Complete Book Of Incense, Oils & Brews (Llewellyn's Practical Magick)
by Scott Cunningham
from Llewellyn Publications
The Witches' Almanac 2008-2009 (Witches Almanac)
from The Witches' Almanac Ltd
The Witches' Almanac has been acclaimed for the quality of its content, art, and design since 1971. It now appears in an excellent updated format. Enlarged to a six-by-nine-inch size, the annual publication offers 136 pages of reading pleasure. The beautifully designed new color cover is laminated to provide a sturdy, "always a keepsake" finish.
This year's article lineup is world-class; articles include: Hsi Wang Mu and peach-tree immortality, the horoscope of Dr. Emoto and a look into his research (positive thought's effect on water crystals), consequences of trance, cryptic Enoch unveiled, women athletes of ancient Greek Olympics, interpreting the Year of the Rat, and a history of Tarot. You will relish sassy Roman shrewdness with Aesop and a Nigerian wisdom tale: both ancient in origin, both full of fun. Plus, we include "Aphrodite and Adonis" from our newest publication, Greek Gods in Love, by Barbara Stacy: The flighty goddess of love falls head over heels for the handsomest of mortals.
Along with the new, old favorites still abound: the Moon Calendar, astrology by Dikki-Jo Mullen, and weather forecasts from climatologist Tom Lang. As always, this is a delightful companion for adept, occultist, and those who simply enjoy gleaning lore and legends, ancient rituals, herbal secrets, interviews and biographies, mystic incantations, and many a curious tale of good and evil.
Arcane symbols and intriguing graphic images, including many rare medieval woodcuts, always add to the enjoyment of The Witches' Almanac.
Dictionary of Angels: Including the Fallen Angels
by Gustav Davidson
from Free Press
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic
by Scott Cunningham
from Llewellyn Publications
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic
The Classic Guide to Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic
Practice an ancient magic that is both natural and powerful-the elemental Earth magic of rock, stone, and metal. This comprehensive and clear guidebook by Scott Cunningham has introduced over 200,000 readers to the secrets of over 100 gems and metals. Learn how to find and cleanse stones and use them in divinations, spells, and tarot readings. Discover how to determine the energies and stories contained within each stone, and the symbolic meanings of a stone's color and shape. Also included in this classic guide are: • A 16-page full-color insert, new with this edition • Birthstone and jewelry magic lore • Tables listing both planetary and elementary rulers of stones, magical intentions, and magical substitutions
The Odyssey (Cliffs Notes)
by Stanley P. Baldwin
from Cliffs Notes
The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.
In CliffsNotes on The Odyssey, you follow along on Homer's grand adventure. This epic poem unfurls the story of Odysseus' triumph over Troy and arduous journey home to reclaim his kingdom. At 2,500 years old, it is one of the finest books ever written; as poetry, it sets the standard for comparison; and it serves as one of the foundations of the Western world's cultural heritage.
This study guide carries you along on Odysseus' journey by providing summaries and critical analyses of each book. You'll also explore the life and background of the epic, Homer, and gain insight into the Homeric Question. Other features that help you study include
- Character analyses of major players
- A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
- Critical essays on the literary devices and major symbols of The Odyssey
- A review section that tests your knowledge
- A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sites
Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.
An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya
by Mary Miller
from Thames & Hudson
The myths and beliefs of the great pre-Columbian civilizations of Mesoamerica have baffled and fascinated outsiders ever since the Spanish Conquest. Yet, until now, no single-volume introduction has existed to act as a guide to this labyrinthine symbolic world. The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya is the first-ever English-language dictionary of Mesoamerican mythology and religion. Nearly 300 entries, from accession to yoke, describe the main gods and symbols of the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Maya, Teotihuacanos, Mixtecs, Toltecs, and Aztecs. Topics range from jaguar and jester gods to reptile eye and rubber, from creation accounts and sacred places to ritual practices such as bloodletting, confession, dance, and pilgrimage. In addition, two introductory essays provide succinct accounts of Mesoamerican history and religion, while a substantial bibliographical survey directs the reader to original sources and recent discussions. Dictionary entries are illustrated with photographs and specially commissioned line drawings. Mary Miller and Karl Taube draw on their research in the fast-changing field of Maya studies, and on the latest Mexican discoveries, to produce an authoritative work that will serve as a standard reference for students, scholars, and travelers.
Never Shower in a Thunderstorm: Surprising Facts and Misleading Myths About Our Health and the World We Live In
by Anahad O'Connor
from Times Books
A compendium of answers to the curious and nagging questions of how to keep healthy, Never Shower in a Thunderstorm will provide guidance and amusement to anyone who has ever wondered if the mosquitoes really are attacking her more than everyone else. (Yes, they are.)
