The notion of "magic" is a current popular culture phenomenon. Harry Potter, the Lord of the Rings, the commercial glamour of the footballer and the pop idol surround us with their charisma, enchantment, and charm. But magic also exerts a terrifying political hold upon us: bin Laden's alleged March 28 e-mail message spoke of the attacks on America in form of "crushing its towers, disgracing its arrogance, undoing its magic." The nine scholars included in this volume consider the cultural power of magic, from early Christianity and the ancient Mediterranean to the curious film career of Buffalo Bill, focusing on topics such as Surrealism, France in the classical age, alchemy, and American fundamentalism, ranging from popular to elite magic, from theory to practice, from demonology to exoticism, from the magic of memory to the magic of the stage. As these essays show, magic defines the limit of both science and religion but as such remains indefinable.

"As pragmatic as it is compassionate, this intimate, humorous, and ultimately relaxing invitation to re-wild yourself, stripping away all that is not your true nature, will leave you inspired and curious to discover the wild woman within" (Lissa Rankin, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Mind Over Medicine). For many women today, achieving a successful career, a fulfilling romantic relationship, and a rewarding personal life can feel like an unattainable goal. The pressure to "have it all" wreaks havoc on our bodies and emotional well-being, and also creates unrealistic expectations. Toxic comparisons and the need to perform enforces damaging ideals of who and what we should be, making it harder for us to connect with who we really are. But what if there was a way to break free from these patterns and beliefs? What if you could free your body from stress and trauma, tap into your inherent creativity, and connect more authentically with the people who matter? In this life-changing book, intimacy expert and counselor Michaela Boehm shares practical rituals and exercises to show you simple, everyday changes that will revolutionize your connection to yourself, your life, and your relationships. Beyond the outdated stereotypes of femininity lies the ancient wisdom of the Wild Woman archetype, a path to reconnecting with our "body intelligence." In this book, you will learn to: - Re-wild yourself by connecting to who you really are and integrating body, emotions, and mind for powerful expression in the world. - Switch effortlessly between "doing" and "being," allowing you to access both empowered success and personal fulfillment. - Unlock creativity and intuition through understanding how body, heart, and mind can work together. - Engage in relaxed, body-specific exercises that help you connect with yourself and your chosen relationships.

In the ancient world, men and women joined cults known as Mysteries to unite with the deities of the otherworld and achieve eternal life. The most important of the Mysteries existed for two millennia at the village of Eleusis. Its deities were Demeter and Persephone, interchangeable in their roles as mother and daughter. The initiations and other rituals of this goddess-based cult were a profound secret: divulging information was punishable by death. For centuries, scholars have probed the secrets of the Eleusinian Mysteries and "kykeon, its sacramental Eucharist -- a sacred drink containing psychoactive chemicals similar to those in LSD. Their discoveries have been buried in the arcane language of alchemy, the occult sciences, and secret societies. Here, in prose accessible to all readers, Carl Ruck unravels the Mysteries, revealing the awesome powers of the goddesses, as well as the pagan underpinnings of Western culture.

Notions of magic and healing have been changing over past years and are now understood as reflecting local ideas of power and agency, as well as structures of self, subjectivity and affect. This study focuses on contemporary urban Russia and, through exploring social conditions, conveys the experience of living that makes magic logical. By following people's own interpretations of the work of magic, the author succeeds in unraveling the logic of local practice and local understanding of affliction, commonly used to diagnose the experiences of illness and misfortune.

Explores concepts central to Christianity, the kingdom of Heaven, son of God, baptism, and resurrection.  Jesus is seen as a representative of an ancient and continuing wisdom tradition identified with that of the Sufis. By his distinctive use of stories for teaching purposes, his sayings, and what the Sufis call 'action-teachings', including those actions known as 'miracles', Jesus is shown to have been quintessentially a Sufi master. Max Gorman shows how Sufism illuminates from within concepts central to Christianity: the kingdom of Heaven, son of God, baptism, resurrection - which can then be seen as states and stages in an evolutionary philosophy. This new edition of the classic work includes a new chapter on Gnosis.

