The Siege of Gaza

Gates of Gaza

By: Amir Tibon

 Amir Tibon’s The Gates of Gaza is a gripping and poignant account of survival, resilience, and the complex history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, centered on the harrowing events of October 7, 2023. On that day, over 1,200 Israelis were brutally killed, with atrocities including rape, burning, and executions in front of families, while hundreds were taken hostage into Gaza. Tibon, a journalist from Tel Aviv living on Kibbutz Nahal Oz, survived this attack and weaves together a deeply personal narrative with a broader historical context.

Tibon’s storytelling excels in its vivid recounting of his experience during the attack, where he and his family were trapped in a safe room until rescued by his father and soldiers from the Maglan unit, who evacuated them to Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek. The intensity of this ordeal reads like a cinematic thriller, yet it is grounded in raw human emotion. Beyond his personal story, Tibon provides a detailed history of Kibbutz Nahal Oz, established in 1951 by pioneers near the Gaza border, then under Egyptian control. The name Nahal Oz, meaning "Strength of the Pioneers" in Hebrew, reflects the kibbutz’s enduring spirit despite decades of violence, from Palestinian cross-border attacks in the 1950s to constant rocket fire after Hamas took control of Gaza in 2006. Tibon notes the kibbutz’s proximity to Gaza left it vulnerable, unprotected by Israel’s Iron Dome system, making rocket sirens and dashes to bomb shelters a grim routine.

The book also explores the broader human toll of the conflict. Tibon reflects on Moshe Dayan’s 1956 eulogy for a slain kibbutz member, which acknowledged both Israeli heroism and Palestinian suffering. This balanced perspective permeates Tibon’s narrative, as he expresses empathy for the pain felt on both sides while condemning the brutality of the October 7 attack, when 6,000 terrorists stormed Israel. His account challenges readers to reconsider their views on the conflict’s complexities.

Tibon praises U.S. President Joe Biden’s efforts to secure the release of hostages and support Israeli survivors. However, he sharply criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of prioritizing power over security. Tibon argues that Netanyahu’s policies, including facilitating billions in Qatari funds to Hamas—intended for Gaza’s infrastructure but diverted to build a terror network—contributed to the disaster.

The Gates of Gaza is a powerful read that combines personal survival, historical insight, and a call for accountability. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human and political dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Be warned: this book may reshape your perspective on the region’s ongoing struggles.

Ascension of the Watchers

 

William Henry’s The Watchers and the Path to Ascension is a captivating exploration of ancient spirituality, human transformation, and the enigmatic Watchers, offering a fresh perspective that challenges conventional narratives. Known for his appearances on Ancient Aliens, Henry diverges from the show’s extraterrestrial theories, instead weaving a compelling, spiritually rich tapestry that blends mythology, biblical texts, and global meditative traditions. This book is a must-read for those intrigued by the intersections of spirituality, history, and human potential.

Henry’s central thesis reimagines the Watchers—not as aliens descending from the cosmos, but as spiritual beings from a divine realm called Sion (distinct from earthly Zion or Jerusalem). Drawing from the apocryphal Book of Enoch (preserved in the Ethiopian Bible), he posits that these entities crossed a metaphysical barrier, taking physical form and interacting with humanity. This interaction, particularly their attraction to human women, sparked profound consequences, a narrative Henry explores with nuance and depth. Rather than sensationalizing, he frames the Watchers as divine instructors sent to guide humanity toward godliness, influencing ancient spiritual practices and even Christian concepts of resurrection.

What sets this book apart is Henry’s ability to connect diverse spiritual traditions—Hindu, Tibetan, Chinese, and Jewish—to a universal quest for ascension. He introduces the concept of spiritual “technology,” meditative techniques that enable humans to access higher realms, mirroring the Watchers’ descent. Henry details three transformative states: the spiritual body, the rainbow body, and the body of pure white light, each associated with ascending to heavenly realms. His vivid descriptions of “serpent-like” movements in these transitions evoke ancient accounts of spiritual travel, grounding esoteric ideas in accessible imagery.

