ISBN: 1861630670
Paperback 118 pages

Always interested in alternative lifestyles and alternative medicine, Michael Hoadley started collecting Romany lore and remedies. This book is the result of a lifetime’s association with Romany Gypsies, much of it written from a personal point of view. This is a comfortable fireside book with something to interest everyone — Romany origins, practices, beliefs, customs and lore, healing remedies and tales. An intensely personal book about a little-known people who live life to the full in their own very individual ways. 

BE INSPIRED BY THE MYTH, MAGIC, AND WISDOM OF TREES

This is a beautifully illustrated, pocket guide to the world of trees. It includes fascinating descriptions of each individual tree, and reveals the myths and legends, magical properties and healing powers that surround them.

A perfect introduction to the enchanted world of trees.  

Anna Kingsford, English mystic and occultist, was interested in dreams and esoteric Christianity and, with Edward Maitland, founded the Hermetic Society. 

Sheena McGrath

This is an excellently researched book, while remaining accessible by the majority of people. Unlike other titles in this area, this book looks at all aspects of women’s lives, their magic and their religion in the Northern Tradition. Topics covered include the nature of women’s activities from the ‘traditional’ position of housewife to those of scald and warrior, the role of female figures in creation and Ragnarok myths, a comprehensive coverage of Northern Tradition Goddesses, rituals specific to women, runes and the female power of foreseeing events, Seidr — the combination of witchcraft and shamanism and the connections between this type of magic and Freya as well as the connections between her, fertility magic and Seidr itself. A fascinating and informative text. 

Yvonne Aburrow

The folklore and mythology of birds is central to an understanding of the ancient world, yet is a neglected topic. This book sets out to remedy this situation, examining in detail the interpretation of birds as auguries and omens, the mythology of birds (Roman, Greek, Celtic and Teutonic), the folklore and weather lore associated with them, their use in heraldry and falconry and their appearances in folk songs and poetry. The book examines these areas in a general way, then goes into specific details of individual birds from the albatross to the yellowhammer, including many indigenous British species, as well as more exotic and even mythical birds. 

Ann explores the role of the cat through history, from being worshipped in Ancient Egypt to being cruelly treated and hated in the Medieval Europe. The book includes tales of cats who return to there owners after death, both in spirit and reincarnation form. Stating that “The Ancient Celts believed that the eyes of a cat were windows through which humans could explore the inner world”, we are given an extract from a grimoire giving guidance on how to attune yourself to your cat. Believing in the healing power of cats and our ability to think/talk with them, Ann shares many stories of the cats she has known and loved over the years. A fascinating and enthralling book for cat lovers everywhere.

ISBN: 1861631227
Paperback 230 pages

This Dictionary is devoted to increasing mutual understanding and respect between the many religions of today's world, as well as the many ancient religions which formed the roots from which today's cultures have grown. This is the most complete dictionary of its kind - a highly useful sourcebook for both the academic and the spiritually interested. Many legendary heroes and heroines - and some historical ones, such as Arthur of Britain, who have become crystallisation points for legend - represent archetypal concepts in the same way as God- and Goddess-forms do, and thus in practice belong in the same category. Our definition of 'Gods and Goddesses' has therefore been elastic to present the most relevant information and give the reader an indication on where to find more by giving references in the script. The book includes appendices listing deity-names under Aspects; agricultural, war, love etc together with a section on the cultures mentioned and finally, one showing the comparisons to the Classical Roman Gods and Goddesses used to define the days of the week. 

ISBN: 1861631278
Paperback 350 pages

This book began with a conviction based on the perception of the enormous number of quite detailed resemblances between the major religious myths and legends of the world. Many of these resemblances had been spotted before but it was the author’s conviction that, taken as a whole, they could not be attributed to accident alone: they were simply too numerous to be the product of coincidence and must be traceable in some way back to a common originating source, a proto-myth, in other words, from which the many myths of the world have derived. The book charts the reconstruction of the myth and describes in passing the kind of society in which it once held sway. Based on years of historical research, the book is written in an accessible style. The motivating hypothesis, though, is none the less well defended for that and seems to be amply justified on the basis of the evidence cited. 

