This perfect gift for Percy fans boasts a hidden compartment containing an exclusive Camp Half-Blood map and stickers.

    Contains 4 books The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse and the Battle of the Labyrinth.

    Flip the book over for lots more ancient Greek fun with Terry Deary's 'Groovy Greeks' - it's history with the nasty bits left in!"

    After the murder of her daughter Iphegenia by her husband Agamemnon, Klytaimestra exacts a mother’s revenge, murdering Agamemnon and his mistress, Kassandra. Displeased with Klytaimestra’s actions, Apollo calls on her son, Orestes, to avenge his father’s death with the help of his sister Elektra. In the end, Orestes, driven mad by the Furies for his bloody betrayal of family, and Elektra are condemned to death by the people of Argos, and must justify their actions—signaling a call to change in society, a shift from the capricious governing of the gods to the rule of manmade law.Carson’s accomplished rendering combines elements of contemporary vernacular with the traditional structures and rhetoric of Greek tragedy, opening up the plays to a modern audience. In addition to its accessibility, the wit and dazzling morbidity of her prose sheds new light on the saga for scholars. Anne Carson’s Oresteia is a watershed translation, a death-dance of vengeance and passion not to be missed.

    Percy Jackson And The Stolen Chariot is a short story that is part of the The Demigod Files.

    Percy Jackson and the Bronze Dragon is a short story that is part of the The Demigod Files.

    A cross between an encyclopedia of dragons and an artist's reference book, readers will enjoy learning all about dragons and the process of their creation. Hardcover, 160 pages. By William O'Connor.

    Discover a new side to the saga with this novella, The Darkest Prison.Once, Atlas, the Titan god of strength, was the Greek goddess Nike's slave. Now, he is her master. And soon these sworn enemies destined to destroy one another will be forced to risk everything for a chance at love…. Discover how the Lords of the Underworld series began in The Darkest Night, and look for the latest installment of the series, The Darkest Seduction, available now.

    The Mahabharata is obsessed with the elusive notion of dharma - in essence, doing the right thing. When a hero falters, the action stops and everyone weighs in with a different and often contradictory take on dharma. The epic's characters are flawed, but their incoherent experiences throw light on our familiar dilemmas. Gurcharan Das's best-selling book India Unbound examined the classical aim of artha, material well being. This, his first book in seven years, dwells on the goal of dharma, moral well being. It addresses the central problem of how to live our lives in an examined way - holding a mirror up to us and forcing us to confront the many ways in which we deceive ourselves and others. What emerges is a doctrine of dharma that we can apply to our business decisions, political strategies and interpersonal relationships - in effect, to life itself.

    Action, romance, power struggles — no, it's not reality TV! Greek mythology meets the modern age in this riviting (and educational) series complete with profiles, headshots, sidebars and more!- Annotated/illustrated Table of Contents- Introduction explains the origins of mythology, how we learned the stories, and why myths matter today- A-Z Hall of Fame features the key characters in each book- Full profiles of each character with their amazing myths- Backmatter includes constellation chart, glossary, further reading, and series index- PLUS loads of illustrations, photos, charts, and maps

    Honoured by men, women and gods alike, traces of her ancient provenance reach back through the millennia providing clues about her nature and origins along the way. Depictions of her as three formed facing in three ways, sometimes with the heads of animals such as the horse, dog and snake hint at her liminal nature, as well as the powers she holds over the triple realms of earth, sea and sky. The sorcery of Medea and Circe, the witchcraft of the women of Thessaly, the writings of philosophers such as Hesiod and Porphyry all provide glimpses into the world of those who honoured her. Her magical powers were considered so great that even King Solomon became associated with her, she was incorporated into Jewish magic, and merged with other goddesses including Artemis, Selene, Bendis and the Egyptian Isis. Whilst for some she was the Witch Goddess, for others she was the ruler of angels and daimons, who made predictions about Jesus and Christianity. Wherever you look, be it in the texts of Ancient Greece and Rome, Byzantium or the Renaissance, the Greek Magical Papyri or the Chaldean Oracles, you will find Hekate. The magical whir of the strophalos and the barbarous words of the voces magicae carry her message; the defixiones, love spells and charms all provides us with examples of the magic done in her name. She was also associated with the magic of death, including necromancy and reanimation; as well as prophetic dreams, nightmares, healing herbs and poisons. The temples dedicated to her and the important role she played in the mysteries of Eleusis, Samothrace and Aigina all provide us with clues to her majesty. The popular shrines at the doorways of ordinary people, offerings left at the crossroads and guardian statues of her at the entrance ways to cities and temples all attest to her status in the hearts and minds of those who knew her mysteries. In this book the authors draw from a wide range of sources, bringing together historical research which provides insights into the magical and religious practices associated with this remarkable Goddess. In doing so they provide an indispensable guide for those wishing to explore the mysteries of Hekate today. About the Authors Sorita d'Este and David Rankine are esoteric researchers, mythologists and modern day magicians who have between them authored more than twenty published books on magic, mythology, folklore and the occult. Sorita is the editor of the anthology "HEKATE KEYS TO THE CROSSROADS" and the author of Artemis Virgin Goddess of the Sun & Moon. Together they have produced titles such as Visions of the Cailleach, The Isles of the Many Gods and The Guises of the Morrigan.

