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Showing posts with label casting spells. Show all posts
Showing posts with label casting spells. Show all posts

Sunday, October 3, 2010

May Day Or Walpurgis

May Day Or Walpurgis Cover May Day or Walpurgis: Mayflies and buttercups are gathered. If farmland is not yet turned for the planting, Walburgs are made and set up. A Walburg is a scarecrow with a spade in its hand and seems to be a representation of a land-wight. A May-pole is set up, and woven with bright ribbons. Men and women alternately take up an end of a ribbon and dance around the pole. Young women are chased by young men. If they are caught they are scourged with birch twigs, as this will make them fertile. Birch is placed everywhere as decoration, and this is a festival of the birch goddess. Her procession, described above, takes place. Dancing and revelry occurs, and games. A bonfire is lit. A May-queen and May-king are chose, an bedecked with flowers and greenery so that they are almost completely hidden by it. The Sigrblot (victory blessing) was held, asking Odin's aid in upcoming struggles.

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William Phelon - Our Story Of Atlantis
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Green Runa

Green Runa Cover

Book: Green Runa by Edred Thorsson

This is an anthology of shorter works written by Edred Thorsson for various Asatraodinist and Rune-Gild publications from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Many of these essays have become classics, and include the first introduction of the Odinist world to the ritual known as the symbel. Contains material previously unavailable to the general public on matters of runelore and Germanic religion. Includes a short biography of Edred by James A. Chisholm.

From the late 1970s to the early 1980s Edred Thorsson produced a significant volume of material which was produced in rather obscure Asatru or Odinist journals such as The Runestone in the USA and The Raven Banner in England. Additionally, Edred's own then fledgling Rune-Gild published a number of shorter works. All of these would have ended up virtually "lost" if they had not been collected and edited for presentation in this volume.

Also includes a biography of Edred Thorsson by James Chisholm.

Buy Edred Thorsson's book: Green Runa

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Stephen Flowers - Black Runa
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Heathenry

Heathenry Cover Heathen (Old English h?den, Old Norse heidinn) was coined as a translation of Latin paganus, in the Christian sense of "non-Abrahamic faith".

In the Sagas, the terms heidni and kristni (Heathenry and Christianity) are used as polar terms to describe the older and newer faiths. Historically, the term was influenced by the Gothic term *haili, appearing as hai?no in Ulfilas' bible for translating gune Hellenis, "Greek (i.e. gentile) woman" of Mark 7:26, probably with an original meaning "dwelling on the heath", but it was also suggested that it was chosen because of its similarity to Greek ethne "gentile" or even that it is not related to "heath" at all, but rather a loan from Armenian hethanos, itself loaned from Greek ethnos.

The Miercinga Rice Theod and several other groups, narrow the sense of the word to Germanic Neopaganism in particular, and prefer it over Neopagan as a self-designation.

Heathenry is used for strictly polytheistic reconstructionist approaches, as opposed to syncretic, occult or mysticist approaches. While some practitioners use the term Heathenry as an equivalent to Paganism, others use it much more specifically. It is used by those who are re-creating the old religion and world view from the literary and archaeological sources. They describe themselves as "Heathen" in part to distinguish themselves from other pagans whose rituals come from more modern sources.

Heathenry is now the most widespread term for Germanic Paganism in the UK and is promoted by UK groups such as Heathens For Progress.

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Anthony Arndt - Asatru The Northern Way
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Race And Religion Creating A Group Identity

Race And Religion Creating A Group Identity Cover Religion plays a large part in many white supremacist movements. Not just because it seems to be an easy scapegoat and, especially in the United States, an easy way to claim discriminatory speech is protected. Social movements generally contain elements that challenge the way a dominant system works, and so new sub-cultures are created as an answer to the prevailing system. This is also a result of peoples’ tendency to seek identity within a group setting—religion offers an easy way to do that. Dobratz writes, “Although religion may be viewed as an individual matter, it is mainly a shared experience that links one human being to others; bond and tradition are major concepts associated with religion…they [religions] can also be used to foster collective identity in various social movements.” Odinism is not at all unique in its use of religion to inspire ethnic conflict. This is a tactic we often see used against Judaism, the idea that the Jews are somehow “different.”

