Holidays and Traditions:
The Real Dracula
Discover the real life exploits of Vladislavs Dracula, a very real monster who gave new meaning to the word Bloodthirsty.
The Golden Bough: Mistletoe history and lore
The role of Mistletoe in European traditions.
Oh, Tannenbaum!
The custom of decorating an evergreen with lights and ornaments is ostensibly Christian, but its roots lie deep in the Pagan past. Discover the fascinating history of the Christmas tree.
Remembering the Dead
A look at the different ways a variety of faiths remember and honor the dead, from the Mexican Day of the Dead, to the Chinese Feast of the Hungry Ghosts.
Halloween History Hysteria
Some conservative Christian tract writers believe Halloween has sinister origins. Explore common myths and realities about the religious origins of Halloween.
The Mysterious Dying God.
What does Christianity have in common with ancient Pagan religions? Much more than you might think.
The Pagan Origins of the Easter Bunny
Not an ordinary rabbit! Learn the true origin of the furry Easter icon.
Occult History, practices, symbols:
Through a glass, Darkly
Mirror gazing, or scrying, is one of the oldest known forms of divination, dating back to antiquity. Learn the divination used by Nostradamus, Dr. John Dee, even Joseph Smith! Also, learn a simple method to construct your own scrying mirror.
The Necronomicon
Its use has propelled the unwitting into violence, insanity, and death. Just looking inside without proper precautions can render a person insane….right? Hardly!
Secrets of Magic Symbols
Most symbols of western magic, astrology, and alchemy are based on a common symbolic alphabet. Knowing the secret system behind these symbols can provide an incredible amount of insight into even the most inscrutable signs and symbols.
Secrets of Magic Symbols- part two
Explore further the universal symbolic alphabet, with the omnipresent serpent and the cosmic egg.
The Kabbalistic Tarot
The master key to the Tarot can be found in an ancient mystical system known as the Kabbalah. Learn the system behind tarot cards and their symbolism.
Baphomet
At first look, it appears ghastly-a grotesque sphinx like creature, with the head of a goat, cloven hooves, and the body of a nude woman. It is the Baphomet, one of the most misunderstood religious symbols of all time. Learn the history and origin of the mysterious mascot of ritual magick.
Love Magick
Love spells and charms are a universal phenomenon- looking for magical assistance in making a love connection- no matter how icky, sticky, or even toxic- is as old as mankind.
Grimoire- the Magician’s Handbook
Containing complex instructions for conjuring demons and spirits, the Grimoires of European magicians were more than just primers in the Dark Arts.
The Emerald Tablet
The Emerald tablet is the cornerstone of the Hermetic movement. It’s origin is shrouded in mystery, yet is has been an inspiration for alchemists and magicians for hundreds of years.
More: Hermetic Tradition – Learn more about the art of Hermes
Dr. John Dee, the original Wizard
Who was John Dee? A brilliant magician, mathematician, scientist, and secret agent- the original Renaissance man. Without him, there would be no Harry Potter, no Gandalf, no wizard bearing a crystal ball- and no agent 007.
Divination:
Color your own Tarot cards
Own a deck that’s unlike any other- by creating it yourself! This feature includes cards you can print out, and simple instructions so you can create your own unique Tarot cards.
The I Ching
The I Ching, or Book of Changes, has influenced Eastern philosophy for millenia. Learn how to consult this ancient oracle with nothing more than a few pennies and a pencil and paper.
Runes- The Alphabet of Odin
Discover the ancient oracular alphabet of the Norse, the meanings of the Runic characters, and learn how to do a basic divination with Runes.
Ogham- the Celtic Oracular Alphabet
The mysterious Celtic Ogham alphabet dates from the fourth century, and is used as a divinatory system by modern Druids and neopagans.
Through a glass, Darkly
Mirror gazing, or scrying, is one of the oldest known forms of divination, dating back to antiquity. Learn the divination used by Nostradamus, Dr. John Dee, even Joseph Smith! Also, learn a simple method to construct your own scrying mirror.
Vachetta Tarot
The beautiful and enchanting Vacchetta Tarot joins out Color your own Tarot feature. print and color a full deck, including minor arcana.
Religion and Religious Experiences:
The Seven African Powers
In the Yoruban tradition that is parent to the Lukumi and Palo faiths, the Orishas are emissaries of God, ruling the forces of nature and the fortunes of mankind. The Seven African powers are the primary deities of this tradition.
Hoodoo- An American magical tradition
Interest in African rooted spiritual traditions such as Voodoo, Santeria, and Palo is growing steadily in the US, but few are aware that Hoodoo, a unique fusion of American folk practices and African magical traditions, has been a fixture of American culture for several hundred years. Author Stephanie Rose Bird shares with us some Hoodoo basics.
Hoodoo’s Dance with Death
Guest author Stephanie Rose Bird muses about the traditions of her childhood.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji
Five centuries ago, during a time of great strife between Hindu and Muslim believers, a young prophet brought forth the message, “There is neither Hindu nor Muslim.”
Vodoun, the real Voodoo
Vodoun, the traditional religion of Haiti, is one of the most misunderstood religions of all time. Learn more about this ancient ancestral tradition.
A Defense of Discordianism
Tired of cranky old religions and arrogant thunder Gods who take the fun out of everything? Discordian Fayanora’s description of life as a Discordian.
A Defense of Discordianism-Part Two
All is Chaos- Part two of Fayanora’s paean to the Goddess of Discord. Even more babble and confusing prose.
The Way and its Power- the story of the Tao te Ching
When the wise man Laotze was halted on his travels by a customs official who demanded he declare his items of value, Laotze replied that he had only one thing of value- his wisdom. The official pondered this and decided that as payment, Laotze should write down his wisdom. The result was the Tao te Ching.
Kalpana Chawla
Astronaut Kalpana Chawla was a pioneer in more ways than one. The accomplished mission specialist was the first Indian space traveler. She was also the first Sikh.
Symbolism:
The Tree of Life
The Tree of life is a universal motif, found in every ancient culture- a symbol of the uniting of heaven and earth, spiritual nourishment, and even enlightenment.
The Pentagram
The pentagram is almost as old as mankind, an an important symbol in many religions. Learn the history, meaning, and importance of the Pentagram throughout history.
Gnostic Hollywood
Has Hollywood gone Gnostic? Are there secret theological messages in modern films? Explore Cinema’s strange new direction.
Exploring The Da Vinci Code: Was Jesus Married?
Masonry, Secret Societies:
Freemasonry 101
A brief overview of the history and symbols of freemasonry.
A New Order of Ages
The Masonic Enlightenment and the Symbols of America
Politics, Cults, Controversy:
Separation of Church and State?
A collection of quotes from founding fathers and US presidents supporting church and state separation, including a list of bogus quotes to watch out for.
Clone or Con?
A controversial company claiming to have produced the first human clone may have ties to the Raelians, a controversial religious group. What lead a former sports journalist to turn to a gospel of extra-terrestrial Gods and human cloning?