    You think you know Greek mythology? Mount Olympus was one rough zip code! Here is the gods'-honest truth about these lying lovers, beast-bearing dads, brawling bros, and evil shape-shifters, who ate their young with relish--and their siblings for dessert. WHAT'S INSIDE OH MY GODS? Olympians take on the Titans to rule the world!A dad swallows his kids to keep the peace!The original party animal rocks it like it's 1999 BCE!Hades welcomes you to the Underworld, where guests stay for eternity.

    This comprehensive resource presents more than 400 entries and more than 80 black-and-white photographs documenting beliefs about demons and demonology from ancient history to the present.

    Variously known as Finfolk, Dinny Mara, Nereids, Blue Men, and Merrymaids, merfolk have been the source of both gifts and disasters for humankind. Now a lavishly illustrated resource offers insight into the lives, origins, language, and magic of these elusive peoples. Like a siren’s song, this fascinating tome is sure to enthrall all who fall under its spell. Special features include:— paper novelties — including sundry flaps, booklets, and gatefolds— a lavish cover with foil, embossing, and glittery jewels

    flaps. maps. stickers. eight hero and monster cards. fact files on beasts and heroes. many heroic and monstrous activities

    Alrik Gunn knows from bitter experience that change isn’t always for the better. From the woman who annihilated his Viking clan to the goddess who tricked him into centuries of slavery, betrayal has dogged his existence. The Goddess of Love is going to let him avenge his family, but for a price. As a Phoenix—a merchant of change—he must grant a human woman three chances to change her life. When former Irish dancer Calleigh McCarthy tosses a carved-bird statue that belonged to her ex into a roaring bonfire, she unwittingly summons an honest-to-god Phoenix. A sexy, irresistible Viking who offers her an unbelievable bonus—three get-out-of-her-crappy-life-free cards. She’ll take it, even if it means guarding her cautious heart against the dark pain behind Alrik’s eyes. Alrik has vowed never to let love sway him again, but Calleigh’s innocence and kindness throw him off balance. Yet even as his need for revenge fades and his love for her grows, he is bound to let her make her choices without interfering. One wrongly chosen word, and any chance for happiness—for either of them—will go up in flames.

    But unintended offspring of a goddess and Lucifer can break a long truce. Rather than kill the pair, Immortals create three Trials; Infernals add three Temptations. The pair must stick together; adult allegiances are uncertain.

    Love action, deception, romance, power struggles, and more!Mythlopedia is a series where the superstars of Greek myth meet the modern age--complete with profiles, headshots, and family trees; fascinating sidebars; and irreverent surprises for readers (Ages 10-14).

    Complete with interviews, puzzles, games, and original short stories by Rick Riordan.

    And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east - (Ezekiel 8:16)Astrology is the key that opens the door to all occult knowledge. It is the key that unlocks the mysteries of man's being; his why, whence, whither. Within the temple of Urania lies concealed the mystery of life. The indices are there, written by the finger of the Infinite in the heavens above - Thomas H. Burgoyne (The Light of Egypt) Christians do not need to find salvation from sin. They need to find salvation from priestly deceivers who have everything to lose should their congregations discover the true origins of their religion. They need to be saved from mythmongers and forgers guilty of cannibalizing and rescripting the traditions of the ancient Cults. Christian theology is based on Astro-Theology. It is a corrupt hybrid of Irish Druidism and Egyptian Amenism. The future of Christianity depends upon this truth being widely known and accepted. It depends upon the exposure of deceivers in high places who continue to profit from the ignorance and blind faith of millions of men and women who, despite their own resistance and apathy, deserve to know the truth. Why have our "teachers" not told us the truth about Judaism and Christianity and about the true identities of the patriarchs and prophets they habitually lionize? Why have we not been openly informed about their occult expertise and about the existence of an esoteric corpus reserved for initiates? Is it because humble churchgoers are not supposed to have a lot of choice in the matter of their own spiritual salvation? Is it because they have been gradually goaded into placing the welfare of their souls into the hands of exceptionally cunning and immoral charlatans? Is it because a power-mad, vice-ridden priesthood has habitually misused the esoteric knowledge it inherited and covets? Have the keepers of ancient arcane arts and sciences established their hierarchies of control because they wish to live and act as demigods upon the Earth? We are bound to think so, given the evidence.

    Along the way, it explains when these stories date from, how they arose, and what historical events—if any—underlie them, and the result is an endlessly fascinating exploration of the astonishing wealth of Scottish folklore.

    The Illiad and The Odyssey

    Love action, deception, romance, power struggles, and more!Mythlopedia is a series where the superstars of Greek myth meet the modern age--complete with profiles, headshots, and family trees; fascinating sidebars; and irreverent surprises for readers (Ages 10-14).

    Cast's Partholon books...Something isn't right at Guardian Castle, and Aine can't figure out what. As Healer, she's supposed to be making things better, but there's a darkness that can't be brightened. And then Aine finds an injured Fomorian--winged, dark, blood-thirsty and inherently evil. Or is he? Because there's something about Tegan that Aine can't resist...and once they've shared blood, Aine realizes that everything she's always believed is going to be cast aside....

    that movie, The Vikings, comes the epic saga of the best-known Viking in the history of the world, the lovable, Hågar the Horrible – and his unending quest to put meat, mead and swag on the family table.

