HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
Welcome to the 39th edition of the Edge of the Circle Newsletter.
This newsletter has come about as an effort to reach out to the
Pagan/ Occult community (particularly in Seattle where we are based)
to inform the community of what events are happening at our store.
I've got great plans for this newsletter. Hopefully, as time goes by, it
will only get bigger and better. Without further ado, welcome, and enjoy.
Regards,
Erica (Raven) Branch-Butler,
Editrix
golanv1@yahoo.com
WHO WE ARE:
Edge of the Circle Books is Seattle's resource for Paganism &
the Occult. This newsletter seeks to provide the Seattle community
with a place to list events, post articles, and do a bit of networking.
We are located at: 701 E. Pike St, corner of Boylston Ave., just two
blocks west of Broadway, on Capitol Hill.
Edge of the Circle Books strives to be everything that you could want
in a Magical Pagan store.
Open 7 days a week, Noon 'till 9pm.
Call: 206-PAN-1999
**
Note: To see a graphics version of this newsletter,please go to :
http://eotcnewsletter.blogspot.com/
**
NEW BOOKS:
*
ATHANASIUS KIRCHER'S THEATRE OF THE WORLD:
THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE LAST MAN
TO SEARCH FOR UNIVERSAL KNOWLEDGE
by Joscelyn Godwin
List Price: $60.00
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Inner Traditions (September 3, 2009)
BOOK BLURB:
A major study of both the written and pictorial work of a neglected genius whose breadth of interest made him the last
Renaissance man.
Renaissance man.
• Fully examines every area of Kircher's wide field of study and accomplishment
• Magnificently illustrated with the stunning engravings from Kircher's work
Jesuit, linguist, archaeologist, and exceptional scholar, Athanasius Kircher
(1602-1680) was the last true Renaissance man. To Kircher the entire world was a
glorious manifestation of God whose exploration was both a scientific quest and
a religious experience. His works on Egyptology (he is credited with being the
first Egyptologist), music, optics, magnetism, geology, and comparative religion
were the definitive texts of their time--and yet they represent only a part of
his vast range of knowledge. A Christian Hermeticist in the mold of Marsilio
Ficino and Pico della Mirandola, his work also examined alchemy, the Kabbalah,
and the Egyptian mystery tradition exemplified by Hermes Trismegistus.
The Hermetic cast of Kircher's thought, which was foreign to the concerns of
those propelling the Age of Reason, coupled with the breadth of his interests,
caused many of his contributions to be widely overlooked--an oversight now
masterfully rectified by Joscelyn Godwin. It has been said that Kircher could
think only in images. While this is an exaggeration, the stunning engravings
that are a distinguishing feature of his work are included here so we may fully
appreciate and see for ourselves the life work, philosophy, and achievements of
"the last man who knew everything."
FROM THE INSIDE FLAP OF BOOK:
Linguist, archaeologist, and exceptional scholar, Athanasius Kircher (1602-1680)
was the last true Renaissance man. By profession a Jesuit priest, he made
himself an authority on almost every subject under the sun. To Kircher the
entire world was a glorious manifestation of God, and his exploration was both a
scientific quest and a religious experience. His works on Egyptology (he is
credited with being the first Egyptologist), music, optics, magnetism, geology,
and comparative religion were the definitive tests of their time--and yet they
represent only a part of his vast range of knowledge. A Christian Hermeticist
in the mold of Marsilio Ficino and Pico della Mirandola, his work also examined
alchemy, the Kabbalah, and the Egyptian Mystery tradition exemplified by Hermes
Trismegistus. Kircher was the first to map ocean currents; the first to offer a
comprehensive theory of vulcanism; the first to compile an encyclopedia on
China, a dictionary of Coptic, a book dedicated solely to acoustics; the first
to construct a machine for coding messages and another for composing music. His
museum in Rome was among the most famous "cabinets of curiosities," visited by
everybody in the intellectual world.
The Hermetic cast of Kircher's thought, which was foreign to the concerns of
those propelling the Age of Reason, coupled with the breadth of his interests,
caused many of his contributions to be widely overlooked--an oversight now
masterfully rectified by Joscelyn Godwin. It has been said that Kircher could
think only in images. While this is an exaggeration, 400 of the stunning
engravings that are a distinguishing feature of his work are included here so we
may fully appreciate, learn from, and see for ourselves the life work,
philosophy, and achievements of "the last man who knew everything."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joscelyn Godwin, musicologist and translator, is a professor of
music at Colgate University. He first explored the life and work of Athanasius
Kircher in 1979 in his book A Renaissance Man and the Quest for Lost Knowledge.
