The Tree of Enchantment


Book Description

In Faery Seership the truths we seek can only be found within ourselves, within nature, and within our relationships to nature. At the center of the Faery Tradition lies the Tree of Enchantment: the symbol for these relationships and for the threefold life of humanity. At each level of the tree, there are attending spirit forces that vary from beings of light to beings of shadow, from the ancestors of humanity to the architects of form and nature, from the destiny of our planet to the creation forces of the universe. The tree’s roots grow through the lower world, where all life originates and the dead travel, its trunk and lower branches reach out across the middle world, where elemental forces and the four directions guide us, and its highest branches reach the into the upper world and the Star realm. Weaving together folk tradition and extensive academic research, Orion Foxwood has created an accessible, beautifully written pathway into the Old Religion of Faery Seership. Based on Appalachian traditions, Wiccan studies, Celtic oral traditions, and the Craft from Western and Northern Europe, The Tree of Enchantment offers the student of Faery Tradition both introductory and advanced visionary practices and authentic tools to learn to navigate the three realms of humanity. With diligence and an open heart, the reader will learn to cross The River of Blood, pass through The Gate of Awakening, and over The River of Stars.




The Forest of Enchantments


Book Description

'One of the most strikingly lyrical voices writing about the lives of Indian women' -- Amitav Ghosh 'Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni turns the Ramayana around by telling it in the voice of Sita ... this inversion is a gift - it presents us a with a way to know an already well-known story better and to love an already beloved story more' -- Arshia Sattar 'This inspired evocation of the goddess Sita is an epic song of strength and solidarity told with joy and intensity. It brings to life the personalities and predicaments of the Ramayana' -- Namita Gokhale 'Among the many, many Ramayanas there are now even - thankfully - some "Sitayanas", but I know of none with the special magic that Chitra Divakaruni ... brings to the telling' -- Philip Lutgendorf 'Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's Sita ... is an epitome of courage and self-respect, showing a path for all women. While weaving a familiar story, Chitra provides deep and surprising insights' -- Volga 'An incomparable storyteller' -- Denver Post 'Divakaruni's stories are irresistible' -- The New York Times Book Review 'Divakaruni's storytelling talents put her right up there with the best' -- Miami Herald 'In recasting the Ramayan as a love story Divakaruni accords Sita parity with Ram, revealing her innate strength. By giving primacy to her thoughts and feelings this also becomes the private tale of Shri and Shrimati Ramchandra Raghuvanshi, two wonderful people who loved each other but who broke up. To readers well-acquainted with that tragedy of modern times, the failed marriage, it will appeal. The ending, however, surpasses all expectations.' -- The Sunday Standard 'The success of both The Palace Of Illusions and The Forest Of Enchantments hinges acutely on the skill with which Divakaruni deploys the narratorial voice.' -- Mint 'The Forest of Enchantments is one of the simplest and most beautiful retellings of Sage Valmiki's epic.' -- Jetwings 'Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni does justice to the women of Ramayana ... The Forest of Enchantments is not just a retelling of a much-told epic, rather it is a book that tells it like it is - balanced and non-judgmental.' -- Huffpost 'A work ... of pluralities and possibilities ... This is the Sitayan we will give to our daughters, that they may imbibe Sita's strength, and even more proudly to our sons, who will learn how a woman is to be treated' -- The Wire 'Banerjee is markedly feminist ... Her spin on the most pivotal moment of Sita's life, the agnipariksha episode, is a moment of feminist brilliance. Her Sita answers all the questions we would have had when listening to the Ramayana while leaving us with plenty of food for thought.' -- The New Indian Express 'Divakaruni's retelling reminds her readers that the Ramayana, besides being a morality tale, is a love story at its heart' -- Huffpost 'Divakaruni and her women characters are a formidable pair' -- The Wire The Ramayana, one of the world's greatest epics, is also a tragic love story. In this brilliant retelling, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni places Sita at the centre of the novel: this is Sita's version. The Forest of Enchantments is also a very human story of some of the other women in the epic, often misunderstood and relegated to the margins: Kaikeyi, Surpanakha, Mandodari. A powerful comment on duty, betrayal, infidelity and honour, it is also about women's struggle to retain autonomy in a world that privileges men, as Chitra transforms an ancient story into a gripping, contemporary battle of wills. While the Ramayana resonates even today, she makes it more relevant than ever, in the underlying questions in the novel: How should women be treated by their loved ones? What are their rights in a relationship? When does a woman need to stand up and say, 'Enough!'




Flower and Tree Magic


Book Description

Did you know that flowers have a unique language of their own? Or that the way you draw a tree reflects your life outlook and personality? Flowers and trees have long been celebrated as sacred and powerful. By learning to read the special messages they hold, plants can help us navigate our life path and reconnect with nature. In this comprehensive guide, bestselling author Richard Webster uncovers the hidden properties of every major type of tree, herb, and flower that we encounter in our daily lives. From protection and healing to divination and worship, this book shows you how to apply ancient spiritual practices from many cultures to modern life—attract your ideal mate with valerian and sage, ward off psychic attacks with a sprinkling of rose oil, restore positive energy with nature meditations, and more. Nature lovers, myth historians, and trivia lovers alike will embrace this all-encompassing guide to the vast history and extensive magic of flowers and trees.




