initiation? 4 Early Followers of The Way 5 The Otherworld of the Celts 6 Secrets of the Beehive 7 Fifty Shades of Gnosticism 8 The Secret Bridal Chamber 9 What Happens in the Middle East Stays in Central America 10 Geezers of Nazareth 11 Inside the Great Pyramid and into the Otherworld 12 Egyptian Initiation 13 How to Travel to the Otherworld and Back. Or, the Pyramid Texts 14 Pharaoh Has Left the Building 15 Green Men, White Knights 16 The Science of the Otherworld 17 The Metamorphosis of the Soul Notes Bibliography Index About the Author

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Book SynopsisA classic text on esoteric traditional herbalism from one of the most influential herbalists of the Paris occult revival• Includes a dictionary of nearly 300 magical plants with descriptions of each plant’s scientific name, common names, elemental qualities, ruling planets, and zodiacal signatures, with commentary on medico-magical properties and uses • Explores methods of phytotherapy and plant magic, including the Paracelsian “transplantation of diseases,” ritual pacts with trees, the secret ingredients of witches’ ointments, and the composition of magical philters • Explains the occult secrets of phytogenesis, plant physiology, and plant physiognomy (classification of plants according to the doctrine of signatures) Merging the scientific discipline of botany with ancient, medieval, and Renaissance traditions of occult herbalism, this seminal guide was first published in French in 1902 as a textbook for students of Papus’s École hermétique and sparked a revival in the study of magical herbalism in early twentieth-century France. Author Paul Sédir, pseudonym of Yvon Le Loup (1871-1926), explains the occult secrets of phytogenesis (the esoteric origin and evolutionary development of the plant kingdom), plant physiology (the occult anatomy of plants), and plant physiognomy (classification of plants according to the doctrine of signatures). Unveiling the mysteries behind planetary and zodiacal attributions, he provides readers with the keys to make their own informed determinations of the astral properties of plants. Moving from theory into practice, Sédir explores various methods of phytotherapy and plant magic, including the Paracelsian “transplantation of diseases,” the secret ingredients of witches’ ointments, and the composition of magical philters. In the third section of the book, Sédir offers a dictionary of magical plants that covers nearly 300 plant species with descriptions of their astral signatures, occult properties, and medico-magical uses. Compiled from an array of rare sources and esoterica, this classic text includes a wealth of additional materials and supplemental charts and diagrams drawn from Sédir’s occult colleagues, all of whom adopted and expanded upon Sédir’s pioneering system of plant correspondences.Trade Review“Reading Occult Botany was a deeply enjoyable experience that satisfied many diverse urges for botanical knowledge, from within one compendium.This strange and intriguing miscellany leads one through portals and fields, gardens and celestial realms. The plant entries are helpful for quickly finding zodiac and planetary correspondences; they also include a peppering of rare pieces of occult lore alongside many medicinal applications of old. The footnotes are very helpful and detailed, as are the charts, tables, and appendices within the book. It is a must-have for students and seekers who wish to blend the magical with the medicinal, the earth with the stars.” * Corinne Boyer, folk herbalist, teacher, and author of Under the Witching Tree *“A refreshing look at the treatises of occult herbalism. A fascinating, in-depth deep dive and understandable approach to the esoteric arts as they pertain to plant, animal, and mineral medicines with an emphasis on occult botany and the Hermetic arts, including lab alchemy. A one-of-a-kind, expansive dictionary of magical plants with special care given to the translation and annotations in the footnotes to further illustrate the understanding of these plants then and now. A must-have for any seeker of esoteric herbalism.” * Catamara Rosarium, master herbalist, owner of Rosarium Blends LLC *“Occult Botany gives us a needed look at esoteric herbalism from 1902, when philosophical arts had not yet veered dangerously into the pseudoscience of the new age that we have today. We can see whole philosophies at work within these pages that should help modern readers navigate their way out of the philosophical cul-de-sacs that modern herbalism has been circling for too long.” * Marcus McCoy, blacksmith, herbalist, editor of Verdant Gnosis *"I have got some SUPER, SUPER sexy book porn for you today! Sedir, pseudonym of Yvon Le