I 1460 kom munken Leonardo de Pistoia til Cosimo de Medicis hoff i Italia, med en samling greske traktater. Disse skulle vise seg for ettertiden a bli grunnsteinen i den sakalte hermetiske laere. Tekstenes hovedperson er den mytiske vismannen Hermes Trismegistus som har likhetstrekk med sa vel Bibelens Moses som romernes Merkur og egypternes Thoth. Det er disse traktatene som for ettertiden er blitt kalt Corpus Hermeticum, og som apenbarer en personlig erkjennelseslaere. Verket har i arhundrene etter det ble tilgjengliggjort gatt sin seiersgang gjennom filosofiske og religiose kretser. Det har fascinert, inspirert og provosert, og tekstenes rikdom har en dybde som evner a gripe sa vel forskere, som menn og kvinner pa soken etter andelig veiledning pa livets stier, pa vei mot menneskets fullbyrdels

Witchcraft and Magic in Europe, Volume 5 The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries Edited by Bengt Ankarloo and Stuart Clark "Although the volumes are intended mainly for scholars, there is much in them to interest the common reader."--"New Yorker" "Reminds readers of the extent to which science, reason, and skepticism failed to destroy the realm of arcane arts and nightmares."--"History" The roots of European witchcraft and magic lie in Hebrew and other ancient Near Eastern cultures and in the Celtic, Nordic, and Germanic traditions of the Continent. For two millennia, European folklore and ritual have been imbued with the belief in the supernatural, yielding a rich trove of histories and images. A series that combines traditional approaches of political, legal, and social historians with critical syntheses of cultural anthropology, historical psychology, and gender studies, Witchcraft and Magic in Europe provides a modern, scholarly survey of the supernatural beliefs of Europeans from ancient times to the present day. Each of the six volumes in the series contains the work of distinguished scholars chosen for their expertise in a particular era or region. The eighteenth century saw the end of witch trials everywhere. The authors chart the process of and reasons for the decriminalization of witchcraft, but also challenge the widespread assumption that Europe then became "disenchanted." Here for the first time are surveys of the social role of witchcraft in European communities, as well as a full treatment of Victorian supernaturalism and of the continued importance of witchcraft and magic as topics of debate among intellectuals and other writers. Other volumes in the series Witchcraft and Magic in Europe: Ancient Greece and Rome The Twentieth Century Biblical and Pagan Societies The Middle Ages The Period of the Witch Trials Bengt Ankarloo is Professor of History at Lund University, Sweden. Stuart Clark is Professor of History at the University of Wales, Swansea. 1999 288 pages 6 1/8 x 9 1/4 ISBN 978-0-8122-1706-3 Paper $24.95s 16.50 Not for sale outside North America and the Philippines History, Anthropology, Religion Short copy: Topics include the decline of the witchcraft trials and the role of witchcraft and magic in enlightenment, romantic, and liberal thought.

