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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Alternative belief systems > Occult studies
The Secret Teachings of All Ages is perhaps the most comprehensive
and complete esoteric encyclopedia ever written. The sheer scope
and ambition of this book are stunning. In this book Manly P. Hall
has successfully distilled the essence of more arcane subjects than
one would think possible. He covers Rosicrucianism and other secret
societies, alchemy, cryptology, Kabbalah, Tarot, pyramids, the
Zodiac, Pythagorean philosophy, Masonry, gemology, Nicholas
Flammel, the identity of William Shakespeare, The Life and
Teachings of Thoth Hermes Trismegistus, The Qabbalah, The Hiramic
Legend, The Tree of the Sephiroth, and Mystic Christianity. There
are more than 200 illustrations included here (and in the trade
paperback edition) many of which have been omitted from other
publisher's editions of this book. This is essential reading for
anyone wishing to explore esoteric knowledge.
The supernatural has become extraordinarily popular in literature,
television, and film. Vampires, zombies, werewolves, witches, and
wizard have become staples of entertainment industries, and many of
these figures have received extensive critical attention. But one
figure has remained in the shadows - the female ghost. Inherently
liminal, often literally invisible, the female ghost has
nevertheless appeared in all genres. Subversive Spirits: The Female
Ghost in British and American Popular Culture brings this figure
into the light, exploring her cultural significance in a variety of
media from 1926 to 2014. Robin Roberts argues that the female ghost
is well worth studying for what she can tell us about feminine
subjectivity in cultural contexts. Subversive Spirits examines
appearances of the female ghost in heritage sites, theater,
Hollywood film, literature, and television in the United States and
the United Kingdom. What holds these disparate female ghosts
together is their uncanny ability to disrupt, illuminate, and
challenge gendered assumptions. As with other supernatural figures,
the female ghost changes over time, especially responding to
changes in gender roles. Roberts's analysis begins with comedic
female ghosts in literature and film and moves into horror by
examining the successful play The Woman in Black and the legend of
the weeping woman, La Llorona. Roberts then situates the canonical
works of Maxine Hong Kingston and Toni Morrison in the tradition of
the female ghost to explore how the ghost is used to portray the
struggle and pain of women of color. Roberts further analyzes
heritage sites that use the female ghost as the friendly and
inviting narrator for tourists. The book concludes with a
comparison of the British and American versions of the television
hit Being Human, where the female ghost expands her influence to
become a mother and savior to all humanity.
Part of the enduring fascination of the Salem witch trials is the
fact that, to date, no one theory has been able to fully explain
the events that ravaged Salem in 1692. Countless causes, from
ergot-infected rye to actual demonic posession, have been offered
to explain why the accusations and erratic behavior of seven
village girls left hundreds accused, over 20 dead, and the
townspeople of eastern Massachusetts shaken. Through a multitude of
resources, this authoritative source explores this tumultuous
episode in early American history, including the religious and
political climate of Puritan New England; the testimony and
examinations given at the trials; the accusers and their
relationships to the accused; major interpretations of the events,
from the 17th century to the present day; and the aftermath of the
trials and their impact on later generations. This jam-packed
documentary and reference guide includes: Five thematic essays
exploring the event, including historical background,
interpretations, and aftermath biographical sketches of every major
player involved in the trials, from ministers to afflicted girls
fifty primary document excerpts, including petitions, letters, and
revealing trial testimony a chronology of events an annotated
bibliography of print and nonprint sources for further research a
glossary of key names, terms, and language used at the trials over
25 photos of depictions and historical sites A must-have for any
student of American history, this resource gives a unique glimpse
into the 17th century politics, religious culture, and gender
issues that created the Salem witchcraft episode, and gives context
to an impact that still resonates today, in everythingfrom modern
political life to popular culture.