Western dragon traditions, festivals and rituals researched and illustrated by Nigel Pennick — a must for dragon and Pennick fans everywhere! 

Nigel Pennick

The aim of Earth Harmony is the intergration of inevitably human activities with the natural environment and the flow of events. Feng-shui is probably the best-known tradition observing Earth Harmony, however there are others including the Burmese Yattara, Hindu Vastuvidya, Madagascan Vintana and the European system of Location. In pre-industrial Europe, local and national systems of Earth Harmony existed everywhere, part of everyday life. This harmonious craft brings the place and person in perfect tune with one another, with the consequent reduction in bad influences and the enhancement of the beneficial character of the site.

To create true harmony, every building and feature on the landscapes, natural and artificial, has to occupy the position appropriate to its direction, performing the appropiate action at the proper time is to be both ceremonially correct and practically efficent. Earth Harmony is no less than harmonisation with the whole universe. This book provides practical assistance for those who wish to practice this craft in the present day. 

John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews
The Ultimate A-Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic

ISBN: 0007208731
(soft) Hardcover 704 pages

Third in the hugely popular series of I>Element Encyclopedias, this is the most comprehensive guide you’ll ever find to every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of these facinating beasts throughout all magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts about the creatures, this book spans every major culture across the globe. Many of the creatures described in the book have appeared in the fictitious worlds of the brothers Grimm, Lewis Caroll, J.K. Rowling, Tolkien and countless other writers who have stirred our imaginations since childhood fairytales. From unicorns, giants, fairies, elves, goblins, dwarves and trolls to nymphs, mermaids, sphinxes, ogres, cyclops, dragons, mermaids, salamanders, basilisks, banshees, werewolves, griffins, centaurs, satyrs and gremlins — this is the ultimate reference book on creatures from the magical world. But have you ever heard of Cherufes, Lampaluguas or the Quetzal? The cross-cultural focus spans from the most ancient of creatures to those which have come to prominence relatively recently. Every obscure and mythological creature is described in detail in this fantastic book, including gods from many cultures and everyday animals that carry magical symbolism. The information not only refers each creature to the mythology surrounding it, but also illustrates how many of these magical beasts relate to each other and are interconnected across mythical worlds. Find out more in The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures. 

The Eleusinian rites are thought to have emerged from the Greek myth of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone to bring forth abundance from the earth. Yet strikingly similar ritual and legends appear in the doctrines of Freemasonry, Buddhism, the early Church, and other religions and spiritual traditions. This book explains the core mythology of Demeter and the many stories thought to be born of the myth. 

A selection of folk stories taken from the city of York and rural beauty of the Wolds. 

ISBN: 1870450493

Paperback 256 pages

There have been many books about the Grail, written from many differing standpoints. Some have been practical, some purely historical, others literary, but this is the first Grail book which sets out to help the esoterically inclined seeker through the maze of symbolism, character and myth which surrounds the central point of the Grail. In today’s frantic world when many people have their material needs met some still seek spiritual fulfilment. They are drawn to explore the old philosophies and traditions, particularly that of our Western Celtic Heritage. It is here they encounter the quest for the Holy Grail, that mysterious object which will bring hope and healing to all. Some have come to recognise that they dwell in a spiritual wasteland and now search for that symbol of the grail which may be the only remedy. Here is the guide book for the modern seeker, explaining the history and pointing clearly towards the Aquarian grail of the future. 

A system 6000 years old—local names linked with the Celtic-Arthurian myth—a ten-mile-wide Zodiac in North Somerset, outlined by ‘rhines’ or dykes, ancient paths and earthworks, and taking advantage of all available natural features such as rivers. 

Terry Johnson

Whilst major sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury are well known, few people realise how rich in ancient sites are other areas of Britain. Terry first examines features of the landscape and unusual church carvings in general, then gives a detailed listing of interesting sites in Essex with associated legends and folklore, in addition to examining possible leys.

