BYGONE BELIEFS - ALCHEMY, MAGIC, TALISMANS, ETC BEING A SERIES OF EXCURSIONS IN THE BYWAYS OF THOUGHT By H.Stanley Redgrove Originally published in 1920, this rare early work on ancient beliefs is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. Obscure Books Press have now republished it, using the original text and illustrations. The author was an expert in the study of superstitions and the occult, and wrote several books on these and other related subjects, as well as being a prolific contributor to The Occult Review. In this book he expounds on his opinion that there is a reason for every belief, even the most fantastic, and that it should be our objective to discover this reason. He considers that it is too easy for the superficial thinker to dismiss much of the thought of the past as mere superstition, not worth the trouble of investigation: but that is not scientific. The book's two hundred and twenty pages contain twelve comprehensive chapters plus many illustrations: Some Characteristics of Medieval Thought Pythagoras and His Philosophy. Medicine and Magic. Superstitions Concerning Birds. The Powder of Sympathy: A Curious Medical Superstition. The Belief in Talismans. Ceremonial Magic in Theory and Practice. Architectural Symbolism. The Quest of the Philosopher's Stone. The Phallic Element in Alchemical Doctrine. Roger Bacon: An Appreciation. The Cambridge Platonists. Everything possible to be believ'd is an image of truth. William Blake. Many of the earliest works on Folklore, magic, superstition and the occult, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely rare and increasingly expensive. OBSCURE BOOKS PRESS are republishing many of theseclassic books in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Do I believe in angels? This is the question of the century. I'd like to take a minute to share a different concept of angels. The beautiful angels with golden halos and soft, gossamer wings, seen floating around mysteriously searching for people to help are only seen in pictures. I believe angels do exist and can be found in our thoughts as an explanation for something we can't explain in any other way. Angels are God's thoughts passing to mankind and there's an angel thought with each of us, ever present, always available to comfort. The Bible tells us that we will hear what God, the Lord, will speak. All we need to do then is to be still and listen for these soft voices from a benevolent God who loves us unconditionally. There's an angel thought reflecting every idea needed by humanity. The stories that follow are all true. Each one demonstrates the power in listening for the still, small voice. Ask me again. Do I believe in angels? Yes, of course, they are the continuous flow of right ideas from God to man.

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

The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage-originally published in 1900, translated by Samuel Mathers from a 15th-century French document-was purportedly written by Abraham for his son Lamech. Within this volume are three books. The first book is Abraham's autobiography in which he speaks to his son. The second book is an explanation of the purification rituals necessary to bring the magician's personal demon under his control. And the third book details what feats can be accomplished once the practitioner is able to use a form of magic controlled and directed through sigils of magic words written on a grid. Anyone with an interest in the occult will find this an interesting, though perhaps impractical, guide for exploring mystic arts.

The Art of Darkness is a visually rich sourcebook featuring eclectic artworks that have been inspired and informed by the morbid, melancholic and macabre. Throughout history, artists have been obsessed with darkness - creating works that haunt and horrify, mesmerise and delight and play on our innermost fears. Gentileschi took revenge with paint in Judith Slaying Holofernes while Bosch depicted fearful visions of Hell that still beguile. Victorian Britain became strangely obsessed with the dead and in Norway Munch explored anxiety and fear in one of the most famous paintings in the world (The Scream, 1893). Today, the Chapman Brothers, Damien Hirst and Louise Bourgeois, as well as many lesser known artists working in the margins, are still drawn to all that is macabre. From Dreams & Nightmares to Matters of Mortality, Depravity & Destruction to Gods & Monsters - this book introduces sometimes disturbing and often beautiful artworks that indulge our greatest fears, uniting us as humans from century to century. But, while these themes might scare us - can't they also be heartening and beautiful? Exploring and examining the artworks with thoughtful and evocative text, S. Elizabeth offers insight into each artist's influences and inspirations, asking what comfort can be found in facing our demons? Why are we tempted by fear and the grotesque? And what does this tell us about the human mind? Of course, sometimes there is no good that can come from the sensibilities of darkness and the sickly shivers and sensations they evoke. These are uncomfortable feelings, and we must sit for a while with these shadows - from the safety of our armchairs. Artists covered include Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, Francisco de Goya, Leonora Carrington, John Everett Millais, Tracey Emin, Vincent van Gogh, Barbara Hepworth, Paul Cezanne and Salvador Dali, as well as scores more. With over 200 carefully curated artworks from across the centuries, The Art of Darkness examines all that is dark in a bid to haunt and hearten. This book is part of the Art in the Margins series, following up on The Art of the Occult, which investigates representations of the mystical, esoteric and occult in art from across different times and cultures.

