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The Sacred Feminine Through The Ages
by Paula MarvellyA fascinating history of women's belief, faith and spirituality, as told through the art and writing of 33 women of wisdom.This is an exploration of feminine spirituality from the beginning of time to the present day.These extraordinary women have expressed their experiences of the agony and ecstasy of pursuing spiritual enlightenment through their poetry and prose, which is beautiful, inspirational and very moving.Paula Marvelly has selected powerful and evocative words of wisdom from women of widely differing ages and faiths, including but not limited to Jewish, Christian, Sufi, Hindu, Buddhist or Taoist. The author reveals the common and overriding theme between them, which can be expressed as &“non-duality&” – not two but one. This is the experience of losing one&’s individuality and of becoming one with the universe.Whether you are interested in reviving lost and misunderstood women of history, or you are looking to find new ways to understand the many ancient questions that generations before us have been asking, you will discover a wealth of wisdom and inspiration from these women of wisdom:Read the musings of the ancient priestess Enheduanna on her beloved goddess of the moonDecode ancient Egyptian inscriptions to reveal Hatshepsut, a powerful female pharaoh whose rule was almost deleted from historyRevel in the immortal beauty of Sappho's poetry on the divine bounty of Mother Nature, Emily Dickinson's words on love, or Virginia Woolf's prose on female expression.Uncover the cosmic life force with polymath Hildegard of BingenDwell on the revelations of divine love with anchoress Julian of Norwich, and so much more...
Sacred Geometry in Ancient Goddess Cultures: The Divine Science of the Female Priesthood
by Richard HeathExamines the ancient cosmic science of the female megalithic astronomers• Describes the shared sacred geometry and astronomy knowledge in the megalithic monuments, temples, and secret calendars of the matrilineal cultures of Malta, Gobekli Tepe, and the Minoans of Crete • Shows how early Christians helped preserve ancient science by encoding it in the rock-cut churches of the Cappadocia region of Turkey • Explains how Greek myths reveal the transition from matriarchy to patriarchy Long before Pythagoras and Plato, before arithmetic and Christianity, there existed matrilineal societies around the Mediterranean, led by women with a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and sacred science. In this detailed exploration, Richard Heath decodes the cosmological secrets hidden by ancient goddess-centered cultures on the island of Malta, at Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, and on the Greek island of Crete. Heath reveals how the female astronomers of Malta built megaliths to study the sun, moon, and planets, counting time as lengths and comparing lengths using geometry. He shows how they encoded their cosmological and astronomical discoveries, their &“astronomy of the goddesses,&” in the geometries of their temples and monuments. Examining Maltese and Cretan artifacts, including secret calendars, he details how the Minoans of Crete transformed Maltese astronomy into a matriarchal religion based upon a Saturnian calendar of 364 days. He also reveals evidence of the precursors of Maltese astronomical knowledge in the monuments of Gobekli Tepe. Looking at the shift from sacred geometry to arithmetic in ancient Mediterranean cultures, the author parallels this change in mindset with the transition from matriarchal to patriarchal cultures. He reveals how Greek myths present a way to see the matriarchal past through patriarchal eyes, detailing how Saturn&’s replacement by Jupiter-Zeus symbolizes the transition from matriarchy to patriarchy. The author examines how the early Christians helped preserve the ancient astronomy of the goddesses, due to its connections to Christ&’s cosmological teachings, by encoding it in the artwork of the rock-cut churches and monasteries of the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Revealing how our planet, with its specific harmonics and geometries within our star system, is uniquely designed to support intelligent life, the author shows how this divine spiritual truth was known to the ancient astronomers.
Sacred Work: A Christian Woman's Guide to Leadership in the Marketplace
by Peggy BoddeIt&’s possible for women to be strong Christians and confident leaders. There are more female professionals in the workforce than ever. But working women are also time-starved, stressed, and tired. And they often feel alone in their professional struggles.If you&’re trying to do a million things at once and feel like you&’re not doing any of them well, you&’re not alone. Mentor and longtime corporate leader Peggy Bodde views work as sacred and has invested her life in showing women how to thrive in the workplace. In Sacred Work, Peggy provides an invaluable and practical resource that answers all your leadership challenges and questions.With business and biblical savvy, you&’ll learn how to:Overcome Imposter SyndromeMake Difficult DecisionsManage Workplace ConflictPromote Yourself with ConfidenceNegotiate to WinYou&’ll also learn about what to do:When You FailWhen You and Your Boss DisagreeWhen Peers DisappointWhen You&’re Passed Over for a PromotionWhen You Need to Address Performance . . . and so much more!Women bring unique talents to the workplace, and they face specific challenges. Friend and mentor Peggy Bodde walks beside Christian women providing scriptural truth, personal examples, and practical teaching, equipping us to lead with wisdom and strength.
The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You're Not Sharing the Gospel)
by Jordan RaynorFrom a leading voice in the faith and work movement and author of Redeeming Your Time comes the revolutionary message that God sees our daily work—in whatever form it takes—with far more value than we ever imagined.&“The Sacredness of Secular Work does an extraordinary job of being both personally relevant and, more importantly, biblically faithful.&”—Randy Alcorn, New York Times bestselling author of HeavenDoes your work matter for eternity? Sadly, most believers don&’t think so. Sure, the 1 percent of the time they spend sharing the gospel with their co-workers matters. But most Christians view the other 99 percent of their time as meaning very little in the grand scheme of things. But that&’s not how God sees it. Jordan Raynor, a leading voice in the faith and work movement and bestselling author, offers a revolutionary message about how our daily jobs—from baristas and entrepreneurs to stay-at-home parent and coaches—have intrinsic and eternal value. In The Sacredness of Secular Work, he reveals unexpected ways our work truly matters. In these pages you&’ll discover• How a low regard of our work limits our understanding of God and His Kingdom • Inspiring ways your work can reveal God&’s kingdom on earth here and now • Surprising strategies for ensuring your vocation has an eternal legacy• Vital insights on what God&’s view of work tells us about heavenCombining research, Scripture, and storytelling, Jordan Raynor proves that work, in its diverse forms, is one of the primary activities that brings God delight. This biblical perspective will set you free to pursue your passions and skills and—perhaps for the first time—experience the Creator&’s delight in the work of your hands.
Safe Haven Ranch: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
by Louise M. GougeCan two little children Help turn a feud into a family? It should be easy for widow Olivia Ortiz to despise Will Mattson, the man keeping her from buying the ranchland she needs for herself and her daughter, Emily. But when Emily becomes instant friends with Will&’s nephew, Jemmy, Olivia and Will find themselves growing closer as well. And as Olivia&’s feelings for the handsome cowboy shift, competing for the property could be the start of something more…From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
The Safekeep
by Yael van der Wouden&“Mesmerizing and shockingly good…I was utterly blown away.&” —Miranda Cowley Heller, author of The Paper Palace • &“A brilliant debut, as multifaceted as a gem.&” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) • &“Moving, unnerving, and deeply sexy.&” —Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with the Pearl Earring • &“Riveting…Serious, elegant, sexy, devastating.&” —Julia May Jonas, author of Vladimir An exhilarating, twisted tale of desire, suspicion, and obsession between two women staying in the same house in the Dutch countryside during the summer of 1961—a powerful exploration of the legacy of WWII and the darker parts of our collective past.A house is a precious thing... It is 1961 and the rural Dutch province of Overijssel is quiet. Bomb craters have been filled, buildings reconstructed, and the war is truly over. Living alone in her late mother&’s country home, Isabel knows her life is as it should be—led by routine and discipline. But all is upended when her brother Louis brings his graceless new girlfriend Eva, leaving her at Isabel&’s doorstep as a guest, to stay for the season. Eva is Isabel&’s antithesis: she sleeps late, walks loudly through the house, and touches things she shouldn&’t. In response, Isabel develops a fury-fueled obsession, and when things start disappearing around the house—a spoon, a knife, a bowl—Isabel&’s suspicions begin to spiral. In the sweltering peak of summer, Isabel&’s paranoia gives way to infatuation—leading to a discovery that unravels all Isabel has ever known. The war might not be well and truly over after all, and neither Eva—nor the house in which they live—are what they seem. Mysterious, sophisticated, sensual, and infused with intrigue, atmosphere, and sex, The Safekeep is a brilliantly plotted and provocative debut novel you won&’t soon forget.
