Magick Matters

“Sourcebook in Shinto: Selected Documents” edited by Stuart D.B. Picken

"Shinto is a remarkably complex and elusive phenomenon to which Western categories of religion do not readily apply. A knowledge of Shinto can only proceed from a basic understanding of Japanese shrines and civilization, for it is closely intermingled with the Japanese way of life and continues to be a vital natural religion. This companion to Picken's first volume, Essentials of Shinto: An Analytical Guide to Principal Teachings, provides a selection of important and pivotal documents in the history of the Shinto tradition. This volume contains a collection of texts and materials related to the Shinto tradition from the classical age of Japan to modern times. Selections from the Japanese classics are followed by liturgical...>>

“Essentials of Shinto: An Analytical Guide to Principal Teachings” by Stuart D.B. Picken

"Shinto is finally receiving the attention it deserves as a fundamental component of Japanese culture. Nevertheless, it remains a remarkably complex and elusive phenomenon to which Western categories of religion do not readily apply. A knowledge of Shinto can only proceed from a basic understanding of Japanese shrines and civilization, for it is closely intermingled with the Japanese way of life and continues to be a vital natural religion. This book is a convenient guide to Shinto thought. As a reference work, the volume does not offer a detailed critical study of all aspects of Shinto. Instead, it overviews the essential teachings of Shinto and provides the necessary cultural and historical context for understanding Shinto...>>

“Historical Dictionary of Shinto” by Stuart D. B. Picken (2nd edition)

"One of Japan's major religions, Shinto has no doctrines and there are no sacred texts from which religious authority can be derived. It does not have an identifiable historical founder, and it has survived the vicissitudes of history through rituals and symbols rather than through continuity of doctrine. Shinto is primarily a religion of nature, centered on the cultivation of rice, the basis of a culture with which the western world is not familiar in terms of either its annual cycle or the kind of lifestyle it generates. The roots of the Shinto tradition probably precede this and reflect an awareness of the natural order. The oldest shrines came to be located in places...>>

“Dark Psychology: Super Advanced Techniques to Persuade Anyone, Secretly Manipulate People and Influence Their Behaviour Without Them Noticing” by Richard Campbell

"When it comes to arguments and negotiations, do you usually get what you want—or does the person on the other side come out ahead, leaving you feeling baffled about why you accepted less than you deserved? We all try to persuade others to give us what we want, starting when we are babies crying for food or comfort. Some children, however, do not develop the characteristics of conscience, empathy, and selflessness as they gather the skills of persuasion. They can become predatory adults who master the dark triad of psychology. They can become serial killers and brutal rulers or the person you are dating. If you want to recognize liars and manipulators before they can hurt you,...>>

“Priestess of The Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals & Devotional Work to the Great Queen” by Stephanie Woodfield

"Become a priestess of the Morrigan and build a personalized devotional practice with this profound book on deepening your connection to her. Through stories, prayers, and rituals for groups and solitaries, Priestess of the Morrigan shows you how to serve the Great Queen and enhance your spiritual journey. Explore the true nature of the Morrigan, discover what it means to channel her voice, and learn about her role in prophecies and curse work. Create your own unique tradition with this book's ritual-building advice and guidelines for developing a yearly cycle of celebrations. Stephanie Woodfield, a devotee to the Great Queen for over twenty years, uses her personal triumphs and challenges as beacons for your path...>>