by Terry Rombeck

It seems like discussions in faith circles about the evils or virtues of Harry Potter have simmered down since the first books and movies originally came out.

Or at least there seem to be fewer news stories about the religious debate. (more…)

In the New Age book field, it is impossible to guess which book is going to be popular and which one is not. But when I looked at the manuscript to Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft I knew it was going to be something special! Few books have been as needed, and as anticipated as this one-it’s the first totally comprehensive, eclectic, and sensible guide to the art and the practice of modern Wicca!

I say “Wicca” rather than “Witchcraft” because it includes not only the Craft of the Wise but gives you a firm foundation for understanding the spiritual dimension that is the essence of this born again Old Religion for the Modern World. (more…)

There are many different Witchcraft traditions. Although the traditions vary, there are still many linking factorsbut what do you do if none of the traditions exactly match your needs and abilities?

Why not create a tradition of your ownone rooted in natural magick and shaped to fit your personal goals and beliefs? If you want to do this, you have to get Embracing the Moon by Yasmine Galenorn.

Embracing the Moon is based on a practicing Witch’s personal magickal system. She has already cast the spells, blended the oils, and used the invocations, so you know they will work. From basic tenets of Witchcraft to spellcasting, from herbs and oils to ritual Shadow Work, Embracing the Moon opens a whole world of magick to you.

If you are content with any tradition, you can add some or all of the exercises and techniques given here. Perhaps you might want to change them to fit what you do more accurately. That is exactly what Yasmine Galenorn would like you to do.

If you want to make your spiritual path as unique as you are, Embracing the Moon give you all the options, expert insights, and support you need to work natural magick in a way that’s meaningful for you. Get Embracing the Moon today.

Source: Llewellyn.com

For all our prudish behaviour, Indians really know how to package and present their patented manual on sex year after year. We’re talking of Vatsyayana’s Kama Sutra — a text that has been analysed time and again and has always been a money-spinner.

2007 will see three versions of the famous text being released. There’s Deepak Chopra’s Kama Sutra; Pavan Varma’s The Art of Making Love to a Woman and Kama’s Playground: An Anthology of Indian Erotica, edited by Alka Pande.

All three texts are different in their interpretation. Says writer-diplomat Varma, the author of The Great Indian Middle Class, “My book pays tribute the genius of Vatsyayana as the master symphonist of the erotic mood.

In the midst of this avalanche of flesh, “I have attempted to rediscover the lost delicacy of Vatsyayana’s original text.” Varma adds that his interpretation of the ancient text is essentially targeted at the male for the benefit of the female.

Publisher Pramod Kapoor reveals the international market for interpretations of the KS is huge.

“Our first print run for Pavan’s book will have 30,000 copies. And such texts sell five times more in France than in India. It makes a lot of business sense to release a generic title like this one,” says Kapoor.

Deepak Chopra’s Kama Sutra combines sex and spirituality. “Each version of the KS has different sub-markets. Chopra’s book comes about 40 years after we published a paperback version of Vatsyayana’s original text, which is still on our bestseller list,” informs Akash Shah, publisher, Jaico Publishing House.

“Through the years, the KS has become such a staid text — anything but sensual. Still it is one of India’s treasures and required a re-invention,” says Chopra. But then again, is there anything in KS that has yet to be explained?

“Two sections in the present book are not found in any of the other commentaries on the KS. The first of these is deep examination of the nature of sexual energy and how it relates to spiritual energy, and the second section is on the seven stages of romantic love including attraction, infatuation, communion, intimacy, surrender, passion, and ecstasy,” he adds.

Source: Times of India

Frankly, I’m surprised nobody wrote this book sooner. There are many books about the magic in places all over the world, but leave it to Scott Cunningham and David Harrington to write a book about the magic in the place where you spend the most time: your home. The Magical Household is so rich with information about everything from purification to protection that I hardly know where to begin.

Every part of your home, inside and outside, is covered in this book. Outside are the garage and garden, windows and doorways. This book gives you ways to bring in the good health, love, peace, wealth, friends and keep out the bad disease, accidents, poverty, unwanted intruders.

Magical tips are given for each room inside the house, too. Rituals, incenses, and techniques to provide you with what is needed in your life are described. Whether it is the kitchen or living room, bedroom or den, you will find magical advice and folklore that can bring magic into your life.

Sometimes the magic is as easy as moving furniture and hanging an herb above a door. Other times it might be a brief rite combined with candles of a particular color. It’s all described here.

The information comes from all over the world. Some comes from Europe, other pieces come from Asia, Hawaii, and even ancient Egypt. The book is serious, but it is also fun. Scott and David write so well that it seems more like they are talking to you than writing a book.

The Magical Household is for anybody who lives anywhere. That means me. That means you. So right now I’m going to lean back in my oak chair, get up from my teak desk, go over to an oak bookcase and go through this book again. That’s where you’ll find what these different types of wood can magically provide. This book is a gem!

Source: Llewellyn.com