    Whether she is seen as a benevolent earth-shaping giantess, harsh winter hag goddess, shape-shifting crone, guardian of sacred wells and animals, or ancient bestower of sovereignty; the Cailleach appears in many roles and manifestations in myths and legends across the British Isles. Tracking the Cailleach across thousands of years through folklore, literature and place names, the authors have uncovered startling references which hint at a hidden priestess cult worshipping the Cailleach from ancient times through into the twentieth century. By exploring her myths and legends, they demonstrate the hugely significant role of the Cailleach in the early history of the British Isles. The demonization of the Cailleach through the Middle Ages by the Christian Church paralleled that of women and witches, and is reflected in various other supernatural hag figures possibly derived from her and discussed in detail, such as Black Annis, Gyre Carling, Mia Lia, Nicneven and the Old Woman of the Mountain. Looking beyond the veil of the sacred landscape, the vision of the Cailleach confronts the seeker, in hills and rocks, lakes and wells, burial chambers and stormy skies. Now finally the primal elemental power of the Cailleach is revealed in her full glory, in the tales and places of Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man; as well as in traces of her presence in England, Wales, Jersey, Brittany, Spain and Norway. This unique and ground-breaking work brings together for the first time the wealth of folklore, stories and legends regarding this most significant of British supernatural figures, whose myths and wisdom are as relevant today as they have ever been.

    A collection of translated prayers, hymns and rituals from hieroglyphic texts in honor of the ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses.

    The goddess Hera commands that the mighty Hercules must undergo twelve incredible tasks to pay for a mistake he made in the past. Hercules easily completes the first few labors, as he overpowers a ravenous lion and battles a giant bull barehanded. But not all the gods support him, and Hercules faces difficult tasks that test his strength and his mind.

    There had been wars before, and there have been wars since, but that mighty battle between warring cousins of the Kuru clan has become a part of the mythology and history of India. Told and retold a million times, the story of the Mahabharata is about defeat as much as victory, about humility as much as courage. It is the greatest story ever told.' Like a modern-day suta or storyteller, Namita Gokhale brings alive India's richest literary treasure with disarming ease and simplicity. She retells this timeless tale of mortals and immortals and stories within stories, of valour, deceit, glory and despair, for today's young reader in a clear, contemporary style. A brilliant series of evocative and thoughtful illustrations by painter and animator Suddhasattwa Basu brings the epic to life in a vibrant visual feast. Matchless in its content and presentation, The Puffin Mahabharata is a book that will be cherished by readers of all ages.

    The book begins dramatically with the traumatic recall of a past Egyptian life, when Cori relives a horrifying death by suffocation—from being buried alive. This experience propels her on a journey of exploration into the question of human immortality, leading her back to Egypt where she unravels the origins of the ancient Egyptians’ obsession with the resurrection of the soul.Cori’s discoveries reveal new perspectives on Egyptian mysteries, new timelines as to the beginnings of the civilization, and controversial ideas that link the earliest Egyptian cultures with even earlier civilizations, such as that of Atlantis. As she returns to sites of her former lives, Cori begins to receive messages through which she relives the past-life regression, guiding her to discover secrets of the ancient Egyptians. Finally, she travels beyond the veil of illusions into the “otherworld” of possibilities that lies beyond physical existence. This exciting book weaves strands of science, history, and metaphysics into a shimmering tapestry of personal discovery.

    The twelve essays in this book examine developments in human consciousness over the past five thousand years that most history books do not touch. In ancient times, human beings were finely attuned to the invisible world of the gods, spirits, and ancestors. Today, by contrast, our modern scientific consciousness regards what is physically imperceptible as unreal. Our experience of the natural world has shifted from an awareness of the divine presence animating all things to the mere scientific analyses of physical attributes, a deadened mode of awareness that relies on our ability to believe only in what we can see. In these richly illustrated and wide-ranging essays that span the cultures of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and the early Christian period, Jeremy Naydler shows how the consciousness that prevailed in ancient times may inspire us toward a future in which we once again reconnect with invisible realms. If the history of consciousness bears witness to the loss of visionary and participatory awareness, it also shows a new possibility--the possibility of developing a free and objective relationship to the spirit world. Naydler urges us not only to draw inspiration from the wisdom of the ancients but to carry this wisdom forward into the future in a renewed relationship to the spiritual that is based on human freedom and responsibility.

    Children will be entranced, but there's plenty for adults too." - Andrew MarrBursting into life in the hands of Adrian Mitchell, here are 30 of the brightest, loveliest and most powerful myths ever written - stories of gods such as Jove, Apollo, Juno, Venus and Mercury and of mortals such as Daphne, Narcissus, Adonis, Phaeton and Persephone . Re-created from Ovid's Metamorphoses in stories, ballads and headline news, they sing aloud on the page. Breathtaking artwork by the most acclaimed fantasy illustrator of our time transforms the stories into a living, breathing children's classic to bewitch a new generation raised in a world of special effects.

    Hag of Beara, is a wise woman figure embedded in the physical and mental landscape of western Ireland and Scotland. The Cailleach's (pronounced Ca-lock or Cay-luck) roots lie in pre-Christian Ireland, and stories of her relationship with that rugged landscape and culture still abound. She had a love affair with a sea god and her petrified body overlooks the Ballycrovane Harbour, from which she is reborn at the beginning of each of her many lives. These poems explore the human origins from which the legend grew.

    An introduction to Iceland's Yule Lads -- their characteristics, what to leave them, and on which day to expect them.

