Jesus the Magician: Charlatan or Son of God?


Morton Smith - 1978
    68). The charge that he was a magician didn't originate with Smith. It was previously voiced by the philosopher & critic Celsus (The True Word c. 200 CE) as we know from the rebuttal authored by the Christian apologist/scholar Origen: “It was by magic that he was able to do the miracles” (Contra Celsum 1.6). Clearly, for Celsus to have repeated the story, it must have had long currency before he came to write his book. Hans Dieter Betz (1994) observes that "from early on even Jesus of Nazareth was implicated in that he was said to be mad or a magician possessed by Satan" & R. Joseph Hoffmann writes (1987) that "that the early Christian mission was advanced by the use of magic is well attested." Discovery News reported in 2008 the discovery by French marine archeologist Franck Goddio of a bowl dating "to between the late 2nd century BC & the early 1st century AD" which refers to Jesus as a magician: "DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS," which, the article tells us, "has been interpreted to mean either, 'by Christ the magician' or, 'the magician by Christ.'" Assuming this references Jesus, this is the earliest known reference to Jesus as a magician.

Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation


Mat Auryn - 2020
    Featuring over ninety exercises, this groundbreaking book helps your magick and your senses reach their full potential.Witchcraft and psychism are two sides of the same coin--they complement and strengthen one another. Psychic Witch provides everything you need to not only master the perception and manipulation of energy, but also to perform magick anywhere and at any time. This ingenious book teaches you how to use subtle energy in new ways and manifest your perceptions into instant magickal results.

Diary of a Witchcraft Shop


Trevor Jones - 2011
    Trevor ran a witchcraft shop. Liz’s life would never be the same again…“When you find yourself on a London platform shouting into your mobile, ‘We haven’t got enough demons! Do you want me to order some more?’ as folk quietly edge away from you – you know you’re running a witchcraft shop.”Full of amusing anecdotes and witty observations, Diary of a Witchcraft Shop is a delight, and Trevor Jones and Liz Williams the most congenial of hosts. If Bill Bryson ever decided to settle down embrace paganism and open a witchcraft shop, this is surely the sort of book that would result.On taking tea:“A young woman has just bounced (and I mean BOUNCED, like Tigger) into the shop and announced that she is part of a Christian youth camp and could she bless me by buying me a tea? Why certainly! They have apparently been sent out to do good in the community, and if this means buying teas for knackered hard-working witches, then well and good. I offered her a bag of rose petals in return blessing but she was unsure and declined.”Yet Diary of a Witchcraft Shop is far more than just an amusing romp. The book offers a glimpse into the pagan world, one that isn’t sensationalist or melodramatic but is instead considered and intelligent, while providing insight into the unique community that is Glastonbury. The narrative is bursting with surprise, delight and humour, but also has its darker moments, as we share twelve months in the company of Liz and Trevor, complete with visits to the Houses of Parliament, Ireland, and Brittany, not to mention Shetland ponies interrupting druidic ritual and a TARDIS manifesting in the most unlikely of places… No, this isn’t fiction, honestly.

Oriental Magic


Idries Shah - 1956
    Its publication was the culmination of five years of research into rare artifacts, obscure manuscripts and travels into remote areas where strange magical practices endure. The "Singing Sands" of Egypt, the invisible rulership of Sufism, subcutaneous electricity, and the prehistoric sources of Babylonian occult practices are just a few of the intriguing subjects described. The author includes personal accounts of "training" under a Ju-Ju witch doctor, a demonstration of Hindu levitation, and translations of secret alchemical and magical formulae. Revealed is an astonishing similarity in magical beliefs, practices and terminology of places as diverse as China, the Near East, Scandinavia and Africa. "Oriental Magic" includes a myriad of illustrations, including unique photos of places and people associated with the mysterious world of magic. Only an author of Shah's experience, dedication, and knowledge of human nature could assemble such an array of arcane information into a dazzling picture of human beliefs and practices. This new release is sure to attract the attention of a new generation of interested readers.

Charms, Spells, and Formulas: For the Making and Use of Gris Gris Bags, Herb Candles, Doll Magic, Incenses, Oils, and Powders


Ray T. Malbrough - 1986
    You are given detailed instructions for making and using the gris-gris(charm) bags only casually or mysteriously mentioned by other writers. Malbrough not only shows how to make gris-gris bags for health, money, luck, love and protection from evil and harm, but he also explains how these charms work. He also takes you into the world of doll magick to gain love, success, or prosperity.

Zen Druidry: Living a Natural Life, with Full Awareness


Joanna van der Hoeven - 2013
    Looking at ourselves and at the natural world around us, we realise that everything is in constant change and flux - like waves on the ocean, they are all part of one thing that is made up of everything. Even after the wave has crashed upon the shore, the ocean is still there, the wave is still there - it has merely changed its form. The aim of this text is to show how Zen teachings and Druidry can combine to create a peaceful life path that is completely and utterly dedicated to the here and now, to the earth and her rhythms, and to the flow that is life itself.