"A marvelous book, at once comprehensive and highly readable, a fascinating analysis of doomsday cults and apocalyptic anxiety." --Michael Owen Jones, University of California, Los Angeles "The End of the World As We Know It makes accessible to both scholars and general readers the amazing panorama of millenarian scenarios abounding in America at the end of the millennium." --Robert S. Ellwood, University of Southern California "Will stand for some time as the best survey and analysis of the meaning and place of apocalypticism and millennialism in American culture." --Religion and Literature "Fascinating and] intelligent . . . should be required reading." --Psychotronic From religious tomes to current folk prophesies, recorded history reveals a plethora of narratives predicting or showcasing the end of the world. The incident at Waco, the subway bombing by the Japanese cult Aum Supreme Truth, and the tragedy at Jonestown are just a few examples of such apocalyptic scenarios. And these are not isolated incidents; millions of Americans today believe the end of the world is inevitable, either by a divinely ordained plan, nuclear catastrophe, extraterrestrial invasion, or gradual environmental decay, Examining the doomsday scenarios and apocalyptic predictions of visionaries, televangelists, survivalists, and various other endtimes enthusiasts, as well as popular culture, film, music, fashion, and humor, Daniel Wojcik sheds new light on America's fascination with worldly destruction and transformation. He explores the origins of contemporary apocalyptic beliefs and compares religious and secular apocalyptic speculation, showing us the routes our belief systems have traveled over the centuries to arrive at the dawn of a new millennium. Included in his sweeping examination are premillennial prophecy traditions, prophecies associated with visions of the Virgin Mary, secular ideas about nuclear apocalypse, the transformation of apocalyptic prophecy in the post-Cold War era, and emerging apocalyptic ideas associated with UFOs and extraterrestrials. Timely, yet of lasting importance, The End of the World as We Know It is a comprehensive cultural and historical portrait of an age-old phenomenon and a fascinating guide to contemporary apocalyptic fever. Daniel Wojcik is Associate Professor of English and Folklore at the University of Oregon and author of Punk and Neo-Tribal Body Art. He received his Ph.D. in Folklore and Mythology from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Acclaimed author and Archdruid John Michael Greer provides an in-depth beginner s guide to Druidry a modern tradition of nature spirituality with ancient roots in Celtic traditions. Although we know little about the ancient Druids, their reputation for wisdom and harmony with nature lives on. Today, Druidry is a vibrant, diverse movement with groups and practitioners on every continent but Antarctica. Spiritual rather than religious more an attitude than an ideology it can be embraced by people from different faiths and backgrounds. Archdruid John Michael Greer explores the history and basics of Druidry; how to perform Druidic rituals, meditation, and divination; elements of the lifestyle; and advice for placing less of a burden on the Earth. Includes a simple self-initiation ritual for starting on the Druid path, as well as exercises to help you tap into the elements and learn to pay attention to the natural world.

This inspirational book blends elements of shamanism with inherited traditions and contemporary religious commitments. Drawing on shamanic practices from the world over, SHAMANISM AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE FOR DAILY LIFE addresses the needs of contemporary people who yearn to deepen their own innate mystical sensibilities. This inspirational book shows how to develop a personal spiritual practice by blending elements of shamanism with inherited traditions and current religious commitments. Contents include: The central role of power animals and spirit teachers.Visionary techniques for exploring the extraordinary in everyday life.Elements of childhood spirituality including songs, secret hiding places, power spots, and imaginary power figures.A journey to an ancestral shaman to recover lost knowledge

A collection of essays, lectures, short stories, and exhortations from the Church of Satan's "Black Pope", whose defiant hedonism and indulgent rituals have sold over a million books--The Satanic Witch, The Satanic Bible, and Satanic Rituals. La Vey was featured in Rolling Stone in September 1991.

BOOK 3 IN THE GRIPPING SUPERNATURAL SERIES BY THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE CHRONICLES OF ST MARY'S I don't know who I am. I don't know what I am. The identity of Elizabeth Cage has always been a mystery. Even she doesn't know who, or what, she is. But she's learned to live with it. Until now, when what should have been a peaceful holiday turns into anything but, and Elizabeth is forced to recognise that she isn't what she seems. But neither is anyone else. Has her whole life been a lie? Someone very badly wants to know the truth about Elizabeth Cage. And they'll do anything to find out. But who will live to regret it? Twisty, dark and incredibly gripping, the Elizabeth Cage novels are perfect for fans of Sarah Painter and Genevieve Cogman. Readers love Jodi Taylor: 'Jodi Taylor does brilliant, strong female heroes, and Elizabeth follows on from Max in the St Mary's series' 'I look forward to another adventure with this quirky and perfectly matched pair' 'Hold on to your seat and close your eyes if you dare!' 'Gripping and full of curious plot turns' 'An on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller where no assumptions can be made'