Godwin was educated at Cambridge and Cornell Universities and has authored and
edited many books on Hermeticism and music, including Cosmic Music, The Golden
Thread, The Harmony of the Spheres, and Arktos: The Polar Myth. He is also
known for his translations of the works of such figures as Fabre d'Olivet and
Julius Evola and the first complete English translation of Francesco Colonna's
Hypnerotomachia Poliphili. He lives in New York state.
**
A BOOK OF SHADOWS
By pan.zos pagurus
Hardcover
Publisher: The Teitan Press; 1ST edition (2008)
BOOK BLURB:
Hardcover. Quarto. 128 pages. Black cloth with a striking white design to the front cover, and white titling on spine. Sewn binding, printed on coated paper, lavishly illustrated in black and white throughout. Edition limited to 400 numbered copies.
The compiler of A Book of Shadows, pan.zos pagurus, was initiated into a
Witchcraft Coven in England in 1976, and in keeping with tradition copied out
his initiators' "Book of Shadows" adding his own embellishments, and magical
notes. The result, reproduced here in facsimile, is an authentic grimoire,
created by a practitioner of the craft over thirty years ago.
At the time of his initiation pan.zos pagurus was told that the "Book of
Shadows" was a traditional work central to "the Craft." Although he didn't then
know it, the text was derived from a copy belonging to the so-called "Father of
modern Wicca," Gerald Gardner, who many now suggest was actually its author.
A Book of Shadows, as it is here published contains that text, as well as the
"rites and structures of the seasonal ceremonies," that were given to pan.zos at
a later stage. Initiates were also encouraged to personalize their book, so
pan.zos added in a series of images and diary doodlings that were inspired by
ceremonies and studies over a three year period. During this time he was also
deeply drawn into the worlds and work of Austin Osman Spare and Aleister
Crowley, whose influence show both in the Spare-inspired "embellishments," and
the frequent quotations from their works.
Giordano Bruno was another important influence, in particular his treatise De
Umbris Idearum (On the Shadows of Ideas), 1582, and for this reason pan.zos
borrowed the title for his own collection of occult jottings, a section of which
follows the text of A Book of Shadows. This is not a "how to book" or historical
study. It is, however, an authentic and unique example of this particular type
of ritual workbook, executed with considerable artistry by a genuine
practitioner.
**
THORN IN THE FLESH. A GRIM-MEMOIRE
by Rosaleen Norton
& Keith Richmond (Introduction)
Hardcover
Publisher: The Teitan Press; 1st, Limited edition (2009)
BOOK BLURB:
Hardcover. 8vo. xxiv + 128pp. Red cloth with gilt titling to spine.
Frontispiece & 8 pages of color & black and white illustrations.
Rosaleen Norton was a natural rebel whose bohemian lifestyle, outspoken occultism, and unusual and often sexually-charged artwork attracted widespread condemnation from the conservative establishment. She suffered frequent arrest, her art exhibitions were raided, a book of her art banned, and in one notorious case, her paintings burned at the censor's order. She died in relative obscurity in 1979, yet left the world a rich and unusual artistic legacy.
Some of this was hidden away in two battered metal trunks which contained
fragments of her unfinished autobiography, Thorn in the Flesh, various occult
writings, letters, drawings, poems, photographs, small paintings, and
scrapbooks. It was Norton's wish that one day a selection would be made from
this material, and it would be published. This book is that selection.
It comprises poetry (often humorous), reminiscences, and various occult
jottings, with reproductions of two stunning photographs of Norton, as well as
some half-a-dozen examples of her art (mainly in color). Most of this material
has never been publicly seen before.
Although by definition fragmentary, the texts combine to give a very personal
introduction to the magical world of this truly remarkable woman. They are
accompanied by an Introduction by Keith Richmond, who has previously edited a
collection of Norton's short stories: Three Macabre Stories, and played a key
role in organizing the "Occult Visions of Rosaleen Norton" retrospective of her
art that was held in Sydney in 2000.
