Diana L. Paxson

Odin is arguably one of the most enigmatic and complex characters in Norse mythology. Revered since the Viking Age, Odin has been called the greatest of the gods--the god of words and wisdom, runes and magic, a transformer of consciousness, and a trickster who teaches truth. He is both war god and poetry god, and he is the Lord of Ravens, the All- Father, and the rune master. Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic is the first book on Odin that is both historically sourced and accessible to a general audience. It explores Odin's origins, his appearances in sagas, old magic spells, and the Poetic Edda, and his influence on modern media, such as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Each chapter features suggestions for rituals, exercises, and music, so readers can comprehend and become closer to this complicated god. Author Diana Paxson, an expert on Viking-era mythology, provides a complete portrait of Odin and draws on both scholarship and experience to provide context, resources, and guidance for those who are drawn to work with the Master of Ecstasy today.

A practical guide to the lost art of lot-casting, an ancient Hebrew system used for divination, healing, blessing, cursing, magic, meditation, and spiritual interaction. Lots are an ancient Hebrew form of divination and magic. A set of lots contains twenty-two small discs with each one bearing one of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In a manner similar to runes, these lots are then cast and interpreted. Though lots were once so common that explanations of how to cast them were unnecessary, over the centuries their methods and uses fell into disuse. Author and seer Elisheva Nesher has reconstructed the ancient art of lot casting for modern times. Casting Lots contains explanations for each of the twenty-two lots, exploring their meanings, both mystical and mundane. It also includes detailed instructions on how to cast as well as craft your own set of lots. In addition to divination, Casting Lots explores the magical gifts of the lots, such as healing, blessing, and cursing, as well as how to use them to contact and interact with the Hebrew spirits, such as Asherah. (A brief guide is included for those unfamiliar with these spirits.)Casting Lots is a complete instruction manual for mastering the art of lot casting.

A popular in-depth exploration of the runes, reissued with a new chapter on rune divination, now part of the Weiser Classics series. Diana Paxson has distilled her years of experience working with the runes and teaching others into this one definitive sourcework. In a series of chapters dealing with rune pairs, readers will learn the historical meaning of each individual rune and its use and meaning now, in contemporary culture. But as Paxson shares, the real power of the runes comes from internalizing them and using their symbols as sources of wisdom and strength. At the end of each chapter introducing and exploring the pairs of runes are rituals and spells for all levels of ability that help internalize the attributions, meanings, symbolism, and use of the runes. Further study in part two of the book expands the use of the runes in divination, guided meditations, and song. Everything regarding runes is covered in this definitive workbook, from the history of runes and how to make your own rune sets to how to work with them on a psychic, spiritual, and magical level.

Newly repackaged and updated with a new foreword by the author, this popular guide to Norse mythology is sure to please fans of Neil Gaiman, the popular tv show "The Vikings," the hit Marvel films featuring Odin and Thor, and the widespread Wicca and Heathen community. A journey to fulfillment and renewal. In Essential Asatru, renowned author and priestess Diana Paxson demystifies an ancient, rich, and often misunderstood religion, and offers a practical guide for its modern followers. Filled with clear, concise instructions on living Asatru every day, this truly accessible guide takes you on a journey from Asatru's origins in Scandinavian and German paganism to its acceptance as an official religion in the 1970s. The book also includes: -A complete history of Asatru gods and goddesses, including Odin, Thor, and Ostara-The life values, such as honor, truth, fidelity, and hospitality, that shape Asatru's tenets-Indispensable information on rituals, rune casting, ethics, and divinationThis is an elegant and splendid introduction to a centuries-old religion that continues to enrich and fascinate its followers today. With a new foreword by the author

Death hounds, shape shifters, and vampires are among the patients treated by the Holmeslike Dr. Taverner and his assistant Dr. Rhodes in this work of supernatural fiction by acclaimed spiritualist and occult writer Dion Fortune. First published in 1926, the adventures of Dr. Taverner and Dr. Rhodes take readers across the marshy moonlit fields of nightfall, hunting spirits and keeping watch over souls. Suffering from vampirism? Being stalked by a death hound? Haunted by past life debts? Family under a suicidal curse? From across the countryside patients and their desperate families come to seek treatment for unconventional diseases from an unconventional doctor. His secret? Treating the diseases of the occult. Though Fortune wrote The Secrets of Doctor Taverner as her first novel, she maintained that all the events were based on true occurrences. Many believe Taverner to be Fortune's own spiritual teacher, Dr. Moriarty, and Rhodes to be based on Fortune herself. An essential and fun read for anyone interested in the Western Mystery Tradition, Dion Fortune, the melding of medicine and magic, or just good oldfashioned paranormal fiction.

Epic in its sweep and peopled by the remarkable women who have always inhabited Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword of Avalon expands the legendary saga that has enchanted countless readers over the years and is sure to please Bradley's loyal readership and anyone who loves wonderfully told stories of history, myth, and fantasy.

Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved Avalon saga continues in 'a fine tribute to Bradley and the real-world triumphs and tragedy of Boudica.' (Publishers Weekly) Epic in its sweep and peopled by the remarkable women who have always inhabited Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon expands the legendary saga that has enchanted millions of readers over the years and is sure to please Bradley's loyal readership and anyone who loves wonderfully told stories of history, myth, and fantasy.

The full sweep of the rich history of Avalon - from the fall of Atlantis to the founding of a new temple on the mist-shrouded isle of Britain - is finally revealed in this magnificent tale.

A story based on the saga by Marion Zimmer Bradley follows the Avalon characters' predecessors, the exiled high priestess Tiriki and royal acolyte Damisa, who escape from Atlantis to the mist-shrouded isle of Britain, where their duties conflict with their hearts. By the author of Priestess of Avalon. Reprint.

In the long-awaited return to Avalon by the beloved author of The Mists of Avalon and her collaborator, bestselling author Diana L. Paxson, Marion Zimmer Bradley fuses myth, magic and romance in a spectacular unfolding of one woman's role in the making of history and spirit...

After years of conflict, Britannia finally knows peace and Artor reigns from his throne at Camalot. But discontent rumbles through the kingdom. A new generation longs for the glory their fathers knew. Medraut, the son conceived by deceit, lusts for Artor's crown -- and his queen. Dreams of an empire draw the king to Gallia to battle again, leaving the sovereignty of the isle in Guendivar's hands. As Artor's painful absence grows longer, the land cries out for its champion -- and even the queen doubts his return. With the rise of revolt home to a country in turmoil. Only he can heal the land and reclaim the kingdom -- or else the hallowed isle will be ripped asunder once again. A darkness born and bred for revenge shadows the nation. But one hope shines -- the Defender of Britannia.