In his highly anticipated English translation of the ancient Irish text known as the Lebor Feasa Rnda (Book of Secret Knowledge), Celtic scholar and historian, Steven L. Akins, has at last made available to readers the wealth of pre-Christian teachings espoused by the Druids in this seminal work of pagan religious literature. Basing his translation on the only extant transcription of the now lost Black Book of Loughcrew, the actual doctrines of the Celtic priesthood are finally brought to light in this timeless rendering of these sacred scriptures. Of the 180 Druidic texts mentioned in the historic Yellow Book of Lecan as being destroyed by St. Patrick in his attempt to convert the pagan inhabitants of Ireland to Christianity, the Lebor Feasa Rnda alone survived as testimony to the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Celts in their original, uncompromised form. First transcribed by the Druid Mogh Ruith from a series of ogham staves long ago discovered in the tomb of Ollamh Fodhla, one of Ireland's greatest early kings, the Lebor Feasa Runda records the dispensation of a vast store of esoteric knowledge received by Ollamh Fodhla from a messenger of the Celtic gods known as the Tuatha D Danann. Perhaps the most remarkable of all ancient Celtic texts, the Lebor Feasa Rnda contains not only an account of the earliest history of Ireland and the relationship of its inhabitants to the Celtic gods, but it also comprises a full discourse on the Druidic religion, providing a complete account of the sacred rites and ceremonies at the heart of this mysterious faith. Since it was first recorded in the Black Book of Loughcrew, the Lebor Feasa Rnda miraculously survived for centuries, travelingacross Europe and passing through the hands of numerous individuals until it was ultimately acquired by the Ahnenerbe Forschungs-und Lehrgemeinschaf, who commissioned its translation into German in the days leading up to the Second World War. The original volume was found missing on May 10, 1941, the date Rudolf Hess, made his ill-fated flight to Great Britain, lending support to allegations that Hitler's deputy Fhrer had taken the ancient manuscript with the intention of presenting it as a gift to the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, who Hess planned to meet for the purpose of secretly discussing peace negotiations between Germany and Britain. In the years since its disappearance, the only known transcription of the Lebor Feasa Rnda, the German translation prepared by Henry Thorenson for the Ahnenerbe, fell into obscurity until 2001 when it was discovered by Akins, who was granted access to Thorenson's private records, enabling him to complete and publish the first English edition of this remarkable and historic work.

It’s 1600 and you’ve lost your precious silver spoons, or maybe they’ve been stolen. Perhaps your child has a fever. Or you’re facing trial. Maybe you’re looking for love or escaping a husband. What do you do? In medieval and early modern Europe, your first port of call might well have been cunning folk: practitioners of magic who were a common, even essential part of daily life, at a time when the supernatural was surprisingly mundane.

Charming, thought-provoking and based on original research, Cunning Folk is an immersive reconstruction of a bygone world by an expert historian, as well as a commentary on the beauty and bafflement of being human.

Black Jack Herman

Eva turns 109 as seen on the Today Show 4/9/08.

Quote of the day: "When you've been buried alive, you're not looking forward to the real thing "

The premiere African-American magician of the twentieth century, he was an ardent freedom fighter speaking out against the scourge of Jim Crow-ism and conducting Algonquin style roundtables in his Harlem abode circa 1920's. Intriguingly, he warned people against banks and stocks before the advent of the Great Depression. He continued to entertain and enlighten throughout the crisis that followed. That is, until his mysterious death on stage in April 1934.

Steeped in details of its early twentieth-century setting, the manuscript offers a richly detailed look at the showmanship so popular during that era. In addition, it effectively conveys the mentality of the time, with prohibition, big-name gangsters, and the threat of national economic collapse looming always in the background. Ultimately, "Black Jack: A Drama of Magic, Mystery, and Legerdermain" also serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit, as readers may be struck not only by what Eva endures, but by how she endures it.

The 'Grimoire of Pope Honorius' is the first and most important of the French 'black magic' grimoires which proliferated across Europe in the 17th-19th centuries. Combining a grimoire of conjurations to demons of the four directions and seven days of the week with a Book of Secrets full of simple charms, the 'Grimoire of Pope Honorius' was second only to the Key of Solomon in the influence it exerted on magicians, charmers and cunning-folk in both rural and urban France. 'The Complete Grimoire of Pope Honorius' contains material translated from all four of the different French editions of the 'Grimoire of Pope Honorius'.

It's here at last, the first official history of 'The League of Lid-Curving Witchery', as endorsed by the 'tzorkly' creature-witches themselves! Set sail on an epic all-colour illustrated adventure tracing the very origins of the secret sisterhood via the legends of Algorin, Veyanor and Sinchkin - three special witches who between them forged the beginnings of 'the League' itself. With a forward by Ursula Brifthaven Stoltz, The League of Lid-Curving Witchery is an unforgettable odyssey brimming with ancient secrets, dark deeds and majickal adventures!

This title provides an insightful exploration of ritual, myth, and oracles in Shang Period China (16th-11th century BCE). Combining wide-ranging scholarship with pragmatic practicality, the author shines a light on one of the most obscure and least-known areas of ritual practice in the ancient world, demonstrating its value and connection to the development of magical practices in China over a period of many centuries.

Supporting three wives, twelve children, and assorted relatives, Mohan Rai is a thoroughly modern man, convinced he's escaped an outmoded duty to follow his father as shaman to his Bhutanese village. But the gods and spirits, ancient protectors of the tribe, have other ideas.

Dishonored and vengeful, they enter his dreams and haunt his days, destroying his business, his health, his sanity, and finally, his freedom.

Based on Mohan's letters from prison, this true account by his first Western initiate will transform your worldview.

"Ellen's retelling of Mohan Rai's first-hand account of his shamanic apprenticeship in Bhutan is a valuable contribution to the preservation of this ancient knowledge." ―Michael Harner, Ph.D., author, "The Way of the Shaman and Founder, Foundation for Shamanic Studies"

"I was fascinated. Like "Autobiography of a Yogi," Mohan Rai's story shares much wisdom. Portraying his training from childhood in the ancient, mystical traditions of the shaman, this book brings a hopeful vision I will carry into my everyday life forever...a reminder of the mysteries that sustain our lives and how little we know of them. The message runs deep." ―Hal Zina Bennett, Ph.D., author, "Spirit Animals and the Wheel of Life: Earth-Centered Practices for Everyday Living"

Franki Storlie believes that every person possesses a spirit heart and soul that waits to be reawakened and longs to seek spiritual knowledge. In her guidebook "Animal Totem Guides: Messages for the World, " Storlie relies on her Native American ancestry and her personal experiences to provide clear direction on how each of us can connect with our own souls and spiritual guides, ultimately realizing true joy, inner peace, wisdom, and love in the process.

Storlie has been studying and practicing spiritual teachings for the past twenty years and partners with nature in order to teach others how to meditate, bond with their inner selves, and find balance in a busy and often chaotic world. As she shares twelve totem animal stories that illustrate each animal's characteristics and area of influence, she encourages others to begin connecting with the power animals that protect, guide, and communicate wisdom through our own hearts and souls.

"Animal Totem Guides: Messages for the World" provides guidance and wisdom for anyone interesting in walking a new spiritual pathway beside power animals who, through their gifts of strength and illumination, will not only help us heal ourselves, but also our beautiful Earth.