Safety and Security for Churches and Other Places of Worship
by Kevin L. Erskine Joy A. VolpiSafety and Security for Churches and Other Places of Worship is a reference book focused on how to form a first responder team for churches, synagogues, temples, and other places of worship. It will assist team leaders on how to train for both security and medical emergencies, provide training aids and ideas, and how to write SOPs and legal issues. Trending violence directed at soft targets is growing, forcing places of worship to respond with highly trained personnel to quickly intervene. Many medical incidents can have drastically better outcomes if trained medical personnel render immediate medical care. For instance, the use of an AED in conjunction with CPR can drastically improve survival rates from 15% to 85%, versus just CPR alone. Topics covered include: Environmental disasters Acts of violence Active shooter incidents Bomb threats Unruly/disruptive persons Suspect control Sexual abuse Realistic training using fake wounds Tabletop exercises Team building Medical emergencies An equipment chapter helps to determine what equipment is a priority for teams limited by budget. Some equipment can mean the difference between a "friend" being mistaken for an aggressor, resulting in an innocent person being injured or killed. Safety and Security for Churches and Other Places of Worship is a must-have reference for anyone charged with the duty to protect those who attend and work at places of worship.
Samaritans and Jews in History and Tradition: Changing Perspectives 10 (Copenhagen International Seminar)
by Ingrid HjelmThis volume presents an anthology of 19 seminal studies, some for the first time in English, that explore the history and tradition of the ancient relationship between Samaritans and Jews.The book is arranged into three parts: Methods, Traditions, and History; Samaritan and Jewish Pentateuchs; and Studies in Bible and Tradition, each of which is chronologically ordered. It represents a collection of the author’s previous publications on the relationship between Samaritans and Jews, expanding and supplementing the conclusions of her published books. Recent archaeological developments on Mount Gerizim have demonstrated that our paradigms for writing the ancient histories of the kingdoms and provinces of Samaria and Judah in the Iron II, Persian, and Hellenistic periods must change. These developments also affect how we evaluate and read ancient literary traditions, and several chapters offer challenging new perspectives on well-known themes, narratives, and compositions in this subject area.Samaritans and Jews in History and Tradition: Changing Perspectives 10 will be of interest to students and scholars of biblical studies, theology, comparative religion, the ancient Near East, and in particular, Samaritan and Jewish studies.
Saraha's Spontaneous Songs: With the Commentaries by Advayavajra and Moksakaragupta
by Klaus-Dieter Mathes Péter-Dániel SzántóThe first volume in over six decades to bring to light new original material on Saraha&’s Treasury of Spontaneous Songs (Dohakosa).&“Completely abandon thought and no-thought, and abide in the natural way of a small child.&” —Saraha To find liberation and realize the true nature of reality, the Indian Buddhist master Saraha says we must leave behind any conceptual assessment of reality, since no model of it has ever been known to withstand critical analysis. Saraha&’s spontaneous songs, or dohas, represent the Buddhist art of expressing the inexpressible. The most important collection of Saraha&’s songs is the Dohakosagiti, better known in Tibet as the Songs for the People, and the Tibetan Mahamudra tradition, especially within the Kagyü school, has done the most to preserve the lineage of Saraha&’s instructions to the present day. But Saraha was also widely cited in Indian sources starting around the eleventh century, and one Indic commentary, by the Newar scholar Advayavajra, still exists in Sanskrit. In addition, we have independent root texts of Saraha&’s songs in the vernacular Apabhramsa in which they were recorded. These Indian texts, together with their Tibetan translations, are here presented in masterful new critical editions along with the Tibetan translation of the commentary no longer extant in Sanskrit by Moksakaragupta. Finally, both commentaries are rendered in elegant English, and the authors offer a brisk, comprehensive introduction. Saraha&’s Spontaneous Songs provides the reader with everything needed for a serious study of one of the most important works in the Indian Buddhist canon.
Savarkar and the Making of Hindutva
by Janaki BakhleA monumental intellectual history of the pivotal figure of Hindu nationalismVinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883–1966) was an intellectual, ideologue, and anticolonial nationalist leader in India&’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule, one whose anti-Muslim writings exploited India&’s tensions in pursuit of Hindu majority rule. Savarkar and the Making of Hindutva is the first comprehensive intellectual history of one of the most contentious political thinkers of the twentieth century.Janaki Bakhle examines the full range of Savarkar&’s voluminous writings in his native language of Marathi, from political and historical works to poetry, essays, and speeches. She reveals the complexities in the various positions he took as a champion of the beleaguered Hindu community, an anticaste progressive, an erudite if polemical historian, a pioneering advocate for women&’s dignity, and a patriotic poet. This critical examination of Savarkar&’s thought shows that Hindutva is as much about the aesthetic experiences that have been attached to the idea of India itself as it is a militant political program that has targeted the Muslim community in pursuit of power in postcolonial India.By bringing to light the many legends surrounding Savarkar, Bakhle shows how this figure from a provincial locality in colonial India rose to world-historical importance. Savarkar and the Making of Hindutva also uncovers the vast hagiographic literature that has kept alive the myth of Savarkar as a uniquely brave, brilliant, and learned revolutionary leader of the Hindu nation.
