An informative and entertaining look at why plants have been used in magic and what that tells us about people and plants in a post-magic world.

Bestselling author and renowned Zen teacher Steve Hagen penetrates the most essential and enduring questions at the heart of the Buddha's teachings: How can we see the world in each moment, rather than merely as what we think, hope, or fear it is? How can we base our actions on reality, rather than on the longing and loathing of our hearts and minds? How can we live lives that are wise, compassionate, and in tune with reality? And how can we separate the wisdom of Buddhism from the cultural trappings and misconceptions that have come to be associated with it?

Drawing on down-to-earth examples from everyday life and stories from Buddhist teachers past and present, Hagen tackles these fundamental inquiries with his trademark lucid, straightforward prose. The newcomer to Buddhism will be inspired by this accessible and provocative introduction, and those more familiar with Buddhism will welcome this much needed hands-on guide to understanding what it truly means to be awake. By being challenged to question what we take for granted, we come to see the world as it truly is. Buddhism Is Not What You Think offers a profound and clear path to a life of joy and freedom.

Explore the secrets of the stars in this beautiful, illustrated introduction to horoscopes and the signs of the zodiac. From Sun, Moon, and Rising Signs to the 12 Houses of a Natal Chart, there is untold wisdom embedded in the night sky. Covering all 12 signs of the zodiac -- Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces -- this enchanted introduction teaches readers the essential traits of each sign, the impact of planetary transits, and the essentials of understanding how to read a horoscope. Gain insight into your essential being and tap into the magic of the stars with this fully-illustrated map to your celestial self.

Discover the magical properties, qualities, and symbolism of 100 basic ingredients so they can add magic to any meal—at any time and in any situation. Every house witch knows: the kitchen is an essential part of your magical practice. From preparing food to enjoying a meal, it’s important to honor the process of making a dish, to appreciate each individual ingredient, and to make magic from the recipes you already know and love. First, dive into the world of kitchen magic and spellwork; then go back to the basics to learn the magical properties, qualities, and symbolism of 100 essential everyday ingredients so that you can learn to add a little magic to every meal. You’ll learn: -That chocolate is associated with love, but different types of chocolate are connected with different types of love from romance to friendship -That figs promote safety while traveling, so you may want to incorporate figs into a dish before your next vacation -That you should choose your pasta wisely for different shapes are associated with different outcomes -That onion can be used for healing, and the tears the onion causes when you cut it can be just as important as the dish you make with it -And much more! Transform your favorite recipes into magical spells, use different ingredients to maximum advantage, and enhance your kitchen witchery with the help of The Kitchen Witch.

A visual feast of eclectic artwork informed and inspired by spiritual beliefs, magical techniques, mythology and otherworldly experiences. Mystical beliefs and practices have existed for millennia, but why do we still chase the esoteric? From the beginning of human creativity itself, image-makers have been drawn to these unknown spheres and have created curious artworks that transcend time and place - but what is it that attracts artists to these magical realms? From theosophy and kabbalah, to the zodiac and alchemy; spiritualism and ceremonial magic, to the elements and sacred geometry - The Art of the Occult introduces major occult themes and showcases the artists who have been influenced and led by them. Discover the symbolic and mythical images of the Pre-Raphaelites; the automatic drawing of Hilma af Klint and Madge Gill; Leonora Carrington's surrealist interpretation of myth, alchemy and kabbalah; and much more. Featuring prominent, marginalised and little-known artists, The Art of the Occult crosses mystical spheres in a bid to inspire and delight. Divided into thematic chapters (The Cosmos, Higher Beings, Practitioners), the book acts as an entertaining introduction to the art of mysticism - with essays examining each practice and over 175 artworks to discover. The art of the occult has always existed in the margins but inspired the masses, and this book will spark curiosity in all fans of magic, mysticism and the mysterious.