ISBN: 1861630263
Paperback 176 pages

Neopaganism represents the largest upsurge of magical awareness and ability in the known world. It is not a recreation of something old, but an entirely new development thinly disguised in old forms. The diverse beliefs and behaviours called Neopagan and indeed all religious and mystical thought, can be likened to a great wheel. On the rim of the wheel are specific god-forms, rituals and patterns of social organisation. At the hub is a body of understanding that moves all points on the rim, just as the axle of a wheel drives the wheel in its motion. Although this book provides much rim material in the form of numerous exercises, invocations and spells, in essence it is an attempt to present the hub material: the laws of magic, a symbolic model of the universe and an understanding of the process of initiation. The original Open Door is a small magical circle in Seattle, Washington, which the author built together with several friends and students beginning in 1993. Open Door means that the door of personal development is open. They see magical awareness and power as everyone’s birthright. Open Door means that the door to innovation is open and it sees its mission as one of opening the door of human evolution to bring about change in human society that we desperately need. 

Michael Bayley

Learning directly from his family and local agricultural workers, Michael Bayley absorbed a rich background of information on local, natural and folk matters. For those with eyes to see and ears to hear, a fascinating wealth of Celtic tradition and Old Knowledge reveals itself. This fascinating book covers three main areas:

Raised in an area that his family had lived in for generations, Michael grew up hearing the dialect and old tales of the Thames Valley. Later researches led him to conclude that local place names and dialect words could be traced back to Brythonic Celtic. Examining Welsh, Breton and Cornish vocabularies, he argues the possibility of a fourth dialect of the Brythonic Celtic language.

Lovespoons are frequently associated with Wales but they were much more widespread than people realise. The traditional symbols carved on the spoons had recognised meanings. From the “Druid’s Footprint” to a symbol which suggested that the carver was intent on amorous encounters, without wishing marriage, the language of the lovespoons is revealed.

The cog almanack was a permanent calendar, carved in wood and hung on the cottage wall. Michael describes how regular meteor showers, seeming to fall from different constellation could be used to tell the time of the year and specific festival dates, both those of the Christian church and of festivals stretching far back into history. 

ISBN: 1861630611
Paperback 248 pages

An inside account of traditional witchcraft as it is practised today by several covens and clans across Britain and how it compares with modern Wicca. Subjects include the working tools of the traditional witch; the Horned God and Witch Goddess; entering the circle and ‘passing the power’ in Hereditary and Traditional Craft; traditional forms of magick, including healing, cursing and hexing, necromancy, shapeshifting, familiar spirits and spirit guides, working with the elementals and psychic self-protection. There are also chapters on the traditional Mythic Theme of the Wheel of the Year and the esoteric symbolism of the festivals. It concludes with a look at the relevance of the Traditional Craft in the 21st century. 

Man’s debt to the horse (and it’s relatives) is immeasurable. For thousands of years before recorded history, man pushed forward his civilization and conquests on the back of a horse and viewed his domains between a horse’s ears. Man and horse are inextricably woven together into a relationship which is without equal in the rest of creation. Even Man’s ‘best friends’, the dog, cannot claim the impact of the horse.

This noble animal has been food and transport, the innocent participant in Man’s wars, at one time his Deity and the honoured companion of his Deities. The symbol of majesty and power. From seed-time to harvest, the horse has been at the forefront of agricultural economy. Even so, Man’s faithful servant has known the full extent of cruelty and ingratitude, may the Gods forgive us. The past fifty years have seen a dramatic increase in the popularity of the horse on our leisure pursuits and it once more takes it’s rightful place — that of Man’s companion.

This book traces this relationship from the earliest times, stressing the religio-magical aspects. The Sacred Horse is rooted deep within our race-memory and is still to be found in our high-tech culture. Topics covered include: The Dawn Horse • Horse and Religion — Horse Deities, Hill Figures • Centaurs and Unicorns — Mythical horse based beings • The Ass — Also a Sacred Animal • The Sacrificial Horse • The Hobby Horse — Ancient Horse Festivals and Celebrations • Horses and Kings • Phantom Horses • Horse Cults — Secret Societies, Horse Whispers, Toadmen, the Blacksmith • Horse Magic, Superstition and Folklore • The Horse All Around Us • The Legacy of the Horse.