A Savior Is Risen: An Easter Devotional
by Susan HillDo less. Connect more. This beautiful 40-day devotional for the Lenten and Easter season offers biblical reflections and full-color springtime photography to take you from burnout to burning a little brighter as you celebrate new life, fresh starts, and everyday redemptions.It's a distracted world out there. Maybe you find yourself scrolling more than savoring, texting more than resting, and rushing instead of taking a deep breath. The things you thought would bring connection make you feel more disconnected than ever, with a good dose of exhaustion thrown in. It's time for a reset.A Savior Is Risen is a 40-day journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter morning, a call for you to quiet your mind and soul as you focus on Jesus and His resurrection.In this gorgeous devotional, you are invited to:Experience the Easter season with fresh eyes and an expectant heartPractice a modern-day fast from the things distracting you from GodReflect on Jesus' life and ResurrectionDraw closer to God through silence and reflectionLet go of stress and embrace grace Each day's entry includes:A word that embodies the spirit of EasterA brief reflection on integrating that word into your lifeA Scripture passage for meditationA prayer to bring peace to your mindBright springtime photography that captures the beauty of new life A Savior Is Risen is ideal for anyone wanting permission to slow down, as a gift for someone looking for spiritual renewal, or as a beautiful book to display as a reminder of God's promises. So grab your morning coffee or afternoon chai, and feel your spirit settle as you immerse yourself the ultimate new beginning God has given us all.
Saying No to Hate: Overcoming Antisemitism in America
by Norman H. FinkelsteinSaying No to Hate grounds readers contextually in the history of antisemitism in America by emphasizing the legal, political, educational, communal, and other strategies American Jews have used through the centuries to address high-profile threats. Norman H. Finkelstein shows how antisemitism has long functioned in America in systemic, structural, and interpersonal ways, from missionaries, the KKK, and American Nazis to employment discrimination, social media attacks, and QAnon. He explains how historic antisemitic events such as General Ulysses S. Grant&’s General Order No. 11 (1862); the Massena, New York blood libel (1928); and the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue (2018) galvanized the Jewish community. Finkelstein shines light on Jews such as Louis Brandeis and Admiral Hyman Rickover who succeeded despite discrimination and on individuals and organizations that have tackled legal and security affairs, from the passage of Maryland&’s Jew Bill (1826) to groups helping Jewish institutions better protect themselves from active shooter threats. Far from a victim narrative, Saying No to Hate is as much about Jewish resilience and ingenuity as it is about hatred. Engaging high school students and adults with personal narratives, it prepares each of us to recognize, understand, and confront injustice and hatred today, in the Jewish community and beyond.
The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon
by Audrey BarbakoffA joyous modern-day twist on a Wise Men of Chelm folktale written by a fresh Jewish voice filled with humor, some juicy Yiddish terms, and smart, savvy kids brimming with innovative solutions."An enjoyable, rollicking read. Fun by the light of the moon—or anytime." —Kirkus Reviews Oy, Chelm. Long known as home to the &“wisest&” people in Yiddish folklore. But what is Chelm like today? What if the kids were more clever than the rest of the townsfolk? When the misguided adults of modern-day Chelm believe the moon has plunged into the lake, it&’s up to the Schlemiel siblings to convince the grown-ups that their fears of a fallen moon are unfounded. Join Sarah and Sam in this hilarious twist on a classic Yiddish folktale as they use teamwork, innovation and patience to save the day...and night! Here is a book that will expand young readers&’ knowledge of Jewish culture beyond holidays, history, and the Holocaust.
