Cultural studies

By understanding osogbo, the spirits of misfortune, we can better overcome them and return to health and balance in our lives *; Explains how misfortune works in this world as living spirits that plague humanity but are also a catalyst for self-development and conscious evolution *; Shows that we can overcome osogbo through eb, sacrifice, and hard work as prescribed by consulting the orishas through the casting of the diloggn *; Shares more than 40 ancient African sacred stories about the spirits of osogbo Beginning with the story of his goddaughter's battle with stage IV cancer, Lucumi priest cha'ni Lele explains the role of osogbo, or misfortune, in our lives.

A fully illustrated history of the Temple of Solomon *; Examines the Temple of Solomon in the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament, and Apocryphal writings *; Explores its role in the founding of Freemasonry, the legends of the Knights Templar, the doctrines of the Kabbalah, and the teachings of Islam *; Explains the sacred nature of the Temple Mount--the site of the Temple of Solomon--and the secrets that may still be hidden there *; Richly illustrated, including many photos and images from rare archives The spiritual heart of many esoteric societies, the Temple of Solomon was located atop the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, a site venerated by the three great monotheistic religions as the intersection of Divine and human.

A comprehensive study of the use of talismans and amulets in the Western Mystery Tradition *; Provides an in-depth look at the medieval and Renaissance use of amulets and talismans, including the work of Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Athanasius Kircher *; Provides a full summary of the magical knowledge required to make an amulet or talisman, including the invocations required to activate their powers *; Reviews different kinds of amulets and talismans, from ancient jewelry and magical objects to the modern rabbit's foot or lucky horseshoe The use of talismans and amulets stretches back nearly to the dawn of man, from everyday items magically prepared, such as horns or coins, to intricate and beautiful jewelry imbued with protective powers.

A practical guide to the many healing and purifying uses of the mineral known as shungite *; Explains how shungite counteracts the harmful effects of EMF and radiation from computers, cell phones, Wi-Fi, and other electronic devices *; Cites many double-blind scientific and medical studies on shungite *; Explores how shungite acts as a natural antioxidant, immune booster, pain reliever, and allergen suppressant as well as water purifier and revitalizer *; Reveals how shungite contains fullerenes, which recent research shows are able to slow both the growth of cancer cells and the development of AIDS Found near the small village of Shunga in Russia, the remarkable mineral known as shungite formed naturally more than two billion years ago from living single-cell organisms.

Details the process of spiritual initiation from aspirant to the highest Adept *; Explains the characteristics of each stage of initiation, including the associated psychological issues that need to be faced to move to the next stage *; Explores the long history of the Mystery traditions from ancient Egypt, Babylonia, and India to the modern Theosophy of Blavatsky and Bailey *; Reveals how the Brotherhood of Spiritual Adepts is increasing global tensions to prepare humanity for the Age of Aquarius and spiritual revelation As the precessional cycle transits from Pisces to Aquarius, great shifts in spiritual evolution are on the horizon--not for all of humanity as many in the New Age movement have generously hypothesized but for those who have undertaken the necessary spiritual preparation and initiatory work.

Understanding ecstatic spirit possession for physical and spiritual healing *; Details the author's direct experiences working with Brazilian miracle healer John of God (Joo de Deus) and African high shaman Credo Mutwa *; Includes stories of psychic surgery, spirit possession, and shamanic healing rituals *; Explains how each of us is capable of miraculous healing Margaret De Wys first became aware of ecstatic trance healing when she was a young girl fascinated by the rapture of the Holy Rollers.

A practical guide to recognizing and overcoming the patterns and influences of the four generations before you *; Provides exercises to uncover your family's psychological heritage, heal negative patterns of behavior and illness in your family tree, and discover your true self *; Explains how we are the product of two forces: repetition of familial patterns from the past and creation of new ideas from the Universal Consciousness of the future *; Interwoven with examples from Jodorowsky's own life and his work with the tarot, psychoanalysis, and psychomagic The family tree is not merely vital statistics about your ancestors.

The goddess origins of the Statue of Liberty and her connections with the founding and the future of America *; Examines Lady Liberty's ties to Native American spiritual traditions, the Earth Mother, Roman goddesses, Black Madonnas, and Mary Magdalene *; Reveals the sharp contrast between depicting ';liberty' as a female and the reality of women and other suppressed classes even today *; Explains how this Goddess of the New World inspires all people toward equality, compassion, peace-keeping, and environmental stewardship Uncovering the forgotten lineage of the Statue of Liberty, Bob Hieronimus and Laura Cortner explain how she is based on a female symbol representing America on the earliest maps of the continent in the form of a Native American ';Queen.

