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 Throughout the ages, people have withdrawn from the world in order to connect more fully with it.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.

Taking place in the heart of the Huichol homeland in western Mexico, this book offers a rare in-depth look at the inner workings of Huichol shamanism, which is permeated with the use of the sacred peyote cactus. Outsiders are almost never allowed access to Huichol sacred sites and ceremonies; however, James Endredy, after years of friendship with Huichol families, earned the privilege nearly by accident. Swayed by persistent pleading, he agreed to take another gringo into the mountains to one of the Huichols' ceremonial centres, and they were both caught. After trial and punishment, Endredy was invited to stay within the sacred lands for the festivities he had illegally intruded upon and found his initiation into the Huichol shamanic tradition had begun. Sharing his intimate conversations and journeys with the shaman he calls "Peyote Jesus," the author explains how Huichol belief revolves around the five sacred directions, the five sacred sites, and the five points of attention. As Peyote Jesus explains, the five points of attention refer to dividing your awareness yet staying focused on your inner self. This is not a normal state of consciousness for most people, yet when we maintain these points of attention, we discover our true essence and move closer to God. Endredy undergoes dozens of spiritual journeys with peyote as he makes the pilgrimages to the five sacred Huichol sites with Peyote Jesus. He is shocked by his vision of the Virgin Mary while under peyote's guidance and learns of the deep relationship--strictly on Huichol terms--between their cosmology, Gnosticism, and Christianity, especially Jesus Christ. Providing an inside look at the major ceremonies and peyote rituals of the Huichol, this unexpectedly powerful book reveals the key tenants of the Huichol worldview, their beliefs in the afterlife, and their spiritual work on behalf of all of humanity.

A comprehensive survey of major alternative religions in the United States, including new groups since the 1960s. Crystals, shamans, guided imagery, healing meditation-why have these New Age practices been so eagerly accepted by so many North Americans? Why were Mormonism, Christian Science, and Baha'i so warmly welcomed before them? Another Gospel explains how these and other alternative religious movements appear to meet people's spiritual needs. As a professor in church history, women's studies, and alternative religions, Ruth Tucker deftly illuminates the personalities whose alleged revelations spawned historical heresies in all the major cults in the United States. Another Gospel: Highlights important controversies within each movement as it aims for religious respectability. Pinpoints how the doctrines and practices of a dozen contemporary groups-as well as the New Age Movement-deviate from orthodox Christianity. Shows how to reach out to cult members about the true Gospel and lasting fulfillment of Jesus Christ. Appendices describe lesser-known cults, such as Swedenborgianism and Rosicrucianism, and provide cults' statements of belief for the benefit of those seeking to understand the various fringe beliefs they may encounter.

**FEATURED ON COMEDY CENTRAL'S "TALES FROM THE TRIP" YOUTUBE SERIES** The Wild Kindness: A Psilocybin Odyssey is the lyrical, unforgettable memoir of Bett Williams's relationship with psilocybin mushrooms, otherwise known as magic mushrooms. In pursuit of self-healing, she begins experimenting with mushrooms in solitary ceremonies by the fire. Word soon gets out about her New Mexican desert mushroom farm, though, and people arrive in droves. Not long after, the police read her her Miranda Rights, her relationships fall out of whack, and her dog Rosie just might be CIA. On a quest to find help through the psychedelic community, Bett is led to Cleveland to meet Kai Wingo, an African American leader within a high-dose psilocybin community, and to Huautla de Jimenez, home of well-known, well-respected curandera Maria Sabina. Back home, Bett begins a solid ritual practice with the help of her partner and friends, bearing in mind the medicine's indigenous roots and power to transform one's life. Amidst the mainstream flood of New Age practices and products, The Wild Kindness: A Psilocybin Odyssey is a dreamlike reminder that psilocybin mushrooms are a medicine of the people, not to be neatly packaged, marketed, or appropriated. Bett Williams brings to the table one of the best overviews of contemporary psychedelic culture in a long time. -THE EROWID REVIEW In general, this is a balm. It is the polar opposite of that Michael Pollan book. -GOSSAMER Like any good memoirist, Williams performs surgery on herself and holds up each organ for inspection...This is a book that requires you to "go with the flow," but the flow is awfully inviting. -MOLLY YOUNG, Vulture

