Complete List of Journal Articles

Over the last thousand years there have been several distinct streams of Western magical practice. Running parallel are the grimoires, which focus on preparation and complex procedures to produce effective communication and interaction with spiritual beings, and the Books of Secrets, full of simple techniques using easily available ingredients. Both of these traditions have influenced many of the more recent magical traditions and practices that have developed in recent centuries. However, until recently the importance of the early Book of Secrets tradition has been largely ignored. Here magician David Rankine explains the rich, magical history behind these books.

For many skeptics, the out of body experience (OBE) can be explained away or simply ignored. But what of the evidence from recorded accounts, controlled experiments, and research into near-death experiences? Graham Nicholls, author of Navigating the Out-of-Body Experience, explains his new book, and how these powerful experiences can be had by anyone once we step away from the everyday and reach out for something truly life-affirming.

For the ancient Celts, there were only two seasons: summer and winter. Beltaine ushered in the light half of the year while Samhain (modern Halloween) ushered in the dark half. The mid-points of the year were Imbolc, the Fire Festival of mid-winter that celebrated the lactation of the ewes, and Lughnasad, the festival of mid-summer that celebrated

In the summer of 2007, Ghost Under Foot author Kenneth Harmon and his family discovered that they had a ghost inhabiting their Fort Collins, Colorado home. Spurred by paranormal experiences at the famously haunted Stanley Hotel, the Harmons begin their investigation. Instead of diminishing, the ghostly experiences increase as the Harmons grow closer to Mary Bell Wilson, the spirit inhabiting their home.

Two of the most popular deities within the Celtic pantheon are Lugh and Brighid, both of whom Fire deities invoked during festivals of Wheel of the Year. Here Ellen Evert Hopman, Druid and author of Priestess of the Fire Temple, discusses the sacred fire of the Celts and how we, too, can honor the fire deities.

"I was taken from myself and I was as spirit, and I knew the acts of peoples past and could predict the future. I knew the secrets of things, of bird flight and the wondering motions of stars, and the way by which fish glide." -Vita Merlini The above verse taken from the enigmatic conversation between Merlin the magician and the prophet

When thinking about the world's history, the use of incense is not something that is likely to come to mind. However, incense has had a shaping role in the economies and politics of societies the world over for thousands of years. How can such a small, humble stick hold so much power? Carl F. Neal, author of Incense Magick, explains.

There have been periods throughout history, such as the Golden Age, the Renaissance, and the Age of Enlightenment, in which humanity has shined. We are entering the year 2012, and a time of great change is upon us, especially within the United States. How do we best embrace the upcoming changes? How to do we balance healthy communities and country with a healthy self? Michell DesPres, author of The Clairvoyant Path, discusses our our intuition can lead us to positive and permanent change—within ourselves and throughout the world around us.

Most tarot readers consider the Major Arcana cards to be doorways to powerful archetypal energy, life lessons, important life changes, and events beyond our control. Like her colleagues, Tarot expert Barbara Moore accepts this view, but she also worries that by imbuing the Major cards with such importance, they may become too heady, too for removed from us, too unapproachable. Discover a technique to reunite the Major Arcana with our physical existence—and maybe discover your ideal healthy activities, as suggested by the cards, along the way.

At the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, plants and trees awaken from dormancy, animals awaken from hibernation, and human thoughts turn to cleaning, cherry blossoms, and young love. At the same time, the Roman Catholic Church and a significant portion of the world’s Christians engage in Lent. What is Lent, anyway, and is it relevant for those who practice more than one religion, or religion(s) that aren’t Christian? Mambo Chita Tann, author of Haitian Vodou, describes the Haitian Vodou practices for Lent—and how we all, regardless of religious belief or affiliation, can benefit from a brief period of quiet and cleansing.