Science and Faith in Harmony: Contemplations on a Distilled Doxology
by Sy GarteRather than discord between science and Christian faith, there is a harmony as grand as any choral masterpiece The idea that Christianity and science are inextricably in conflict is a relatively recent conception. However, with each new scientific discovery and scriptural insight, it's an idea that's being proved to be insupportable. Sy Garte has immersed himself in both science and faith and knows they work beautifully together to sing of the greatness of God. Now this respected scientist shares how God's world (nature and science) and God's word (made flesh in Christ) are bound together in loving harmony. In Science and Faith in Harmony, Garte examines modern scientific concepts and what they can teach us about theological truths, such as the dual nature of Christ. He explores the ways in which the terminology and language of science and faith consistently match each other. Despite his deep dives into theology and science, Garte does not get overly technical in his writing. Instead, he is personal and passionate, speaking directly to readers with a tone of joy and wonder, inviting them to join the chorus of praise to the Lord. Readers still wondering whether the truths of science and Christian faith are in conflict need this book. Following the path of Christ and holding a scientific worldview at the same time is not only possible but also leads to a fuller, richer life of harmony and truth.
Science, Religion, the Humanities and Hope: Essays in Honour of Willem B. Drees (Issues in Science and Religion: Publications of the European Society for the Study of Science and Theology #8)
by Anne Runehov Michael FullerThis book collects a multidisciplinary range of contributions focusing on the prolific and seminal work of Willem Drees in the fields of philosophy of religion, philosophy of the humanities, and science and theology/religion. Trained in both theoretical physics and theology/philosophy of religion, Drees holds doctoral degrees in both theology and in philosophy and, amongst other distinguished positions, held professorships at the University of Leiden and at the University of Tilburg. Drees was also Editor-in-Chief of Zygon, Journal of Religion & Science, between 2008 and 2018, and served as President of the European Society for the Study of Science and Theology (ESSSAT) between 2002 and 2008. In 2018, he was elected as member of the Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities (KHMW). This contributed volume builds on Drees’ expansive and provocative scholarly contributions, notably around the concept and meaning of naturalism and the humanities to the fields of science and religion, as exemplified by his works Religion, Science and Naturalism (1996) and What Are the Humanities For? (2021). In a time where more and more young people across the globe are entering higher education such cross-disciplinary explorations and (re-)evaluations are vital to the field. Accordingly, by approaching his work from a variety of disciplines this collection illuminates the broad reach of Drees’ work and provides scholars from various fields with many new and rich opportunities avenues for research.
The Scrolls of Deborah (Desert Songs Trilogy Ser.)
by Esther GoldenbergA Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.
Searching for Evidence (Canine Defense #1)
by Carol J. PostWith his K-9 partner&’s help, can he save an innocent life? K-9 officer Jared Miles stumbles upon a crime scene on his day off and believes Kassie Ashbaugh is the victim of a random attack. However, as threats on her life continue, he realizes that Kassie is in grave danger. Her father's abandoned boat suggests foul play, and Jared suspects someone is after Kassie for something her missing father is hiding. Can Jared unravel the mystery before unknown enemies catch her?From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.Canine Defense Book 1: Searching for Evidence
A Secret Between Them: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
by Donna GartshoreShe&’ll help him heal… But is love enough to make him stay? Unexpectedly injured, photojournalist John Bishop finds himself stuck in a town full of painful memories—with physical therapist Grace Severight his only way out. Following her treatment should be simple. But soon John&’s falling again—this time for the single foster mom and her four-year-old charge. Now love might heal his past…but will a secret Grace is keeping destroy their chance at a future?From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Seductive Spirits: Deliverance, Demons, and Sexual Worldmaking in Ghanaian Pentecostalism (Spiritual Phenomena)
by Nathanael HomewoodPentecostalism, Africa's fastest-growing form of Christianity, has long been preoccupied with the business of banishing demons from human bodies. Among Ghanaian Pentecostals, deliverance is primary among the embodied, experiential gifts—a loud, messy, and noisy experience that ends only when the possessed body falls to the ground silent and docile, the evil spirits rendered powerless in the face of the holy spirit-wielding-prophets. And nowhere is Ghanaian Pentecostal obsession with demons more pronounced than with sexual demons. In this book, Nathanael Homewood examines the frequent and varied experiences of spirit possession and sex with demons that constitute a vital part of Pentecostal deliverance ministries, offering insight into these practices assembled from long-term ethnographic engagement with four churches in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Relying on the uniqueness of the Pentecostal sensorium, this book unravels how spirits and sexuality intimately combine to expand the definition of the body beyond its fleshy boundaries. Demons are a knowledge regime, one that shapes how Pentecostals think about, engage with, and construct the cosmos. Deliverance Pentecostals reiterate and tarry with the demonic, especially sexually, as a realm of invention whereby alternative ways of being, sensing, and having sex are dreamed, practiced, and performed. Ultimately, Homewood argues for a distinction between colonial demonization and decolonial demons, charting another path to understanding being, the body, and sexualities.
