Collection: Spirituality & Religion

Best-selling American Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön presents a friendly and encouraging guide to spiritual practice for all those who want to take up the path of the bodhisattva--one who aspires to live life with courage, generosity, patience, fearlessness, and compassion.

The Way of the Bodhisattva has long been treasured as an indispensable guide to enlightened living, offering a window into the greatest potential within us all. Written in the eighth century by the scholar and saint Shantideva, it presents a comprehensive view of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition's highest ideal--to commit oneself to the life of a bodhisattva warrior, a person who is wholeheartedly dedicated to the freedom and common good of all beings. And it has inspired many of the tradition's greatest teachers, providing a remarkable source of insight on the means by which we may heal ourselves and our troubled world. These essential teachings present the core of the Buddhist path, from cultivating deep-seated confidence to infusing one's life with selflessness, joyfulness, kindness, and compassion. Pema Chödrön here invites you to journey more deeply into this liberating way of life, presenting Shantideva's text verse-by-verse and offering both illuminating stories and practical exercises to enrich the text and bring its timeless teachings to life in our world today.

Previously published under the title No Time to Lose.

- Revised and expanded edition of the classic work on chakras by the renowned Indian scholar and tantra practitioner.

- Includes full-color illustrations of the chakras to be used with the meditation exercises in the book and provides the tools necessary to activate these centers of transformative energy.

In the ancient science of tantra, the human body is viewed as the most perfect instrument for the expression of consciousness, a perfection realized through the development of psychic centers known as chakras. Located within the cerebrospinal system, the chakras are the stage upon which the interaction between higher consciousness and desire is played out. Consequently, it is through understanding and utilizing the energies of the chakras that we ultimately reach an enlightened state of being.

In Chakras, Indian scholar and tantra practitioner Harish Johari introduces the classical principles of the chakras as well as their practical application for today. In this expanded edition, complete with new art and text, he unfolds the mysteries of these subtle centers of transformation with visualization techniques essential to a fully realized tantric practice. Unlike other books in its field, Chakras provides the tools to activate these centers of transformative energy and elevate one's intellectual knowledge to an experience of spiritual growth.

Meditating on the beautiful, full-color illustrations of each chakra vitalizes the cerebrospinal centers and harmonizes the entire system both physically and psychically. Explanations of each chakra elaborate on the chakra's connection to elements, colors, sounds, sense and work organs, desires, planets and deities, as well as on behavioral characteristics and particular effects of meditation. For scholars and spiritual aspirants of every level, Chakras is an invaluable, practical source of information and techniques.

This is most popular Islamic text book used in the English speaking world for the past decade. It is now in two parts:

Part One teaches about:

Aqeedah

Fiqh

Islamic manners and morals

Seerah

Part Two teaches about:

Men and women around the Prophet Muhammad

Stories of the prophets

Supplications and invocations

Hadiths

This is a great Islamic book for kids. It is one of the books that is important for learning about Islam.

Beautifully written and designed, Brightening Our Inner Skies: Yin and Yoga practically and provocatively explores yoga, self-transformation and social responsibility. This book takes the practice of yoga and self to profound levels through stories, images and well-researched debates.

It provides the principles and practicalities of Yin, highlighting how it acts as a bridge to a meditation practice and can allow the practitioner to experience the energy channels of Traditional Chinese Medicine (with a helpful chart of meridians, health issues and emotions). Designed as a book to practice from, it opens flat, with the narrative in short sections and evocative photos of nature bringing in a breathing space of mind and eye.
Useful and inspirational to newcomers to yoga as well as experienced teachers, Brightening Our Inner Skies draws together decades of practice, teaching experience with thousands of students and a deep desire to help the practitioner change themselves and change the world, one posture, one practice at a time. Students and teachers have said it is that rare thing: a yoga book that's a page turner!

Drawing On Grief is a uniquely creative journal and mindful keepsake which draws on the soothing therapeutic power of drawing and creativity to help people navigate the pain of bereavement.