    Chosen as the winner of the 2008 Bakeless Prize in poetry by guest judge Eavan Boland, Displacement addresses questions of place and, of course, displacement—from marriage and home—and explores the aftershocks of being uprooted physically and emotionally. Paired with Harrison’s natural, keen sense of rhythm, the central themes of impermanence and loss are heightened by the poems’ impeccable structure. In a masterful display of formal precision, the collection is filled with "engaging contradictions," says Eavan Boland. In her introduction, Boland writes, "There is a poignancy, poise, and a presence about this book and about its traffic between secrecy and disclosure that allows it to have an unusual force, and a true grip on its reader. This is a real lyric journey; and the reader will take it, too."

    Now McDonald "a genuine expert on the history of crime fiction" (Eddie Mueller, San Francisco Chronicle) returns with Rogue Males, a collection of no-holds-barred interviews with 16 authors who have shaped and defined narrative fiction and songwriting.Rogue Males includes conversations with crime fiction legends Elmore Leonard and James Crumley (in one of his last interviews); premier stylists James Sallis and Daniel Woodrell; noir kingpins James Ellroy and Ken Bruen, and top thriller writers Lee Child and Randy Wayne White.Stephen J. Cannell and Max Allan Collins hold forth on the intersection of crime novels and the silver screen while Andrew Vachss, Pete Dexter, Craig Holden, Alistair MacLeod, Tom Russell and Kinky Friedman...

    Gaius is baffled and a new physician arrives to help. He seems to have all the answers, but Merlin suspects that there's something sinister going on.With a graphic novel element to really bring the text to life, each book covers two TV episodes.

    Doomed marriages and supernatural bargains. The magic of music, of the sauna, of family. A fish who's a girl, a girl who's a wolf. The creation of the world. Author K. A. Laity weaves timeless magic in Unikirja. Tales from the Kalevala and Kanteletar, the ancient myths and folktales of Finland, receive new life and meaning in these imaginative retellings. Mixing the realistic with the fantastic, the mythic with the modern, the dream-tales of Unikirja reinterpret the beauty of the original, time-honored Finnish stories for contemporary readers. Laity's work on this collection won her the 2005 Eureka Short Story Fellowship and a grant from the Finlandia Foundation in 2006. Some of these stories have previously appeared in NEW WORLD FINN, MYTHIC PASSAGES, MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY'S SWORD AND SORCERESS XXI, THE BELTANE PAPERS, and KIPPIS LITERARY JOURNAL. Unikirja also includes four never-before-published pieces, including "Lumottu," an innovative and deeply moving new play.

    You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

    Quotes from the ancient church fathers, rabbis, and the Talmud detail the activities and beliefs of both Canaanite and New Testament era sorcery. This book explores how, according to biblical prophecy, this same sorcery will return before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to earth. These religious beliefs and practices will invade the end time church and become the basis for the religion of the Antichrist. Wicca, Druidism, Halloween, Yule, meditation, and occultic tools are discussed at length. This book is brought to you by Biblefacts Ministries, Biblefacts.org

    As Gind, his father Karuppan, and Ongchu set out on their long, arduous journey from the island of Poompuhar, they are stalked by wild animals and magical beings, waylaid and terrorized by rakshasas, and thwarted by a wrathful Indra, the god of thunder. They meet an army of vanaras on a mission to rescue a human princess from the clutches of the wicked rakshasa king; help a giant vanara in his search for the magical herb sanjeevini; and winter with a band of yetis in the high Himalayas. Mysterious and momentous things are happening around the vanaras, but they are clueless about their own part in these events. What is Agastya’s secret purpose? Will the three vanaras make it to Baulpur? What are the shadowy forces at work?Gind’s exciting adventures will have you rollicking from one escapade to another in this action-packed fantasy. Meet delightful, strange and magical characters, and follow the trail of the vanaras as their light-hearted adventure turns into an odyssey…

    This study shows how the Maiden with the Mead appears at the climax of a ritual structure within the myths - a structure that clearly is based on Pagan initiation rituals. The Maiden is the aim of the initiation and its consecration. Her mead is the mead that transfers knowledge, wisdom and indeed resurrection to the initiate. The study also shows that although the Maiden appears with different names and different status (she may be a goddess, a valkyrie, or giantess)she is always the same being - the Great Goddess of light hidden in the utter darkness of death. Only the initiate that overcomes his fears may find her in that ghastly realm and bring himself and the Goddess back to life - and to resurrection. This study shows the immense importance of this underlying myth and the ritual which it reflects, and throws new light on Old Norse religious practice and how to interpret Edda poetry.

    Erudite yet mischievous, the book’s scope is wide, from early history to the present day, from America to China, and spanning many different disciplines. Many of the conclusions reached will shock devout believers, though all of them can be verified with reference to sympathetic works by biblical scholars and theologians. A recurring theme is that of open secrets – facts well known to historians and other academics in the Church, but kept from the faithful masses. These open secrets are not actively denied, just avoided so as not to cause offence to those who are familiar only with the Sunday-School version of events. Many Christians see their system of belief as dating from the earliest times, but this idea becomes difficult to sustain in the light of when and how key doctrines were established. Many ordinary Christians would be shocked to discover, for example, the prominent role played by violence and forgery in developing and promoting Christian doctrine. Whatever one’s own religious beliefs, the Christian Churches provide huge amounts of material for the enquiring mind. Repercussions from crusades that happened over 900 years ago are still in evidence today. The division of the Roman Empire in early Christian times also reverberates to the present day. To a large extent, the history of the Western World over the last 2,000 years is the history of the Christian Church. Without a proper understanding of the role of the Church, it is not possible to truly understand the history of Europe, the Middle East, or indeed the Americas.

