The enigmatic and richly illustrative tarot deck reveals a host of strange and iconic mages, such as The Tower, The Wheel of Fortune, The Hanged Man and The Fool: over which loom the terrifying figures of Death and The Devil. The 21 numbered playing cards of tarot have always exerted strong fascination, way beyond their original purpose, and the multiple resonances of the deck are ubiquitous. From T. S. Eliot and his "wicked pack of cards" in "The Waste Land" to the psychic divination of Solitaire in Ian Fleming's "Live and Let Die"; and from the satanic novels of Dennis Wheatley to the deck's adoption by New Age practitioners, the cards have in modern times become inseparably connected to the occult. They are now viewed as arguably the foremost medium of prophesying and foretelling. Yet, as the author shows, originally the tarot were used as recreational playing cards by the Italian nobility in the Renaissance. It was only much later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, that the deck became associated with esotericism before evolving finally into a diagnostic tool for mind, body and spirit. This is the first book to explore the remarkably varied ways in which tarot has influenced culture. Tracing the changing patterns of the deck's use, from game to mysterious oracular device, Helen Farley examines tarot's emergence in 15th century Milan and discusses its later associations with astrology, kabbalah and the Age of Aquarius.

Magic is usually defined as a non-modern phenomenon, contrasted with modern rationalism and science. However, the idea of magic has remained persistent in scholarly discourse throughout history from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment and beyond. This volume explores how the notion of magic is articulated and theorised in the writing of history. Departing from writing "about" magic in history, this volume addresses magic as it relates to the trajectories of intellectual history as a whole, with particular reference to a diverse series of case studies in thought about magic. The author also engages with the history and philosophy of science; operating within this framework, the author argues that magic has always been figured as "medieval" in the formulation of the discourses of modernity, and that thinking or writing about magic has engendered multiple epistemological crises. Through these controversies, the idea of magic and the occult has profoundly unsettled the understanding of history in Western culture. The resulting study is an investigation of the implications of magic (and the study of magic) for intellectual history.

We all desire to live truer, happier and more meaningful lives; yet, many of us are uncertain how exactly to go about achieving enduring success and happiness. In her guidebook "Awaken and Unleash Your Victor," author Ogor Winnie Okoye shares time-tested principles, personal experiences, and dynamic strategies in order to help others awaken and unleash their inner victor.

In the wake of a miscarriage, a crumbling marriage, and a life overrun by immense stress and worry, Ogor Winnie Okoye was surprised to discover that the secret to enduring self-contentment, and triumph was buried deep within her soul. While relying on what she learned on her own journey of self-discovery, Ogor Winnie Okoye shares the victor-driven principles that will assist others in not only transforming their lives for the better, but also in helping to positively change and impact the world around them. Self-fulfillment and happiness seekers can learn how to

face fear and stop worrying about what others think;

embrace strengths and acknowledge weaknesses;

change negative thinking patterns;

attract positive and inspiring sensations;

manifest desires and goals.

"Awaken and Unleash Your Victor" shares inspiring advice that will encourage anyone to step out of the normal and onto a courageous path toward self-improvement.

From the 1990s the British developed an interest in
natural burial, also known as woodland, green, or ecological burial. Natural
burial constitutes part of a long, historical legacy for British funeral
innovation; from Victorian cemetery monuments and garden cemeteries through the
birth and rise of cremation to the many things done with cremated remains. The
book sets natural burial in the context of such creative dealing with death,
grief, mourning, and the celebration of life. Themes from sociology and
anthropology combine with psychological issues and theological ideas to show
how human emotions take shape and help people consider their own death whilst
also dealing with the death of those they love.
The authors explore the variety of motivations for
people to engage with natural burial and its popular appeal, using interviews
with people having a relationship with one natural burial site created by the
Church of England but open to all. They illustrate people's understandings of
life and death in the sacred, secular and mixed worlds of modern Britain.

In "Retha's Song: A Rhapsody of the Soul, "Retha hears her "God," the sun, speak to her for the first time at the age of seven. He speaks of a baby boy being born who lived far away from her and is her beloved. As long as she listens to God's voice and stays on her path and the young boy stays on his path, with God's guidance, they will meet.

She strays many times from the voice of God and her path. During the journey, she is struck with a devastating Bipolar Disorder, and her young son is diagnosed with Crohn's disease, which nearly took his life. Her faith began taking new direction, and she began experiencing phenomenal supernatural events in her life. Her intuition became increasingly powerful; however, internal, mind-altering suffering kept plaguing her.

Music, directed by the angels, was the compelling force that was the interwoven thread that could bring these two souls together, as they are both singers and songwriters. Could a miracle happen?

It is inescapable-the issues of life affect everyone. Ways we choose to accept those issues and deal with them vastly differ. When these issues arise, we can go through the stages of depression, self-doubt, and even the doubt of our God. In the midst of it all, we must remember that God will never put more on us than we can bear. He has already placed within us what we need to survive these issues.

The most important aspect of our existence is that every living thing is subject to two forms of evolutionary trends. One is physical, which deals with the investigation of nature by means of science and technology. The other is spiritual, which requires an investigation of nature through perceptive power, commonly achieved through meditative practices.

In "Spiritual Wisdom, author Ramesh Malhotra explores the evolution of the attainment of spiritual knowledge and inner tranquility and peace. Through practical examples of how to apply these spiritual principles to everyday life, he provides insight into the four tenets of eternal wisdom: mythological wisdom, inspirational wisdom, transcendental wisdom, and absolute truth. He provides an overview of the history of spiritual wisdom, the elements of lower and higher knowledge, and the process of self-revitalization.

Providing an in-depth investigation and discussion of the spiritual knowledge and guidance found within the Bhagavad Gita, Malhotra encourages further exploration of spiritual wisdom and enlightenment in order to bring peace, tranquility, and happiness to every life journey.