The Enchanted Oak Tree


Book Description

Open the antique gate and enter a secret garden where a world of enchantment and wonder awaits... Children will delight in this charming tale about an old oak tree that is not what it seems, for frolicking fairies make their home among its sheltering branches. Can the Butterfly Catchers help to return calm and harmony to the Secret Garden and all the creatures who dwell in it? Will they come to see the old oak tree for what it truly is - the heart of this special place? An enchanting, heart-warming tale from Sarah, Duchess of York.




Japanese Ink Painting


Book Description

A guide to Japanese ink painting provides information on techniques and materials needed, along with step-by-step exercises.







Natural Magic: Spells, Enchantments & Self-Development


Book Description

Before there was formal religion there was magic, and to this day there are people who purport to perform 'miracles' with the aid of magical powers derived from nature or the spirit realm. These powers are still out there to be tapped into by us. All you need is the knowledge and know-how contained in Natural Magic. The book reveals: How to become a natural magician, using knowledge gathered over thousands of years by magicians and mystic alike. Techniques employing plants, trees, crystals and incense along with meditation, ritual, chanting and dreams. The tools to give expression to your creativity and beliefs. A wide range of methods to bring about positive changes in your life. Natural Magic will set you on the path to self discovery.




The Work of Enchantment


Book Description

The Work of Enchantment suggests that it is a lack of "enchantment" in rich, developed countries that causes soul-starved Westerners to experience mental (and sometimes physical) illness. Del Nevo argues that this "enchantment" is most often experienced in childhood, but can also be found in adulthood, particularly through art. However, adults must cultivate within themselves the ability to appreciate art by reading, listening, and gazing-activities often misconceived in advanced industrial societies. Del Nevo describes the framework of enchantment and its philosophical and historical roots. He then concentrates on the work of enchantment within literature, considering what enchantment might entail taking the works of Proust, Rilke, and Goethe as examples. Del Nevo shows how a sense of enchantment forms within and between art works, using his literary examples, as well as between the work and the audience. The reader will learn along the way that enchantment may be found in the power of words, as an expression of the desire of the soul, a compliment of melancholy, and in art that points to something beyond itself. Enchantment may be found in many places, ranging from philosophy, religion, and psychology to sociology and culture, but here Del Nevo focuses on literature. His audience is people who are searching for something beyond money or glamour-perhaps the meaning of art and culture. His focus on literary masterpieces such as the Duino Elegies, Remembrance of Things Past, Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years, and others will make it of interest to those in cultural studies. Well written and engaging, and accessible to non-specialist readers, this unusual work in philosophy and aesthetics is free of jargon and complicated verbiage. Inspiring and enlivening, it is, in the author's words, "a stirring call to idleness."




American Enchantment


Book Description

American Enchantment presents a new understanding of the social order after the American Revolution, one that enacts the concept of "enchantment" as a unique way of describing and coalescing popular power and social affiliation.




