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Ancient Religions (Blackwell Ancient Religions Ser. #3)
by Sarah Iles JohnstonReligious beliefs and practices, which permeated all aspects of life in antiquity, traveled well-worn routes throughout the Mediterranean: itinerant charismatic practitioners journeying from place to place peddled their skills as healers, purifiers, cursers, and initiators; and vessels decorated with illustrations of myths traveled with them. New gods encountered in foreign lands by merchants and conquerors were sometimes taken home to be adapted and adopted. This collection of essays by a distinguished international group of scholars, drawn from the groundbreaking reference work Religions of the Ancient World, offers an expansive, comparative perspective on this complex spiritual world.
Ancient Religions
by Sarah Iles JohnstonReligious beliefs and practices, which permeated all aspects of life in antiquity, traveled well-worn routes throughout the Mediterranean: itinerant charismatic practitioners journeying from place to place peddled their skills as healers, purifiers, cursers, and initiators; and vessels decorated with illustrations of myths traveled with them. New gods encountered in foreign lands by merchants and conquerors were sometimes taken home to be adapted and adopted. This collection of essays by a distinguished international group of scholars, drawn from the groundbreaking reference work Religion in the Ancient World, offers an expansive, comparative perspective on this complex spiritual world.
Ancient Near Eastern Thought And The Old Testament
by John H. WaltonMuch of the Old Testament seems strange to contemporary readers. However, as we begin to understand how ancient people viewed the world, the Old Testament becomes more clearly a book that stands within its ancient context as it also speaks against it. John Walton provides here a thoughtful introduction to the conceptual world of the ancient Near East. Walton surveys the literature of the ancient Near East and introduces the reader to a variety of beliefs about God, religion, and the world. In helpful sidebars, he provides examples of how such studies can bring insight to the interpretation of specific Old Testament passages. Students and pastors who want to deepen their understanding of the Old Testament will find this a helpful and instructive study.
Ancient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology
by Jeffrey J. NiehausAncient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology traces the many parallels between the Old Testament (and Bible as a whole) and the ancient Near East, including creation and flood narratives, common literary and legal forms, supposed acts of deities and the God of the Bible, and more. Instead of merely studying a random selection of parallels, however, Jeffrey Niehaus proposes that they represent “a shared theological structure of ideas in the ancient Near East, a structure that finds its most complete and true form in the Old and New Testaments.” This comprehensive and enlightening resource promises to help students and discerning Bible readers to intellectually grasp and appreciate the overarching story of the Bible within its cultural development.
Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry: Its Teachings, Rules, Laws and Present Usages Which Govern the Order at the Present Day
by Dr R. Swinburne Clymer"Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry: Its Teachings, Rules, Laws and Present Usages Which Govern the Order at the Present Day" by Dr. R. Swinburne Clymer is an in-depth and scholarly exploration of the ancient and mystical traditions of Oriental Masonry. This comprehensive work delves into the rich history, profound teachings, and current practices of this esoteric order, offering readers a detailed understanding of its principles and rituals.Dr. Clymer, a renowned mystic and Masonic scholar, provides a thorough examination of the origins and development of Oriental Masonry, tracing its roots back to ancient civilizations and secret societies. He elucidates the core teachings and philosophies that underpin the order, highlighting their significance in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and personal transformation.In this illuminating book, Clymer covers the intricate rules and laws that govern the order, detailing the rituals, symbols, and ceremonies that are integral to its practice. He explores the moral and ethical precepts that guide members, emphasizing the importance of integrity, wisdom, and brotherhood in the Masonic tradition."Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry" also addresses the contemporary relevance of these ancient teachings, illustrating how they continue to influence and inspire modern practitioners. Through a blend of historical analysis and practical guidance, Clymer provides valuable insights into the mystical and spiritual dimensions of Masonry, making this book an essential resource for both initiates and seasoned members of the order.Dr. Clymer's authoritative and eloquent writing makes complex concepts accessible, while his deep reverence for the subject matter shines through on every page. This book is not only a guide to the rituals and laws of Oriental Masonry but also a profound exploration of its spiritual essence and enduring legacy."Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry" is a must-read for Masons, historians, and anyone interested in the mystical traditions of the East. Dr. R. Swinburne Clymer's work stands as a testament to the timeless wisdom and transformative power of Oriental Masonry, offering a pathway to deeper understanding and spiritual growth.
