Despite its widespread popularity in antebellum America, phrenology has rarely been taken seriously as a cultural phenomenon. Charles Colbert seeks to redress this neglect by demonstrating the important contributions the theory made to artistic developments in the period. He goes on to reveal the links between the tenets of phrenology and the cultural ideals of Jacksonian democracy. As Colbert demonstrates, virtually every important figure of the American Renaissance expressed some opinion of phrenology, whether or not they embraced it. Its proponents included many artists eager to support a cause that enhanced the status of their profession by endowing the human form with extraordinary significance. Colbert reviews the careers of Hiram Powers, William Sidney Mount, Harriet Hosmer, Asher B. Durand, and Thomas Cole, among others, in light of their responses to phrenology. Powers's "Greek Slave," for example, can be seen as a model of the physical and moral perfection available to those who adopted the phrenological program, a series of dictates on everything from diet to mental and physical exercise. By creating portraits, genre scenes, ideal figures, and even landscapes that embodied the theory's teachings, Colbert shows, artists endeavored to enlist their audience in a crusade that would transform the nation.
Originally published in 1997.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.

This text draws on the skells and imagination of mystics, seers, scientists and soothsayers past and present to interpret a variety of cosmic millennial dreams. Across nine themes, the future is predicted using the wisdom of the ages and the book includes an account of mystical signs of the new age.

This is a collection of over twenty true stories about people who have increased their prosperity using Feng Shui principles. Gathered from around the United States and Europe, these 'rags to riches' tales take you into the homes and businesses of people from all walks of life who, by using the art and science of Feng Shui, solved their problems and enhanced their good fortune.

Of particular interest for its application to business strategizing, this edition of the well-known ancient Chinese classic I Ching (The Book of Changes) guides readers through the intricacies of group dynamics and relationships within organizations of all kinds. The root text is supported by a commentary from the eleventh-century scholar Cheng-Yi, founder of the movement known as Lixue, the study of inner design. Cheng contended that by understanding the pattern of events--the inner design of nature--one can bring about mutual understanding and cooperation among people in groups, thus facilitating the accomplishment of any tasks they might undertake. The translator's extensive introduction gives specific, systematic guidelines for consulting the I Ching for greatest understanding and best results. Included in the afterward is a profile of the modern and Japanese organizational genius Matsushita Konosuke, founder of Panasonic and other multinational corporations, whose success has been built on the principles of the I Ching.

A practical handbook to the history, exercises, and techniques of German rune work Although the rune renaissance began blossoming in Anglo-American occult circles in the 1970s, the runes have been part of the occult revival in Germany since its beginning in the late 19th century, with roots that go back centuries further. Exploring the history of esoteric runology and the work of the trailblazers of modern rune magic, including Guido von List, Friedrich Bernhard Marby, and Rudolf John Gorsleben, author Edred Thorsson details the secret practices and runic systems of the German rune magicians, including techniques for using runes in unprecedented ways to draw power into your life. Thorsson explores all four of the traditional runic systems: the Older Futhark (24 runes), the Anglo-Frisian Futhorc (29-33 runes), the Younger Futhark (16 runes), and the Armanic Futhork (18 runes), developed by Guido von List. Providing an extensive practical section, Thorsson details powerful runework techniques and exercises, including rune yoga and dance, runic hand gestures (mudras), rune singing (mantras), rune yodeling, runic healing, runic tantra and sex magic, group rites with runes, and two powerful methods of engaging transpersonal powers: the Ritual of the Ninth Night and the Ritual of the Grail Cup. He also explores runic divination, the runic theory of crystals, runic symbolism in medieval German buildings, and runic material from the documents of the Fraternitas Saturni, the Brotherhood of Saturn. By immersing yourself in the world of the runic pioneers and the practices they designed, you will emerge with a deeper understanding of runes as well as the magical world from which they emanate.

