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|  | | Ancient Footprints: Cultural Diffusion in Pre-Columbian America
A new book about ancient expeditions to America.
When we think of the “First Americans” we generally tend to think of the American Indian. After all, there is no doubt that the Indian has lived in North America for thousands of years, descended from those original explorers who trekked across the Bering land bridge. At least this is what we are taught in school. But is this entirely correct? Were there others that came perhaps before and during the original population of North and South America by those that would later be called “Native Americans”? Were there others that embarked on expeditions to the mysterious lands to the west (or east) | |  | | Charles G. Leland - The Man & the Myth, 2nd edition
The second edition of Charles G. Leland - The Man & the Myth is now available.
"Varner does a great job combining the words of a grand storyteller with facts to create a solid piece of work." --Ghostwriter Reviews
The first biography of the folklorist, adventurer and NeoPagan icon in over 100 years is now available once again. New material is presented in this illustrated second edition.
Leland was quite a man. Aquainted with many of the top writers of the 19th century literary world, Leland was also responsible for the creation of Industrial Arts programs in the United States and for his controversial books on Gypsies, Native Americans and reportedly | |  | | Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings
Gary R. Varner's newest book exploring the mysteries of the Earth, its Folklore and Mythology. Illustrated.
From the publisher: Bringing together a medley of stories, myths, and folklore Gary Varner shares a fascination and respect for humankind's early and contemporary cultures and wonders at similarities across the board. Here, he focuses on "Little People" and giants, animals and were-creatures, and the odd, helpful or threatening ways imputed to our earthly companions including dogs and cats, bats and spiders, and the stories people have told each other about them since time immemorial. Gary Varner has performed a valuable service in these books. [Presenting] lore from about the world, a coll | |  | | Ethiopia - A Cultural History of an Ancient Land
Ethiopia--3,000 years of history, folklore and tragedy. This is a cultural history of the land and the people.
According to ancient Ptolemaic writings, Ethiopians were the first men that ever lived and the first to worship the gods and to honor the gods with sacrifice. Some believe that the Ethiopians were the origination of Egyptian religion in the worship of Osiris as well as the worship of Zeus. The Ethiopians, according to Herodotus, “reverence of the gods Zeus and Dionysos alone, and these they greatly honour; and they have an Oracle of Zeus established, and make warlike marches whensoever this god commands them by prophecy and to whatsoever place he commands.” Science was also believed to have tr | |  | | Gargoyles, Grotesques & Green Men: Ancient Symbolism in European...
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 retailers around the world.
The symbols and strange images that we find in our cemeteries, religious structures, banks and in our parks are the same symbols that have been part of the framework of the human psyche for thousands of years. While contemporary man may think that they are simply decorative manifestations of a by-gone era, they represent the fears, dreams, ideas, beliefs and struggles that humankind has endured since we began to walk upright. This book surveys many of these icons and will give a meaning for them both in the context of ancient history and folklore as well as a meaning that is suitable for ou | |  | | Ghosts, Spirits & the Afterlife in Native American Folklore and Religion
A book by folklorist Gary R. Varner about the traditions and beliefs of Native Americans concerning ghosts and spirits, reincarnation and the supernatural.
Available now in Kindle Editions and paperback from Amazon.com.
Death. We deny it. We fear it. Some of us welcome it. No matter what age we live in we keep the traditional feelings for our departed. We try to ease the soul into the afterworld as best we can. “Celebrations of life” provide a time for friends and loved ones to gather, share food and stories and grieve. Some who pass on are cremated to free the soul. Some are buried believing that the body will not become corrupted but will survive until the final judgment day. “Grave goods” are still commonly buried or are cremated as well with the body. While we believe we are more "advanced" than those who | |  | | Hecate: The Witches' Goddess
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.
Hecate, goddess of witches, magic and the underworld. Feared and worshipped for thousands of years by many cultures around the world, known by several names and credited with many powers. Like most ancient gods and goddesses, Hecate’s story has changed over time. Originally, a goddess of wilderness and childbirth, she eventually became known as “Queen of Ghosts.” Her origins may be in Asia Minor among the Carians or in North Africa in the Nubian kingdom. For the most part Hecate is seen today as the Goddess of Witches and Sorcery—but this wasn’t always so. Hecate was at one time both protec | |  | | Hidden in Plain Sight - Sacramento
A visitors guide to the ancient symbols and images which adorn the buildings of California's capital, Sacramento. (For residents too!)Available in paperback and in Kindle editions on Amazon.com.