Seen, Secure, Free: How a Life Hidden with Christ Strengthens and Transforms You
by Allison AllenIn a world that screams Be Seen! Be Known! and often measures value by likes and shares and follows, it's easy to feel invisible, unheard, unloved. But God's Word offers a powerful and freeing counternarrative: true treasure is actually found in the "hidden" life of Christ.Somewhere along the way, we've confused our level of visibility with our value. We've mixed up fame with fruitfulness. We've equated exposure with excellence.But what if we stopped trying so hard to be seen, recognized, and affirmed by the world around us? What if there's a different way of living altogether?Seen, Secure, Free unpacks the great promise in Colossians 3:3: "Your life is hidden with Christ in God" and reminds us that when God hides us in himself, he provides a non-negotiable, never-ending source of contentment, identity, and worth.Join Bible teacher Allison Allen as she explores the incredible power of hiddenness in nature, history, and Scripture, which will help you:Let go of the pressure to be recognized and praised by others;Release the resentment that comes from feeling unseen or misunderstood;Find contentment in a loving God who knows you deeply;Find security in a powerful God who establishes your identity, worth, and purpose;Reset your motivations and goals to align with his kingdom; andFeel freed to pursue new adventures with Jesus No more striving to be seen or wondering if you matter; no more pressure to perform or be visible to the world. Instead, rest assured that God truly sees, knows, and loves you more than any person ever could. And let him lead you into the freedom, joy, and transformative power of a life hidden in him.
Seiðr Magic: The Norse Tradition of Divination and Trance
by Dean Kirkland• Explains the techniques used to achieve trance in seiðr, how to journey in the Nine Realms, and the different gods and spirits you may encounter • Discusses the tools of seiðr, such as the seiðr staff and hood, and how to create them, empower them, and care for them • Details Norse divination methods, ways to alter fate, healing techniques, the use of protective songs, and the practice of Norse soul retrieval While Norse rune work is well known, there is another major ancient Norse magical practice: seiðr (pronounced &“sayther&”), a form of trance spirit work and divination. Although seiðr is often considered an ancient form of witchcraft, recent archaeological evidence suggests it is more closely related to shamanism. In this practical guide to seiðr, Dean Kirkland, Ph.D., reconstructs the magical and shamanic techniques of the seiðr priest or priestess using the sagas and other literature from the Viking age, tools found in the archaeological record, and surviving indigenous shamanic traditions. He addresses the misconception that seiðr was a practice reserved only for women and shows how anyone called to this work would have been accepted in ancient Norse society. He discusses the tools of seiðr and how to create them, empower them, and care for them. He explores the use of protective songs (varðlokkur) that involve forming bonds with spirits, a practice he likens to the medicine songs of Amazonian shamans. He explains the techniques used to achieve trance in seiðr and how they are based on finding balance between the light and the darkness. Looking at trance journeying in the Nine Realms of the Norse cosmos, the author discusses the different gods and spirits the seiðr practitioner may encounter in the Upper Realms, the Middle Worlds, and the Lower Realms. He shares exercises on the Wyrd, divination methods in seiðr, as well as ways to alter Ørlög, or fate, through spiritual work. Discussing soul-healing techniques in seiðr, the author looks in depth at the Norse shamanic practices of soul retrieval and reintegration of the soul parts. He then explores seiðr&’s role in death, dying, and dealing with the dead, including work with the Valkries and the ancestors. Presenting a historically based handbook for contemporary heathens, this book offers a practical path for anyone seeking to explore Norse trance magic and mysticism.
