Coming Full Circle is an interdisciplinary exploration of the relationships between spirituality and health among Coast Salish and Chinook communities in western Washington from 1805 to 2005. Suzanne Crawford O'Brien examines how these communities define what it means to be healthy and how recent tribal community-based health programs have applied this understanding to their missions and activities. She also explores how contemporary definitions, goals, and activities relating to health and healing are informed by Coast Salish history and also by indigenous spiritual views of the body. These views, she argues, are based on an understanding of the relationship between self, ecology, and community. Coming Full Circle draws on a historical framework in reflecting on contemporary tribal health-care efforts and the ways in which they engage indigenous healing traditions alongside twenty-first-century biomedicine. The book makes a strong case for the current shift toward tribally controlled care, arguing that local, culturally distinct ways of healing and understanding illness must be a part of Native health care. Combining in-depth archival research, extensive ethnographic participant-based field work, and skillful scholarship on theories of religion and embodiment, Crawford O'Brien offers an original and masterful analysis of Coast Salish and Chinook traditions and worldviews, and the intersection of religion and healing.

This book is written to create awareness and see if adequate interpretation would be given to certain phenomena and calamities created by the vagaries of nature and induced by spirits, Agwu inclusive, and suggest how they can be resolved. To do this, Agwu has examined the concept in all its tendencies and ramifications.

It tries to explain the relationship between Agwu and other creatures from the sources of life-Supreme Being-to the least inanimate object. The moral standard set by Agwu to its worshippers has been a masterpiece incentive and also a source of inspiration to ordinary mortals who watch with admiration the special Agwu elect.

This story is about Gisli, a tragic hero who must kill one of his brothers-in-law to avenge another brother-in-law. He must endure as his passions of love and hate unfold in this classic tale of divided loyalties. Gisli is outlawed and forced to stay on the run for thirteen years before he is finally hunted down

This 300+ page volume contains valuable, previously unreleased knowledge of the religion commonly known as Asatru. It contains: the Poetic Edda including Hrafngaldr Odins and clearly labeled inspirational prose, afterlife and undeath, a large divination section including Runes, Seidhr and the Language of Birds, comprehensive glossary of the Gods and Goddesses along with Asatru religious words and terms, complete list of holidays, rituals, ceremonies, blessings and prayers, full-color chart on the back cover may be used for cross reference as needed, a new way to view the World-Tree Yggdrasil, and over 200 footnotes. It is a valuable addition to any library

Mysteries of the Jaguar Shamans of the Northwest Amazon tells the life story of Mandu da Silva, the last living jaguar shaman among the Baniwa people in the Northwest Amazon. In this original and engaging work, Robin M. Wright, who has known and worked with Silva for more than thirty years, weaves the story of Silva's life together with the Baniwas' broader society, history, mythology, cosmology, and jaguar shaman traditions. The jaguar shamans are key players in what Wright calls "a nexus of religious power and knowledge" in which healers, sorcerers, priestly chanters, and dance leaders exercise complementary functions that link living specialists with the deities and great spirits of the cosmos. Exploring in depth the apprenticeship of the shaman, Wright shows how jaguar shamans seek the knowledge and power of the deities through several stages of instruction and practice. This volume, the first study to map the sacred geography ("mythscape") of the northern Arawak-speaking people of the Northwest Amazon, demonstrates the direct connections between petroglyphs and other inscriptions and Baniwa sacred narratives as a whole. In eloquent and inviting analytic prose, Wright links biographic and ethnographic elements in elevating anthropological writing to a new standard of theoretically aware storytelling and analytic power.

Old lore, rituals, ceremonies and undead hauntings occur in this Story.There are also several references to the colonization of Greenland and one reference to an expedition to Vinland. It also mentions a journey by Guoleifr Guolaugsson and his crew to Great Ireland, which was said to exist beyond Vinland. Whether your interest is exploration or even the Undead, this classic tale is for you

Contents: About Skergard, In Memory of Lorenz Frolich, Haakon Jarl of Norway, Teaching Children Our Heathen Faith, The Dead In The Mountains, The Nine Affirmations (9a), How To Make A Viking Shield, Community (Prose), The Way of The Warrior, Ancestors (Prose), Path of Northern Shadows. The name "Skertru Now" is symbolic, because after Nine Years of "The Silence" it is the realization of Skertru, the commonality of our belief system as written in "Old Norse Religion, A Family Tradition, The Skergard Handbook." We have survived the Nine Year Silence as an organization and now our words will be shared with everyone. We chose a Raven holding three keys as our logo because the first two ravens answer to Odin, the third... we believe, answers to Holde.