Paperback: 122 pages

In magic and mythology trees are credited with powers to communicate wisdom and to heal. If you love and are fascinated by trees, this book will fire your imagination. Explore myths and folklore surrounding trees. Discover the links between trees and magic. Learn about the Celtic ‘Tree Calendar'. Simple exercises help you to put your newly acquired knowledge into practise. Teresa Moorey has followed the witchcraft path for practically her entire adult life and has written extensively on nature worship and astrology. She is a qualified, practising counsellor and astrologer. 

ISBN: 1861630573
Paperback 260 pages

This is a book about trees, but a book with a difference, for it acknowledges trees to be wise beings who can teach us much if we approach them in the right way. This book shows how to go about it, revealing the origins of our awakening interest in — and love for — trees. Trees have a spiritual nature, and opening up to this spirit has been a constant feature in human society. Through practical guidance, this book gives hints on how we can make that contact for ourselves. The personalities of the ancient trees — our Magical Guardians — are explored, and the book reveals how we can start to acquire some of their deeper meanings. 

The author displays his usual acumen for symbolism, myth, and the hidden wisdom of the Ancients. 

ISBN: 1861630395
Paperback 200 pages

This book traces the magical history of the horse throughout the centuries and explores its connections with paganism, mythology, Biblical and Christian lore, folklore and fairytale, healing and superstition. Loved, feared or venerated, the horse has become integrated with human work, warfare, history and sport. It has become the living symbol of many gods and goddesses, the prototype of many mythical beasts. Janet Farrar, established writer on magic and mythology and Virginia Russell, a lifelong horsewoman, combine their talents in this exploration of the horse's magical history. A veritable harvest of the legends, magical concepts and folk beliefs that have surrounded the horse from the dawn of history. 

Myth: Its Birth & Growth. Primitive Meaning * Powers of Nature * Solar Theory of Myth * Metamorphosis into Animals * Totemism * Myth Survival * Myth among the Hebrews

Dreams: Their place in the growth of beliefs in the Supernatural Limitation of Language * Belief in the Inanimate * Reality of Dreams * Barbaric theory of Disease * Second Self or Soul * Dreams as Omens and Media of communication between Gods and Men. 

The translation by M Steele Smith of Deutsche Mythologie. Contents include Decline of Teutonic Paganism * The Gods * Beneficial and Harmful Dieties * Worship of the Gods - Temples - Sacrifices - Oracles * The Number of the Gods * Woden * Thunor * Tiw * The Inferior Norse Gods * The Vanir * The Goddesses * The World - The Beginning, The End, and the New Life . . . complete with Bibliography and Index. 

ISBN: 1861631871
Paperback 120 pages

A comprehensive introduction to the Northern Tradition, a vibrant, living current within the multitude of spiritual paths of Paganism. It explains the Pagan religious beliefs of the Saxon and Norse peoples and their associated magic. Through practical exercises the book teaches you about runes, Troth, folklore and rituals in addition to the history of this exciting and mysterious tradition and it’s practise and relevance today. Enhanced by illustrations by Jane Brideson of Dark Moon Designs. 

ISBN: 1861631677
Paperback 150 pages

The author has been fascinated by Ogham from an early age and determined to discover whether the system’s intimate links with nature and the seasons was a vital part of Britain’s rich indigenous spiritual heritage. He came across an old countryman who was well versed in the native mysteries, but had never heard of Ogham. When it was explained as a tree alphabet that formed a seasonal cycle, he exclaimed “I’ve not heard of your ogham, but I do know the order of the trees and the birds”. He did too, and his ‘order’ of the trees matched Roberts Graves’ reconstruction set out in The White Goddess; except that muin, the vine became the blackberry, ngetal the reed, became wheat straw, and ailm the silver fir, became the scots pine. He had no knowledge of any Celtic language, or clue that the trees had the slightest link with any alphabet, but he did know the folklore and symbolism of each one, and how to divine the future with wands cut from them. It’s his knowledge of the trees, birds and divination that is passed through the pages of this book. 

ISBN: 1861631421
Paperback 240 pages

Marion Pearce, current editor of Pentacle and former editor of Pagan Dawn, the magazine of the Pagan Federation, explores the origins of our calendar which dates back to the days of ancient Rome. The festivals and various celebrations are described, from the wild excesses of the Lupercalia to the gentler pastoral Floralia and Ambarvalia - the Roman zest for life shines through their year. The whole of the Roman world can be found in the chronology of time. How they related to their gods and goddesses, their mythology, their sports, harvests, work and play. Now is the time to decode this enigma and see how the Romans really lived, so turn back the clock, step back in time - it is all in the calendar. 

