(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best books about paganism

> I was introduced to polytheism through tumblr. I was wondering how different irish polytheism was on tumblr compared to the real deal?

Impossible to say, as there are hundreds of Pagan Tumblrs of varying quality and focus. There are probably some legit ones out there, but I would never recommend Tumblr as a source for reliable information. It has pretty pictures, though.

> also why is this such an isolated community? (we're not as popular as our viking friends sadly) do we practice solitary and isolated?

There are many factors:

1. Everyone is familiar with the Germanic gods, like Odin and Thor (heck, even our days are named after them). This makes it relatively easy for Heathenry to promote itself. The general public doesn't know any of the Celtic gods. To them "Rhiannon" is a Fleetwood Mac song and "Epona" is a video game character. Say the name of any other Celtic deity, and they'll think you sneezed or something. This makes it much more difficult for Celtic Paganism to get the public's attention.
   
2. In that same vein, Norse lore has survived more intact than Celtic lore has, so it takes less effort to read and learn about. Celtic lore has the potential to be much more accessible than it currently is, but there is still simply a void in popular publications, I think.
   
3. Modern Irish culture is inextricably entwined with Catholicism, so I think people who want to explore their Irish-ness are less likely to see Paganism as a valid way to do so. Germanic cultures, on the other hand, seem much less entwined with, say, Lutheranism, so Heathenry may seem a more valid option to people of Germanic descent who want to explore their ancestral cultures.
   
4. Druidry has had the Celtic Pagan market cornered, and still does. When Reconstructionism became more of a thing in the 1980's, a new Druid group called Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) was created to have a more polytheistic and scholarly focus. To this day, ADF probably has more Celtic polytheists (both reconstructionist and non-) than any other organization. The creation of non-Druid Celtic reconstructionist groups like Gaol Naofa is relatively recent, so they are still in the process of growing. I think it will be several years, maybe even a few decades, before a solely reconstructionist group takes the torch away from ADF. ADF is 33 years old while I believe Gaol Naofa is only 9, just to give you an idea of the age gap.
   
   I don't believe that any form of Celtic paganism is meant to be solitary or isolated whatsoever, but the movement is simply young, small, and maybe stunted in its growth for all the reasons I listed above (though people like you will help alleviate that). Many reconstructionists who seek local groups and bigger communities often join Druid groups such as ADF. In the future, I hope Celtic paganism will be significantly larger and have more options.
   
   > if you could name five beginner books what would they be?
   
   Here is a good reading list. I also think that Morgan Daimler's Irish Paganism, for all its flaws, is probably the most accessible beginner's overview available.

This is a really difficult question to answer, but it's still a totally fair question.

As others have said, paganism is an umbrella term for several specific traditions, and there are many different lenses through which to view and practice paganism. Some pagans are drawn to their religion out of concern for the environment, others want to connect with specific Gods, while others are seeking to honor their ancestors, and still others want to develop a variety of magical skills. Without knowing your specific interests it's hard to make any really specific recommendations. However, regardless of your interests I can pretty confidently recommend Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler and Seeking the Mystery. Both books give broad overviews of the history and world view of paganism writ large.

Thing is though, Paganism is about more than just reading books. I'd also recommend that you start trying out some simple rituals and meditations (Google is your friend here). You can make yourself a very simple alter with stuff you've probably got lying around the house. Finally, if you find that this is something that you want to continue to pursue, I'd strongly recommend trying to find some like-minded people in your area. Search meetup.com, or if there is a metaphysical shop in your area just go there and start asking around. There are pagan communities absolutely everywhere, and it's worth getting to know the pagans around you.

The Following list is taken from the Witches & Warlocks FB page. (This is Christian Day's group)

Witches and Warlocks Recommended Reading List
This is a collection of books recommended by our admins and participants in the group. Books must be approved by the admins so if you'd like to see one added to the last, please post it in the comments at the bottom of this list and, if it's something we think is appropriate, we'll add it! We provide links to Amazon so folks can read more about the book but we encourage you to shop at your local occult shop whenever possible! :)


BEGINNER'S WITCHCRAFT BOOKS

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
by Raymond Buckland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0875420508

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America
by Margot Adler
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0143038192

Grimoire of the Thorn-Blooded Witch: Mastering the Five Arts of Old World Witchery
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635500

The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation and Psychic Development
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738702765

The Kybalion: The Definitive Edition
by William Walker Atkinson (Three Initiates)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1585428744

Lid Off the Cauldron: A Wicca Handbook
by Patricia Crowther
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1861630328