Profusely illustrated with 1,254 Illustrations and complete with a Palmistic Dictionary! Contents: Dedication; Preface; Introduction; Preliminaries; Chirognomic Observations; The Mounts of the Hand; Chiromantic Observations; Additional Cases; Phrenology and Palmistry Compared; Palmistic Dictionary; Appendix; Model Chart for Hand Reading. Note: we do not believe this "St. Germain was the original. However, the author does demonstrate remarkable skill in this science and this scarce book is certainly recommended for anyone interested in palmistry.

Geomancy teaches the rules by which certain truths are spiritually perceived by the soul and brought within the understanding of the external mind by the use of concentration and punctuation. Geomancy has been used for centuries to enable the seeker to obtain answers to all of life's questions, ie., life, death, health, wealth, romance, etc. Contents: Astrology; The Seven Planets; Conjunctions; Twelve Signs of the Zodiac; Symbols of Geomancy; Preparation for the Practice of Geomancy; Instructions; Astrological Geomancy; Signification of Geomantic Symbols according to their Positions; Example; Astronomical Geomancy; Example; Conclusion.

This book is a comprehensive, yet easy to understand guide to the use of crystals and gems for internal growth, healing and balance in your daily life. Discover new resources, learn how to extend your personal awareness and centre by attuning to crystal energies. The magnitude and potential of crystals and gems to impact positively our personal lives and the evolving planet we live on is significant. Some of the topics explored in this book are: what are crystals physically and esoterically; working with crystals for self-healing; the ancient art of laying on stones; psychic protection; generator crystals; important healing stones and their uses; double terminated stones and their functions; crystal meditations; and, black holes. The book is designed for the lay person, as well as the professional, to give the basic understanding necessary to use the healing properties inherent within the mineral kingdom to improve the quality of our external and internal lives.

1917. This book discusses second sight, or premonition. Many men have written on this subject, some of which are referred to within this text. The purpose herein is to place before the reader the prophecies of the Brahan Seer, as far as the author has been able to procure them. Contents: prophecies which might be attributed to natural shrewdness; prophecies unfulfilled; prophecies as to the fulfillment of which there is doubt; prophecies wholly or partially fulfilled; sketch of the family of Seaforth; Seaforth's dream and doom; the Seer's death; fulfillment of the Seaforth prophecy.

EVERYONE HAS LUCKY DAYS AND NUMBERS -- A WORLD-RENOWNED ASTROLOGER TELLS YOU HOW TO FIND YOURS

In this illuminating, easy-to-read book, Zolar, the master of occult lore and practices, reveals how you can use the arts of dream interpretation and numerology to enrich your life. Discover, for example:

* Your fortunate years
* Your good days
* Your best hours
* Your Magic Hour
* Your Pinnacle of Success
* The Lady Luck Method
...and much, much more!

Included is a special dream key that uncovers the meanings of hundreds of dream symbols, as well as their numerological significance.

The ancient sciences were developed to put humankind in touch with life's rhythms and harmonies. Now you, too, can put this secret wisdom to work for you! Whether you're new to the occult sciences or already a practiced hand, you can easily learn how your dreams and lucky numbers can help you -- in everything from choosing a partner to playing the lottery.

Find out today just how lucky you can be!

It's hard to believe something as simple as a weight on a string can work magic. A pendulum is a powerful tool, yet small enough to carry around and use anytime. With just a few minutes of practice, anyone can start using it. Using the easy techniques in this book, you can use a pendulum for guidance, self-improvement, psychic development, and a wealth of other practical purposes. - Locate lost objects - Gain insight on any decision - Test food for freshness or allergens - Change bad habits - Resolve health issues - Diagnose car or appliance problems - Communicate with spirits - Explore past lives Once you've mastered the basics, you'll learn more advanced pendulum techniques, including little-known methods that can be used to help you achieve any goal you desire.

