Ancient religions and Mythologies

Consulting a wide range of key texts and source material, Animals, Gods and Humans covers 800 years and provides a detailed analysis of early Christian attitudes to, and the position of, animals in Greek and Roman life and thought.

Consulting a wide range of key texts and source material, Animals, Gods and Humans covers 800 years and provides a detailed analysis of early Christian attitudes to, and the position of, animals in Greek and Roman life and thought.

The son of Zeus, Perseus belongs in the first rank of Greek heroes.

The son of Zeus, Perseus belongs in the first rank of Greek heroes.

A Handbook to the Reception of Classical Mythology presents a collection of essays that explore a wide variety of aspects of Greek and Roman myths and their critical reception from antiquity to the present day.

A Handbook to the Reception of Classical Mythology presents a collection of essays that explore a wide variety of aspects of Greek and Roman myths and their critical reception from antiquity to the present day.

Exploring Religion in Ancient Egypt offers a stimulating overview of the study of ancient Egyptian religion by examining research drawn from beyond the customary boundaries of Egyptology and shedding new light on entrenched assumptions.

Exploring Religion in Ancient Egypt offers a stimulating overview of the study of ancient Egyptian religion by examining research drawn from beyond the customary boundaries of Egyptology and shedding new light on entrenched assumptions.

In der Dunkelheit verbirgt sich ein uraltes Geheimnis, das in unserer lichttrunkenen modernen Welt allseits vergessen ist: Es gibt eine Große Mutter in der Tiefe der Zeit, die uns immer wieder durch Gefahren und Katastrophen geführt hat.

*; Examines the Eight Directions and the powers of their Winds, the Tides of the Day, and the eightfold year of modern Pagan practice*; Explores geomancy practices, how to work with spirits of place, and the power of mountains, rivers, caves, standing stones, and crossroads*; Shares spiritual exercises, including runic practices and divination techniques, as well as how to craft your own magical toolsIn this guide to the Way of the Eight Winds, Nigel Pennick explores the history and practice of traditional European Pagan spirituality, a path that recognizes and celebrates our relationship with the Cosmos and the creativity of Nature.

AN ACCLAIMED, EMMY-NOMINATED TV SERIES ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEOWINNER OF THE HUGO, LOCUS AND BRAM STOKER AWARDS'To give him his full title: Neil Gaiman, Architect of Worlds, Svengali of Plot, Shaman of Character, Exploder of Clich , Master Craftsman of Style, Dreamer Laureate of the Republic of Letters' DAVID MITCHELL'Original, engrossing, and endlessly inventive' GEORGE R.

The legend of King Arthur lives on.

War.

Blood.

Boy.

The author of this book, Dr.

'Brilliantly funny.

In this important new book, the distinguished Egyptologist Jan Assmann provides a masterful overview of a crucial theme in the religious history of the West - that of 'religio duplex', or dual religion.

An unparalleled exploration of magic in the Greco-Roman worldWhat did magic mean to the people of ancient Greece and Rome?

Sicily and the strategies of empire in the poetic imagination of classical and medieval EuropeIn the first century BC, Cicero praised Sicily as Rome's first overseas province and confirmed it as the mythic location for the abduction of Proserpina, known to the Greeks as Persephone, by the god of the underworld.

The forgotten story of the nineteenth-century freethinkers and twentieth-century humanists who tried to build their own secular religionIn The Church of Saint Thomas Paine, Leigh Eric Schmidt tells the surprising story of how freethinking liberals in nineteenth-century America promoted a secular religion of humanity centered on the deistic revolutionary Thomas Paine (1737-1809) and how their descendants eventually became embroiled in the culture wars of the late twentieth century.

Gedanken und Ideen in zeitgemäßem GewandWie würden Platos bedeutendste Ideen aussehen, wenn sie in einer Welt mit Strom entstanden wären?

She chose love.

Kickass mercenary Kate Daniels is back in another breakneck urban fantasy adventure.