    This unique encyclopedia of over thousands of figures of feminine divinity describes the myths and attributes of goddesses and female spiritual powers from around the world.The two-volume set is organized by culture and religion, exploring the role of women in each culture's religious life and introducing readers to the background of each pantheon, as well as the individual figures who peopled it. Alternative names for important divinities are offered, as are lists of minor goddesses and their attributes. Interest in women's spirituality has grown significantly over the last 30 years, both among those who remain in traditional religions and those who explore spirituality outside those confines. This work speaks to them all.

    Soon after Mother India’s emergence in the late nineteenth century, artists, both famous and amateur, began to picture her in various media, incorporating the map of India into her visual persona. The images they produced enabled patriotic men and women in a heterogeneous population to collectively visualize India, affectively identify with it, and even become willing to surrender their lives for it. Filled with illustrations, including 100 in color, The Goddess and the Nation draws on visual studies, gender studies, and the history of cartography to offer a rigorous analysis of Mother India’s appearance in painting, print, poster art, and pictures from the late nineteenth century to the present.By exploring the mutual entanglement of the scientifically mapped image of India and a (Hindu) mother/goddess, Sumathi Ramaswamy reveals Mother India as a figure who relies on the British colonial mapped image of her dominion to distinguish her from the other goddesses of India, and to guarantee her novel status as embodiment, sign, and symbol of national territory. Providing an exemplary critique of ideologies of gender and the science of cartography, Ramaswamy demonstrates that images do not merely reflect history; they actively make it. In The Goddess and the Nation, she teaches us about pictorial ways of learning the form of the nation, of how to live with it—and ultimately to die for it.

    Have you ever wondered who the deities in the land of Canaan before the Bible were? This work helps you learn about Asherah poles, how to avert the Evil Eye, how ancient sorcerers created golems, and about the legends that inspired the Bible.

    Old secrets, long hidden, are stirring and the king is afraid for his only son. The black knight seems invincible and Merlin senses that only magic can stop him...

    Fraught with emotional honesty, this captivating collection of lyrical and narrative poems chronicles the struggles of the figurative Persephone in three parts—the abduction, descent to the underworld, and return. Townsend turns a shrewd eye to her own experiences, as well as to the lives of other women, to offer an unflinching yet deeply compassionate exploration of such themes as girlhood and the vulnerability of the motherless; the demons of depression, addiction, and abuse; as well as passion, aging, and celebration of the natural world.            Although the poems traverse dark emotional territory at times, the picture that emerges ultimately is one of revelation and wisdom. Persephone in America is above all a journey of the soul, following the narrator as she explores what it means to be a woman in America, at times descending into darkness, only to emerge into redemption and realize “time’s sweet and invincible secret—that everything repeats—and we watch it.” Townsend’s candid portrait of female loss and discovery seeks to illuminate the truths inherent in myth, and the awakenings that hide in our darkest moments.    Persephone, Pretending                                                 (Madison, Wisconsin) When the news says that the girlwho had been missing almost four days,only to be found in a marshy areaat the edge of our medium-sized city,was faking it all along, I wonderedwhat made her do it.  I'd seenher face—bright smile, dark eyes—on a flier masking-taped to a pillarat the airport the week before,felt the involuntary frissonof the curious, then only fearat the thought of a girl abductedin this place once voted"America's most livable city." She must have wantedsomething she couldn't name,that good girl with good gradeswho looks like so many girlsin my own classes, but who keepschanging her story.  It happenedhere; no, it happened there; no,I really just wanted to be alone.Then she turns her face away,tired of telling her tale,not sure what to make up nextor where invention will take her. “Fictitious victimization disorder,”Time magazine claims, but I wonderwhat else, imagining her in the marsh,cold, unrepentant, powerless, her mindgone muddy with lack of sleep,no way out of this lie she almostbelieves, or the lies ahead,nothing but memory of the rope,duct tape, cough medicine,and knife she bought at the PDQwith her own cash, wantingto be taken by someone so badly,she takes us, she does it to herself.

    Hekate has many roles and many guises. To some she is a beautiful maiden, to others the dark mother. She has been called the guide of souls; the protector of the home; the giver of wealth; the mistress of powerful magic and frightful witches; the dweller on the threshold and the place where three roads meet. These and other aspects of the goddess are explored in the pages of this unique book, which honors Hekate's diversity by collecting a wide array of offerings from her modern-day devotees, including poetry, essays, short stories and accounts of personal experiences. Whether you've worshiped Hekate for ages or are just now discovering the power of this awesome goddess, you will want to read Bearing Torches.

    In an original and innovative piece of comparative research, he analyses afterlife conceptions in five ancient civilisations (Old and Middle Kingdom Egypt, Sumerian and Old Babylonian Mesopotamia, Vedic India, pre-Buddhist China, and pre-Columbian Mesoamerica).These are considered in light of historical and contemporary reports of near-death experiences, and shamanic afterlife 'journeys'. Conceptions of the Afterlife in Early Civilizations is a significant study, for it presents a comprehensive new comparative framework for the cross-cultural study of myth and religion, while at the same time providing a fascinating exploration of the interface between belief and experience.

    Connected with this theme is the quest for Alexander s wall."