Discover the Spiritual Secrets of Ancient Philosophy

Hypatia was one of the most famous philosophers of the ancient world. The mix of classical philosophies she taught to Pagans, Jews, and Christians in the fourth century forms the very foundation of Western spirituality as we know it today. The Wisdom of Hypatia is a hands-on guide to using the principles of philosophy to bring purpose, tranquility, and spiritual depth to your life.

To the ancients, philosophy was a spiritual practice meant to help the seeker achieve a good life and maintain mental tranquility. Bruce J. MacLennan, PhD, provides a concise history of philosophy up to Hypatia's time and a progressive, nine-month program of spiritual practice based on her teachings. Explore the three most important philosophical schools of the Hellenistic Age. Lead a more serene, balanced life. Experience self-actualization through union with the divine. Discover the techniques described in the historical sources, and put into practice the profound insights of the world's greatest minds.

Praise: "The Wisdom of Hypatia is grounded in solid scholarship, lucidly written, and, above all, practical. This book reunites spirituality, philosophy, and psychology into a path for our time, and for all times. Read it. Practice it. You will never be the same."--Leonard George, PhD, Chair of the Department of Psychology, Capilano University

Invoke the Power of the Sea and Transform Your Life

Purifying, mesmerizing, and transformative--the sea has long been celebrated for its beauty and mysterious power. By connecting to the ocean's energies, you can deepen your experience of the natural world and enrich your life.

Whether you live near or far from the coast, Sea Magic takes you on a unique voyage of spiritual rejuvenation. Explore various types of shells and sea creatures, both real and mythical. Call upon sea deities and saints to amplify your spiritual practice, and try a wide array of relaxation exercises and meditative techniques:

- Set up a sea-themed altar to empower your intentions- Center your energy with a cosmic ocean-moon meditation and a conch-hand mudra- Release emotions with an ancient practice known as ocean breath to attune to the tides- Use shells for divination and positive visualization- Select a sea fetch (totem animal) to take you on a shamanic journey

Dive into your inner world of emotions, imagination, and creativity--and let the sea's timeless wisdom guide you on your life path.

The Goddess of Witches, Queen of Shades and Shadows, and the ever-eternal Dark Muse - Hekate, Fair Queen of the Shadow-Lands, haunts the pages of this poetic devotional, enchanting those who love Her with the charm only this Dark Goddess can bring. Join in the journey as we meet Hekate, Queen of Sorcery, in the realms of Dream and Enchantment, weaving magic through the Worlds - Seen and Unseen. We take flight to the Lands Eternal in this part devotional, part grimoire and learn how to venerate this Great Goddess of antiquity and connect with the Spirits of the Shadow-Lands...

The first part of the book, written in a single, uninterrupted flow of inspiration, takes the form of answers from the word of nature to questions posed by the rational mind. The second part of the book consists of philosophical reflections on the first and proposes the practice of imagination as a way of evolutionary development. Many traditions have spoken of a "higher consciousness," but Schwaller de Lubicz's attempt to formulate in modern terms an alchemical science of qualities, functions, analogies and signatures is unique.

Visually organized, essential information on the many cults, sects, and movements throughout today's religious landscape. This collection of charts gives Christians both the overview and the details on the most significant groups, starting with facts about history, membership, worship practices, leaders, and publications for each group. You'll also find the group's doctrinal position presented in its own words, together with the orthodox view in easy-to-read comparison charts. Perfect for enhancing every type of teaching and learning situation and style, including homeschooling curricula and tutoring, church classes and Sunday school. Notable groups include: Christian Identity Movement Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints Eckankar Freemasonry Jehovah's Witnesses Mind Science groups New Age Movement Unification Church United Pentecostal Church The Way International and many more. ZondervanCharts are ready references for those who need the essential information at their fingertips. Accessible and highly useful, the books in this library offer clear organization and thorough summaries of issues, subjects, and topics that are key for Christian students and learners. The visuals and captions will cater to any teaching methodology, style, or program.