**
SPELL-CASTING, LOVE MAGIC, AND SHAMANIC STARGAZING
By Raven Kaldera
List Price:$18.95
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Destiny Books; 1 edition (September 28, 2009)
BOOK BLURB:
A guide to the practice of planetary magic
• Offers tools for practitioners of green magic and folk magic to incorporate astrology into their practice
• Includes an extensive collection of magical remedies to resolve astrological
afflictions
• Provides information on creating planetary altars and the astrological
correspondences of traditional pagan holidays
Traditionally, magically oriented astrology has focused on Sun-sign horoscopes
while modern Western astrology has focused on attempting to become as
"scientific" as possible in hopes of aligning with its sister science of
astronomy. In Pagan Astrology, Raven Kaldera, a practicing astrologer and Pagan
shaman, uses the commonalities and strengths of Western astrology and Pagan
green magic to introduce a hands-on astrological practice that incorporates
intuition, spells, and other modes of folk magic into astrology.
Kaldera includes an extensive compendium of modern magical remedies to
counteract negative astrological influences and shows how to use planetary
energy to aid Pagan worship and green magic practice through spell casting, love
magic, and shamanic stargazing. Kaldera also explains how to create planetary
altars that enhance the astrological correspondences of traditional Pagan
holidays using the tools of folk magic. Practitioners of green and folk magic
and those who love traditional astrology will welcome this unique approach to
planetary magic.
BOOK BLURB:
Traditionally, magically oriented astrology has focused on Sun-sign horoscopes,
whereas modern Western astrology has focused on attempting to become as
"scientific" as possible in hopes of aligning with its sister science of
astronomy. In Pagan Astrology, Raven Kaldera, a practicing astrologer and Pagan
shaman, uses the commonalities and strengths of Western astrology and Pagan
green magic to introduce a hands-on astrological practice that incorporates
intuition, spells, and other modes of folk magic.
Kaldera includes an extensive compendium of modern magical remedies to
counteract negative astrological influences and shows how to use planetary
energy to aid Pagan worship and green magic practice through spell-casting, love
magic, and shamanic stargazing. Kaldera also explains how to create planetary
altars that enhance the astrological correspondences of traditional Pagan
holidays using the tools of folk magic. Practitioners of green and folk magic
and those who love traditional astrology will welcome this unique approach to
planetary magic.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Raven Kaldera is a Northern Tradition Pagan shaman who has been a practicing
astrologer since 1984 and a Pagan since 1986. The author of Northern Tradition
for the Solitary Practitioner and MythAstrology and coauthor, with Kenaz Filan,
of Drawing Down the Spirits, Kaldera lives in Massachusetts.
**
MAGICAL SPIRITUALITY FOR THE WILD SOUL
by Emma Restall Orr
List Price: $24.95
Paperback: 223 pages
Publisher: Piatkus Books (June 24, 2004)
BOOK BLURB:
In Living Druidry Emma Restall Orr opens the doorway to this powerful and ancient spirituality in a way that is both accessible and inspiring. Grounded in everyday life and experience this book guides the reader to find their own vision, and their own deep, personal, ecstatic relationship with nature. You will learn about: The fundamental principles underlying Druidry; The relevance of Druidry and nature spirituality today; The powers of nature that resonate within the individual; Understanding and accepting yourself; How to bring a profound spiritual experience into your everyday life; Simple ways to acknowledge and embrace the wild side of your nature.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emma Restall Orr is a priestess, ritualist healer, medium, teacher and
spellsinger, with 16 years of Druidic training behind her. She was the joint
chief of the British Druid Order, and is the present Head of the The Druid
Network.
**
by Robin Herne
List Price: $24.95
Paperback: 276 pages
Publisher: O Books; 1 edition (December 16, 2009)
BOOK BLURB:
The universe is filled with countless gods, goddesses and nature spirits. Many
made themselves known to the Druids of ancient Northern Europe. How can modern
day Druids make contact with these age-old Beings? 'Old Gods, New Druids' offers
a series of twenty humorous and informative lessons that can be used for group or solitary study and is ideal for people interested in Druidry and the Pagan spirituality of ancient Britain and Ireland. Learn about the ancient Gods and other spirits, along with methods of honouring them through ritual, mysticism, poetry and storytelling. Find a spiritual discipline that embraces responsible hedonism whilst venerating the Land and all her children.