BDSM sexuality as a powerful tool for self-transformation and the realization of magical and spiritual aims *; Details how to combine the 6 major types of S&M stimulation with sexual stimulation for magical and transformative purposes *; Explores sado-magical workings from both submissive and dominant perspectives *; Traces the roots of the BDSM tradition from ancient pagan and shamanic rituals to historical figures such as the Marquis de Sade, Aleister Crowley, and Anton LaVey Sex magic allows us to tap in to the most abundant power source available: sexual energy.

A memorial volume to one of this century's most colorful and pioneering figures in the consciousness movement *; A wide array of individuals from all stages of Leary's life provides a comprehensive view of the man and his impact on American culture One of the most influential and controversial people of the 20th century, Timothy Leary inspired profound feelings--both pro and con--from everyone with whom he came into contact.

A detailed study of the history and usage of opium*; Explores the use of opium as a major healing herb and a popular relaxant*; Details the opium practices adhered to in the Chinese tradition*; Includes information on the suppression of opium by the modern pharmaceutical industryOpium.

A diagnosis of cancer leads to healing and transformation in the Amazon jungle *; Explains in vivid detail De Wys's experience of being healed from cancer through visionary ayahuasca rituals in Ecuador *; Describes her apprenticeship and relationship with the shaman who cured her *; Explores the ways this spiritual medicine can heal the emotional origins of disease now plaguing our modern technological culture *; Chosen as one of the ';Top 10 Books of the New Edge' by Jonathan Talat Phillips on The Huffington Post When composer and Bard College music professor Margaret De Wys learned she had breast cancer, the diagnosis shattered her comfortable life.

Examines how the ancient customs of constructing and keeping a house formed a sacred bond between homes and their inhabitants *; Shares many tales of house spirits, from cajoling the local land spirit into becoming one's house spirit to the good and bad luck bestowed by mischievous house elves *; Explains the meaning behind door and window placement, house orientation, horsehead gables, the fireplace or hearth, and the threshold *; Reveals the charms, chants, prayers, and building practices used by our ancestors to bestow happiness and prosperity upon their homes and their occupants Why do we hang horseshoes for good luck or place wreaths on our doors?

An investigation into experiences of other realms of existence and contact with otherworldly beings *; Examines how contact with alien life-forms can be obtained through the ';inner space' dimensions of our minds *; Presents evidence that other worlds experienced through consciousness-altering technologies are often as real as those perceived with our five senses *; Correlates science fiction's imaginal realms with psychedelic research For thousands of years, voyagers of inner space--spiritual seekers, shamans, and psychoactive drug users--have returned from their inner imaginal travels reporting encounters with alien intelligences.

A journey from Burning Man to the Akashic Field that suggest how 5-MeO-DMT triggers the human capacity for higher knowledge through direct contact with the zero-point field *; Examines Bufo alvarius toad venom, which contains the potent natural psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT, and explores its entheogenic use *; Proposes a new connection between the findings of modern physics and the knowledge held by shamans and religious sages for millennia The 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.

A guide to the practice of planetary magic *; Offers tools for practitioners of green magic and folk magic to incorporate astrology into their practice *; Includes an extensive collection of magical remedies to resolve astrological afflictions *; Provides information on creating planetary altars and the astrological correspondences of traditional pagan holidays Traditionally, magically oriented astrology has focused on Sun-sign horoscopes while modern Western astrology has focused on attempting to become as ';scientific' as possible in hopes of aligning with its sister science of astronomy.

One man's personal journey through the unparalleled trance states of salvia *; Originally published as Peopled Darkness *; Contains real-life descriptions of salvia-induced visionary experiences *; Offers guidance for the responsible use of this psychoactive plant *; Explores the shamanic awareness associated with salvia Salvia divinorum, which recently entered the visionary pharmacopoeia of the modern world, has been used for centuries in the shamanic practices of the Mazatec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico, for healing and divination.

*; A balanced, comprehensive guide to routine childhood vaccinations that offers parents the information they need to make the right choices for their child.

