Author: Prof Oddfellow
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781478168157
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 36
Book Description
There is perhaps no better way to conjure up the spirit of great antiquity than to roll dice. The very ancient game of throwing knucklebones dates back to the Trojan War (ca. 1194-1184 BCE), if we are to take Sophocles' word. The original knucklebone was technically a bone in a sheep's ankle, the astragalus, hence divination by astragalomancy. The great Greek philosopher Plato traced dice even farther back, to the ibis-headed Egyptian god Thoth, inventor of magic and writing and science, divine arbitrator, judge of the dead, and maintainer of the universe. Plato himself played dice not only with cubes but also tetrahedrons, octahedrons, dodecahedrons, and icosahedrons-the famous "Platonic solids" of geometry. Plato said, "God geometrizes," and that's a key to why dice have always been associated with divination-the geometric solids, as building blocks of the universe, embody truths on higher planes. Over the centuries, several rules have been associated with throwing dice for divination. "However, it is entirely a matter of personal choice whether these are followed or ignored. Many of these rules are arbitrary and were probably developed to add mystery and significance to divination by dice. Do not be afraid to develop your own guidelines, nor to be completely spontaneous, using the dice in different ways according to your instincts at the time. Trusting your instincts is the best way to get a good reading."
Astragalomancy: a Loaded Guide
Author: Prof Oddfellow
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781478168157
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 36
Book Description
There is perhaps no better way to conjure up the spirit of great antiquity than to roll dice. The very ancient game of throwing knucklebones dates back to the Trojan War (ca. 1194-1184 BCE), if we are to take Sophocles' word. The original knucklebone was technically a bone in a sheep's ankle, the astragalus, hence divination by astragalomancy. The great Greek philosopher Plato traced dice even farther back, to the ibis-headed Egyptian god Thoth, inventor of magic and writing and science, divine arbitrator, judge of the dead, and maintainer of the universe. Plato himself played dice not only with cubes but also tetrahedrons, octahedrons, dodecahedrons, and icosahedrons-the famous "Platonic solids" of geometry. Plato said, "God geometrizes," and that's a key to why dice have always been associated with divination-the geometric solids, as building blocks of the universe, embody truths on higher planes. Over the centuries, several rules have been associated with throwing dice for divination. "However, it is entirely a matter of personal choice whether these are followed or ignored. Many of these rules are arbitrary and were probably developed to add mystery and significance to divination by dice. Do not be afraid to develop your own guidelines, nor to be completely spontaneous, using the dice in different ways according to your instincts at the time. Trusting your instincts is the best way to get a good reading."
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781478168157
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 36
Book Description
There is perhaps no better way to conjure up the spirit of great antiquity than to roll dice. The very ancient game of throwing knucklebones dates back to the Trojan War (ca. 1194-1184 BCE), if we are to take Sophocles' word. The original knucklebone was technically a bone in a sheep's ankle, the astragalus, hence divination by astragalomancy. The great Greek philosopher Plato traced dice even farther back, to the ibis-headed Egyptian god Thoth, inventor of magic and writing and science, divine arbitrator, judge of the dead, and maintainer of the universe. Plato himself played dice not only with cubes but also tetrahedrons, octahedrons, dodecahedrons, and icosahedrons-the famous "Platonic solids" of geometry. Plato said, "God geometrizes," and that's a key to why dice have always been associated with divination-the geometric solids, as building blocks of the universe, embody truths on higher planes. Over the centuries, several rules have been associated with throwing dice for divination. "However, it is entirely a matter of personal choice whether these are followed or ignored. Many of these rules are arbitrary and were probably developed to add mystery and significance to divination by dice. Do not be afraid to develop your own guidelines, nor to be completely spontaneous, using the dice in different ways according to your instincts at the time. Trusting your instincts is the best way to get a good reading."
Magic Words
Author: Craig Conley
Publisher: Weiser Books
ISBN: 1609250508
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 364
Book Description
Magic Words: A Dictionary is a oneofakind resource for armchair linguists, popculture enthusiasts, Pagans, Wiccans, magicians, and trivia nuts alike. Brimming with the most intriguing magic words and phrases from around the world and illustrated throughout with magical symbols and icons, Magic Words is a dictionary like no other. More than sevenhundred essay style entries describe the origins of magical words as well as historical and popular variations and fascinating trivia. With sources ranging from ancient Medieval alchemists to modern stage magicians, necromancers, and wizards of legend to miracle workers throughout time, Magic Words is a must have for any scholar of magic, language, history, and culture.
Publisher: Weiser Books
ISBN: 1609250508
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 364
Book Description
Magic Words: A Dictionary is a oneofakind resource for armchair linguists, popculture enthusiasts, Pagans, Wiccans, magicians, and trivia nuts alike. Brimming with the most intriguing magic words and phrases from around the world and illustrated throughout with magical symbols and icons, Magic Words is a dictionary like no other. More than sevenhundred essay style entries describe the origins of magical words as well as historical and popular variations and fascinating trivia. With sources ranging from ancient Medieval alchemists to modern stage magicians, necromancers, and wizards of legend to miracle workers throughout time, Magic Words is a must have for any scholar of magic, language, history, and culture.
The Care and Feeding of a Spirit Board
Author: Craig Conley
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781505920833
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 44
Book Description
What can we say authoritatively about the nature of this esoteric volume, beyond the presumption that it was a cherished heirloom and the fact that it was mostly lost to a fire? Historical truths are often inconclusive, pointing as they do in ambiguous directions toward fading memories and secret archives. What we can say is that occult forensic specialists have delicately pieced ashes back together. Read now with delight this most present prescient volume; protect it from any fire save that of your understanding enthusiasm and joy.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781505920833
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 44
Book Description
What can we say authoritatively about the nature of this esoteric volume, beyond the presumption that it was a cherished heirloom and the fact that it was mostly lost to a fire? Historical truths are often inconclusive, pointing as they do in ambiguous directions toward fading memories and secret archives. What we can say is that occult forensic specialists have delicately pieced ashes back together. Read now with delight this most present prescient volume; protect it from any fire save that of your understanding enthusiasm and joy.
Loaded Dice
Author: Aron Christensen
Publisher: Loose Leaf Stories
ISBN: 1643190555
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 161
Book Description
I’ve been running role-playing games for thirty years, but am relatively new to playing them. Erica’s rolled up dozens of characters, but has only a few Storytelling experiences under her belt. Together, we’ve written a blog about what we learned, the challenges we have to overcome, and all the solutions we’ve come up with to keep an RPG campaign going – The RPGuide. This is a collection of our best and favorite articles from the first year and a half year of RPGuide posts. We’ve got advice for handling players, building NPCs, and we debate rules and play styles. If you’re an old hand at role-playing, maybe you’ll find a new trick to put up your sleeve, or a fresh way of looking at gaming. And if you’re new to RPGs, then you’re welcome to learn from our mistakes and take advantage of our experience. You’ve probably read My Guide to RPG Storytelling, the Companion, or maybe From Dream to Dice, and that’s what brought you around to this little collection. But if this is your first RPGuidebook, welcome! Don’t worry, you don’t need to read any of the others first – Loaded Dice can be used on its own. We’ll even begin with a “What the heck is a table-top role-playing game?” chapter. So let’s play!
Publisher: Loose Leaf Stories
ISBN: 1643190555
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 161
Book Description
I’ve been running role-playing games for thirty years, but am relatively new to playing them. Erica’s rolled up dozens of characters, but has only a few Storytelling experiences under her belt. Together, we’ve written a blog about what we learned, the challenges we have to overcome, and all the solutions we’ve come up with to keep an RPG campaign going – The RPGuide. This is a collection of our best and favorite articles from the first year and a half year of RPGuide posts. We’ve got advice for handling players, building NPCs, and we debate rules and play styles. If you’re an old hand at role-playing, maybe you’ll find a new trick to put up your sleeve, or a fresh way of looking at gaming. And if you’re new to RPGs, then you’re welcome to learn from our mistakes and take advantage of our experience. You’ve probably read My Guide to RPG Storytelling, the Companion, or maybe From Dream to Dice, and that’s what brought you around to this little collection. But if this is your first RPGuidebook, welcome! Don’t worry, you don’t need to read any of the others first – Loaded Dice can be used on its own. We’ll even begin with a “What the heck is a table-top role-playing game?” chapter. So let’s play!