In 2001, a Professor of religious History at the University of Stockholm minced no words when asked about neo-paganism, and more specifically Odinism, in white supremacy. He asserted that, in the 1990’s, neo-paganism had overtaken Christian Identity movements in white supremacy. In The Role of Religion in the Collective Identity of the White Racialist Movement, Odinism is specifically named as one of the three religious affiliations that has been most influential in influencing and developing the white nationalist/racialist movement. This article makes a separation between racial Odinism and other neo-pagan religions. While most other neo-pagan groups tend to see their religion as somehow “universal” in scope and would normally be classified as quite liberal, Odinists, “do not believe in universal religions…unlike most other neopagans, support neotribalism, emphasize racial purity.” It is important to note that the lack of belief in a universal religion is something generally attributed only to Folkish Odinists. There is much Universalist literature suggesting belief in the idea that the Old Norse gods are simply different iterations, or even only different names, of the same pagan gods worshiped worldwide.

It has been suggested that, “religion, broadly conceived, offers the most promising path toward realization of the white nationalist dream” (Dobratz). As a broad category, religion is very helpful in recruiting for new movements. It works to provide a common history and group identity, something very attractive to potential recruits. While they may privately compete among themselves, the number of different religions that have parts in the white supremacist/white nationalist movement actually serves to attract more members than if it were homogenous. Dobratz writes, “The different religious views provide alternatives from which people can choose.”

Lately, however, Odinism seems to have become the go-to religion of white supremacists who are disillusioned with Christianity. As churches have become both more liberal and more accepting of changing societal norms (such as homosexuality or women clergy), more and more interest in Odinism and other “ancestral religions” has popped up. Frank DeSilva, a member of the Silent Brotherhood, argues that a break from Christianity in favor of Odinism is occurring within white supremacy. “Religion is for the race-culture that created it. In consequence to this, the movement is becoming increasingly non-Christian.” He goes on to cite the fact that religions are become more integrated or “non-white” as a main reason for this shift. The idea of Christianity as a Jewish plot is also gaining popularity. In a rare case of reasoning that is (somewhat) logical, one reason for white supremacists reject Christian movements is explained—

“I’m an Odinist, and I really wish that all this Christian Identity stuff would just like fade away…me and a lot of my friends just think that it’s the stupidest thing around—Christian Identity. I mean, I believe Christianity is Jewish. I mean, in nature, Jesus Christ was Jewish—it comes from the Middle East—it’s a Middle Eastern religion. I don’t think it’s for us as a racial movement—why should we take a Jewish religion if we’re so anti-Semitic?”

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Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps
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Seidr Magic

Seidr Magic Cover

Book: Seidr Magic by Ed Richardson

Of all the reconstructed systems of archaic magickal practice, Seidr seems to be one of the most misunderstood. This is partly because of its sinister reputation, and partly because of sexist notions that only women ever practised divination. All too often Seidr is mistaken for the craft of the Volva, where in reality (if such a notion is useful) the Volvas were only part of a far wider practice. In order to make sense of the collection of beliefs and practices which make up Seidr, some definitions shall be considered, followed by a look at some of the practices involved and their implications. This whole essay shall illustrate examples found in the myths of Northern Europe.

Seidr literally means 'seething' or 'boiling' and has much in common with shamanism and other forms of primitive magick. Indeed it is highly likely that Seidr is an adaptation of shamanic practices to suit the culture and times, when primitive society evolved discovering religion, agriculture and metallurgy. However, Seidr is not a religious practice; it is a magickal practice which is where some of its sinister reputation originates. Jan Fries explains that the Seidr magickians would sell their craft, which makes them something akin to occult mercenaries. Its use is always pragmatic and is reflected as such in the myths. The myths play a vital role in understanding Northern magick as they show how the Aesir, Vanir, Giants and Humanity used magick to deal with problems, hinting at techniques that may be useful today.

Download Ed Richardson's eBook: Seidr Magic

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Aleister Crowley - Magick
Phillip Williams - Night Magic
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Pan Celtism And What It Means For Us

Pan Celtism And What It Means For Us Cover In the past decade or two, there has been an amazing spread of Celtic identity throughout the world. Celtic festivals are common all over Western Europe, North America, Australia, etc. We now have the Celtic League, the International Celtic Congress, and a major international Celtic festival (which was held in Valle d'Aosta in 2009). The question is: where do we fit into this Pan-Celtic milieu?

We would have to fit in somewhere, as much of the spirituality and even the Celtic knotwork is tied to Padania. "Cisalpine Gaul," of course, was the name given to Padania by the Romans, which means in Latin: "Gaul south of the Alps." The Trophy of Augustus was the Roman trophy to the conquest of the Celto-Ligurian tribes.

