Gary R Varner

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  Buy your personally signed copy today.  Maria Lionza: An Indigenous Goddess of Venezuela $8.50  The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature - God of War $15.95  Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion $17.95  Gargoyles, Grotesques & Green Men: Ancient Symbolism in Euro $16.95  Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Be $21.95  The Roots of Witchcraft $21.50  The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil $15.95  Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death: Ancient Symboli $12.95  The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature $21.95  Water of Life--Water of Death: The Folklore and Mythology of $19.95  Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone: The Folklore & Magic o $21.95  Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning and Mythology  $19.95 

Gary is a folklorist with a background in archaeology & anthropology. He writes of the continuation of ancient traditions into contemporary society.

 Gary R Varner
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Gargoyles, Grotesques & Green Men is now available through most online retailers. Illustrated with dozens of photographs from Viet Nam and Turkey, the UK and across the United States, this is a fascinating look at the ancient symbols and icons that continue to surface in our modern world.


The major influences in my life have been those early anthropologists, ethnologist and folklorists who studied the early and contemporary cultures of humankind, exploring the technology, rich oral traditions, folklore and religious structures that are still so abundant in the world.


The need for universal respect and enjoyment of our differences is paramount. To do otherwise only cheats us all of our common heritages.


Publication History:


Essays in Contemporary Paganism 2000


Water of life Water of Death: The Folklore and Mythology of Sacred Waters 2004


Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone: The Folklore and Magic of Sacred Stone 2004


The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature 2006


Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death: Ancient Symbolism in European and American Architecture 2006


The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil 2007 (Available in both trade paper and in a special beautiful hardcover edition, titled The Roots of Witchcraft)


Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings Around the World - A Study in Comparative Mythology 2007


The Sword in Myth & Legend 2007


Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion 2007


The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature - God of War 2007


Maria Lionza: An Indigenous Goddess of Venezuela 2007


The Use & History of Amulets, Charms and Talismans 2008


Gargoyles, Grotesques & Green Men: Ancient Symbolism in European and American Architecture 2008


Charles G. Leland: Adventurer, Journalist, Folklorist - The Man & the Myth-2nd edition in progress


In progress: The Owens Valley Paiute - A Cultural History


Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning, and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters - to be reissued in a 2nd edition August 2009 by Algora Publishing



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Accomplishments: Gary has been listed in successive editions of Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World and is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.

His books have been purchased by over 700 university and public libraries around the world, including the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.


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Books

The History & Use of Amulets, Charms and Talismans by Gary R Varner
Varner's book tells the tale of the amulet from the small goddess figurines of 30,000 BCE to contemporary crucifixes, saint's medals, copper bracelets, bladed weaponry, totem animals, "nail figures" from the Congo and Native American figures. Amulets used for healing, protection and spell-work are discussed in detail. Illustrated and indexed. Soon to be available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and ot...
  

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Gargoyles, Grotesques & Green Men: Ancient Symbolism in European... by Gary R Varner
Gary R.Varner's 2nd edition of "Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death" with more photos of the gargoyles, Green Men and grotesques found around the world, from Vietnam and Turkey to California and Pittsburgh. A must read for anyone interested in ancient symbols and iconography, historic preservation and the development of religion. Available now from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and other reta...
  

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Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters by Gary R Varner
"...an excellent reference for anyone interested in folklore, history and the development of religion." ...
  

Barnes & Noble.com   

Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion by Gary R Varner
An analysis of Native American myth and religion, archaeological anomalies and folklore that suggests cultural diffusion with ancient cultures was not only possible in the ancient history of the Americas, but probable. ...
  

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The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature - God of War by Gary R Varner
A new book by Gary R. Varner which explores the evolution of human understanding of what "god" is and the nature of religious hatred and genocide....
  

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Amazon.com  Amazon.co.uk  Lulu Press Inc. 

Hecate: The Witches' Goddess by Gary R Varner
A new book about the witches' goddess, Hecate, by Gary R. Varner. Just who was this goddess? Goddess of sorcery, goddess of fertility, protectress of women and children....
  

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The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil by Gary R Varner
An historical and ethnographic study of witches in indigenous cultures....
  

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Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner's newest book exploring the mysteries of the Earth, its Folklore and Mythology. Illustrated....
  

Amazon.com  Amazon.co.uk  Barnes & Noble.com  Algora Publishing 

Maria Lionza: An Indigenous Goddess of Venezuela by Gary R Varner
Maria Lionza, a 16th century Indian girl is now a goddess to one-third to one-half of the people of Venezuela. Little known in the west, this book examines her life and the native traditions that have embraced her as well as the political clout that she has in the 21st century. This fascinating religion is a mixture of Native traditions, Santeria and Catholicism....
  

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The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature by Gary R Varner
A new look at the ancient archetype, the Green Man and the folklore and mythology of trees and nature by Gary R. Varner....
  