The dialogue expands . . . When Neale Donald Walsch was experiencing one of the lowest points of his life, he decided to write a letter to God. What he did not expect was a response, with extraordinary answers covering all aspects of human existence - from happiness to money, to faith. The resulting book, Conversations with God, was an instant bestseller on publication in 1995 and has since sold millions of copies world-wide, changing countless lives everywhere. Conversations with God: Book 3 is the third volume of the original Conversations with God trilogy that takes us even further in our questioning and search for answers, dealing with universal truths of the highest order and the challenges and opportunities of the soul. This incredible series contains answers that will change you, your life and the way you view others. Also by Neale Donald Walsch and available from Hodder & Stoughton: Conversations with God, Books 2 and 3, Communion with God, Friendship with God, Applications for Living and Meditations from Conversations with God, Book 1.

DEEP IN THE JUNGLES OF CENTRAL AMERICA, BURIED BENEATH A TEMPLE IN THE RUINS OF A LOST CITY, A YOUNG WOMAN DISCOVERS A MAGNIFICENT AND PERFECT CRYSTAL SKULL. WAS THIS ONE OF THE 13 SACRED CRYSTAL SKULLS OF LEGEND, PROPHESIED ONE DAY TO RETURN?

As great a mystery as the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Sphinx or Stonehenge, the crystal skulls have created a storm of archaeological controversy…

Were they left behind after the destruction of a previous world or are they ingenious modern fakes?

Do they really possess telepathic qualities, allowing us to see deep into the past and predict the future?

What were the extraordinary findings of the tests carried out on the skulls by leading scientists?

Why do Native Americans claim the crystal skulls are stores of great knowledge programmed with an important message for mankind?

In a real-life detective story of the ancient world – with overwhelming implications for the modern one – the authors set out on an incredible quest to find the truth. This is the extraordinary story of the crystal skulls.

Chris Morton and Ceri Louise Thomas run an independent television production company specializing in making films with a philosophical, spiritual or environmental emphasis. Their highly-acclaimed documentary 'The Mystery of the Crystal Skulls' has recently been shown on BBC1 in Britain and on the Arts and Entertainment Network in the USA and Canada. It has subsequently been sold to numerous stations around the world.

In the sixties, Transcendental Meditation, a Hindu-based movement, became fashionable as a way to therapy and psychological well-being -- especially after being endorsed by the Beatles and the Beach Boys. Its influence waned, ironically, after the courts decided that TM was a religion rather than a form of therapy, as TM had claimed. But its popularity helped open the doors to a wider acceptance of Eastern philosophy and religions in mainstream America. Another Americanized form of Hinduism is Hare Krishna. This volume and the volume on Buddhism in this series together present a comprehensive overview of Eastern religions, their views, and their impact on contemporary North America. Why this series? This is an age when countless groups and movements, old and new, mark the religious landscape in our culture, leaving many people confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, these books provide essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. All books but the summary volume, Truth and Error, contain five sections: -A concise introduction to the group being surveyed -An overview of the group s theology --- in its own words -Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group -A bibliography with sources for further study -A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -Truth and Error, the last book in the series, consists of parallel doctrinal charts compiled from all the other volumes. -Three distinctives make this series especially useful to readers: -Information is carefully distilled to bring out truly essential points, rather than requiring readers to sift their way through a sea of secondary details. -Information is presented in a clear, easy-to-follow outline form with menu bar running heads. This format greatly assists the reader in quickly locating topics and details of interest. -Each book meets the needs and skill levels of both nontechnical and technical readers, providing an elementary level of refutation and progressing to a more advanced level using arguments based on the biblical text. The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help readers to discern truth from falsehood."