In this moving book of self-help through art therapy, author Kate Sutton draws on her own experiences of losing a loved one to help others on this difficult journey, presenting guided creative prompts as well as memories of her own and quotes from others on the painful topic of loss.

By guiding readers through creative exercises from drawing fond memories together to creating an ocean of tears with colouring pencils, this book helps people visualise the pain they are going through, so as to better understand and navigate their grief.

The book also contains written prompts such as writing a letter to yourself and to your loved one, designed to help people express the difficult emotions which bereavement brings.

Part self-help book, part memoir, Drawing On Grief emphasizes the importance of self-care in the grieving process, allowing people to explore their own feelings through creative mediums, which can often be easier than trying to express feelings directly.

A modern and insightful approach to the pain of loss, Drawing On Grief is a sensitive and compassionate guide to help people look after themselves as they traverse one of life's most challenging moments.

This book is part of the Drawing On... series, a collection of creative guided journals which help readers explore difficult topics including anxiety and grief. Also available is Drawing On Anxiety, a beautifully illustrated interactive journal tapping into self-help, self-care, mental health and creative mindfulness.

This classic exploration of the Goddess through time and throughout the world draws on religious, cultural, and archaeological sources to recreate the Goddess religion that is humanity's heritage. Now, with a new introduction and full-color artwork, this passionate and important text shows even more clearly that the religion of the Goddess--which is tied to the cycles of women's bodies, the seasons, the phases of the moon, and the fertility of the earth--was the original religion of all humanity.

From Alex Elle, celebrated poet and author of Neon Soul and Words from a Wanderer, comes Today I Affirm--a journal and guide to reading and writing daily affirmations.

Writing serves as a form of meditation. When we slow down and settle into ourselves, affirmations can assist us in self-awareness, introspection, and understanding. Today I Affirm helps walk readers through the ins and outs of cultivating positive self-talk in a way that is stress-free and easy to understand. This innovative book includes affirmations written by the author, short bits of inspiration, charts to fill in, as well as journal pages all with the focus on self-care.

"A wondrous, hopeful, heart-breaking witness to one of the darkest journeys imaginable... This will be one of those rare books that people re-read, think about, and encourage others to read." --Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D, author, with Oprah Winfrey, of What Happened to You

"I love this book. I absolutely could not put it down. It is beautifully written and cuts to the very heart of life and love: The story of Havi's short, beautiful life and early death from Tay-Sachs is harrowing, heartbreaking, uplifting, profound and sometimes funny. Havi will charm the socks off you."--Anne Lamott

Life is unfolding as planned for Myra Sack and her husband Matt until their beautiful year-old daughter Havi is diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a fatal neurodegenerative disease, and given only a year to live. Myra and Matt decide to celebrate Havi's short life and vow to show her as much of the world as they can, surrounded by friends and family who relocate to be in Havi's orbit. Tapping their Judaism, they transform Friday night Shabbats into birthday parties--"Shabbirthdays"--to replace the birthdays Havi will never have.

Igniting a long-overdue dialogue about how the legacy of racial injustice and white supremacy plays out in society at large and Buddhist communities in particular, this urgent call to action outlines a new dharma that takes into account the ways that racism and privilege prevent our collective awakening. The authors traveled around the country to spark an open conversation that brings together the Black prophetic tradition and the wisdom of the Dharma. Bridging the world of spirit and activism, they urge a compassionate response to the systemic, state-sanctioned violence and oppression that has persisted against black people since the slave era. With national attention focused on the recent killings of unarmed black citizens and the response of the Black-centered liberation groups such as Black Lives Matter, Radical Dharma demonstrates how social transformation and personal, spiritual liberation must be articulated and inextricably linked.

Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Lama Rod Owens, and Jasmine Syedullah represent a new voice in American Buddhism. Offering their own histories and experiences as illustrations of the types of challenges facing dharma practitioners and teachers who are different from those of the past five decades, they ask how teachings that transcend color, class, and caste are hindered by discrimination and the dynamics of power, shame, and ignorance. Their illuminating argument goes beyond a demand for the equality and inclusion of diverse populations to advancing a new dharma that deconstructs rather than amplifies systems of suffering and prepares us to weigh the shortcomings not only of our own minds but also of our communities. They forge a path toward reconciliation and self-liberation that rests on radical honesty, a common ground where we can drop our need for perfection and propriety and speak as souls. In a society where profit rules, people's value is determined by the color of their skin, and many voices--including queer voices--are silenced, Radical Dharma recasts the concepts of engaged spirituality, social transformation, inclusiveness, and healing.

For over two decades, Donald Michael Kraig's Modern Magick has been the world's most popular step-by-step guide to working real magick. Tens of thousands of individuals and groups have used this course as their primary instruction manual. Now, greatly revised and expanded, this set of lessons is more complete and relevant to your life than ever.

Written with respect for the student, Modern Magick will safely guide you--even if you know little or nothing--through a progressive series of practical exercises and rituals, complemented by the knowledge, history, insights, and theory you need to become a successful ceremonial magician. Firmly rooted in the Western magickal tradition yet designed to be fully compatible with your contemporary practice, this book will help you attain full mastery of all core topics in magick:

• The inner mysteries of the Kabalah
• The most powerful rituals of magick
• How to create and perform your own rituals
• True meditation
• Magickal ethics
• Astral projection
• Tools of magick
• Evocation of spirits
• Pathworking
• Tantra and sex magick
• The importance of the Tarot
• Talismans and amulets
• Secrets of visualization
• Alchemy
• Psychic self-defense
• Healing rituals

Filled with personal stories and helpful illustrations, along with updated and brand-new material, this new edition of Modern Magick features a completely new lesson that reveals the concepts, techniques, and rituals of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Chaos Magick, and Postmodern Magick. Ideal for beginning, intermediate, or advanced students, and perfect as a manual for magickal temples, this is essential reading for every true magician.

Praise:
"Modern Magick is a modern-day classic. It has become the standard textbook of practical magickal knowledge for magicians all over the world. We highly recommend it to beginner and adept alike."--Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha Cicero, authors of Experiencing the Kabbalah and Self-Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition

Light the fires of celebration with Beltane's invigorating energy

Beltane--also known as May Day--is a time of fertility and growth. As the start of the summer season, Beltane is the perfect time to put plans into action. This guide to the history and modern celebrations of Beltane shows you how to perform rituals and work magic for protection, abundance, and more.

• Rituals
• Recipes
• Lore
• Spells
• Divination
• Crafts
• Correspondences
• nvocations
• Prayers
• Meditations

Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials explore the old and new ways of celebrating the seasonal rites that are the cornerstones of the witch's year.

What happens when two women commit to serving the Catholic Church as nuns-Brides of Christ, taking vows of chastity-but fall passionately in love?They must defy the Church's rules against same-sex relationships and blaze a bold trail for a joyous, adventurous life together-at a time when LGBTQ people could be killed for being gay and same-sex marriage was decades in the future. Now Joanie Lindenmeyer and Carol Tierheimer are sharing their courageous and blissful, 40-year journey in NUN BETTER: An AMAZING Love Story. Their breathtaking love story showcases the magic and miracles of love, and two women's unshakable devotion to spreading joy and peace in the spirit of God.This electrifying saga begins with the first time young Joanie heard Sister Carol's voice over the phone, as she embarked on religious training in a convent run by Sister Carol, who was 15 years older. Until then, while growing up separately in Southern California, both women had heard the call at a young age to serve God as nuns, and allowed parallel paths that merged in Lewiston, Idaho.From the magic moment that they first looked into each other's eyes, their spirits danced with knowing that each had found her forever soul mate. From there, they devoted themselves to religious life and training, while secretly cultivating an epic romance.Finally, both women left the Church, embarking on a blissful life together in Washington state, then coastal Oregon. All the while, they created loving communities for gay and lesbian friends who felt safe and celebrated.Meanwhile, Joanie and Carol petitioned the Catholic Church to allow gay marriage, but despite their fervent prayers, hope and requests of priests to perform their sacramental union, a Catholic marriage was denied.Undaunted, they officially wed with an Episcopalian priest.In the midst of their life of romance, adventures and travels, a health tragedy struck Carol, and Joanie's loving care of her life partner personified their wedding vow of "in sickness and in health." Then, after Carol went to heaven, Joanie honored their dream of composing their story in a book to share with people everywhere. Nun Better shares their trailblazing journey in a world where their forbidden love exploded like a sunburst of joy and peace for all who knew them. Now this book will do that for readers around the world, and can be especially affirming for LGBTQ+ individuals who are seeking hope and help to find love, peace and spiritual comfort.