Germany's painful entry into the modern age elicited many conflicting emotions. Excitement and anxiety about the "disenchantment of the world" predominated, as Germans realized that the triumph of science and reason had made the nation materially powerful while impoverishing it spiritually. Eager to enchant their world anew, many Germans in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries responded by turning to a variety of paranormal beliefs and practices--including Theosophy, astrology, psychical research, graphology, dowsing, and spirit healing. No mere fringe phenomenon, the German occult movement had a truly national presence, encompassing hundreds of clubs, businesses, institutes, and publishers providing and consuming occult goods and services.

In "A Science for the Soul," historian Corinna Treitel explores the appeal and significance of German occultism in all its varieties between the 1870s and the 1940s, locating its dynamism in the nation's struggle with modernization and the public's dissatisfaction with scientific materialism. Occultism, Treitel notes, served as a bridge between traditional religious beliefs and the values of an increasingly scientific, secular, and liberal society. Drawing on a wealth of archival materials, Treitel describes the individuals and groups who participated in the occult movement, reconstructs their organizational history, and examines the economic and social factors responsible for their success.

Building on this foundation, Treitel turns to the question of how Germans used the occult in three realms of practice: Theosophy, where occult studies were used to achieve spiritual enlightenment; the arts, where occult states of consciousness fueled the creative process of avant-garde painters, writers, and dancers; and the applied sciences, where professionals in psychology, law enforcement, engineering, and medicine employed occult techniques to solve characteristic problems of modernity. In conclusion, Treitel considers the conflicting meanings occultism held for contemporaries by focusing on the anti-spiritualist campaigns mounted by the national press, the Protestant and Catholic Churches, local and national governments, and the Nazi regime, which after years of alternating between affinity and antipathy for occultism, finally crushed the movement by 1945.

Throughout, "A Science for the Soul" examines German occultism in its broadest cultural setting as a key aspect of German modernism, offering new insights into how Germans met the challenge of pursuing meaningful lives in the modern age.

The ancient practice of shamanism touches many cultures and spiritual philosophies. This book offers an in-depth look at the beliefs and practices centered on the shaman, a person believed to have powers to heal and communicate with the spirit world. It explores shamanism and its associated myths, artifacts, and legends as a communally endorsed acknowledgment of the supernatural or spirit world that evolved in the Neolithic Period and continues to appeal today. The work is heavily illustrated, featuring more than 90 of the author's drawings of masks, fetishes, carvings and ongon, and 40 rare photographs of shamans, medicine men and women, and healers.

In The Synchronicity Key, David Wilcock goes beyond this new understanding to investigate how our universe works. Using history and astrology, as well as new research into fractals, spiritual geometry and quantum physics, Wilcock demonstrates that there is a hidden architecture within time which guides individuals and nations through a system of enlightenment (which Joseph Campbell called the Hero's Journey). Historical events occur in shockingly precise and repeating cycles of time and once the hidden laws governing our fate through seemingly random 'synchronicity' are identified we are left with a remarkable blueprint of how to lead our lives in an uncertain world. David Wilcock's understanding of the living fabric that binds the universe together is behind his knowledge of synchronicity, the connections between seemingly unrelated events, and how we are guided by it. Synchronicity is a means to awaken us to our true identity, the thoughts we think and the actions we take are being guided by hidden cycles that repeat throughout the universe and time. David Wilcock is our guide to this new world.

In 1948 Robert Graves published The White Goddess. His study of poetic mysticism and goddess worship has since become a founding text of Western paganism. As Wicca emerged from what Graves called, a few hopeful young people in California, to over two million strong, The White Goddess has achieved near liturgical status. This rising appreciation brings all the problems of liturgical texts. Many pagans consider Graves' work like the goddess herself; awe inspiring but impenetrable. Stalking The Goddess is the first extensive examination of this enigmatic text to come from the pagan community and guides readers through bewildering forests of historical sources, poems, and Graves' biography to reveal his unorthodox claims and entrancing creative process. Relentlessly perusing each path it explores the uncharted woods and reveals the hidden signposts Graves has posted. The hunt for the goddess spans battlefields, ancient manuscripts, the British museum, and Stonehenge. En route we encounter not only the goddess herself but her three sacred animals; dog, roebuck, and lapwing. Perhaps the muse cannot be captured on her own grounds, but now at least there is a map.