A full-color oracle deck and guidebook to activate your light codes, raise your frequency, and awaken to your cosmic mission * 2022 Coalition of Visionary Resources Silver Award * Includes 44 full-color cards, embedded with activational frequencies and imbued with sacred geometric symbols and patterns from nature and the cosmos * For each card, the book explains its meaning and message and includes a ritual activity, such as an incantation, guided journaling, meditation, or ceremony, to help you engage more deeply and experientially with the message * The book demonstrates how the cards represent 4 distinct initiatory paths, which can act as a cosmic mission activation launch sequence, helping you in the next steps of your soul purpose Presenting high-vibration activational messages, this oracle deck and book set is designed to help you remember your true nature as a being of light, access your cosmic mission, and raise your vibratory frequency. Rev. Stephanie Red Feather hand-painted the art on each of the 44 full-color cards, imbued with sacred geometric symbols and patterns from nature and the cosmos, to serve as a tool of transmission, engaging you on multiple levels of consciousness and allowing you to receive whatever activation, message, or inspiration from Source you need in the moment. The art is also intentionally embedded with activational frequencies to help you "turn on" your light codes, retrieve ancient wisdom stored in your soul's memory from enlightened times, and transmit signals from Source, which land like seeds in the mind and flower into higher knowledge. In the accompanying guidebook, Red Feather explains how the oracle can be used as a self-guided initiation into the mysteries of higher consciousness. Drawing on astrophysics, biology, geology, quantum mechanics, as well as ancient mystical traditions, she shows how the cards can be divided into four groups, each representing a distinct initiatory path and acting as a cosmic mission activation launch sequence. For each card, she explains its meaning and message and includes a ritual activity, such as an incantation, guided journaling, meditation, or ceremony, to help you engage more deeply and experientially with the message. Offering a hands-on tool to discover and activate the next steps of your cosmic mission, this oracle helps you prepare your light body for the next octave of your soul purpose on Earth as well as drawing you into higher, wider, and deeper dimensions of consciousness.

In this comprehensive guide to hand reading, based on Ellen Goldberg's 40 years of teaching palmistry and the Western Mystery tradition, the authors detail how to interpret all features of the hand, not simply the lines of the palm. They explain the character traits and personality archetypes associated with each of the seven mounts of the palm and how to determine which are most influential in the nature of the individual. The mount archetypes reveal the lifestyle, love, sex, and marriage preferences, the best career choices, and the unique strengths and weaknesses for each person. The authors examine the shapes of the palm, fingers, and nails as well as the texture of the skin and the flexibility of the hand, factors that enhance the qualities revealed by the palm. They explain the meaning of each major and minor line and include timing guides for each, making it possible to locate specific events. They show how your lines change over time, reflecting the influence of the person's own mind in healing defects found on their lines. Presenting the hand as a guide to self-fulfilment, the authors incorporate correspondences to other mystical sciences such as astrology, Kabbalah, the Hermetic teachings, and archetypal psychology. With detailed sample readings and hundreds of illustrations, they show how to integrate the meanings of each part of the hand to form a complete picture of your inner psychology and your ever-changing destiny.

You can easily locate water, coins, artifacts, lost objects--even missing people--when you follow the simple instructions in this divination book.

With expert guidance from Richard Webster, you'll discover how to improve your life in many practical ways by dowsing. Begin by learning how to use the tools of dowsing: angle rods, divining rods, pendulums, wands, and even your own hands and body. Clear, detailed instructions on map dowsing show you how to dowse for anything at all, anywhere in the world.

Using the tools and techniques presented here, you can locate valuable hidden items, identify and treat ailments for improved health, tune in to your pet's needs, develop your intuition--the applications of dowsing are nearly limitless!