Henry’s dive into Jewish history is equally compelling. He traces how Zoroastrian influences during the Babylonian exile reshaped Jewish beliefs, introducing concepts of heaven, hell, purgatory, and a messianic savior. This shift divided Jewish thought, with traditionalists (Sadducees) clinging to older beliefs and Pharisees embracing Persian-inspired ideas. Henry’s research is meticulous, drawing from Gnostic texts, biblical sources, and ancient art to support his arguments, all enhanced by the book’s stunning illustrations.

This heavily researched yet approachable work is a visual and intellectual feast, blending mythology, spirituality, and history into a cohesive narrative. Henry’s focus on human transformation and divine connection resonates, making The Watchers and the Path to Ascension a thought-provoking read for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re drawn to the mysteries of the Book of Enoch or the universal quest for enlightenment, this book will leave you inspired to explore the divine potential within.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A profound, beautifully illustrated journey into ancient spirituality that challenges and enlightens.

Civilizations Hidden Origins

 

In Magicians of the Gods, Graham Hancock picks up where his groundbreaking work Fingerprints of the Gods left off, weaving a compelling narrative that challenges conventional archaeology and invites readers to reconsider humanity’s forgotten past. As an investigative journalist with a passion for unearthing hidden truths, Hancock embarks on a global quest to explore ancient sites and texts, proposing a bold hypothesis: we are a species with amnesia, heirs to a lost advanced civilization that predates recorded history.

Uncovering Ancient Mysteries

Hancock’s journey begins at Göbekli Tepe in southern Turkey, a recently excavated site buried deliberately by its builders around 12,000 years ago. This enigmatic complex, dating to the era of supposed hunter-gatherers, defies mainstream assumptions. Its massive, precisely carved monoliths—some weighing over 20 tons—feature intricate carvings that suggest a level of sophistication far beyond what conventional archaeology attributes to the period. The stones, fitted together with remarkable precision, raise a provocative question: how could a society without advanced tools create such a masterpiece? Hancock argues that Göbekli Tepe didn’t emerge in isolation but hints at a forgotten culture with advanced knowledge, a notion that challenges the academic status quo.

From Turkey, Hancock ventures to Mesopotamia, where civilizations like Sumer seem to appear fully formed, without the gradual evolution of building techniques expected by modern scholars. He delves into Sumerian mythology, particularly the Enuma Elish and the tale of Ziusudra, a righteous king warned by the god Enki to build an ark to survive a great flood—a story strikingly similar to the biblical Noah, yet predating it by potentially thousands of years. This recurring flood narrative, found across cultures, becomes a cornerstone of Hancock’s argument for a shared, ancient memory.

A Global Pattern of Anomalies

Hancock’s exploration spans continents, from the advanced stonework of South America to the enigmatic structures of Asia, revealing a pattern of architectural marvels that defy their supposed timelines. These sites, he argues, showcase techniques—such as precision stone-cutting and megalithic construction—that even modern technology struggles to replicate. Mainstream archaeology, Hancock contends, often dismisses or suppresses these anomalies because they threaten established theories, leaving critical questions unanswered.

Rejecting sensationalist claims of alien intervention, Hancock proposes a more grounded yet equally revolutionary theory: a highly advanced civilization existed before a cataclysmic event, possibly during the Younger Dryas period (circa 12,800–11,600 years ago). He points to geological evidence of a comet impact in North America, which may have triggered massive flooding and climate upheaval, submerging landmasses like the fabled Atlantis or Sundaland in Indonesia. Ancient texts, such as Egypt’s Edfu inscriptions and tales of the Sumerian Apkallu or “Watchers,” speak of wise survivors who preserved knowledge and seeded civilization anew among scattered human populations.