One interesting commonality of the Celtic peoples throughout history is their struggle against encroaching Teutonic and Roman armies. In the movie 'Braveheart', Celtic Scots are depicted defending their homeland against basically Anglo-Saxon/Norman English. The Roman Julius Caesar conquered Celtic Gaul. These are just two of the more well-known examples. Many compare the Roman invasion of Cisalpine Gaul to the invasion of the English against the Scots.

Unlike many other European cultures, Padania doesn't have the definitive "one ancient culture" that it can draw most of it's inspiration from. Lega Nord chose the Celts. The Etruscans were too tied into Roman (Italian) identity, and the Langobards were invaders from somewhere else. At least some of this was based on political reasoning. We do not have the answer to this equation yet.

Actually, Cisalpine Gaul was demographically "Celto-Ligurian," as we have covered before. That is, a mix of both proto-Alpine and Celtic tribes. The Trophy of Augustus lists both Alpine and Celtic tribes.
Another factor is the spiritual component to all of this. The worship of the horned god Cernunnos has been co-opted by the Wiccan faith, along with other traditions from many cultures, into a universalist religion. Some social engineers of Wicca have long touted their religion as a leftist movement to contrast with the perceived right wing Christian movement. That is something we have to look harder at in the future. This worship of Cernunnos is heavily linked to the Cisalpine Gauls, but also widespread in ancient Gaul, and even Scandinavia.

The Pan-Celtic identity is such a good fit, as we are not really southern or northern European, and not Eastern European. Quite frankly, the region of Padania is/was historically located at the crossroads of Roman/Mediterranean (south), Germanic/Norse (north), Celtic/Gaulic (west) and Slavic (east) worlds. In viewing the greater scope of things, in both ancient and modern concepts, we're more Western European. Like the French, we're basically Romanized Gauls.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Troth Aor - Odinism What Is It The Odinic Rite
Gordon Ireland - Faq On Wicca And Witchcraft And More
Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Neo Druidism In Britain

Neo Druidism In Britain Cover The origins of the modern Druid Revival lie in speculation about the historical druids in Early Modern 17th century Britain. William Blake, the artist and poet, was among those who used the image of bards and druids symbolically in his poetry. In Blake’s mythos, bards are cast as the noble and admirable advocates for imagination (“Divine Imagination” as Blake characterized it). Druids, on the other hand, were used most often by Blake in a negative way to symbolize priesthoods of Literalism without imagination. In this poetical symbolism, Blake was inspired by current theories of certain scholars of his day which speculated that the British druids were in fact a remnant of the antediluvian religion of Noah and Adam in the Biblical mythos. Some saw them as the martyred exponents of the true religion taught by God in the Garden of Eden, as distinct from Christian religion as it later developed, which was seen by Nonconformists such as Blake to be corrupt. The theory that ancient druids were the true inheritors of the ancient Patriarchal religion was a move intended to make “True Religion” something British rather than foreign. Such a theory turned on its head the previous view of churchmen that druids had been bloodthirsty pagan priests who worshiped “devils” and were quite rightly stamped out by the superior culture of the Romans.

A more positive view of the druids, portraying them as wise old men arose with the northern European Romantic movement of the eighteenth and nineteenth century. One of the key proponents of the idea that the bards preserved a purer and more universal religion that transcended sectarianism was the Welsh Iolo Morganwg. His writings, though now acknowledged to be partly his own invention claimed to be based on manuscript sources and oral traditions in Wales. His work led to the establishment of the Welsh Gorsedd of Bards and influenced the forms of the Welsh National Eisteddfod, celebrations of British culture as distinct from that of the conquering English. The romantic positive figure of the druid and the bard became powerful images within the Welsh and Irish nationalist movements.

In 1964, George’s son Robert MacGregor Reid, then chief of the The Druid Order, died, and Dr Thomas Maughan was elected as his successor. Following a differing amongst some senior members, Ross Nichols founded the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, fully recognizing those three grades in a way that is not formalised in The Druid Order. The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids now represents the largest body of organized Druidry in the world, with over ten thousand members.

Recent decades have seen an explosion of druidic orders and groups in Britain, including the Loyal Arthurian Warband (founded and led by British activist Arthur Uther Pendragon, self-declared reincarnation of King Arthur), the British Druid Order, the Secular Order of Druids, the Glastonbury Order of Druids and so on, with the Council of British Druid Orders set up in 1989 to enable meetings and discussions between different Orders to take place. In February 2003, The Druid Network was launched; its aim is to be a source of information and inspiration about the modern druid tradition, its practice and its history.