Loup, passed away in 1926, but not before becoming a pivotal figure in the French occult revival. Occult Botany was first published in 1902 as a textbook for students of Papus’s Ecole hermetique where he was a professor. This is being presented in a 448-page hardcover tome loaded with original illustrations and built-in ribbon bookmark. I told you it was sexy! This book is a wonderful, if sometimes dated, resource for lovers of plants and their magical potential." * The Magical Buffet *Table of ContentsSymbols and Tables Translator’s Foreword Introduction PART ONE The Plant Kingdom1 Phytogenesis 2 Plant Physiology 3 Plant Physiognomy PART TWO Plants and Humans 4 Alimentation 5 Phytotherapy 6 Plant Magic 7 Occult Horticulture 8 Vegetation Magic9 The Vegetable Phoenix 10 Plant Palingenesis in History and PracticePART THREE A Concise Dictionary of Magical Plants A Acacia-Asphodel B Bachelor’s Button-Buttercup C Cabbage-Cypress D Daffodil–Dittany of Crete E Edelweiss-Eyebright F Fava Bean-FumitoryG Garlic-Grapevine H Hazel-Hyacinth I Iris-Ivy J Jimsonweed-JuniperK Knotweed-Kusha Grass L Larkspur-Lungwort M Madder-Myrtle N Needleleaf-Nutmeg O Oak-OreganoP Palm-Purslane Q Quince R Raisin Tree-Rue S Saffron-Strawberry T Tamarind-Turnip U Usnea V Valerian-Violet W Wallflower-Wormwood Y Yarrow APPENDIX 1 Occult MedicineAPPENDIX 2 Paracelsian Physiology APPENDIX 3 On Opium Use Glossary of Herbal Actions Concordance of Elemental and Astral Plant Signatures Notes Bibliography Index of Ancient Sources Index of Plant Names Index of Authors and Subjects

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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 SynopsisEnter the enchanted forest with Sweet Forager's Tarot. This 78-card tarot deck explores the traditional tarot structure through a whimsical and colourful lens, approaching spirituality with a sense of wonder and charm. The cards follow The Fool through the fairytale woods, meeting a diverse cast of characters who help the reader through all of life's hurdles as The Fool learns from each of the character's stories. The artwork in the deck is fantastical but also inclusive of a wide range of bodies, including size, gender and ages. The accompanying guidebook teaches the reader how to approach their query from a new perspective and offers novice readers a variety of card spreads and daily activities to improve their intuitive reading. While this deck follows the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith structure, many of the cards have been updated so they are more accessible to modern readers.

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Book SynopsisA fully illustrated biography of mystic, artist, and explorer Nicholas Roerich. Nicholas Roerich (1874–1947) was a Russian artist, writer, archaeologist, explorer, mystic, theosophist, and peacemaker who left a rich legacy of nearly 7,000 visionary paintings and 30 books on the mystic East. Twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize due to the Roerich Peace Pact—a remarkable treaty signed by President Roosevelt that sought to preserve cultural monuments during times of war—Roerich had a profound love for folk traditions of Russia, India, and Tibet, especially legends of lost cities and paradise. Together with his wife and two sons, from the 1890s into the 1950s, Roerich embarked on a number of spiritual quests through India, the Gobi Desert, the Altai and Kunlun Mountains, Mongolia, and Tibet, crisscrossing the Himalayan Mountains many times before settling in Kullu, India in the shadows of the great mountain range. Through his explorations throughout the world and the immersive art he created during those travels, he was seeking the grains of spiritual truth behind the legends of paradise lost, including during his pilgrimages in search of Shambala. Revealing the mystical world of Nicholas Roerich in stunning full color, Jacqueline Decter invites us to witness Roerich’s far-reaching vision and dedication to beauty across the full scope of his inspiring life and artistic career. This new hardcover edition features Decter’s translations of many Russian texts into English as well as 88 color plates showcasing the variety of Roerich’s artistic talent, from breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and spiritual themes to set and costume designs, most notably for Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. A celebration of Roerich as both visionary artist and visionary explorer, this fully illustrated biography illuminates a man whose life and work significantly influenced the development of modern art and culture.Trade Review“Roerich’s vision is a pantheistic hymn to a union of man and nature.” * Anna Kisselgoff, The New York Times *“Roerich’s