Persephone Unveiled

Persephone Unveiled
Author: Charles Stein
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Total Pages: 261
Release: 2006-06-09
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1556435819

Persephone Unveiled reveals the goddess in all her guises, as the daughter of Demeter; the Queen of the Underworld; the archetypal female healer; and as a central figure in the Eleusinian Mysteries, where celebrants experienced sacred visions through secret rituals fueled by an LSD-like substance. The author examines the known details about the psychoactive agent and explores the Mysteries' influence on, and relationship to, early Christianity. Guided meditations, using active imagination techniques, help readers summon an experience with the goddess.


Westport Poems

Westport Poems
Author: Jonathan Towers
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Total Pages: 433
Release: 2007-04-03
Genre: Poetry
ISBN: 1556435959

A beloved, familiar figure known as “Jon the Walker” for his daily appearances traversing the marshes and waterways of various Connecticut towns, Jonathan Towers composed brief, emotionally evocative poems until his suicide in 2005 after years of struggle with mental illness. His work was fueled by reading and a rich inner life exploring the tarot, medieval history, courtly love and relationship, and the pre-Socratic philosophers. These poems beautifully evoke a sense of place, while also powerfully critiquing the forces of modern life that threaten it.


The Shamanic Odyssey

The Shamanic Odyssey
Author: Robert Tindall
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 210
Release: 2012-11-16
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 159477501X

Reveals the striking parallels between indigenous cultures of the Americas and the ancient Homeric world as well as Tolkien’s Middle Earth • Explores the shamanic use of healing songs, psychoactive plants, and vision quests at the heart of the Odyssey and the fantasy works of J. R. R. Tolkien • Examines Odysseus’s encounters with plant divinities, altered consciousness, animal shapeshifting, and sacred topography--all concepts vital to shamanism • Reveals how the Odyssey emerged precisely at the rupture between modern and primal consciousness Indigenous, shamanic ways of healing and prophecy are not foreign to the West. The native way of viewing the world--that is, understanding our cosmos as living, sentient, and interconnected--can be found hidden throughout Western literature, beginning with the very origin of the European literary tradition: Homer’s Odyssey. Weaving together the narrative traditions of the ancient Greeks and Celts, the mythopoetic work of J. R. R. Tolkien, and the voices of plant medicine healers in North and South America, the authors explore the use of healing songs, psychoactive plants, and vision quests at the heart of the Odyssey, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Tolkien’s final novella, Smith of Wootton Major. The authors examine Odysseus’s encounters with plant divinities, altered consciousness, animal shapeshifting, and sacred topography--all concepts vital to shamanism. They show the deep affinities between the healing powers of ancient bardic song and the icaros of the shamans of the Amazon rain forest, how Odysseus’s battle with Circe--wielder of narcotic plants and Mistress of Animals--follows the traditional method of negotiating with a plant ally, and how Odysseus’s journey to the land of the dead signifies the universal practice of the vision quest, a key part of shamanic initiation. Emerging precisely at the rupture between modern and primal consciousness, Homer’s work represents a window into the lost native mind of the Western world. In this way, the Odyssey as well as Tolkien’s work can be seen as an awakening and healing song to return us to our native minds and bring our disconnected souls back into harmony with the living cosmos.


This Silence Must Now Speak

This Silence Must Now Speak
Author: T. Altizer
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 275
Release: 2016-04-30
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1137522496

In these letters to friends and colleagues spanning around twenty years, renowned radical theologian Thomas J. J. Altizer offers a series of meditative mini-essays on religious, theological, political, and philosophical matters that are central and vital to our contemporary era.


The Cambridge Handbook of Western Mysticism and Esotericism

The Cambridge Handbook of Western Mysticism and Esotericism
Author: Glenn Alexander Magee
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 820
Release: 2016-04-18
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1316679357

Mysticism and esotericism are two intimately related strands of the Western tradition. Despite their close connections, however, scholars tend to treat them separately. Whereas the study of Western mysticism enjoys a long and established history, Western esotericism is a young field. The Cambridge Handbook of Western Mysticism and Esotericism examines both of these traditions together. The volume demonstrates that the roots of esotericism almost always lead back to mystical traditions, while the work of mystics was bound up with esoteric or occult preoccupations. It also shows why mysticism and esotericism must be examined together if either is to be understood fully. Including contributions by leading scholars, this volume features essays on such topics as alchemy, astrology, magic, Neoplatonism, Kabbalism, Renaissance Hermetism, Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, numerology, Christian theosophy, spiritualism, and much more. This Handbook serves as both a capstone of contemporary scholarship and a cornerstone of future research.