Discover the wonders of Wicca and learn how to harness your inner
power with this beginner's guide to white witchcraft Find your
magick From the history of Wicca to the basics of spell work, this
pocket-sized book is the perfect introduction to magick and white
witchcraft. Find out how to tap into the infinite power of the
natural world by uncovering the unique properties of natural
ingredients - from herbs, flowers and seeds to incense and
crystals. Study the extraordinary history of witches and Wicca, and
discover how present-day witches combine modern technology and
traditional methods to help manifest their desires. Master the
rudiments of white magick with enchantments and rituals for every
occasion. Whether you're a budding witch or simply want to learn
more about the world of spells and sorcery, this book includes
everything you need to understand and start practising this
remarkable craft. Enrich your life with the power of magick and
learn how to: Uncover and embrace your inner witch Connect with the
rich history of witchcraft Start developing your Wiccan abilities
and sustain your craft Work in alignment with the earth's natural
rhythms to get the most out of your practice Create spells, potions
and rituals for promoting love, happiness and success
This fascinating and insightful tour through present-day meetings
of Spiritualists, UFOlogists, and dowsers illuminates our obsession
with the paranormal and challenges the misunderstanding of the
paranormal as a marginal or inconsequential feature of America's
religious landscape. According to a 2005 Gallup poll, 75 percent of
Americans believe in some form of paranormal activity. The United
States has had a collective fascination with the paranormal since
the mid-1800s, and it remains an integral part of our culture.
Haunted Ground: Journeys through a Paranormal America examines
three of the most vibrant paranormal gatherings in the United
States-Lily Dale, a Spiritualist summer camp; the Roswell UFO
Festival; and the American Society of Dowsers' annual convention of
"water witches"-to explore and explain the reasons for our
obsession with the paranormal. Both academically informed and
thoroughly entertaining, this book takes readers on a "road trip"
through our nation, guided by professor of American religion Darryl
V. Caterine, PhD. The author interprets seemingly unrelated case
studies of phantasmagoria collectively as an integral part of the
modern discourse about "nature" as ultimate reality. Along the way,
Dr. Caterine reveals how Americans' interest in the paranormal is
rooted in their anxieties about cultural, political, and economic
instability-and in a historic sense of alienation and homelessness.
Chronologies focusing on the main developments in Spiritualist,
UFOlogical, and dowsing history Photographs of materials, culture,
and events at Lily Dale, the Roswell UFO Festival, and The American
Society of Dowsers annual convention taken by the author A
bibliography of authoritative scholarly works, primary texts, and
theoretical frameworks pertinent to the study of Spiritualism,
UFOlogy, and dowsing
What is the most widely-used paranormal human ability? Why was this
extraordinary subtle magical art brought to England by sixteenth
century German miners? Does it really work? If so, how? In this
charming book, legendary Cornish master-dowser Hamish Miller shares
the secrets of his trade, tells the story of dowsing, and gives key
hints and exercises to assist wizards and witches, young and old,
in their search for keys, kids, cats, cables and cosmic
connections. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information.
"Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS.
"Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN
TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small
books, big ideas.
This authoritative reference work presents a full image of the
Prince of Darkness as he appears throughout traditional theology,
mythology, art and literature, and popular culture. This
nonsensationalist encyclopedia examines contemporary images of the
devil and sorts out the many different forms these images take.
Although much of the myths relating to Satan derive directly or
indirectly from the Christian tradition, the key sources of
diabolical images today are horror movies, heavy metal music, and
conservative Christian literature. This encyclopedia gives a brief
overview depicting the history and transformation of the meaning of
the Prince of Darkness, and 300 entries cover subjects like the
angel of death, backward masking (messages revealed when songs are
played backward), neopagan witchcraft, UFOs, and The Satanic Bible.
Extensive appendixes include the l992 FBI study of satanic ritual
abuse, the most influential document ever written on the subject,
as well as sample satanic scriptures and a satanic wedding
ceremony. Satanism Today also includes a chronology,
bibliographies, and references.
This comprehensive resource explores the intersection of
religion, politics, and the supernatural that spawned the notorious
witch hunts in Europe and the New World. "Witch Hunts in the
Western World: Persecution and Punishment from the Inquisition
through the Salem Trials" traces the evolution of western attitudes
towards magic, demons, and religious nonconformity from the Roman
Empire through the Age of Enlightenment, placing these chilling
events into a wider social and historical context. Witch hunts are
discussed in eight narrative chapters by region, highlighting the
cultural differences of the people who incited them as well as the
key reforms, social upheavals, and intellectual debates that shaped
European thought. Vivid accounts of trials and excerpts from the
writings of both witch hunters and defenders throughout the Holy
Roman Empire, France, the British Isles and colonies, Southern
Europe, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe bring to life one of the
most intriguing and shocking periods in Western history.
