Its a new day, new year and a new decade!  (But I am sure you have noticed that already, you didn’t need us to tell you that!).   In simple terms, even though we are a few days behind the time here …

From all of us at Avalonia …

To all of you who read our books … and those who don’t !

We wish you a Beautiful, Conspiciuous and Happy 2010!

Just a quick reminder for those of you who use Twitter, you can also follow our Facebook updates via Twitter – http://twitter.com/avalonia 

Enjoy!

Its been a fair few years since we published Avalonia’s Book of Chakras, written by Sorita d’Este and David Rankine, which though a tiny volume is packed with practical exercises and reference material.  Its been one of our most popular titles in the UK over the years, recently Lauren D’Silva of Bella Online picked a copy up and reviewed it in the “New Age Site” of BellaOnline saying “If you are looking for a straightforward and practical guide to the chakras you should find Avalonia’s Book of Chakras by Sorita D’Este and David Rankine useful. Accessible enough for beginners it is also very handy for energy practitioners as a reference tool.”  

You can read the full review by visiting: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art25772.asp

The book is available directly from Avalonia (free P&P):
http://avaloniabooks.co.uk/catalogue/titles/chakras.htm or from good esoteric / new age bookshops and online at Amazon, B&N and all the usual suspects!

For those of you who are experiencing the beautiful winter wonderland, as well as those who are facing the real harsh reality of the results of the snow and ice which is currently affecting much of the UK, the stories told of the Crone of Winter, the Cailleach might be of particular interest.

The Cailleach, though not that well known amongst modern pagan traditions, is perhaps the most intriguing and certainly one of the most significant figures in British Folklore.  According to Sorita d’Este and David Rankine writing in the introduction to their book “Visions of the Cailleach”  – “Some tales portray her as a benevolent and primal giantess from the dawn of time who shaped the land and controlled the forces of nature, others as the hars spirit of winter.  Occasionally there are hints that she may represent the survival of an early sovereignty bestowing goddess, or an ancient nature-based priestess cult.”

The Song of the Cailleach Beira tells the story in prose form, quite a lovely and apt manner to keep the legend going -

O life that ebbs like the seal
  I am weary and old, I am weary and old–
Oh! how can I happy be
  All alone in the dark and the cold.

I’m the old Beira again,
  My mantle no longer is green,
I think of my beauty with pain
  And the days when another was queen.

My arms are withered and thin,
  My hair once golden is grey;
’Tis winter–my reign doth begin–
  Youth’s summer has faded away.

Youth’s summer and autumn have fled–
  I am weary and old, I am weary and old.
Every flower must fade and fall dead
  When the winds blow cold, when the winds blow cold.

[From Chapter 1, Beira Queen of Winter, Wonder Tales of Scottish Myth and Legend, Mackenzie, 1917 - read the entire legend online at: http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/tsm/index.htm ]

So now that we all stand at the beginning of Winter, the weeks and months ahead of us are the time one is most likely to encounter the magical Crone of Winter – maybe even a glimpse of the beautiful Bride who is washing and keeping her cloak white…  We may see her shrouded in white riding her wolf through the sky, or swirling through the air as she brings storms and blizzards to the land … maybe just as an old woman in the hedge, or an encounter at a local well…  Which ever way, remember to be polite and if you want to impress have a good, intelligent and genuine question or request ready for her – you never know, you may catch her in a good mood! 

This story, together with numerous other legends about the Cailleach from all over Scotland, Ireland and other parts of the British Isles, as well as Europe, is brought together in the book VISIONS OF THE CAILLEACH by Sorita d’Este and David Rankine (Avalonia 2009).  Extracts and more information on this book can be found at http://cailleach.avalonia.co.uk

We love this book, and it would seem that we are not alone!   The good people at Twisted Tree agree, in their review of this first offering from author Katie Gerrard.   The review there starts with “This has to be the best book about Runes I’ve seen for years.” … you can read it in its entirety over at:  http://www.twistedtree.org.uk/Bookshelf.htm

And best of all you can still get a copy in time for holiday pressies, if you order your copy now on the Avalonia Books website, or through Amazon.com / Amazon.ca or Amazon.co.uk  – all of whom have stock of this excellent work!

The new Avalonia Anthology “From a Drop of Water” edited by Kim Huggens, is now available for order from Avalonia – for more information, together with a list of contributors see:

http://www.avaloniabooks.co.uk/catalogue/titles/from_a_drop_of_water.htm

“From a Drop of Water…”

A Collection of Magickal Reflections on the Nature, Creatures,Uses, and Symbolism of Water.

“This creation is, in its totality, a drop of Water; man himself has originated from a drop of Water”
Bundahishn 28,2

Edited by Kim Huggens
Contributions by: Yvonne Aburrow, Harry Barron, John Canard, Emily Carding, Diane M.Champigny, Chrissy Derbyshire,Sorita d’Este, Rachel Donaldson, Nina Falaise, Melissa Harrington,Kim Huggens, Payam Nabarz, Maestro Nestor, Magin, Cathryn Orchard, Rodney Orpheus, Andrea Salgado Reyes and Katherine Sutherland

FROM A DROP OF WATER is a unique collection of 17 essays by some of the foremost modern esoteric writers, pagan scholars and magickal practitioners. Each contribution reflects the writer’s own understanding and passion for Water, and in doing so they share their unique insights, experiences and their diverse research on the subject with the reader. The powerful nature of Water as transformer and healer, initiator into the mysteries and bringer of both life and death is emphasised throughout. The multitude of spiritual beings associated with Water are powerful and volatile forces of nature. They include the Undines and Nymphs of European folklore, as well as mythical creatures such as mermaids and krakens, sirens and selkies. The importance of Water is often taken for granted, yet its symbolism connects every religion, spiritual path and philosophy. Many of the earliest creation myths have Water as a central theme, and man has forever been telling tales of the Waters of this Earth, and has since time immemorial gazed up at the Moon who governs the ebb and flow of the ocean’s tides.

Likewise, deities associated with Water often play a central role in myths, legends and practices, and this is explored in many of the essays in this anthology. From Anahita, the Persian Goddess of rain and abundance, to the Afro-Brazilian Goddess Yemanyá, the Egyptian Mother Goddess Isis as portrayed in Dion Fortune’s Sea Priestess and Nimue in the Arthurian Legends, the power of Water is ever present. Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love is born from the foam of the oceans, and many of the Vodou Lwa – including Agwe, Mambo La Sirene, Erzulie Freda, Damballah Wedo and the Simbis also have strong associations with Water which are explored in this collection. Furthermore, the magical qualities and symbolism of Water are explored through examples of meditation, ritual, song and dance. Its magic is manifested through talismans, poetry, art and invocation. Moreover, Living Water as used in the Kabbalah and Grimoires, as well as the role of Water in Baptism are also explored.

This exceptional collection of essays bring together a breadth of experience, which is emphasised through the diversity of traditions they represent. These include Vodou, Thelema, the Western Mystery Tradition, Wicca, Paganism, and English Root Magick, as well as Grimoire Magicians who work the magick of the Key of Solomon and Goetia.

Water both allures and terrifies – just like the stark contrast between the glimmering of moonlight upon the ocean’s surface on a clear night and the hulking gloom in its fathomless depths. But the planet’s oceans and many Waters are vast and unfathomable, and herein lies but a few drops of wisdom in a sea of possibilities.

This exciting new book will be available for preorder from Avalonia very soon!  Make sure to join our mailinglist at www.avaloniabooks.co.uk to be kept informed of new titles.

It would seem like its a week for really amazing feedback on some of our books, they keep flooding in and we hope to find the time soon to update the list of reviews on our website (www.avaloniabooks.co.uk ) to include mention of all the many reviews our books have been receiving.  In the meantime we are very excited to see a mention of HEKATE LIMINAL RITES in “The New Age Retailer” which is a very popular publication in the US.  This is what the reviewer, Richard D. Wright, Tranquil Things, Derby Line, Vt.,  had to say:

“Hekate, a figure in the Orphic mysteries, is “the goddess of the crossroads, of thresholds, of dreams and oracles, of the realms of life and death.” Sources that give recognition to her can be traced back to the ninth century BCE. She is mentioned as a matter of course in Homer’s Odyssey, later in dramas by Aeschylus and Euripides, and still later in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Her worship dates from much further back and is now becoming a part of some contemporary ceremonies. The authors cite 98 literary references and use over 150 sources to bring together “a collection of material which relates specifically to devotional practices, symbols and magical techniques recorded as being associated with the goddess Hekate.” They explain that she is portrayed as the triple goddess with triple images and triple shrines, and that she is both a light bringer and, as queen of the restless dead, the ruler of ghosts.

Although the book draws its material from scholarly studies, it is written for the general reader. Its 30 brief chapters include sections on images, charms, initiations, herbs and poisons, angels, oracles, hymns, animal forms, necromancy, and fusions with other goddesses. It is a good source of background material for anyone involved with modern or ancient rites and rituals, or indeed for anyone simply interested in exploring the mysteries surrounding the worship of the triple goddess Hekate.”

For more information on Hekate Liminal Rites by David Rankine & Sorita d’Este, visit http://www.avaloniabooks.co.uk/catalogue/titles/hekate_liminalrites.htm

Cauldron Magazine is one of the most respected occult journals in the UK, established since the 1970’s you can find out more by visiting their website at http://www.the-cauldron.org.uk/ (including subscription info).  It is always both interesting and exciting to find reviews of our publications in magazines, but especially so when they are positive (of course).  In the latest edition of Cauldron several Avalonia titles have received glowing reviews, these include Hekate Liminal Rites, Stellar Magic, The Book of Treasure Spirits and the anthology Both Sides of Heaven.