Unlike Jehovah's Witnesses, who deny the Trinity by demoting Jesus to a mere man, the 'Jesus Only' churches deny the Trinity by claiming that there is only one God, and that Jesus is the Father and the Holy Spirit. 'Jesus Only' churches not only require baptism for salvation, but also stipulate that it must be baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ only, and not in the name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit. Thus, these churches distort the gospel and the historic, orthodox understanding of Jesus. Why this series? This is an age when countless groups and movements, old and new, mark the religious landscape in our culture, leaving many people confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because you may not have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, these books provide essential and reliable information and insights for their spiritual journeys. The second wave of books in this series addresses a broad range of spiritual beliefs, from non-Trinitarian Christian sects to witchcraft and neo-paganism to classic non-Christian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. All books but the summary volume, Truth and Error, contain five sections: -A concise introduction to the group being surveyed -An overview of the group s theology --- in its own words -Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group -A bibliography with sources for further study -A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -Truth and Error, the last book in the series, consists of parallel doctrinal charts compiled from all the other volumes. Three distinctives make this series especially useful to readers: -Information is carefully distilled to bring out truly essential points, rather than requiring readers to sift their way through a sea of secondary details. -Information is presented in a clear, easy-to-follow outline form with menu bar running heads. This format greatly assists the reader in quickly locating topics and details of interest. -Each book meets the needs and skill levels of both nontechnical and technical readers, providing an elementary level of refutation and progressing to a more advanced level using arguments based on the biblical text. The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help readers to discern truth from falsehood."

Discover the Guiding Goddesses in Your Birth Chart and Ignite Your Authenticity, Passion, and Purpose. Did you know that astrology and magick are woven from the same threads? The more you learn about one, the more you'll intuitively understand about the other. This inspiring, hands-on guide shows you how to connect with the twelve faces of the Goddess through astrology, story, ritual, and pathworking. Explore cross-cultural myths associated with each goddess, delve into astrology from a groundbreaking feminine perspective, and discover the personality, archetype, and correspondences of each zodiac sign to unlock a deeper understanding of yourself as the heroine of your story. Work with the specific guiding goddesses in your birth chart, learn how astrology is connected to the seasonal turning points on the Wheel of the Year, and much more. The Twelve Faces of the Goddess is a reminder that connecting with the sacred feminine is an empowering and radical act that can guide you on your journey.

Get to know the world of auras, from the meaning of each color and aural position to the techniques needed to see and interpret these energy fields. From compatibility between colors to the proper way to cleanse your aura, this magical primer enables you to explore the body's projected energies and bring balance to your wellness practice. Gain inspiration as you learn the crystals, essential oils, and meditations that nurture and correspond to each aura in the full-color, illustrated mini book.

Apply the Ancient Mystery teachings of Isis in practical ways to help you through the challenges in your daily life. Allow this sacred priestess, initiate, magician, and healer to help you reactivate your own soul talents of healing, magic, and more as you journey with her from darkness and uncertainty into love and power.

This book brings the wisdom of the ancient healing practice of shamanism together with the insights of contemporary psychology to provide an integrated approach to the treatment of traumatic symptoms.'Soulfulness' has two historic shamanic roots: Mayan and Native American psychology - a psychology of Self - as expressed in the many aspects of the Medicine Wheel, the wheel of health and wholeness; and the Shamanic Journey and Soul Retrieval, as practiced in traditional societies throughout the world, notably the Tungus tribes of Siberia.This book presents the ancient wisdom of shamanic theory and practice in a form which is fit for use within the mainstream of twenty-first century psychotherapeutic endeavour, including an extensive explanation of Shamanic Psychology and a practical description of the ceremonies of the Shamanic Journey and Soul Retrieval.

Belief in Satan worship is often viewed as an embarrassing throwback to the superstitions of another time. And "selling your soul to the Devil"? Nothing more than an overworked theme in literature and opera. To the contrary, Bob and Gretchen Passantino show how, in the midst of prevailing attitudes of skepticism and disbelief, Satanism has made unprecedented inroads into our society.