J.R.R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy is not only a seemingly inexhaustible source of wonder and excitement, it is also a profound tale, relevant to our times and to the vital question: what is it to be a human being? Why have these books proved so captivating since their publication, discovered anew by each generation? Is there a deeper aspect to the stories that speaks directly to something within us? Many scholars and commentators have asked these or similar questions, delving into his unique use of language, his deep knowledge of the aesthetics of story within the heritage of mythic storytelling, and his ability to weave together myriad themes. However, few if any have approached the deeper aspects of Tolkien's work with the spiritual esoteric insights of Rudolf Steiner's anthroposophy as their basis. Mark McGivern adopts this approach while also building upon the work of Tolkien scholars such as Verlyn Flieger. This is an illuminating guidebook to the forms and depths of Tolkien's master work.

Denne boken peker leseren mot en vei, som ikke er en vei, men heller en vei mellom veiene. Det er en fortelling som er blitt fortalt ved klokkens trettende time, fra en mental posisjon mellom sannhet og logn, virkelighet og drom, i et sjelelig sted som forener alle ting i et punkt uten sentrum eller utstrekning. Tradisjonen som denne boken henviser til, har en systematisk forskende tilnaerming til religionens mal, det vil si forlosning eller frelse. Denne tradisjonen tar utgangspunkt i Bibelens fortellinger om opphavstiden, om Guds natur, om hvordan vi havnet her, og hvordan man igjen skal kunne gjenerobre det tapte ved a stole pa egne krefter, beholde var uavhengighet og tro pa det vi erkjenner. Dette er veien som av mange er blitt kalt gnostisisme

Clear and easy to follow, Spells for the Solitary Witch explains how to prepare and cast spells 87 spells in all together with the materials needed for each spell and the incantations to say that will ensure the best results. Tailored to the needs of solitary witches, Holland suggests alternatives to hard-to-find ingredients, as well as directions about where to find specific ingredients crucial to a spells success.

The sexual act is possibly the most potent--and pleasurable--gateway to the primordial and the divine. From the Tantric mysteries of Hinduism and Buddhism and the inner alchemy of Taoism, to the sacrament of the bridal chamber in Christianity--and, of course, the traditions of Western Magic and Witchcraft--sex pervades the highest and most secret teachings all over the world.
In "Sex, Sorcery, and Spirit," Jason Miller draws upon his training in Eastern and Western mystery schools to produce a frank, comprehensive exploration of sexual sorcery and spirituality. In clear language, he will show you how to take your magic to the next level, teaching you:
How to use the moment of orgasm as a gateway to the highest levels of spiritual attainment.
The use of sexual elixirs in alchemy and practical sorcery.
How to work with sexual spirits and gods.
The dangers of sex magic and how to avoid them.
A grimoire of sexual spells and rituals.
This daring and tantalizing work throws open the doors into the realms of sexual magic that have been hidden behind secret orders and arcane terminology for far too long--until now.

Cosmic Rituals - An Astrological Guide to Wellness, Self-Care and Positive Thinking is the ultimate guide to taking care of yourself and harnessing your powers. With a focused chapter for each star sign, Cosmic Rituals covers everything from hints and tips for self-care, and de-stressing, to mindful meditations and techniques to help you feel energised and ready for anything. There's herbal healing to soothe the soul, and sleep rituals to get you in the Zzz-zone, plus a selection of mantras to help you get up and glow. There's no one size fits all when it comes to taking care of yourself, but your star sign provides a blueprint, which you can work with. Whether you're a tenacious bull who prefers routine or a sensitive crab that takes on the world's woes, the character traits associated with each sign mean you'll need a unique approach to selfcare and wellbeing. There really is no better way to find your sparkle, than by looking to the stars!

Explains individual reincarnation as a microcosm of Earth's great cycles of existence, as a means of developing love and wisdom in order to manifest the true beauty of the spirit realm. includes instructions for recalling past lives and developing psychic skills, descriptions of the Otherworld (where we go between lives), and thoughtful interpretations of various myths of the Goddess in her many aspects.