A Call to Heed the Past

Magicians of the Gods concludes with a sobering warning: the Younger Dryas cataclysm was not a one-time event. Hancock urges readers to take seriously the possibility of future cosmic impacts, drawing parallels between ancient warnings and modern scientific concerns about asteroid risks. By reconnecting with our forgotten past, he argues, we can better prepare for an uncertain future.

Why It’s a Must-Read

Hancock’s work is a thrilling blend of meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and bold speculation. While some may dismiss his theories as unorthodox, his ability to weave together archaeology, mythology, and science makes for a thought-provoking read. Magicians of the Gods challenges us to question the narrative of human progress and consider the possibility that our ancestors knew more than we give them credit for. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, Hancock’s global odyssey will leave you pondering the mysteries of our past—and the fragility of our future.

Ronnie Jame Dio : A Life

Rainbow in the Dark : The AutoBiography

By Ronnie James Dio

 Rainbow in the Dark is a riveting dive into the life of one of heavy metal’s most iconic voices, Ronnie James Dio. This book, with its vivid storytelling and meticulous detail, captures the essence of a man whose powerful vocals and larger-than-life presence shaped the genre. From his humble beginnings to his legendary tenure with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his solo career, the biography paints a compelling portrait of a musical titan.

The narrative begins with a personal anecdote that many fans will relate to: the author’s discovery of Dio through Rainbow’s Man on the Silver Mountain, mistakenly sought on the Holy Diver album. This sets a nostalgic tone, inviting readers into the journey of becoming a Dio devotee. The book quickly hooks you with its account of Dio’s early life as Ronnie James Padavona, born in 1942 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to hardworking Italian parents. A charming detail is how his father’s insistence on learning an instrument—starting with the tuba or trombone—laid the foundation for Dio’s vocal prowess through disciplined breathwork. This glimpse into his childhood, from playing baseball in Italian neighborhoods to embracing music, humanizes the legend.

The biography shines in chronicling Dio’s musical evolution. From pickup bands like the Vegas Kings and Ronnie and the Redcaps, where he honed his trumpet skills, to the formation of Elf, the book vividly recounts his rise. Stories of rowdy tours—though Dio himself stayed relatively tame—add a gritty authenticity. The pivotal moment comes when Dio meets Ritchie Blackmore and Roger Glover, leading to Elf opening for Deep Purple’s Mark II lineup. This connection births Rainbow, and the book doesn’t shy away from Blackmore’s moody temperament or the band’s chaotic dynamics. Songs like Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll cemented Dio’s status, and readers feel the weight of his decision to leave Rainbow, driving to California in a pickup truck to chase new horizons.

The narrative crescendos with Dio’s time in Black Sabbath, where his collaboration with Tony Iommi produced the seminal Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules. The book deftly explores the tensions that led to his departure, setting the stage for the creation of Holy Diver, a masterpiece that defined his solo career. Anecdotes about his wife and manager, Wendy Galaxiola, and connections with figures like Sharon Arden (later Osbourne) and Jake E. Lee enrich the story, showing Dio’s influence rippling through the metal world.

What makes this biography exceptional is its balance of technical detail and heartfelt admiration. It’s not just a timeline of albums and tours but a celebration of Dio’s resilience, work ethic, and vocal innovation. The prose is engaging, peppered with vivid imagery—like Dio’s cross-country trek or the chaos of trashed hotel rooms—that brings the era to life. While the book occasionally glosses over personal struggles, it excels in showcasing Dio’s impact on heavy metal.

For fans and newcomers alike, Rainbow in the Dark  is a must-read. It’s a love letter to a voice that still echoes in arenas and a testament to a man who turned a tuba lesson into a legacy of metal anthems. This book will leave you cranking Holy Diver and marveling at the journey of a true rock ‘n’ roll icon.