Crow was Ted Hughes's fourth book of poems for adults and a pivotal moment in his writing career.

Geography, Religion, Gods, and Saints in the Eastern Mediterranean explores the influence of geography on religion and highlights a largely unknown story of religious history in the Eastern Mediterranean.

'Thick fog, shifting alliances and clever magic make the perfect backdrop for a sweeping romance - One Dark Window is enthralling from beginning to shocking end' Hannah Whitten, bestselling author of For the WolfELSPETH NEEDS A MONSTER.

A modern retelling of Sophocles' classic play, Antigone, by bestselling writer and poet Hollie McNishAs the daughter of Oedipus, Antigone was dealt a cruel hand at birth - even within the bounds of Grecian tragedy.

Discover what the cards hold with this clear, inspiring guide to tarot.

*; Explains how the 12 nights after the winter solstice offer the ideal opportunity for inner focusing, seeing signs, and laying the foundation for the year to come *; Shares reflective themes and exercises for each night (and the day to follow) and guided meditations to deepen the experience The season of Yuletide--the 12 nights following the winter solstice--offers the ideal opportunity for inner focusing, for seeing signs, and for planting seeds for the future.

*; Describes the Celtic rituals of honoring death and dying and offers prayers, meditations, and blessings for the time of transition *; Offers reflective questions and exercises to explore your beliefs, attitudes, and fears around your own death *; Includes the sacred meditation of traveling with the dead as offered by an anam-ire or Celtic soul carer THE CELTS BELIEVED in the transmigration of the soul, in the magical rhythm of life with a particular order of coming and going for each soul.

*; Emphasizes how shadow work, integrating past wounds, and healing our ancestry allows us to facilitate the ecstatic transition into the next life *; Offers exercises and visualizations to help us integrate emotions like anger and grief, which impact the soul's readiness to leave the body when the time comes *; Discusses what happens to our cells when we die with regard to the human energy field and explores the soul's journey through the ates or bardos In the Celtic tradition dying is considered an act of birthing, of our consciousness passing from this life to the next.

A guide to the history and practices of the Druids and the Celtic faith *; Reconstructs the Druidic faith from surviving remnants, parallels with other Indo-European traditions, and dedicated study of scholarly sources *; Details magical rites and ceremonies, methods for consecrating an outdoor temple, and customs for celebrating important festivals such as Beltaine and Samhain *; Discusses rules for firecraft, making offerings to deities and spirits, and the ancient Coligny calendar, including the names of the months in old Gaulish Druids and their magic, lore, and rituals have fascinated all those who encounter them, from the ancient Greeks and Romans onward.

A guide to ancient beliefs including instructions for magic and spellcasting*; Describes the arcane rituals, ancient beliefs, and secret rites of the Welsh Marches, including those of the Sin Eaters, Eye Biters, and Spirit Hunters*; Shares extracts from ancient texts stored in the archives of the National Museum of Wales, along with many original photographs of related artifacts*; Includes a Grimoire of the Welsh Marches, a wide collection of spells and magical workings along with practical instruction on crafting and castingIn this collaboration between a Druid and a witchcraft researcher, Jon G.

A complete guide to the techniques of the pre-Celtic Druids for understanding the past, present, and future *; Offers step-by-step instructions for a wealth of practices passed down across five generations of Welsh Druids *; Explains the three forms of divination used by the Druids: interpretive divination, such as reading the Sevens; inductive divination, such as reading the wind or smoke; and intuitive divination, whose tools include cup-stones and scrying mirrors *; Provides comprehensive instructions on how to craft and utilize your own magical instruments and tools, including botanical compounds, scrying wands, and slate speculum vitae In this practical guide, Jon G.

Meet the Greek gods as you have never seen themin LEGO form!