"This book is hilarious and that bitch made me laugh out loud."-Chelsea Handler A chaotically joyous collection of essays from one of the original influencers and the internet's sweetheart, Bretman "The Baddest" Rock. Hilarious and earnest, this collection of essays, how-tos and never-before-seen photos goes far beyond what we know of Bretman Rock from social media. Who is Bretman Rock Sacayanan behind the screen and how did he become the original superstar influencer and today's beloved best friend of the internet? You're That Bitch welcomes you into Bretman Rock's world-from how his childhood in the Philippines, his family, Filipino culture, and being a first-generation immigrant helped shape him into who he is today. Peek into how Bretman became a social media sensation at the precocious age of 14, balancing living a glamorous jet-setting lifestyle on weekends while still serving lunch at his school's cafeteria, running as a varsity track-star, and making honor roll during the week. With his signature honesty, this is an unfiltered and unprecedented look at what it means to be one of the first digital celebrities and that bitch--from dealing with cancel culture, drama and heartbreak, to what it means to love yourself and your community. From the funniest and undeniably cutest person on the internet, this is a book for the weirdos and for the bad bitches . . . this book is for you!

What if your next drink was written in the stars? With this handy guide, you'll be able to craft the perfect cocktail for your star sign. In this divine blend of astrology and mixology, you'll learn about your character traits and the cocktails that complement them. Packed with over 60 recipes and a spellbinding introduction to the zodiac, this book will help you deepen your connection with your inner self, learn more about your friends and find out how to create a delicious array of befitting, mystical drinks. The ideal companion for every cocktail lover, Cosmic Cocktails will provide you with all the tools for experimenting with mixology and magic. In this book, you will find: An introduction to astrology, including information on your sun, rising and moon signs The ideal cocktail match for you and your friends, with mystical spins on classic recipes, including the Margarita, Pina Colada, Martini and Mojito. Expert tips, tricks and techniques on blending each drink

Grab your comfiest pair of linen pants, squeeze a lemon into your iced tea, and light your favourite ocean breeze candle…it’s time to get cozy and coastal! Equal parts activity book, inspirational guide, and gratitude journal, Tiny Joys is the newest addition to illustrator Katie Vaz’s universe of comfort and a celebration of all of the things we love about our daydreams of living on the coast: farmers market shopping lists, refreshing drink ideas, and suggestions for curating the perfect Sunday morning. Inspired by the breezy, luxuriously simple lifestyle of your favourite coastal grandmother—think Ina Garten or any 2000s movie with Diane Keaton—Tiny Joys is perfect for learning to relax and celebrate the joys of a life lived slowly.

Heal and energise yourself and others by working with the natural power of crystals and the body’s seven chakras. Working with crystals and the body’s chakras, or natural energy points, is one of the most powerful and ancient healing practices. The chakra energy system is a route map for the transfer of healing energies to the mind, body and spirit. By working through the chakras with the easy-to-find crystals recommended in this book, you will benefit your physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing – detoxifying the body of unhelpful energies, and promoting a more contented, energised and stress-free life. Learn how to use a crystal pendulum to diagnose the health of a chakra and discover a wealth of healing techniques to gently re-balance energy. Each chakra has its own in-depth section, including checklists of symptoms, and there are profiles of over 100 crystals to work with for healing. With clear photographs and step-by-step illustrations, plus exercises and case studies, The Modern Guide to Crystal Chakra Healing will guide you toward better health and, ultimately, a calmer, happier life.

Marianne Foyster, Harry Price and the most haunted house in England - the perfect read for Halloween. 'Borley Rectory is perhaps the definition of an old haunt, still exerting an extraordinary grip on the popular imagination... Balanced, surprising and strangely moving' Mark Gatiss In 1928, Eric and Mabel Smith took over a lonely parish on the northern border of Essex. When they moved into Borley Rectory, Mrs Smith made a gruesome discovery in a cupboard: a human skull. Soon the house was electric with ghosts. Within the year, the Smiths had abandoned it and the Rectory became notorious as the 'most haunted house in England'. When Reverend Lionel Foyster moved in he experienced a further explosion of poltergeist activity with an increasing violence directed at his attractive young wife. Marianne was a passionate and sensuous woman isolated in a village haunted by ancient superstition and deep-rooted prejudice. She would be accused not only of faking the ghosts but of adultery, bigamy - and even murder. The haunting, sensationally reported in the tabloid press, gripped the nation. It was investigated by Harry Price, a self-made 'psychic detective'. This was the case that would make Price's name as the most celebrated ghost-hunter of the age. He recorded the evidence of 200 witnesses to over 2,000 supernatural incidents. This surely confirmed that not only did ghosts exist but, finally, here was proof of life after death. With the tension of a thriller and the uncanny chills of a classic English ghost story, Sean O'Connor brings the story of Borley Rectory to vivid life as an allegory for an age fraught with anxiety, haunted by the shadow of the Great War and terrified of the apocalypse to come.