Mastering Witchcraft
by Paul Huson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0595420060

Natural Magic
by Doreen Valiente
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0919345808

Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal & Practical Magick
by Ellen Dugan
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738709220

Old World Witchcraft: Ancient Ways for Modern Days
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635055

The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells and Rituals
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738705314

Power of the Witch: The Earth, the Moon, and the Magical Path to Enlightenment
by Laurie Cabot
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385301898

Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation
by Silver RavenWolf
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703192

Spirit of the Witch: Religion & Spirituality in Contemporary Witchcraft
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703389

Witch: A Magickal Journey
by Fiona Horne
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0007121326

Witchcraft for Tomorrow
by Doreen Valiente
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0709052448

Witchcraft Today
by Gerald Gardner
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806525932
The Witches' Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magical Transformation
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/073870265X
The Witching Way of the Hollow Hill
by Robin Artisson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982031882

WITCHCRAFT HISTORY AND RESOURCE BOOKS

Aradia or The Gospel of the Witches
by Charles Godfrey Leland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982432356

Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints & Sages: A Guide to Asking for Protection, Wealth, Happiness, and Everything Else!
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062009575

The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft and Wicca
by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0816071047

Etruscan Roman Remains
by Charles Godfrey Leland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1494302519

The God of the Witches
by Margaret Murray
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0195012704

The Weiser Field Guide to Witches, The: From Hexes to Hermione Granger, From Salem to the Land of Oz
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578634792

ADVANCED BOOKS ON WITCHCRAFT AND MAGIC

Blood Sorcery Bible Volume 1: Rituals in Necromancy
by Sorceress Cagliastro
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1935150812

The Deep Heart of Witchcraft: Expanding the Core of Magickal Practice
by David Salisbury
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1780999208

Teen Spirit Wicca
by David Salisbury
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1782790594

Enchantment: The Witch's Art of Manipulation by Gesture, Gaze and Glamour
by Peter Paddon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936922517

Initiation into Hermetics
by Franz Bardon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1885928122

Letters from the Devil's Forest: An Anthology of Writings on Traditional Witchcraft, Spiritual Ecology and Provenance Traditionalism
by Robin Artisson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1500796360

Magical Use of Thought Forms: A Proven System of Mental & Spiritual Empowerment
by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowick and J.H. Brennan
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567180841

Magick in Theory and Practice
by Aleister Crowley
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1500380679

The Plant Spirit Familiar
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982774311

Protection and Reversal Magick
by Jason Miller
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1564148793
Psychic Self-Defense
by Dion Fortune
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635098
The Ritual Magic Workbook: A Practical Course of Self-Initiation
by Dolores Ashcroft-Norwicki
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578630452
The Roebuck in the Thicket: An Anthology of the Robert Cochrane Witchcraft Tradition
by Evan John Jones, Robert Cochrane and Michael Howard
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1861631553

The Satanic Witch
by Anton Szandor LaVey
http://www.amazon.com/Satanic-Witch-Anton-Szandor-LaVey/dp/0922915849
Shadow Magick Compendium: Exploring Darker Aspects of Magickal Spirituality
by Raven Digitalis
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VS0N5K
The Tree of Enchantment: Ancient Wisdom and Magic Practices of the Faery Tradition
by Orion Foxwood
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578634075
The Underworld Initiation: A journey towards psychic transformation
by R.J. Stewart
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1892137038

HERBALISM, CANDLES, INCENSE, OILS, FORMULARIES, AND STONES

A Compendium of Herbal Magic
by Paul Beyerl
http://www.amazon.com/dp/091934545X

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
by Scott Cunningham
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0875421229

The Enchanted Candle: Crafting and Casting Magickal Light
by Lady Rhea
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806525789

The Enchanted Formulary: Blending Magickal Oils for Love, Prosperity, and Healing
by Lady Maeve Rhea
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806527048

Incense: Crafting and Use of Magickal Scents
by Carl F. Neal
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703362

Magickal Formulary Spellbook Book 1
by Herman Slater
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0939708000

Magickal Formulary Spellbook: Book II
by Herman Slater
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0939708108


SPELLCASTING AND SPELLBOOKS
Crone's Book of Charms & Spells
by Valerie Worth
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567188117

Crone's Book of Magical Words
by Valerie Worth
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567188257

Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061711233

Everyday Magic: Spells & Rituals for Modern Living
by Dorothy Morrison
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567184693

Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578633915
Utterly Wicked: Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions
by Dorothy Morrison
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979453313
The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook
by Denise Alvarado
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635136