An innovative, spiritual workbook that integrates the Tarot and the Kabbalistic tradition of Counting the Omer *; Explores the origins and meaning of the 49-day Kabbalistic meditative practice of Counting the Omer and how it can lead to spiritual revelation, personal insight, and connection with the Divine *; Reveals the correspondence of the Tarot's minor arcana with the Sephirot of the Tree of Life and explains how both relate to the Omer meditation *; Provides a daily practice workbook that explores the related Sephirot and Tarot cards for each day, examines their Kabbalistic and spiritual meanings, and provides questions for daily reflection and meditation guidance The 49-day mystical practice known as Counting the Omer is an ancient Jewish ritual observed between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot (also known as Pentecost).

Reveals the historical roots of the symbology of the Tarot in the Mithraic tradition of the Persian Magi and the Hermetic tradition *; Explores the Magian teachings on the Stoeicheia and how this magical alphabet was the template for the Tarot *; Explains how the sequencing of the Major Arcana is related to the images used in Mithraic initiation *; Looks at the original meanings of the Major Arcana using Mithraic symbolism, as well as the deep-level connections of the Tarot with Egypt, the Romani people, the Semitic tradition, and runes The Tarot is a mythic map of the world and of consciousness.

A practical guide to using the sacred herbs of Samhain for healing, divination, purification, protection, magic, and as tools for contacting the Spirits *; Explores the identification, harvest, and safe practical and ritual use of more than 70 plants and trees sacred to the Celtic festival of Samhain, the origin of Halloween *; Details the most effective plants for protection from the mischief of Fairies, herbs for releasing the Dead, and visionary plants for divination and shamanic work *; Provides instructions and suggestions for a traditional Dumb Supper, offerings to the Land Spirits, Samhain rites, and recipes for the sacred foods of Samhain The ancient Celts separated the year into two halves, the light half and the dark half, summer and winter.

Reveals the long-forgotten prequel to the Grail mythos and how it has profound resonance with modern times *; Includes the complete text of the Grail prequel, The Elucidation of the Grail, a 13th-century poem newly translated by Gareth Knight and Caitln Matthews *; Examines the forgotten story of the Faery Wars and the role of Well Maidens in the Grail story *; Discusses the Seven Guardians of the Stories, the Grail Kings and Anti-Grail Kings, the Rich Company, the Courts of Joy, and the otherworldly Land of Women Unveiling the long-forgotten prequel to the Grail quest stories, Caitln and John Matthews examine The Elucidation of the Grail, a forgotten 13th-century French text, and show how it offers the key to understanding the sevenfold path of the Grail and the deeper stories beneath the Christian Grail narrative.

A collector's edition of the classic, illustrated, and comprehensive history of magic and the occult *; Written by renowned Surrealist and magic scholar Kurt Seligmann (1900-1962) *; Includes all 250 illustrations from the original 1948 edition *; Explores magical practices and beliefs from their origins in the ancient world through the heyday of secret societies in the 18th century In the occult classic The Mirror of Magic, renowned Surrealist Kurt Seligmann (1900-1962) draws from his encyclopedic practitioner's knowledge and extensive antiquarian collection to offer a comprehensive, illustrated history of magic and the occult from Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt through the 18th century.

A step-by-step guide to working with the runes throughout the year *; 2019 Nautilus Silver Award *; Explains how the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark each rule the calendar for a half-month *; Details the runes most powerful during each runic half-month, what they portend for personal and spiritual wellbeing, and techniques for creating relationships with them *; Includes structured devotionals for each half-month and runic initiation rituals for the 8 pagan Sabbats, or holy days, such as the Summer Solstice (Litha) and Lughnssadh (the first harvest holy day) The Old Norse runes, known as the Elder Futhark, have long joined forces with the cycles of the seasons to offer powerful initiations, guidance, and wisdom.

