A Telegraph Book of the Year A remarkable, unprecedented account of the role of magic in cultures both ancient and modern -- from the first known horoscope to the power of tattoos. 'Fascinating, original, excellent' Simon Sebag Montefiore ______________________ Three great strands of practice and belief run through human history: science, religion and magic. But magic - the idea that we have a connection with the universe - has developed a bad reputation. It has been with us for millennia - from the curses and charms of ancient Greek, Roman and Jewish magic, to the shamanistic traditions of Eurasia, indigenous America and Africa, and even quantum physics today. Even today seventy-five per cent of the Western world holds some belief in magic, whether snapping wishbones, buying lottery tickets or giving names to inanimate objects. Drawing on his decades of research, with incredible breadth and authority, Professor Chris Gosden provides a timely history of human thought and the role it has played in shaping civilization, and how we might use magic to rethink our understanding of the world. ______________________ 'This is an extraordinary work of learning, written with an exhilarating lightness of touch . . . It is essential reading.' Francis Pryor, author of Britain BC, Britain AD and The Fens 'Without an unfascinating page' Scotsman 'Chris Gosden shows how magic explores the connections between human beings and the universe in ways different from religion or science, yet deserving of respect' Professor John Barton, author of A History of The Bible

A bold exploration of the reintegration of rationality and intuition, science and soul, to foster individual and planetary healing During the scientific revolution, science and soul were drastically separated, propelling humanity into four centuries of scientific exploration based solely on empiricism and rationality. But, as scientist and ecologist Stephan Harding, Ph.D., demonstrates in detail, by reintegrating science with profound personal experiences of psyche and soul, we can reclaim our lost sacred wholeness and help heal ourselves and our planet. The book begins with compelling introductions to depth psychology, alchemy, and Gaia theory--the science of seeing the Earth as an intelligent, self-regulating system, a theory pioneered by the author's mentor James Lovelock. Harding then explores how alchemy, as understood through the depth psychology of C. G. Jung, offers us powerful methods of reuniting rationality and intuition, science and soul. He examines the integration of important alchemical engravings, including those from L'Azoth des Philosophes and the Rosarium Philosophorum, with Gaian science. He shows how the seven key alchemical operations in the Azoth image can help us develop deeply transformative experiences and insights into our interconnectedness with Gaia. He then looks at how the four components of the living Earth--biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere--mesh not only with the four elements of alchemical theory but also with the four functions of consciousness from depth psychology. Woven throughout with the author's own experiences of Gaia alchemy, the book also offers guided meditations and contemplative exercises to open your receptivity to messages from the biosphere and help you develop your own Gaian alchemical way of life, full of wonder and healing.

In this practical and inspiring celebration of the festivals of the Celtic seasonal Wheel of the Year, Danu draws on her many years of personal practice and teaching to skilfully revive the ancient rituals and traditions of all eight festivals - Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh, Autumn Equinox, Samhain and Winter Solstice - helping you weave a more soulful, nature-centred way of living into your everyday existence. Throughout the book, beautiful illustrations in the Celtic style capture the special atmosphere of each festival.* Learn to call upon the deities to support and assist you in your journey* Explore Celtic starlore to glean spiritual insights from the heavens* Make meaningful gifts for friends and family* Cast spells for creativity, fertility and blessing* Decorate your home with crafts and altars to manifest sacred space* Use the abundance of nature in recipes for self-healing and for delicious feasts* Explore the deeper meanings of the festivals through magical guided visualizations

A magnificent edition of Splendor Solis for all those interested in alchemy, magic and mysterious manuscripts. Popularly attributed to the legendary figure Salomon Trismosin, Splendor Solis ('Splendour of the Sun') is the most beautiful alchemical manuscript ever made, with 22 fabulous illustrations rich in allegorical and mystical symbolism. The paintings are given a fitting showcase in this new Watkins edition, which accompanies them with Joscelyn Godwin's excellent contemporary translation of the original 16th-century German text, as well as interpretation from alchemical experts Stephen Skinner and Georgiana Hedesan, and from Rafal T. Prinke, an authority in central and Eastern European esoteric manuscripts. Stephen Skinner explains the symbolism of both the text and the illustrations, suggesting that together they describe the physical process of the alchemical transmutation of base metal into gold. Rafal T. Prinke explains the theories about the authorship of both text and illustrations, discussing Splendor Solis as the turning point in alchemical iconography passing from the medieval tradition to that of the Baroque and the reasons for the misattribution of Splendor Solis to Poysel and Trismosin. Georgiana Hedesan looks at the legendary figure of Salomon Trismosin and his creation by followers of Theophrastus Paracelsus as part of an attempt to integrate their master in a lineage of ancient alchemical philosophers. The images are taken from the British Library manuscript Harley 3469, the finest example of the Splendor Solis to survive.