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Anonymous - So My Kid Is A Witch
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Wicca The Complete Craft

Wicca The Complete Craft Cover

Book: Wicca The Complete Craft by Dj Conway

It's hard to imagine a more comprehensive or well-written resource for students of Wicca than Wicca: The Complete Craft. D.J. Conway, whose earlier books include Moon Magick and The Celtic Dragon Tarot, speaks about the Wicca religion with seasoned authority, making this one of the best guidebooks on the market. She begins with an overview of Wicca, explaining its historical roots and dispelling common assumptions. For example, the practice of magic is not the focus of Wiccan religion, just a sideline, she notes. Conway also possesses a strong voice of integrity. Unlike some fad-feeding authors, she discourages teens from becoming involved in wiccan magic without the explicit approval of their parents. In fact, even advises teens to avoid the practice of magic altogether, since "the vast majority of teenagers lack the life experience or emotional maturity to deal correctly with the ethics involved with magic." This sort of ethical vigilance is carried throughout the book. Conway offers over 500 pages worth of lessons and rituals, including the making of a witch (expect to study at least a year and a day), developing psychic abilities, protection and self-defense, puberty rites, breaking spells, astral projection, magical herbs, and ritual tools. This is the book for beginners, and is certainly a respectable resource for more mature witches.

While this book certainly is not "the definitive" wiccan book (as if there was such a thing), it certainly offers a wealth of information about this ancient religion. This book was mentioned to me as a great place to learn more about "the Craft," in fact the person who first told me about it called it a "Wiccan textbook." While someone not new to Wicca may find this book covers a lot of material mentioned elsewhere, someone new to this as I am will find this book fascinating.

What I liked about this book was that it provides a very nice overall reference to Wicca, which as someone new to this religion is something very important to me. There is a tremendous amount of information in this book, in fact at times it was almost overwhelming. Among areas covered are examples of rituals for various Sabats, handfasting, and Drawing Down the Moon and Sun, herbs, essential oils, candles, words and terms used in Wicca, pantheons of Gods and Goddesses of different cultures, nature spirits, and so on. Reading through this book gave me a sense that the information contained within it can be a source of "great power" if used correctly.

Popular pagan author D. J. Conway introduces readers to the religion of Wicca, or witchcraft, and dispels many common misconceptions about it. Conway offers a comprehensive overview of Wiccan philosophy and tenets and provides a useful primer for practicing Wicca as a spiritual guide. Wicca is an ancient nature religion that teaches respect for others as well as responsibility for one's actions. Conway emphasizes that it is not associated with cults, devil worship, or animal sacrifice. Wiccans believe in the sanctity of all life and recognize a dual deity, both a goddess and a god. Included are chapters on sacred space, ritual tools, holy days, meditations and visualizations, spells and the art of spell casting, as well as terms used in Wicca.

As I said before, this may not be "the one true Wiccan book," and those with some knowledge may already know most of what in here, but still I found it to be an excellent guide to Wicca.


Buy Dj Conway's book: Wicca The Complete Craft

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Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media

Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media Cover

Book: Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media by Lisa Dinsmore

The aim of this dissertation was to examine representations of Paganism by comparing recent fictional representations of Pagans and Wiccans against a "real life" model of Pagan and Wiccan practices and beliefs. A literature review focused on forming a model of Paganism, and looked at previous works which considered the representation of Paganism in fictional media. A crude form of content analysis was used to select an appropriate text for analysis. A semiotic analysis, ideological consideration, and a syntagmatic analysis of the narrative were all applied to the text, an episode called “Family” from the television series “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer.” This gave an in-depth model of a fictional text featuring Witchcraft.

Paganism with particular reference to witchcraft was portrayed positively in the text. It was discovered that the practice of magic had connotations of both power - particularly female autonomy -; and of sexuality -particularly homosexuality. Further analyses of a wide range of texts would need to be compared to the reallife model devised to give a more complete picture of the connotations behind the representations of Pagans, Wiccans and Witches.

This dissertations aims to look at representations of Paganism and in particular wicca and witchcraft in modern fictional mass media. Semiotic analysis in particular and other media theories will be used to look at the representations and the portrayals compared to a model of current Pagan practices and beliefs – the "realist" perspective versus the "real".

