Ancient Traditions

The Chinese double-edged straight sword (jian), the “gentleman of weapons,” is the focus of this e-book. There are a growing number of people interested in this fascinating weapon, its history, and its use. For your convenience, this anthology assembles the best articles on this subject as published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts. Chapters 1 and 2 were written by Dr. Richard Pegg, a scholar of Asian studies and art curator with over thirty years of studies in the martial arts. With sound academic and practical experience in swordsmanship, Dr. Pegg writes here on ancient Chinese ...

Unlock the Door to the Mystical and the Profound What if you could access the sacred forces that shape the universe and tap into timeless wisdom that transforms your soul? Divine Connection is your gateway to a deeper understanding of the cosmos and your place within it. This two-in-one book unites the practical sacred rituals of Theurgy for Beginners with the philosophical beauty of Sophiology for Beginners, offering an unparalleled guide to spiritual enlightenment and divine harmony. Your Journey Begins Here Discover the ancient practices that connect humanity with the divine and the ...

Jason and the Golden Fleece is one of the finest tales of Ancient Greece, an epic journey of adventure and trial standing beside similar stories of Perseus, Theseus and the Labours of Heracles. The finest classic account comes from Apollonius of Rhodes, the Greek poet of the 3rd century BCE and librarian at Alexandria. Though less well-known than Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, and much shorter, it is an epic poem which is both exciting and moving, with remarkably vivid portraits of the main characters, Jason and Medea.

Make no mistake, the sacred gods are active. The African continent is home to ancestors, sacred deities, and diverse cultures. Among them is the Yoruba tradition, one of Africa’s most powerful societies. Standing the test of time and thriving against extinction, the Yoruba culture is one of the few African cultures that have crossed the vast oceans and continue to thrive today. Devotees spend their lives under the sacred guiding influence of the gods and are open to sharing the secrets of Orisha with those who seek knowledge.

Set off on a remarkable family adventure through Switzerland and Italy with Alpine Dreams and Tuscan Sunsets. This captivating travel narrative chronicles a self-planned journey across two of Europe's most enchanting destinations. This book paints a vivid portrait of breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures, and unforgettable experiences, from the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps to the sunlit vineyards of Tuscany. Embark on meticulously planned excursions, each offering a unique experience. From the charm of Swiss towns like Lucerne and Interlaken to the artistic grandeur of Rome and...

Drawing directly from the actual surviving Icelandic books of magic, Stephen Flowers presents a complete system of magic based on Icelandic lore and magical practices from the 16th century onward. He explores the history of magic in Iceland in pagan and early Christian times and reveals specific practical techniques and ritual templates that readers can adapt to their unique purposes. Illustrating traditional Icelandic magical practices and the Icelanders’ attitudes toward them, he shares original translations of Icelandic folktales.

"Gods & Goddesses: The Evolution of Human Spirituality” is an enlightening exploration of humanity’s evolving relationship with the divine, tracing the development of religious practices, deities, and spiritual movements across millennia. From the earliest animistic beliefs of prehistoric societies to the rise of monotheistic faiths, this book delves into the core of human spirituality, examining how ancient gods, rituals, and philosophies laid the foundation for modern religious and spiritual practices. Through a blend of historical analysis and cultural insight, the book explores the ...

Tracing the migrations of the Denisovans and their interbreeding with Neanderthals and early human populations in Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas, Andrew Collins and Greg Little explore how the new mental capabilities of the Denisovan-Neanderthal and Denisovan-human hybrids greatly accelerated the flowering of human civilization over 40,000 years ago. They show how the Denisovans displayed sophisticated advances, including precision-machined stone tools and jewelry, tailored clothing, celestially-aligned architecture, and horse domestication.

Shamanism is humanity’s oldest spiritual tradition. In much of the Western world, the indigenous pre-Christian spiritual practices have been lost. Yet at the northern fringes of Europe, Christianity did not displace the original shamanic practices until the end of the Viking age. Reconstructing the shamanic practices of the hunter-gatherers of Scandinavia, Evelyn Rysdyk explores the evolution of Norse shamanism from its earliest female roots to the pre-Christian Viking Age.

A tutorial on the ancient practice of limpias to heal the mind, body, and soul.

