Mythologies Religions

The Olmec people are widely recognized as the first major civilization of Mexico and are thus generally regarded as the mother civilization of Mesoamerica, making them the people from which all subsequent Mesoamerican cultures derived. Learn about the Olmec, Mayans, Aztecs, and other Mesoamerican cultures in this audiobook

When Roland Barthes's groundbreaking Mythologies first appeared in English in 1972, it was immediately recognized as one of the most significant works in French theory - yet nearly half of the essays from the original work were missing. This new edition of Mythologies is the first complete, authoritative English version of the French classic. It includes the brilliant "Astrology", never published in English before.

Celtic mythology is widely considered to be among the most captivating of Europe's various mythologies due to the presence of a number of captivating aspects, including but not limited to: adventure, heroism, romance, and magic. The Celts were once a great people who dominated most of Europe, but, as a result of Roman invasions, they have since been reduced to a few minor groupings. Their mythology, on the other hand, was preserved largely as a result of the efforts of later monks from Ireland and Wales who wrote down the stories.

Drawing from her work as a psychoanalyst and cantadora (keeper of old stories), Dr. Estes uses myths and folktales to illustrate how societies systematically strip away the feminine spirit. Through an exploration into the nature of the wild woman archetype, Dr. Estes helps listeners rediscover and free their own wild nature.

Explore the stories from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain mythology that nurtured the idea of yoga and shaped the development of its most iconic asanas. Learn how svana-asana (dog pose) is connected to Shiva, bhujanga-asana (cobra pose) was inspired by shape-shifting beings who live below the earth, and much more.

This fascinating audiobook is the first volume in a projected cultural history of the United States, from the earliest English settlements to our own time. It is a history of American folkways as they have changed through time, and it argues a thesis about the importance for the United States of having been British in its cultural origins. While most people in the United States today have no British ancestors, they have assimilated regional cultures which were created by British colonists, even while preserving ethnic identities at the same time.

: "Echoes of the Sacred Land" is a captivating exploration of the intricate tapestry of Native American tribal religions and rituals. Immerse yourself in the worldviews, beliefs, and practices that have bound indigenous communities to their environments, ancestors, and the spiritual realm for generations. This illuminating journey takes readers beyond the surface, delving into the heart of Native American spirituality, where the rhythms of the earth and the whispers of ancient spirits intertwine. From the Lakota Sioux's Sun Dance to the Hopi's reverence for Katsinam, this book offers a ...

For centuries, the spiritual heart of ancient Egypt pulsed beneath the surface of dusty history books and museum glass. But now, Kemetism for Beginners breathes life back into one of the world’s oldest living wisdom traditions—one built on balance, cosmic law, and divine connection. This is your gateway to understanding not just what the ancient Egyptians believed, but why it still matters today. Beneath the pyramids and papyrus scrolls lies a rich spiritual system grounded in Ma’at—truth, justice, and harmony. In a world spinning on chaos, Kemetism offers a way to anchor your ...

In We Who Wrestle with God, Jordan Peterson guides us through the ancient, foundational stories of the Western world, analyzing the Biblical accounts of rebellion, sacrifice, suffering and triumph that stabilize, inspire and unite us, culturally and psychologically.

Why are you drawn to Kabbalah? Are you a beginner trying to understand what Kabbalah can do for you? Are you trying to understand Jewish mysticism? Are you confused about what Kabbalah is and is not? Are you looking for answers to some of life’s deepest questions? Are you seeking a deeper connection with the Divine?Explore the mystical teachings of Kabbalah in this book designed to guide the beginner or the confused. Whether you seek personal growth or a deeper understanding of the universe, this book is your gateway to the life-changing secrets of Kabbalah. Start your journey now.

The Viking Spirit is an introduction to Norse mythology like no other. As you’d expect from Daniel McCoy, the creator of the endearingly popular website "Norse Mythology for Smart People", it’s written to scholarly standards, but in a simple, clear, and entertaining style that’s easy to understand and a pleasure to listen to. It includes gripping retellings of no less than 34 epic Norse myths - more than any other book in the field - while also providing an equally comprehensive overview of the fascinating viking religion of which Norse mythology was a part.

They live in shadows - deep in the forest, late in the night, in the dark recesses of our minds. They're spoken of in stories and superstitions, relics of an unenlightened age, old wives' tales, passed down through generations. Yet no matter how wary and jaded we have become, as individuals or as a society, a part of us remains vulnerable to them: werewolves and wendigos, poltergeists and vampires, angry elves and vengeful spirits.

From the moment Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortés first found and confronted them, the Aztecs have fascinated the world, and they continue to hold a unique place both culturally and in pop culture. Nearly 500 years after the Spanish conquered their mighty empire, the Aztecs are often remembered today for their major capital, Tenochtitlan, as well as being fierce conquerors of the Valley of Mexico who often engaged in human sacrifice rituals.

Alan Watts is today remembered as a trailblazing interpreter of Eastern philosophy, but The Two Hands of God reveals a different side of his multifaceted genius. In this ambitious work, Watts takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the mythology of China, Egypt, India, the Middle East, and medieval Europe. His theme is the human experience of polarity, a condition in which opposing qualities define and complement each other. Watts illustrates the way great sages and artists across time have seen beyond the apparent duality of the universe to find a deeper unity.

An illuminating exploration of Ireland's ancient dark goddess - the beloved "phantom queen" of the Celtic world - with practices for modern-day devotees. The Morrigan is one of Pagan Ireland's most famous - and notorious - goddesses. Her name translated as "phantom queen" or "great queen," the Morrigan is famous for being a goddess of war, witchcraft and death, protection and retribution. This book also explores her patronage of motherhood, healing, shapeshifting, and the land.

According to historical sources, visual symbols are utilized to highlight individual ideas, concepts, groups or persons. In some cases, understanding what a symbol stands for is quite easy. But that’s not always the case. In fact, there are symbols that are complex and their interpretation may prove very challenging. And yet, their importance can be determined by realizing how they have contributed to understanding historical images. People from all over the world utilize symbols for expressing abstract notions or thoughts. They also use them to point out to specific ideologies, or ...

Scott Cunningham's classic introduction to Wicca is about how to live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. It is a book of sense and common sense, not only about magick but also about religion and one of the most critical issues of today: how to achieve the much-needed and wholesome relationship with our Earth. Cunningham presents Wicca as it is today: a gentle, Earth-oriented religion dedicated to the Goddess and God. Wicca also includes Cunningham's own Book of Shadows.

An extraordinary compilation of legends and rituals about nature's ever-present signs. From the birds that soar above us to the insects beneath our feet, Native American healer Bobby Lake-Thom shows how the creatures of the earth can aid us in healing and self-knowledge.

A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most interesting and often controversial subjects in the world - from ancient animal worship and shamanism, through alchemy and divination to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in 21st-century literature, cinema, and television.

This book covers everything from Norse mythology and the Norse pantheon to Celtic Mythology and the Celtic Pantheon as well as rituals and practices. Most importantly, you’ll learn all about the complete freedom paganism offers its practitioners. At its core, paganism focuses on you and your well-being. Throughout this book, I will also help you begin your journey of enlightenment and show you the wonders that the runes have to offer.