The name "Skertru Now" is symbolic, because after Nine Years of "The Silence" it is the realization of Skertru, the commonality of our belief system as written in "Old Norse Religion, A Family Tradition, The Skergard Handbook." We have survived The Silence and now our words will be shared with everyone. We chose a Raven holding three keys as our logo because the first two ravens answer to Odin, the third... we believe, answers to Holde.

Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging focuses on the Heraka, a religious reform movement, and its impact on the Zeme, a Naga tribe, in the North Cachar Hills of Assam, India. Drawing upon critical studies of 'religion', cultural/ethnic identity, and nationalism, archival research in both India and Britain, and fieldwork in Assam, the book initiates new grounds for understanding the evolving notions of 'reform' and 'identity' in the emergence of a Heraka 'religion'. Arkotong Longkumer argues that 'reform' and 'identity' are dynamically inter-related and linked to the revitalisation and negotiation of both 'tradition' legitimising indigeneity, and 'change' legitimising reform. The results have deepened, yet challenged, not only prevailing views of the Western construction of the category 'religion' but also understandings of how marginalised communities use collective historical imagination to inspire self-identification through the discourse of religion. In conclusion, this book argues for a re-evaluation of the way in which multi-religious traditions interact to reshape identities and belongings.

Religious and spiritual writings have always made reference to beings from the spiritual hierarchies, especially those known in Christian tradition as Angels. These spirits are the closest to human beings and act as our invisible guides and companions. They influence the life of the individual as well as the evolution of humanity and the cosmos. From his own clairvoyant vision, Rudolf Steiner confirmed the existence of such spiritual beings and showed how modern minds could gain access to their world. As he explains in these inspiring lectures, it is important for us to understand and cooperate with the work of the Angels today as this is crucial for the further development of humanity.

"Ewe Osain" takes an in-depth look at 221 plants, herbs and trees utilized within the Lucumi tradition as well as their uses, Odu of origin, Pataki, Spanish Name, Scientific Name, English Name, Lucumi Name, owner, Medicinal properties and so much more. An instant classic, guaranteed to be an indispensable reference book and valuable addition to any collection.

In the course of a feud, Gunnarr is exiled and must leave Iceland but as he rides away from his home he is struck by the beauty of the land and resolves to stay; this quickly leads to his death. Some years later, Njal is burned alive in his home as a part of a cycle of killing and vengeance.

Five-hundred and eleven years before Columbus discovered the West Indies, Eirik Thorwaldsson, or more commonly Eirik the Red, discovered, and explored the rugged coasts of Greenland, only later to lead the first established colony in North America.

Asatru, or Heathenry, is based on the pre-Christian religion and way-of-life of our Northern European Ancestors. Modern Heathen honor the true Gods of their ancestors, and we honor them in the ways that they did. We also honor our ancestors and the spirits of the land. Heathenry is very family oriented, and encourages us to live responsible lives of honor. Nothing is more important than our families and the children that we bring into this world. The modern heathen fables within are just one part of a larger puzzle of finding better ways of sharing our way-of-life with our children. This book brings together all of the essays written by the author to-date on the topic of Heathen children and families. Love your children, give gifts to your Gods, honor your ancestors, and respect the Vaettir of the land. Hail our Folk

Dread Jesus explores the black, dreadlocked Jesus in the teachings of Rastafari.Is Rastafari simply a bizarre Christian cult, destined to fade if the Emporer Haile Selassie never reappears? Or could it become a vibrant Two-Thirds World reform movement, recalling Christianity to its original non-oppressing gospel for all people?Rigorously researched, William David Spencer 's unique and compelling study - which includes exclusive inteviews with major Rastafarian thinkers and close analysis of the lyrics of many reggae songs - will prove genuinely accessible to anyone who wishes to learn more about Rastafari and its significance for global Christianity.