Acclaimed author and Archdruid John Michael Greer provides an in-depth beginner s guide to Druidry a modern tradition of nature spirituality with ancient roots in Celtic traditions. Although we know little about the ancient Druids, their reputation for wisdom and harmony with nature lives on. Today, Druidry is a vibrant, diverse movement with groups and practitioners on every continent but Antarctica. Spiritual rather than religious more an attitude than an ideology it can be embraced by people from different faiths and backgrounds. Archdruid John Michael Greer explores the history and basics of Druidry; how to perform Druidic rituals, meditation, and divination; elements of the lifestyle; and advice for placing less of a burden on the Earth. Includes a simple self-initiation ritual for starting on the Druid path, as well as exercises to help you tap into the elements and learn to pay attention to the natural world.

New edition of the best-selling guide to transforming sexuality and orgasm through sacred ritual and ancient techniques. The New Art of Sexual Ecstasy opens the way to a new stage of fulfillment and bliss, making the sacred lovemaking techniques of the East available to Western readers and extending sensual experience for everyone. This landmark book on human sexuality provides simple techniques that help readers to discover new sexual experiences, combining physical pleasure with intense emotional and spiritual joy. Includes a wide range of practical ways to enhance sexual pleasure and deepen intimacy, including massage, visualisation, breathing, ritual, movement and fantasy. The sexual secrets outlined in this book include: * how to prolong pleasure * how to extend orgasms so it becomes a whole body experience * how to recover sexual sensation * how to have a multiple orgasm - for men and women * how to increase arousal and extend the sexual experience. Also included are many innovative sexual positions for versatility and compatibility. The emphasis in the book is on transforming sexuality beyond the merely physical, making it a truly spiritual experience. This book is ideal for anyone looking to bring spirituality back into sex, using it to bring the body and soul into union to discover a whole new experience.

Since childhood, actor, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Hilarie Burton Morgan has felt compelled to record and keep, to collect and catalogue life in all its strange wonder. It was a fanciful habit with no clear goal. And then, when she became a mother, the importance of all that collecting snapped into focus. Before she could help these brand-new souls figure out who they were, she had to go back and understand who she was. Which parts of life were worth keeping and which were meant to be discarded? What legacy did she want to leave? She dug through attics and basements, scouring journals, trunks of letters, spellbooks, and trinket boxes, trying to answer the question, What inheritance can I give these children that is true and loving and lasting? What will stay with them when I am gone? As she searched for and collected this patchwork inheritance to bequeath, she realized what she was doing was creating a Grimoire. Perhaps the word brings to mind witches harboring secrets, and that’s not far off. But a grimoire was the tangible collection of a lifetime of learning. A woman would record what she’d been taught as a child and add to it throughout her lifetime. A grimoire was a guide to keep you alive. Like the grimoires of old, full of life-saving wisdom, these pages record the things that have kept Hilarie alive, and just might help you too: people, places, stories. And because it’s important to infuse magic into daily life, Grimoire Girl also includes bewitching illustrations and practical ways you can craft an altar, use poetry spells, flower magic, and recipes for everyday enchantment. There is magic in all of us. So, start your own look inward and decide, What will make up your grimoire? 

Translated by renowned Rumi expert Nader Khalili, over 120 poems on spirituality from the Persian mystic poet and Sufi master have been carefully collected and curated in this beautifully illustrated edition. For more than eight centuries, Jalaluddin Muhammad Balkhi Rumi-commonly referred to simply as Rumi-has enchanted and enthralled readers from every faith and background with his universal themes of love, friendship, and spirituality, which he seamlessly wove into resplendent poetry. The verses herein perfectly express the spiritual quest and desire for a deeper understanding of not only ourselves, but also of our collective oneness as humankind. You Are you are a sudden resurrection an endless bliss you set a fire in the meadow of our dreams laughing today you are happy crashing the prisons blessing the poor With intricately designed and richly colored covers that mirror the beauty of the words within, the Timeless Rumi series presents themed collections of poems from the great Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Muhammad Balkhi Rumi that serve as cherished tools for self-reflection.