Draw power from the earth with rituals, exercises, and spells in the Herbal Magic Journal. Learn how the plant kingdom and your magic connect with the self with this guided journal for green witchery. Nature is all around us and holds with it an immense wealth of power. Folding plant magic into your quest for spiritual wellness and mindfulness will help you commune with the natural world and all of the divine forces in it. Each spell, ritual, or grounding meditation is accompanied by thoughtful prompts to encourage deeper introspection while you weave your spells. As you carry out rituals and fill out the spaces for reflection, you can then use the pages to craft your own unique brand of magic. Whether you are a communal kitchen witch or a solitary hedgewitch, these spells are practical and filled with easy components to source. As a companion to Herbal Magic, this guided journal will help bring the sun and wild magic into day-to-day routines for many different types of magical practices. Expand your craft with these easy-to-understand, step-by-step instructions for: Connecting with nature through the process of growing your own plants Herbal magic lore and herbal magic spell tools Tea recipes that can enhance your psychic abilities Spells for attractions, trust, fortune, and friendship Whether you're a budding witch or the roots of your practice have been established, the Herbal Magic Journal offers a rewarding mystical journey into the self. The Mystical Handbook series from Wellfleet takes you on a magical journey through the wonderful world of spellcraft and spellcasting. Explore a new practice with each volume and learn how to incorporate spells, rituals, blessings, and cleansings into your daily routine. These portable companions feature beautiful foil-detail covers and color-saturated interiors on a premium paper blend. Also available from the series: Witchcraft, Book of Shadows, Love Spells, Moon Magic, Moon Magic Journal, Knot Magic, Superstitions, House Magic, Herbal Magic, Goddess Magic, and Fairy Magic.

An updated approach for working with the Triple Goddess in modern times The Triple Goddess has three facets: the maiden, the mother, and the crone. The Triple Goddess represents many things such as birth, life, death and the phases of the moon, waxing, full and waning. Whilst in the form we recognise it may well be a modern idea, it still gives a wonderful way of working with the goddess and her phases, to help us evolve and understand our own pathway through life and this journey can help you to embrace your own personal power.

Alchemical practices have been reborn in our contemporary world under the rubric of Jungianism, transpersonal psychology, or depth psychology. But in Alchemical Psychology, Thom F. Cavalli, Ph.D., takes us directly to the source—and on a wonderful adventure into the true nature of our hearts and minds.

In a book that sparkles with verve, life, and practicality, Dr. Cavalli explains how alchemy was one of humankind’s earliest efforts to transform the nature of consciousness. What little-known or underground arts did alchemists practice in pursuit of self-transformation—and how can they enrich us today?

Using the same practices that he employs with patients, Dr. Cavalli offers readers a plethora of personal exercises that, among other things, enables them to “type” themselves according to ancient alchemical identifiers of nature and personality. He then provides practices that can help free them from the grip of familiar problems and foster true personal growth.

Beautifully illustrated with medieval prints from the alchemical tradition, Alchemical Psychology gives readers both a richer understanding of their own natures and of the traditions on which many of our modern therapies are based.

Discover the wisdom, healing, and magic of trees with this illuminating book of rituals that focus on the last ten Celtic tree ogham. Featuring meditations, ceremonies, stories, and correspondences, this easy-to-follow guide shows you how to build a deeper connection to nature as you learn about the aicme ailim vowels and the forfeda. You'll also explore how these rituals fit into the Wheel of the Year so you can access tree energy year-round. Celtic Tree Ogham acts as your doorway into the sacred teachings of not only trees, but also totems, guides, and deities. In addition to step-by-step instructions on preparing for and performing the ritual, each chapter presents runes, keywords, and practical information. Through chants, songs, journaling, and more, this book's activities help you live well and stay connected to your wild self.

Featuring more than 100 spells for mojo bags, poppets, talismans, jars, and other enchanted containers, this is the spell book you've always wanted. Charity L. Bedell presents original workings rooted in Conjure and Hoodoo, European folk magic, and modern witchcraft. She lays out the basics for using containers and shares extensive resources, making this book perfect for beginners who want to work magic with whatever supplies they have on hand. Container Magic teaches you how to choose the right container, fill it for specific purposes, and cleanse and dispose of materials. You'll discover how to make packets and poppets for short-term goals, charm bags for money magic, and witch balls for long-term protection. This practical book also covers herbal and crystal correspondences, incense and oil formulas, and more.