Sacramento. Capital of California and home to a half million people and hundreds of symbols and images from an ancient past. These are the same symbols that have been part of the framework of the human psyche for thousands of years. While contemporary man of the 21st century may think that they are simply decorative manifestations of a by-gone era, they represent so much more. They represent the fears, dreams, ideas, beliefs and struggles that humankind has endured since we began to walk upright. This book will survey many of the icons that still reside alongside modern man in Sacramento and w | |  | | Hidden in Plain Sight II - Pittsburgh
The second in a series of monographs about America's cities and the hidden symbolism which adorns many of their public buildings. Available now on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon.com.
The historic city of Pittsburgh has been the home to Native Americans and immigrants from around the world. It is also home to a large variety of gargoyles, grotesques and monsters carved in stone and adorning banks, government buildings and churches. Today thanks to a city that cares about it's past these icons can be found at the Dollar Bank, the Marine Bank, Union Arcade, the county courthouse, jail and mortuary and Pittsburgh's First Presbyterian Church among other locations. Once a mighty steel producer Pittsburgh today features world class universities, museums and medical facilities as | |  | | Magic, Witchcraft, Pagans & Christians
A Study in the Suppression of Belief and the Rise of Christianity. Gary R. Varner's new book on the practice of magic from pre-Christian times to today. Available in paper and Kindle editions from Amazon and other retailers.
It was perhaps the most pivotal event in the world’s history that the age old practice of magic was destroyed by a religion which would eventually dominate a large portion of the world and wield an incredible amount of power. Such an event was not a sudden thing. Laws were enacted in ancient Babylon to control black witchcraft and magic. The same incantations and spells used by black witches were not only allowed but encouraged when performed by healers. This study is about the continuous practice of magic by pagans, Jews and Christians. Christians think of Jesus as the Savior of Mankind and t | |  | | Maria Lionza: An Indigenous Goddess of Venezuela
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.
María Lionza is at once a native girl, born in the 16th century to an Indian chief in the Venezuelan region of Yaracuy, and a goddess of nature, peace and harmony to over eight million Venezuelans in the 21st century. Her name means “Mary of the boar,” taken from her full name “Santa María de la Onza Talavera del Prato de Nivar”—a title given by the Catholic Church in the attempt to Christianize her cult. This book is María’s story, as much as can be told. Other than a few scholarly articles, the existence of María Lionza and her following is unknown in Western literature. Gabriel Ernesto Andr | |  | | Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone: The Folklore & Magic of Sacred Stone
A book on the folklore and mystery of sacred stones. Wriiten by Gary R. Varner and published by Algora Publishers, New York. Available from all online retailers and your local bookshop!
Philosopher-historian Mircea Eliade wrote, "a rock reveals itself to be sacred because its very existence is a hierophany: incompressible, invulnerable, it is that which man is not. It resists time; its reality is coupled with perenniality." The properties of stone were recognized as unique early in humankind's rise to civilization. Even when cultures were transitioning their technologies from stone to metal, it was stone that was used for ritual and other important acts. Early 20th-century Egyptologist Wallis Budge wrote, "in a tomb of the VIth Dynasty at Sakkârah, when the Egyptians had a go | |  | | Monsters in Stone - Kentucky's Gargoyles, Grotesques and Green Men
An examination of the many curious architectural features on Kentucky's 19th century buildings from Louisville, to Lexington and Richmond to Lancaster and Covington. Includes over 40 photographs and illustrations, index and bibliography. 100 pgs.
Kentucky, one of four Commonwealth states, became the 15th state of the Union in 1792. It was the birthplace of both president’s Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, was explored by Daniel Boone, saw numerous battles during both the Revolution and Civil War and is mostly known for its bourbon,moonshine, tobacco and horses. It is also home to hundreds of buildings, some on the National Register, which are adorned with thousands of gargoyles, grotesques and Green Men.
