The Aquarian Guide to African Mythology


Book Description

Africa : the most distinctive land mass on the surface of the earth. Yet for all its majesty it is a country whose historical and religious wealth remains a mystery to all but a very few of Western observers. How many people know anything at all about pre-Colonial Africa? The Aquarian Guide to African Mythology is the first comprehensive overview of the beliefs, myths and cosmology of African peoples. It deals not only with traditional stories woven around a pantheon of gods and mythical figures but also with legends, fables and more general subjects that played a part in African mythology and African life. The wide range of entries include religious concepts, prophets, the best-known tribes, mystical phenomena, spirits and demons, and the many animals that played such a large part in African mythology. Dr Jan Knappert's alphabetical guide is founded on his many years of personal experience in Africa. Its very accessible style makes it ideal not only as a reference work for students of anthropology but as a sample for general readers wishing to dip in and be informed on any subject that appeals to them. The book is illustrated with examples of African art.




Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities


Book Description

The history of the divine is the history of human thought. For as long as men and women have pondered the mysteries of their existence, they have answered their own questions with stories of gods and goddesses. Belief in these deities shaped whole civilizations, yet today many of their names and images lie buried. The Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities makes those names available to the general reader as well as the scholar. This reference work lists all the known gods through recorded history. Alphabetically arranged entries provide the name of each deity (with alternate spellings), as well as notes on names that may be linguistically or functionally related. The tribe or culture that worshiped the deity is identified, and the god's origins and functions are explained. An extensive bibliography provides opportunities for further research and an exhaustive index provides access to the entries through virtually all names, forms and kinds of deities.




Dictionary of Nature Myths


Book Description

Comprehensive and cross-referenced, this informative volume is a rich introduction to the world of nature as experienced by ancient peoples around the globe. 51 halftones.




The Second Coming of the Star Gods


Book Description

Set amidst the haunting, mysterious beauty of Ancient Egypt, The Second Coming of the Star Gods is an epic tale of magic, political intrigue, and mythology. Rich in historical and mystical detail, the story centers on Khem and Tiye, two young apprentice priestesses in the Temple of the Sun. As the girls are initiated into the secret arts of dream interpretation, astronomy, and astral travel, a battle for the great empire’s throne is being waged between the Pharaoh and his half-brother--a battle in which the young apprentices will unwittingly play the decisive role. Engaging and hypnotic, The Second Coming of the Star Gods creates characters and a world so real you won’t want to soon leave. She masterfully recreates Egypt’s 4th Dynasty--the Pyramid Age--a time in which gods, goddesses, and magicians were the true rulers of the land.




Goddesses


Book Description

Goddesses explores the ancient wisdom of the goddesses to help you reconnect with the old ways in a modern context. The goddesses are presented in their elements, in their heavenly bodies, or as symbols of the journey of life to give support, provoke us to explore new ideas and challenges, and to bring balance to our lives. The folklore, myth, and traditional associations of the goddesses will inspire you on your journey. · Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano, demonstrates that volatile fire energy is life-giving and creative but needs to have focus. · Water goddesses such as Isis, Sedna, and Yemaya offer us wisdom in times of stress and grief. They help us flow in the right direction and remind us that water supports us. · The sun goddesses lead us through our feelings as well as our intellect to our divine spark—the sun within us. If our lives are stormy, we can take comfort from the story of the sun goddess, Ama-terasu-o-mi-kami, and find peace within ourselves. · Cerridwen, the Celtic goddess of poetry, is a source of wisdom, inspiration, and creativity. The reflections, meditations, rituals, chants, and exercises in this book will help you bring about the changes you wish for in your life. Some of the exercises are for you to undertake alone; others you can share with friends, family, and children. Let the goddesses guide and inspire you!




Crows and Ravens


Book Description

Exploring history, folklore, mythology, and science, this book gives you a unique look at two of the most popular magical creatures of all time. The crow and his cousin, the raven, are featured players in many cultures throughout the world, including Norse, Celtic, Jewish, and Indigenous traditions. This guide teaches you how to welcome these highly intelligent birds into your own spiritual practice, whether you follow Wicca, Heathenry, Druidry, or any other path. Crows and Ravens presents rituals, meditations, and exercises that help you discover the magic and mystery of corvids. Learn about crow and raven divination, create your own crow-raven talisman, uncover the shadowy side of corvids, and more. Found in nearly all urban and wild environments, these birds present you with magical opportunities and life lessons wherever you go.




Dreaming With the Wheel


Book Description

An explanation of the dream-interpretation principles of the Native American medicine wheel. The authors of The Medicine Wheel explore different views of dreamtime, both historic and contemporary, to provide an explanation of the dream-interpretation principles of the Native American medicine wheel—and a new framework for working with dreams.




Symbolic and Mythological Animals


Book Description

This A-Z of symbolic and mythological animals concentrates specifically on the stories associated with birds and beasts from around the world. Entries vary in length depending on the importance of the animal, fowl, insect or fish, with practically every creature having some symbolic or mythological significance. In addition the book examines the fabulous monsters of legend, and there are more general entries such as totems, fetishes, animal guardians and animal worship. The guide concludes with a bibliography.




Recent Reference Books in Religion


Book Description

Recent Reference Books in Religion provides incisive summaries and evaluations of more than 350 contemporary reference works on religious traditions ancient and modern that have been published in English, French and German. For maximum usefulness to readers, Professor Johnston has broadly defined religion to include not just the world religion of Christianity , Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism but also such alternative approaches as mythology, folklore, and the philosophy of ethics. Each entry, analyzing a particular work, includes full bibliographic details as well as commentary: outstanding articles and contributors are highlighted, strengths and weaknesses are carefully noted and weighed. Readers are directed to volumes whose strengths and weaknesses are carefully noted and weighed. Readers are directed to volumes whose strengths complement the weaknesses of others. An indispensable guide in any religious studies collection, Recent Reference Books in Religion: 2nd Edition includes works published through the end of 1997. It also includes a Glossary that describes types and functions of refernce books, and five indexes: Titles, Authors, Topics, Persons and Places.




Astrology Dictionary


Book Description

A fascinating guide to the many different traditions within astrology, including Western, Chinese, and Native American systems. With easy-to-understand charts and delightful illustrations, Astrology Dictionary explores the techniques and systems to provide valuable insights into destiny, character, and relationships.