2008 Magical Almanac: Practical Magic for Everyday Living (Llewellyn's Magical Almanac)
by Llewellyn
from Llewellyn Publications
How can we stay grounded amid the hustle-bustle of today? Try working with the elements-earth, air, fire, and water-to reconnect with what's important in life.
From emergency spells to magical body art, beginners and long-time practitioners will find dozens of ways to magically enhance everyday life. This edition includes articles-grouped by element-on building relationships with familiars, conducting rituals in public, creating home altars, celebrating Wiccan holidays, magical DNA, rune readings, techno-magic, and much more.
Also included are the Moon's sign and phase, along with incense and color correspondences, to help you maximize the potential of your work.
The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets
by Barbara G. Walker
from HarperOne
This fascinating, scholarly hodgepodge spotlights the feminist underpinnings of myth, religion, and culture. Before being lionized as zaftig Norse angels who guided strong warriors to Valhalla, Valkyries may have offered rebirth through cannibalization. "Little Red Riding Hood" was based on Diana, goddess of the hunt. Marriage was once considered a sin, not a sacred union: St. Bernard once proclaimed "it was easier for a man to bring the dead back to life than to live with a woman without endangering his soul." A few of the other topics expounded upon are the Milky Way, Cinderella, the moon, and males giving birth. While some of the references put a cranky feminist spin on words that might in context have different meaning--St. Paul's oft-quoted "better to marry than to burn," for example--much in this vast tome will dazzle dabblers and intellectuals alike.
Do You Know...
- where the legend of a cat's nine lives comes from?
- why "mama" is a word understood in nearly all languages?
- how the custom of kissing began?
- whether there really was a female pope?
- why Cinderella's glass slipper was so important to the Prince?
The answers to these and countless other intriguing questions are given in this compulsively readable, feminist encyclopedia. Twenty-five years in preparation, this unique, comprehensive sourcebook focuses on mythology anthropology, religion, and sexuality to uncover precisely what other encyclopedias leave out or misrepresent. The Woman's Encyclopedia presents the fascinating stories behind word origins, legends, superstitions, and customs. A browser's delight and an indispensable resource, it offers 1,350 entries on magic, witchcraft, fairies, elves, giants, goddesses, gods, and psychological anomalies such as demonic possession; the mystical meanings of sun, moon, earth, sea, time, and space; ideas of the soul, reincarnation, creation and doomsday; ancient and modern attitudes toward sex, prostitution, romance, rape, warfare, death and sin, and more.
Tracing these concepts to their prepatriarchal origins, Barbara G. Walker explores a "thousand hidden pockets of history and custom in addition to the valuable material recovered by archaeologists, orientalists, and other scholars."
Not only a compendium of fascinating lore and scholarship, The Woman's Encyclopedia is a revolutionary book that offers a rare opportunity for both women and men to see our cultural heritage in a fresh light, and draw upon the past for a more humane future.
The Great Encyclopedia Of Faeries
by Pierre Dubois
from Simon & Schuster
They are known as the Little People, the Beautiful Maidens, the Godmothers, the Blessed, the Ageless Ones...for it is dangerous to say the name "faeries" without good reason. Ruling over earth, air, fire, and water, they protect forests, animals, and children, and in their hands lie the dreamy souls of all creatures.
The faeries rose from the mist long, long ago, in the time of the Golden Age -- well before the creation of gods and men. In their magical fancy they created the singing grasses and the reflection of springs, the music of legends and the far side of the mirror. From the Valkyries of Valhalla to the Babouchka of Russia, Banshees, Dryads, Bogey Beasts, Sirens, and their ilk populate the imaginations and the forests of every culture.
In this comprehensive celebration of the world of faery, renowned French elficologist Pierre Dubois describes the extraordinary richness of the faery kingdom, presenting dozens and dozens of lushly illustrated entries on the most powerful and enchanting denizens of this magical world. Dubois provides readers with authoritative information detailing the customs, habitat, and activities of these Little People. Faery Godmothers, we discover, were originally tall, distinguished, and rather severe; only recently have they taken up the magic wands and cheerful smiles we know them for today. We learn that the favorite foods of the Arthurian faery Viviane are the blackberries that surround Merlin's tomb. And among the customs and activities of the Bogey Beast, the prime goal is indeed to scare little children...if only for their protection.
Dubois's entrancing descriptions are accompanied by Roland and Claudine Sabatier's marvelous illustrations, which depict the appearance of the faeries, the places where they are found, and their familiar objects. Without revealing any faery confidences (which must never be betrayed), Dubois and the Sabatiers have created a comprehensive and utterly enchanting survey of a magical world as old as time.
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