mountains are not those of madness but of a kind of super-sanity and clarity. They convey the transcendental air of the rooftop of the world—thin, bracing, animating—and the sharpness of vision of an artist in his element. Readers unfamiliar with Roerich’s work should be prepared for a trek through the Himalayas of the mind. Those who know it may agree that if Dostoyevsky was right, and beauty will save the world, Roerich has certainly made a substantial contribution to that effort.” * From the Foreword by Gary Lachman, author of The Return of Holy Russia *“Nicholas Roerich’s wide diversity of talents would have made him a unique individual in any era. Trained not only as an artist but also as a lawyer, he wrote extensively on legal matters, the arts, ethics, and their links to a more general law of the universe. He was convinced that the evolution of culture depended on a synthesis of knowledge from all fields of human endeavor. His belief in the fundamental unity of all cultures and civilizations led him to a profound study of Eastern culture and philosophy.” * From the Preface by Edgar Lansbury, president of the Nicholas Roerich Museum *“The original force of Roerich’s work consists in a masterly and marked symmetry and a definite rhythm, like the melody of an epic song.” * Nina Selivanova, author of The World of Roerich *“Roerich learned things ignored by other men; perceived relations between seemingly isolated phenomena and unconsciously felt the presence of an unknown treasure.” * Garabed Paelian, author of Nicholas Roerich *Table of ContentsPreface to the First Edition By Edgar LansburyForeword to the 2023 EditionNicholas Roerich: Beauty Will Save the World By Gary Lachman Early YearsUniversity Years The World of Art The Stone Age The Theater Transition America Heart of Asia Kulu Notes Selected Bibliography Index

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Book Synopsis'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' PRIMAMadame 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.Trade Review*Praise for Madame Burova*Ruth Hogan is the queen of uplifting fiction and Madame Burova reminds us why. Each character is lovingly crafted, their stories beautifully and heartbreakingly woven into something magical. The writing crackles with humour and warmth whilst not being afraid to tackle the harsh realities of racism in the 1970s. It's the kind of story you want to devour greedily but then feel bereft that you won't get to spend more time with Imelda, Cillian, Billie, Treasure, and all the other glorious characters. I can't imagine a better book in which to lose yourself at the moment. Stunning, immersive and absolutely wonderful. -- Annie LyonsWoke up early to finish this breathtakingly beautiful story. Ruth Hogan's Madame Burova is absolutely wonderful. -- Celia AndersonA triumph! It's moving and entertaining and packed with surprises... When I look into my crystal ball I predict it's going to be a MASSIVE hit! * Matt Cain, author of The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle *Packed full of twists, turns and a wonderfully drawn cast of characters you won't forget, Madame Burova is a supremely uplifting tale of secrets, love and identity all written with Hogan's trademark warmth and humour. An absolute gem. * Mike Gayle *This is a novel that fascinates throughout its length. It's a novel that holds mysticism, accidental and deliberate secrets, and unrequited and lost love within Ruth Hogan's very able grasp. She has woven together many strands of storylines within a juxtaposition of time frames that she's fitted exquisitely together. She has created characters from different cultures and stations in society and melded them to form a very satisfying read. The Madame Burova of the title is an especially vivid portrayal of a woman who, because of her Romany roots and fortune-telling gifts, will always stand slightly outside the conventional normality of everyday life. It's mainly through her viewpoint that this story is told and it's told with humour and sadness and an understanding of the human condition. * Kit Fielding *Hogan loves offbeat and marginalised characters and so it's a typically kooky cast of seafront regulars: 1970s entertainers, Romany cardreaders and various rescue dogs who help Billie crack the mystery of her past. The 'Queen of Uplit' returns brilliantly to form with this gloriously good-natured novel. * Daily Mail *I loved discovering Brighton through the eyes of Billie and Imelda in Madame Burova. Ruth Hogan's beautiful characters stay with me and remind me of the importance of families - those we're born with and those dear friends who are our chosen family. An uplifting, shimmering novel. * Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library *Blooming with wonderful, vibrant and charismatic characters. * Prima *Hogan doesn't hold back with her raw portrayal of the 1970s society arguably full of discrimination. She creates authenticity by learning how to read the tarot cards herself, taking heed from a real life medium. Clever plotting, characters that speak from the heart and an inquisitive subject make this the perfect staycation read. Ultimately a love story from the queen of up lit. Grab a deckchair and read away... * My Weekly *This is a delightful, uplifting and charming novel, full of wisdom and fun. Fans of Ruth's previous novels...will love it. * Daily Record **Praise for The Keeper of Lost Things*A joyful novel filled with warmth and wisdom. * The Daily Mail *A charming story of fresh starts and self-discovery that warms the cockles. * Woman & Home *Psychological realism, whimsy and magic are a winning combination in this quirky, exquisitely crafted novel... It's a charming read, perfect for the holidays: you will want to share it when you get home. * The Lady *Hogan's touching, funny and romantic debut is that rare and precious thing: a real story with brilliant characters. * Daily Mail *This mystical and spiritual tale is a joyous read that will broaden your imagination and warm your heart. * OK! *

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Book SynopsisSince it first appeared over 500 years ago, the ELUCIDATION OF NECROMANCY (Lucidariumartis Nigromanticê) and the closely related Heptameron have become essential guidesfor individuals seeking to call on angels and other supernatural beings for help. Countless amulets and pendants have been made with its designs, and elements have repeatedly been adapted and incorporated into other manuals of ritual magic. In spite of this, neither a critical edition nor a translation has been previously published. In particular three manuscripts of Lucidarium have come to light recently, which provide a clearer and fuller ritual than the printed Heptameron. For example, they add critical instructions for making the seven angel sigils, which have become so widely known. Together they bring to life this important current of esoteric tradition, showing how it has been repeatedly adapted and used by different individuals for centuries.This is a complete system of magic, including how to communicate with an

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Book SynopsisWe are all surrounded by spirits. Many people feel called to work with them, but few know where to begin. Enjoined by the gods and spirits to fulfill this need, Raven Kaldera and Galina Krasskova have reconstructed the indigenous spiritual traditions of northern Europe and Scandinavia extinguished more than one thousand years ago by the spread of Christianity. Arising from basic survival needs, these practical traditions are fundamentally tied to the elements found in the harsh world of the ancient North. Beginning with the skills tied to the Earth element, necessary for grounding prior to the more demanding aspects of the practice--working with Sun, Moon, Plants, Animals, Water, Fire, Craft, and Air--the authors explain, step by step, how to build relationships with each elemental spirit and the Ancestors. Offering 83 practical exercises, from cleansing with the Moon or borrowing the legs of Reindeer to making sacred space with Mugwort or creating an ancestor altar, they also explore building spirit relationships through altered states. Emphasizing the proper management of your spirit relationships to avoid spiritual debt or offense, the authors outline the ancient cultural rules and taboos that circumscribe these practices, essential knowledge for successful and fruitful spirit alliances. Detailing the beginning set of skills needed to work with the spirits of this ancient world, this comprehensive workbook offers a unique ancestral spiritual outlet for those of northern European descent as well as an accessible guide for anyone trying to fulfill their shamanic callings.Trade Review“Our modern world is hungry for Spirit, and this hunger leads to some dark places if it isn’t met by Spirit. The shaman’s path is the strongest means we have of addressing this hunger in a meaningful way. Kaldera and Krasskova offer a grand mix of tradition, magic, and reconstruction in service to a broad community. Those with a genetic, cultural, or spiritual link with northern European culture will find this book especially satisfying.” * Kenn Day, author of Dance of Stones *“Neolithic Shamanism is a primer in the finest sense; it will prime you to get well started on this path. It is so thorough it can well be the first book of any you read about shamanism. It is also primary in a touching, inspirational sense: Raven and Galina have an almost childlike belief in the work and spirituality they love and teach, and they have the simple courage to tell us all, ‘This is For Real.’” * Crow Swimsaway, Ph.D., author of Spirit Knife, Soul Bone *“Neolithic Shamanism approaches an ancient practice with modern sensibility; it is both a restructuring and reimagining of tribal practices for a modern world. Still, it is based on techniques as old as the human race, hallowing life in all its forms. I find that the book inspires hope as the authors gently lead their readers to one conclusion--there is no part of life that is not sacred.” * Ócha’ni Lele, author of Sacrificial Ceremonies of Santería *“Neolithic Shamanism is an outstanding book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about shamanism. For those who want to study other traditions, it’s a wonderful jumping off point. For those who want to study the Norse tradition, this will be a priceless treasure you will cherish on your path.” * Terry Donahue, Psychic-Magic Zine, March 2013 *“Never has a book had a more profound and positive impact on my personal spirituality, than Neolithic Shamanism; Spirit Work in the Norse Tradition, by Raven Kaldera and Galina Krasskova...All in all, this is a book I cherish above almost all others. It brings forth aspects of Norse spirituality most don't see, and gives information about it you really can’t find anywhere else. If you have any interest in Norse spirituality, I cannot recommend this book enough or more highly. Highly, highly recommend. This is a must read.” * Jessica Elizabeth, Facing North, May 2013 *“It is an entry-level book for anyone who wants to learn basic shamanic techniques from a northern perspective...While it is a very accessible book, there is plenty here to work with, especially if you choose to delve into a lot of the craft projects. These practices could provide years of experience and bring practitioners to the level where they can easily move on to a variety of intermediate books, or take further guidance directly from the spirits with whom they have built relationships.” * Laura Gyre, Witches and Pagans, December 2013 *Table of Contents Introduction: The Ancient World of Northern Shamanism How to Use This Book 1 The Beginning Place: Earth 2 The Golden World: Sun 3 The Silver World: Moon 4 The Green World: Plants 5 The Brown World: Animals 6 The Blue World: Water 7 The Red World: Fire 8 The Gray World: Craft 9 The White World: Air 10 The Black World: Ancestors Epilogue: Broken Promises Appendix: Elemental Disasters Resources for Further Study Index

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Book SynopsisA rare look into the history, theory, and craft of the black mages and sorcerers of Russia Born in the Soviet Union and descended from a matrilineal line of witches, Natasha Helvin offers a rare look into the secret practices of Russian black magic, passed down from teacher to disciple for generations both orally and through their grimoires bound in black. Drawing from her own experience, Helvin provides insight into the fundamental ideology of black magic practitioners, from the universal laws of magic to the principles of morality. She explains a mage’s view on fate and predestination, how the world was created, and their relationship with the demons that grant them their power. She examines the demonic pantheon as well as how a black sorcerer is able to influence the forces in the universe and pass on his or her powers and knowledge to further generations. Exploring the history of occult practices in Russia, including how Christianity had a profound effect upon magic and witchcraft, Helvin shows how attempts to forcibly convert the Russian population to the Christian faith were widely resisted, and instead of these ancient pagan practices disappearing, they blended with Christian belief. Authorities repainted old pagan gods as demons in order to eradicate ancient traditions. Black magic became labelled as defiantly anti-Christian simply for preserving the old ways, and as a result, some branches of black magic evolved as a reaction against enforced Christianity and practitioners proudly accepted the label of “blasphemer” or “heretic.” Through this book, readers can explore the Left-Hand path of Russian magic and its spells and rituals. The author explains about cemetery magic, sacrifices, the creation of Hell Icons, and places of power, such as crossroads, swamps, and abandoned villages, as well as the best times to practice black magic, how to choose the best grave for your spell, and how to summon demons. Providing many concrete examples of spells, Helvin demonstrates the broad range of what can be accomplished by those who practice the black arts, if they commit themselves to the craft.Trade Review"A unique and expertly presented study, Russian Black Magic: The Beliefs and Practices of Heretics and Blasphemers will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Metaphysical Studies collections in general, and Russian metaphysical supplemental studies lists." * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION What Is Slavic Black Magic? 