Selling the Sacred: Religion and Marketing from Crossfit to QAnon
by Mara Einstein Sarah McFarland TaylorThere’s religion in my marketing! There’s marketing in my religion! Selling the Sacred explores the religio-cultural and media implications of a two-sided phenomenon: marketing religion as a product and marketing products as religion. What do various forms of religion/marketing collaboration look like in the twenty-first century, and what does this tell us about American culture and society?Social and technological changes rapidly and continuously reframe religious and marketing landscapes. Crossfit is a “cult.” Televangelists use psychographics and data marketing. QAnon is a religion and big business. These are some of the examples highlighted in this collection, which engages themes related to capitalist narratives, issues related to gender and race, and the intersection of religion, politics, and marketing, among other key issues.The innovative contributors examine the phenomenon of selling the sacred, providing a better understanding of how marketing tactics, married with religious content, influence our thinking and everyday lives. These scholars bring to light how political, economic, and ideological agendas infuse the construction and presentation of the “sacred,” via more traditional religious institutions or consumer-product marketing. By examining religion and marketing broadly, this book offers engaging tools to recognize and unpack what gets sold as “sacred,” what’s at stake, and the consequences.A go-to resource for those working in marketing studies, religious studies, and media studies, Selling the Sacred is also a must-read for religious and marketing professionals.
Sensing Salvation in Early British Methodism: Accounts of Spiritual Experience, 1735-1765 (Routledge Methodist Studies Series)
by Erika K.R. StalcupThis book examines the spiritual experiences of the first British Methodist lay people and the language used to describe those experiences. It reflects on physical manifestations such as shouting, weeping, groaning, visions, and out-of-body experiences and their role in the process of spiritual development. These experiences offer an intimate perspective on the surprisingly holistic origins of the evangelical revival. The study features autobiographical narratives and other first-hand manuscripts in which “ordinary” lay people recount their first impressions of Methodism, their conflicted feelings throughout the conversion process, their approach toward death and dying, and their mixed attitudes toward the task of writing itself. The book will be relevant to scholars of Methodism, evangelicalism and religious history as well as those interested in emotions and religious experience.
Sensual: Connect Deeply, Express Freely, Love Intimately
by Henika PatelSensual is a guide to understanding the inner spark we are all born with, why and how we lose it, and how to reclaim our power to live the life we truly want. Sensuality is about more than just pleasure. Sensuality is an innate power that can help you to tune in to your body, mind, and spirit. To be sensual is to know yourself so intimately that you can move through life with confidence and clarity, deeply connected to the fire within. In this book, Henika Patel invites you on a journey of expansion to find your unapologetic, unashamed, fully expressed sensual spirit. Blending Eastern philosophy and Western psychology with practices, rituals, and stories from her own life, Henika will empower you to: – Overcome blocks, shame, and numbness – Unleash and express your authentic desires – Discover your inner spark and confidence – Find sensuality, connection, and freedom in all areas of your life, from love and creativity to work and relationships Are you ready to connect with your sensual power?
The Seven Gateways of Spiritual Experience: Awakening to a Deeper Knowledge of Love, Life Balance, and God
by Jonathan H. EllerbyA journey through the seven most common and important spiritual experiences• Discover how to recognize experiences of the Sacred and integrate them into daily life for spiritual growth, healing, wholeness, inspiration, resilience, and connection • Shares intimate, firsthand examples of spiritual experiences and explores how they happen, what they are like, what they mean, and how they can help us • Presents simple exercises and common practices to enter the states of super-consciousness that lead to spiritual experiences and connection with the Sacred We have all had moments that transcend ordinary reality, experiences that reveal our connection to the Sacred, to the Living Energy of the Universe. Yet many people brush off these flashes of spiritual wonder and non-ordinary consciousness, not realizing they can be important stepping stones on the spiritual path. In this guide, Jonathan Ellerby helps you recognize the common ways people encounter the Sacred—God, the Divine, non-ordinary consciousness, and the spiritual world—so you can identify when you are having a spiritual experience and embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual growth, healing, and resilience. The author identifies the seven most common ways we are touched by the spiritual world and shares intimate, firsthand examples of his own profound encounters with the Sacred, inspiring recollections of people he has met, and accounts of mystics through the ages. Exploring the non-ordinary modes of perception and the super-states of consciousness that underlie them, the author details how spiritual experiences happen, what they mean, and how they can help us cultivate wholeness, creativity, and groundedness. Dr. Ellerby presents simple exercises and sacred practices designed to expand perception, enter non-ordinary states of consciousness, and encourage deeper experiences, which in turn can enable you to have direct awareness and knowledge of the Divine. Providing a map for navigating the geography of sacred encounter, this book helps you discover more spiritual wonder and face life with passion and purpose.