Why or how these images came to be part of Kentucky’s architecture, or for that matter the architecture of most of 19th | |  | | Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion
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.
Folklorist Gary R. Varner takes a lengthy look at various myths, legends and beliefs of Native Americans in this book. Included are stories and archaeological finds from various lands that suggest cultural contacts between explorers from China, Japan, the Mediterranean and Europe with Native Americans in pre-Columbian times.
Native American folklore and myths are examined including the universal legends of the flood and stories of the mysterious god-men such as Quetzalcoatl, Votan and Chnigchinix, who brought the arts, technology and civilization to indigenous cultures. Mysteries of | |  | | Portals to Other Realms: Cup-Marked Stones and Prehistoric Rock Carvings
A new book by Gary R. Varner on the mysterious cup-marked stones and rock art found around the world. Introduction by Vyacheslav Mizin, member of the Russian Geographical Society.
An illustrated analysis of the mysterious cup-marked stones found around the world from Russia to California, Great Britain, Sardenia and Ethiopia. These ancient cup-marked stones have been created since the dawn of time. They appear on every continent and have almost identical characteristics. With so many of them still in existence and so many people aware of them one would think that current day archaeologists would know what they are—what they meant to ancient man. The sad fact is current science doesn’t have anything more than theory, assumption and guess to go on. Were they used for heal | |  | | Remembrances of the Dead - Graveyard Art & Symbolism
A book by folklorist Gary R. Varner on the art and symbolism of gravestones and tombs in pre-twentieth century cemeteries across the US.
Perhaps some of our most mysterious, impressive and artistic symbolism can be found in our cemeteries. Ancient pagan, classical Greek and Roman, and the eternal symbols of hope, love and despair appear in many of our older places of rest. This book looks at the art, history and meaning of pre-twentieth century grave markers and tombs in the United States, from Maine to South Carolina and California. Illustrated with over seventy photographs.
Available now in kindle and paperback editions. | |  | | Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters
"...an excellent reference for anyone interested in folklore, history and the development of religion."
A new second edition published by Algora Publishing. A look at the myths and histories of holy wells, springs and rivers around the world. One of a few serious works outside of regional studies which discusses, in depth, the folklore, mythology, and archaeology of holy wells and springs, as well as rituals that still exist today at many of the sacred water sites around the world. Sacred Wells is a fascinating look at the continuation of ancient pagan traditions into modern culture.
Emma Restall Orr, author of The Sacred Grove, says Sacred Wells "is a very sound source book for the adv | |  | | The Ancient Religion and Beliefs of Ethiopia
Following Gary R. Varner's popular book on Ethiopia, "Ethiopia: A Cultural History of an Ancient Land" is Varner's second, "The Ancient Religion and Beliefs of Ethiopia." Available now in both kindle and paperback editions.
One of the most ancient nations in the world Ethiopia is a magnificent and diverse society attempting to hold on to its traditional ways in an ever changing world.
The first nation to accept Christianity in the 4th century, indigenous religions and practices have been able to survive in a symbiotic relationship with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church mixing pagan beliefs and ways with the dominate Christian religion. Today, however, due to the missionary efforts of both the Evangelical Christian and Muslim factions only a small percentage of Ethiopian peoples still observe their tradition | |  | | The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil
An historical and ethnographic study of witches in indigenous cultures.
The Dark Wind provides a survey of witches around the world, their prehistoric origin and how society has viewed them throughout history. Folklorist Gary R. Varner explores the use of magic, spells and curses among indigenous groups as well as state approved religions such as those observed in ancient Rome and Greece, and how even contemporary Christianity uses many of the same "magic" combinations. Also examined is the current "witch craze" in several countries where thousands are being killed as witches, the underlying reasons for this tragedy and the history of anti-w | |  | | The Folklore of Faeries, Elves & Little People
An examination of Faery lore and the continued encounters with the Little People around the world. Purely folklore or something else at work?Illustrated.
Faeries, trolls, goblins--are these simply creatures of age old stories or are they much more? Legends of these Little People are universal across time, geography and cultures. Are the origins of these stories connected to a real race of tiny humans such as those found on the Indonesian island of Flores or to some other ancient and unknown cause? Sightings of these creatures continue to be reported in our modern time from Europe and Russia to North Carolina and California. Are these reports the result of mis-identification or hallucination or are we in fact sharing the world with a number of b | |  | | The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature - God of War
A book by Gary R. Varner which explores the evolution of human understanding of what "god" is and the nature of religious hatred and genocide.