    In Greek mythology she is the twin sister of Apollo and the virgin goddess who lives in the hills and the forests. She is potnia theron, the mistress of the animals, but she is also the goddess of child birth and fertility. This volume contains a wide range of approaches to Artemis written by classical archaeologists, philologists and historians. Chronologically the topics range from the first mentioning of the goddess in the pre-historic sources, Homer and the Greek tragedies to Late Antiquity and the post-antique perception of the goddess. Several of the articles concentrate on regional aspects; others treat the iconography of the goddess as well as the role of her cult and the rituals in the sanctuaries both in the East and the West. Collectively, the contributions offer one of the most comprehensive studies to date of the goddess.

    G. Jung visited the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico, where he spent several hours with Ochwiay Biano, Mountain Lake, an elder at the Pueblo. This encounter impacted Jung psychologically, emotionally, and intellectually, and had a sustained influence on his theories and understanding of the psyche. Dakota Sioux intellectual and political leader, Vine Deloria Jr., began a close study of the writings of C. G. Jung over two decades ago, but had long been struck by certain affinities and disjunctures between Jungian and Sioux Indian thought. He also noticed that many Jungians were often drawn to Native American traditions. This book, the result of Deloria’s investigation of these affinities, is written as a measured comparison between the psychology of C. G. Jung and the philosophical and cultural traditions of the Sioux people. Deloria constructs a fascinating dialogue between the two systems that touches on cosmology, the family, relations with animals, visions, voices, and individuation.

    He intrusted him to the care of the Centaur Chiron, by whom he was carefully trained in company with other noble youths, who, like himself, afterwards signalized themselves by their bravery and heroic exploits. For ten years Jason remained in the cave of the Centaur, by whom he was instructed in all useful and warlike arts. But as he approached manhood he became filled with an unconquerable desire to regain his paternal inheritance. He therefore took leave of his kind friend and preceptor, and set out for Iolcus to demand from his uncle Pelias the kingdom which he had so unjustly usurped.

    

    Each creature is presented in forensic detail accompanied by lavish illustrations as well as the ancient myths and legends and the very latest research and theories about its natural history, including information about its size, weight and habitat and the supernatural powers that it enjoys. Specifically designed and written for childen aged 8+ years.

    Nearly forgotten for centuries, these ancient, timeless ways are making a resurgence in the modern world. Under several names -- Ásatrú, the Elder Troth, Odinism, Theodism, and Heathenry, among others -- the old religions of the Germanic peoples live again.Noted author and scholar Kveldúlf Gundarsson presents a step-by-step course of study for those who have felt the call of the old gods and the old ways. With the readings and exercises in this course -- plus copies of the old mythological texts, the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda -- any serious reader can deepen his or her understanding and connection with the old Gods and the old, ever-new ways.

    

    With a text created especially for small children, this adaptation of Homer's classic is easy for them to understand while still retaining the noble tone of the original narration.   Con un texto creado especialmente para los más pequeños, esta adaptación del clásico de Homero es de fácil comprensión para los niños pero retiene la nobleza y el tono de la narración original.

    Composed in the fourth century CE, in South India, "Bhatti's Poem: The Death of R�vana" is both a poetic retelling of Rama's adventures, and a compendium of grammatical and rhetorical examples for students. Bhatti's study aid to P�nini's groundbreaking grammatical treatise, the "Eight Books," gives examples disguised as the gripping, morally improving "Ram�yana" story. In Bhatti's own words: "This composition is a lamp to those whose eyes have language as their goal." Tradition has it that an elephant ambled between Bhatti and his pupils, interrupting their outdoors grammar class. By Hindu law this intrusion canceled class for a year. Lest time be lost, Bhatti composed his poem to teach grammar without textbooks. Ever since, "The Death of R�vana" has been one of the most popular poems in Sanskrit literature.

    More than a hundred stunning statues, reliefs, vases, bronzes, coins, and gems drawn from major American and European collections highlight how heroes were represented, why they were important, and what encouraged individuals to seek them out. To contemporary eyes, Greek heroes embody contradiction: they might have superhuman powers, but their mortality was what made them heroic. Many were regarded as benevolent ancestors with powers to protect and heal, but others were dangerous and haunted spirits of the dead, who had to be appeased. Although epic, drama, and the visual arts abound in representations of heroes whose fame has carried over into modern times, cult and funerary architecture commemorate many more individuals whose names and deeds are entirely lost to us.  Featuring essays by leading authorities in the field, this book draws on recent archaeological, literary, and art historical research to explore such issues as gender, cult, and iconography, as well as overlooked aspects of familiar (Herakles, Achilles, and Odysseus) and unfamiliar heroes (Helen of Troy).

    It was individualistic, ecumenical, cosmopolitan, creative, intellectual, and steeped in a deep mystical religious yearning. Today we call this system of belief Greco-Egyptian polytheism, and while a great deal has changed since the Hellenistic era, it remains a beautiful, powerful and meaningful religion for an increasing number of people today. Lewis explores the long history and contemporary manifestations of Greco-Egyptian polytheism. In this new collection of essays - many of which appear here for the first time - he provides overviews of the system, information on theology, ethics, and the afterlife, as well as material on domestic worship, ritual forms, and the things considered necessary to begin practicing Greco-Egyptian polytheism today.

    STORIED LIVES by depth psychologist Craig Chalquist, PhD goes much farther by showing how specific myths play out from cradle to grave. Personal accounts of discovering and working with these myths enliven the book's emphasis on refashioning these plot lines from the inside out.

