This book explores the fascinating world of beads. Beads represent the oldest form of art and were probably the first durable ornaments of mankind desired not only for their beauty, but for the religious or superstitious beliefs associated with those times. Made of materials such as shell, bone, seed, wood, metal and glass, beads' durability, portability and universal attractiveness have made them units of currency in many parts of the world. Filled with rich photographs of a vast collection of beautiful beads!

Religions from around the world--Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism, Islam, and many more, including the Pagan earth religions--use prayer beads as useful guides to remembering prayers and principles. Pagan Prayer Beads by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn is a unique and practical introduction to the design, creation, and use of Pagan rosaries, teaching the reader to design and make personal prayer beads for use in myriad spiritual practices. Co-written by a beading expert (Clare Vaughn) and one of the leading lights in modern Paganism (John Michael Greer), this book will garner an eager audience--from beginners to elders--looking for new inspiration in their personal spiritual practice. Beautifully written, instructive, and straightforward, Pagan Prayer Beads is user-friendly and easy to understand. Lovely black-and-white photographs accompany the text to further illustrate the art and craft of Pagan prayer beads. The how-to sections were "tested" by novices to both crafting and "the craft," who found the directions clear and easy to follow. Throughout the book, Greer and Vaughn have included fascinating history and lore as well as crystal properties, Pagan symbology, and deeply meaningful prayers and rituals to use with the rosaries. * 30 lovely black-and-white photos accompany the beading instructions.

"This volume allows us to share the many years of impassioned, fruitful research that have allowed the author to select a grouping of Middle Eastern and Venetian glass beads found in Western Africa. BJ This text provides an in-depth analysis of the elements that make up a plurality of bead types, allowing us to achieve a synthetic reading of their technical, historical and - where present - symbolic characteristics."--BOOK JACKET.

Join author Jean-Louis de Biasi as he explores how the profound tactile experience of using prayer beads can be used to deepen spiritual work in Qabala, Wicca, Druidry, and Hermetic traditions. With tips and techniques for choosing prayer beads as well as cleansing and consecrating them for spiritual use, The Magical Use of Prayer Beads is an ideal guide for beginners and adepts alike. Includes rituals that can be performed alone, with two people, or with a group—extending the useful applications and power beyond the more traditional approaches. This book explores unique practices for some of the most prominent Western mystery traditions, creating new paths on the journey of spirituality and magic.

Studies of seals and sealing practices have traditionally investigated aspects of social, political, economic, and ideological systems in ancient societies throughout the Old World. Previously, scholarship has focused on description and documentation, chronology and dynastic histories, administrative function, iconography, and style. More recent studies have emphasized context, production and use, and increasingly, identity, gender, and the social lives of seals, their users, and the artisans who produced them. Using several methodological and theoretical perspectives, this volume presents up-to-date research on seals that is comparative in scope and focus. The cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approach advances our understanding of the significance of an important class of material culture of the ancient world. The volume will serve as an essential resource for scholars, students, and others interested in glyptic studies, seal production and use, and sealing practices in the Ancient Near East, Egypt, Ancient South Asia and the Aegean during the 4th-2nd Millennia BCE.

In this practical manual, Eleanor Harris takes the reader step by step through ancient Egyptian religions and magical philosophy thousands of years old. Drawing on instruction found in such texts as The Leyden Papyrus and The Papyrus Ani (the Egyptian Book of the Dead), the author reveals such secrets as how to invoke Egyptian gods and spirits for divination and magic; scry with fire, oil, and water; evoke messengers and spirits of the dead; and cast spells for love, protection, and healing. Also included are detailed how-to instructions for making authentic ancient Egyptian clothing, amulets, and more to evoke the magic of ancient Egypt. This new edition of a Weiser classic features a foreword by Normandi Ellis, author of Awakening Osiris.

For the first time in the English language, a COMPLETE Book for Dzi beads and their meanings. Copyrighted in 2018. This book describes with pictures every known Dzi bead , its' meaning, as well as connecting oil information and main gemstone correlating with each bead. Enjoy learning about a magical item over 1500 years old in detail. FULL COLOR Edition.

Explores the fascinating world of British beads.

Materia Magica approaches magic as a material endeavor, in which spoken spells, ritual actions, and physical objects all played vital roles in the performance of a rite. Through case studies drawing on objects excavated or discovered in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century at three Mediterranean sites, Andrew T. Wilburn identifies previously unknown forms of magic. He discovers evidence of the practice of magic in objects of ancient daily life, suggesting that individuals frequently turned to magic, particularly in times of crises. Studying the remains of spells enacted by practitioners, Wilburn examines the material remains of magical practice by identifying and placing them within their archaeological contexts. His method of connecting an analysis of the texts and inscriptions found on artifacts of magic with a close consideration of the physical form of these objects illuminates an exciting path toward new discoveries in the field.

"...a marvelous tapestry of insights, discoveries, tools and resources that gives us all hope for Heaven on Planet Earth." - Rev. Ruth L. Miller, PhD, author of Mary's Power "Claire's deep work of Sacred Feminine wisdom ... could not come at a better time." - Tim Kelley, author of True Purpose "...an important contribution to mending a world torn in half..." - Lion Goodman, author of Creating on Purpose Feminine wisdom revealed and reclaimed! Unveil this hidden power within and transform your life. Recent discoveries of ancient manuscripts have shined a light on Mary Magdalene as a powerful teacher and luminous feminine spirit. In The Magdalene Path, Claire Sierra shares her inspiring communication with Mary Magdalene about the awakening of the Divine Feminine as a means to shift and up-level our lives as women in the modern world. The Magdalene Path is a guidebook of compelling ideas, skills and practices to bring your Feminine Soul into daily life. Regardless of your spiritual orientation or previous connection to Mary Magdalene, you will bask in the inspiring wisdom and practical insights in this empowering, illuminating book. - Revitalize your mind and body to tap into more energy for what you love. - Ignite your connection to Spirit through simple rituals and Soul-care practices. - Embrace your authentic, radiant beauty as you reclaim your innate feminine power. - Replenish your passions and feel empowered to live your purpose. - Embody your creativity and live as the vibrant woman you truly are.