History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

Impeccable scholarship, inspiring information
transcendent authorship

Buddhist Goddesses of India
Miranda Shaw
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0691127581

Book Description

The Indian Buddhist world abounds with goddesses--voluptuous tree spirits, maternal nurturers, potent healers and protectors, transcendent wisdom figures, cosmic mothers of liberation, and dancing female Buddhas. Despite their importance in Buddhist thought and practice, these female deities have received relatively little scholarly attention, and no comprehensive study of the female pantheon has been available. Buddhist Goddesses of India is the essential and definitive guide to divinities that, as Miranda Shaw writes, "operate from transcendent planes of bliss and awareness for as long as their presence may benefit living beings."

Beautifully illustrated, the book chronicles the histories, legends, and artistic portrayals of nineteen goddesses and several related human figures and texts. Drawing on a sweeping range of material, from devotional poetry and meditation manuals to rituals and artistic images, Shaw reveals the character, powers, and practice traditions of the female divinities. Interpretations of intriguing traits such as body color, stance, hairstyle, clothing, jewelry, hand gestures, and handheld objects lend deep insight into the symbolism and roles of each goddess.

In addition to being a comprehensive reference, this book traces the fascinating history of these goddesses as they evolved through the early, Mahayana, and Tantric movements in India and found a place in the pantheons of Tibet and Nepal.

Customer Reviews:

Impeccable scholarship, inspiring information.......2007-10-09

This magnum opus will remain a serious resource for information about Buddhist Goddesses of India for decades. The scholarship is impeccable. Not only does it bring numerous texts and information into English for the first time, it explicates vast amounts of material loaded with insightful interpretations that only an expert authority can provide. This text will also reward those seeking inspiration from the Buddhist pantheon of goddesses. The prose is lyrical, compelling, and transports the reader into the powerful and colorful worlds of these ancient goddesses.

transcendent authorship.......2007-10-05

Ms. Shaw is an impeccable scholar whose transcendent writing captures the imagination. This inspired text is a compilation of unparalled research on an amazing array of Buddhist deities. Beautiful book.

Ancient Mirrors of Womanhood: A Treasury of Goddess and Heroine Lore from Around the World

Average customer rating:

A little difficult to understand at times...
As important to us as the bible is to christians!!!
long on social politics, short on scholarship
This book should be passed from Mother to Daughter!
This book should be passed from mother to daughter...

Ancient Mirrors of Womanhood: A Treasury of Goddess and Heroine Lore from Around the World
Merlin Stone
Manufacturer: Beacon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0807067512

Book Description

Updated with a new Preface

This collection of ancient images of women as goddesses and heroines brings together legends, rituals, and prayers from China, Celtic Europe, South America, Africa, India, North America, Scandinavia, Japan, and elsewhere.

"Every feminist should have a copy of Ancient Mirrors. . . . These are stories to grow up with."
-Sojourner

Customer Reviews:

A little difficult to understand at times..........2002-10-04

But worth the time spent trying. This is a wonderful resource that enlightens one to the many modern echoes of these ancient voices.

When reading this book as a teen in college, I had a tough time understanding and thus appreciating the poetry and songs. Having passed 30, I have a much different appreciation.

The book's best feature is its focus on ALL the cultures of the ancient world. I don't think a single geographic area is left out. The benefit to this expansive look, besides multi-cultural accessibility, are the easily seen commonalities and relationships of varying goddess images & lore. This book gives one a totally different perspective on where our current culture came from.

As important to us as the bible is to christians!!!.......2002-09-26

this is a beautufil gift that ms. stone has given the Goddess community and i for one will be forever grateful.this is not a history book. it is a holy book. the myth and poetry that ms. stone has birthed touches the soul.the subtitle of this book is "a treasury of goddess and heroine lore from around the world" and it truly is a treasury. the scope of the book is incredible. it brings is the stories of the well known goddesses and the stories of goddesses who we may never had heard of before.another reviewer says that ms. stone is not a good scholar. i am not sure why that person would have read this book. it is clear from the writing that the author is providing histories that are not found in your average history book. she is presenting an alternative. she offers the history that acomapanies each region section as possiblities. history is an art and not a science. if you are satisfied with the so-called "original sources" that were gathered by, translated by, edited by white christian men and believe that they are totally unbiased--then why buy this book. ... but if you are a person who understands that you don't know everything, this book is easy to love. it is not terribly outrageous, and the historical background it provides is just as valid as any other. ms. stone never presents them as the ultimate truth but rather offers us information that has been kept from us, because others found it unimportant.but this is ultimatly not a history book. it is a book of myth. it is beautifully written. if is full of reverence. it takes the goddesses seriously. it is powerful. and i can't recommend it more highly.

long on social politics, short on scholarship.......2000-05-15

Merlin Stone, a good writer, but not such a good scholar I'm afraid. If one wants to feel good about goddesses and about women, by all means read this book. If one wants information about goddesses in specific or citations to other scholarship, don't look to this book. Interpretations can be amusing when one has read the primary sources and knows about the cultures she looks at to a deep degree. Much better for the layperson or someone looking for positive female strokes than for a student or scholar.