Amazon.com  Amazon.co.uk  Barnes & Noble.com  Algora Publishing  Amazon.co.uk



Articles

Gargoyles & Grotesques
 by Gary R Varner
A short excerpt from a book now available from Lulu Press, "Gargoyles, Green Men & Grotesques: Ancient Symbols in the Architecture of Europe and America", by Gary R. Varner...


The Creation of Supernatural Beings
 by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from Gary R. Varner's book, The Gods of Man....


The Folklore of Trees
 by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from Gary R. Varner's book, The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature....


A reply to ecauldron
 by Gary R Varner
I recently became aware that I was subject to discussion on a pagan forum site, called "ecauldron." People on the site maligned my recent book, Creatures in the Mist, indicating that a search of my na...


Merry Solstice...er...Happy Yule...
 by Gary R Varner
No Matter What the Holiday is Called, The Message is the Same ...


Fire Symbolism in Myth and Religion
 by Gary R Varner
An article on the mythic symbolism of fire....


Cajoling the Gods
 by Gary R Varner
An article about the not so different ways that humankind deals with its gods....


Leland Among the Indians
 by Gary R Varner
A chapter in the forthcoming book, Charles Leland: Journalist, Adventurer, Folklorist by Gary R. Varner
Halloween: An Ancient Day of Remembrance and Renewal
 by Gary R Varner
Samhain, today known as "Halloween", is an ancient holy day to remember the dead, to welcome in the new year, and to shrug off unwanted "baggage" from the last year. This article discusses the history...


Searching for Mermaids in the Karoo
 by Gary R Varner
Mermaids have been with us for thousands of years, recorded by the Babylonians back to 2000 BC and still seen today in small Irish coastal villages. This article, by South African film-maker and write...


Charles G. Leland & his views on religion
 by Gary R Varner
A chapter from the book in progress on 19th century folklorist and adventurer, Charles G. Leland--known today as possibly the founder of Wicca....


Charles G. Leland: Journalist, Adventurer, Folklorist
 by Gary R Varner
A chapter from a new biography in progress on the 19th century folklorist best known for his book, "Aradia: Gospel of the Witches." A talented man, but was he a fraud?
Why Gods Exist
 by Gary R Varner
A chapter from the new book by Gary R. Varner, "The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature - God of War" available from Amazon and other online stores....


Amulets for Health
 by Gary R Varner
A short chapter from the new book by Gary R. Varner, "The Use & History of Amulets, Charms and Talismans."...


A review copy did you say?...
 by Gary R Varner
An article about the bad reviews authors may receive......


The Nature of Hecate - Goddess of Witches
 by Gary R Varner
A chapter from a book in progress by Gary R. Varner, "Hecate - The Witches' Goddess."...


Are books and their readers becoming extinct?
 by Gary R Varner
A new report on the decline in reading indicates more than one cause. ...


Antiquities: The Case for Cultural Diffusion
 by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from "Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion" by Gary R. Varner....


Creatures in the Mist reviewed by Library Journal
 by Gary R Varner
The nations "bible of the library world" reviewed Gary R. Varner's book, Creatures in the Mist in its August 15, 2007 issue....


Death in Folklore and Mythology
 by Gary R Varner
How is death treated in mythology? Did the concept of death create the need for religion? An article by Gary R. Varner....


Folklorist Gary R. Varner to Appear at the 9th Annual Harvest Festival
 by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner, author of numerous books and articles on folklore and mythology will attend the 9th Annual Harvest Festival in Fair Oaks, California. ...


The Green Man and the Church
 by Gary R Varner
An exerpt from a book on the Green Man released March 2006 from Algora Publishing. ...


St. George: Christian Dragon Slayer or Pagan Green Man?
 by Gary R Varner
An excerpt from The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature by Gary R. Varner....


Giant Lore Around the World
 by Gary R Varner
More folklore from Creatures in the Mist by Gary R. Varner....


Gargoyles and the Church
 by Gary R Varner
A second excerpt from the book now available, "Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life and Death" by Gary R. Varner....



News

Biography about Charles G. Leland no longer available
 by Gary R Varner
Book withdrawn after personal attacks....


Pre-Historic Rock Art of California
 by Gary R Varner
New 18 month calendar of exceptional prehistoric rock art of California offered by folklorist Gary R. Varner....


2nd Review of Charles G. Leland: The Man & the Myth by Ghost Writer Review
 by Gary R Varner
A second review from Ghost Writer Review of Charles G. Leland: The Man & the Myth. ...


Sacred Wells to be reissued by Algora Publishing
 by Gary R Varner
Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning, and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters by Gary R. Varner will be part of Algora Publishing's fall release....


The Ghostwriter Review reviews Charles G. Leland - The Man & the Myth
 by Gary R Varner
A new five star review of Gary R. Varner's biography of Charles G. Leland....


Charles G. Leland Book by Gary R. Varner Delayed at the Printer
 by Gary R Varner
Charles G.Leland - The Man & the Myth will have its retail release date postponed......