In the original ten volumes of the "Equinox", Aleister Crowley succeeded in synthesizing the aim of religion and the method of science. Israel Regardie's selections in "Gems of the Equinox" make a volume that is invaluable to readers, students and adepts. It includes material on Crowley's magical order, magical rituals, yoga, invocations and sex magick, among many other topics. "Gems from the Equinox" is a unique resource that serves as a veritable textbook for the magickal orders AA and O.T.O.Although it is written for the advanced practitioner, beginners will gain much from its many pages of wisdom, including yoga postures and breathing techniques, ceremonial rituals and meditations, an Enochian magick primer, and "The Book of the Law". In "Gems from the Equinox", Israel Regardie's selections of Aleister Crowley's writings synthesize the aim of religion and the method of science, making it invaluable to readers, students, and adepts. "Gems" is a must have for every student of Occultism, Mysticism, Thelema, Magick, and comparative religion.

'This book will change your life.' - Dr Joe Dispenza, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Supernatural Featuring cutting-edge science, recipes and a 7-day meal plan! Drawing on more than 25 years of experience as a medical anthropologist - as well as his own journey back from the edge of death - acclaimed shamanic teacher Alberto Villoldo shares how to detoxify your brain and gut with superfoods; techniques for working with your luminous energy fields to heal your body; and tools to shed disempowering stories from the past and pave the way for rebirth. Using the Grow a New Body programme, you can feel better in a few days and begin to clear your mind and heal your brain in a week. Before long, you'll be on your way to a new body - one that heals rapidly, retains its youthful vitality and keeps you connected to Spirit, to the earth and to a renewed sense of purpose in your life.

Imbolc-also known as Brigid's Day-is a time to start making plans for the future, sowing the fields of the land as well as the mind. This guide to the history and modern celebration of Imbolc shows you how to per-form rituals and magic to celebrate and work with the energy of the re-awakening earth. This well-rounded introduction to Imbolc comes complete with correspondences, rituals, recipes, and lore. Recipes include yogurt cheese, homemade butter, soda bread, and fortune cookies, while crafts include how to make a Brigid's Cross, a corn dolly, Imbolc incense, and hand-dipping your own can-dles.

Although more than fifty years old, this book possesses the rare attribute of being as youthful and actual today as it was when first written. This is because "Initiations" offers something to the sincere and earnest seeker, which is so hard to find in the enormous quantity of literature about human spiritual and occult endeavors, in the striving for the solution to the burning problems of inner life. It has been possible only because the author of "Initiations" really lived through everything he describes in such a fascinating way. This urges the reader to attempt the Path for himself, which is by no means impossible, for that Path is utterly independent of any outer conditions, such as race, age, worldly position, family ties, and so on. It remains open to everyone who has the eyes to see and the ears to hear. The book explains in the simplest way, but one which reaches into the ultimate depths of the human soul, all the problems dealing with modern and ancient occult philosophy and spiritual searching, as well as social and political conundrums of this and probably also future periods. It is translated from the french by the noted hermeticist and mystic Mouni Sadhu.

An in-depth look into the foundations of mysticism and alchemy, this book describes both physical and spiritual aspects of the various theories and practices of transformation, with attention to the beliefs of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sufism, Tantrism, Taoism and Yoga. The connection between early mystical pursuits and the development of alchemy from ancient China, India, and Egypt through Moorish Spain and into Latin Europe are illuminated, along with the activities of early alchemists. The book, which is heavily illustrated, describes the beliefs, experiments, and secret messages that drew the believers and dreamers of the world together in search of wealth and immortality.