Charlie's Christmas Miracle


Book Description

"Charlie's Christmas Miracle" is a sweet story that takes place in a small village surrounded by snowy hills. Charlie is the main character. He is a happy, kind young man who loves Christmas. The holiday season makes him happy, from the bright lights to the smell of freshly baked cookies to the joy of giving and getting gifts. But things are different for Charlie and his family this year. They are having money problems and can't buy a Christmas tree or any ornaments for it. With a heavy heart, Charlie watches as his friends and neighbors get their homes ready for the holidays. One cold evening, Charlie had an idea. He makes up his mind to go into the woods and get a Christmas tree to decorate. Charlie packs warm clothes and is ready to go on his adventure. While Charlie sings his favorite Christmas song, the tree he picked starts to shine and glow. It was a magical moment for him in the forest. It's like the tree reacts to his happy music by getting brighter with each note. Charlie is so happy that he decorates the tree by hand with bells, bright ribbons, and pinecones made from twigs and leaves. The tree changes into a beautiful sight that casts a warm, welcoming glow throughout the forest. Charlie's happiness grows when a group of birds joins in and makes a beautiful song. After hearing about Charlie's Christmas surprise, people come from all over the world to see the magical tree in the forest. They bring their own trinkets and decorations to add to the beauty of the forest. The forest becomes a joyful and magical place where everyone can enjoy the real spirit of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Charlie asks his family to come see the miracle tree. Their lips light up with wonder and excitement as they give him a tight hug, showing how proud they are of their smart and kind child. For a special event, everyone in town gathers around the magical tree to sing Christmas songs, give and receive gifts, and tell stories of love and kindness. The glow from the tree gets brighter, making everyone happy. As the clock hits midnight, Charlie makes a wish for his family, friends, and everyone else gathered around the magical tree to be happy, loved, and successful. A shooting star flashes across the sky, letting him know that what he wanted has come true. Charlie's family spends Christmas with a tree that is decorated with love and memories that are very important to them. They tell Charlie how much they appreciate him teaching them the real meaning of Christmas. The people in the area go back to see the miracle tree one more time and give food and blankets to the birds and animals that have made it their home. Even though the tree's light goes out, its magic lives on in the minds of everyone who saw it. From that day on, Charlie's town is known for its kindness, safety, and sense of community. A lot of people get together in the forest every year to enjoy Christmas and remember the miracle that brought them all together. Charlie's Christmas miracle becomes a beloved story that is told from one generation to the next. It reminds everyone that the real magic of Christmas is love, kindness, and joy shared with others. It shows that Christmas is a feeling that can be found in the smallest acts of kindness and in the strangest places. Charlie's Christmas miracle will always be a source of hope, inspiring people to enjoy the spirit of Christmas in their everyday lives. The Story's Start: A little boy named Charlie used to live in a town surrounded by snowy hills. He was a happy, kind young man who loved Christmas more than anything else. It warmed his heart to see all the bright lights, smell the fresh cookies, and give and receive gifts. The small town was turned into a snow wonderland every December. Snowflakes would fall from the sky and cover the land in a beautiful, shiny blanket. The streets were full of the laughter of kids building snowmen and having snowball fights, and the homes were lit up with bright lights. But Charlie's Christmas was really amazing because of how much his family loved and cared for him. The house where Charlie's family lived was nice and on the edge of town. The smell of fresh cookies and the sound of laughter could always be heard in their house. They loved their child very much, and they loved Christmas as much as he did. They would make wonderful Christmas memories together. Charlie loved the event where everyone decorated the Christmas tree every year. In their cozy living room, they would gather around a beautiful evergreen tree that reached almost to the roof. The tree was placed by Charlie's grandfather a long time ago. It has grown tall and strong, just like their love for each other. It would take the Thompsons hours to find the perfect ornaments to put on the tree. Each ornament held a special memory for the person who owned it, like the bright construction paper and glitter ornament Charlie made in kindergarten or the beautiful glass ornament that has been passed down from generation to generation. As they put up the tree, they sang their favorite Christmas songs, which made their hearts full of love and joy. When Charlie's family was decorating the tree one cold December night, Charlie's dad saw a sad look on his son's face. He got down on his knees and asked Charlie, "What's wrong, buddy?" Mr. Thompson knew that his son wanted to see the magic of the Christmas lights show, but they hadn't been able to buy any lights lately because money was tight. He looked at his wife, and the two of them shared a knowing look. Mrs. Thompson smiled and said, "Charlie, you know that the true magic of Christmas isn't in the lights or the decorations. It's in the love we share with each other. Let's make this Christmas special in our own way." Charlie tried to smile as he nodded, but he couldn't help but feel a little let down. That night, Charlie thought about what his mom had said as he lay in his warm bed. But even though he knew she was right, he still had to see the amazing light show that everyone was talking about. As he fell asleep, he wished on a sparkling star that there was a way for him to feel the magic of the lights. The next morning, Charlie woke up to find that there was new snow on everything outside. Getting out of bed and running to the window made his heartbeat fast with excitement. Everything looks and feels more beautiful when it snows, and it did today. After breakfast, Charlie chose to take a walk around town. As he walked through the snowy streets, he couldn't help but notice that everyone was busy getting ready for Christmas. Shop owners put flowers in their windows, families got warm to go ice skating, and friends gave each other gifts. Charlie couldn't help but feel left out. He wished he could be a part of all the holiday activities and share the joy of the season with his friends. He saw a sign in the town center that said, "Christmas Lights Display Tonight!" as he walked across town. Charlie's heartbeat faster. The show was tonight, but he didn't have any lights to add to it. There was magic around him, but he didn't know how to join in. Just as he was about to speak, he heard a voice he knew calling his name. Emily was his best friend. She ran up to him quickly and smiled big. It was "Charlie!" she yelled. "Guess what? Our family has some extra Christmas lights, and we don't know what to do with them. Would you like to help us decorate our house for the display tonight?" Charlie's eyes sparkled with joy. "Oh, Emily, that would be great! Thanks so much!" Charlie put up Christmas lights on Emily's family's house in the afternoon. They put them around the windows and hung them over the bushes. Charles couldn't believe how lucky he was. He was going to be a part of the beautiful light show, after all. As night fell, Charlie, Emily, and her family joined the other people in the town square. It looked like something from a fairy tale because the whole square was lit up with bright lights. It looked like the stars, clouds, and even a huge Christmas tree was lit up with hundreds of lights. Charlie's family would put up their Christmas tree together every year. They would sing Christmas songs and hang colored ornaments and gold tinsel for hours on end. But this year was different. Charlie's family was having money problems, so they couldn't buy a Christmas tree or any other decorations. As Charlie looked on, his friends and neighbors were decorating their houses for the holidays. It broke his heart. For as long as Charlie could remember, the best part of the holiday season was always decorating the Christmas tree. It was a beloved tradition that brought his family closer together and made memories that would last a lifetime. Every year, they would plan to start this great project on a weekend in early December.