"Nightshades is the record of one remarkable magician's exploration of the inverse regions of the Tree of Life. Aleister Crowley's Liber 231 provides the map and Kenneth Grant's Nightside of Eden a travelogue. "Liber 231, apparently started life as a text within the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, as an exercise to develop astral and trance abilities or perhaps in other more elaborate rites. The nightside aspect requires some care and alertness in case of accident. The correct attitude is said to be one of self or ego-less witness. Or maybe it's just one needs Or maybe it's just one needs the use of an all-embracing rather than a limited kind of identity and self-identification?" "The Nightside is always with us. It's so much older than the Dayside. Before the light began to shine, the night was there. Some assume that we are dealing with a simple polarity. On one hand the radiant world of colours and forms, more or less thinkable, reasonable and meaningful. Like the pretty picture of the Tree of Life it has its scenic cites, its hotels, restaurants, shopping opportunities and highways in between. On the other hand the chaotic world of uncertain and incomprehensible mysteries. Both of them connected by the voidness that makes them possible. It looks symmetrical. But when you reach the Nightside it doesn't work like that. The Nightside is not simply a reflection of the dayside with a few confusing and spooky bits thrown in. The Dayside is a tiny island of experience in a huge ocean, the Nightside, full of currents, island chains and continents of the possible and impossible. All and Nothing are present everywhere. Our island is not the opposite of the world-ocean, it is simply a tiny and comprehensible part of it." Jan Fries Nightshades comprises 72 intense drawings prefaced by an explanatory essay detailing the background and genesis of this ultimate magical adventure.

Packed with rituals, exercises, spells, recipes, history, and lore, this new book in Llewellyn's Elements of Witchcraft series shows you how to enrich your connection to the element of earth. Join Dodie Graham McKay as she digs deep into the deities, sacred sites, animal guides, herbs, crystals, and stones associated with this element. Earth Magic showcases a wide variety of fun and fascinating ways to 'get your hands dirty' as you enhance your magical practice. Explore the recipes, rituals, and spells that help you call upon the earth for greater power and wisdom. Discover how the earth element is used in cultures and myths around the world. Featuring illuminating essays from guest contributors, Earth Magic inspires you to practice magic in ways that create positive changes in your environment and in yourself.

'A true fantasy masterpiece' Sabaa Tahir, #1 New York Times bestselling author 'World building to rival the likes of George R.R. Martin' GUARDIAN SAVE THE WORLD OR END IT. CLAIM THE SWORD OR BREAK IT. From the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Realm Breaker and the multi-million copy selling Red Queen series, as seen on TikTok... _____________ A divided world must rally, an unstoppable enemy must be defeated, and the fate of the world rests on a blade's edge. Andry, a former squire, fights for hope amid blood and chaos. Dom, a grieving immortal, strives to fulfill a broken oath. Sorasa, an outcast assassin, faces her past when it returns with sharpened teeth. Valtik, an old sorceress, summons a mighty power. And Corayne, a pirate's daughter with an ancient magic in her blood, steps closer to becoming the hero she's destined to be. Together they must assemble an army to face Queen Erida and Taristan's wicked forces. But something deadly waits in the shadows, something that might consume the world before there's any hope for victory. The follow-up to the instant #1 New York Times bestselling Realm Breaker features breathless action, deadly twists, and gripping magic, making it perfect for fans of Garth Nix and J. R. R. Tolkien. 'Blade Breaker is an ambitious sequel with stellar world building. Pure fantasy heaven.' CULTUREFLY _____________ Praise for Victoria Aveyard: 'Electrifying' GUARDIAN 'A fantasy fan's dream' Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times bestselling author of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin 'A new classic' Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Skyhunter 'A true fantasy masterpiece' Sabaa Tahir, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Connect with the magic and mystique of the moon's power The Little Book of Moon Magic will show you how to maximise potent lunar energy at the most auspicious times, to make your life what you truly want it to be. From wishing on the new moon and manifesting success, to knowing when to attract new romance, this guide reveals how to go with the flow of the moon to bring you the happiness you seek. This book also reveals how to track and utilise astrological lunar cycles throughout the year for self-improvement, work with moon goddess rituals for positive empowerment, as well as discover how your moon-sign determines your moods, comfort zones, emotional needs, and so much more. This is a book for all those wishing to deepen their connection with nature and take their spiritual practice to a new level.