1 The Birth of Russian Black Magic 2 Veretnics and the Demonic Faith 3 The Demonic Pantheon 4 The Three Forces, the Soul, and Satanism Black Magic Spellwork5 Basic Rules and Principles of Magic 6 Principles of Cemetery Magic7 Cemetery Spells8 Principles of Church Sorcery 9 Church Spells 10 Blood Magic 11 Pact with the Devil 12 The Thirteen Veretnic Spells of EvilIndex About the Author

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Book SynopsisA practical guide to using the sacred herbs of Samhain for healing, divination, purification, protection, magic, and as tools for contacting the Spirits The ancient Celts separated the year into two halves, the light half and the dark half, summer and winter. The festival of Samhain, from which the modern holiday of Halloween originates, marks the transition from summer to winter, the end of the Celtic year, a time when the barriers between the physical and spiritual world are at their most transparent. The herbs most characteristic of this time have specific magical and healing properties that echo the darker aspect of the year and offer potent opportunities for divination, contact with ancestors and Land Spirits, and journeys in the Otherworld. Presenting a practical guide to the sacred herbs and trees of Samhain, Ellen Evert Hopman details the identification, harvest, and use of more than 70 plants and trees in healing, divination, purification, magic, and as tools for contacting the Spirits wandering the landscape at this liminal time of year. She explores the most effective plants for protection from the mischief of the “Good Neighbors,” the Sidhe or Fairies, as well as herbs for releasing the Dead when they are trapped on this plane. Detailing the history, rites, and traditions of Samhain, Hopman explains how to make an offering to the Land Spirits and provides instructions for the traditional Samhain ritual of the Dumb Supper, complete with recipes for the sacred foods of Samhain, such as Soul Cakes, Colcannon, Boxty bread, and dandelion wine.Trade Review"Ellen Evert Hopman’s The Sacred Herbs of Samhain is a fascinating sourcebook of lore, history, magical methods, and practical information regarding plants sacred to the festival of Samhain. Samhain, observed at the end of the Celtic year as autumn turns to winter, is also noted for being a time when ancestral and otherworldly spirits are most likely to interact with the living. Though its focus is on the beautiful and haunting time of Samhain, The Sacred Herbs of Samhain can be used year round to appreciate and explore the cycles of our natural and mystical world." * MEG NOLA, Foreword Reviews (July/August 2019) *“The Sacred Herbs of Samhain offers even more than bringing us into the magical world of spirits and fairies! I recommend that anyone fascinated by herbs embark on a literary herbal foray with Ellen Evert Hopman. Her in-depth knowledge of herbs provides a unique reference resource for the harvesting techniques, preparation methods, dosages, cautions, and use details for both physical and spiritual healing, complete with the fragrance of informative ancestral herbal lore.” * Kathy-Ann Becker, author of Silencing the Women *“. . . a very straightforward, practical guide for those readers who want to actually put the information to use. This is the kind of book that gets dog-eared from sitting on your kitchen table or altar rather than dusty from sitting on your bookshelf. Highly recommended for all levels of practitioners.” * Kirk White, author of Masterful Magick *“There are all kinds of herbalists but none as magical and profound as Ellen. I cherish every book--every word--she gifts us with.” * Susun Weed, herbalist and author of the Wise Woman Herbal series *“Based on her impressive knowledge of herbs and the old-time practices of wise and witchy forest wives, Hopman offers a compendium of herbal medicinals in The Sacred Herbs of Samhain. A compelling look into Celtic herbal practices connected to the autumnal time of year when days are short and the veil between life and death is thin. The contents include all the how-tos and why you’d want-tos and why nots, with clear identification for practical and ritual usage provided by image and description. Beyond the practical are the entertaining, engaging tales of folk and fairy, of goddess and god, and of prophetic romance and/or death. This book is