Magick Matters

“Shamanism: An Introduction” by Margaret Stutley

"Shamanism is one of the earliest and farthest-reaching magical and religious traditions, vestiges of which still underlie the major religious faiths of the modern world. The function of the shaman is to show his or her people the unseen powers behind the mere appearances of nature, as experienced through intuition, in trance states, or during ecstatic mystical visions. Shamans possess healing powers, communicate with the dead and the world beyond, and influence the weather and movements of hunting animals. The psychological exaltation of shamanism trance states is similar to the ecstasies of Yogis, Christian mystics and dervishes. Shamanism: An Introduction traces the development of shamanism in its many fascinating global manifestations. Looking at shamanic...>>

“The Complete and Original Norwegian Folktales of Asbjørnsen and Moe” by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe

"A new, definitive English translation of the celebrated story collection regarded as a landmark of Norwegian literature and culture The extraordinary folktales collected by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe began appearing in Norway in 1841. Over the next two decades the publication of subsequent editions under the title Norske folkeeventyr made the names Asbjørnsen and Moe synonymous with Norwegian storytelling traditions. Tiina Nunnally’s vivid translation of their monumental collection is the first new English translation in more than 150 years—and the first ever to include all sixty original tales. Magic and myth inhabit these pages in figures both familiar and strange. Giant trolls and talking animals are everywhere. The winds take human form. A...>>

“Everything Is Bullshit: The Greatest Scams on Earth Revealed” by Priceonomics (Zachary Crockett et al)

"Many of our society’s most cherished traditions are actually based on historical accident, the profit motives of a few companies, or the agenda of someone who died long ago. A lot of what we believe and do is bullshit, yet we walk around thinking our way of doing things is inherently correct. Why do we exchange diamond engagement rings? Why is wine so expensive? How does art become “art”? Why do so many non-profits want us to donate cars to them? Why does college cost so much? Why do so many pets die in animal shelters? Why is the world the way it is? Everything is Bullshit, by Priceonomics, is an investigation to find the answers."...>>

“The Spirit of Spinoza: Healing the Mind” by Neal Grossman

"BENEDICT SPINOZA was a 17th century philosopher and spiritual psychotherapist. This intellectual self-help book provides important insights from Spinoza's system of thought in a format accessible to the general reader, as well as to those already familiar with his philosophy. By applying his method to our personal lives, we may free ourselves from bondage to our lower emotions and habitual behaviors and thus begin to enjoy the "continuous, supreme, and unending happiness" promised by Spinoza."...>>

“Miracles and Other Realities: The Paranormal Adventures of Thomaz Green Morton, the Most Powerful Psychic in the World” by Lee Pulos and Gary Richman

"Once in a generation, a person of extraordinary psychic powers comes along. Miracles and Other Realities tells the true story of Thomaz Green Morton, a gifted psychic from the Minas Gerais region of Brazil. Originally published in 1990 and now rereleased for a modern audience, Miracles and Other Realities recounts the fascinating story of Thomaz Green Morton and his powerful psychic abilities. This book will turn the heads of scientists, whose traditional acceptance of reality has been limited to that which can be measured objectively, and will introduce to a wider audience the power of mind over matter. Thomaz’s story begins when he is struck by lightning on his twelfth birthday. This electrical insult to his...>>