Spirituality and religious experience Books

Book SynopsisLife and faith are improvisational theater, and finding meaning is a work in progress. From first breath to the first day of school, from first dates to last rites, most of us struggle with the overwhelming desire to find meaning. How do we love well, stay authentic, build community, enjoy life, and live justly all at the same time? No one knows. God may have a plan, but God never gave us the script. This book will teach strategies to escape the oppressive voice of self-doubt, foster compassionate creativity, transform Christian faith into a meaningful life practice, and organize communities of faith based on the the principles of improvisational theater. Each chapter will focus on a skill or practice of improv, made relevant through autobiographical stories of and grounded in the Christian tradition. The end of each chapter will include brain exercises the average reader can do to strengthen the creative neural pathways required to master the improv skill for living. Trade Review “Les Carpenter writes with vigor and infectious enthusiasm. What starts as a series of new techniques becomes a whole attitude to life. Improvisation is a way to live as a community, as a person, and as a church that opens up limitless possibilities for adventure and faithfulness.”—The Rev. Samuel Wells, Vicar, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London, UK, and author of Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics“Scripture, Tradition, Reason . . . and Improvisation? Our churches need new skills, right now, and Les Carpenter is here to teach them with fresh clarity and copious joy!”—Shyla Ray Hungerford, Improviser and Instructor, and Originator of the Station Theater and the Trill Comedy Festival“This book will help everyone who longs to find the mystery of God’s presence in everyday experience—both church insiders and those who care about the life of the Spirit set loose in the world.”—The Rev. Paul Fromberg, Rector of St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church, San Francisco,and author of The Art of Disruption: Improvisation and the Book of Common Prayer“Faithful mission is always improvisational. When done right, we take God’s good news out into our communities and share in response to what our communities have first said to us. Les’s work on this subject is timely and critical.”—Jason Evans, Canon for Mission, Episcopal Diocese of San Diego

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Book SynopsisThe islands of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides boast some of the most remote and spectacular scenery in the world. They also feature an astonishing range of mysterious structures – stone circles, beehive dwellings, holy wells and ‘temples’ from the Celtic and prehistoric eras. Over a twelve-day journey, Alastair McIntosh returned to the islands of his childhood to explore the meaning of these places. This book is a record of his pilgrimage – a walk through space and time, across a physical landscape and into a spiritual one. As he battled with his own ability to endure some of the toughest terrain in Britain, McIntosh met with the healing power of the land and its communities. Here he reflects on an extraordinary place and on the people he encountered along the way, and explores a vision of imaginative hope for humankind.Trade Review'A remarkable, highly readable yet scholarly book' -- Jim Corrigan * Faith and Freedom *'Fascinating, provocative and, occasionally, very funny' -- Joanna Kavenna * Times Literary Supplement *'One of the most fascinating books I’ve read for a long while, if maddeningly hard to categorise' -- David Robinson * Scotsman *'Poacher’s Pilgrimage is a book full of generosity, spry in its thinking and detailed in its observations' * Scotland on Sunday *'The language is almost poetic, reflecting the writer’s artistic gifts and his understanding of Celtic and pre-Celtic culture' -- David Thomson * Press & Journal (book of the week) *'His honesty is humbling ... he never skirts a question. He is on a mission, and having been Scotland's first professor of human ecology, he seems at times prophetic' -- Polly Pullar * Scottish Field *'If this sounds more serious than a Presbyterian church service, there is great fun to be found in Poacher’s Pilgrimage. McIntosh is an entertaining subversive' * The National *

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Book SynopsisToo often we hide our true selves from the world behind masks we have carefully constructed, but this is not how God created us to be . Through her own personal story Claire Musters shows how it is possible to take off these masks and live a freer and more authentic life. Church can be the best but also the worst of places. Our faith needs community to survive but why do so many of us wear masks as soon as we step inside a church meeting of any type, hoping to show that we have everything 'together'? What creates a culture that makes us think we are supposed to behave in a certain way? Surely church should be a place of acceptance, love and freedom? So why do so many of us feel like we can't truly be ourselves? Claire Musters has been grappling with these questions ever since a painful and humbling situation forced her to remove her own mask. Taking off the Mask charts her own personal experience and provides lessons and pointers on how we too can find a more authentic way to live. Chapters include points for reflection to really help deal with issues that are raised in this sensitive, honest and ultimately hope filled book.

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Book SynopsisThe twelve holy nights between Christmas and Epiphany, the 6th of January, are a wonderful time of year for spiritual meditation and deepening. In ancient Norwegian folk legend, in the darkness of winter, Olaf Åsteson experienced an initiation into the great secrets of existence. His experience helped him to shoulder responsibility for his task here on earth, and gave him renewed vision and decisiveness.Frans Lutters has led many workshops on this theme, and his insights are collected in the commentary and meditations in this book, alongside the text of the Dream Song. Working with the sacred nights provides an inspiring opportunity to start the new year with revitalised consciousness and enthusiasm.

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Book SynopsisThe Word of God is a powerful weapon; it has the power to challenge, strengthen and shape us. And yet, due to our increasingly short-term attention spans and noisy, fast-paced lives, many young people are struggling to find time to read it. The more BOOKS series seeks to address this problem. Aesthetically pleasing, quote-heavy, with short chapters that hold together like a series of blogposts on a theme, this series will afford readers the space (whether it be 5 minutes on the tube, or a quick evening devotional) to explore themes of the Bible in a life-applicable and accessible way. As Millennials we can often feel our lives are running a mile a minute; but some of us don't even know where to! Where are we going? What are we made for? These questions and decisions can stop us in our tracks; making us feel hopeless and confused. In more DIRECTION readers are invited to stop, reflect and explore what the Bible says about our 'direction', how to find it and how to run in that direction when we do.

