Showing titles in Customs & Traditions

SuperSummary, a modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, offers high-quality instructional study guides for challenging works of literature. This audio study guide for The Forest People by Colin N. Turnbull includes detailed summary and analysis of each chapter and an in-depth exploration of the book’s multiple symbols, motifs, and themes such as village life versus forest life, community, and religion. Featured content also includes commentary on major characters, 25 important quotes, essay questions, and discussion topics.

What made me write a book on this subject? South Indian Hindu marriage is a mix of cultural traditions and belief system. There are strong emotions attached to the past karma, good and bad times, and auspicious times (Muhurta, in Sanskrit). For example, there is an auspicious time set for consummating the marriage. Sometimes, couples have to wait few days after the marriage for that event. It’s interesting to watch these traditions, at a time when marriage and divorce can be obtained within a day at Vegas! 

Evil in Our Midst provides a chilling glimpse of 50 dark angels, each of which represents a culture’s greatest fears. Every section opens with a story that shares the legend of a demon, and then offers fascinating information on the culture that, in many cases, perpetuates this belief. For those who believe in these creatures, this audiobook gives reason to fear the unknown. For those who do not believe in demons, it provides terrifying listen for a stormy night.

Las historias de la mitología nórdica perduran en nuestra cultura actual. El anillo del nibelungo conserva una versión de una de las grandes historias nórdicas viva en la mente de los amantes de la música. Los lectores de la fantasía moderna encontrarán también numerosas similitudes con los cuentos nórdicos. Algo en estas antiguas y desconcertantes historias aún tiene el poder de conmovernos, inquietarnos e inspirar nuevos planes de creación.

To the discerning few were revealed the esoteric, or spiritual, teachings, while the unqualified received only the literal, or exoteric, interpretations. In order to make simple the great truths of nature and the abstract principles of natural law, the vital forces of the universe were personified, becoming the gods and goddesses of the ancient mythologies. While the ignorant multitudes brought their offerings to the altars of Priapus and Pan, the wise recognized in these marble statues only symbolic concretions of great abstract truths. 

 Dreams and Death in African Mythology: The History of Legends and Folk Stories About Dreams and Death Across Africa examines the various stories that sought to explain death and dreams, from their origins to their evolution across different cultures.

The Africans have a long history, although not everything has been preserved in writing. And many folklore stories have been passed on through generations. The African tribes vary as much as the colors of the rainbow. It is for these reasons, and entertainment as well, that this book has been put together. It entails several mythological tales that refer to African gods, creatures, and entities. Some of these have morals. Others are symbolic of one thing or another.

The extensive history of Africa provides us with a topic of curiosity and novelty. For this reason, this guide has been composed to help you understand some of the cultural anecdotes as well as the religious and traditional tales that have been told to previous generations. When we dive into some background information, you will have a better grasp of the context of the four intense stories that follow. Enjoy this short, simple yet profound compilation of African myths.

This wonderfully romantic tale is only found in the paper copies of The Eddas, an unnamed collection of Norse works. Snorri, an Icelandic historian and poet, doesn’t mention it elsewhere in his works. It is probably not much older than the 17th century. Being that we cannot trace its origin much further back than that, it is largely ignored. But I believe we do so at the risk of missing how these grand tales became what they are today. 

Enter the fascinating world of nature spirits, as seen by a celebrated clairvoyant. Meet entrancingly beautiful water undines, delicate fairies, ancient and hardworking brownies, and comical gnomes. Geoffrey Hodson describes the vast variety of etheric forms in cooperation with nature, as they invigorate and enliven plants, trees, wind, and bodies of water. Often lighthearted and joyful, nature spirits also show a love for unrestrained frolic, dance, and play.   

The African people hide secret treasures of wisdom and spiritual insights. In this guide, you will become more familiar with some of the most common gods and goddesses in African tribal worship. Moreover, you will listen to some interesting stories that were told from one generation to the next. Some of these myths may inspire you, others might confuse you, but in a general sense, it is useful and fascinating to learn more about them.

This book contains all the gods and goddesses from ancient Egypt that you can imagine. The list is long, and the names go on for a while. Needless to say, this book is complete. You won’t miss out on any of the deities they worshipped. Also, some more background information is given about deities such as Thoth, Horus, and Isis. At the end of the book, another subtopic will be addressed, namely: The use of medication and doctors in ancient Egyptian culture. 

The two conquering countries of the Second World War have not just been active in the 20th century, but both of their histories date way back. However, many of the things they did in the early days of their developing nations and peoples were based on the things they believed. Some of these beliefs were mythological creatures, nature spirits, symbols, and actual gods and goddesses with supernatural powers. In this guide, you will learn about some of the most intriguing of these.

This bundle of books takes you to every corner of Greek mythology. It ranges from gods to drama. It covers legendary heroes like Heracles and Oedipus, and it sheds light on the dark side of the epic saga of these made-up creatures, gods, and historical men and women.

When a woman discovers the goddess within her own nature, she becomes whole. She becomes an embodiment of the Grail, the vessel in which the divine light can dwell. This is also true for men. They also become much more attractive to women. Legends of the Grail is a collection of ancient Irish myths and the missing or untold stories of goddesses told in first person.

Cannibalistic snakes exceeding 100 feet in length that cause the Earth to tremble. Large cats with 12-inch fangs thought to be extinct. Sauropod dinosaurs that flip canoes. A half-octopus, half-shark creature that pulls boats into the abyss. Plesiosaurs swimming in glacial lakes. These are but a few of the monsters lurking in the waters of South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Progress is a constant state of learning and unlearning.

Scandinavians of the ancient world had many gods and goddesses they worshiped. Are you curious about which ones they revered so much? Well, in this guide, that’s exactly what you will learn. To start off, this brief guide will go over some a quick history of the Vikings. Then, you will discover more about several deities that are worth mentioning, as well as some queer beliefs and false notions that have been spread about the Norse.

How did the ancient Vikings live? What was their society like? This and many other questions about history and mythology will be answered in this brief guide. For example, an entire chapter is devoted to women’s roles in Viking society. Other chapters discuss the appearance of trolls and other creatures in Norse myths. You’ll find out why certain popular children’s movies have included Viking clothing and other elements in their narrative, what Viking art is all about. Last but not least, you can learn more about Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the heroes in Viking myths.

This story is a new mythology that captures the divine feminine and draws the listener into its sisterhood with magical creatures and utopian dreams. Both whimsical and darkly serious, this previously untold creation story, presented as a prose-poem, reveres the mother as creator.