A guide to coping with fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome *; Reveals how to deal with each disorder and how treatments can interact or aggravate if more than one disorder is present *; Offers techniques to dispel the side effects created by these illnesses Fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome are often seen as interchangeable conditions, a belief held even by many health care providers.

A working guide on how to achieve financial success by working with the lwa, the spirits of Haitian Vodou *; Provides spells and spirit work for job hunting, financial success, and career advancement *; Spells included are detailed and easy to follow--learn to Heat Up Your Business with Ghede or Peruse the Want Ads with Legba Haitian Vodou is a very practical and scientific craft: either you please the spirits and get results or you don't--often for good reason.

A healing path using the power of dreams, theater, poetry, and shamanism *; Shows how psychological realizations can cause true transformation when manifested by concrete poetic acts *; Includes many examples of the surreal but successful actions Jodorowsky has prescribed to those seeking his help While living in Mexico, Alejandro Jodorowsky became familiar with the colorful and effective cures provided by folk healers.

True account of a decade-long apprenticeship with Huichol shamans in the Mexican Sierra Madre *; Contains an insider's view of the Huichol's shamanic spiritual practices, including their ritual use of peyote *; Offers the Huichol path to sustainable healing for individuals and our planet Never conquered by Europeans, the Huichol--known for their use of peyote in spiritual ceremonies--have thoroughly retained their ancient way of life.

The core teachings and riotous life of the psychedelic yogi Ganesh Baba *; Presents the teachings of Ganesh Baba's ';Crea' Yoga, which he derived from the tantric practices of traditional Kriya Yoga *; Explains the basic exercises for following the Crea (creative) Yoga practice *; Includes many anecdotes from the colorful life of this ';psychedelic' baba Shri Mahant Swami Ganeshanand Saraswati Giri (ca.

Hemp, Cannabis sativa, has been called the world's most versatile plant.

An exploration of the many forms of the ancient myth of the Wild Hunt and its influence in pagan and early Christian Europe *; Recounts the myriad variations of this legend, from the Cursed Huntsman and King Herla to phantom armies and vast processions of sinners and demons *; Explains how this belief was an integral part of the pagan worldview and was thus employed by the church to spread Christian doctrine *; Reveals how the secret societies of medieval Europe reenacted these ghostly processions for soul travel and prophecies of impending death Once upon a time a phenomenon existed in medieval Europe that continuously fueled local lore: during the long winter nights a strange and unknown troop could be heard passing outside over the land or through the air.

New York Times and USA Today BestsellerViral sensation and Emmy Award-winner Leslie Jordan regales fans with entertaining stories about the odd, funny, and unforgettable events in his life in this unmissable essay collection that echoes his droll, irreverent voice.

Why should America try to be more like countries that are worse in nearly every way?

A guide to the practices, tools, and rituals of New Orleans Voodoo as well as the many cultural influences at its origins *; Includes recipes for magical oils, instructions for candle workings, and directions to create gris-gris bags and Voodoo dolls to attract love, money, justice, and healing and for retribution *; Explores the major figures of New Orleans Voodoo, including Marie Laveau and Dr.

*; The first book to provide complete, specific instructions for casting the obi oracle of the Santera faith.

A working guide on how to find love and sexual fulfillment by working with the lwa, the spirits of Haitian Vodou *; The first book on wanga (love magic) by an actual Vodou initiate *; Provides spells and spirit work for many different problems associated with affairs of the heart *; Spells included are detailed and easy to follow Haitian Vodou, like other folk traditions, is an eminently practical craft.

A comprehensive guide to practicing the magic of the Qabbalah *; Spells for everyday problems related to health, love, prosperity, and protection *; Rituals for advanced high-level magic, such as invocation of angelic powers or spiritual vision *; Explains how to make and design talismans, amulets, and magic bowls, including harnessing the power of Hebrew letters in their designs *; Details the magical uses of 150 psalms The Qabbalah--the Jewish esoteric tradition--is richly woven with magical practices, from amulets and magic bowls to invocations and magical use of psalms.

The first comprehensive guide to oneirogens--naturally occurring substances that induce and enhance dreaming *; Includes extensive monographs on dream-enhancing substances derived from plant, animal, and human sources *; Presents the results of scientific experiments on the effects of using oneirogens *; Shows how studies in this area of ethnobotany can yield a scientific understanding of the mysterious mechanism of dreams Oneirogens are plant and animal substances that have long been used to facilitate powerful and productive dreaming.