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Book Synopsis'I stood up. A miracle had happened. I could walk. It was as if I was born again.'With a heart full of prayer, Marion Carroll journeyed to Knock in the west of Ireland. For 17 years, Multiple Sclerosis had ravaged her body so utterly that this reluctant pilgrim travelled on a stretcher. Then, at the Mass, an unimaginable miracle. Marion rose, pain-free, to walk, talk and see once more.Thanks to this wondrous blessing, Marion has transformed – in her 'own small way' – the lives of countless others. Her ministries share her rock-like faith and devotion to God. They testify to the power of ordinary people to listen, to care, to inspire.Nearly 30 years later, the Catholic Church officially recognised Marion's cure as a proclaimed miracle. Here, with warmth, grace, humility – and down-to-earth Irish humour – she tells of her life 'before' and 'after'. Marion's powerful, uplifting story is unique. It shines a light on love, hope and a remarkable relationship with God.Trade ReviewIn a world filled with bad news Marion Carroll’s story gives hope and inspiration to us all. * Bishop Christy Jones *

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Book SynopsisThis collection of exquisite meditations is vintage Michael Mayne. Originally given as a series of retreat addresses, it focuses on timeless aspects of spiritual experience and means of growth: • Discovering the gifts of silence • Redemption at work in human life • Seeing with the heart • Cultivating a true and proper self-regard All who enjoy Michael Mayne’s writing will delight in these previously unpublished reflections.

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Book SynopsisIn the Bleak Midwinter explores the power of Advent and the joy of Christmas through the poetry of Christina Rossetti. Best known for her poems-turned-carols In the Bleak Midwinter and Love Came Down at Christmas, Rossetti’s rich and wondrous faith provides an inspiring seasonal companion. For each day from Advent Sunday to the Epiphany, Rachel Mann selects a poem and reflects on it, drawing on Rossetti’s many other writings including her devotional journals and commentary on biblical narratives. At a time when commercial pressures are at their most intense, this volume aims to lead readers to an encounter with God’s time and space, to find our true identity beyond all that would limit and diminish our humanity.

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Book SynopsisIn this practical guide to attaining your true Divine Identity, Denmark’s leading spiritual teacher Lars Muhl reveals exactly how to connect with your magnificent inner power and attain your highest possible potential. Muhl invites us to join him on a journey to the Qumran Caves in the Judean desert to discover The Book of Asaph. The journey and the sacred text itself offer a breath-taking metaphor for the process of spiritual Enlightenment. Lars Muhl considers The Light Within a Human Heart his most profound and powerful work. It is for all who wish to embrace their endless magic and enter Heaven on earth, remaining beautifully Present despite the inevitable difficulties of life. When we move, breathe and live in our Inner Light, we have returned home.Trade Review"If you take this journey with Lars Muhl, you too will discover something wonderful, which will open your heart and let your light shine out to the world." - Carol Clarke, world-renowned Welsh Seer"For the experienced wisdom seeker this should be a handy guide and companion." - Phenomena Magazine"In this powerful and luminous book, Lars Muhl steps into his own full presence and invites readers to do likewise at this critical moment in human evolution. The Light Within a Human Heart is indeed his spiritual testament and represents the kind of nourishment we all long for." - David Lorimer, Programme Director of the Scientific and Medical Network

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Book SynopsisForgiveness is hard. But Jesus knows how much we need it. True forgiveness can be complicated because the pain of betrayal, loss, deception, and personal attack clings tightly to our emotions, memories, even our bodies. We may intend to forgive yet become stuck in our own mixed motives, others’ silence or anger, and the skewed stories we believe and tell about our lives. In The Ignatian Guide to Forgiveness, Marina McCoy delves into the principles of Ignatian spirituality and uses gentle honesty to lay out 10 steps toward forgiveness, including: Sort out true desires Honor anger while deepening compassion Make friends with time Create a new story . . . and more. Each chapter offers stories, real-life steps to take, and a powerful prayer for healing Forgiveness is hard, but it’s also possible—with our “habits of mercy” and God’s abundant grace.Trade Review‘...as [the author] tells us, despite all that happens, we can still arrive at a place of forgiveness.’ * The Irish Catholic *‘...recommended as a resource for personal or communal use...a welcome addition to Church bookstall or library...provides substantial material for an examination of conscience’ * Intercom *‘To anyone who listens to others, this handbook is invaluable. More importantly, we can begin to understand our own pain so that we may reach a place of peace between God and ourselves.’ * Transforming Ministries *‘this application of Ignatian spirituality is a timely reminder of the need for reconciliation in relations at many levels of life today...’ * The Furrow *

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Book SynopsisLoneliness and connection are not enemies, rather two facets of everyone’s life. We just need to get to know them. That’s especially true of loneliness, so that, far from being oppressive or a threat, it can become an opportunity or a learning point. Through loneliness we can learn to bond with ourselves and with others. Far from consuming our self-esteem or wearing us out, aloneness can prove an ally in the exciting and complicated battles of life. All we need to do is to discern the heart song of loneliness, so we can learn how to guide our emotions to cope with it. This heart song consists of our acceptance and desire, our lucidity and awareness, our memory and hope, our faith and inner turmoil. All of that is in this book: loneliness and connection. Silence and music.Trade Review'a wonderful and fruitful book, which can be recommended warmly’ * The Irish Catholic *‘...presents loneliness as a great opportunity to hear God speaking and to know oneself and others’ * Intercom *‘this book sparkles...the authors style brings hope and consolation...there’s something in these pages for everyone’ * Africa magazine *‘perceptive and moving book...a good choice for a parish reading group’ * The Way *‘[Olaizola’s] style is eloquent and lyrical and is a joy to read. He uses images and metaphors very effectively. I recommend this book to all * Search Journal *‘This is a book with incredible reach and depth, offering guidance to those of all ages and all walks of life.’ * The Pastoral Review *