an invitation to delve into the shadows and realms of time gone by, the origins of the hallowed days of Samhain, Halloween, and other worldwide observances. A guide to keep by your side.” * Marylyn Motherbear Scott, poet, author, and founder and high priestess of Magickal Cauldron *“A delightful collection of herbal knowledge and Celtic lore for Samhain. In addition to providing a significant reference on relevant magical and medicinal uses for herbs, trees, and more, Ellen provides complete instructions for a Samhain ritual and also a traditional Dumb Supper. Her easy-to-follow recipes for soup, breads, soul cake, dumb cake, magical ink, and even dandelion wine complete this gem. Recommended.” * Morven Westfield, author of The Old Power Returns *“Another jewel in Ellen Evert Hopman’s collection, The Herbs of Samhain sparkles from beginning to end--from how to stay alive and dig mandrake to making elderberry sorbet and crowns of mallow leaves to how to spot where the fairies did battle the night before. I was entertained, challenged, and enthralled with each turn of the page as I partook of eclectic knowledge, Druid teachings, poetry, and recipes that have inspired me to more deeply weave herbs into my Samhain tradition. No doubt I’ll be coming back to this book many, many times!” * Wendy Snow Fogg, founder and senior herbalist of Misty Meadows Herbal Center in Lee, New Hampshire *“Ellen Evert Hopman provides a potent reminder that it’s the relationship between the living and the dead that lies at the very heart of Samhain and Halloween. This crucial point is all too often overlooked amid all the commercialization and sensationalism that in recent years has come to surround this most profound of holidays. This book is a practical, comprehensive, clear, and useful guide to a wide variety of plants together with a great selection of spells, recipes, and fairy lore.” * Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells *“Ellen Hopman’s book is a treasure trove of herbal knowledge and wisdom. A great read!” * Rick Allen, Grammy nominee and author of F ’n’ A!: My Crazy Life in Rock and Blues *"Ellen Evert Hopman, a prolific author of herbal manuals and handbooks is a long-time herbalist who cares deeply about your use of herbs. You can sense that easily because her handbook [ The Sacred Herbs of Samhain] is like a kit, containing lots of information and stories doled out in a practical way. One thing seems clear: herbs are our allies. Herbs guide us towards physical and mental health and the health of the planet, if we respect and use them right." * Herbology East and West's Lotus, Lady, & Verse *“The Sacred Herbs of Samhain is a good pick for those interested in plants and herbs, but it is an absolute must for those interested in integrating those plants and herbs into their Samhain observances." * The Magical Buffet *"What a perfect time of the year to review this book! Ellen Evert Hopman has written a very concise book on herbs to use in and around Samhain, and, most likely, at other time of the year, when one wishes to communicate with their ancestors. I really love this book and as a budding herbalist, this book will hold a place of honor on my herbal bookshelf." * PaganPages.org *"The Sacred Herbs of Samhain is an extremely useful and complete practical guide when it comes to the identification, harvesting and usage of different herbs and trees connected to the celebrations of Samhain." * Aurora Sothis, Pagan Dawn: Journal of the Pagan Federation *Table of ContentsForeword by Andrew Theitic Acknowledgments An Introduction to Samhain, the Otherworld, and the Power of Herbs A Primer on Herbal Preparation PART ONE HERBS OF THE SPIRITS AND THE DEAD AND HOW TO USE THEM AT SAMHAINHerbs for Protection from and Communication with the Spirits and Fairies Herbs of Purification Visionary Herbs and Herbs of Divination Herbs to Communicate with, Release, and Honor the Dead PART TWO HERBS, FOODS, AND TRADITIONS OF SAMHAIN Ritual Foods for Samhain OfferingsThe Dumb Supper: History, Modern Paganism, and Traditional Recipes How to Conduct a Dumb Supper Ritual A Sample Samhain Rite The Goddess at Samhain APPENDIX A Offerings for the Land and Water Spirits APPENDIX BOfferings for the Fairies at Each Sabbat Notes Other Books and Resources from Ellen Hopman Index of Plants by Common NameIndex of Plants by Scientific Name General Index

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Book SynopsisMore and more of us are choosing to deeply connect with the cycles of the moon. These cards enable you to connect with and tap into the magic of the lunar cycle with a wise affirmation you can integrate into your world simply and powerfully, allowing the moon to guide you just as she always has for millennia.