Hunt for the Skin Walker

 

Hunt for the Skin Walker

By Colm A. Kelleher and George Knapp

Haunting Setting and Unsettling Events

The book centers on Skinwalker Ranch, a place steeped in mystery and cursed, according to Ute tribal lore, which forbids tribe members from setting foot on its grounds. Purchased by the Gorman family in the 1990s after decades of abandonment, the ranch came with peculiar stipulations—no digging without the previous owner’s permission and double-deadbolted doors hinting at a troubled past. Almost immediately, the Gormans were thrust into a nightmare of inexplicable events: a massive wolf-like creature, impervious to gunfire, attacked their cattle; glowing orbs darted across the sky; UFOs landed in their fields; and mysterious RVs appeared on their fenced-off property, manned by military-like figures. The relentless phenomena—missing cattle, eerie noises, and sightings of bizarre creatures—eventually drove the family to sell the ranch to the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), founded by billionaire Bob Bigelow, who spent years studying the site’s mysteries.

Kelleher and Knapp masterfully document these events with a blend of journalistic precision and narrative flair, drawing readers into the Gormans’ harrowing experiences. The authors don’t shy away from the strangeness, presenting firsthand accounts and scientific observations from the NIDS team, who struggled to pin down the elusive phenomena despite years of investigation.

Theories That Stretch the Imagination

What makes Hunt for the Skinwalker so compelling is its refusal to provide easy answers. The authors explore a range of theories to explain the ranch’s phenomena, each more provocative than the last. Is Skinwalker Ranch a wormhole connecting Earth to distant corners of the universe, allowing extraterrestrial visitors to slip through? Could it be a portal to another dimension, altering the very fabric of reality? Or perhaps an underground civilization or secretive government experiments are at play. The book also delves into Native American lore, connecting the phenomena to the Ute and Navajo concept of the skinwalker—an evil shapeshifting witch who embodies pure malevolence—and Bigfoot, a figure some view as a metaphysical guardian of nature’s balance. These cultural ties add depth, grounding the otherworldly events in centuries-old traditions while amplifying their eerie resonance.

The book also touches on chilling reports of radioactive rays causing illness and even death, drawing parallels to similar incidents in Brazil and South America. These accounts elevate the stakes, suggesting that whatever lurks at Skinwalker Ranch isn’t just strange—it’s potentially deadly.

A Balanced and Engrossing Narrative

Kelleher, a scientist, and Knapp, an investigative journalist, strike a perfect balance between skepticism and open-mindedness. They present the facts—eyewitness testimonies, physical evidence, and NIDS findings—while acknowledging the limits of current scientific understanding. The book doesn’t force conclusions but invites readers to grapple with the mysteries themselves. This approach, combined with vivid descriptions of the ranch’s desolate beauty and the Gormans’ escalating terror, makes for  page-turner that’s hard to put down.

Why It Stands Out

Hunt for the Skinwalker is more than a paranormal tale; it’s a meditation on the boundaries of human knowledge and the courage it takes to confront the unknown. The authors’ ability to contextualize the ranch’s phenomena within a broader landscape of paranormal hotspots—often near Native American lands—adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting these events are part of a larger, unexplained pattern. Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or simply a lover of a good story, this book delivers a thought-provoking and spine-chilling experience.

Final Thoughts

Though the phenomena at Skinwalker Ranch eventually faded, and NIDS sold the property without definitive answers, the story lingers like a shadow in the mind. Kelleher and Knapp have crafted a riveting account that captures the allure and terror of the unexplained. Hunt for the Skinwalker is a gripping read that will leave you questioning what lies beyond the veil of our reality—and wondering what secrets the ranch still holds.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Perfect for fans of paranormal mysteries, UFO lore, and Native American mythology, this book is a haunting journey into a world where the impossible feels all too real.

Lilth : Prophet of Ashira

 

Lilith: a Novel

By Nikki Marmery

She was there at the beginning of time. She is the one who saw it all. She who was once on the inside is now on the outside. Lilith is never mentioned in the bible but in the talmud she is noted as Adam's first wife. She flees from the garden when she refuses to submit to Adam's authority. Lilith was once portrayed as a demoness but lately she is being portrayed as a shero. That is right she is now a symbol of freedom for female as she is teh one who through off the yoke of male oppression. As she flees the garden she is pursued by three vicious angels. Her journey reveals that there is a whole world outside of the garden of Eden.