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Book SynopsisAt the darkest hour the dawn arrives again anew, just like always, but we forget so easily. This post-pandemic world of uncertainty, drought, war and death is not the end. It's not all of reality as it proposes to be but just a temporary place of growth and purification. We need to be open to learn about humility, compassion and grace. A person, the Christ, has lifted us up. Our true destiny is revealed, to be with the Light, breaking open the clouds of weary, often isolated existence.Emerging from the Mess is essentially the experience of how suffering and pain alternates with great joy and fulfilment. Especially when we reach the limits of our strength and endurance (Richard Rohr calls this liminal space'), we need to remember to hang on, to be patient and faithful in prayer. This book's challenge is to live every day like a resurrection day. It is all about gratitude: to see the absolute giftedness of every moment, the wonder of every encounter, the silver lining

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Book SynopsisMany of us have painful memories of past hurts. But how do we deal with these when they create negative beliefs and choices that still impact our lives today? Through her own experiences of woundedness and healing, Tracy Williamson knows that God’s love can cover everything that happens in our lives, however dark or devastating. Through personal testimony, biblical teaching and prophetic words, Tracy helps us to see that with God’s help we no longer need to be entrenched in old ways of thinking, anxiety or shame, but can walk free in Christ. Discover how God’s healing power sets us free from all that imprisons us and enables us to live by his words of love. Content Benefits: By sharing her own journey of healing, Tracy encourages us to trust God to heal our own inner wounds and bring about transformation in our lives. • A personal testimony of inner wounds and healing • Combines personal stories with biblical teaching and prophetic words • Includes questions and moments for reflection • Gain confidence and trust in a loving God • Discover how you can learn to be open with God about your deepest hurts • Find freedom in God’s transforming power of healing • Learn how to walk in a new life of confidence in Christ • Foreword by Patrick Regan • Ideal for anyone struggling with inner wounds and hurts • Suitable for anyone looking to trust God more fully

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Book SynopsisA straightforward and compelling approach on how to reach the highest levels of consciousness, wisdom, and inner peace.

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Book SynopsisEvery human day is freighted with bafflingquestions. About pain and love,about joy and purpose. In an age when we''re shy of certainty and suspicious of authority, many of us no longer turn to the great houses of faith for inspiration. But for all we''ve let go, there are good habits to hold onto. Drawing on wisdom from the ages and insights from the everyday,thishumanecollection of daily readings is the ideal travelling companion on the bumpy road topeace, love and understanding.

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Book SynopsisIn his first major book since the phenomenal bestseller The Seat of the Soul, Gary Zukav reveals a revolutionary new path for spiritual growth.A great transformation is taking place. We are evolving beyond the limits of our five senses and increasingly able to access data that we could not previously detect. A new and surprising world is emerging, around us and within us. If we choose to realize its potential, we will forever alter our experiences of ourselves, our relationships and our surroundings.Gary Zukav explains how a powerful new dynamic is at play in human relationships. By focusing attention on the interior rather than the outer causes of suffering or joy, we can reach our full potential and generate authentic power, co-creating rewarding partnerships of substance and depth for the purposes of our mutual spiritual growth.Filled with fascinating examples as well as practical guidance, this remarkable book is the roadmap to profound change, pointing towards a fulfi lling, joyful way of life for us all.

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Book SynopsisA Star-Filled Grace offers resources on beloved Advent and Christmas themes for churches, ministers, study groups and individuals at a time when there is a genuine interest in fresh ways of telling the Christmas stories. In poetry, liturgy and narrative, Rachel Mann questions the cosy and sentimental view of the festive season and takes seriously the idea that God in Christ is born as a vulnerable outsider who transforms the world in radical ways. Intended to be usable in a wide range of liturgical and study contexts, this book revisits biblical voices, characters and stories with a sophistication and simplicity that speaks to readers from a diversity of theological and spiritual perspectives. Rachel Mann is an Anglican parish priest, broadcaster and writer. She is resident poet and minor canon at Manchester Cathedral. Her work is widely published, including two previous books, The Risen Dust and Dazzling Darkness.

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Book SynopsisThe wisdom contained in this book is not derived via the usual methods of scholarly and historical research, and neither is it based on theory or speculation. Rudolf Steiner acquired his original contribution to human knowledge from metaphysical dimensions of reality which are hidden to most people – but visible to anybody who is prepared to develop spiritual means of perception. With his philosophical and scientific training, Steiner brought a new systematic discipline to the field of spiritual research, allowing for fully conscious methods and comprehensive results. A natural seer, he cultivated his spiritual vision to a high degree, enabling him to speak with authority on previously veiled mysteries. Samples of his work are to be found in this book of edited texts, which brings together excerpts from his many talks and writings on the subject of the Holy Grail. This volume also features an editorial introduction, commentary and notes by Dr Andrew Welburn. Chapters: From the Mysteries to Christianity; Death and Resurrection in Ancient Egypt – the Miracle of Initiation; The Mystery of Golgotha; The Mystery of the Higher Ego – the Holy Grail; The Grail and the Spiritual Evolution of Humanity; The Gnostic Crisis and the Loss of the Mysteries; Stages of Evolution – Archaic Clairvoyance; The Role of the Mysteries; The Secret of Evolution – the Holy Grail.