A controversial examination of the influence and presence of the Norse god Odin in contemporary history and culture *; Documents Odin's role in the rise of Nazi Germany, the 1960s counterculture revolution, nationalist and ecological political movements, and the occult revival *; Examines the spiritual influence of Odin in relation to Jesus Christ *; Profiles key individuals instrumental in the rise of the modern pagan renaissance Exploring the influence of the Norse god Odin in the modern world, Richard Rudgley reveals Odin's central role in the pagan revival and how this has fueled a wide range of cultural movements and phenomena, including Nazi Germany, the 1960s counterculture revolution, the Lord of the Rings, the ecology movement, and the occult underground.

A comprehensive examination of the intertwined mythology, folklore, and literary history of the little people *; Explores the pagan roots of dwarfs and elves and their evolution in myth and literature *; Reveals the role the church played in changing them from fearless, shape-shifting warriors with magical powers into cheerful helpmates and cute garden gnomes *; Traces their history from ancient Celtic and Germanic lore through their emergence in the literature of the Middle Ages to their modern popularization by the Brothers Grimm and Walt Disney Most people are familiar with the popular image of elves as Santa's helpers and dwarfs as little bearded men wearing red caps, who are mischievous and playful, helpful and sly, industrious and dexterous.

A comprehensive examination of the historical and mythological evidence for every major theory about King Arthur*; Explores the history of every Arthur candidate and the geographical arguments that have placed him in different locations*; Examines 1,800 years of evidence for Arthur's life and the famous series of 12 battles fought against the Saxons in the 6th century*; Reconstructs the history of the 6th century in Britain, when the first references to Arthur and the core events of his reign appearFew legends have had the enduring influence of those surrounding King Arthur.

Traces the origins of the Sheela na gig from Medieval times to Paleolithic cave art *; Reveals the sacred display of the vulva to be a universal archetype and the most enduring image of creativity throughout the world *; Provides meditations on the Sheelas the author encountered in Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, allowing readers to commune with the power of these icons *; Includes more than 150 photographs and illustrations from around the world For millennia, the human imagination has been devoted to the Goddess, so it is hardly a surprise to find images of supernatural females like Sheela na gigs adorning sacred and secular architecture throughout Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland.

An experiential guide to the wisdom preserved in Europe's far north*; Includes shamanic journeys to connect with deities and your ancestral shamans*; Provides step-by-step instructions to prepare for and conduct a seir ceremony*; Draws on archaeological evidence and surviving written records from Iceland*; Reveals the long tradition of female shamans in northern European shamanismShamanism is humanity's oldest spiritual tradition.

Discover the untamed paganism of the Vikings and the Germanic tribes prior to the complete Christianization of Europe *; Explores the different forms of magic practiced by these tribes, including runic magic, necromancy (death magic), soul-travel, and shape-shifting *; Examines their rites of passage and initiation rituals and their most important gods, such as Odin, Loki, and Thor *; Looks at barbarian magic in historical accounts, church and assembly records, and mythology as well as an eyewitness report from a 10th-century Muslim diplomat *; Reveals the use and abuse of this tradition's myths and magic by the Nazis Before the conversion of Europe to Christianity in the Middle Ages, Germanic tribes roamed the continent, plundering villages and waging battles to seek the favor of Odin, their god of war, ecstasy, and magic.

An exploration of the wild spirits that once roamed the lands and inhabited the waters and the pagan rites used to gain their good will *; Explores medieval stories and folk traditions of brownies, fairies, giants, dragons, will-o'-the-wisps, and demons *; Explains the specific rites performed to negotiate with the local spirits and ensure their permission before building on new land *; Shows how these beliefs carried through to modern times, especially in architecture Our pagan ancestors knew that every forest has brownies and fairies, every spring its lady, and every river malevolent beings in its depths.

A practical guide to the magical history, customs, and practices of pre-Christian Northern Europe *; Details the everyday magic of the Northern Tradition, including household magic, protection spells, and the significance of the days of the week *; Explores direct natural magic, such as shapeshifting and soul travel, and talismanic or sigil magic, including runes and rituals to unlock the power of crafted objects *; Explains how many of these customs continue to the present day In the pre-Christian societies of Northern Europe, magic was embedded in the practical skills of everyday life.