This book should be passed from Mother to Daughter!.......1999-12-08

I checked this book out from the library twice. When I couldn't check it out the third time, I bought it! I have used it as a source of inspiration, by just opening it up at any point and reading. Becoming dear friends with the goddesses in this book, if I had to choose three favorite books, this would be one!

This book should be passed from mother to daughter..........1999-05-01

Ancient Mirrors of Womanhood

Product Description

Throughout history, humans have pondered the question of their existence. In nearly every society, part of the answer has included some form of god or goddess who was involved in the creation of their universe or controlled some aspect of it. For the Mayans, one such deity was Ajtzak, who tried to create humans from wood; for the Yorubas of Africa, Shango was the storm god who controlled the thunder and lightning. The Chinese of the Shang dynasty era worshipped Shang Ti, their supreme god. Evil deities were also part of the answer, as in the case of the Kuvera, the Hindu chief of evil in the Vedic period, and Tu, the Persian or Islamic demon of fatal accidents. All of the known ancient gods, many heretofore obscure or known only from mythological literature, are included in this exhaustive reference work. The focus is on their origins, histories, and functions. The people who believed in each deity are identified, along with alternate names or spellings both old and modern. The descriptions that follow are of the functions, origins and physical nature of the deities. In many cases, entries include other deities, often in other societies or cultures, that are similar. Extensive cross references are provided for alternate spellings and names.

Customer Reviews:

The Work of A LifeTime.......2001-03-19

Charles Coulter had a passion for the Gods. For 10 years, he collectedbooks, magazines, reference material and devoured all the informationabout the dieties of the ancient worlds.

Coulter painstakinglycataloged and cross-referenced every bit of information about theGods. Many times, he would find stories and references about Godsunder a variety of names - but he was able to identify them as thesame diety. So, often, you'll be able to see if your favorite mythicalgod had counterparts in other cultures and other lands.

This reallywas the work of a lifetime. When he finished the book and selected theart for the cover, Chuck decided that he was too ill to go on. And hewent to join the Gods.

The book was published two years after hisdeath.

What a great place to start exploring the foundation oftoday's cultures, societies and frames of reference.

Oh yes, alongthe way, Chuck's sense of humor being irrepressible, he wrote a totalspoof about the romping of the gods in modern-day Greece - if you wantto laugh out loud while you're reading, pick up a copy of 'Ponce'sFountain" (and NO, it is not totally out of print. His wife stillhas about 100 copies, plus about 30 that were autographed before Chuckdied.)

The Work of A LifeTime.......2001-03-19

Charles Coulter had a passion for the Gods. For 10 years, he collected books, magazines, reference material and devoured all the information about the dieties of the ancient worlds.

Coulter painstakingly cataloged and cross-referenced every bit of information about the Gods. Many times, he would find stories and references about Gods under a variety of names - but he was able to identify them as the same diety. So, often, you'll be able to see if your favorite mythical god had counterparts in other cultures and other lands.

This really was the work of a lifetime. When he finished the book and selected the art for the cover, Chuck decided that he was too ill to go on. And he went to join the Gods.

The book was published two years after his death.

What a great place to start exploring the foundation of today's cultures, societies and frames of reference.

Customer Reviews:

This is the book that got me serious,.......2007-08-01

I was given this book, by an aquaintance. One of those people that shows up in your life, helps you and moves on. I'd always been interested in Witchcraft, but never did anything about it. I look upon this book as a resource, it does give some ritual and pathworkings, but more than that it is an encyclopedic reference to the Celtic pantheon and is a great book to pique the interest and imagination of those interested in the Celtic branch of the craft. I keep my dog eared copy on the book shelf with pride.

Good for those who thrive on tripe.......2006-12-05

Slapping the name Celtic on a book title does not make it so. This is just another of many psuedo-magic fluff and nonsense wiccan wannabe books mass produced to fill the troughs of those who would rather preen and put on a veneer. This book is merely a rehash of rehash cloaked in bright blessings and make believe fairy dust. A great book for posuers and those who would rather make up things than actually build on foundations of true believers. Chalk up another one for those out to inflate their egos or make a quick buck.

Great introduction to the subject-a usable workbook.......2006-11-08

In an arena that has produced tension between those who seek to rebuild 'Celtic' like a static museum display and those who strain to hear the voice of the Lady and the Lord in their Celtic mileu, this book is a valuable tool to really get to the heart of Celtic spirtuality.

Far removed from the camp of those practioners who want everything they do or believe backed up by archeology and literature, Edain McCoy's book is about understanding the spirit of the Tuatha Dé Danann (children of the goddess Danu)by understanding the mythology, how it evolved, and how it can work for us today. I realize that Celtic reconstructionists may balk at this, but this is about the voices we hear today, in a living faith, not a hair-splitting treatise on just what was the 'hero's portion' on a roasat pig.

The book has several pathworking journeys to get you started on guided meditations with Celtic dieties and heroes, guides to celebrating the sabbats and esbats, indexed lisitngs of goddesses and gods, and a vast list of correspondences that would make Aleister Crowley proud.

For those of us who want to work with the living God & Goddess, this book is an essential. Easy to dive into, it rewards careful study and will continue to be a valuable reference in the future. I first read it about two years ago, and it was pivitol in redefining my magickal path to a beautiful and enriching journey.

A surprising helpful book.......2006-01-25

It isn't often that modern Celtic practitioners, especially those of a more scholastic leaning, praise any book by Llywellyn. Most of their books seem geared to cash in on whatever is the current rage in occultism and the publisher seems to be the last stop for some writers who could not get published elsewhere. But every once in a while, the publisher does get something right and that is the case here. While McCoy is not to be praised for her depth of scholarship, she is to be acknowledged for her wealth of practical, working, magickal knowledge as presented here. For those working on learning mental discipline, Chapter Two presents a wealth of usable knowledge about meditation and attunement to energies which I have not seen so clearly presented before. While the Pathworking exercises are too long to be practical for a single session, they are interesting introductions to this technique. The rituals are basic Wiccan, but she clearly says so and urges the practitioner to write their own. And, finally, the dictionary of Celtic myths and legends contain hundreds of useful entries, more than I have ever seen anywhere, and not only give the bare bones of their myth, but presents how they can be used in ritual and magick, something dryer texts never mention. Most books I read and get a little knowledge from, but then they go to the book shelf of things I have already read, likely never to be opened again. This book will be one of the few that I will keep as a reference and close by, so that I can work with more of a plethora of deities with more confidence and more results.

Yes, it DOES matter.......2004-01-16

Those of you who don't think that there is anything particularly wrong with just how much McCoy errs in this book dishonour the very people that you only claim to honour. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves...but not half so much as McCoy for tossing out this rubbish just to make a quick quid by riding the newest wave of 'Celtomania'.

The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe: Myths and Cult Images, New and Updated Edition

Average customer rating:

Poor sweethearts
important work in the field of archeology
misinterpretative madness
Don't expect eye appeal
Not so dusty archaeology

The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe: Myths and Cult Images, New and Updated Edition
Marija Gimbutas
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0520046552

Customer Reviews:

Poor sweethearts.......2005-04-06

It's so interesting how panicked some men get when they "read" Gimbutas. Here's just one example -- from a terrified reviewer of this book:

"...It is *nonsense*, pure and simple ... Gimbutas is trapped in the *foolish* ideology of the "great goddess", a *pathetic* ... reflex of contemporary political obsession.... leave it to Wiccans and other *ignorami*."

One wonders what credentials this reviewer had to use such vocabulary about a world-renowned and highly respected prehistorian? As a prehistorian myself, I have yet to meet anyone who has read Gimbutas completely. Every single one of her detractors has shown a misunderstanding of, or an incomplete understanding of her work. She is not easy to read or understand; I find this true even with my archaeological background. But if you don't read all of her, you just won't "get it."

important work in the field of archeology.......2004-02-06

In this book, Gimbutas lays out what will become the field of archaeomythology - breaking the archaelogical taboo of reconstructing ancient culture, and expanding the boundaries of archaeology. The work is controversial and at times over-reaches itself in drawing far-reaching conclusions from existing archaeological evidence. However, this doesn't make the work any less important.

