Friday, July 22, 2005

African Dolls For Play And For Magic

African Dolls For Play And For Magic Cover

Book: African Dolls For Play And For Magic by Esther Dagan

African Dolls across the continent are created for young girls to play with and as a charm to insure fertility in women. Their shape and costume vary according to region and custom. Frequently dolls are handed down from mother to daughter. Western dolls are popular in Africa and are often dressed with traditional garb.

When the concept of "doll" is considered in the context of African culture, they are usually not children's playthings, but rather objects that are laden with ritual and religious associations within the community. African dolls are used to teach, and entertain, they are Supernatural intermediaries, and they are manipulated for ritual purposes. Each of these dolls are unique because they are hand made and are traditionally handed down through generations.

Buy Esther Dagan's book: African Dolls For Play And For Magic

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Saturday, July 16, 2005

Weaving Magic Webs Internet Identities And Teen Wiccan Subcultures

Weaving Magic Webs Internet Identities And Teen Wiccan Subcultures Cover

Book: Weaving Magic Webs Internet Identities And Teen Wiccan Subcultures by Julia Davies

Weaving Magic Webs: Internet Identities and Teen Wiccan subcultures. A consideration of one particular on line community and their web based interactions Dr. Julia Davies.

This paper outlines ongoing research looking at the use made of the Internet by many teenaged girls, who form networks and allegiances for discussion of a whole range of issues. In an examination of data taken from Wiccan web sites, message boards and diaries, it considers the role such sub-cultural activity on the Internet plays in the lives of participating girls. It is further argued that despite fears that activities involving new technologies are antisocial (Bauman, 2003) and can be isolating and dangerous, the Internet enriches many users’ lives and provides them with opportunities to extend their social experience both on and off line in positive ways.

The interface between Wiccan ideas, the use of the Internet and teenaged girls’ burgeoning interest in these is a relationship which attracts my attention; ways in which participating girls communicate with each other and present themselves, how they create a carefully defined sense of community are considered within a cultural studies framework. It is noted how these teenagers learn from each other and follow prescribed codes in order to remain group members. The public nature of the sometimes intimate exchanges exemplifies a common, ambiguous feature of interaction I have observed on the Internet and is also discussed along with what Wiccan ideas offer to this group of people.

Download Julia Davies's eBook: Weaving Magic Webs Internet Identities And Teen Wiccan Subcultures

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Friday, July 15, 2005

Fire And Ice Magical Order The Brotherhood Of Saturn

Fire And Ice Magical Order The Brotherhood Of Saturn Cover

Book: Fire And Ice Magical Order The Brotherhood Of Saturn by Stephen Flowers

Since 1972, Edred Thorsson has been dedicated to the esoteric and esoteric study of the Indo-European, Celtic and Teutonic Traditions. He studied Old Irish, Middle Welsh and Indo-European religion and culture at major universities in Germany and in the United States.

The Fraternitas Saturni is a Thelemite order which has shaped the modern occult scene in Germany since its foundation in 1928. This volume presents the history and doctrines of that order. Appendices include the texts of many actual rites performed by the FS as well as historical documents relating to aleister crowley's relations with the FS. This order is especially well-known for its use of sexual magic. This book was originally published in the early 1990s by Llewellyn under the title Fire and Ice. xii

Buy Stephen Flowers's book: Fire And Ice Magical Order The Brotherhood Of Saturn

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Stephen Flowers - Fire And Ice Magical Order The Brotherhood Of Saturn

Wednesday, July 6, 2005

The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs

The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs Cover

Book: The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs by Richard Alan Miller

One in the series of books by Richard Alan Miller. (The others being "Magical and Ritual use of Perfumes" with Iona Miller, and "magical and Ritual Use of Aphrodisiacs") This book is a typical example of the attention to detail, clarity of writing, and concise nature that I have come to expect from the author.

Covering some of the more Pharmocologically active herbs,the coverage is complete enough for my friends in the medical feilds, without losing readers with less chemistry knowledge (like me). There are diagrams of the active chemical compounds, when known, and lots of details about growth and habitat, but the directions and hazards of use are clear enough for a novice.

While not covering the more common herbs, such as Rosemary, or sage, this book is a valued part of my herbal library. I sincerely hope that the author writes a more wide ranging book on herbs in the future! Definately worth every penny.

Magical and Ritual Use Of Herbs investigates the habitat, cultivation, historical use, chemical structure and benefits of nineteen psycho-active herbs. These plants are discussed by chapter in the following categories: Stimulants (including Damiana, Passionflower and Guarana), Depressants (including Lobelia, Skullcap and Valerian), Narcotics (Wild Lettuce and Wormwood), Hallucinogens (including Kava Kava, Yohimbe, Amanita Muscaria, Morning Glory Seed and Psilocybe Mushroom). Their preparation, ritual use, primary effects and potential hazards are described in detail.

Some of the benefits that may be derived from the wise use of these plants include stress relief (Kava Kava and Valerian Root), increased energy (Guarana), restful sleep and cleansing (Wormwood) and spiritual Development (Fly Agaric, Psilocybe). The author writes With Great authority, effortlessly blending scientific and esoteric knowledge. I enjoyed his no-nonsense factual approach. The book includes a Quick Reference Chart, a Bibliography and a Chemistry, Botanics/Organic and General Index, making it a valuable reference work in addition to a fascinating read.

Magical and Ritual Use Of Herbs is very informative, clearly written and well organized. One must have knowledge of wild crafting (plant gathering) and a pretty good knowledge of chemistry to take full advantage of what it has offer. It provides excellent and concise Information on herbal effect and very clear warnings.

Download Richard Alan Miller's eBook: The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs

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Richard Alan Miller - The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs