Napoleon's Sorcerers


Book Description

During Napoleon's rule, Freemasonic circles in France invented rituals that allegedly first took place in the temple structures of ancient Egypt. This book looks at the cultural environment and intellectual background of one such pseudo-Egyptian secret society, the Sacred Order of the Sophisians.




Sorcery in Mesoamerica


Book Description

Approaching sorcery as highly rational and rooted in significant social and cultural values, Sorcery in Mesoamerica examines and reconstructs the original indigenous logic behind it, analyzing manifestations from the Classic Maya to the ethnographic present. While the topic of sorcery and witchcraft in anthropology is well developed in other areas of the world, it has received little academic attention in Mexico and Central America until now. In each chapter, preeminent scholars of ritual and belief ask very different questions about what exactly sorcery is in Mesoamerica. Contributors consider linguistic and visual aspects of sorcery and witchcraft, such as the terminology in Aztec semantics and dictionaries of the Kaqchiquel and K’iche’ Maya. Others explore the practice of sorcery and witchcraft, including the incorporation by indigenous sorcerers in the Mexican highlands of European perspectives and practices into their belief system. Contributors also examine specific deities, entities, and phenomena, such as the pantheistic Nahua spirit entities called forth to assist healers and rain makers, the categorization of Classic Maya Wahy (“co-essence”) beings, the cult of the Aztec goddess Cihuacoatl, and the recurring relationship between female genitalia and the magical conjuring of a centipede throughout Mesoamerica. Placing the Mesoamerican people in a human context—as engaged in a rational and logical system of behavior—Sorcery inMesoamerica is the first comprehensive study of the subject and an invaluable resource for students and scholars of Mesoamerican culture and religion. Contributors: Lilián González Chévez, John F. Chuchiak IV, Jeremy D. Coltman, Roberto Martínez González, Oswaldo Chinchilla Mazariegos, Cecelia F. Klein, Timothy J. Knab, John Monaghan, Jesper Nielsen, John M. D. Pohl, Alan R. Sandstrom, Pamela Effrein Sandstrom, David Stuart










The Spellsong War


Book Description

The Spellsong War, the second book in New York Times bestselling author L. E. Modesitt, Jr.'s epic fantasy series the Spellsong Cycle about a singer and music instructor at Iowa State University who gets far more than she expected when she is magically transported to the world of Erde. Anna Marshal is regent of the kingdom of Defalk only a few months after a sorcerer pulled her from her boring life as a music instructor. Her power and abilities saved Defalk from invasion, and now she must defend it against the greedy rulers of neighboring kingdoms who see an opportunity. The Spellsong Cycle The Soprano Sorceress The Spellsong War Darksong Rising The Shadow Sorceress Shadowsinger Other series by this author: The Imager Portfolio The Saga of Recluce The Corean Chronicles The Ghost Books The Ecolitan Matter At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.




The Mythology and History of Witchcraft


Book Description

The Mythology and History of Witchcraft serves as an unparalleled compendium that traverses the labyrinth of cultural, historical, and literary perspectives surrounding the enigma of witchcraft. Through a meticulously curated selection spanning essays, historical analyses, folklore studies, and biographical sketches, this anthology unveils the multifaceted phenomena of witchcraft as understood across different epochs and societies. The range of literary styles, from the narrative to the scholarly, not only highlights the diversity within the discourse of witchcraft but also sheds light on seminal works that have significantly shaped or challenged the understanding of witchcraft, without centering on a single authorial voice yet underscoring the collective importance of the contributors. The contributing authors and editors, a veritable whos who of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries intellectual landscape, bring to the table a plethora of backgrounds in literature, history, folklore, and theology. Such a rich array of perspectives aligns with various historical and cultural movements, ranging from the Enlightenment's rational inquiry into superstition to the Romantic fascination with the Gothic and the arcane. In their collective endeavor, these authors not only navigate the complex narrative of witchcraft's history but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the sociopolitical and cultural contexts that have historically vilified or mystified the concept of witchcraft. This anthology is a must-read for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of history, folklore, and literary criticism, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the discourse of witchcraft through a multi-disciplinary lens. It invites readers to explore the convergence of different narrative styles, themes, and perspectives, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of witchcrafts historical and cultural significance. The Mythology and History of Witchcraft stands as a testament to the richness of collaborative scholarly work, encouraging continued dialogue and exploration into the complex tapestry of human belief and the literary imagination.