Gimbutas was a pioneer in her field, and challenged the traditional concepts we have of the origins of Western civilization. While her assertions may seem fantastical and absurd to some, they are worth exploring. Scholars in the field of anthropology have already begun to realize that women played a far larger role as hunters in early societies, and Gimbutas's work paved the way for scholars to allow the thought of an expanded role from what we perceive as traditional female gender roles.

Whether you agree with her work or not, this book and others by Gimbutas are worth reading. Her theories are thought-provoking and ground-breaking, and based on years of careful research by a reknowned and respected scholar. As a scholar, I find that my opinions lie somewhere between Gimbutas and traditional ideas of the development of Western civilization - but as a scholar I also find her work incredibly important and worth reading.

misinterpretative madness.......2003-10-25

When I first read this book, it confirmed a feeling I had then: that archaeologists should be forbidden by law to make any attempt at culture history. It is nonsense, pure and simple; a wild attempt at inventing a "matriarchalist" past for Europe that ignores even its own evidence. To give one instance of its lunacy, it argues that war only entered Gimbutas' imagined "Old European" culture with the evil patriarchalist Indo-Europeans and their steppe-bred war axes... and then goes on to tell us that wooden palisades (that is, FORTIFICATIONS) were a regular feature of "Old European" settlements! What were they meaning to keep out, wolves? Gimbutas' archaeological work is not without value, but when it comes to interpreting it, a moron or a politician could do better. She simply is trapped in the foolish ideology of the "great goddess", a pathetic though unortunately popular reflex of contemporary political obsession. Luckily, I have since found out that some archaeologists (for instance, Filippo Coarelli) DO read and understand anthropology, culture history, comparative sociology, etc. - but as for this sort of stuff, leave it to Wiccans and other ignorami.

Don't expect eye appeal.......2001-04-18

Neolithic art is, at best, dissapointing. Facial features weren't very important in the Neolithic and the statues shown uniformly have undersized little pinheads. Many have no recognizable facial features at all. With the modern emphasis on the human face, modern viewers will find little connection to these statues.

Partially what determines form is the medium. Ceramic breaks when it falls. Top heavy statues fell to their destruction quickly, and people learned to make bottom heavy statues if they wanted them to last. Hence lots of photos of squat, bottom-heavy statues that sit stable on a shelf. No heads or arms, just enormous kneeling thighs for these paper weights. Many photos show the heads and arms broke off anyway.

Those looking to be swept away by the mythic beauty of powerful goddesses will be disappointed. Those looking for Neolithic Europe as it really was will find it copiously filled with photographs and drawings.

Not so dusty archaeology.......1998-04-07

Amazing art and sculptures from neolithic Europe. Worthy of Henry Moore. I would love to know where I could get replicas of the sorrowful god / goddess sculptures. Fascinating discoveries about the origins of the ancient greek religion. A must for anyone interested in European mythology

Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Reference Work

Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt
Geraldine Pinch
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0195170245

Book Description

From stories of resurrected mummies and thousand-year-old curses to powerful pharaohs and the coveted treasures of the Great Pyramids, ancient Egypt has had an unfaltering grip on the modern imagination. Now, in Egyptian Mythology, Geraldine Pinch offers a comprehensive introduction that untangles the mystery of Egyptian Myth. Spanning Ancient Egyptian culture--from 3200 BC to AD 400--Pinch opens a door to this hidden world and casts light on its often misunderstood belief system. She discusses the nature of myths and the history of Egypt, from the predynastic to the postpharaonic period. She explains how Egyptian culture developed around the flooding of the Nile, or the "inundation," a phenomenon on which the whole welfare of the country depended, and how aspects of the inundation were personified as deities. She explains that the usually cloudless skies made for a preoccupation with the stars and planets. Indeed, much early Egyptian mythology may have developed to explain the movement of these celestial bodies. She provides a timeline covering the seven stages in the mythical history of Egypt and outlining the major events of each stage, such as the reign of the sun God. A substantial A to Z section covers the principal themes and concepts of Egyptian mythology as well as the most important deities, demons, and other characters. For anyone who wants to know about Anubis, the terrifying canine god who presided over the mummification of bodies and guarded burials, or Hathor, the golden goddess who helped women to give birth and the dead to be reborn, or an explanation of the nun, the primeval ocean from which all life came, Egyptian Mythology is the place to look.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Reference Work.......2006-04-19

This book is a great reference work, with detailed researh and opinions based on a deep knowledge of the life, work and religious traditions of Ancient Egypt.