    But over the centuries the vampire has changed from monstrous villain to sexual object, for both men and women alike. Allure of the Vampire examines our intimate attraction to these beings in a detailed manner. Now, join occult author Corvis Nocturnum as he reveals the fascinating evolution of this icon as it has lured and enticed us in folklore, film and books from the days of ancient civilization to the living breathing inhabitants of our modern subculture, the vampire community.

    and The Kiss of Persephone - returns to the classical tale of Hades and Persephone for a fresh look from a thoughtfully considered perspective. What begins as an act of petty malice by Zeus changes the whole world when he instigates the fateful encounter between the fearsome hunter Eros and the Lord of the Underworld Hades that leads to the abduction of Kore. Unable to change her fate, Kore becomes Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, arbitrator between the realms of the Living and the Dead, and the Consort of Hades. Their union is tested by the fateful consequences when a foul entity - UPIR LIKHYI - escapes the Underworld and becomes Vampyr, one who is determined to remain free even if it means usurping the Underworld and seizing Persephone for himself. This is a darker, companion novel to the comedy DEUS EX MACHINA: A DIVINE COMEDY. ISBN - 978-0-9789507-9-8

    With protagonists ranging from heroic Hercules to arrogant Arachne and plots ranging from the well-known to the never-before-seen, readers will discover all new aspects about their favorite mythological characters, and will be introduced to a few new ones as well.

    This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study.This book introduces constellations, describing how they were viewed in ancient times, the effect of the Earth's rotation on the stars that can be seen, and the modern classification of these star groups into a total of eighty-eight constellations.

    From reincarnation to resurrection, the Four Noble Truths to the Ten Commandments, this book covers the gamut of religious concepts and beliefs throughout the world in concise but complete bites that are easy to find and simple to understand.- Allows readers to dip in quickly to get the information they need immediately- Thumb tabs and other navigational aids make this the quintessential reference book on world religion- Content is thorough and even-handed

    BOTH SIDES OF HEAVEN is a collection of 18 essays by some of the foremost modern esoteric writers, occult scholars and magicians. In their personal contributions they share their experiences, research and unique insights into the spiritual realms of the mysterious beings who have played such an important and inspirational role in human spiritual history. From the nature of the daimons of the Graeco-Roman world, the Zoroastrian Ahuras and Daevas, the seductive Lilith and mighty Lucifer, through to the Fallen Angels of the Bible and the Book of Enoch, and their children the Nephilim, we find that these powerful beings are harbingers of change. In this anthology their magical natures are explored through the works of Renaissance magicians such as Dr John Dee and Edward Kelley, Dr Thomas Rudd and more recently Madeline Montalban, as well as in that of the experiences of the contributors themselves. The ceremonies and conjurations of grimoires such as the Key of Solomon, Goetia and Grimorium Verum are considered, as well as adaptations thereof and simpler, personal encounters. When you look at Both Sides of Heaven seeking wisdom and knowledge from the wings of ethereal messengers, you will see legions of angels and demons, archangels, fallen angels, old gods and even a few faeries and green butterflies. And maybe, they will be looking back at you too. List of Contributions: Introduction - A Host of Winged Messengers - Sorita d'Este (editor) Fallen Angels and Legends of the Fall - Rufus Harrington On the Wings of Rebirth - Katherine Sutherland The Myth of the Fallen Ones - Michael Howard The Enochians - Aaron Leitch Madeline Montalban, Elemental and Fallen Angels - Julia Phillips Azazel & Shemyaza - Diana Allam Thirteen Unicycles in the Woods - Adele Nozedar The Salvation of the Sidhe - Emily Carding The Green Butterfly - Dan Harms The Fallen Angels and the Goetia - David Rankine Demons & Devils - Maestro Nestor Grimoires for Pagans - Jake Stratton-Kent The Thwarting Angels - Stephen Skinner The Face in the Mirror - Charlotte Rodgers Between Gods and Men - Kim Huggens Loving Lilith - Melissa Harrington Zoroastrian Angels and Demons - Payam Nabarz As these essays demonstrate, Angels have been with us for many thousands of years, and their influence continues to be felt as strongly today as it ever was!

    Lily has a firm mind of her own, however, and can't be bothered by one more person professing undying love for her when they haven't even taken the time to get to know her. The harder she resists Rioghan, the faster he falls, until he realizes she has become his reason to be.

    Many share common traditions such as the “emu in the sky” constellation of dark clouds, and stories about the Sun, Moon, Orion, and the Pleiades. Several use the rising and setting of particular stars to indicate the time to harvest a food source, and some link the Sun and Moon to tides, and even explain eclipses as a conjunction of the Sun and Moon.Thse traditions reveal a depth and complexity of Aboriginal cultures which are not widely appreciated by outsiders. This book explores the wonderful mystical Aboriginal astronomical stories and traditions, and the way in which these are used for practical applications such as navigation and harvesting. It also describes the journey of exploration which is opening Western eyes to this treasury of ancient Aboriginal knowledge.

    In the darkness he could be hers and with the light of dawn, no one would know what had passed between them in the night.

    The Gospel According to Acharya S provides intriguing insight into important, probing questions about God while defining humanity in as enlightened and evolved a manner as possible.

    She gathers broken things, and people, to her breast to heal. In this book, Galina Krasskova reveals the beauty of this little-known Goddess whose name means Victory Woman. With prayers, poetry, personal and group rituals, this is a manual for all those who would offer to devotion to this gentlest of divine figures.