ISBN: 1861632355

Paperback

In the final book of his Robin Hood trilogy, the author takes the reader back ‘on the outlaw trail’ from Sherwood Forest to the North of England, visiting many popular sites and several less well-known spots associated with Robin Hood, explaining the heritage and background of many of the best known myths and legends surrounding the life and death of the world-famous English medieval outlaw. 

ISBN: 1861631774

Written very much by popular demand, following the enthusiastic reception Richard's first book - The Legend of Robin Hood received. This is a tour guide of the sites linked with Robin Hood, giving detailed historical information on the sites and background of the times of Robin Hood. The author works a s a tour guide with the Nottinghamshire Tourist Board and is well qualified to impart a great deal of fascinating and illuminating details. Well illustrated with drawings and photographs. 

Sacred Dorset – on the Path of the Dragon is the eagerly-awaited companion to the author’s highly-acclaimed Ancient Stones of Dorset. Peter Knight guides the reader through Dorset’s spiritual heritage, from prehistory through to Celtic, Roman and Christian times. Using examples from Dorset and elsewhere we are taken on a tour of the sacred landscape, folklore, ancient sites and sacred symbology.

The book encompasses:

The folklore of ancient sites and landscape

Prehistoric, Pagan and Christian symbology

Discerning the Earth Goddess landscape

The astronomy of local ancient sites

Perceiving sacred Trees and Nature

New Dorset ley lines and the shamanic link

Sacred wells and springs

Awakening the dragon within — towards new perceptions 

Nigel Pennick

Geometry underlies the structure of all things - from galaxies to molecules. Despite our separation from the natural world, we human beings are still bounded by the laws of the universe. Each time a geometrical form is created, an expression of this universal oneness is made & from the dawn of time religious structures have expressed this unity in their every detail. In this absorbing history, the first of its kind, the applications of sacred geometry are examined & the full extent of its practise is revealed. Sacred geometry is responsible for the feeling of awe generated by a gothic cathedral & the Trightness of a Georgian drawing-room. Sacred Geometry traces the rise & fall of this transcendent art from megalithic stone circles to Art Nouveau & reveals how buildings that conform to its timeless principles mirror the geometry of the cosmos.  

ISBN: 0007219040
Hardcover 544 pages

This is a wonderful read for all bird-lovers and those interested in the folklore, mythology and spiritual symbolism of birds throughout the world, packed with fascinating historical esoterica and inspiring true stories of birds working their magic as spiritual messengers. A fabulous inspirational reference book, packed with historical facts, myths and real-life spiritual encounters with birds. Ranging from the robin to the phoenix and the everyday to the mythological, any bird lover who is interested in esoterica, history and folklore will find the book a must for their bookshelf. Arranged thematically, each section explores a different aspect — eg. ‘Birds of Myth and Legend’, ‘Divination and Auguries’, ‘Birds and Astrology’, ‘Symbolism of Eggs and Feathers’, ‘Alchemy and Birds’; plus sections on birds in the Celtic Tradition, in Ancient Latin America, in India, and the New World. Find out how to find your Spirit Bird, and in another section discover an A-Z of the history and folklore of individual birds, and how their symbolism is often shared in many cultures and myths. One of the key themes in the book is the concept of the winged creature carrying messages, as well as the history of bird-as-augur from Greek and Roman times where they studied birds’ flight patterns and entrails to make critical decisions. Many people will love the many wonderful true stories of ordinary people in the present day too, who have encountered the miraculous, or healing qualities of birds in their own lives. This book is an enormous treasure trove of information that is spiritually uplifting and historically fascinating. It contains many general tip bits for bird-lovers to be enchanted by, such as: — baby robins eat 14 feet of earthworms a day — condors can fly for 10 miles without flapping their wings — a bird flying into a house foretells an important message — hummingbirds weigh less than a penny — and a jay is said to spend Fridays with the devil, telling tales! 