Spirited

Spirited
Author: Fio Gede Parma
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
Total Pages: 337
Release: 2012-04-08
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0738722510

Refreshingly real and practical, Spirited gets straight to the heart of Pagan living and Pagan spirituality today. Featuring real-life stories and first-hand experiences from the author and other young Pagans who've actually been there, this book gives you insight into the philosophy and spirituality of current Pagan rituals and practices. You'll get crucial advice on Witchcraft, spellcraft ethics, modern magic spells, coven and solitary work, magic theory and practice, dealing with discrimination and negativity, and incorporating your spiritual beliefs into all the important areas of your life: Love Sexuality Family Friends School Work


Hellenismos

Hellenismos
Author: Tony Mierzwicki
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
Total Pages: 177
Release: 2018-08-08
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0738743755

Heed the Call of the Greek Gods and Goddesses The religion of the ancient Greeks has lain dormant for too long. In Hellenismos, Tony Mierzwicki shows how to bring it back in all of its primal glory. Learn how to forge personal relationships with the ancient Greek deities. Recreate the practices of the Greeks and enjoy the richness of their spiritual practices. Explore this accessible introduction to Greek reconstruction and discover: Ancient Greek history and culture Deities, Daimones, and Heroes Simple daily observances and personal practice The lunar cycle and festival observances Controversial issues regarding Greek reconstruction Praise: "I, for one, welcome Tony Mierzwicki's marvelous work, Hellenismos. In a single volume, it not only fills a vacuum in my education, it clearly and concisely provides fascinating insights into a world to which we are all indebted—a world of gods, and heroes, and spirits, and magick, and all that is great, judicious, and distinct in the western soul."—Lon Milo DuQuette, author of Homemade Magick and Low Magick "Communion with the gods is grounded in everyday practice. Hellenismos provides the reader with the necessary tools to quickly enter into Pagan Greek religion. The book combines an accurate historical understanding with practices updated for today's needs."—Brandy Williams, author of For the Love of the Gods and The Woman Magician "Mierzwicki has succeeded in combining fine scholarship with deep vision to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of Grecian polytheistic theory and practice. His offering brings to life an ancient tradition made relevant for modern times."—Kristoffer Hughes, author of The Book of Celtic Magic, From the Cauldron Born, and The Journey Into Spirit "Hellenismos is an excellent guide to practicing ancient Greek polytheism. Advancing from daily, personal practices, to the sacred lunar month, and finally to the annual festival cycle, Tony gently draws the reader deeper into Hellenic polytheism."—John Opsopaus, author of The Oracles of Apollo and The Pythagorean Tarot "Hellenismos makes an open and shut case for the need to modify the ancient Greek religion to suit the modern world, rather than recreating it faithfully...The author provides a wonderful guide to crafting your own personal path of venerating the ancient Greek gods and goddesses while remaining true to the spirit of the time."—Karen Tate, author of Walking An Ancient Path "In Hellenismos author Tony Mierzwicki provides an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced practitioners of ancient Greek religion...With instructions for holding daily, monthly, and annual observances, this book is nothing less than a toolkit for building your personal Hellenic path."—Alaric Albertsson, author of A Handbook of Saxon Sorcery and Magic and To Walk a Pagan Path


The Way of the Mysterial Woman

The Way of the Mysterial Woman
Author: Suzanne Anderson
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 457
Release: 2016-04-12
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1631520822

The Way of the Mysterial Woman is for every woman who feels the call into greatness, authenticity, and meaningful living. This is The Way for women who are stepping into their lives with mind, body, heart, and soul fully engaged, ready to awaken to their true potential. We hear the clarion call, but how will we meet it? It’s almost like we need a completely new internal operating system. The Mysterial Way is the upgrade we’ve been searching for. Women’s leadership development pioneers and co-authors Suzanne Anderson and Susan Cannon know that we’re not alone in our yearning to meet this call. In fact, they assure us that this is a naturally occurring global imperative for women. The Way of the Mysterial Woman reveals a Feminine source code, helping us once and for all break through our old limitations, and effectively take our lives to the next level so we can meet the unique callings and urgent challenges of these dynamic times. This is not a passive book for armchair travelers. Drawing upon real life success stories, based on their 12 years of running University certificate women’s leadership programs, readers are guided through a step-by-step, transformative “Mysterial Sequence.” Each interactive chapter offers practical and fun insights and practices that compel us toward genuine shifts and solid growth. The Way of the Mysterial Woman is a blend of cutting edge transformational psychology, ancient Mystery school secrets, and visionary evolutionary thinking delivered in a warm, down-to-earth style. Here is the elegant code we‘ve been searching for that finally unlocks our greatest potential.


Lessons Out of School

Lessons Out of School
Author: John E. Upledger
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Total Pages: 380
Release: 2006
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9781556436154

John Upledger has never avoided risks, whether performing an appendectomy in the eye of a hurricane, as he did while on Coast Guard duty in the 1950s, or telling the story of his life. In Lessons Out of School, he doesn't spare himself or others, or gloss over unpleasant bits. Raised by an abusive mother, he learned detachment and the ability not to see himself as victim. The proof in these riveting tales of survival at home and on the streets of Detroit negotiating gangs and peer pressure. Along with toughness he learned to follow his curiosity, creative impulses, and love of learning, which eventually led to his pioneering of alternative medical modalities, most notably CranioSacral Therapy. At the core of each of the stories in this powerful blend of autobiography and inspirational guid—and the reason for its inclusion—is the spiritual lesson Upledger found there that he now shares with readers.