Ancient Mystery Cults (Carl Newell Jackson Lectures #1)
by Walter BurkertThe foremost historian of Greek religion provides the first comprehensive, comparative study of a little-known aspect of ancient religious beliefs and practices. Secret mystery cults flourished within the larger culture of the public religion of Greece and Rome for roughly a thousand years. This book is neither a history nor a survey but a comparative phenomenology, concentrating on five major cults. In defining the mysteries and describing their rituals, membership, organization, and dissemination, Walter Burkert displays the remarkable erudition we have come to expect of him; he also shows great sensitivity and sympathy in interpreting the experiences and motivations of the devotees.
Ancient Music in the Pines
by Osho Osho International FoundationToday, humanity is caught up in the mad complexity of the mind, and as never before, there is an urgent need to rediscover simplicity and innocence. Osho brings to life the inherent and timeless wisdom of traditional Zen stories. He shows us that Zen is a way of dissolving philosophical problems, not of solving them. It is a way of getting rid of philosophy, because philosophy is a sort of neurosis. Zen is for those intelligent enough to understand the limitations of the intellect and ready to recognize the significance of intuition in the world of mysticism.
Ancient Models of Mind
by Andrea Nightingale David SedleyHow does god think? How, ideally, does a human mind function? Must a gap remain between these two paradigms of rationality? Such questions exercised the greatest ancient philosophers, including those featured in this book: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics and Plotinus. This volume encompasses a series of studies by leading scholars, revisiting key moments of ancient philosophy and highlighting the theme of human and divine rationality in both moral and cognitive psychology. The volume is a tribute to A. A. Long, and reflects multiple themes of his own work.
Ancient Medicine: From Mesopotamia to Rome
by Laura M. ZucconiThis book by Laura Zucconi is an accessible introductory text to the practice and theory of medicine in the ancient world. In contrast to other works that focus heavily on Greece and Rome, Zucconi&’s Ancient Medicine covers a broader geographical and chronological range. The world of medicine in antiquity consisted of a lot more than Hippocrates and Galen.Zucconi applies historical and anthropological methods to examine the medical cultures of not only Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome but also the Levant, the Anatolian Peninsula, and the Iranian Plateau. Devoting special attention to the fundamental relationship between medicine and theology, Zucconi&’s one-volume introduction brings the physicians, patients, procedures, medicines, and ideas of the past to light.
Ancient Medicine: From Mesopotamia to Rome
by Laura M. ZucconiThis book by Laura Zucconi is an accessible introductory text to the practice and theory of medicine in the ancient world. In contrast to other works that focus heavily on Greece and Rome, Zucconi&’s Ancient Medicine covers a broader geographical and chronological range. The world of medicine in antiquity consisted of a lot more than Hippocrates and Galen.Zucconi applies historical and anthropological methods to examine the medical cultures of not only Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome but also the Levant, the Anatolian Peninsula, and the Iranian Plateau. Devoting special attention to the fundamental relationship between medicine and theology, Zucconi&’s one-volume introduction brings the physicians, patients, procedures, medicines, and ideas of the past to light.
Ancient Manifestation Secrets: Working with the 7 Laws of the Universe to Manifest Your Life and Purpose
by George Lizos• Draws on ancient Greek and Egyptian wisdom to explain the 7 manifestation laws of the Universe and how to discover which desires align with your higher purpose• Shares a 5-step process for manifesting your desires and a 10-day manifestation challenge for achieving a singular chosen goal• Presents inner work practices for releasing cognitive and emotional blocks and limiting beliefs that hinder your manifestation journeyWho would not want to become a skilled conscious creator of their life? Diving deep into Hermetic philosophy and the initatic text The Kybalion, manifestation expert George Lizos uncovers the intricate energetic processes and Universal laws that underlie effective manifestation work—the law of attraction being only one step on this way.Ancient Manifestation Secrets teaches a revolutionary 5-step method for successfully manifesting your desires by aligning your energetic field with the 7 laws of the Universe. As you incorporate inner work into the manifestation process, you find energetic practices for releasing and transmuting cognitive and emotional blocks and limiting beliefs that might have hindered success up to now. While not all you wish for is able to manifest, you will discover how to discern which desires are aligned with your higher purpose and Universal laws and how to work with this alignment.Based on ancient wisdom and techniques, this practical guide provides a precise plan of action for manifestation, with effective exercises and inspiring examples illustrating each step. Start manifesting consciously today with your personal 10-day challenge!
Ancient Judaism
by Max WeberWeber’s classic study which deals specifically with: Types of Asceticism and the Significance of Ancient Judaism, History and Social Organization of Ancient Palestine, Political Organization and Religious Ideas in the Time of the Confederacy and the Early Kings, Political Decline, Religious Conflict and Biblical Prophecy.
