History and Archaeology

In this exploration of the history of the runes from 1500 CE to the present day, Stephen Edred Flowers examines the five periods of runic revival: the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Romantic period, the early 20th century, and the late 20th century. For each period, he discusses both the scholarly studies and those focused on the esoteric mysteries of the runes--and how these two branches of

A guide to the history and practice of Kimbanda, the black magic tradition of Brazil • Explains how Kimbanda´s presiding deity Eshu embodies both masculine and feminine principles, both god and devil, and thus represents human nature itself with all its vices and virtues • Discusses Kimbanda´s magical practices, initiation rites, sacred knives, and sacrificial offerings • Detai

Exploring the initial stages of psychedelic study in Europe and America, Thomas Hatsis offers a full history of the psychedelic-fuelled revolution in healing and consciousness expansion that blossomed in the 1950s--the first “golden age” of psychedelic research. Revealing LSD as a “wonder child” rather than Albert Hofmann's infamous “problem child,” the author focuses on the extensive studies with

The fossil record confirms that humanity originated in Africa. Yet somehow we have overlooked that Africa is also at the root of all that makes us human--our spirituality, civilization, arts, sciences, philosophy, and our conscious and unconscious minds. In this African-revisioned look at the unfolding of human history and culture, Edward Bruce Bynum reveals how our collective unconscious is Afric

Every Thread a Story is a tribute to ethnic minority artisans of China's Guizhou Province. It is also a tribute to the heritage craft traditions and techniques passed down through the generations of their families. The book introduces more than a dozen contemporary artists from four ethnic groups working in the techniques of their ancestors, including indigo dyers, embroiderers of varying techniqu

The first major book on Vikings by a Scandinavian author to be published in English, The Wolf Age reframes the struggle for a North Sea empire and puts readers in the mindset of Vikings, providing new insight into their goals, values, and what they chose to live and die for. Tore Skeie ("Norway's Most Important Young Historian") takes readers on a thrilling journey through the bloody shared hist

The 1970s was a decade of extremes, from the grim chill of the winter blackouts to the majestic heatwave of the Queen's Silver Jubilee, from the gaudy glitz of glam rock to the trim monochrome of ska, and from the austerity of the three-day week to the hilarity of Carry On films, bubble perms, kipper ties and ankle-swinger flares. In the context of the 20th century as a whole, the 1970s is the bla

The 1930s came in with the Great Depression and went out with World War II. But amid the political upheavals and social unrest, it was a decade that saw many traditions shaken to their foundations and new thinking taking centre-stage, from the abdication of Edward VIII to the launch of BBC television. In this book the black-and-white contrasts of this revolutionary decade are captured vividly in w

First published in 1872, The Underground Railroad is a fascinating collection of slaves' own narratives of their escapes from bondage. Their accounts provide a horrifying window into the reality of the 'peculiar institution' and the trials they had to endure to escape it. This abridged collection consists of a wide variety of slave narratives faithfully recorded by William Still, a conductor on

Celebrate spring and summer as a time of renewal with Flora the Roman Goddess of flowers and learn about balance in Litha. As the nights get longer, create beautiful garlands of herbs to ward off evil spirits. Explore the magic of each month, with mystical tips and practical projects, and delve into the annual cycle of a modern mystical year. With supersitions and sayings, crystals, birds and

From Christian true believers in the Apocalypse and the Rapture, to New Age enthusiasts of prophecies concerning the year 2012, Doomsday lore has become a staple of our cultural life. Yet, no matter how many times the predicted end of the world fails to materialise, the belief remains robust. Felser traces Doomsday End myths throughout history to discover why and how we are obsessed with apocalypt

In their startling new book, Steven and Evan Strong challenge the “out-of-Africa” theory. Based on fresh examination of both the DNA and archaeological evidence, they conclude that modern humans originated from Australia, not Africa.The original Australians (referred to by some as Aborigines), like so many indigenous peoples, are portrayed as “backward” and “primitive.” Yet, as the Strongs demonst

A History of Zhang Zhung and Tibet, Volume One explores ancient Tibet's Zhang Zhung kingdom and Bon religion that preceded the advent of Buddhism in the seventh century. Countering the long-held idea that Tibet's pre-Buddhist indigenous culture was primitive and undeveloped, this book shares the rich cultural origins of the kingdom of Zhang Zhung--the "cradle of Tibetan culture," which encompassed

In this limited hardcover edition of Eisenstein's landmark book, he argues that our disconnection from one another and the natural world has mislaid the foundations of science, religion, money, technology, economics, medicine, and education as we know them.

In this book, philosopher Paul Brunton (1898-1981) encounters the mysteries and magic of Egypt in the 1930s, including an eerie yet illuminating night spent alone inside the Great Pyramid.

Lynn V. Andrews takes the reader with her as she goes on inward journeys with the help of the Sisterhood of the Shields, and relates the stories of others. Join her as she is initiated into the Sisterhood and creates her own shield, which will show her the nature of her spiritual path (Spirit Woman). Follow her to the Yucatan, where the medicine wheel leads her, and she is faced with the terrif

The life of Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), Japan's greatest samurai swordsman, is chronicled in this first authoritative, "lively and balanced" ("Library Journal"), English-language biography of the impressive warrior. Included is original artwork by Musashi plus Glossary, map, and Appendices.

Collectively, these activists are de-colonising their bodies and minds via whole-foods veganism. By kicking junk-food habits, the more than thirty contributors all show the way toward longer, stronger and healthier lives. Suffering from type-2 diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure and overweight need not be the way women of colour are doomed to be victimised and live out their mature lives.

Called the “Mirror of Heaven” by Hermes-Thoth and regarded as the birthplace of civilization, science, religion, and magic, Egypt has ignited the imagination of all who come in contact with it since ancient times—from Pythagoras and Plato to Alexander the Great and Napoleon to modern Egyptologists the world over. Yet, despite this pre-eminence in the collective mind, Egypt has suffered considerabl

In each culture the origins of civilisation can be tied to the arising of one concept in the human mind: straight lines. Straight and perpendicular lines are not found in nature, so where did they come from? What shift in consciousness occurred around the globe that triggered the start of rectangular building methods and linear organisation as well as written language, pyramid construction, mathem