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Book SynopsisThe mountains are dark and looming as the lightening splits across the sky. The forest offers shelter and in the distance the traveller spots a lamp. Rushing towards the door he doesn’t realise that someone has planned this journey – there is a woman in the house who needs to hear about her loving Savior, Jesus Christ. God has sent the traveller to tell her about himself. There are lots of stories in this book. Read about the thunderstorm, some hidden treasure and a Bible in a suitcase as well as many other stories about how we should live for God and read his word.Trade ReviewChristian Focus Publications are producing some excellent children's books and these are no exception... The Gospel is very plainly presented and simple, practical, moral lessons drawn, but with a light touch. The point is always clear and yet the style is not preachy. -- British Church Newspaper

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Book Synopsis As the pirates near the helpless ship they raise their grappling irons and prime their cannons for battle. The captain stands ready to defend his vessel and the lives of the people on board. The missionaries go to their cabins to pray. Can anyone stop these pirates? God can.There are lots of stories in this book. Read about the pirates, a burglar and a Russian servant girl as well as many other stories about the amazing things that missionaries get up to as well as how God can change lives.Scriptural references are taken from the King James Version of the Bible and the questions are based on this. Suitable for 7-12 year olds. Trade ReviewChristian Focus Publications are producing some excellent children's books and these are no exception... The Gospel is very plainly presented and simple, practical, moral lessons drawn, but with a light touch. The point is always clear and yet the style is not preachy. -- British Church Newspaper

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Book Synopsis Emma and Alex have had nothing to eat all day and there is no food in the kitchen or the store cupboard. Their mother has no money to buy food and all that she can do is pray that somehow, someone will send them something to eat. But in the morning something is scratching at the door and the children go out to investigate.Find out who or what it is and discover how God has answered the families' prayers. Read other stories too about flying bread, Martha's Raven and the Stolen Sleigh. You will find out about how God cares for us and about how Children can believe in him. Scriptural references are taken from the King James Version of the Bible and the questions are based on this. Suitable for 7-12 year olds. Trade ReviewChristian Focus Publications are producing some excellent children's books and these are no exception... The Gospel is very plainly presented and simple, practical, moral lessons drawn, but with a light touch. The point is always clear and yet the style is not preachy. -- British Church Newspaper

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Book SynopsisChrist of the Celts "I explore the Celtic image of Christ as the Memory of what we have forgotten. He remembers the dance of the universe and the harmony that is deep within all things. He is the Memory also of who we are." --from the Prelude "Diagnosing the human soul with a longing for peace in the face of fear and fragmentation nurtured by global political forces and fundamentalisms, Newell offers the ancient traditions of Celtic Christianity as a way forward in healing humankind and the earth." --Publishers Weekly "This graceful, wise, and important book is a superb introduction to the treasures of Celtic Christianity for our time." --Marcus Borg, author, The Heart of Christianity

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Book SynopsisIn this lucid, step-by-step guide, Susan Raven introduces us to the world of nature spirits and elemental beings, and explains why these entities wish to reconnect with us. By working together with the elementals - which reside in earth, water, air and fire - we can become responsible co-creators at this critical time in our evolution. The future of humanity, and that of the Earth, may be dependent upon such a positive and reciprocal relationship. Susan investigates the nature of the accelerated, evolutionary wave of consciousness pulsing into Earth at the present time, and how its effects are helping us forge a new link with the spiritual and etheric worlds. It is in the ether - where the dissolving and coalescing forces behind physical matter exist - that we find the kingdom of the nature spirits. Making use of her personal experiences, Susan describes the activities of these beings in the landscape, in plants and in human beings. She presents meditations and exercises to prepare us for a meeting with the nature spirits, and emphasises the importance of working with the elemental kingdom in our immediate environment. The path of personal development outlined in Nature Spirits: The Remembrance features a wide range of insightful testimony from some of the most well-respected seers, with particular emphasis on the work of Rudolf Steiner. 'The task of the troubadour has always been to listen to the wind and anticipate the future, to discern the fine nuances of a spiritual age and to play the dual roles of receiver and transmitter. My many years as a songwriter and performer have encouraged me to go ahead and petition the hidden spirit within nature to reveal its inspirations and imaginations...'Table of ContentsChapter One: Bridge-building between Science and Spirit The Path of the Scientist versus the Path of the Mystic The Emergence of a New Ether Physics and the Scientists of a Post Materialistic Age The Modern Path of Seership An Introduction to Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy Chapter Two: Accepting a View Into the Supersensible World: Tones, Torsion And The Cosmic Creative Word. The Galactic Phenomenon of the Superwave and the Programmable Nature of DNA. The Links Between Galactic Phenomena, Modern Geological Records and the Symbolism of Ancient Mythology. A View of Torsion Field Physics and the Cymatics of Tone. An Overview of the Transformative Forces behind the Accelerated Changes taking place on Earth. Chapter Three: A View Into the Ether and its Inhabitants An Introduction to the Nature and Structure of the Ether, and the Elementals who Inhabit it. A view into the Astral Realm (Devachan) The Work of the Hierarchies in Creation The Moulding of the Physical World and the Forces of the Ether Chapter Four: The Descent And Ascent Of Consciousness The Language, Imagery and Vocabulary of the Ether A Survey of Past Civilizations and the Development of Human Consciousness The Bonds of Kinship with the Elemental Kingdom The Human Birthright of Seership Chapter Five: The Spirits of Earth, Water, Air and Fire (Gnomes, Undines, Sylphs and Salamanders) Elementals and Nature Spirits: a Definition The Living Field of Imagination in the Supersenible World The Spirits of Earth and the Life Ether (Gnomes) Human Morality and the Elementals Gnomes, Gravity and the Graviton The Spirits of Water and the Chemical Ether (Undines) Feeling, Emotion and the Watery Element An Interior View of Water The Spirits of Air and the Light Ether (Sylphs) The Ideal Plant Form Wisdom in Light The Spirits of Fire and the Warmth Ether (Salamanders) Fire as a Gateway to the Spirit World Fire Spirits and Germination Fire Spirits and Human Thought The Relationship Between Universal Thought and Human Thinking The 'Living Idea and Essence' in Nature and the Translation Movement of the 8th and 9th Century Elementals in the Human Being Chapter Six: What Can We Do and How Can We Help? Thought Forms and Their Effects Uniting with the Rhythms of the Cosmos and the Cycles in Nature Preparing For Seership Creating a Sheath of Soul-Quiet Honesty With Self and Others Managing and Transforming Negative Thought Forms Chapter Seven: Making Contact Entering the World of the Elementals Appreciation, Gratitude and the Heart Thinking with your Feelings and Feeling with your Thoughts Supersensible Colour Closing an Audience with the Elemental World Authentic Experiences and Intense States of Awareness Chapter Eight: Helping the Elementals at Home and at Work Clearing and Enhancing the Supersensible Atmosphere of our Communal Spaces Healing the Land with Biodynamics The Downside to Over-Sensitivity Chapter Nine: A New Human and a New Earth The Battle for the Human Soul The Healing Power of Forgiveness Notes and References