Ancient Jewish Sciences and the History of Knowledge in Second Temple Literature (ISAW Monographs #3)
by Seth L. SandersUntil very recently, the idea of ancient Jewish sciences would have been considered unacceptable. Since the 1990s, Early Modern and Medieval Science in Jewish sources has been actively studied, but the consensus was that no real scientific themes could be found in earlier Judaism. This work points them out in detail and posits a new field of research: the scientific activity evident in the Dead Sea Scrolls and early Jewish pseudepigrapha. The publication of new texts and new analyses of older ones reveals crucial elements that are best illuminated by the history of science, and may have interesting consequences for it. The contributors evaluate these texts in relation to astronomy, astrology, and physiognomy, marking the first comprehensive attempt to accountfor scientific themes in Second Temple Judaism. They investigate the meaning and purpose of scientific explorations in an apocalyptic setting. An appreciation of these topics paves the way to a renewed understanding of the scientific fragments scattered throughout rabbinic literature.The book first places the Jewish material in the ancient context of the Near Eastern and Hellenistic worlds. While the Jewish texts were not on the cutting edge of scientific discovery, they find a meaningful place in the history of science, between Babylonia and Egypt, in the time period between Hipparchus and Ptolemy. Thebook uses recent advances in method to examine the contacts and networks of Jewish scholars in their ancient setting. Second, the essays here tackle the problematic concept of a national scientific tradition. Although science is nowadays often conceived as universal, the historiography of ancient Jewish sciences demonstratesthe importance of seeing the development of science in a local context. The book explores the tension between the hegemony of central scientific traditions and local scientific enterprises, showing the relevance of ancient data to contemporary postcolonial historiography of science. Finally, philosophical questions of the demarcation of science are addressed in a way that can advance the discussion of related ancient materials.Online edition available as part of the NYU Library's Ancient World Digital Library and in partnership with the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW).
Ancient Israelite Literature in its Cultural Context
by John H. WaltonThis unique book surveys within the various literary genres the parallels between the Bible and the literature of the ancient Near East. Each section begins with a survey of the available ancient literature, continues with a discussion of the literature, and concludes with a discussion of cases of alleged borrowing. The genres covered are - cosmology - laws - historical literature - wisdom literature - apocalyptic literature - personal archives and epics - covenants and treaties - hymns, prayers, and incantations - prophetic literature
Ancient Israel: A Translation with Commentary
by Robert AlterRobert Alter's award-winning translation of the Hebrew Bible continues with the stirring narrative of Israel's ancient history. To read the books of the Former Prophets in this riveting Robert Alter translation is to discover an entertaining amalgam of hair-raising action and high literary achievement. Samson, the vigilante superhero of Judges, slaughters thousands of Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. David, the Machiavellian prince of Samuel and Kings, is one of the great literary figures of antiquity. A ruthless monarch, David embodies a life in full dimension as it moves from brilliant youth through vigorous prime to failing old age. Samson and David play emblematic roles in the rise and fall of ancient Israel, a nation beset by internal divisions and external threats. A scattering of contentious desert tribes joined by faith in a special covenant with God, Israel emerges through the bloody massacres of Canaanite populations recounted in Joshua and the anarchic violence of Judges. The resourceful David consolidates national power, but it is power rooted in conspiracy, and David dies bitterly isolated in his court, surrounded by enemies. His successor, Solomon, maintains national unity through his legendary wisdom, wealth, and grand public vision, but after his death Israel succumbs to internal discord and foreign conquest. Near its end, the saga of ancient Israel returns to the supernatural. In Elijah's fiery ascent to heaven many would find the harbinger of a messiah coming to save his people in their time of need.