Wicca Essential Oils Magic: A Beginner's Guide to Working with Magical Oils, with Simple Recipes and Spells


Lisa Chamberlain - 2017
    Since before recorded history, shamans and healers of all kinds have used fragrant oils in ritual, magic and medicine, knowing as we do that their use has the potential to transform lives on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Because of their unique effects on the mind of the practitioner, botanical oils provide a direct tie between the natural physical world and the spiritual plane. But what exactly are magical oils and where do they come from? Unlike other natural ingredients such as crystals and plant roots, oils don’t come fully-formed into the world on their own—instead, they are derived from processes developed by human beings. Many who are new to the Craft may have little understanding of just what it is they’re anointing their candles (or their own bodies) with, since unlike most other tools used in ritual and spellwork, oils aren’t exactly easy to examine close-up. This lack of familiarity can make working with oils seem daunting, or even create an unintentional energetic disconnect between the beginning magician and these otherwise-powerful substances. If you’ve ever wondered how or why to use botanical oils in your spellwork, this guide will serve you well. Essential Oil Magic was created to provide you with a comprehensive overview of magical botanical oils and their use in modern Witchcraft. Best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain explains the evolution of magical oils over time, from their rustic beginnings to their modern incarnations in the form of essential oils, giving you a clearer sense of how these unique substances came to be and why they greatly enhance your ritual and magical practice. In addition, you’ll be introduced to a Witch’s dozen of essential oils commonly used in both healing and contemporary magic, many with histories of magical use going back for thousands of years. These 13 oils represent a wide range of scents, plant types, and healing and magical properties, and are among the most affordable essential oils available today. What’s more, each of the blend recipes and spells utilize oils from this Witch’s dozen, making it easier for you to get your blending practice underway in no time. Foundations for Using Essential Oils in Your Magical Practice Knowing what goes into essential oils and how these ingredients contribute to magic is an excellent first step. But to create the highest quality magical blends, you’ll need to know what to look for when purchasing your oils, and how to properly care for them. Furthermore, you’ll need to get acquainted with each of your single oils on its own terms—its unique scent, its magical properties, and which oils to mix it with for a pleasing and powerful blend. Essential Oil Magic has all of this information and more, including: How our spiritual forbears in the Craft used botanical oils in ritual, magic and healing in ancient civilizations How the magical properties of oils add power to your spellwork Profiles of 13 of the most popular and readily available oils used by Witches today, including their magical properties and associations Need-to-know tips for selecting and storing essential oils Detailed instructions for creating your own magical blends Blend recipes, oil-oriented spells for you to try your hand at, and a few other ideas f

The Wild Unknown Tarot Guidebook


Kim Krans
    

The Witch's Way: A Guide to Modern-Day Spellcraft, Nature Magick, and Divination


Shawn Robbins - 2019
    Includes a four-color insert on pentacle magick! With more in-depth explorations of nature magick and divination, this beautifully illustrated guide to witchcraft is a must for all Wiccans in search of greater knowledge. It covers everything from hedge witches to druids; working with cosmic helpers like angels, gods and goddesses, and spirit guides for a variety of spells; nature magic—from drawing down the moon to psychic plant power; tapping into cosmic power; and developing your sixth sense, mastering tarot, using angel numbers, and spiritual astrology. An FAQ section at the end answers the most-asked questions about the craft.

Grimoire for the Green Witch: A Complete Book of Shadows


Ann Moura - 2003
    This ready-made, authentic grimoire is based on family tradition and actual magical experience, and is easily adaptable to any tradition of Witchcraft.Grimoire for the Green Witch offers a treasury of magical information--rituals for Esbats and Sabbats, correspondences, circle-casting techniques, sigils, symbols, recitations, spells, teas, oils, baths, and divinations. Every aspect of Craft practice is addressed, from the purely magical to the personally spiritual. It is a distillation of Green practice, with room for growth and new inspiration.2004 COVR Award First Runner Up

Dancing with Dragons


D.J. Conway - 1994
    These mystical beasts are real and their power, their influence, and especially their magick can be captured. Building upon rituals and drawing on their energy, learn to befriend these inspirational creatures and become partners with them on a spiritual journey. Move with them, learn from them, dance in perfect human/dragon syncopation.Praise: A unique, one-of-a-kind tome and a welcome addition to the growing body of metaphysical lore.--Midwest Book ReviewA personal devotion and an academic work of the highest order.--The Dragon Chronicle (UK)Dragon-lovers everywhere will like this book.--Prediction

The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems


William Thomas - 1922
     This book is a study of the symbolism of precious stones, and how they have been used as magical objects through the ages, both intrinsically, and as a vehicle for symbolic engravings. The Pavitts cover Hindu, Jewish, Chinese, Egyptian, Roman, Gnostic, and Christian lore of gems. The final section discusses the astrological connections of key gems, sign by sign. This work also includes quite a bit of history of important (and often 'cursed') stones such as the Hope diamond, and practical advice about purchasing gems.

Santa Muerte: The History, Rituals, and Magic of Our Lady of the Holy Death


Tracey Rollin - 2017
    This is the foundation for the veneration of Santa Muerte, or "Holy Death." Considered to be the female personification of death, she is associated with protection and safe passage to the afterlife. She is also the patron saint of people who live on the fringes of society and often face violence and death. In recent years her constituency has expanded to include the LGBT community and people who are marginalized or whose jobs put them at significant risk of death such as military and police personnel. Santa Muerte is hailed as their potent and powerful protector, capable of delivering them from harm and even granting miracles.Santa Muerte is a complete ritual guide to working with this famous--and infamous!--Mexican folk saint. It takes us beyond the sensational headlines to reveal the truth about why Santa Muerte is so beloved by so many. Author Tracey Rollin presents simple, straightforward methods for working with Holy Death that may be used alone or easily incorporated into your own magical practice.