    Mixing folk tale with fantasy, and history with myth, the narrative that unfolds is dark, playful and filled with magical moments, as it marches ever forward towards a strange convergence.

    The Native American author writes fictionalized accounts about the lives of these Alaskans. The tales cover a broad scope of all human experience.

    Written for students and general readers, this volume gathers a sampling of the most important African American folktales. Included are nearly 50 tales grouped in thematic chapters on origins; heroes, heroines, villains, and fools; society and conflict; and the supernatural. Each tale begins with an introductory headnote, and the book closes with a selected, general bibliography. Students learning about literature and language will gain a greater understanding of African American oral traditions, while social studies students will learn more about African American culture.African American culture has long been recognized for its richness and breadth. Central to that tradition is a large body of folklore, which continues to figure prominently in literature, film, and popular culture. Written for students and general readers, this book conveniently gathers and comments on nearly 50 African American folktales. Included are fictional tales, legends, myths, and personal experience narratives. These exemplify the vast diversity of African American culture and language.The tales are grouped in thematic sections on origins; heroes, heroines, villains, and fools; society and conflict; and the supernatural. Each tale is introduced by a brief headnote, and the volume closes with a selected, general bibliography. Students learning about literature and language will gain a greater understanding of African American oral traditions, while students of history will learn more about African American culture.

    A short story that originally appeared in HAGS, SIRENS, AND OTHER AND BAD GIRLS, Daw Books. "A wonderfully poignant tale." - SFsite. SCOTT WILLIAM CARTER's first novel, The Last Great Getaway of the Water Balloon Boys, was hailed by Publishers Weekly as a "touching and impressive debut."

    Eight wondrous stories, ranging from ancient Greek, Norse, and Indian myths to fairy tales, are guaranteed to capture young imaginations, along with the enchanting art, charming sidebars, and breathtaking interactive features. Interactive features include:- Magnificent stable doors gatefold showing the book’s cast of characters- Midnight Stables spread featuring flap doors that open to reveal the sky horses- Flap of horseshoe charm to call a fairy horse- Stunning pop-up of the winged horse Pegasus- A magical horse race game, complete with playing pieces

    Dillaire turns to the dark art of Egyptian magic, revealing how rituals prac- ticed thousands of years ago just might provide the necessary catharsis for our modern times. Whether you’re looking to inspire jealousy in your ex, metaphysi-cally kick a competitor to the curb, protect yourself from those wishing you harm, or empower yourself to clear negative emotions from your life, Egyptian Revenge Spells has the perfect solution to redress the balance and restore equilibrium.With twenty-five spells, details on ingredients such as oils and herbs, the mythologies of ancient Egyptian deities, and instructions on how to cast an effective spell, you’ll find plenty of material to help you exact revenge--but only on the truly deserving, of course. So go ahead--­embrace these modern spells, rituals, and incantations to help release your vindictive impulses and embrace your darker inclinations for some well-deserved payback.CLAUDIA R. DILLAIRE is a practicing pagan and experienced spell-caster who has intensively studied Egyptian magic for more than ten years. She is also the author of Egyptian Love Spells and Rituals.

    The Precious Scroll of Thunder Peak was one of the most popular nineteenth-century versions of the legend.In bringing together translations of the Scroll, four anonymous youth books, and other texts related to the development of the White Snake legend, this volume opens a window into the richness and variety of premodern Chinese popular literature. It also illustrates the ways in which traditional and modern Chinese societies have treated a host of vital cultural issues, including the role of women in society, perceptions of sexuality, and folk religion.Wilt L. Idema's Introduction traces the evolution of the legend and places the translated texts in the history of Chinese popular literature and culture. Annotations explaining terms and references that may be unfamiliar to Western readers, a glossary, and a thorough bibliography further enhance the value of this book for both scholars and students.

    Heroes and villains, witches and wizards, warriors and royalty - there's something here for everyone.Stories from Wales is filled with spell-binding tales of love, loyalty, greed and jealousy come from the mountains and valleys of Wales. From Pwyll, the prince of Dyfed, to Arthur's court, they tell of a world where peasants and kings live alongside the folk of the faery, and where reality and enchantment intertwine.One of four collections being published to launch the Oxford Children's Myths and Legends series - other titles are Stories from Scotland, Stories from Ireland and Stories from England

    A serial wife murderer, he keeps a horror chamber in which remains of all his previous matrimonial victims are secreted from his latest bride. She is given all the keys but forbidden to open one door of the castle. Astonishingly, this fairy tale was a nursery room staple, one of the tales translated into English from Charles Perrault's French Mother Goose Tales.Bluebeard: A Reader's Guide to the English Tradition is the first major study of the tale and its many variants (some, like -Mr. Fox, - native to England and America) in English: from the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century chapbooks, children's toybooks, pantomimes, melodramas, and circus spectaculars, through the twentieth century in music, literature, art, film, and theater.Chronicling the story's permutations, the book presents examples of English true-crime figures, male and female, called Bluebeards, from King Henry VIII to present-day examples. Bluebeard explores rare chapbooks and their illustrations and the English transformation of Bluebeard into a scimitar-wielding Turkish tyrant in a massively influential melodramatic spectacle in 1798. Following the killer's trail over the years, Casie E. Hermansson looks at the impact of nineteenth-century translations into English of the German fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, and the particularly English story of how Bluebeard came to be known as a pirate. This book will provide readers and scholars an invaluable and thorough grasp on the many strands of this tale over centuries of telling.