One-Letter Words, a Dictionary
Author: Craig Conley
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0061751324
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 284
Book Description
Merriam-Webster, move over! Until now, no English dictionary ever found the fun or the fascination in revealing the meanings of letters. One-Letter Words, a Dictionary illuminates the more than 1,000 surprising definitions associated with each letter in the English alphabet. For instance, Conley uncovers seventy-six distinct uses of the letter X, the most versatile, most printed letter in the English language. Using facts, figures, quotations, and etymologies, the author provides a complete and enjoyable understanding of the one-letter word. Conley teaches us that each letter's many different meanings span multiple subjects, including science—B denotes a blood type and also is a symbol for boron on the periodic table of elements—and history—in the Middle Ages, B was branded on a blasphemer's forehead. With the letter A, he reminds us that A is not only a bra size, but also a musical note. One-Letter Words, a Dictionary is a rich, thought-provoking, and curious compendium of the myriad definitions attributed to each letter of the English alphabet. This book is the essential desk companion, gift, or reference volume for a vast array of readers: wordsmiths, puzzle lovers, teachers, students, librarians, and armchair linguists will all find One-Letter Words, a Dictionary a must-have.
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0061751324
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 284
Book Description
Merriam-Webster, move over! Until now, no English dictionary ever found the fun or the fascination in revealing the meanings of letters. One-Letter Words, a Dictionary illuminates the more than 1,000 surprising definitions associated with each letter in the English alphabet. For instance, Conley uncovers seventy-six distinct uses of the letter X, the most versatile, most printed letter in the English language. Using facts, figures, quotations, and etymologies, the author provides a complete and enjoyable understanding of the one-letter word. Conley teaches us that each letter's many different meanings span multiple subjects, including science—B denotes a blood type and also is a symbol for boron on the periodic table of elements—and history—in the Middle Ages, B was branded on a blasphemer's forehead. With the letter A, he reminds us that A is not only a bra size, but also a musical note. One-Letter Words, a Dictionary is a rich, thought-provoking, and curious compendium of the myriad definitions attributed to each letter of the English alphabet. This book is the essential desk companion, gift, or reference volume for a vast array of readers: wordsmiths, puzzle lovers, teachers, students, librarians, and armchair linguists will all find One-Letter Words, a Dictionary a must-have.
The Ark Before Noah
Author: Irving Finkel
Publisher: Anchor
ISBN: 0385537123
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 446
Book Description
The recent translation of a Babylonian tablet launches a groundbreaking investigation into one of the most famous stories in the world, challenging the way we look at ancient history. Since the Victorian period, it has been understood that the story of Noah, iconic in the Book of Genesis, and a central motif in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, derives from a much older story that existed centuries before in ancient Babylon. But the relationship between the Babylonian and biblical traditions was shrouded in mystery. Then, in 2009, Irving Finkel, a curator at the British Museum and a world authority on ancient Mesopotamia, found himself playing detective when a member of the public arrived at the museum with an intriguing cuneiform tablet from a family collection. Not only did the tablet reveal a new version of the Babylonian Flood Story; the ancient poet described the size and completely unexpected shape of the ark, and gave detailed boat building specifications. Decoding this ancient message wedge by cuneiform wedge, Dr. Finkel discovered where the Babylonians believed the ark came to rest and developed a new explanation of how the old story ultimately found its way into the Bible. In The Ark Before Noah, Dr. Finkel takes us on an adventurous voyage of discovery, opening the door to an enthralling world of ancient voices and new meanings.
Publisher: Anchor
ISBN: 0385537123
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 446
Book Description
The recent translation of a Babylonian tablet launches a groundbreaking investigation into one of the most famous stories in the world, challenging the way we look at ancient history. Since the Victorian period, it has been understood that the story of Noah, iconic in the Book of Genesis, and a central motif in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, derives from a much older story that existed centuries before in ancient Babylon. But the relationship between the Babylonian and biblical traditions was shrouded in mystery. Then, in 2009, Irving Finkel, a curator at the British Museum and a world authority on ancient Mesopotamia, found himself playing detective when a member of the public arrived at the museum with an intriguing cuneiform tablet from a family collection. Not only did the tablet reveal a new version of the Babylonian Flood Story; the ancient poet described the size and completely unexpected shape of the ark, and gave detailed boat building specifications. Decoding this ancient message wedge by cuneiform wedge, Dr. Finkel discovered where the Babylonians believed the ark came to rest and developed a new explanation of how the old story ultimately found its way into the Bible. In The Ark Before Noah, Dr. Finkel takes us on an adventurous voyage of discovery, opening the door to an enthralling world of ancient voices and new meanings.
The One Minute Mystic
Author: Professor Oddfellow
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781449586973
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 42
Book Description
Instantly understand and even SEE a mystical image when you gaze upon a heavenly body.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781449586973
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 42
Book Description
Instantly understand and even SEE a mystical image when you gaze upon a heavenly body.
How to Believe in Your Elf
Author: Prof Oddfellow
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781503241213
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 132
Book Description
There is a vast world of reality into which science can no more enter than an elf can be Santa Claus. We regret to observe that rather than face it, and confess its inability to measure it, science turns its back upon it. Life is not always every-day life, and the insolvable mysteries are correlated not to formal rules but to spirit and inspiration. Are bits of wisdom liable to dwarf the subject? Indeed-and rightly! James Howell described the ingredients of a good proverb to be "sense, shortness, and salt." May Howell's cry resound through this present present collection of maxims on believing in one's elf.
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781503241213
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 132
Book Description
There is a vast world of reality into which science can no more enter than an elf can be Santa Claus. We regret to observe that rather than face it, and confess its inability to measure it, science turns its back upon it. Life is not always every-day life, and the insolvable mysteries are correlated not to formal rules but to spirit and inspiration. Are bits of wisdom liable to dwarf the subject? Indeed-and rightly! James Howell described the ingredients of a good proverb to be "sense, shortness, and salt." May Howell's cry resound through this present present collection of maxims on believing in one's elf.
The Young Wizard's Hexopedia
Author: Anthemion Buckram
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781511579964
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 202
Book Description
The Hexopedia is a one-of-a-kind story of magic words-what they're made of, where they came from, where they can take you, and how they interact with the world and with each other. It is a whimsical training manual on speaking, writing, and listening magically. It is a treasure chest of hands-on techniques to access the full wisdom and power for beginning things, attracting things, protecting things, and bestowing things. It reveals how to assemble, paint, and manipulate words, even invisible words. It teaches how to become fluent in the language, or rather languages, of spellcraft, and how to interact on a magical level with the elements, the animals, and the trees. It is meant to enlighten its young readers and inspire them to create pure wonder and awe whenever they speak. Sources range from the hierophants of ancient Egypt; to the high priests, medicine men, sorcerers, and alchemists of the Middle Ages; to the necromancers and wizards of legend and fairy tale; to the workers of wonders and miracles throughout history. The Hexopedia showcases those powerful words and spells that give shape and form to ungraspable feats. The Hexopedia was inspired by the fact that the shop windows of Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Los Angeles and Orlando) display genuine-looking tomes of magic but don't offer them for sale. The Hexopedia looks, feels, and reads like an authentic artifact of wizardry, appealing to young fans of Harry