Legends, backgrounds on Devi, a Shakta Purana. Devi is Kali anad Durga, Mother of the Universe. an abridged literary rendering of the Bhagavatam, retells all major legends and stories.

    The title refers directly to that essence of Shakti, Hindu worship of the goddess - although hidden or veiled from the eyes of those caught up in everyday life, the brilliance of her wisdom cannot be kept from those who seek it out.The Veiling Brilliance tells the tale of three men--a king, a merchant, and a seer--but at its core is a revelation about the central tenets of goddess worship within an ancient religion. A humiliated king, Suratha, and a down-on-his-luck merchant, Samadhi, find themselves at the ashram of the seer Medhas. There, they receive the support and teaching they need to return successfully to the world at large, but each in a manner based on his own individual need.This fascinating novel of attainment and redemption allows readers a rare glimpse into the world of traditional Hindu goddess worship through the gentle, teaching form of fiction. Follow the three main characters as they bond with each other and grow together in a quest for enlightenment that will allow the two students to emerge back into the world, healed and ready for the vicissitudes of secular life.

    She blends traditional methods (taught to her by her grandmother and by a wise Yucatan curandero) with modern psychology practices to bring balanced, hopeful methods of treatment for those in her care. "The Mask of Oya" is a profound, thoughtful journey that will remain with the reader. Dr Fernandez Barrios' gentle, sympathetic discourse is reflective of her healing spirit, and her calm, matter-of-fact narration gives her an authenticity difficult to question.

    Surrounded by the most important women in her life, she can explore the challenges and joys that lie before her, gaining a sense of power and confidence that will help her rise to motherhood. MOTHER RISING shows women how to organize and personalize a blessingway for the expecting friends and family-an experience that will give the mother-to-be the best possible gifts of deep happiness, serenity, and abundance of love. A resource for planning and hosting a blessingway ceremony-a woman-centered celebration of the journey into motherhood. Ideal gift for or from an expectant mother who wants a more meaningful and transformational experience than the traditional, gift-focused baby shower. Outlines the five stages of the blessingway ritual, from establishing a safe and sacred space to honoring and pampering the mother-to-be. Finalist in both the 2004 Independent Publisher Book Awards and Foreword magazine's Book of the Year Awards. Features sidebars, inspirational quotations, resources, and checklists.

    Egypt has been described as the "mother of magicians." To appreciate the Egyptian view of magic, we need to accept that to the Egyptians magic was not considered strange or eccentric, but was a part of daily life, to which everyone resorted. Magic blended seamlessly with religion and medicine, being seen as part of a holistic worldview. In this volume these magical and religious practices are explored, from both a historical and practical perspective. The practices are explored from an ancient Egyptian worldview, taking into consideration that the Egyptian culture spread over a period of more than 3000 years. The Egyptians saw the universe as being made of four worlds - the everyday world we live in, the underworld, the sky and the heavens. Subject covered in this book include: -What is Heka? -Ancient Egyptian Worldviews -The Gods and Goddesses of Magic -Symbolism - Colours & Sacred Numbers -The Tools Used -Sacred Words & Gestures -Statues & Masks -Crystals & Other Materials used in Heka -Incenses & Perfumes -Food & Wine used in Offerings & at Feasts -The Ancient Egyptian Magical Calendar -Purification, Sacred Space & Rituals David Rankine is based in London (UK) and is a respected authority on spiritual & magical practices. He is the author of many books, including Climbing the Tree of Life, Circle of Fire & The Guises of the Morrigan. This book, HEKA - The Practices of Ancient Egyptian Magic, is the result of careful research & practical work and is highly recommended to students wishing to pursue practical work within this system."