Both Sides of Heaven – an anthology of essays regarding Angels, Fallen Angels and Demons which was edited by Sorita d’Este and includes essays by some of the best known authors, researchers and mystics of the current occult rennaissance, the contributions include:

Contents:
A Host of Winged Messengers – Sorita d’Este
Fallen Angels and Legends of the Fall – Rufus Harrington
On the Wings of Rebirth – Katherine Sutherland
The Myth of the Fallen Ones – Michael Howard
The Enochians – Aaron Leitch
Madeline Montalban, Elemental and Fallen Angels – Julia Phillips
Azazel & Shemyaza – Diana Allam
Thirteen Unicycles in the Woods – Adele Nozedar
The Salvation of the Sidhe – Emily Carding
The Green Butterfly – Dan Harms
The Fallen Angels and the Goetia - David Rankine
Demons & Devils - Maestro Nestor
Grimoires for Pagans – Jake Stratton-Kent
The Thwarting Angels – Stephen Skinner
Loving Lilith – Melissa Harrington
The Face in the Mirror – Charlotte Rodgers
Between Gods and Men - Kim Huggens
Zoroastrian Angels and Demons – Payam Nabarz

This is what Cauldron thought of this collection:

“This excellent new book from those good people at Avalonia is a collection of eighteen essays exploring the origin, history and magical practices of angles, fallen angels and demons by some of the foremost esoteric writers, occult scholars and magicians (and sometimes all three!) in the field today.  In their essays they contribute their personal experiences, research and insights into this fascinating subject.  The contents range from the occult work of Renaissance magi such as Dr John Dee, Edward Kelley and Dr Thomas Rudd to more recent practitioners like the magus, taromancer and astrologer Madeline Montalban (1910-1982).  There aer also several interesting contributions on the Watchers or fallen angels and their offspring the Nephelim and the magical rites in medieval grimoires such as the Key of Solomon and the Goetia.  After all the New Age nonsense written about angels it is refreshing to get a book that tells the reader exactly what they are.  Very highly recommended.”

Dear All,

We are proud to announce that Odin’s Gateways by Katie Gerrard is now available for preorder from our website. For more information go to: http://avaloniabooks.co.uk/catalogue/titles/odins_gateways.htm

For those of you nearer to London, who have a keen interest in the Runes or who want to find out more about Runes you are invited to the celebration of the launch of this exciting new book which will be taking place this coming Sunday afternoon at Treadwells Bookshop in Covent Garden (London).

Here’s the details:

Date: Sunday, 22 November 2009

Time: 14:00 – 17:00

Location: Treadwells Bookshop

Street: 34 Tavistock Street, Covent Garden

Town/City: London, United Kingdom

If you wish to attend PLEASE BOOK DIRECTLY WITH TREADWELLS BOOK SHOP 020 7240 8906

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More information

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Odin’s Gateways

By Katie Gerrard

(Avalonia, November 2009)

http://avaloniabooks.co.uk/catalogue/titles/odins_gateways.htm

Description:

“The runes you must find … Which the mighty sage stained and the powerful gods made and the runemaster of the gods carved out.” (The Poetic Edda, translated by Carolyne Larrington)

The runes are mysterious and powerful magical keys to the primal forces of nature that shaped Norse and Northern European culture. These twenty-four unique and inspiring symbols of the Elder Futhark (first runic alphabet) each possess powerful energies, identities, meanings, and sounds. They are both the gateways and the hidden mysteries beyond the gateways, connecting you to the nine worlds of gods, giants, elves, dwarves and shades. The runes are invoked and harnessed to create change through inspiration, healing, protection, knowledge and divine wisdom from the Norse gods.

Odin’s Gateways is a practical guide to using the runes in our lives, in magic and in divination – a unique journey into the mysteries hidden within the runes, filled with the information and practices necessary to developing a deep personal understanding and relationship with them. By focusing on how to directly harness and channel the energy of the individual runes, the author guides the reader along the path to self knowledge and empowerment. With a deft hand and lucid style, Katie Gerrard cuts to the heart of the runes, combining the wisdom of the Norse Sagas and rune poems with practical advice and techniques gained through living and experiencing their powers.

The practical magic of the runes is demonstrated through numerous examples of Galdr (incantation), bindrunes (composite runic sigils) and spellcraft for purposes such as protection, healing, childbirth, creating a sacred space, fertility, sleep, battle and cursing. The divinatory meanings of the runes are given, with a range of different reading methods, and advice on how to cast and interpret them. Woven amongst the manifold techniques and practices contained in her work, the author also explores the history of rune use, providing the highlights from Tacitus and Snorri Sturluson to the modern European and American rune masters who have revived their use.

You can find more information on this book, as well as the author Katie Gerrard by visiting http://runes.avalonia.co.uk/

The book is now available for preorder from Avalonia – http://avaloniabooks.co.uk/catalogue/titles/odins_gateways.htm

……. Expanding the Esoteric Horizons …….
www.avaloniabooks.com