"For the expert investigation of the human will to believe, we recommend The Encyclopedia of Superstitions." — The New York TimesWhy is it said that breaking a mirror or walking under ladders will bring bad luck and misfortunate? Ever wonder why so many people throw salt over their shoulders after spilling it, or wish on shooting stars? The Encyclopedia of Superstitions holds the answers to these questions and more. This c...

Three authoritative yet accessible reference books covering the esoteric terms, concepts, and histories of magical practices and mystical thought.Dictionary of Mysticism offers concise definitions for more than 2,200 terms used in a number of mystical traditions and fields of study, including esoteric philosophy, occultism, psychical research, spiritualism, alchemy, astrology, and demonology. It also covers the studies of Buddhism, Brahmanism, Sufism, Lama...

James Frazer’s monumental study of world mythology and folklore has been a controversial work for over a century. The Golden Bough is “a great body of primitive and barbarous beliefs" and essential reading for anyone interested in mythology, supernatural magic or religion, especially modern neo-pagan beliefs. More than one critic has said that it should be required reading for everyone.“To read [The Golden Bough] is to share in the adventure of ma...

In the third Paranormal Investigators book, you will be introduced to the Vatican's top exorcist Father Gabriele Amoth along with the history of exorcism and the rites of exorcism in all of the world's great religions. This practice dates back as far as recorded history. It seems that mankind has been battling demons since the beginning of time.This book also features a brief review of the case that inspired the film the Exorcist.The rites of exorcism is pr...

The original and authoritative A-to-Z reference guide to witchcraft, paganism, and magic, compiled by the famed nineteenth-century French occultist.Following its original publication in 1818, Collin de Plancy's Dictionnaire Infernal became a landmark study of witchcraft, pagan religions, and the occult. The first reference work to seriously document manifestations, magic, and superstitions, this historical dictionary details beings, characters, books, deeds, and ca...

A comprehensive reference guide to religious cults of the ancient world, with essential information on religious systems, texts, temple sites, and more.Dictionary of Pagan Religions offers a wide-ranging survey of the many religious cults that have flourished around the world from the Stone Age to the present. From Egyptian to Celtic traditions, and Gnosticism to Cabala, coauthors Harry E. Wedeck and Wade Baskin have compiled in-depth information about the rites an...

A practical guide to the magical systems of pre-Christian Iceland• Reveals spells and workings drawn directly from surviving magical books from the 16th to 20th century preserved at the National Library in Reykjavík• Explores the history of magic in Iceland through original translations of Icelandic folktales about famous magicians and about legendary grimoires, such as the Galdrabók, the oldest and most complete book of its kind• Explains how to personalize the spe...

More than 2,200 terms defined in an essential reference on religious mysticism, esoteric philosophy, occultism, and more.Dictionary of Mysticism provides concise definitions for more than 2,200 terms used in many philosophies, religions, and doctrines which relate to the influence of the superhuman and supernatural on man's everyday life. Terms relating to esoteric philosophy, occultism, religious mysticism, spiritualism, alchemy, and psychical research ar...

In "Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes," W. D. Westervelt masterfully weaves a tapestry of myth and reality that illuminates the profound relationship between the Hawaiian people and their volcanic landscapes. Through richly detailed narratives, Westervelt captures the origins of the islands' majestic and often formidable volcanoes, intertwining folklore with the geological history of Hawaii. His lyrical prose and vivid imagery draw readers into a world where gods and mortals interact, undersco...

Illuminating the Dark Side’s Spirits, Fiends, Devils, and Demons.Throughout human history, we have been obsessed with the dark opposites of God and angels, light, and mercy. Whether it is our religious and sacred texts, folklore and myths of old, legends, fairy tales, novels, or the movies and television shows of today, the dark entities enthrall us, terrify us, and remind us of the dualities of life. But where did they originate? Are they real? Does every religion...

Vajrayogini is a tantric goddess from the highest class of Buddhist tantras who manifests the ultimate development of wisdom and compassion. Her practice is prevalent today among practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. This ground-breaking book delves into the origins of Vajrayogini, charting her evolution in India and examining her roots in the Cakrasamvara tantra and in Indian tradition relating to siva.The focus of this work is the Guhyasamayasadhanamala, a collection of for...