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Book SynopsisThe Mystery of the Resurrection approaches the deepest mysteries of the Turning Point of Time through Rudolf Steiner's spiritual research. At its heart stands the question of the restoration of the 'phantom' of the physical body, and its transformation into the resurrected body of Christ through the Mystery of Golgotha. The author draws a broad and differentiated picture of the tasks and possibilities that the Easter event, as well as Ascension and Whitsun, present - both for the individual and humanity. The final chapter considers the mystery of Easter Saturday, through which the two polar aspects of the Mystery of Golgotha - death and resurrection - interconnect, at the same time explaining the relationship of the Earth Spirit to the interior of the Earth. An appendix tackles the phenomenon of stigmatization from a spiritual-scientific perspective.Trade ReviewSERGEI O. PROKOFIEFF, born in Moscow in 1954, studied painting and art history at the Moscow School of Art. He encountered anthroposophy in his youth, and soon made the decision to devote his life to it. He has been active as an author and lecturer since 1982, and in 1991 he co-founded the Anthroposophical Society in Russia. In Easter 2001 he became a member of the Executive Council of the General Anthroposophical Society in Dornach. He is the author of dozens of books, including May Human Beings Hear It!, The Occult Significance of Forgiveness and The Appearance of Christ in the Etheric.

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Book SynopsisThe need for spirituality in the Western world has never been greater. At the same time, churches are losing more and more members. The West is in a deep crisis of faith. How so? Because too often we are content with superficial answers and shallow conceptions of God. God, as he encounters us in the Bible and in prayer, is not simply `nice' and certainly not trivial or comfortable. God is fascinating and intimidating at the same time. He is a God who astounds. An astonishment and wonder that many have lost. In this rejection of `feel-good' Christianity, Johannes Hartl describes how one can rediscover this sense of wonder, pointing the way to what the Bible calls the `beginning of wisdom'. A compelling challenge to get out of our spiritual comfort zones to find a real, truly fulfilled and fulfilling faith.

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Book Synopsis`This little book relates some experiences I had during the spiritual research which was eventually published in my book Cognitive Yoga. Usually I am concerned with communicating the objective results of my research and not what I experienced whilst doing it. But an objective description of what the individual soul undergoes during spiritual research can be valuable to the study of anthroposophy and to those who pursue the spiritual path themselves.’ Through faithful inner work, says the author, the path of spiritual science can become a living spiritual being – an intimate friend in the realms of soul and spirit. This being can blossom into an extended spiritual community or school. One can converse and co-create with this spiritual school, including the being of one’s teacher, by learning its inner language. In 2012, Yeshayahu Ben-Aharon was confronted with a major obstacle in his research work. After struggling alone, he felt he could not progress without consulting his colleagues in the spiritual world. The intimate soul experiences described in this book took place during such a gathering – a special, festive occasion with an active and engaged community of spiritual beings. `I want to share some aspects of what I experienced during this event, in the more personal and imaginative language of storytelling. It is a kind of new, individual, Christmas nativity tale, about the earthly ripening of a research problem, its heavenly conception, embryonic life, and finally the birth on earth of what becomes a physical book, printed black on white.’Table of ContentsForeword – Introduction – Four Stages of Development – The Mystery of Conception – An Insurmountable Problem – Some Soul Experiences on the Threshold – A Co-Creative Journey – The Author is Pregnant – A Book is Born

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Book Synopsis‘I wrote this book out of the needs I see at the present time. I see diseases being translocated to others – humans or animals – despite the good intentions of many therapists or doctors. The diseases are translocated because they do not exist in energetic patterns, but as expressions of spiritual beings. Energy and energy-patterns only exist in the physical world, but in the spiritual world there are only spiritual beings.’ From ancient times, all cultures have known of the spiritual phenomenon of ‘translocation’ – the movement of a pathological entity from one human being to another, or from a human being to an animal. These pathological entities are spiritual beings, known as ‘demons’ in common parlance. Their translocation, says Are Thoresen, can take place as a result of conventional Western medicine, but also from the application of ‘alternative’ therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture and herbal medicine. In order to have a positive therapeutic impact, Thoresen advises that practitioners, doctors and veterinarians need to acquire a deep understanding of the function and laws of pathological demonic entities and the means to influence them. Using the Middle Point or Christ-force, it is possible to transform – instead of simply translocating – the negative spiritual aspects that are at work in contemporary society. As the author states: ‘I have written this book to try to investigate these possibilities, and to give my fellow travellers in spirit the insights, tools and ability to make such a change.’Table of ContentsForeword, Why did I write this book? – Introduction – Chapter 1, Disease and Pathological Entities – Chapter 2, Understanding Translocation Through Knowledge of the Development of Man and Animal – Chapter 3, From Translocation to Transformation – Chapter 4, Homeopathy, Western Medicine and Translocation – Chapter 5, Translocation of Spiritual Forces in Electromagnetic Radiation – Appendix, My Background and Insights – Notes

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Book SynopsisHow can we best achieve our personal goals - not just to benefit ourselves but also our loved ones and wider communities? Mastering Life introduces comprehensive and effective methods to transform the self, enhanced by the meditative use of magical symbols and sacred words. These help us identify our aspirations, combining goal contemplation, visualization and meditation techniques. Through these processes, we can gain control over spiritual forces that work within our destiny, attracting favourable outer circumstances in everyday life. Dr Gruenewald offers a set of practical tools: * A spiritual symbol and mantra for meditation that can enhance our capacity to manifest harmonic goals. * Contemplation - courageous conversation with our resourceful self - to enrich imagination and willpower. * Resilience-building techniques, active listening, mindful nature observation and transformation of negative emotions. * Harmonization of our goals with the developmental needs of others, in freedom and love. * Contemplative work with the initiatory Temple Legend narrative (featured in the book). In this accessible handbook, the author shows how we can call upon the assistance of spiritual beings and masters who serve the development of humanity - including Christian Rosenkreuz, whose pupils have long used magical symbols and verses for meditative and ritualistic work.Table of ContentsForeword by Angus Jenkinson - Preface - Introduction - 1. Sun, Tau Cross and 'I am the Alpha and the Omega' - 2. Mastery of Life Meditation - 3. Difficulties that can arise during Contemplation and Meditation - 4. Self-Exploration and Self-Transformation - 5. Creative Goal Exploration - 6. Harmonic Goal Manifestation: Empowering of the Will - 7. Transforming Negative Emotions - 8. Active Listening - 9. Mindful Nature Meditation - 10. Developing Third Eye, Etheric Heart and Etheric Forebone - 11. An Initiatory Story: The Temple Legend - 12. The Molten Sea and Communities Based on Love - Further Reading

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Book SynopsisReports of personal spiritual experiences.

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Book SynopsisA pioneering, first-hand testimony of Rudolf Steiner's prophetic statements regarding the new Christ Revelation', and the author's own findings of the Spiritual Event of the Twentieth Century' a unique account of events that took place in the spiritual world during the fateful twelve-year period from 1933 to 1945.

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Book SynopsisMother Teresa’s collected writings offer inspiration and guidance for all spiritual seekers.“This book’s contents and title say it all. Mother Teresa is a role model for each of us. Pray we may become as she was, and heal the world by using prayer to lead us on the path to spirituality and God.” —Bernie Siegel, M.D.St. Teresa of Calcutta, the woman we all knew as Mother Teresa, was a devout Catholic nun, deeply devoted to Jesus. She expressed her ceaseless devotion in many ways, central among them her well-known work with the poor and the sick. Her lesser-known expressions of faith included her deep respect for all religions and her burning wish for all people to grow closer to God. With a longing to reach as many souls as possible, she wrote, “I’ve always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic.”This carefully arranged collection of Mother Teresa’s writings promises to both inspire and guide all people, from any or no faith tradition, who are seeking to find and walk a spiritual path.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisPower Through Prayer is a timeless Christian classic authored by means of Edward Bounds, a Methodist minister and prolific creator with reference to prayer. Published inside the late nineteenth century, this book has had a profound and enduring effect on Christian spirituality and the practice of prayer. Edward Bounds emphasizes the significant function of prayer within the existence of a believer. In Power Through Prayer, he argues that prayer isn't simply a spiritual responsibility however the most powerful supply of non-secular power. Bounds highlights the want for fervent, steady, and committed prayer to bolster one's religion and dating with God. The book delves into the concept that prayer is the means via which people tap into divine power to impact change of their lives and the arena around them. Bounds presents severa examples and anecdotes to illustrate the transformative consequences of a committed prayer life, encouraging readers to prioritize their conversation with God. Power Through Prayer serves as a call to movement, urging Christians to prioritize prayer over non-secular rituals and ceremonies. Bounds' writings continue to be influential in Christian circles, emphasizing that prayer isn't a formality however an opportunity to commune with God, searching for guidance, and unharness religious strength.