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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 SynopsisThe Bhagavad-gita is a revered spiritual text spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, offering guidance on self-realization and the nature of consciousness, the self, the universe, and the Supreme. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's translation is presented without adulteration, providing a timely and enlightening message.

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Book SynopsisExplore the History and Mysteries of BaphometDiscover the identity of Baphomet, how They have evolved through history, and how to work with Them in your occult practice. Michael Osiris Snuffin traces the evolution of Baphomet through the works of Éliphas Lévi, Aleister Crowley, and other diverse practitioners to document how a mysterious name associated with the trial of the Templars became a modern Pagan deity in the late twentieth century. Snuffin introduces you to the three symbolic faces of Baphomet: the Spirit of the Earth, the Outsider, and the Transmuter. He also shows you how to build a relationship with Baphomet through meditation, ritual, and invocation. Most importantly, Snuffin reveals the true purpose of this enigmatic deity: to influence us to change our ways and heal the planet instead of harming it.

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Book SynopsisVelouria's Tarot is an intuitive tool for finding hope in even the darkest of times. This sweet deck takes a look at what we perceive femininity to be, especially in tarot, and challenges it. It's cheerful and soft artwork encourage readers to find the bright side in the worst circumstances. Feminine energy can be strong and powerful yet vulnerable and emotional, and Velouria's Tarot takes the traditional gender binary in tarot and encourages the reader to take a new perspective on what 'feminine energy' means. The artist created the deck during a difficult pregnancy and the global pandemic and the artwork reflects her journey of holding onto joy and hope, even during the most difficult of times. Velouria's Tarot's goal is to encourage every reader to use the tarot as a tool of self-improvement, spiritual exploration, through the lens of finding the silver lining in every situation.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisBased on the transcriptions of Dr. John Dee, the famous Elizabethan scientist and magus, The Enochian Evocation of Dr. John Dee is the translation of the original material received from direct Angelic contact. In 1852 Dee and his partner Edward Kelly, while gazing into a crystal stone, began to see and hear angels. These beings desired to re-establish the true art of magic, which had been lost due to man''s wickedness and ignorance. The true magical art, these beings claimed, would bestow superhuman powers upon its practitioners, change the political structure of Europe, and herald the coming of the Apocalypse. Dee believed this research would greatly benefit mankind and documented all of the channeled information into a series of manuscripts and workbooks. Author Geoffrey James presents here the direct translation of the core of the channeled material itself, framed in a historical context, with authority and integrity.From the introduction:Dee discovered that he was unable to perceive spirits on his own, and so was forced to employ skryers or crystal gazers. The most prolific of Dee''s skryers was Edward Kelly, a man of mediocre education whose main interest was alchemy. Kelly originally asked to work with Dee because Kelly believed that with divine aide they might discover the philosopher''s stone that would transmute lead into gold. Dee was hesitant at first, but when they performed a simple ceremony, it was far more successful than anything Dee had ever experienced. . . Kelly''s skrying was destined to produce what is perhaps the most unusual magical literature of the Renaissance.

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