The Eleusinian Mysteries were a set of religious rituals and initiations that took place in ancient Greece, particularly in the city of Eleusis, in honor of the goddesses Demeter and Persephone. The details of these mysteries were kept secret, and participants were sworn to secrecy, so our knowledge of the rituals is limited.There are several books available that discuss the Eleusinian Mysteries, their significance, and their role in ancient Greek religion and culture. Some notable works o...

The Greek Church at one time taught that the bodies of persons upon whom the ban of excommunication had been passed did not undergo decomposition after death until such sentence had been revoked by the pronouncement of absolution over the remains, and that, while the bodies remained in this uncorrupted condition, the spirits of the individuals wandered up and down the earth seeking sustenance from the blood of the living. The non-corruption of a body, however, was also held to be one of th...

The awakened interest in supernormal phenomena which has taken place in recent years has included in its wake the absorbing subject of Vampirism. Yet there has not been any collection published of vampire stories which are common to all the five continents of the globe. The subject of vampirism is regarded more seriously today than it was even a decade since, and an attempt has been made in this volume to supply as far as possible all the instances which could be collected from the various...

The Greek Church at one time taught that the bodies of persons upon whom the ban of excommunication had been passed did not undergo decomposition after death until such sentence had been revoked by the pronouncement of absolution over the remains, and that, while the bodies remained in this uncorrupted condition, the spirits of the individuals wandered up and down the earth seeking sustenance from the blood of the living. The non-corruption of a body, however, was also held to be one of th...

This interesting essay by Dudley Wright, The Eleusinian Mysteries and Rites, was first published in London in 1919 by the Theosophical Publishing House.As a publisher, I decided to give this book a new life, republishing it in the Telestérion series, dedicated to the best texts on ancient mystery cults, with the addition of an introductory essay of mine. And I decided to republish it because, as simple and short as it is, it represents in my opinion one of the best...

At one time the Mysteries of the various nations were the only vehicle of religion throughout the world, and it is not impossible that the very name of religion might have become obsolete but for the support of the periodical celebrations which preserved all the forms and ceremonials, rites and practices of sacred worship. With regard to the connection, supposed or real, between Freemasonry and the Mysteries, it is a remarkable coincidence that there is scarcely a single ceremony in the fo...

At one time the Mysteries of the various nations were the only vehicle of religion throughout the world, and it is not impossible that the very name of religion might have become obsolete but for the support of the periodical celebrations which preserved all the forms and ceremonials, rites and practices of sacred worship.With regard to the connection, supposed or real, between Freemasonry and the Mysteries, it is a remarkable coincidence that there is scarcely a single ceremony in...

Dudley Wright's "The Eleusinian Mysteries and Rites" presents a meticulous exploration of the ancient Greek initiation ceremonies held in honor of Demeter and Persephone at Eleusis. Through a blend of scholarly research and vivid narrative, Wright delves into the historical, religious, and philosophical significance of these rituals, capturing the esoteric nature of the rites and their profound impact on Hellenistic culture. The book also reflects a broader literary context, framing these ...

'Tales of Vampires & Werewolves' is a meticulously curated anthology that emerges as a crucial intersection for the exploration of gothic horror and supernatural fiction. Spanning across centuries and continents, the collection showcases a rich tableau of stylistic diversity from macabre historical narratives to eerie folkloristic tales. These pieces collectively trace the evolution of vampiric and lycanthropic lore within the literary panorama, gracefully weaving the palpable tension and ...

Vampires and werewolves have existed alongside humans since antiquity, or at least the tales of them. Reawaken the fear, the dread and the obsession with the creatures of the night with this meticulously edited collection of the greatest horror classics of all time: Vampires: The Vampyre (John William Polidori) Dracula (Bram Stoker) Dracula's Guest (Bram Stoker) Clarimonde (Théophile Gautier) Carmilla (Sheridan Le Fanu) Vikram and the Vampire (Sir Richard Francis Burton) The Vampire (Jan N...

In "Vampires and Vampirism," Dudley Wright embarks on a compelling exploration of the vampire mythos, dissecting its origins, cultural significance, and evolution through Western literature and folklore. Wright's prose reflects a meticulous scholarly approach, weaving together historical context with critical analysis, thereby presenting a rich tapestry that illustrates how vampires have transcended mere superstition to become enduring symbols of fear, desire, and the human condition. The ...

Dive into the shadows with 'Creatures of the Night (Boxed Set Edition),' an anthology that explores the seductive allure of the supernatural across centuries and continents. This carefully curated collection spans the literary spectrum, offering gothic horror, eerie folklore, and evocative narratives that captivate the imagination. Without attributing any single piece by name, the anthology thrums with chilling yet enchanting tales that delve into the depths of human fear and fascination w...