A practical guide on how to read hands. This enjoyable and practical guide demonstrates how easy it is to read hands for fun and for insight. Our hands provide a glimpse of our personalities, health, strengths and weaknesses - and even what may happen to us in the future. Each line, mound and finger is a clue that can easily be deciphered if you have the right information. Fenton covers the basics of hand reading, including the lines, mounts, fingers and thumb. She shows readers how to judge someone's character, health, love and relationship interests, moneymaking ability and long-term destiny. Chapters include: * The Map of the Hand * The Phalanges (bones between the fingers and joints) * The Major Lines * The Minor Lines * Love and Relationships * How to Make Handprints This is a fun, chatty, accessible introductory text. Readers will want to immediately practise Fenton's techniques on friends and strangers.

Be it in your working, romantic or physical life, wise words of wisdom walk with you, to provide the answers. The Book of Destiny is a divination tool, incorporating common sayings with their meaning, a focus word, an image and a message for the reader. There are 111 messages all based on the original divination but in a context that will help the reader today, in their everyday life. Beautifully Illustrated, The Book of Destiny is like a portable 'oracle', always at the ready with wisdom for the moment in hand.

Divine your way to self-knowledge and awareness. Built upon the core beliefs and traditions of Wicca, this vividly illustrated oracle can put you in touch with the sacred gods and goddesses. Whether you're seeking spiritual wisdom or answers to everyday questions, the Wicca Oracle offers inspiration and an illuminating perspective. The companion booklets for most Lo Scarabeo decks are in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German.

Haven't you always wanted to gaze into a crystal ball and see what the future holds? You can learn to use a crystal ball for divination, guidance, and meditation--this friendly introductory guide tells you how!

Alexandra Chauran, a second-generation fortuneteller, presents everything you need to know to begin doing crystal ball readings immediately. You'll learn what a crystal ball is, how it works, and how to choose your first one. Step-by-step instructions describe what to look for when doing a reading and how to interpret the symbols found within the crystal ball.

You can gain heightened intuitive abilities, greater self-knowledge, and a deeper understanding of the universe when you practice the ancient art of crystal ball reading.

A deck and guidebook set to help you discover your life's work with the assistance of the inspiring gemstone guardians * Includes 44 full-color cards, each with a soul purpose archetype and a vibrationally matching crystal as well as a question for contemplative thought, divine guidance, and a positive affirmation * Includes a 128-page booklet with divination spreads and explanations of the archetypes, how their attributes relate to choices in one's life work, and how the matching gemstone amplifies certain attributes further * Provides insights and understanding to support you in your soul purpose and encourages self-empowerment to propel you into fulfilling your sacred agreements with the Divine Gemstone Guardians Cards and Your Soul Purpose presents a hands-on way to engage in discovering and deepening your soul purpose. The 44 two-sided cards have been specifically created to inspire thought from higher levels of awareness and help you answer questions like, "What is my soul purpose?" and "How can I live it more fully?" Pairing an archetypal career expression with a vibrationally matching crystal, mineral, or stone to provide insight into and recognition of your unique path, each card offers a question for contemplative thought, divine guidance messages of hope, happiness, and well-being, and a positive affirmation. The accompanying booklet explains the soul purpose archetypes, how their attributes relate to choices in one's life work, and how the matching gemstone amplifies certain attributes further. The booklet explores how to work with intention, focused attention, and the laws of manifestation to activate the courage and confidence to do your life's work and encourages self-empowerment to propel you into fulfilling your sacred agreements with the Divine. It also provides a choice of spreads for divination and explores how life challenges and lessons are not blocks but stepping-stones to help you make a lasting contribution for peace and harmony. These cards help shine light on the path to your soul purpose and reveal the gemstone guardians as your allies on the journey. You can also add these cards to angel communication sessions and tarot card readings for additional insight and direction. Pull a card a day for inspiration, or follow the divine guidance and repeat the affirmations to transform your reality and attract joy, wealth, health, protection, and happy relationships. Designed to spark your creativity, courage, and innate knowledge, the Gemstone Guardians Cards and Your Soul Purpose deck helps empower you to step forward with confidence and realize your unlimited potential.