I love Geraldine Pinch's work, so maybe I am biased, but there is in my opinion no better work available today that provides as much information and insights on the Gods, Goddesses and spiritual ways of Ancient Egypt.

Thus, I recommend this book to all and sundry who are interested in the spirituality, magic and life of ancient Egypt, without reservation. A great book!

The Elements of the Goddess (The "Elements of..." Series)

Average customer rating:

Concise, helpful

The Elements of the Goddess (The "Elements of..." Series)
Caitlin Matthews
Manufacturer: Element Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1862041474

Customer Reviews:

Concise, helpful.......2005-08-12

Matthews, who has published over 30 titles on the Western Way, Celtic spirituality and goddess worship, can be counted on for consistently thoughtful, original, scholarly and yet immediately readable books. While this book in the compact "Elements of" series is not one of her best known, it nevertheless rewards careful study and re-reading. Though it is intended as an "introductory" text, there is much here that a more experienced devotee can benefit from as well. In addition to providing numerous stories from many cultures that reveal valuable insights and paths to the Goddess, Matthews includes exercises, visualizations, images, questions and challenges to help readers find their own way. "There is no virtue in the written word unless it can be translated into real experience." She also notes that the challenge of working "within existent Goddess religions" makes us "realize that there may be symbolic and cultural problems which we had not considered. It takes a very long time to be symbolically at home within a religion whose cultural basis is different from our own." And with her characteristic insight and balance, the author disposes of much careless thinking that confuses gender, sex and polarity. "Energies, by nature, have no gender: love, strength, insight, justice or protection being neither more nor less suitable to men than to women." What I find of greatest value is Matthews' discussion of nine potent aspects of the Goddess: Energizer, Measurer, Protector, Initiator, Challenger, Deliverer, Weaver, Preserver, and Empowerer. With illustrations of each of these drawn from Christianity, Celtic religion, Hinduism, Buddhism, Native American religions and many other sources, Matthews helps readers discover how to perceive their spiritual purpose, establish a personal connection to the Divine Feminine, and become aware of and enter the Temple of the Goddess. She suggests ways to make a Goddess rosary, offers some lovely examples of prayers and invocations, and cites numerous quotations from worldwide sources to show the pervasive presence of the Goddess throughout history. "What is written in these pages is necessarily very condensed, due to the format of this series, but with consistent and devoted meditation on the Goddess, you will be able to prove-or disprove-this material for yourself."

Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green World (Llewellyn's Celtic Wisdom Series)

Average customer rating:

The very best of Irish Celtic magical traditions
a very beautiful book
Not a favourite
Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green World
awesome

Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green World (Llewellyn's Celtic Wisdom Series)
Stephen Blamires
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Wicca | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Witchcraft | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Celtic | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Goddesses | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Magic | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Alchemy | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Fairy Tales | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1567180698

Customer Reviews:

The very best of Irish Celtic magical traditions.......2005-03-24

"Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green World" by Steve Blamires is one of the best resources in print when you're beginning Irish Celtic magick, but only if you are truly serious about this. This isn't a "fluff" book. It's a thorough summary of Irish Celtic magickal traditions in the context of real, documented history.

This is something that sets Irish Celtic (and pre-Celtic) traditions apart from the others: Ireland was not conquered by the Romans, so its oral and written history remain intact and undiluted. The Tuatha De Danann aren't fanciful mythology but real, documented beings--"gods and not gods"--who are still a rich (and active) part of Irish traditions.

Fluff and fantasy are fine. In fact, I often recommend choosing the fun path to faerie and Celtic magick because it is so beautiful and inspiring.

However, when you want to roll your sleeves up and get into what we know has been real in Irish magickal traditions for thousands of years, there is no better starting point than "Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green World."

Mr. Blamires' researching is impressive, and he quotes many important Irish historical sources. Few neo-Celtic authors have Mr. Blamires' academic background, which is why--in my opinion--this book is head-and-shoulders above most lighter treatments of this subject.

"Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green World" provides a complete array of other resources, too, including maps, biographies, pronunciation guides. Mr. Blamires offers insightful discussions about the contexts of these stories, as well as the points that are disputed or open to personal interpretation.

In "Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green World," Mr. Blamires provides an almost overwhelming wealth of vital information for anyone who is interested in Celtic magick and ritual. From attitudes to beliefs, from tools to actual rituals, this book is a complete and practical course in Celtic traditions.

If you can buy only one book for your Irish/Celtic (and pre-Celtic) magickal practices, this is your best choice. In fact, if you're serious about Irish traditions, start with this book. "Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green World" may be the only book you'll ever need for your Irish Celtic magickal studies.