The tale of Taliesin and the magical cauldron of Cerridwen speaks from the heart of the Celtic Pagan tradition. In From the Cauldron Born, you are invited not only to read the story but to live it. You are invited to resonate with the magic of the witch mother Cerridwen and her cauldron of inspiration. You are invited to become Taliesin, the prophetic spirit with the radiant brow. You are invited to awaken to a lucidity of spirit born from the archetypes of sacred myth.

Join Kristoffer Hughes on a yearlong journey of rituals based on one of Wales's most profound legends. With deeply transformative exercises and lyrical wisdom, you will experience beauty and knowledge, imagination and creation as never before.

Praise: "If you are captivated by the exploration of Welsh and Celtic myth, Kristoffer Hughes's in-depth, scholarly work belongs on your bookshelf."--Ellen Dugan, author of Seasons of Witchery

"In this book, Kris Hughes takes up his Druid's staff and guides us through the winding paths of the tale of Taliesin with insight, learning, and inspiration so that we too may drink the magical brew in the cauldron of Cerridwen and emerge transformed."--Anna Franklin, author of The Sacred Circle Tarot

Reconnect with your authentic self and bring meaning back into your life with the ancient, time-tested wisdom of shamanism. This book is a fantastic and comprehensive introduction to shamanism by a leading expert and teacher on the subject. Shamanism is the oldest and most enduring spiritual wisdom tradition on Earth. It offers powerful practices for healing and finding wholeness, and is appealing to a whole new generation of spiritual seekers. Shamanism Made Easy, written by a much loved university psychotherapist and shamanic teacher, explains the subject in a clear and easily digestible format, and shows why these deeply transformative techniques are so needed in our challenging times. In this book, the reader will learn, amongst many things, how to build an altar and create a sacred space, conduct ceremonies and design a daily ritual, connect with spirit helpers, ancestors and descendants, and use dance as a tool for awakening and freedom. Above all, readers will learn what it is like to undergo transformative journeys for personal healing and development. This book was previously published within the Hay House Basics series.

Sitting a block away from the U.S. Capitol, the Folger Shakespeare Library holds one of the most unusual manuscripts of magic ever discovered. The book was written around the year 1580, a decade before Shakespeare began writing in earnest. This is a manual of magicians in search of results, who scribbled down whatever secrets they could find.

One of the most unusual collections of magical lore ever assembled, The Book of Oberonincludes: Rituals for summoning several different spirits, including Oberon (one of the main characters of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream), Satan, Mosacus, Birto, and others A ceremony to call Baron, a spirit associated with the notorious Gilles de Rais Several intriguing drawings of spirits and other curious beings A list of spirits similar to, but predating, that found in the magical manual the Goetia Lore and rituals for the summoning of fairies Pages of talismans for various purposes One of the oldest known copies of the magical manual The Enchiridion, said to have been given to Charlemagne by Pope Leo III Charms for toothache, bleeding, and the capture of thieves Headings and words written in cipher, most of which we have managed to decipher An account of a mystical brotherhood of magicians that seems to have ties to the conspiracy against the author and playwright Christopher Marlowe

Rudolf Steiner introduced detailed, scientific knowledge of reincarnation and karma to the West. He gave concrete descriptions of the metamorphoses of individuals in the course of successive incarnations and specific examples of the working of karma, as well as practical exercises for experiencing the reality of reincarnation. He believed that experiencing the reality of successive earth lives would form the basis for true spiritual knowledge of the relationship of human beings and the cosmos.

These talks contain some of Steiner's most important teachings on reincarnation and karma. He gives examples and exercises that can lead to direct knowledge of the laws of reincarnation and karma. Included are:

-- How to get direct perception of the part of our being that passes through many lives on earth

-- How to develop a "feeling memory", which is necessary before direct experience of reincarnation is possible

-- Thought exercises for gaining knowledge of reincarnation and karma

-- Examples of the working of karma between two incarnations

-- How knowledge of reincarnation and karma affects our moral life