The three manuscripts which we possess of the ancient Maya peoples of Central America, the Dresden (Dr.), the Madrid (Tro.-Cort.) and the Paris (Per.) manuscripts, all contain a series of pictorial representations of human figures, which, beyond question, should be regarded as figures of gods. Together with these are a number of animal figures, some with human bodies, dress and armor, which likewise have a mythologic significance

The Golden Bough is a wide-ranging, comparative study of mythology and religion, written by the Scottish anthropologist Sir James George Frazer. The book documents and details the similarities among magical and religious beliefs around the globe. Frazer attempted to define the shared elements of religious belief and scientific thought, discussing fertility rites, human sacrifice, the dying god, the scapegoat, and many other symbols and practices whose influences had extended into 20th-cent...

The Metamorphoses of Apuleius, which Augustine of Hippo referred to as The Golden Ass (Asinus aureus), is the only ancient Roman novel in Latin to survive in its entirety. The protagonist of the novel is called Lucius. At the end of the novel, he is revealed to be from Madaurus, the hometown of Apuleius himself. The plot revolves around the protagonist's curiosity (curiositas) and insatiable desire to see and practice magic. While trying to perform a spell to transform into a bird, he is a...

First published in the year 1920, 'The Children of Odin: The Book of Northern Myths' is Padraic Colum's famous retelling of norse myths and tales.

A fascinating look at the ancient Babylonian and Egyptian mythologies, and how they relate to the Hebraic religions.

Bible times and characters from creation to Esther. The introduction begins: "The term Rabbinic was applied to the Jewish Literature of post-Biblical times by those who conceived the Judaism of the later epoch to be something different from the Judaism of the Bible, something actually opposed to it. Such observers held that the Jewish nation ceased to exist with the moment when its political independence was destroyed. For them the Judaism of the later epoch has been a Judaism of the Synag...

A comprehensive examination of the rituals and philosophies of the Celtic holiday of Samhain, the inspiration for Halloween.• Presents the true meaning of this ancient holiday and shows how contemporary observances still faithfully reflect the rituals of pagan ancestors.• Explains why this holiday, largely confined to the English-speaking world since the advent of Christianity, has spread throughout the rest of Europe over the last two decades.One of humanity's most...

The original and authoritative A-to-Z reference guide to witchcraft, paganism, and magic, compiled by the famed nineteenth-century French occultist.Following its original publication in 1818, Collin de Plancy's Dictionnaire Infernal became a landmark study of witchcraft, pagan religions, and the occult. The first reference work to seriously document manifestations, magic, and superstitions, this historical dictionary details beings, characters, books, deeds, and ca...

An exploration of the many forms of the ancient myth of the Wild Hunt and its influence in pagan and early Christian Europe• Recounts the myriad variations of this legend, from the Cursed Huntsman and King Herla to phantom armies and vast processions of sinners and demons• Explains how this belief was an integral part of the pagan worldview and was thus employed by the church to spread Christian doctrine• Reveals how the secret societies of medieval Europe reenacted...

A practical guide to the magical systems of pre-Christian Iceland• Reveals spells and workings drawn directly from surviving magical books from the 16th to 20th century preserved at the National Library in Reykjavík• Explores the history of magic in Iceland through original translations of Icelandic folktales about famous magicians and about legendary grimoires, such as the Galdrabók, the oldest and most complete book of its kind• Explains how to personalize the spe...

The spectacular and varied landscape of Dorset, with its giants, hill forts, Jurassic coast and ancient buildings is the source and inspiration for many curious stories that have been passed down in families and village communities for generations. This book contains a rich and diverse collection of those ancient legends rooted in the oral tradition. From the absorbing tales of the Old King of Corfe and the Thorncombe Thorn to the intriguing Buttons on a Card and George Pi...

More than 2,200 terms defined in an essential reference on religious mysticism, esoteric philosophy, occultism, and more.Dictionary of Mysticism provides concise definitions for more than 2,200 terms used in many philosophies, religions, and doctrines which relate to the influence of the superhuman and supernatural on man's everyday life. Terms relating to esoteric philosophy, occultism, religious mysticism, spiritualism, alchemy, and psychical research ar...