Amazons - fierce warrior women dwelling on the fringes of the known world - were the mythic archenemies of the ancient Greeks. Heracles and Achilles displayed their valor in duels with Amazon queens, and the Athenians reveled in their victory over a powerful Amazon army. In historical times, Cyrus of Persia, Alexander the Great, and the Roman general Pompey tangled with Amazons.

Dive into the mystical world of ancient Japan and uncover its incredible deities, mythical creatures, and heroic tales, even if you're new to folklore! Are you fascinated by Japan's rich culture and history?Discover captivating tales of Shinto gods, Yōkai, and legendary heroes that shape Japan's cultural heritage.

A long time ago, in a suburban high school not so far away, a closeted nerd (me) and a closeted soccer star (Hutch) fell in love and planned to make their public debut at prom. Until Hutch bailed at the last minute, leaving me with a broken heart and unworn tuxedo. Tale as old as time, right? I spent the past ten years working to forget Hutch, returning to our old high school to teach and make new memories that could erase ones of him. I thought Hutch was ancient history, off living his professional athlete life.

Classical Mythology A to Z is a comprehensive and engrossing guide to Greek and Roman mythology. Written by Annette Giesecke, PhD, Professor of Classics and Chair of Ancient Greek and Roman Studies at the University of Delaware, this brilliant reference offers clear explanations of every character and locale, and captures the essence of these timeless tales.

In Romancing the Heart of the Volcano, volcanologist Elena Pinto arrives in Indonesia to decode deadly signals from Mount Merapi—but her mission is shaken by Reza Dharma, a temple guardian bound to ancient traditions. As lava stirs and tensions rise, Elena and Reza must bridge science and faith—while resisting a growing attraction neither expected. Amid secrets, eruptions, and betrayal, love may be their only chance to survive the fire threatening to consume everything they hold dear.

The first robot to walk the earth was a bronze giant called Talos. This wondrous machine was created not by MIT Robotics Lab, but by Hephaestus, the Greek god of invention, more than 2,500 years ago. In this groundbreaking account of the earliest expressions of the timeless impulse to create artificial life, Adrienne Mayor tells the fascinating story of how ancient Greek, Roman, Indian, and Chinese myths envisioned artificial life, automata, self-moving devices, and human enhancements - and how these visions relate to and reflect the ancient invention of real animated machines.

The Argonautica, also known as Jason and the Golden Fleece or Jason and the Argonauts, is the only surviving epic poem from Hellenistic Greece. It is a masterpiece whose story was well known to the audiences of the time. Virgil and other later poets were greatly influenced by it. Its author, Apollonius, was a well-known third century BC scholar living in Alexandria during the great age of Ptolomaic scholarship, and his bold attempt at writing a Homeric epic about Jason and his quest for the Golden Fleece faced a daunting audience of knowledgeable contemporaries.

Discover a world where ancient secrets and mystical power collide in The Jade Amulet. When a mysterious relic surfaces from the depths of history, its otherworldly allure awakens a forgotten destiny and unleashes forces beyond imagination. In this spellbinding tale, a reluctant hero embarks on a perilous journey through treacherous lands and time-worn legends. Pursued by dark forces and betrayed by those closest to him, he must decipher cryptic clues, brave enchanted realms, and confront his own inner demons to unlock the amulet’s true power. Steeped in rich historical intrigue and ...

Unlock the secrets of two ancient faiths with "Samaritanism and Karaite Judaism: A Journey Through Time." This compelling 2-in-1 volume combines "Samaritanism: A Beginner's Guide" and "Karaite Judaism for Beginners," offering an unparalleled exploration into these fascinating traditions. Dive into the heart of history, belief, and culture with a guide that will captivate your mind and soul. Journey through history: Unveil the origins and evolution of Samaritanism and Karaite Judaism, tracing their unique paths through centuries of change. Understand how these faiths have stood the test of ...

Melanin, a chemical released from the pineal gland of your brain, is the answer to it all. This seemingly magical component of who you are is in many ways the origin of your conscious expansion, and none of it would be possible without the sun! Melanin exists beyond just your own body and can in fact be found in all corners of the universe. It is the driving power that connects all living and nonliving things. The secret that these ancient tribes hold, the one that allows them so much peace and serenity, isn’t actually a secret after all.