Shamanism has always been of great interest to anthropologists. More recently it has been "discovered" by westerners, especially New Age followers. This book breaks new ground byexamining pristine shamanism in Greenland, among people contacted late by Western missionaries and settlers. On the basis of material only available in Danish, and presented herein English for the first time, the author questions Mircea Eliade's well-known definition of the shaman as the master of ecstasy and suggests that his role has to be seen as that of a master of spirits. The ambivalent nature of the shaman and the spirit world in the tough Arctic environment is then contrasted with the more benign attitude to shamanism in the New Age movement. After presenting descriptions of their organizations and accounts by participants, the author critically analyses the role of neo-shamanic courses and concludes that it is doubtful to consider what isoffered as shamanism.

The popular Wiccapedia gets the ultimate companion journal!   A Book of Shadows is a journal that witches keep close at hand for jotting down their spells—and this beautiful keepsake edition, by the authors of Wiccapedia, is the perfect accompaniment to that popular guide for modern witches. A concise first section features basic information on essential tools for spells, key herbs and crystals, moon phases and magick, and a wheel of yearly Wiccan holidays. Over 225 pages of journal pages follow, where you can record all the details of your spellcraft such as the date, the phase of the moon, the ingredients . . . and the results.  

Be enchanted by the power and beauty of the natural world with this stunning colouring book, filled with 46 intricate illustrations by ink artist Stratten Peterson. From the courageous bear, a symbol of strength and healing, to the inquisitive deer, a manifestation of inner wisdom, discover how animals have long inspired spirituality, mythology and one's connection with nature. Through insightful text, this book invites you to explore the significance of each mystic animal, then immerse yourself in the extraordinary artworks as you bring them to life with colour. Mystic Animals is brought to you by the publisher of the bestselling Kerby Rosanes colouring book series.

Can a murdered person come back from the grave to tell her autobiography through the voice of a psychic medium? During the summer of 1980, a young Canadian beauty, Dorothy Stratten, and her husband, Paul Snider, were murdered in Los Angeles under mysterious circumstances and a shroud of cover-up. Many lives would change drastically as people abandoned the Playboy ship en masse in the aftermath. This book offers theological insight into sexual abuse, hedonism, PTSD trauma, stress-related illness, human trafficking, codependence and forgiveness.

Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner is a ground-breaking look at the development of devotional work within the body of polytheistic religious traditions ranging from Theodism to Asatru to Norse Paganism, that comprise the greater umbrella of the Northern Tradition. While interest in devotional and experiential work within these traditions has been growing rapidly over the past few years, this is the first book to offer an inclusive look at the diverse scope and breadth of such practices as a living, modern-day religion. It features an in-depth exploration of altar work, prayer, prayer beads, ritual work, sacred images, lore, and a thorough examination of the common core cosmology that forms the foundation of belief for the vast expanse of Northern Tradition communities.

What are we doing on planet earth? Why are we here? Did we evolve? Or, are we created? Many of us, as we age, don't so easily accept many philosophies and teachings about life. We come to realize the degree to which truth is bent and shaped by special interests in social, political, and religious affairs. After 40 years in the making, In Search of Destiny brings to you a gripping scientific and spiritual search for human destiny. Are we here to just be born, grow old, and die on planet earth? Or, is there evidence beyond this? In Search of Destiny draws a decisive conclusion.