Download Lisa Dinsmore's eBook: Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media

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Lisa Dinsmore - Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media

Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide

Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide Cover

Book: Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide by The Troth

The Troth is one of several international organizations that promote the ancient religion of the Northlands, known as Asatru, Heathenry, and by other names. We are incorporated as a non-profit religious corporation in the state of Texas, and are recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt religious organization.

The Troth publishes a quarterly magazine, Idunna, along with other writings on Heathen belief and practice. We serve as a networking organization for individuals and kindreds, and we try to assist our members to form local groups to practice our religion and make it more widely available. Once a year, the Troth sponsors a major gathering at which members and interested folks conduct workshops and ceremonies, and discuss and demonstrate their many skills and practices. The Troth also conducts a certification program for clergy, incorporating training in lore, theology, ritual, and counseling.

The Troth believes that the Gods call whom they will—regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation. To hear their call is a joy, an honor, and also a duty. If you hear that call, and you are willing to live by our values and honor our Gods, then we invite you to take your place among friends and kin, and bring new honor and strength to our ancient Heathen faith.

Download The Troth's eBook: Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide

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Judy Harrow - Exegesis On The Wiccan Rede
Reformed Druids - Anthology 09 The Books Of The Latter Day Druids
The Troth - Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide

Thursday, September 30, 2010

New Age Music

New Age Music Cover For everyone out there simply looking to relax or those of you who wish to enter a deep state of meditation...
New Age Music is a must. I myself use it for meditation, Relaxation and for my ritual magick work.
There are many New Age Music Artists out there but I have my favorites.
Along with this I also enjoy Classical Music from long ago.

Here are my favorite New Age Musical Artists.

Frank Danna

This is my favorite Cd that I use to meditate with and to use in my Ritual work.
Truly an Awesome Cd that will get you into the mood of your rituals or a serious Deep state of conciseness.
Listen to the sample track on the Cd page.... you will love it. This is my #1 pick of all.


Deva Primal

She has many Cds to choose from.
Her music is excellent for meditation or just relaxation.
Her music is based on Krishna sounds and methodical rhythms, but Premal's voice is one that resonates into the soul.
It will seduce your Body mind and soul.
The music she produces, makes me feel good and energetic afterwards.
She is my #2 pick.
Listen to some of the sample tracks!


Steven Halpern

He has so many Cds to choose from.
He has been in my collection for years.
I remember many times I would drive around and listen to his music and end up 50 miles away.
This music will send you into space.

There are so many other Artist out there. But you will have to find the ones you like the best.

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Aristotle - On Dreams
Nick Farrell - Notes On Geomancy
Anonymous - Pagan Stones And Gems
Janus Lacinius Therapus - The New Pearl Of Great Price.pdf
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Magic And Wyrd

Magic And Wyrd Cover

Book: Magic And Wyrd by Anonymous

Wyrd is the underlying fabric in the Northern/Germanic cosmology. The laws of Wyrd supercede the will of the Gods, of men and all creatures. Wyrd provides the basic structure for the Nine Worlds, and manifests itself in Yggdrasil and the Well of Urdr.

One can compare Wyrd to a song, there are many differnt ways to sing it but the basic tune remains the same. Wyrd is also frequently seen as weaving, different threads coming together on a framework to make a pattern.

Magic is one of the ways we interact with Wyrd. "Knowing" magic (in Manny Olds' words) or "predictive" magic (Groa's) is about becoming aware of the patterns in Wyrd and the disposal of individual strands in the tapestry. Spae-work and Rune-work are two of the techniques which can be used for this.

Download Anonymous's eBook: Magic And Wyrd

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Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
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Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick

Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick Cover

Book: Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick by John Coughlin

So often darkness is associated with evil. Since the term evil has no place in a nature-based religion, we Pagans are forced to look beyond such stereotypes.

But what then is "darkness"? Why are so many of us drawn to themes associated with darkness such as death, mystery, wisdom, magic, and the night? These themes and symbols are empowering to many of us because they tap into the deepest reaches of our unconscious.

The goal of this book, which is a culmination of over 16 years of study and practice, is to not only share with you the author's views on Dark paganism and spirituality, but to encourage you - if not challenge you - to personalize your own belief system.

While the first part explores the aspects and spirituality of darkness, the second part of this book discusses the nature and practice of magic by exploring the underlying principles at work.