The Voodoo Doll Spellbook: A Compendium of Ancient and Contemporary Spells and Rituals
by Denise Alvarado
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1578635543


THE ANCESTORS AND WORKING WITH THE DEAD
The Cauldron of Memory: Retrieving Ancestral Knowledge & Wisdom
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738715751

The Mighty Dead
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982774370

Speak with the Dead: Seven Methods for Spirit Communication
by Konstantinos
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738705225
The Witches' Book of the Dead
by Christian Day
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635063
_____
TAROT

78 Degrees of Wisdom
by Rachel Pollack
http://www.amazon.com/dp/157863408

I'd say in terms of nature-oriented Pagan "faiths" you've got Druidry/Druidism, Wicca, Traditional Witchcraft, and Heathenry (i.e., Asatru, Vanatru, Rokkatru, Northern Tradition, what have you) immediately jumping to mind, but those are also the ones I'm most familiar with. There's a ton of other ones, and they may or may not be as nature oriented as those are; I'm sure someone else'll bring them up in time.

Druidry's probably the most nature oriented of the lot but depending on the practitioner and what they're doing members of the other ones can be just as nature centered in their practice. A good book for that is The Druidry Handbook by John Michael Greer, which is where I'd start (and where I started with Paganism, to be honest, though I'm Heathen now).

John Beckett, another druid, wrote The Path of Paganism recently; I haven't finished going through it but it looks like an excellent introductory text for anyone who doesn't know much to anyone who wants to explore new areas of Paganism. Actually now that I'm thinking of it, that's where I'd start, and I'd pivot to the Druidry Handbook if Druidry seemed appropriate afterwards.

Look into those, maybe find intro texts to the other subsets that interest you, talk to people, and if you want you can message me and I'll help as I'm able to.

I love love love this book, the City is a Labyrinth: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1974219690/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_1Vw6AbXXYBE9T

It's all about connecting to the spirit of the city and the spirits of the city by walking with magical/trance like intention. It's a very short read.

If you want inspiration, Professor Pam's Urban Divination Deck (available directly from artist on Etsy) might be a cute way to look at some common big city 'characters', archetypes, and imagery.

I just picked up this book from the local library: Yule: Rituals, recipes, & lore for the Winter Solstice
It's a bit fluffy, but does have some historical explanation and lots of cute gift sharing ideas.

One of my grandmothers was a stickler for celebrating the Solstice rather than Christmas. For her it was all about lots of greenery, the Yule log (and no, chocolate doesn't burn well, but it tastes better!), lots of songs (the less Christian the better), and LOTS of food. She would pickle vegetables and make preserves for weeks leading up to the holidays, and then give them away as gifts. We've kept doing these things, and tried to keep it as much about the natural season and less about commercialism.

ADF has a dedicant reading list that might be worth taking a look at. Apart from that, I can recommend some of the following that I have read recently:

1. Walking with the Gods: Modern People Talk About Deities, Faith and Recreating Ancient Traditions, by W.D. Wilkerson. A sampling of an ethnographic survey of 120 modern pagans, and a really interesting look at the variety of devotional practices, metaphysical approaches and theologies, and the like.
   
   
2. Journeys in the Kali Yuga: A Pilgrimage from Esoteric India to Pagan Europe by Aki Cederberg. An account of a spiritual pilgrimage on the part of a modern European pagan, who looks East for inspiration for a Western revival.
   
   
3. Devotional Polytheism: An Introduction by Galina Krasskova. She also blogs at Gangleri's Cove and runs an etsy shop that sells some devotional items, including prayer cards (one of which, Cybele, I purchased for my altar).
   
   There's a lot out there. Depends on your interest area.

I've been reading up on this for Yule & I've been so confused because first, before anything else, I was under the impression that the "12 days of Christmas" were 12 days leading up to Christmas. Apparently that's not a thing to anyone though, lol (might have been mixing up Advent Calendars & 12 Days of Christmas)

The 12 days of Christmas start on Christmas and last for 12 days, ending with [Epiphany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday) on January 6th.

And the 12 days of Yule begin on Winter Solstice Eve, dusk on December 20th, ending on New Year's Day.

I'm probably going to buy this kindle book: A Guide to Celebrating the 12 Days of Yule (Heathen-style!): Folklore, Activities and Recipes For The Whole Family to Enjoy For 12 Days! by Jenn Campus. I read the first night rituals & thought it was lovely!