It’s amazing how many stories there are about those little lights in the sky. Even fairly obscure stars often had an interesting or quirky tale attached to them. Ancient peoples had a much better view of the sky than most of us do today, which probably spurred them on. While the Classical myths of the constellations had to be included, if for no other reason than that the Latin names are based on those myths, there are also a great many of other, less well-known, myths and names for the constellations, planets, stars and comets. This book will give you a whole new way to see the stars and planets, as well as the history of mythology and science with ancient peoples’ explanations of our universe. 

This book delves into the antecedents of Druidry, Freemasonry and the Qabalah, providing thought-provoking information. The author proposes that all valid esoteric paths, whether of the East or West, have a common root-stock. These spiritual paths have modified to fit in with the various existing cultures, but still show the common blood-line from which they originated, which emanated from Atlantis and came to our lands through the agency of the Seed Bearers.

The use of these ancient wisdoms seems to be the only path we can tread if the earth is to be saved as a living and livable entity. 

Past-life memories and proven questing techniques combine in this original, amazing and provocative study of the occult background to the Tor executions of the Glastonbury Three in in 1539. Using psychically received material with archival research, Jack Gale takes the reader through the strange magical and alchemical underworld of early Tudor Glastonbury. Here, guardian thought-forms who watch over hidden sacred treasures and secret ritual marriages, still dimly reflected in the imagery of the great landscape zodiac, conceive awesome, living energies. The Avalonian earth and its mysteries are viewed from a radically fresh perspective, raising many profound questions in the reader’s mind. 

ISBN: 1898307083
Paperback 200 pages

This is a truly unique book. A comprehensive guide to the magical, medicinal and craft uses, mythology, folklore, symbolism and weather lore of trees. Includes chapters on trees in myth and legend, tree spirits, trees in ritual magic, trees and alphabets, followed by a ‘herbal index’ with in-depth coverage of individual trees, from acacia to aspen, wayfaring tree to willow. 

ISBN: 1401902995

Hardcover 300 pages

What would it mean to discover an ancient language – a literal message – hidden within the DNA of life itself? What we once believed about our past is set to change . . . A coded message has been found within the very molecules of life itself, deep within the DNA in each cell of our bodies. Through a remarkable discovery linking Biblical alphabets to our genetic code, the ‘language of life’ may now be read as the ancient letters of a timeless message. In this all-new original work, visionary author Gregg Braden shares the life-changing discovery of his extensive 12-year study of the most sacred and honoured traditions of humankind. 

Nigel Pennick & Helen Field

A celebration of the sacred male throughout the Pagan year, dealing with the cycle of the year through the medium of its sacred associations with divinity, in this case the gods of Northern European, Roman, Greek and Egyptian tradition.

In contemporary Pagan practice, the traditional year relates spiritual qualities to their corresponding times and each of these times is commemorated by a festival or observance.

Each festivity is ruled over by an appropriate corresponding goddess and/or god.

The rich symbolic system of the Pagan gods has continued in its entirety up to the present day. 

ISBN: 1861630697
Paperback 170 pages

The legend of Robin Hood is known throughout the world, but who was he, where did he come from and how and where did he and his followers live? Over the years, the Legend of Robin Hood has lost nothing in the telling. Indeed, it is with the telling that the legend originated; many have since placed Robin Hood under the microscope and tried to document, explain and justify him. As the Sheriff found out, he is a very slippery and elusive character! From the far ages and mists of antiquity he grew; some of the very first printed works in England were of him and his exploits, already well-known in stories and songs orally transmitted through a certain strata of society by those skilled in this form of entertainment. They were thought important enough to commit to precious time and paper; but before writing was even created — he was already here. What has come down to us is a memory, embellished by both fantasies and facts woven and spun into today’s story of the dispossessed nobleman or stout yeoman, seeking revenge and fair play from an unjust system, finding a new home in the ranks of the lowest, righting Wrongs and doing Right, struggling against adversity and oppression, finally winning through and finding love and freedom — and immortality. The truth about a real man may never now be known, but the legend is there for all to see. The shadowy figure of Robin Hood himself stands smiling impartially today against a background of individuals and groups who rival for his favour, lay claims as to his birth, life and death; and see him — amongst other things — as a medieval knight, a bloodthirsty thief or a magical wood-elf. Trying to tie him down to one of them is as easy as finding the crock at the end of the rainbow! Richard Rutherford-Moore brings his skills to bear on this enduring legend, bringing us not just solidly researched facts, but a real feel for the life and times of the most legendary bowman of all time. 

