13.12.2021

“Philosophy of Mysticism: Raids on the Ineffable” by Richard H. Jones

Magick Matters

"This work is a comprehensive study of the philosophical issues raised by mysticism. Mystics claim to experience reality in a way not available in normal life, a claim which makes this phenomenon interesting from a philosophical perspective. Richard H. Jones's inquiry focuses on the skeleton of beliefs and values of mysticism: knowledge claims made about the nature of reality and of human beings; value claims about what is significant and what is ethical; and mystical goals and ways of life. Jones engages language, epistemology, metaphysics, science, and the philosophy of mind. Methodological issues in the study of mysticism are also addressed. Examples of mystical experience are drawn chiefly from Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta, but...>>

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13.12.2021

“The Western Esoteric Traditions: A Historical Introduction” by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke

Magick Matters

"Western esotericism has now emerged as an academic study in its own right, combining spirituality with an empirical observation of the natural world while also relating the humanity to the universe through a harmonious celestial order. This introduction to the Western esoteric traditions offers a concise overview of their historical development. Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke explores these traditions, from their roots in Hermeticism, Neo-Platonism, and Gnosticism in the early Christian era up to their reverberations in today's scientific paradigms. While the study of Western esotericism is usually confined to the history of ideas, Goodrick-Clarke examines the phenomenon much more broadly. He demonstrates that, far from being a strictly intellectual movement, the spread of esotericism owes a great...>>

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13.12.2021

“Popular Spiritualities: The Politics of Contemporary Enchantment” edited by Lynne Hume and Kathleen McPhillips

Magick Matters

"In our contemporary post-modern world, popular forms of spirituality are increasingly engaging with notions of re-enchantment — of self and community. Not only are narratives of re-enchantment appearing in popular culture at the personal and spiritual level, but also they are often accompanied by a pragmatic approach that calls for political activism and the desire to change the world to incorporate these new ideas. Drawing on case studies of particular groups, including pagans, witches, radical faeries, post-modern tourists, and queer and goddess groups, contributors from Australia, the UK and North America discuss various forms of spirituality and how they contribute to self-knowledge, identity, and community life. The book documents an emerging engagement between new...>>

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13.12.2021

“An Introduction to the Study of Mysticism” by Richard H. Jones

Magick Matters

"The purpose of this book is to fill a gap in contemporary mystical studies: an overview of the basic ways to approach mystical experiences and mysticism. It discusses the problem of definitions of "mystical experiences" and "mysticism" and advances characterizations of "mystical experiences" in terms of certain altered states of consciousness and "mysticism" in terms of encompassing ways of life centered on such experiences and states. Types of mystical experiences, enlightened states, paths, and doctrines are discussed, as is the relation of mystical experiences and mysticism to religions and cultures. The approaches of constructivism, contextualism, essentialism, and perennialism are presented. Themes in the history of the world's major mystical traditions are set forth. Approaches...>>

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13.12.2021

“The Scent of Lemon & Rosemary: Working Domestic Magick with Hestia” by Raechel Henderson

Magick Matters

"Tending the Hearth and Home with the Magickal Energy of Hestia The Scent of Lemon & Rosemary is a fabulous book of magickal spells, crafts, and recipes for each room of your house. Based on the powerful energy and mythos of the goddess Hestia, these magickal activities and workings can be practiced by anyone, regardless of spiritual orientation. Magick themes and techniques abound―love and transformation in the kitchen, communication and friendship in the living room, purification and health in the bathroom, prosperity and sleep in the bedroom, and protection at the threshold. You will discover recipes for food magick as well as tips for creating your own green cleaning supplies. Author Raechel Henderson also includes hands-on...>>

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