Mind, Body, Knowledge

Alchemy is the art of transformation. At its simplest, the alchemist turns base metals into gold. However, this is only one dimension of alchemy--at a more sophisticated level the alchemist's "base metal" is symbolic of himself that needs to be worked upon and the "gold" produced is the alchemist himself in his or her quest to perfect his own nature. In short, true alchemy is a discipline involving physical, psychological and spiritual work aimed at producing wholeness and enlightenment.From the origins of alchemy, both reputed and documented, Cherry Gilchrist's lively and sympathetic narrative takes the reader from the alchemical interests of the ancient Egyptians to the flowering of alchemy in the 17th century. She also elucidates the complexities of alchemical symbolism and examines the ways in which alchemy has developed in the 20th century.

All over the world, motorists report giving lifts to hitch-hikers who then vanish ghostlike into thin air. Phantom Hitch-Hikers, as these insubstantial passengers are called, have become classified as an urban legend and have been related to historical tales of supernatural traveling companions. But is there more to such stories than picturesque folklore? Are there genuine paranormal experiences behind the reports? Goss explores the meaning and causes of this phenomenon. In terms of purpose and behavior, the Phantom Hitch-Hiker of urban folklore is a thoroughly conventional ghost: one who matches popular expectations of what a ghost is, what it does, and why. He or she is the spirit of a deceased person, the victim of a tragic accident, which resulted in the premature termination of earthly existence. It would appear that these "ghosts" are motivated by, especially on the anniversaries of their unfortunate accidents, a desire to complete their unfinished homeward journeys. It would also appear that they do not know that they are dead. This is the most comprehensive study of a peculiar phenomenon that has mystified students of the paranormal for centuries. Goss' study will entertain and inform anyone who enjoys a good ghost story and anyone who is interested in understanding the mysterious and unexplained.

This is a lively and absorbing account of the world of Celtic myth and the role it has played in the development of western culture. Included here are:The world of the Celts, including an historical overview from their emergence as an identifiable people around 1000 B. C. Also included is an exploration of their social structure. The contents of Celtic myths and the differences and similarities between their manifestation in Britain and Ireland. The topography of the supernatural world of Celtic myth, including discussion of Druidism, Shamanism, and the meaning of Celtic myths. The influence of Celtic myth in English literature from Arthurian legend to the Grail legends. This highly literate, lively, and absorbing exploration of one of the jewels of European cultural heritage demonstrates how deeply Celtic mythology has become embedded in Western consciousness. It is for anyone interested in history, mythology, spirituality, and culture.

Here in one slender volume is a basic introduction to Chinese alchemy-a tradition that dates back 5,000 years.Chinese alchemy, largely associated with Taoism, has a recorded history of more than 2,000 years, but traditionally it goes back even further to nearly 3000 BC and the time of the Yellow Emperor. While Western alchemy was concerned with the search for spiritual and material gold, classic Taoist alchemy was a mystical quest for immortality with its aim being union with the Absolute.Jean Cooper describes the history and development of Taoist alchemy, compares it to similar traditions in India and Turkistan, and gives it context by contrasting it with the rationale of the Western hermetic tradition. As she writes in her concluding chapter: The whole work of alchemy is summed up in the phrase "To make of the body a spirit and of the spirit a body". . . . The goal of the Taoist alchemist-mystic was transformation, or perhaps more correctly, transfiguration, of the whole body until it ceases to "be" and is absorbed into and becomes the Tao.This is an essential guide for anyone interested in Chinese legend and lore, Chinese magic and medicine, and Taoism.

Levitation-is it possible? Can human beings really leave the ground through the power of the mind alone? How can this extraordinary defiance of gravitational force be induced at will? These are some of the questions answered in this startling book that lays bare the occult meditational techniques by which the mind can lift the body off the ground.This book gives you the facts, the history, the controversies, the theories, and, above all, the centuries-old secrets of levitation that have remained in the hands of a few adepts-until now. It is an essential guide for anyone interested in the power of the mind, the legends of the East, Transcendental Meditation, the occult, and metaphysical practices.

Here in one volume are two classic practical guides for modern witches: Magic for the Aquarian Age and Experiments in Aquarian Magic.Magic for the Aquarian Age is a contemporary manual that unwraps the secret of the inner you, the submerged part of yourself that has the power to completely transform your life. Filled with techniques for getting ready to practice the magical art, it is a textbook that is adapted to contemporary needs. It also includes exercises and techniques designed to awaken perceptions and senses that have been blunted by modern life."...an absolute gem of a book, written by one of England's foremost authorities on occultism." --InsightExperiments in Aquarian Magic is a guide that draws on the ageless store of magical knowledge so that you can make use of its power and life expanding techniques. Included here is information about vision journeys, healing, creating a magic temple, time travel, talismanic magic, and much more.With Green as your guide and with perseverance and reverence to all powers and lifeforces you encounter, the door to magical experience will open before you!

Candle magic is a simple but effective magical technique, involving a minimum of equipment and experience. In this complete manual are instructions for making, dressing, and anointing candles and for using them in a variety of rituals-attraction, banishment, peace and contemplation, and the Mystical Novena.The Book of Practical Candle Magic, written by an experienced occultist, offers expert guidance on a fascinating aspect of magical theory and includes a historical survey of the candle in religion and folklore as well as essential information on color symbolism, angelic signatures, planetary signs, and zodiacal correspondences.