The growing worldwide interest in the old polytheist religions has lead people to attempt to reconstruct the shattered traditions of earlier times. This book provides a model for recreating a working, coherent theology for anyone wanting to commune with their Gods and the Living Land, regardless of their origins or
heritage.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Herne is a storyteller, poet, artist, dog-owner and Druid. He has written
numerous articles for Pagan magazines (such as Pagan Dawn, Many Gods-Many
Voices, & Dragonswood), Interfaith books (`Pagan Pieces'), and had poems
included in the work of other authors (Galina Krasskova's `Full Fathom Five').
He has also contributed crime fiction to anthologies, appeared in television
documentaries, and is a regular broadcaster with BBC Radio Suffolk. He regularly
speaks at Interfaith seminars, Pagan conventions, and other events as both a
lecturer and a storyteller. He currently lives with his partner in Suffolk,
England and is a founder member of both the Druid group Clan Ogma and the
Ipswich Pagan Council. He is also proud to be the first winner of the title
Chief Bard of the Fens!
**
by Ronald Daise
List Price: $26.99
Paperback: 250 pages
Publisher: Sandlapper Pub Co; 1st edition (June 1, 2007)
BOOK BLURB:
Gullah Branches, West African Roots is a memoir of a Gullah man discovering personal and cultural connections with West Africa through sojourns to Ghana and Sierra Leone. Ronald Daise, a Gullah native of St. Helena Island, SC, visited Ghana in 2004 as a Fulbright-Hays, US Department of Education fellowship recipient, and to Sierra Leone in 2005 as a participant in Priscilla s Homecoming. The Gullah homecoming to Sierra Leona connected the family of Thomalind Martin Polite of Charleston, South Carolina, with the country of its matriarch, Priscilla, who had been enslaved in 1756, at the age of ten.
In 2006, Daise learned that his visits to Ghana and Sierra Leone had been more of a personal family reunion than he realized. He shares maternal genetic ancestry with the Temne people living in Sierra Leone. And he shares paternal genetic ancestry with the Ewe and Akan peoples in Ghana. Daise utilizes poetry, prose,
In 2006, Daise learned that his visits to Ghana and Sierra Leone had been more of a personal family reunion than he realized. He shares maternal genetic ancestry with the Temne people living in Sierra Leone. And he shares paternal genetic ancestry with the Ewe and Akan peoples in Ghana. Daise utilizes poetry, prose,
creative non-fiction, songs, photographs, and his own unique voice to involve readers in a vibrant journey to cultural and historical roots.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ronald Daise  was born on St. Helena Island, a coastal community in South
Carolina that still exhibits Gullah culture. A 1978 graduate of Hampton
University, Daise has documented Gullah culture and history with books,
recordings, and performances since the 1986 publication of Reminiscences of Sea
Island Heritage (Sandlapper Publishing, Inc.) He and his wife Natalie starred in
Nick Jr. TV s award-winning children s series, Gullah Gullah Island, along with
their children, Sara and Simeon.
**
JANUARY CALENDAR:
ONGOING AT EDGE OF THE CIRCLE BOOKS
SEATTLE CHAOS MAGIC
We meet at 3:33 pm. on the first Sunday of each month, at
Edge of the Circle Books, 701 E. Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122.
Anyone practicing, curious about, or otherwise interested in
Chaos magic is welcome to attend.
MONDAY, JANUARY 4TH (Every 1st Monday) CELTIC RECONSTRUCTIONIST GROUP 7-9PM
For More Information:
http://www.seanet.com/~inisglas/
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28th (Every 4th Thursday)
WITCH'S MEETUP 7-9PM
**
EDGE OF THE CIRCLE BOOKS
TAROT READINGS /SPIRITUAL ADVICE
UNCOMMONSENSE TAROT
Tarot readings by
Erica (Raven) Branch-Butler
Please inquire about Tarot Parties, classes and other events.
Available every day except Thursdays, 12:30-8.30PM.
Sundays 3:30-8:30 PM
*
KELLY MARJORIE KELLEHER
Daughter of the Ancients
Psychic, Healer, Muse...
Thursdays at Edge of the Circle Books
TAROT READINGS BY SHAYE
Sundays from Noon--3:30pm.
**
This concludes our Newsletter for this month.
Look for us again FEBRUARY 1st 2010!
Happy (secular) NEW YEAR!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Raven
Editrix, Edge of the Circle Books Newsletter
golanv1@yahoo.com
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