Anyway, the more I try to learn about ancient Celtic & Druid practices, the more I realize there's almost nothing to be found, as the entire belief systems were assessed for compatibility with Christianity for hundreds of years & either incorporated into Christianity (bringing them into parables, demoting goddesses to saints or witches, etc) or thrown out altogether.

When it comes to trying to understand the ancient Celts now, the best info we've got is mainly by studying the folklore+historical roots of like... every Christian holiday

(

Well first of all Bless you for taking on the responsibility. My experience has been that it is tough to assume leadership roles in these types of groups. You might want to consider switch off the leadership roll yearly or something like that otherwise you will get burnt out. Especially where none of you are formally trained or have initiations under your belt. You will want to make sure that you monitor your energy levels and also try to keep drama at a minimum. I suggest the following book to help you out [Wicca Covens] (http://www.amazon.com/Wicca-Covens-Start-Organize-Your/dp/0806520353/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409673519&sr=8-1&keywords=wicca+covens) Also there is this book that will help you take your studies to the next level the second circle I hope that helps.

https://www.ladyalthaea.com/every-day-is-magickal/bone-collecting

https://aminoapps.com/c/thewitchescircle/page/blog/bones-and-their-uses/p48a_BYtQuRvrqVv3Qo1z7z64bDpjRGrP7

https://www.amazon.com/Skull-Scrying-Animal-Skulls-Divinatory/dp/151921880X/ref=pd_sbs_14_2/130-0524347-5500533?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=151921880X&pd_rd_r=28aa7bef-4c17-4303-97e3-eecddc9e28e9&pd_rd_w=w9zbU&pd_rd_wg=wuVzp&pf_rd_p=52b7592c-2dc9-4ac6-84d4-4bda6360045e&pf_rd_r=7X6HDN1V5H1C1WT50HC5&psc=1&refRID=7X6HDN1V5H1C1WT50HC5

​

These sources were found with some google searches, I do not know much about them but they might be useful to you.

I personally collect bones I find, and one pheasant skull I bought. I try to do it as respectfully as possible. I have not used them for any spells before, rather than I just have them on my altar. I feel like using the bones I have in particular would be disrespectful to the animals. In 2 of the skulls (including the pheasant) I can still feel their presence. I just let them stay in my room peacefully, trying to rarely move them. BUT I am sure that many witches use them for their craft and that is why I attached the sources.

I felt a call to work with Persephone a couple of years ago, after that I was drawn to research everything I could about the Eleusinian mysteries and different versions of the myth of Persephone.

One book that I stumbled upon during that time is The Mysteries of Demeter by Jennifer Reif ( https://www.amazon.ca/Mysteries-Demeter-Rebirth-Pagan-Way/dp/1578631416 ). While Demeter is central to the ritual work presented in the book, there's also a lot of material about Persephone, Hades, Hekate, etc.

Getting into the ancient stuff got me very interested in Neoplatonic philosophy where I found this passage from Damascius that describes the journey of the soul through seven foundational myths:

>The Soul descends into generation, after the manner of Kore (Persephone);
She is scattered by generation, after the manner of Dionysus ;
Like Prometheus and the Titans, she is bound to body.
She frees herself by exercising the strength of Heracles ;
Gathers herself together through the help of Apollo
And the Saviour Athene, by truly purifying philosophy;
And she elevates herself to the causes of her being with Demeter.

A good book that analyzes this passage is Tim Addey's The Seven Myths of the Soul ( https://www.amazon.ca/Seven-Myths-Soul-Tim-Addey/dp/1898910375 )

There's also, of course, the Orphic hymns and the Orphic version of the myth.

To me Persephone as Kore represents the soul prior to getting caught in the cycle of death and rebirth. The abduction by Hades represents the divine soul descending into embodiment in the physical and the seasonal ascent and descent is symbolic of the cycle of reincarnation. Kore becomes Persephone, the Queen of the underworld as her role becomes bringing the divine light to the world of matter.

I usually feel called to work with Persephone in the fall and spring. In the fall I sometimes sneak into a local park that has a cave and do a ritual honouring the dead and the gods of the underworld there. In the spring I'm all about celebrating the return of life and the blooming of the flowers. Working with Persephone for me is all about working with the cycles of life and nature and contemplating death and rebirth.

I hope some of this helps!

Historical

• Women in Old Norse Society - Probably one of the most balanced looks at the roles of men and women before, during, and after Christianization.
  
• The Dancing Goddess: Folklore, Archaeology, and the Origins of European Dance - Wonderful look at some of the origins of tradition that are rooted in dance from an Indo-European perspective.
  
