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Books > Religion & Spirituality > Alternative belief systems > Occult studies > Witchcraft
This book reflects on Western humanity's efforts to escape from
history and its terrors--from the existential condition and natural
disasters to the endless succession of wars and other man-made
catastrophes. Drawing on historical episodes ranging from antiquity
to the recent past, and combining them with literary examples and
personal reflections, Teofilo Ruiz explores the embrace of
religious experiences, the pursuit of worldly success and
pleasures, and the quest for beauty and knowledge as three primary
responses to the individual and collective nightmares of history.
The result is a profound meditation on how men and women in Western
society sought (and still seek) to make meaning of the world and
its disturbing history.
In chapters that range widely across Western history and
culture, "The Terror of History" takes up religion, the material
world, and the world of art and knowledge. "Religion and the World
to Come" examines orthodox and heterodox forms of spirituality,
apocalyptic movements, mysticism, supernatural beliefs, and many
forms of esotericism, including magic, alchemy, astrology, and
witchcraft. "The World of Matter and the Senses" considers material
riches, festivals and carnivals, sports, sex, and utopian
communities. Finally, "The Lure of Beauty and Knowledge" looks at
cultural productions of all sorts, from art to scholarship.
Combining astonishing historical breadth with a personal and
accessible narrative style, "The Terror of History" is a moving
testimony to the incredibly diverse ways humans have sought to cope
with their frightening history.
Witchcraft and a Life in the New South Africa reconstructs the
biography of an ordinary South African, Jimmy Mohale. Born in 1964,
Jimmy came of age in rural South Africa during apartheid, then
studied at university and worked as a teacher during the
anti-apartheid struggle. In 2005, Jimmy died from an undiagnosed
sickness, probably related to AIDS. Jimmy gradually came to see the
unanticipated misfortune he experienced as a result of his father's
witchcraft and sought remedies from diviners rather than from
biomedical doctors. This study casts new light on scholarly
understandings of the connections between South African politics,
witchcraft and the AIDS pandemic.
There are a lot of things in the universe that we don't understand.
When something is meant to happen, it will whether you cast a spell
or not. But you can help it on its way by guiding and encouraging
it and maybe even tweaking events a little too. A spell can be
worked in many ways, from a simple pointing of the finger to a
complicated ritual involving lots of herbs and crystals and, of
course, any variation in between. What will happen for sure is the
boost of confidence and happy buzz you will receive as you cast the
spell, as well as the positive vibe you get from putting something
into action. Kitchen Witchcraft: Spells & Charms is a the first
in a series of books which delves into the world of the Kitchen
Witch. Each book breaks down the whys and wherefores of the subject
and includes practical guides and exercises. Other titles include
Garden Magic, Altars & Rituals and The Elements.
An array of original stories from around the world bring a new and
exciting twist to one of the most beloved figures in fiction:
witches. Witches! Whether you know them from Shakespeare or from
WICKED, there is no staple more beloved in folklore, fairy tale, or
fantasy than these magical beings. Witches are everywhere, and at
the heart of stories that resonate with many people around the
world. This dazzling, otherworldly collection gathers new stories
of witches from all walks of life. Whether they be maiden, mother,
crone, or other; funny, fierce, light and airy, or dark and
disturbing; witches are a vital part of some of the greatest
stories we have, and new ones start here! Bringing together
twenty-nine stories and poems from some of the greatest science
fiction and fantasy writers working today, including three tales
from a BIPOC-only open submission period, THE BOOK OF WITCHES
features Linda Addison, C.L. Clark, P Djeli Clark, Indrapramit Das,
Amal El Mohtar, Andrea Hairston, Millie Ho, Saad Hossain, Kathleen
Jennings, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Cassandra Khaw, Fonda Lee, Darcie
Little Badger, Ken Liu, Usman T. Malik, Maureen F. McHugh, Premee
Mohammed, Garth Nix, Tobi Ogundiran, Tochi Onyebuchi, Miyuki Jane
Pinckard, Kelly Robson, Angela Slatter, Andrea Stewart, Emily Teng,
Sheree Renée Thomas, Tade Thompson, and E. Lily Yu—and contains
illustrations from three-time Hugo award-nominated artist Alyssa
Winans throughout. This extraordinary anthology vividly breathes
life into one of the most captivating and feared magical
sorceresses and will become a treasured keepsake for fans of
fantasy, science fiction, and fairy tales everywhere.
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