Ancient Greek Religion (Blackwell Ancient Religions Series)
by Jon D. MikalsonAncient Greek Religion provides an introduction to the fundamental beliefs, practices, and major deities of Greek religion. <P><P> Focuses on Athens in the classical period <P><P>Includes detailed discussion of Greek gods and heroes, myth and cult, and vivid descriptions of Greek religion as it was practiced <P><P>Ancient texts are presented in boxes to promote thought and discussion, and abundant illustrations help readers visualize the rich and varied religious life of ancient Greece <P><P>Revised edition includes additional boxed texts and bibliography, an 8-page color plate section, a new discussion of the nature of Greek “piety,” and a new chapter on Greek Religion and Greek Culture
Ancient Greek Religion (Blackwell Ancient Religions #15)
by Jon D. MikalsonAncient Greek Religion provides an introduction to the fundamental beliefs, practices, and major deities of Greek religion. Focuses on Athens in the classical period Includes detailed discussion of Greek gods and heroes, myth and cult, and vivid descriptions of Greek religion as it was practiced Ancient texts are presented in boxes to promote thought and discussion, and abundant illustrations help readers visualize the rich and varied religious life of ancient Greece Revised edition includes additional boxed texts and bibliography, an 8-page color plate section, a new discussion of the nature of Greek “piety,” and a new chapter on Greek Religion and Greek Culture
Ancient Greece, Modern Psyche: Archetypes Evolving
by Virginia Beane Rutter Thomas SingerBetween ancient Greece and modern psyche lies a divide of not only three thousand years, but two cultures that are worlds apart in art, technology, economics and the accelerating flood of historical events. This unique collection of essays from an international selection of contributors offers compelling evidence for the natural connection and relevance of ancient myth to contemporary psyche, and emerges from the second 'Ancient Greece, Modern Psyche' conference held in Santorini, Greece, in 2012.This volume is a powerful homecoming for those seeking a living connection between the psyche of the ancients and our modern psyche. This book looks at eternal themes such as love, beauty, death, suicide, dreams, ancient Greek myths, the Homeric heroes and the stories of Demeter, Persephone, Apollo and Hermes as they connect with themes of the modern psyche. The contributors propose that that the link between them lies in the underlying archetypal patterns of human behaviour, emotion, image, thought, and memory.Ancient Greece, Modern Psyche: Archetypes Evolving makes clear that an essential part of deciphering our dilemmas resides in a familiarity with Western civilization's oldest stories about our origins, our suffering, and the meaning or meaninglessness in life. It will be of great interest to Jungian psychotherapists, academics and students as well as scholars of classics and mythology.
Ancient Goddess Magic: Invoking the Queens of the Heavens
by Vanessa Lavallée• Explores beliefs and myths from Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and around the Mediterranean, revealing how ancient goddesses were powerful Queens of the Heavens and Guardians of the Underworld, not passive fertility symbols• Looks at creator goddesses, sun goddesses, lunar goddesses, warrior maiden goddesses, and night goddesses, including Hathor, Asherah, Inanna, Hekate, Athena, Astarte, and Gula-Bau• Includes modern adaptations of ancient goddess magic rituals and instructions for creating divine amulets, figurines, and stones blessed with the goddesses&’ powersIn the most ancient cultures of our world, goddesses were seen not as passive fertility symbols but as powerful, active queens of the heavens who protected cities, guided the dead and dying, and oversaw all forms of rebirth and transformation. Sharing her years of research and personal exploration, Vanessa Lavallée presents the animistic beliefs of our long-forgotten ancestors and shows how the queens of the heavens still have a vital role to play in modern spirituality.Lavallée looks at sun goddesses who were often viewed as the mothers of the gods and reveals how to spiritually and magically work with creatrix energies. Examining how to work with the warrior goddess archetype found in goddesses such as Athena, Circe the sorceress, and Aphaia from the island of Aegina, the author explains their important connections to the Eagle constellation and eagle lore. Looking at night goddesses, including Gula-Bau, Ataegina, and Hecate, Lavallée explores their star magic and healing powers and describes their connection to death and the underworld as well as to Sirius, the Milky Way, and Vega, the goat star. Exploring lunar goddesses and their role as protectors and their connections to the swan and the Cygnus constellation, she looks at how to work with ladies of the sea such as Astarte, Aphrodite, and Tanit.Offering modern adaptations of ancient goddess magic rituals, Lavallée explains how to perform rituals for healing, protection, and purification and how to create divine amulets and figurines blessed with the goddesses&’ powers. She also reveals how to practice astral bathing for spiritual guidance and presents initiation practices throughout to help you connect with each queen of the heavens.
Ancient Forgiveness
by Charles L. Griswold David KonstanIn this book, eminent scholars of classical antiquity and ancient and medieval Judaism and Christianity explore the nature and place of forgiveness in the pre-modern Western world. They discuss whether the concept of forgiveness, as it is often understood today, was absent, or at all events more restricted in scope than has been commonly supposed, and what related ideas (such as clemency or reconciliation) may have taken the place of forgiveness. An introductory chapter reviews the conceptual territory of forgiveness and illuminates the potential breadth of the idea, enumerating the important questions a theory of the subject should explore. The following chapters examine forgiveness in the contexts of classical Greece and Rome; the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud, and Moses Maimonides; and the New Testament, the Church Fathers, and Thomas Aquinas.