Speaking towards the end of the catastrophic Great War, Rudolf Steiner reveals the spiritual roots of the crises of our times. Since 1879, he says, human minds have been influenced by backward angels, 'spirits of darkness', who - following their defeat in battle with Archangel Michael - were forced out of the heavens and 'fell' to the earth. This war in the spiritual worlds had consequences, and it is essential that people today are sufficiently awake to the retrogressive influences around them. In a positive sense, we can choose freely to engage with the spirits of light, who seek to emancipate human beings from bonds of race, nation and blood. In this extraordinary series of lectures, Rudolf Steiner throws light on hidden aspects of world affairs. With the Bolshevik Revolution having just taken place, he discusses events in Russia and humanity's attempts to build theoretically perfect social orders. Steiner also speaks about the roles and spiritual backgrounds of significant individuals, such as the mystics Johann Valentin Andreae, Vladimir Soloviev and Saint-Martin, the American and British politicians Woodrow Wilson and Lloyd George, and world-historic figures including Charles Darwin and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The new edition of this classic work features a revised translation, notes and extensive appendices by editor Frederick Amrine, plus a new introduction by Christopher Schaefer.

A beautiful explanation of the Kabbalistic wisdom hidden in the Aztec Pantheon. "It is stated that the Toltecs said: Quetzalcoatl, Tula succumbs, Tula is wrecked! "Yes, it is finished, the lost Eden is finished, the distant Tula turned into ashes, the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Hesperides became cosmic dust. The human being lost his transcendental faculties and converted himself into a beggar, he abandoned ancient wisdom, he degenerated completely; yet now, only the glory of Quetzalcoatl (the Cosmic Christ) in this Universe can radically transform us and convert us into super-humans. "We are in a terribly Dark Age! We need to regenerate ourselves; we need to study in depth the Quetzalcoatlian mysteries. We need to carry this message of our Lord Quetzalcoatl throughout all of America, so that America can burn with the marvelous blazing glory of Quetzalcoatl." This book was written by Samael Aun Weor for the most advanced and demanding level of Gnostic practice, therefore this book is one of the most subtle and complex that he wrote. One of the most striking features of this book is the sequence of practical exercises that build from chapter to chapter, resulting in a powerful and direct method to access personal inner experience of the superior planes of existence.

A challenge that many pagans and Earth-based spiritual practitioners face is how to integrate sustainable living with our everyday lives. By offering a vision of "sacred actions," or the integration of sustainable living with Earth-based spirituality, learn how to combine the three ethics: people care, earth care, and fair share, to execute comprehensive sustainable living through the lens of paganism. Find a wide variety of accessible sustainable-living activities, rituals, stories, and tools framed through the neopaganism eightfold Wheel of the Year. Each chapter is tied to one of the eight holidays, offering specific themes that deepen topics, including home and hearth, lawns and gardens, food and nourishment, ritual items and offerings, reducing waste and addressing materialism, and much more. Consider this your manual of personal empowerment through sustainability as a spiritual practice.

Druidry is a wonderful, spiritually fulfilling life path. Through the magic that is Druidry, we build deep and abiding relationships with the natural world around us, and through our connection to the natural environment we walk a path of truth, honour and service. We aim to immerse ourselves in the present moment, in the present environment, in order to share in the blessing that is the cycle of life. Throughout the ages, people have withdrawn from the world in order to connect more fully with it. This book is an introductory guide for those who wish to walk the Druid path alone, for however long a time. It is about exploration and connection with the natural world, and finding our place within it. It covers the basics of Druidry and how, when applied to the everyday life, enriches it with a sense of beauty, magic and mystery. This book is for those people who feel called to seek their own path, to use their wit and intelligence, compassion and honour to create their own tradition within Druidry.