In Out of The Shadows, author John J. Coughlin trys to rebuild the balance 'Light Paganism' has created. He gives an easy and understandable description of what the Darkness and 'Dark Paganism' actually are. Though the focus of this book is 'Dark Paganism', the author in no way tries to deny or degrade Light Paganism. In fact, Coughlin actually describes it's benefits and necessities in modern paganism.

In his explanation of the Darkness, Coughlin gives information on "dark siders" including the Gothic and Vampiric Sub-Culture. He gives a clear and understandable explanation of "The Shadow" in sychological terms, as well as symbols, images, and archetypes associated with darkness. I found the section on dark deities to be especially interesting, where Coughlin offers information on specific deities from various pantheons including Celtic,Egyptian, Greek, and Hindu.

Part Two is an explanation of the nature and structure of magick. This section explains how and why magick works as well as it's limitations and psychological factors. Coughlin takes you through each step of the spellcasting process by describing what and how to conduct ritual. This section also contains information on psychic abilities, chaos magick, and sex magick.

Out of The Shadows is really two books in one. It is and exploration of Dark Paganism, but it is also a guide to magick. Because so many books are focused on Light Paganism, this text is truly ground breaking. This book does an excellent job of providing the seeker with the proper tools to explore yourself. It's goal is to suggest, if not test, you to personalize your belief system. You will learn the truth about the Darkness and Dark Paganism. It was an excellent read and I'd highly recommend it to all Pagans.

Buy John Coughlin's book: Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Richard Roy - 13 Questions On Paganism And Wicca
Aleister Crowley - The Initiated Interpretation Of Ceremonial Magic
John Coughlin - Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Henge Of Keltria

Henge Of Keltria Cover Initially an offshoot of Ar nDraiocht Fein, the Henge of Keltria is a non-profit Church and the largest Celtic-focused Druid organization in the United States. They focus upon practices based upon honoring their ancestors, revering the spirits of nature, and worshipping the Gods and Goddesses in their unique manner. They are an initiatory mystery tradition. They have members and adherents throughout the United States and Canada.

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Frater Achad - Chalice Of Ecstasy
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Nordic Soul Lore And Teutonic Psychology

Nordic Soul Lore And Teutonic Psychology Cover

Book: Nordic Soul Lore And Teutonic Psychology by Anonymous

There are many parts of the soul in Nordic Mythology. The lyke [lik ON, lic(h) OE] is the physical body itself. The hyde [hamron] is the quasi-physical part of the soul which gives shape and form tothe lyke. It can be formed and mutated by human will and what happens to the hyde happens to the lyke. It is often called the spiritual appearance.The athem [ond ON, aethm OE] is the breath of life: the vital force of life born in the breath. It is the animating principle. The hugh, or hidge[hugr ON, hyge OE] is the "mind": the cognitive part of the soul. It analyzes and computes linguistic or mathematical data. In modern psychology it is termed the left side of the brain. Myne [minni ON, mynd OE] means "memory": the personal and transpersonal memory. It uses images, shapes and dimensions to store and work with the mind's own contents. It is Jung's storehouse of archetypes. Termed the right side of the brain. The wode, or wode-self [odhr ON, wod OE] is the part of the soul-body which corresponds to mood, inspiration, fury, enthusiasm, intoxication, heart.

This is the magickal faculty by which the contents and activities of the hugh and myne are synthesized.

Download Anonymous's eBook: Nordic Soul Lore And Teutonic Psychology

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Swetha Lodha - Your Love Life And The Tarot Cards
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Saturday, September 25, 2010

Modern Beliefs Of Pagans

Modern Beliefs Of Pagans Cover I am not presumptuous enough to believe that these should be everyone's beliefs, nor am I egotistical enough to believe that these beliefs are mine alone. However, they are mine. I have formed these beliefs as an individual from the experiences in my life.

Organized Religion:

A mass of people led by individuals that may, or may not, have your best interests at heart. Usually the guiding religious leaders are so high up, and so far removed from the public that it's difficult (at best) to distinguish one from the other. I avoid organized religion because these groups have been known to use their influence or manpower for not so lofty goals. Furthermore, I think a set package of beliefs (a.k.a. Moral Combo Meal) ends up with a lot of people not really knowing what they believe in (as opposed to what they think they should believe in). To my mind this is a sad state of affairs. Some people do need an organized religion for guidance in their life. For them, I guess the system works fine.