Ancient Forces Collection (Forbidden Doors)
by Bill MyersIn Volume 4 of the bestselling Forbidden Doors supernatural fiction series, author Bill Myers presents books 10-12-The Ancients, The Wiccan, and The Cards-stories to unmask dangerous occultic influences in young adult lives. With insight and his unsurpassed ability to weave a suspensful story, each volume explores spiritual warfare by presenting biblical truths through realistic situations.
Ancient Extravagance: Christian Ways of Becoming More Human
by Ryan SniderFind the beautiful and come alive. We are all frittering away our lives—at least according to someone. They tell us to be productive and not waste our opportunities. In Ancient Extravagance, Ryan Snider shows us that life is more than our accomplishments and what we do. The key to a life of meaning is developing our spiritual senses, which only come awake when we worship with others. That might seem like a waste of time, but in fact, these ancient practices have the power to wake up all parts of our lives—not just Sunday morning. Snider begins with a recovery of childlike wonder and story, reclaiming how prose, poetry, memory, and reflection heal and strengthen the soul. Next, he turns to melodies our grandmothers taught us, examining how they reach into our bones. He then reflects on what it means to eat meals with strangers and how a simple act of hospitality can gently inscribe love, generosity, gratitude, and hospitality in our hearts. These seemingly insignificant practices are mustard seeds that grow into trees to create shade for the world. When we cease simply going to worship and start becoming the worship, we will discover the friendships, beauty, purpose, stories, and sacred moments that will save us and make us more human. Deeply meaningful and delightfully humorous, candid yet surprising, Ancient Extravagance will connect you with a more beautiful and meaningful life.
Ancient Egyptian Temple Ritual: Performance, Patterns, and Practice (Routledge Studies in Egyptology #1)
by Katherine EatonLarge state temples in ancient Egypt were vast agricultural estates, with interests in mining, trading, and other economic activities. The temple itself served as the mansion or palace of the deity to whom the estate belonged, and much of the ritual in temples was devoted to offering a representative sample of goods to the gods. After ritual performances, produce was paid as wages to priests and temple staff and presented as offerings to private mortuary establishments. This redistribution became a daily ritual in which many basic necessities of life for elite Egyptians were produced. This book evaluates the influence of common temple rituals not only on the day to day lives of ancient Egyptians, but also on their special events, economics, and politics. Author Katherine Eaton argues that a study of these daily rites ought to be the first step in analyzing the structure of more complex societal processes.
Ancient Egypt: The Secrets of the Sphinx (Ancient Wisdom for the New Age)
by Zelda SharifDiscover how the wisdom of ancient Egypt can provide guidance for living in the modern world with this fascinating, fully illustrated guide. Today, there are countless New Age philosophies designed for self-improvement and spiritual development, but none of them match the timeless wisdom contained within the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. This volume introduces readers to the ways of the pharaohs; their relationship to the land and the river Nile; their positive attitudes toward death and the afterlife as set down in The Book of the Dead; and their sacred rites, symbols, and stones which have had a profound influence on cultures throughout history. Fully illustrated with magnificent artwork, this volume also covers Ancient Egyptian history, archeological sites, mysterious relics, and speculation about the meaning and power of the pyramids.
Ancient Egypt 39,000 BCE: The History, Technology, and Philosophy of Civilization X
by Edward F. MalkowskiA view into the sophisticated and highly advanced civilization that preceded the world of the pharaohs • Presents historical evidence of the civilization ruled by the “gods” that the Egyptians claimed preceded their own • Explains who these prehistoric people were, what happened to them, and why they built a series of pyramids along the west bank of the Nile River Traditional Egyptologists have long resisted the notion that the architectural achievements of the Ancient Egyptians required the existence of a much more sophisticated technology than would have existed at that time. Yet, no records exist explaining how, why, or who built Egypt’s megalithic monuments and statues. The ancient Egyptians did, however, record that their civilization resided in the shadow of a kingdom of “gods” whose reign ended many thousands of years before their first dynasty. What was this Civilization X that antiquity’s most accomplished people revered as gods? The recent discovery of a large stone at one of Egypt’s oldest ruins presents physical evidence that clearly and distinctly shows the markings of a machining process far beyond the capabilities of the Ancient Egyptians. Likewise, experimental modeling of the Great Pyramid’s subterranean chambers and passageways gives scientific evidence to further support the theory that the civilization responsible for such magnificent monuments is much older than presently believed. Ancient Egypt 39,000 BCE examines this evidence from historical and technical points of view, explaining who these prehistoric people were, what happened to them, why they built their civilization out of granite, and why they built a series of pyramids along the west bank of the Nile River.