Today the majority of humankind worships a single God. Although this God is said to be all loving and wanting peace for his worshippers there is very little peace among the three religions based on common theology. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all foster hatred for one another, causing millions of deaths and untold suffering for hundreds of years. This book explores the mythic, historical, and archaeological record to illustrate the history of these conflicts. The Gods of Man also looks at how monotheism eventually dominated and destroyed the ancient and peaceful goddess traditions that | |  | | The History & Use of Amulets, Charms and Talismans
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 other online retailers around the world.
Description: Amulets and charms have been used since mankind evolved from its distant origins millions of years ago. They have been used to protect and to harm, and in both the practice and avoidance of witchcraft and sorcery. They are made of wood and stone, clay, metal, plants and dead animals. They are carved into crude shapes and in the most exquisite forms. They are also comprised entirely of words, which are believed to have power and magical properties. Amulets and charms have been used by pagans, Christians, Jews and followers of every faith and tradition known across the world. Som | |  | | The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature
A new look at the ancient archetype, the Green Man and the folklore and mythology of trees and nature by Gary R. Varner.
The publishers synopsis:
A delightful world tour of traditions and beliefs related to trees and forests, The Mythic Forest highlights modern-day revivals of ancient customs and identifies the Green Man motif in American architecture, hisface peering out from behind his leaves on California banks and New York brownstone houses. The book will appeal to readers interested in folklore and legends, mythology, urban archeology, and, of course, trees and their lore. Trees and forests are rich in symbolism and have been feared or revered since man began to walk the earth. In Part I, the autho | |  | | The Owens Valley Paiute - A Cultural History
A new book by Gary R. Varner about the Owens Valley Paiute, their culture, history. rock art, folklore and mythology. A must for anyone interested in Native America.
Living as long as five thousand years in the arid Great Basin, the Owens Valley Paiute and other Native groups survived to create a rich oral and ceremonial tradition, subsisting on what the earth provided. A peaceable and social culture they were overwhelmed by the ever advancing flow of American settlers, explorers and profit seekers. This is the story of the Paiute Nation, their social structure, mythology, religion, art, folklore and enduring spirit. It is also the story of their great leaders Sarah Winnemucca and Wovoka and the creation of the Ghost Dance religion which ultimately resulte | |  | | The Sword and Dagger in Myth & Legend
The second edition of the Sword and Dagger in Myth & Legend by Gary R. Varner. Available now in Kindle editions and paperback.
A small book packed with the history and lore of the sword. Profusely illustrated, The Sword and Dagger in Myth & Legend explores the origins of the sword, its history from the bronze and iron ages to the modern day. It also explores such legendary and mystical weapons of Excalibur and the Durendal, swords which belonged to King Arthur and the hero Roland, El Cid’s sword Tizona, Kusanagi from Japan and Mohammad’s sword Zulfiqar. It also examines a real sword in the stone still existing in Tuscany, that of St. Galgano. This is a book for everyone interested in folklore, the history of weapons a | |  | | Water from the Sacred Well: Further Explorations
Water from the Sacred Well: Further Explorations in the Folklore and Mythology of Sacred Waters released in Kindle edition and paperback from OakChylde Books/Lulu Inc and Amazon.com.
Gary R. Varner, author of more than twenty books and monographs on early history, religious development, folklore, mythology and Native American culture announced that an early Kindle edition of the illustrated, 360 page exploration of sacred wells and waters, Water from the Sacred Well is now available.
This is a second, much enlarged edition of Varner's 2004 title, Water of Life Water of Death. Several previously unpublished photos as well as new textual materials have been included in this updated version.
Water of Life Water of Death has been unavailable from the previo |
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Quick & Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipes
by Lisa Maliga
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 Desiring something chocolatey and delicious? Look no further! This tempting collection of 37 irresistible, quick-to-make recipes is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers of all ages. From dreamy hot and cold chocolate beverages to decadent cookies, |
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