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Book SynopsisThe message of Jesus is of interest to every student of religion as his followers are the highest in number in the world today. But what really were the teachings of Jesus? References from the Bible show that Jesus had twelve prominent disciples, called Apostles. One of them betrayed him which led to his crucifixion. This Apostle was replaced by another with the common consent of the remaining eleven. These Apostles had accompanied Jesus in his lifetime and are to be trusted for knowing what his real teachings were. Christianity today, in all the churches, however, is what Paul laid down. Paul had emerged shortly after the death of Jesus and had never met him in his lifetime! This raises several questions: whether the Apostles and Paul were in conflict with each other? What was laid down by Paul as distinct from what the Apostles believed and taught? What happened to the teachings of Jesus that his Apostles were carrying? What were the real teachings of Jesus? This book tries to find answers to these questions and brings out evidence from the Bible and the writings of Christian theologians of the past to establish that Paul fought a running battle with the Apostles in his lifetime and that the Church founded by the Apostles did not acknowledge him to be an apostle and rejected all his writings. Discovering Jesus is a ground-breaking work on the religion followed by more than two billion people across the globe

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

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Book SynopsisWith holistic lifestyle and spiritual practice guidelines to empower readers to fully actualise their innate capacities to experience excellence in all aspects of their lives.

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Book SynopsisIn a wide variety of pagan paths, many forms of modern magic and mystery hold an expectation that all parties are heterosexual, cisgender, and, in many cases, white. In Queer Magic: Power Beyond Boundaries, Lee Harrington and Tai Fenix Kulystin bring together a diverse and passionate collection of authors and artists who break out beyond that belief and explore how being LGBT+ is not just acceptable when exploring magic, but powerful. Using the diverse tools of queer activism, education, and storytelling, through academic essays and first-person narratives to comics and poster-style art, this intersectional group exposes a world beyond what so many magical practitioners have presumed is "normal." The reality is that magic, whether in Wicca or Vodou, Heathenry or Polytheism, has been fueled by people and systems beyond the binary for millennia. For many within, magic and queerness are not separate, but deeply entwined pieces of identity, worldview, and culture experienced together, always. Drag queen magic, Inclusive witchcraft, and magic for healing and survival. Gender transition in Rome, possession practices, and DIY divination. Social justice, queer black tantra, and polarity beyond gender. Honoring ancestors, fluidity of consciousness, and reimagining the Great Rite. Queer sex magic, power sigils, deities that reflect diversity... and more. Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, agender, genderqueer, or some other queer orientation, or you are curious about tools to access magic beyond what is often discussed, this book is for you. Each piece is a unique and passionate chance to look into your own relationship with magic, break out of the tales of what your practice "should" look like, and expand your awareness into the queer magic as well as your own power beyond boundaries. Table of ContentsTable of Contents Introduction: A Journey Into Queer Magic(s) 1 Lee Harrington and Tai Fenix Kulystin Hex the Patriarchy 6 InÉs Ixierda Inclusive Wicca Manifesto 7 Yvonne Aburrow Wai-Water 15 Adare QUEERING TANTRA: A QUEER BLACK WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE 16 Maisha Najuma Aza, MSW The Glitterheart Path of Connecting with Transcestors 28 Pavini Moray It’s not the End Papacon 34 From “The Initiate,” by J. Schwartz Queer-Fire Witchery: The Rainbow-Flame that Melts the Soul-Cage The Emerging Fluidity of Consciousness 35 Orion Foxwood For Thou Art Goddess: Creating Affirmative Goddess Community 42 Susan Harper, PhD Bear Woman 53 Malcolm Maune The Queer Gods of Alchemy 54 Steve Dee Interview with Clyde Hall, Shoshone Two-Spirit Elder 64 wolfie Protect All Queers sigil 76 InÉs Ixierda Walking With Mystery 77 W. L. Bolm Creation: Step One 85 Adare Living in Attunement with Sensation Rather than Identity 86 Z Griss UmsnÚa: Ergi and inversion in Old Norse magical practice 99 Abby Helasdottir CityHearted 107 Stan Stanley The Passion of Agdistis: Gender Transgression, Sexual Trauma, Time Travel, and Ritualized Madness in Greco-Anatolian Revival Cultus 111 Alder Knight and Rocket Between Starshine and Clay: DIY Black Queer Divination 125 Almah LaVon Rice Manx poderosx: queer abundance 130 InÉs Ixierda Finding the Unnamed Path 131 Michael Greywolf Anba Dlo/Under The Water 136 Alex Batagi (Bonkira Bon Oungan) Watch Out Tree 142 InÉs Ixierda A Drag Queen Possessed And Other Queer Club Magic 143 Aaron Oberon Castro Madonna 150 Adare Embodying the Phoenix: The Transformation of Queer Erotic Alchemy 151 Tai Fenix Kulystin thaMind-Sol Lady’s Revenge 162 M.C. MoHagani Magnetek Gentle Affirmation 168 Dmitri Arbacauskas The Magic of the Eight Queer Deities 169 Adrian Moran Talk Story 173 Adare Redefining and Repurposing Polarity 174 Ivo DomÍnguez, Jr. Power Sigils for Our Time 180 Laura Tempest Zakroff chapter 23: the plague years 181 wolfie Blood, Body, Birth, and Emptiness Queer Magic in My Life and Work 192 Yin Q Power from the Edges: An exploration of magical to support justice workers 198 Charlie Stang Candlespell 208 InÉs Ixierda The Maypole and the Labyrinth: Reimagining the Great Rite 209 Sam ‘Eyrie’ Ward Sharing a Sacred Meal 216 Thista Minai Adapted from “Casting a Queer Circle: Non-Binary Witchcraft” Towards a Healed Femininity In Every Body 220 By Michaela S. Creedon Release Ritual 232 InÉs Ixierda Hunting Lions & Slaying Serpents: An Execration Rite 233 Jay Logan Golden Waves & Priestess Bodies: Establishing a Queer-Centric Poly-Normative Aphrodite Cultus in Cascadia 239 Reverend Teri D. Ciacchi MSW Non-Binary Witches 251 EJ Landsman The Queer Journey of the Wheel 253 Steve Kenson Edge 264 Adare Interview with Blackberri, Queer Activist and Lucumi Elder 265 wolfie I Am God/dess: Possession and Gender Identity 277 Doug Middlemas (Ade Kola) Fragile Masculinity 2 284 Malcolm Maune The Unfettered Mind Allows for The Free Flow of Spirit. 285 Cazembe Abena Queer Elements: Working with Interstitial Energies 293 Lee Harrington Banishment Sigil 303 Dmitri Arbacauskas The Endlessly Enfolding Mirror: An Introduction to the Queer Sex Magic of Traditional Witchcraft 304 Troll Huldren Altar 313 InÉs Ixierda Fluid Magic 314 Lucecita Cruz The Fluidity of Spirit 319 Laura Tempest Zakroff Biographies 320