• Norse Magical and Herbal Healing - Written in Iceland around the year 1500, the little book now known only as AM 434a is a treasure trove of medieval medical knowledge. It contains a number of magical spells, charms, prayers, runes, and symbols to bring health, wealth, and good fortune. The roots of the healing traditions in AM 434a go back thousands of years before the book itself was written.
  
  General Heathen Cultural Interest
  
  
• Gods of the Blood: The Pagan Revival and White Separatism - Really in depth book about the racialist Pagan movements, their origins, and how they think.
  
  
  The following are a bit controversial, but I feel they are worth reading:
  
  
• NeoPagan Rites by Isaac Bonewits - This is a rather religiously agnostic book, but it speaks to how to create rituals that work.
  
• Seeking the Mysteries: An Introduction to Pagan Theologies - I honestly found this book useful to be able to understand theological construction from a non-Christian POV.
  
  

Here are the books I started with that have been very helpful...

I did not start with the Eddas, I started with this book...

[The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland](
http://www.amazon.com/Norse-Myths-Pantheon-Folklore-Library/dp/0394748468)

It is a modern launguage retelling of the Lore in an easier to follow format. I read this book first so I have an understanding of the specific myth then I dive into the Eddas.

I also purchased a few Asatru specific books that give an overview of the Gods and Goddesses, give a brief history lesson, and discuss some of the rituals of Asatru like Blots, holidays, toasts, ect.

Essential Asatru: Walking the Path of Norse Paganism

A Practical Heathens Guide to Asatru

and

Heathenry: A Study of Asatru in the Modern World This one I have not read yet so I have no idea how good it is.

I also purchased The Prose Edda: Norse Mythology

I have a really hard time reading the Eddas since I have always had a hard time with that type of poetry so I have only purchased the one Edda and I am slowly making my way through it. There are a few different Eddas out there so read reviews of them on Amazon before buying to see what everyone is saying about it.

I didnt do this with the Asatru Edda and after I bought it found out they tend to fill in holes in the myths with their own assumptions. Im not educated enough to give examples but most of the reviews mention it. I was advised not to read that version until I become more familiar with the Lore as it was written first. Also, this book is as physically large as a school text book. It is soft cover but very awkward to hold and read.

Good luck. I am very much a beginner but have found the above resources helpful.

No release date for a while yet. We are quite early in preproduction.

Sure, here are some of the resources we used for research. I didn't yet get to go through all of these, especially the books, but I'm going through them one by one :)


Free books

• http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/srp/
  
• http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/sfs/
  
• http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22373
  
  Some nice sites
  
  
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Slavic_mythological_figures
  
• http://meettheslavs.com
  
• http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/SlavicMythology
  
• https://www.pinterest.com/pablozychu/slavic-bestiary/
  
• http://www.mythiccrossroads.com/europe.htm (bottom of the page)
  
• http://www.mythicalcreatureslist.com/menu/Eastern+European
  
  Books that you'll have to buy
  
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Slavic-Folklore-Handbook-Greenwood-Handbooks/dp/0313336105/
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Russian-Magic-Traditions-Enchanted-Landscape/dp/0835608743/
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Slavic-Faith-Rodnoverie-Yngliism-Book-ebook/dp/B00OGSQ4R0/
  
• http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_seeall_7?rh=k%3AThe+Slavic+Way%2Ci%3Adigital-text&keywords=The+Slavic+Way&ie=UTF8&qid=1422009000
  
  

I read it many years ago and I don't remember much, but from what I recall, he had some good points in the sense of an extensive use of what we could say the "neti neti" approach, with an apophatic tone and interest to the "I am". All things considered, though, his philosophy was so a-systematic and so far away from the idea of the Unity-Supreme Reality to be reached as a spiritual aim, that a linkage is very difficult.

Philosophers/writers who carry the ideas of AV, all-the-while not knowing they are doing so:

First of all there are Plato, Plotinus and the neoplatonists. Indeed there could be a reason. It seems one of them (Ammonius Saccas) who began the neoplatonc tradition, was an Indian follower of the Advaita Vedanta doctrines who moved to Greece .

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonius_Saccas

All the other greek philosophers, however, didn't know anything about Advaita Vedanta and their ideas were strikingly similar.
This book introducing Plato has been written by an exceptional Advaita Vedanta teacher and explains deeply the similarities between Plato and Sankara:
https://www.amazon.com/Initiation-Philosophy-Plato-Raphael-Asram/dp/1931406073

Then, many medieval authors inspired by neoplatonists, have also doctrines altogether similar to Advaita vedanta.
Above all Meister Eckhart and the anonymous writer of the Cloud of Unknowing.

