The Watkins Dictionary Of Magic

Over 3000 authoritative, cross-referenced entries, covering magical traditions from all around the world.

This second volume in the popular Watkins Dictionary series is filled with fascinating explanations for all things magical, from spells and secret rituals to mythical creatures. More than just handy reference, the many definitions and articles here—including pieces on Kabbalah, Tarot, and Gnosticism—provide a great introduction for neophyte occultists interested in expanding their understanding. But even seasoned readers will benefit from access to quick facts and interesting information, and enjoy dipping into the many biographies of occult figures (both well-known and obscure) as well as myths and folklore from around the world.

Every good reference book is both a product and a reflection of its time. The Dictionary of Magic & Mystery is not just another compendium or dictionary of occultism: it is a jumping-off point for further research. Here, the reader will find the ancient and modern interpretation for magical and mystical terms, together with explanations for the differences between the varied (and often conflicting) approaches to magic.

Now is the Time to Do Witchcraft, Not Just Read About It Packed with hands-on exercises, inspiring journal prompts, and confidence-boosting activities, this book helps build your magical foundation and eases any concerns you have about getting started in witchcraft. Whether you live in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, Josephine Winter provides easy ways to celebrate not only your spiritual practice, but the seasons as well. This comprehensive, accessible book introduces you to: Sabbats • Elements • Witchy Tools • Divination • Plant Magic • Rituals • Spellcasting • Deities and Spirit • Planetary Magic • Meditation • Altar Work • Talismans • Magic Circles • Hearth Magic Witchcraft Discovered encourages you to examine what it means to be a modern practitioner (witchcraft of the head), work with magical energy (witchcraft of the hands), and dance to your own drumbeat as you work (witchcraft of the heart). Josephine teaches you about witchcraft's history, traditions, and terminology, shares some kitchen witch recipes, and offers additional resources at every turn.

Traditional symbols form a visual shorthand for ideas, yet their functions and meaning extend far beyond that—for thousands of years they have enabled artists and craftsmen to embody and reinforce beliefs about human life in immediate and powerful images. This accessible and comprehensive guide features more than 2,000 major themes from Absinthe to the Zodiac: figures and symbols found in myth, literature and art, as well as those that have entered into the mainstream of everyday life. Covering classical and other mythologies, Biblical themes and traditional symbols from cultures across the world, this wonderful dictionary has thorough yet concise entries on individual animals, plants, objects, supernatural creatures, mythical episodes, miracles, and many other topics.

“Like a modern Saraswati [the author] leads us through the brainstorming for a topic, rhythm, meter, poetic form, self-editing, and ritual literature.” —Barbara Ardinger, Ph.D., author of Pagan Every Day You’ve attended rituals that took your breath away. You’ve borrowed spells out of books. You’ve read splendid Pagan poetry in magazines. Now learn to compose all these types of magical writing yourself! Composing Magic guides you through the exciting realm of magical and spiritual writing. You’ll explore the process of writing, its tools and techniques, individual types of composition, and ways of sharing your work with other people. The book shows you how to write: • Basic and advanced forms of poetry • Spells • Chants and rounds • Prayers • Blessings • Solitary and group rituals Each type of writing includes its history and uses, which cover diverse traditions. Step-by-step instructions lead you through the creative process. Examples demonstrate finished compositions of each type, while exercises help you develop your skills by practicing what you’ve just read. You’ll discover that magical writing has more impact when it comes from the heart. Anyone can develop the skills needed to create effective compositions, but the most successful writers reveal their souls. Composing Magic will also show you ways of deepening your craft through performance and publication. Whether you practice solitary or in a group, this book will help you write with more power, more beauty, and less effort. “A smart, well-crafted book.” —Kenaz Filan, managing editor of newWitch “Composing Magic blends the craft of poetry and the Craft of magic in one dish.” —Chas S. Clifton, author of Her Hidden Children: The Rise of Wicca and Paganism in America

Magic Words: A Dictionary is a oneofakind resource for armchair linguists, popculture enthusiasts, Pagans, Wiccans, magicians, and trivia nuts alike. Brimming with the most intriguing magic words and phrases from around the world and illustrated throughout with magical symbols and icons, Magic Words is a dictionary like no other. More than sevenhundred essay style entries describe the origins of magical words as well as historical and popular variations and fascinating trivia. With sources ranging from ancient Medieval alchemists to modern stage magicians, necromancers, and wizards of legend to miracle workers throughout time, Magic Words is a must have for any scholar of magic, language, history, and culture.