ISBN: 1861630336
Paperback 206 pages

This book traces the magical history of the horse throughout the centuries and explores its connections with paganism, mythology, Biblical and Christian lore, folklore and fairytale, healing and superstition. Loved, feared or venerated, the horse has become integrated with human work, warfare, history and sport. It has become the living symbol of many gods and goddesses, the prototype of many mythical beasts. Janet Farrar, established writer on magic and mythology and Virginia Russell, a lifelong horsewoman, combine their talents in this exploration of the horse’s magical history. A veritable harvest of the legends, magical concepts and folk beliefs that have surrounded the horse from the dawn of history to the present day. 

What is the nature of this animal that has been worshipped as a god and cursed as a devil? The cat has a dual nature, that of the gentle, loving bundle, purring on your lap and as a predator and this duality of nature is shared by man, a character so strong that people either love cats dearly or claim to dislike them thoroughly.

In Ancient Egypt the veneration of the cat reached a sophisticated level and the animal became an archetype for instruction and understanding. The linking of the cat to witchcraft, unleashed hundreds of years of cruelty in the name of religion. The cat has seen the best and worst of humanity.

Included in the book are sections on: cats and astrology, the Celtic cat, links between cats and serpents, the relationship between cats, the moon and sun and also cats in fable, folklore and superstition with legends and stories gathered from all over the world.

A wonderful book for cat lovers and those who appreciate the mysterious side of the cat. 

Patrick examines the succession of cultures which have influenced our Pagan heritage in Britain, looking at the individual deities, seasonal customs and festivals which have been introduced to this country.

We can read about the Dagda, Brigit, Oghma, Gwydion and Lugh, Boudica and the goddess Andraste, Nodens, Jupiter, Mars and Apollo. We learn of Mithras. (Mithraism as a major religion was at one point a major competitor to Christianity.) Worship of such gods as Attis and the goddess Cybele have all left their mark. Odin, Merlin, Hecate and Herne have all influenced our rich Pagan history.

He follows the changing flow of energy up to the present day and asks, where does Paganism lead now? 

The Wildwood King is a unique workbook. Leading the reader through a series of traditional stories, ranging across cultures as diverse as Welsh, Russian, African and native American, and through a sequence of connected exercises, it facilitates a revitalised relationship with the Land.

The Land in this context, is not merely our physical landscape, but also the natural environment and an aspect of consciousness. The folk tales of the world bear within them rich seams of wisdom. The Wildwood King sets out to follow one of these themes, to explore ancient understandings of the relationship between humanity and the Land. 

Kay Mullin

Dr Kay Mullin, a clinical psychologist by profession, was introduced to the world of faery by Spirit channelled through a medium. She was told that it was her task to help open the doorway between mankind and the faery kingdom.That revelation led, after considerable resistance, to Kay undertaking extensive research in Ireland, collecting stories both old and new, not just from books, but from people who not only know of faeries, but see and hear them too — in the land so long associated with them.

The result is this wonderful book, leading us to discover the elemental power of Ireland. The text is complemented with lyrical poetry from an Irish seer, Gabriel Rosenstock, and exquisite drawings by Cormac Figgis.

The faery faith is real, alive and growing. 

ISBN: 0738706264

Paperback 240 pages

Contemporary West African culture harbors rich and meaningful spiritual traditions. Yet, there are few written records of West Africa’s major beliefs, rituals, and ceremonies. The Way of the Elders — co-authored by a West African native raised in the Mande tradition — offers rare and authentic insight into the spirituality of West Africa, and particularly the Mande culture. This spiritual guidebook explains fundamental beliefs, such as reverence for the One Spirit, that permeate tribal life. Offerings, charms, herbal healing, shamans and their functions, the importance of wildlife, and the four elements of nature are discussed in detail. The second half of the book is devoted to sacred living and focuses on village life, sacred music and dance, pregnancy, birth, childhood initiation, marriage, death, and funerals.