GODS, EARTHS AND 85ers is a first time clear and precise look into one of the most misunderstood, controversial and sublime groups in American history. The Nation of Gods and Earths', otherwise known as The 5%ers, rich history and teachings are finally made available. Pen Black is someone who has learned and lived their lessons for over a decade. Find out why this very large and influential group of men and women consider themselves Gods and Earths, find out who they consider the Bloodsuckers of the Poor and who they consider the DEAF, DUMB, and BLIND. Find out why in the face of deadly opposition and governmental intervention this group has survived and gone on to influence a whole generation and Hip Hop movement. Gods, Earths and 85ers may be your only chance to find true knowledge, wisdom and understanding about the Nation of Gods and Earths.

Learn the religious beliefs and practices of the Rastafarians. A great Rasta book for those who want to become a Rastafarian. Written by a Jamaican Rasta Woman, this book explains Rasta beliefs, how to convert to Rastafarianism, the true ways of dress as a Rastafarian, and the meaning of Rasta. Find out all about Rastafari culture, and what it means to follow Jah Rastafari, Emperor Haile Selassie I, according the the Rastamans way of life.

There's more to good and evil than meets the eye...
When human remains are found in her pre-war fixer-upper in an east Vancouver neighbourhood, Claire Dawson's grand plans to fix the house -- and her life -- take a disturbing turn. Suspicious there might exist a relationship between the discovery and her own tragic past, Claire insinuates herself into the investigation, unknowingly placing herself in harm's way and Homicide's Detective Dylan Lewis in an impossible conflict of interest. And when Dylan's grandmother, a Coast Salish medicine woman, wades into the mystery, challenging the demon whose earthly form is behind the murder, the three find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes battle where lines are blurred and worlds collide -- but souls are ultimately freed.

Native Americans and Canadians are largely romanticised or sidelined figures in modern society. Their spirituality has been appropriated on a relatively large scale by Europeans and non-Native Americans, with little concern for the diversity of Native American opinions. Suzanne Owen offers an insight into appropriation that will bring a new understanding and perspective to these debates. This important volume collects together these key debates from the last 25 years and sets them in context, analyses Native American objections to appropriations of their spirituality and examines 'New Age' practices based on Native American spirituality. The Appropriation of Native American Spirituality includes the findings of fieldwork among the Mi'Kmaq of Newfoundland on the sharing of ceremonies between Native Americans and First Nations, which highlights an aspect of the debate that has been under-researched in both anthropology and religious studies: that Native American discourses about the breaking of 'protocols', rules on the participation and performance of ceremonies, is at the heart of objections to the appropriation of Native American spirituality.

An Account of the Rites and Mysteries Connected with the Origin, Rise, and Development of Serpent Worship in various Parts of the World, Enriched with Interesting Traditions, and A Full Description of the Celebrated Serpent Mounds and Temples, Forming An Exposition of One of the Phasks of Phallic, or Sex Worship.

This work surveys a wide spread of old rites, practised during initiations, puberty, marriages, burials, and other major events of life. Relying on ornamental artwork on pottery and on ancient inscriptions and literature, the author examines, among other topics, Old Testament terms for "dancing," and forms of musical accompaniment in the time of the Hebrews; the sacred processional dance, performed by Hittites, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and other peoples; the ritual dance around sacred objects; and sacred dances performed during harvests and other festivals. Students of bygone civilizations, dancers, choreographers, and anyone interested in the history of this age-old art form will find this text of immense value. The chapters include: The origin and purposes of the sacred dance; The sacred dance among the Israelites, Old Testament terms for "dancing," The sacred processional dance and dances in honour of supernatural powers, The ritual dance round a sacred object, The ecstatic dance, The sacred dance at vintage, harvest, and other festivals, Dances in celebration of victory, The sacred dance as a marriage rite, and Dancing as a mourning and burial rite.

Heritage of Power is the first book to establish the civil-rights legacy of Mary Ellen Pleasant, called "The Mother of Civil Rights in California." Did this daring woman of mystery really aid the abolitionist John Brown and study with New Orleans' most famous Voodoo queen, Marie LaVeaux? Did Pleasant receive a "Heritage of Power" from LaVeaux, and if so, what was it and how did it come about? This updated and expanded work captures the latest research to answer these questions and to unravel Mary Ellen Pleasant's story. It also demystifies LaVeaux's life and faith, Vodou/voodoo -- the unique, traditional religion that inspired the civil-rights accomplishments of both women.