Religious Leaders:

These people are just like everyone else... People. Have some used others for their own ends? Yes. Have they used their position or a connection with their deity to convince people to do their bidding? Certainly. Do some religious leaders just want to save souls, and guide people to do the right thing? Absolutely. Do some just want to do their part to help others, and make the world a better place? Without question. So honestly, it's impossible to know about an individual until you have met and interacted with that individual, just like everyone else. However, do keep in mind that any world leader (Such as the President of the United States, or the Pope), will only get the power they have if they want that power. This process also usually involves a lot of toe-squishing.

Jesus:

Good guy, lots of great ideas. An awesome philosopher, and an excellent teacher. I'm glad he was around. Was he the son of God? Yes, just as each one of us is the son or daughter of God. Is he my savior? No, he's dead... Besides, what do I need saving from? I don't believe that I'm being judged by any greater power, nor do I believe in Hell.

Gardner:

Gardner was an intelligent man with a creative mind. He was also a dirty old man who at times had questionable methods, and even more questionable motivations. Don't get me wrong, many of us owe a lot to Gardner, and I do respect him. There are times though, to me, some of his ideas seem ill-concieved or improperly researched.

Homosexuality:

I am not a homosexual, but I don't mind if anyone else is. These, to me, are the three blessings of relationships: You are blessed once if you know who you are. You are blessed twice if you have come to terms with this, are comfortable with it, and find it a source of strength and identity. You are blessed thrice if you can use this as part of a starting point for a mutually intimate relationship.

Abortion:

Not right for me, but mostly because that has to do with my views on sex, and whom I'd be having sex with. As with many other things, the morals that really count are the morals of the individuals involved, and how they feel about the procedure.

Cloning:

Cloning is the abandonment of the cycle of Nature that causes bubbles in evolution. The two most popular reasons would be to either create the illusion of immortality or to generate a subservient workforce of some kind. This concept is a near abomination to my mind.

Drugs:

Drugs (including alcohol) are for those who wish to alter their state of being, either physically or mentally. Personally, I like who I am, and I like my current state of being so I largely refrain from all kinds of drugs. I only take cold or headache medicine when I am really miserable (and thus wish to change my state of being). I make a special effort to avoid habit-forming or addictive drugs (the more potent/addictive, the more I avoid them).

Guns:

Guns are designed to kill things. I've gone out target shooting with my brother. Some people really get a kick out of doing this. I think target practice with a bow is more challenging and interesting. Some people say guns have their place, and I'm sure they do. That's fine with me, so long as their place is as far away from me as possible.

Firearm Rights:

The 2nd Amendment to the Constitution was designed to allow the populace to hold a revolution if they thought there was a need. In this day and age, without proper weapons a revolution would be near impossible. Therefore, to uphold the purpose of the 2nd Amendment it makes sense that citizens be allowed access to military-grade firepower.

Cell Phones:

Driving while talking on a cell phone poses a danger to yourself and to those around you. Talk or drive, not both.

Vegetarianism:

I was made to be an omnivore. I crave meat, I can consume it and digest it without difficulty. I have no problem with this. Being cute is not an excuse to not be nutritional (or tasty). To sustain our own life, other lives, (plant or animal) must end. This is the way Mother Nature works. Some would prefer plant deaths to animal, and that's fine for them. Ok, a good vegetarian diet can be better than a good omnivore diet. Oh well.

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Stories From Northern Myths

Stories From Northern Myths Cover

Book: Stories From Northern Myths by Emilie Kip Baker

"Stories from Northern Myth" written in 1914 by Emilie Kip Baker. Most of the existing records on Norse mythology date from the 11th to 18th century, having gone through more than two centuries of oral preservation in what was at least officially a Christian society. At this point scholars started recording it, particularly in the Eddas and the Heimskringla by Snorri Sturluson, who believed that pre-Christian deities trace real historical people. There is also the Danish Gesta Danorum by Saxo Grammaticus, where the Norse gods are more strongly Euhemerized. The Prose or Younger Edda was written in the early 13th century by Snorri Sturluson, who was a leading skald, chieftain, and diplomat in Iceland. It may be thought of primarily as a handbook for aspiring skalds. It contains prose explications of traditional "kennings," or compressed metaphors found in poetry. These prose retellings make the various tales of the Norse gods systematic and coherent.

The mythological literature relates the legends of heroes and kings, as well as supernatural creatures. These clan and kingdom founding figures possessed great importance as illustrations of proper action or national origins. The heroic literature may have fulfilled the same function as the national epic in other European literatures, or it may have been more nearly related to tribal identity. Many of the legendary figures probably existed, and generations of Scandinavian scholars have tried to extract history from myth in the sagas.