What is the Nature of the social order that unquestionably produced one of the greatest and longest lasting civilizations known to humankind?

After 'Hit Man'The New York Times bestseller Confessions of an Economic Hit Man documents John Perkins' extraordinary career as a globe-trotting economic hit man.

Examines the left-hand path and reveals the masters of the tradition *; Explores the practices and beliefs of many left-hand path groups, including the Cult of Set, the Hell-Fire Club, and heretical Sufi, Zoroastrian, Christian, and Muslim sects *; Investigates many infamous occult personalities, including Helena Blavatsky, Aleister Crowley, the Marquis de Sade, and Anton LaVey *; Explains the true difference between the right-hand path and the left-hand path--union with and dependence on God versus individual freedom and self-empowerment From black magic and Satanism to Gnostic sects and Gurdjieff's Fourth Way, the left-hand path has been linked to many practices, cults, and individuals across the ages.

A look at the forgotten ancestors of the modern-day vampire, many of which have very different characteristics *; Looks at the many ancestoral forms of the modern vampire, including shroud eaters, appesarts, and stafi *; Presents evidence for the reality of this phenomenon from pre-19th-century newspaper articles and judicial records Of all forms taken by the undead, the vampire wields the most powerful pull on the modern imagination.

Reveals the true nature of medieval belief in the Double of the Soul *; Demonstrates the survival of a pagan belief that each individual owns three souls, including a double that can journey outside the physical body *; Explains the nature of death and the Other World hidden beneath the monsters and superstitions in stories from the Middle Ages Monsters, werewolves, witches, and fairies remain a strong presence in our stories and dreams.

A comprehensive examination of the rituals and philosophies of the Celtic holiday of Samhain, the inspiration for Halloween.

The first book to provide complete, specific instructions on casting the Diloggn, the cowrie-shell oracle of the Orishas.

The first book on Santera's holiest divination system to thoroughly explore each family of odu and how their actions and reactions affect the spiritual development of the client.

After 'Hit Man' The New York Times bestseller Confessions of an Economic Hit Man documents John Perkins' extraordinary career as a globe-trotting economic hit man.

The story of John Chang, the first man to be documented performing pyrokinesis, telekinesis, levitation, telepathy, and other paranormal abilities.

An exploration of the personal and spiritual truths revealed through LSD *; Reveals that LSD visions weave an ongoing story from trip to trip *; Shows that trips progress through three stages: personal issues and pre-birth consciousness, ego-loss, and on to the sacred *; Explores psychedelic use throughout history, including the mass hallucinations common in the Middle Ages and the early therapeutic use of LSD Toward the end of his fifties, Christopher Gray took, for the first time in years, a 100-microgram acid trip.

Leading experts on the science, history, politics, medicine, and potential of America's most popular recreational drug *; With contributions by Andrew Weil, Michael Pollan, Lester Grinspoon, Allen St.

The first book to explore the sacred myths of Santera *; Includes more than 100 myths, stories, and histories about the odu and the orishas *; Reassembles the oral fragments from the African diaspora into coherent stories *; Demonstrates that the African peoples, specifically the Yoruba, were deeply spiritual At the core of the diloggn--the sacred divination system of Santera--are the sacred stories known as the pataks, narratives whose themes are as powerful and relevant today as they were in the minds of the ancient Yoruba who safeguarded them.

The ultimate source text of Enochian Magic never before available in book form *; Contains the actual and complete Tables of Enoch given to Dr.

Psychedelics as therapeutic catalysts for emotional and spiritual transformation *; Explores the latest medical research on the healing powers of entheogens *; Reveals the crucial role of tribal and shamanic wisdom in psychedelic medicine *; Provides guidelines for working with psychedelics, including the author's personal healing and recommendations for creating change on the spiritual and societal levels Banned after promising research in the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, the use of psychedelics as therapeutic catalysts is now being rediscovered at prestigious medical schools, such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, NYU, and UCLA.

After 'Hit Man'The New York Times bestseller Confessions of an Economic Hit Man documents John Perkins' extraordinary career as a globe-trotting economic hit man.

Decidir si uno quiere o cuando se debe vacunar un niño, es una de las decisiones de la salud más difíciles y más importantes que hará un padre.

Discusses the Buddhist meaning of true love and how to attain it in the modern world.