Potter, Oz, Lord of the Rings, and other sword-and-sorcery books, films, and video games. Magic words are naturally as old as conjuring itself, echoes of the rhythm and vibration of creative power. A great many of these words have stood the test of time, passed on from master to apprentice, generation through generation. These ancient, musical, poetic incantations have a profound-but not necessarily unfathomable-mystique. For example, there is profound meaning in the clichéd image of a magician pulling a rabbit out of an empty hat with the word abracadabra. The magician is speaking an ancient Hebrew phrase that means "I will create with words." He is making something out of nothing, echoing that famous line from Genesis: "Let there be light, and there was light," only in this case the light is a white rabbit and perhaps a flash of fire. The magic word, whether it be abracadabra or another of the magician's choosing, resonates with us because there is an instinctive understanding that words are powerful, creative forces. Unlike with so many magic books on the market, parents need not fear any nefarious intent or ideological subtext; The Hexopedia promotes a deliberately positive, universal message about empowering one's communication skills for beneficial results. This is not an indoctrination into any system of belief or religious practice; rather, the book encourages readers' imaginations as it slyly teaches ways to choose words carefully. The book offers text and diagrams that seem mysterious and occult yet are constructive and purposively devoid of religious overtones of any kind. The Hexopedia is expressly designed to foster treasured youthful experiences, inspiring a love of literacy and learning as it promotes intellectual growth through enchantment and entertainment.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781511579964
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 202
Book Description
The Hexopedia is a one-of-a-kind story of magic words-what they're made of, where they came from, where they can take you, and how they interact with the world and with each other. It is a whimsical training manual on speaking, writing, and listening magically. It is a treasure chest of hands-on techniques to access the full wisdom and power for beginning things, attracting things, protecting things, and bestowing things. It reveals how to assemble, paint, and manipulate words, even invisible words. It teaches how to become fluent in the language, or rather languages, of spellcraft, and how to interact on a magical level with the elements, the animals, and the trees. It is meant to enlighten its young readers and inspire them to create pure wonder and awe whenever they speak. Sources range from the hierophants of ancient Egypt; to the high priests, medicine men, sorcerers, and alchemists of the Middle Ages; to the necromancers and wizards of legend and fairy tale; to the workers of wonders and miracles throughout history. The Hexopedia showcases those powerful words and spells that give shape and form to ungraspable feats. The Hexopedia was inspired by the fact that the shop windows of Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Los Angeles and Orlando) display genuine-looking tomes of magic but don't offer them for sale. The Hexopedia looks, feels, and reads like an authentic artifact of wizardry, appealing to young fans of Harry Potter, Oz, Lord of the Rings, and other sword-and-sorcery books, films, and video games. Magic words are naturally as old as conjuring itself, echoes of the rhythm and vibration of creative power. A great many of these words have stood the test of time, passed on from master to apprentice, generation through generation. These ancient, musical, poetic incantations have a profound-but not necessarily unfathomable-mystique. For example, there is profound meaning in the clichéd image of a magician pulling a rabbit out of an empty hat with the word abracadabra. The magician is speaking an ancient Hebrew phrase that means "I will create with words." He is making something out of nothing, echoing that famous line from Genesis: "Let there be light, and there was light," only in this case the light is a white rabbit and perhaps a flash of fire. The magic word, whether it be abracadabra or another of the magician's choosing, resonates with us because there is an instinctive understanding that words are powerful, creative forces. Unlike with so many magic books on the market, parents need not fear any nefarious intent or ideological subtext; The Hexopedia promotes a deliberately positive, universal message about empowering one's communication skills for beneficial results. This is not an indoctrination into any system of belief or religious practice; rather, the book encourages readers' imaginations as it slyly teaches ways to choose words carefully. The book offers text and diagrams that seem mysterious and occult yet are constructive and purposively devoid of religious overtones of any kind. The Hexopedia is expressly designed to foster treasured youthful experiences, inspiring a love of literacy and learning as it promotes intellectual growth through enchantment and entertainment.