New Review of Hecate: The Witches Goddess
 by Gary R Varner
A new review from POD Book Central of Gary R. Varner's book on the ancient goddess,Hecate....


Gods of Man available for advance orders from Amazon.com
 by Gary R Varner
The new book by Gary R. Varner, The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature-God of War is now available from Amazon....


Mysteries of Native American Myth & Religion Available from Amazon.com
 by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner's book on Native American culture and mythology is now available from online retailers. ...


Creatures in the Mist Now Available in Hardcover
 by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner's book on mythic creatures now available in hardcover edition....


New Book on Witchcraft and The Continuing Witch Hunts Published
 by Gary R Varner
Press Release From PRLeap...


"Creatures in the Mist"--A new look at ancient myths and mythic creatures
 by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner's latest work, Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings Around the World--A study in comparative mythology is now available....


The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature Now in Hardcover
 by Gary R Varner
Varner's latest book on world folklore and mythology, recently released in trade paper from Algora Publishing, is now avaiilable in hardcover. ...


New Painter of Mythic Art Opens Shop
 by Gary R Varner
An artist friend has recently opened a new online shop for prints of mythic images, including mermaids, faries, Celtic gods and goddesses, Merlin, the Green Man and more. Check it out!...


Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death Released
 by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner's latest book on the symbolism of architecture released through Lulu.com....


Creatures in the Mist” by Gary R. Varner signed with Algora Publishing
 by Gary R Varner
New book on folklore by Gary R. Varner finds a publishing home....


Gary R. Varner's Interview on What a World Radio Postponed
 by Gary R Varner
Folklorist Gary R. Varner will guest on Nevyn Campanella's What a World Radio show...sometime in February 2006...


The Druid Network Review of "Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone"
 by Gary R Varner
A new book review by Britain's foremost Druid website, The Druid Network....


Circle Magazine Publishes Article by Gary R. Varner
 by Gary R Varner
"May Day: Festival of the Trees", written by Gary R. Varner published by Circle Magazine....


New Contract Signed for Green Man Book by Gary R. Varner
 by Gary R Varner
Folklorist Gary R. Varner signs new contract with Algora Publishing....


Folklorist/writer Gary R. Varner to Appear at the 2005 Wordstock Book Fair
 by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner will be at the Portland Annual Festival of the Book, April 23, 2005....


New Book on the Folklore of Sacred Waters to be Released January 1, 2005
 by Gary R Varner
New folklore book by Gary R. Varner to be released....


New Book on Folklore Featured at the 2004 Frankfurt Book Fair
 by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner's new book on folklore featured at the Frankfurt Book Fair....


Newest Book by Gary R. Varner on the Folklore of Sacred Stones to be Released Oct. 1, 2004
 by Gary R Varner
The newest book on folklore, mythology and sacred sites by Gary R. Varner to be available October 1, 2004 from Algora Publishing....


Gary R. Varner on New Age Journal Chat Once Again!
 by Gary R Varner
Gary R. Varner to be featured in the New Age Journal author chat on March 22, 2004....


Links

The Hunger Site
A quick and free way to contribute food, medicine, medical treatments and books to the needy as well as protecting rainforest land and providing food and care for animals.


Gary R. Varner's Bookshop for Folklore & Mythology
A direct link to my book bookshop at Lulu Press where several of my newest titles can be found.

Folklore, History & the Study of Myth
My folklore site featuring my books, events, blogs, and more. Please stop by and sign the guest book.

Algora Publishing
The publisher of three of my newest books on folklore and mythology. Algora will be releasing my fourth book in August, the 2nd edition of Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning & Mythology of Holy Wells and Waters. This is an exanded edition with many new photographs.


Additional information

Two new books are now available everywhere. These are The History & Use of Amulets, Charms and Talismans. This book is a fascinating story of the development and continued use of both unusual and everyday items to obtain health, good luck, success and influence with the gods. This book is illustrated, footnoted and indexed. The second book, a biography of Charles G. Leland, author of Aradia-Gospel of the Witches titled Charles G. Leland - The Man and the Myth is the real story of a pagan icon. However it is a story unlike any previously written about this fascinating man. The first edition is now out of print but a second edition will be forthcoming.

Gary's other books include The Mythic Forest, The Green Man and the Spirit of Nature which is a global analysis of the Green Man tradition in folklore from the Old World to the New. It is also a book about the folklore and mythology of tree and forest lore and contains many never before published photos of the Green Man in Wales, Ireland, England and across the United States. A must for those interested in nature lore and the Green Man archetype. He has also released a book on the ancient symbolism found in European and American architecture called "Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death." Illustrated with over 50 photos of gargoyles, grotesques and other creatures and symbols, this book is a must for anyone interested in symbolism, folklore and architectural history. It is an area many find fascinating but also an area with almost no serious study devoted to it.

Six books published in 2007 include Algora Publishing's Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings Around the World and, from Lulu Press, The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil,The Roots of Witchcraft, The Sword in Myth & Legend, Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion, and, The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature - God of War.

Gary R Varner
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