Sometimes the same hero resurfaces in several forms depending on which part of the Germanic world the epics survived such as Weyland/Volund and Siegfried/Sigurd, and probably Beowulf/Bodvar Bjarki. Other notable heroes are Hagbard, Starkad, Ragnar Lodbrok, Sigurd Ring, Ivar Vidfamne and Harald Hildetand. Notable are also the shieldmaidens who were ordinary women who had chosen the path of the warrior. These women function both as heroines and as obstacles to the heroic journey.

Download Emilie Kip Baker's eBook: Stories From Northern Myths

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Emilie Kip Baker - Stories From Northern Myths

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Introduction To The Elder Edda

Introduction To The Elder Edda Cover

Book: Introduction To The Elder Edda by John Ronald Tolkien

The Elder Edda is not a single continuous narrative, but a collection of poems, most of which are preserved in the Konungsbok, or Codex Regius (King's Book), copied in Iceland about A.D. 1270. The poems are the work of many poets. Their language suggests that they were composed between 800 and 1100 A.D. and first written down between 1150 and 1250 A.D. The poems are a rich source of information for culture and belief among the Vikings. They are not, however, purely Scandinavian. Christian Irish influence is likely, while the Sigurd story draws on actual events among the tribes that invaded the Roman Empire between 350-600 A.D.

The Elder Edda first came to scholarly attention in the seventeenth century as antiquarian interest in the non-classical past was growing in Europe. It was published in its entirety just as intense romantic and nationalistic interest in the perceived tribal Ancestors of the European nation states emerged towards the end of the eighteenth century. This interest, combined with the new science of philology, ensured popular and scholarly interest in texts like the Elder Edda. Some of the lays were available in bowdlerized versions even for children by the later nineteenth century. In the hands of Richard Wagner, the Elder Edda became the foundation of one of the century's masterpieces. While northern legends and the scholarship based on it were misused by the Nazis to develop and further their ideas of race, they are seriously misrepresented by such ideas. In the 1960s, the poet W. H. Auden in collaboration with an Old Norse scholar, Paul B. Taylor, produced a translation of sixteen of the poems.

Download John Ronald Tolkien's eBook: Introduction To The Elder Edda

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John Ronald Tolkien - Introduction To The Elder Edda

History Of Nordic Runes

History Of Nordic Runes Cover

Book: History Of Nordic Runes by Anonymous

Runes are an alphabetic script used by the peoples of Northern Europe from the first century until well into the Middle Ages. In addition to their use as a written alphabet, the runes also served as a system of symbols used for magic and divination. Runes fell into disuse as the Roman alphabets became the preferred script of most of Europe, but their forms and meanings were preserved in inscriptions and manuscripts.

There is some debate over the origin of the "alphabet" aspect of the runes. Cases have been made for both Latin and Greek derivation, and several scholars are once again arguing in favor of both these theories. However, the strongest evidence still seems to point to a North Italic origin. The parallels between the two alphabets are too close to be ignored, particularly in the forms of the letters, as well as in the variable direction of the writing, and certain structural and even symbolic characteristics. This would also explain why so many of the runes resemble Roman letters, since both Italic and Latin scripts are derived from the Etruscan alphabet (itself a branch of the Western Greek family of alphabets). This theory would place the original creation of the futhark sometime before the 1st. century, when the Italic scripts were absorbed and replaced by the Latin alphabet. Linguistic and phonetic analysis points to an even earlier inception date, perhaps as far back as 200 B.C..

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Sunday, September 19, 2010

English Old Norse Dictionary

English Old Norse Dictionary Cover

Book: English Old Norse Dictionary by Ross Arthur

You could, of course, print it and then consult it just as you would consult any other dictionary It might be more useful to you, however, to keep it as an electronic reference tool For one thing, you'll find that it serves also as an Old Norse to English dictionary.

If you are now viewing this document within your Browser, I’d advise you to save it and examine it later. If it’s now saved on your computer, try using Acrobat’s Find feature, with the “Match Case” option turned off. I’ve created a special font to make it simpler to search for Old Norse

- To search for a vowel with an accent, just type that vowel and then a slash /
- To search for a hooked o (o,) just type o and then a comma
- To search for ae type a and then e.
- To search for oe type o and then e.
- To search for T type th.
- To search for D type dh.

Download Ross Arthur's eBook: English Old Norse Dictionary

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Ross Arthur - English Old Norse Dictionary