Magick Matters

21.02.2022

“Protectors and Predators: Gods of Medieval Japan, Volume 2” by Bernard Faure

Magick Matters

"Written by one of the leading scholars of Japanese religion, Protectors and Predators is the second installment of a multivolume project that promises to be a milestone in our understanding of the mythico-ritual system of esoteric Buddhism―specifically the nature and roles of deities in the religious world of medieval Japan and beyond. Bernard Faure introduces readers to medieval Japanese religiosity and shows the centrality of the gods in religious discourse and ritual. Throughout he engages theoretical insights drawn from structuralism, post-structuralism, and Actor-Network Theory to retrieve the “implicit pantheon” (as opposed to the “explicit orthodox pantheon”) of esoteric Japanese Buddhism (Mikkyō). His work is particularly significant given its focus on the deities’ multiple and...>>

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21.02.2022

“The Fluid Pantheon: Gods of Medieval Japan, Volume 1” by Bernard Faure

Magick Matters

"Written by one of the leading scholars of Japanese religion, The Fluid Pantheon is the first installment of a multivolume project that promises to be a milestone in our understanding of the mythico-ritual system of esoteric Buddhism―specifically the nature and roles of deities in the religious world of medieval Japan and beyond. Bernard Faure introduces readers to medieval Japanese religiosity and shows the centrality of the gods in religious discourse and ritual; in doing so he moves away from the usual textual, historical, and sociological approaches that constitute the “method” of current religious studies. The approach considers the gods (including buddhas and demons) as meaningful and powerful interlocutors and not merely as cyphers for...>>

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20.02.2022

“Richard Hittleman’s Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan” by Richard Hittleman

Magick Matters

"Daily, mindful yoga practice is within your reach—no expensive classes necessary—with this classic book with over a million copies in print. Rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit with this essential 28 day yoga program. A book that both inspires and instructs, every day introducing a new 20-to-30-minute routine—for core strengthening, for weight loss, for improving posture and circulation. Includes step-by-step instructions, plus ideas on how to modify stretches for your individual needs and build up tone and strength over time. With yoga expert Richard Hittleman’s guidance, you’ll also learn to deepen and lengthen breath, release tension, and set intentions for health and healing—even quitting smoking. And by completing this accessible, intuitive program, you’ll ease into...>>

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20.02.2022

“Odin and Thor: The Origins, History and Religious Evolution of the Norse Gods” by Jesse Harasta and Charles River Editors

Magick Matters

"A hammer no mortal can lift. A flame-haired fiery storm god. A comic book alien-hero-god who defends humanity. The swastika. Even the name "Thursday" ("Thor's Day"). Despite the virtual disappearance of the indigenous Norse religion and mythology several centuries ago, modern society still regularly encounters the storm god Thor, who continues to be brought back to life in the form of literature and was recently the protagonist in a big-budget Hollywood movie. What is it about this god, out of the hundreds (if not thousands) of deities that were consigned to the dustbin of history by the world’s major religions, that so captures people’s imaginations today? A better understanding of Thor’s appeal can be found...>>

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20.02.2022

“The Satan: How God’s Executioner Became the Enemy” by Ryan E. Stokes

Magick Matters

"Many people today think of Satan as a little red demon with a pointy tail and a pitchfork—but this vision of the devil developed over many centuries and would be foreign to the writers of the Old Testament, where this figure makes his first appearances. The earliest texts that mention the Satan—it is always “the Satan” in the Old Testament—portray him as an agent of Yahweh, serving as an executioner of evildoers. But over the course of time, the Satan came to be regarded more as God’s enemy than God’s agent and was blamed for a host of problems. Biblical scholar Ryan E. Stokes explains the development of the Satan tradition in the Hebrew scriptures...>>

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