*Important note: Glamoury has recently been republished by Llewellyn Books as "Magic of the Celtic Otherworld." No matter which title is on the bookcover, this is still an important book for anyone who is serious about Irish Celtic magickal traditions.

--reviewed by Fiona Broome for "Celtic Lore & Magic"

a very beautiful book.......2002-05-19

Some reviewers have made some ill-informed, yet critical, comments how this book is about wicca rather than authentic druidry, and then how it doesn't kow tow to the feminist wiccan agenda. I am writing as an initiate in a traditional British Druid society. It must be understood that what is known of the old Druid practices is somewhat sparse; Druidry was subjected to corrosive forces for more than 2000 years. While there are some significant differences between them, there are distinct parallels between the Druid traditions and what is now called Wicca. It must be understood that Druidry evolved over many millenia, and that it changed its focus more than once. It was never something fixed, uniform and stable. Too many people want to think of it as being something that was immutable. Well, it ain't so; to think like that is sentimental and smacks of a nostalgia for something that never was. Among other things, there was a major change in the general Druid tradition at about the 6th century BC. It also must be understood that there were many variants of Druidry, as there were many tribes and many royal lineages. Druidry at one time was the spiritual culture of Gaul, Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Scotland. In these lands, different languages were spoke and different gods and goddesses were recognised. To criticise Blamires' book on the basis that it isn't real Druidry therefore is sheer nonsense. Blamires' books are excellent. His exercises give the sincere readers wonderful opportunities to develope their inner world. Perhaps he will have learned something from the rather arrogant and ignorant criticisms of some of his readers and write a book containing exercises for the elimination of self-importance. For all those who love the Irish culture and Druidry, Blamires' books are not to be overlooked.

Not a favourite.......2001-07-23

While information is thorough and sound, I found it rather interesting that Mr. Blamires had nothing good to say about any of the female deities. I am not a dianic or feminist witch - I worship both the Goddess and the God. However, I was slightly offended at the way in which he treated the Goddess in this book. Perhaps Mr. Blamires did not mean it to come across that way, but his book is the least favourite in my library. There is nothing in this book that you cannot find in another book dealing with celtic culture, religion and magick.

Glamoury: Magic of the Celtic Green World.......2001-07-08

Overall, this book gives a decent accounting of Celtic myths and Deities. However, since it pushes a four directional ritual, it is really nothing more than a highly Celtified version of Wicca. There is nothing wrong with Wicca per se, but it is not what the ancient Celts practiced. What is known as Wicca today was developed in the 1950's by Gerald Gardner. Despite this misleading four directional approach, the author has come up with some good material. But it should be remembered that the rituals are not strictly Celtic and reflect modern Wiccan practice. The good information on the stories and figures of Celtic religion is what makes me give this 3 stars. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother with it. It is not traditionally Celtic.

awesome.......2000-07-21

this is book has awesome exercises to enter and work with deities and other beings in the otherworld. it is really good book on the irish celts as well,my only problem is that the author,seems to have my way is the only way attitude.

Average customer rating:

goddess around the earth
Beautiful Introduction to Goddess Lore
fantastic
Great mythology
Beautiful!

Goddesses: A World of Myth and Magic
Burleigh Muten
Manufacturer: Barefoot Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Reference & Nonfiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Science | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1841480754

Customer Reviews:

goddess around the earth.......2007-07-24

I beautiful picture book of brief information about the different goddess,but overall a nice book to add to your other "goddess" collection.
Gail Howell

Beautiful Introduction to Goddess Lore.......2006-05-17

Truely lovely illustrations accompany the entries in this book to make it a great introduction to a wide variety of goddesses from all across the world.

fantastic.......2005-07-07

Absolutely stunning illustrations by my favorite living artist, and fantastic information about each goddess. The seller sent the book out very quickly and it was in perfect condition.

Great mythology.......2005-01-15

This is a great book if you're insterested in mythology. Although it could've been more complete, since it gives little information about each goddess, the fact that there are goddesses from so many cultures really makes up for it.
The best has to be the artwork by Rebecca Guay. Sometimes you can't imagine how the goddess is from the lifeless description, but Rebecca makes up for it. Her drawings are excellent and very detailed. I wish there was one for each goddess but, you can't have it all! :)

Beautiful!.......2004-05-24

Beautiful illustrations, coupled with concise, informative overviews of each goddess listed. A wonderful celebration of powerful women, and worth the money simply for the pictures. A good buy for anyone interested in mythology.

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