This compact volume is a wealth of knowledge on Neapolitan witchcraft, with a primary focus on the folklore behind the Cimaruta.

Delve into the mysticism of rural Southern Italy in the early 1900s and explore the many traditional superstitions and beliefs of Naples. This fascinating collection of notes features an oral transcript between the author and a practising witch. A perfect read for those who wish to learn more about the Italian folk amulet, the Cimaruta, which is worn to ward off the evil eye's curse.

Journey through the seven feminine archetypes to rediscover your essential self

- Discover the seven feminine archetypes that prevail in the modern psyche--Maiden, Mother, Sage, Huntress, Lover, Mystic, and Queen--and how each influences us

- Explores each archetype's beneficial qualities, its connections to the physical-emotional-mental body, and its shadow aspects

- Engage in step-by-step creative practices, guided visualizations, mind-body rituals, and soulful poetry to help you embody each archetype and activate a life of fulfillment and happiness

Journey through the archetypal wisdom of the divine feminine to reclaim your authentic self and to follow your soul's longing. Embodiment teacher Mara Branscombe takes an intriguing look at the seven feminine archetypes that prevail in the modern psyche--Maiden, Mother, Sage, Huntress, Lover, Mystic, and Queen--and traces their continuing influence throughout different stages of our life, sometimes dormant, sometimes prominent. As she explores each archetype's beneficial qualities, its connections to the physical-emotional-mental body, and its shadow aspects, Mara highlights the positive impact these models can have if we embrace them and live them consciously. Step-by-step creative practices, guided visualizations, mind-body rituals, and soulful poetry allow you to embody each archetype, inviting in the light aspects as well as integrating the shadow. Embodiment techniques help you shift your consciousness and untangle from the habitual and unconscious patterns that dim your vital spark.

Weaving the fine strands of the archetypal wisdom into a rich tapestry, this guide provides soul-empowering mind-body formulas that become field notes on the visionary's path. As the embodied feminine within comes alive, you will discover how each cycle and experience in life are part of the continuous unfolding of your own living ceremony.

Due to the sheer number of Wicca 101 books on the market, many newcomers to the Craft find themselves piecing together their Wiccan education by reading a chapter from one book, a few pages from another. Rather than depending on snippets of wisdom to build a new faith, Wicca for Beginners provides a solid foundation to Wicca without limiting the reader to one tradition or path.

Embracing both the spiritual and the practical, Wicca for Beginners is a primer on the philosophies, culture, and beliefs behind the religion, without losing the mystery that draws many students to want to learn. Detailing practices such as grounding, raising energy, visualization, and meditation, this book offers exercises for core techniques before launching into more complicated rituals and spellwork.

Finalist for the Coalition of Visionary Resources Award for Best Wiccan/Pagan Book

"In her first book-length work, Sabin presents a first-rate, fresh, and thorough addition to the burgeoning field of earth-based spiritual practice volumes...written in a light, informative style that magically mines depth, breadth and brevity."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

This collectible box set combines The Illustrated Herbiary, Maia Toll's best-selling book on the magic and mysticism of plants, with a freestanding deck of 36 large gilt-edged oracle cards and a cloth carrying pouch for keeping botanical wisdom close at hand. For devotees of tarot, witchcraft, mysticism, botanicals, and beautiful art, this special edition makes a truly distinctive gift.

Also available in this transformative series: The Illustrated Herbiary, The Illustrated Bestiary, The Illustrated Bestiary Collectible Box Set, and The Illustrated Crystallary.