Pause. Be present. Awaken your senses. Mindfulness is a powerful tool to help you live in the moment. This book will show you how to find peace every day and feel more connected to the world. For many of us, mindful living can seem like something that exists only in other people's lives. But the good news is anyone can practise it. Whether you're new to mindfulness or need some extra inspiration, this book will help you find a path to a happier, healthier life. Within these pages you will discover what mindfulness is and how it can be used in all aspects of your life, including: Breathing techniques to stay calm Eliminating distractions when you need to focus Appreciating the magical moments of the ordinary Practising self-care for improved well-being From discovering your calm within to learning how to meditate, the tips and techniques in this book will help you feel more at one with yourself. Open your mind... relax... and let this little guide show you how to live more mindfully.

Whether you are new to witchcraft or perhaps a more seasoned enchanter, this beautifully illustrated journal contains everything you need to learn, practice, and document your spells in one place. Are you ready to start casting a spell for some better luck? Or what about attracting that special someone? Author Anastasia Greywolf guides your way in this enchanting journal created as a companion to Witchcraft: A Handbook of Magic Spells and Potions but that also works perfectly as a journal on its own. She starts by teaching the basics of witchcraft, including an in-depth review of the materials, tools, and ingredients needed; then gives detailed explanations on how to create an altar, find and use essential items for spells, and contact your inner witch power. With this knowledge, you can practice and perfect the 40+ spells and rituals included, from strengthening special friendships to becoming more creative and successful in your life. Each spell is accompanied by a section to record all the details about the spell, followed by reflective journal prompts to give more insight into your intentions, hopes, and wishes for spellcasting. The Book of Shadows is your all-in-one resource to finding your inner witch and transforming your life. 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, Love Spells, Moon Magic, Moon Magic Journal, Knot Magic, Superstitions, House Magic, Herbal Magic, and Goddess Magic.

Are you frustrated by the fact that your life doesn't look the way you imagined? Whether it's too little money, a struggling relationship, or a dead-end job, it can seem as if nothing works out the way you hope it would. Kris Ferraro's Manifesting: The Practical, Simple Guide to Creating the Life You Want is the solution. Too often we walk through life in a state of lack, choosing to focus our attention on our deficiencies and allowing our minds, bodies, and spirits to swirl with discontent and negativity. But when our focus and attention is sunk in darkness, that becomes all we experience in our lives. Manifesting offers a transformative new approach. By focusing on what you wish to have or achieve, instead of despairing over what you are missing, you will find that you can manifest those very things in your life. Author Kris Ferraro is a practitioner and teacher in the areas of healing, growth, and metaphysics who has used manifesting in her own life and practice for years. In Manifesting, she guides readers to envision and create the lives they've always dreamed of with real, actionable steps, exercises, and wisdom.

A pathbreaking reference text detailing over 220 botanical remedies in Western herbal medicine. Comprehensive and detailed, this revised and enlarged 4th edition draws on Chinese and Greek herbal medicine to integrate traditional herbal energetics with the latest findings in plant pharmacology, using traditional vitalistic and modern scientific systems of herbal medicine are complementary paradigms, rather than irreconcilable approaches. Using both systems simultaneously will greatly enhance the efficacy of herbal formulation in clinical practice, as well as provide a deeper understanding of each system. The Energetics of Western Herbal Medicine includes detailed practical instructions for preparing and using herbal remedies for internal and topical use, including fourteen new herbs, including Schisandra, Rehmannia, Rhodiola, Eleuthero, Devil’s claw, White peony, Asian ginseng, Asian buplever and Baikal skullcap. The introductions to each herb class, which explore the treatment strategies behind the various types of herbs, have been rewritten to include much new clinical material as well as to reflect current knowledge. In addition, the whole text has been re-typeset for greater user friendliness as a practical herbal medicine reference.  For each herb, it includes the most useful preparation forms, along with important dosage, caution and contraindication information. For this fourth edition, the detailed dosages for tincture, infusion and decoction preparations have been fully updated, based on current Western herbal medicine practice, and the tincture strength and ethanol content information have been added for every herb.