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Book SynopsisHumanity stands at the threshold of a new phase of Earth's planetary evolution. Breathtaking possibilities - in tune with the evolutionary path of the universe - are now available. Yet the question arises: Does humanity have the ideas, foresight and potential for action that could create a culture that corresponds to the planet's transformation? In the midst of distressing ecological crises, Marko Pogacnik offers fresh hope. Having worked intensively in the fields of holistic ecology (geomancy) and Earth-healing for four decades, he now formulates a vision of a culture based on co-creation with Gaia (the Earth), her elemental worlds and beings from parallel evolutions. Creating Gaia Culture is also a workbook, featuring dozens of drawings and meditative exercises to help transcend mental obstacles by cultivating the quality of living imagination. Pogacnik - UNO Goodwill Ambassador and UNESCO Artist for Peace - presents numerous ways to collaborate with the process of creating Gaia culture. He allows us to look into the primeval source of the future by interpreting the ancient book of the biblical Apocalypse - a text that holds the secret of Earth changes in a coded vision of a new human civilization - and uses his experiences, visions, dream stories and communications with beings from parallel worlds to trigger pictures that can enable a new human culture become a tactile reality.Table of ContentsPart 1: Introduction - Exercises 1 with Gaia messages and imaginations - Part 2: Gaia Culture-Individual aspects - Exercises 2 - Part 3: Apocalypse as a matrix of the future culture - Exercises 3 - Part 4: Recreating Human Society - Exercises 4 - Part 5: Cooperation with parallel worlds - Exercises 5 - Conclusion: Arriving at the threshold of Gaia Culture - Gaia Culture Manifesto

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Book SynopsisOne of the first tarot decks to incorporate Caribbean and Latin American symbolism and culture both past and present, featuring vibrant, colorful artwork.Secrets of Paradise Tarot is an inclusive tarot deck like no other, taking a Caribbean and Latin American approach to symbolism. It''s an invitation to discover the hidden secrets of paradise and many beautiful aspects of Latin culture through the sacred art of tarot. This deck showcases religious practices from the Caribbean islands and throughout Latin American countries as well as highlighting local food, animal species, natural and historical landmarks, and music, art, and culture.Latinx tarot readers, enthusiasts, and experimenters who don''t see themselves reflected in the classic card decks will connect deeply with the wisdom of this deck. Rather than trying to connect with symbolism that doesn''t resonate, these readers will gravitate towards the creative symbolism in Secrets of Paradise Tarot:

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Book SynopsisOlga Bogdashina argues persuasively that, contrary to popular belief, spirituality plays a vital role in the lives of many people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Drawing on interdisciplinary research from fields as diverse as psychology, philosophy, anthropology, linguistics, neuroscience and religion, as well as first-hand experiences of people on the spectrum, she shows how people with ASD experience their inner worlds and sense of self, and how this shapes the spiritual dimension of their lives and vice versa. She presents a coherent framework for understanding the routes of spiritual development and 'spiritual giftedness' within this group, offering insights that will inform understanding of how to support and nurture spiritual wellbeing in people with ASDs. This book gives a voice to both verbal and non-verbal individuals on the autism spectrum whose spiritual experiences, though often unconventional, are meaningful and profound. It is essential reading for all those interested in the spiritual wellbeing of this group, including pastoral carers and counsellors, ministers of religion, spiritual leaders, parents and carers and individuals on the autism spectrum.Trade ReviewA powerful guide recommended for any spirituality collection and for any dealing with autism and its larger religious ramifications. -- Midwest Book ReviewThe book is not about the spirituality of individual autistic persons but rather Olga Bogdashina is daring to try to chart a way through big and contested subjects... Indeed what is Autism like and how might what we learn of autistic understanding and experience shed light on spirituality more generally? -- from the foreword by Christine Trevitt, Emeritus Professor, Cardiff UniversityTable of ContentsForeword by Christine Trevett. Foreword by Larry Culliford. Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. What's in a Word? 2. Defining Autism. 3. Defining Spirituality. 4. Sensitivities in Autism. 5. Different Realities: Constructed Worlds Created through the Filters. 6. What is Self? Or, What/Who Am 'I'? 7. 'Autistic Personality'. 8. Spiritual Experiences. 9. Sense of Right and Wrong. 10. Spiritual Development. Endword (and Beyond). Afterword by Nancy Getty. References. Index.

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