Discover the Truth Behind Witchcraft Stories


Book Description

Musaicum Books presents to you this unique collection of books about witchcraft, witch trials, magic, sorcery legends, supernatural, demonology and occult practice: Introduction: The Superstitions of Witchcraft The Devil in Britain and America Witchcraft in Europe: History of Magic and Witchcraft: Magic and Witchcraft Lives of the Necromancers Witch, Warlock, and Magician Irish Witchcraft and Demonology Practitioners of Magic & Witchcraft and Clairvoyance Mary Schweidler, the Amber Witch Sidonia, the Sorceress La Sorcière: The Witch of the Middle Ages Tales & Legends: Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland Witch Stories Studies: The Witch Mania The Witch-cult in Western Europe Witchcraft and Superstitious Record in the South-Western District of Scotland Modern Magic Witchcraft in America: Salem Trials: The Wonders of the Invisible World Salem Witchcraft Salem Witchcraft and Cotton Mather A Short History of the Salem Village Witchcraft Trials An Account of the Witchcraft Delusion at Salem in 1682 House of John Procter, Witchcraft Martyr, 1692 Studies: The Salem Witchcraft, the Planchette Mystery, and Modern Spiritualism The Witchcraft Delusion in Colonial Connecticut (1647-1697) Witchcraft of New England Explained by Modern Spiritualism On Witchcraft: Glimpses of the Supernatural – Witchcraft and Necromancy Letters On Demonology And Witchcraft




WITCHCRAFT & MAGIC - Ultimate Collection


Book Description

WITCHCRAFT & MAGIC - Ultimate Collection stands as a monumental anthology that traverses the elusive and captivating world of witchcraft and magic through an array of literary styles and perspectives. The collection brings together an unprecedented array of essays, historical analyses, folk tales, and narratives, emboldened by the diversity of its contributors. From the grim historical accounts of witch trials to the mystical tales of magic that have coursed through cultures worldwide, the anthology reveals the multifaceted representations of witchcraft, magic, and their profound impact on societies and imaginations over centuries. The significance of the works included in this compilation lies not only in their thematic variances but also in their collective capacity to weave a comprehensive tapestry of the human fascination with the supernatural, including standout pieces that examine the socio-political ramifications of witch fantasies and realities alike. The contributing authors and editors, including luminaries such as Bram Stoker and Margaret Murray, hail from varied historical and cultural backgrounds, offering a rich mosaic of insights into the deeply entrenched beliefs and fears that have shaped human interactions with witchcraft and magic. This compilation aligns itself with key historical, cultural, and literary movementsranging from the Enlightenment's scientific scrutiny of magical beliefs to the Romantic fascination with the gothic and supernatural. The anthology benefits immeasurably from the contributors' diverse disciplinary backgrounds, their collective work fostering a deeper understanding of the historical roots and cultural narratives that have perpetuated the allure of the magical and the occult. WITCHCRAFT & MAGIC - Ultimate Collection invites readers into a realm of intrigue, history, and profound insight, offering a unique opportunity to explore a variety of perspectives, styles, and themes within a single volume. This anthology is not just a scholarly work; it's an educational journey that bridges the gap between the mystical past and the rational present, encouraging readers to delve into the shadows of history and emerge with a broader understanding of human nature and our perennial flirtation with the world beyond the empirical. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the dialogues that these varied authors' works foster, illuminating the complexities of witchcraft and magic as cultural phenomena that continue to fascinate and perplex humanity.