This in-depth and comprehensive resource explores the
intersection of religion, politics, and the supernatural that
spawned the notorious witch hunts in Europe and the New World.
"Witch Hunts in the Western World" traces the evolution of western
attitudes towards magic, demons, and religious nonconformity from
the Roman Empire through the Age of Enlightenment, placing these
chilling events into a wider social and historical context. Witch
hunts are discussed in fascinating detail by region, highlighting
the cultural differences of the people who incited them as well as
the key reforms, social upheavals, and intellectual debates that
shaped European thought. Vivid accounts of trials and excerpts from
the writings of both witch hunters and defenders throughout the
Holy Roman Empire, France, the British Isles and colonies, Southern
Europe, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe bring to life one of the
most intriguing and shocking periods in Western history.
Accessible narrative chapters make this a fascinating volume for
general readers while offering a wealth of historic information for
students and scholars. Features include a complete glossary of
terms, timeline of major events, recommended reading selections,
index, and black and white illustrations.
Includes the History of the Tablet, Followed By Multiple
Translations, Textual Remarks, Commentaries, Appendix, and
Bibliography -
DID THE DEVIL MAKE ME DO IT? The Purpose and Premise of this book.
The Purpose: The book was not written simply to offer proof of the
existence of the Devil, or to just characterize his behavior. It
was written to offer a deep and detailed study on his existence,
yes, but also on his origin, objectives and role in the affairs of
human beings. Further, it was written to lay out the evidence of
his involvement and offer biblical strategies to defeat his efforts
to destroy the human family. The Premise: if mankind is enlightened
enough to acknowledge the Devil's existence, recognize his actions
of evil toward them as individuals and mankind in general, defeat
him in their daily walk of experience by relying on God's Word and
the Holy Spirit, as did Jesus, they can and will live abundant,
peaceful and fulfilling lives. The Book explores question such as:
Is the Devil real or a myth? Who is the Devil? What are his
intentions toward Man? How can humans protect themselves from his
attacks? Does human nature play a part in mankind's involvement
with evil? What does human nature and evil have in common? Why
hasn't the Devil been destroyed? Why do the righteous suffer? How
to be blessed in the midst of the Devil? How to overcome both the
Devil and self?
Sigmund Freud and The Forsyth Case uses newly discovered primary
sources to investigate one of Sigmund Freud's most mysterious
clinical experiences, the Forsyth case. Maria Pierri begins with a
preliminary illustration of the case, its historical context, and
how it connects to Freud's interests in 'thought-transmission', or
telepathy. Sigmund Freud and The Forsyth Case details Pierri's
attempts to recover the lost original case notes, which are
published here for the first time, to identify the patient involved
and to set the case into the broader frame of Freud's work. The
book also explores Freud's further investigations into
thought-transmission, focusing around a meeting of the Secret
Committee in October 1919 and his clinical work with his own
daughter Anna. Occultism and the Origins of Psychoanalysis traces
the origins of key psychoanalytic ideas back to their roots in
hypnosis and the occult. Maria Pierri follows Sigmund Freud's early
interest in 'thought transmission', now known as telepathy. Freud's
private investigations led to discussions with other leading
figures, including Sandor Ferenczi, with whom he held a 'dialogue
of the unconsciouses', and Carl Jung. Freud and Ferenczi's work
assessed how fortune tellers could read the past from a client,
inspiring their investigations into countertransference, the
analytic relationship, unconscious communication and mother-infant
relationality. Pierri clearly links modern psychoanalytic practice
with Freud's interests in the occult using primary sources, some of
which have never before been published in English. These books will
be essential reading for psychoanalysts in practice and in
training, as well as academics and scholars of psychoanalytic
studies, Freudian ideas, psychoanalytic theory, the occult,
spirituality and the history of psychology.
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