Among modern philosophers: Here there's the problem that many of them knew about Advaita Vedanta. Fichte and Schelling are interesting. One can argue even Hegel can be interpreted in a way to make his thought perfectly compatible with the Vedic tradition, but Hegel is quite an obscure and difficult reading.

Then there's Schopenhauer, an explicit admirer of the oriental tradition.

This is all I can think of, by now

EDIT: various typos and mistakes. English is not my first language. Idealists added.

I need a hug. And you deserve a hug for putting up with the pain you're going through! I hope you feel better soon!

Gonorrhea, syphilis and other common sexually-transmitted ailments can actually be cured by placing the man's testicles in a pouch made from the Australian kangaroo's scrotum for a period of 7-10 days. (this is actually a fake fact, so don't try this at home!)

I'd really like this from my wishlist, thank you so much! :)

No problem. I actually found a few books (I haven’t read them personally, but maybe they could help in what you are looking for. I personally may buy them and try them out). Blood Magick - Seth , and Blood Sorcery Bible. I believe the second book has more than one volume and the author has more books on the same subject. I hope this helps! It took a while to find anything of any magnitude. I’ve been looking into Blood Magick a lot myself, so I understand your interest!

I listened to the whole thing. Doctor Lesiv was very impressive. It was an interesting situation of scholar venturing into the territory controlled by pseudo-scholarship. I wonder how many Red Ice radio shows she listened to before she did this interview. The most interesting exchange was when Lesiv said the Ukrainian pagan leaders find it very curious when American or British pagans speak of equality and diversity and inclusiveness as values. Then the host jumps in with something like "yeah how stupid can those American and British pagans be?" and the guest was taken aback for about five seconds but then she regained her balance and the host did not say anything else to disturb her guest's flow for the remainder of the interview.

I learned about this guy: Taras Shevchenko.

Also this compilation was mentioned which looks interesting but I will have to look for it in a library: Modern Pagan and Native Faith Movements in Central and Eastern Europe.

The Love of Destiny

I feel that this book may be of great benefit to you and to many others around here in regards to similar topics of belief. It's a good read, and very short (34 pages, iirc). It discusses modern worldviews in the context of the physical and spiritual worlds, and how monotheism and polytheism have approached these and (primarily the former) have shaped our modern worldview. Mind you, mono/poly-theism are taken in the context of worldview, and are not specifically discussing (a) deity/deities. It takes into account religion, science, reason, and myth in order to help address how we have approached these two different "worlds".

As a total aside form this shameless plug for a book I just finished reading and to actually answer your question:

I believe in myself, and the universe. More-so the latter than the former. The interconnectedness of everything is awe-inspiring, and the cyclical, pulsing, rhythmic, oscillating nature of things around us is divine. I also believe that there is no singular truth, no singular path.

I believe that our perceptions have been painted by our expectations, surroundings, and past experience, which in turn create a feedback loop that changes our future perceptions. The difference between physical science and "metaphysical science" (or perhaps magick, the occult, or whatever you wish to call it) is that the physical world is rooted in objectivity, whereas the metaphysical world is rooted subjectivity. How we perceive things spiritual is through the minds' eye, and there is some "coloring" dependent on our perceptions. This coloring by our perception is, to me, the reason why so many different traditions have similar ideas, methods and/or ends - we all "see" or "measure" or simply experience the spiritual differently, and our perception and minds colors it differently than others'. This, I believe, is one of the major reasons that physical science disagrees so strongly with spiritual tradition, because that kind of thinking is so intrinsically different from the assumptions one makes when conducting "Science." In the end, we are all experiencing a part of the universe "more" than our physical selves, but perceiving it differently. I believe that belief is the background color of our experience and can drastically our perceptions and therefore our worlds. Belief is powerful, beautiful, and in a way, kind of scary.

There is no one truth. There is no singular path.

> All roads lead to Rome

Sabbats is a great source.

Highly recommended! I routinely use this series as a resource for the seasonal writings and spell work that is sent to my Circle members each month. There is also Sabbats: A Witch's Approach to Living the Old Ways .

Here is a book that covers only Yule. It'll give you the history, modern practices, rituals, recipes, activities, etc. that surround Yule. I haven't read it, but I've read the Samhain book in the collection. They have one book for every sabbat.