Magick Matters

“Demons and Fallen Angels: Damnable Devils’ History, Theories, Controversies, and Conspiracies” by Conrad Bauer

"All over the world and throughout the ages, there are tales of mysterious and often malevolent entities who live solely in the shadows of our perception. They have been referred to as demons, fallen angels, devils, evil spirits and by other names. But what are we to make of these storied accounts of mystical mischief-makers that have incessantly plagued humanity? Is it all just a figment of our collective troubled minds? Or is there something more to it? Here within these pages, you will discover not just a history, but a complex web of accounts, controversies, conspiracies, and theories. Because when it comes to the topic of fallen angels, demons, and demonology, there is no...>>

“On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience” by Michael D. Gordin

"Everyone has heard of the term "pseudoscience", typically used to describe something that looks like science, but is somehow false, misleading, or unproven. Many would be able to agree on a list of things that fall under its umbrella—astrology, phrenology, UFOlogy, creationism, and eugenics might come to mind. But defining what makes these fields "pseudo" is a far more complex issue. It has proved impossible to come up with a simple criterion that enables us to differentiate pseudoscience from genuine science. Given the virulence of contemporary disputes over the denial of climate change and anti-vaccination movements—both of which display allegations of "pseudoscience" on all sides—there is a clear need to better understand issues of...>>

“Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies and the Truth About Reality” by Brad Warner

"This is not your typical Zen book. Brad Warner, a young punk who grew up to be a Zen master, spares no one. This bold new approach to the "Why?" of Zen Buddhism is as strongly grounded in the tradition of Zen as it is utterly revolutionary. Warner's voice is hilarious, and he calls on the wisdom of everyone from punk and pop culture icons to the Buddha himself to make sure his points come through loud and clear. As it prods readers to question everything, Hardcore Zen is both an approach and a departure, leaving behind the soft and lyrical for the gritty and stark perspective of a new generation."...>>

“Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen’s Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye” by Brad Warner

"In Sit Down and Shut Up, Brad Warner tackles one of the great works of Zen literature, the Shobogenzo by 13th-century Zen master Dogen. Illuminating Dogen’s enigmatic teachings in plain language, Warner intertwines sharp philosophical musings on sex, evil, anger, meditation, enlightenment, death, God, sin, and happiness with an exploration of the power and pain of the punk rock ethos. In chapters such as “Evil Is Stupid,” “Kill Your Anger,” and “Enlightenment Is for Sissies,” Brad melds the antiauthoritarianism of punk with that of Zen, mixing in a travelogue of his triumphant return to Ohio to play in a reunion concert of Akron punk bands. For those drawn to Buddhist teachings but scared off...>>