Long out-of-print yet often cited in psychedelic literature, THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS, originally published in 1970, was a Holy book from the (now defunct) Church of the Tree of Life, established and incorporated by John Mann. A fundamental belief was that we have the right to alter our consciousness with plants extracts for medical, spiritual, and even recreational (re-creating) purposes. THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS consists of introduction and discussion of several sacred plants, most still legal and easy to obtain, that have been used traditionally in religious (spiritual, consciousness expanding) rituals by native people. While the Church of the Tree of Life disbanded decades ago, the longing for a spiritual connection continues. One way to achieve such a connection with with the ritual use of magical plants. THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS describes the ceremonial practices and rituals used by natives for thousands of years in some cases and gives guidelines for employing such practices in one's personal worship, including how to prepare the plant and oneself for the ritual. The mind has self-healing power. Spiritual experiences can lead to dramatic healing. Ritual is a method for organizing experience - mentally- and creating order around an inner experience to enable one to surrender to the experience without fear - due to the security provided by the repetitive and reliable ritual. The ritual helps to conjure up a frame of mind that is conducive to an ecstatic experience. When used properly ritual use of magical plants can open up new channels of awareness. The plants alone cannot bring about the desired results - the individual mind must be engaged. THE BOOK OF SACRAMENTS identifies over 20 magical plants for ritual use and tells how to prepare the potion and oneself for the journey and gives instructions for classic rituals as well as creating one's own variations. Finally it discusses how to process the experience afterwards to gain the maximum benefit from the journey.

BLUE STAR
How does a woman from a small town in British Columbia, Canada become involved in one of the most talked about prophecies on the planet today? The Hopi Blue Star Prophecy.
Learn how her life was completely changed after an encounter on a lonely highway with Tall Blond Aliens in 1988.
Miriam embarks on a journey into a world of secret governments, Clones, Russian Psychic Army recruiters, the Ancient Hopi People and Alien encounters.
Her path leads to the discovery of the family secret; her father is somehow involved with the Blond Aliens and has been since before her birth.
The truth that Aliens exist is only the beginning. Learn how they are connected to our world, to humanity and why they are contacting the people of Earth today.
They share warnings about a possible future in which our existence as a species is at risk. Read Blue Star to learn where the Safe Lands will be in the End Times and why the Aliens' messages are important to all of us now!

Our world is due for a major spiritual change. A change predicted by many, from Nostradamus to the Mayans. We cannot foresee the results of this change without a broader perspective beyond our limited conceptions. This book takes you behind the scenes into the world of the Ascended Masters, a world of living planets, space travel, and advanced sciences. In this world of Operation Earth Light is a master key that will unlock the door to the New Age. The author reveals truths never before published, based upon secret transcripts recorded ten years between the late Dr George King, a Western Master of yoga, and Ascended Masters.

Kawai Tarot features a darling deck of tarot cards, all created and illustrated by acclaimed United Kingdom-based designer Lulu Mayo, accompanied by a guidebook to the Major and Minor Arcanas. With this deck and guide, you'll learn to use your intuition to interpret the cards' messages, manifest your intentions, and connect with your inner self while being surrounded by the cuteness of kawaii! Find insights on where you are and figure out your next move with the help of supercute kawaii characters like Lucky Cat, Princess Poodle, and Fancy Unicorn. This modern set will introduce you to the art of tarot readings with: 78 adorably illustrated cards A comprehensive 64-page guidebook to the tarot Strengthen your spiritual practice with this super-cute kit for spiritual beginners and lovers of all things kawaii!

Back in print after 20 years, this text from the earliest days of psychedelia chronicles the experiences on 16 acid trips taken before LSD was illegal. The trip guides or "high priests" included Aldous Huxley, Ram Dass, Ralph Meltzner, Huston Smith and a junkie from New York City named Willy. It tells of the goings-on and freaking out at the Millbrook mansion in New York State that became the Mecca of psychedelia during the 1960s, and of the many luminaries who made their pilgrimage there to trip with Leary and his group. Chapters include an I Ching reading and a chronicle of what happened during those "spacewalks" of the mind.