There are others who are out there worshipping different gods. 

Lilith embarks on a rebellion against the unfairness of male authority. First it started with Adams but soon she is rebelling against this upstart male chauvinistic god. The divine mother was around long before Yahwah.  In fact Yahwah is the latest of Ashira's consorts. But the upstart has usurped the great mother's role and has driven her away. Lilith goes out searching for her. It was her respeonsiblility to spread teh great mother's truth. After Lilith is driven from the garden she look on Eve, Adams wife who came from his rib, is toiling under the labors Adam has set before her. Lilith wants to wake Eve up. After she fled the garden Lilith was no longer a mortal. Rather she became immortal and sprouted wings. This immortal could shape shift. Now we know the  identity of the serpent in the garden.  Once even eats o the fruit al o mankind are chased from the garden of Eden.

Lilith is on a quest, a quest to find the divine mother, Ashira. Her journey takes her to different land.  On her journey she meets up with Samael one of the fallen angels. They become lovers. There jorney take them to the underworld where they confront Ershkigal. Once she finds Ashira Lilith's journey takes her to Noah's Ark where he meets his wife Nooreya.  After the let down of Ashira's death she spends time with them both on the ark and after they disembark. Nooreya prophecies that Lilith will meet a great prophetess of Ashira and she must find her .

Lilith's Journey takes her to the land of Phoenicia where she meets Jezebel. Jezebel is a priestess of the goddess and a princess. She is given to king Ahab of Northern Israel.  King Ahab and his prophet Obadia are hostile to the goddess and other deities. It is a conflict that ends with a contest. A contest where the angels cheat and help Obadia.  From there things go bad for the Goddess and her followers. Lilith disappears again. She looks after the babies who bear her mark. She will not resurface again until after the crucifixion of  Jesus. 

The prophet she is supposed to meet is Miriam of Magdalene. She preaches the word of the goddess. Miriam is reviled by the male follower of Jesus. Lilith keeps Miriam's scriptures unitl the time has come to reveal them.  In modern times there will be an earthquake that reveal them but no one takes them seriously. Her last adventure involves the Tree of Life.

The Witch of Auldearn

 

Bitter Magic

Nancy Kilgore

In Audearn  Scotland around the 1800's when catholics and protestant were still at each other's throat there lived in Scotland a certain cunning woman named Isobel Gowdie. This women had commerce wit the faery queen and king. Her charms would heal just about an sickness. In the end she was accused of practicing witchcraft and using baneful magic to harm her neighbors. Held in a tower witches were imprisoned, denied food and sleep and ultimately tortured. In the end everyone confesses just o escapre the torture, because once one was accused they were automatically considered guilty. The people of Auldearn were beyond dirt poor. they lived in hovels with mud as a floor. Oftentimes there was not enough food to feed the starving children. In each of these villages there was a lord who sort of owned everything. If there was a shortage they would often plunder from the peasants. the peasants were often oppressed by the lords and their only recourse was magic.

Nancy Kilgore did some serious research for this book, she researched Isobel Gowdie and Scottish witchcraft. She also studied the coventers who were part of the reformation. People's view on faeries and magic was in the process of change. Some of the religous people felt that the only power on earth was that of god and that devils and faeries was the stuff of mere fantasy. Other moched both religion and magic. Many of the Lutherans and presbyterians believed that Catholicism was filled wit superstition and the magic was a result of that. During this time there was much upheaval and the English had nominal control over scotland.

The story itself centers around three women. The first and most obvious  is Isobal Gowdie. Next is Margaret she is the eldest daughter of the Hays family.  Third is Katherine Collerace who is a deeply religious and compassionate woman who believes strongly in god and in kindness. For Margaret this is a journey into another world. Meeting with her friend Henrietta is a meeting that will change her life forever. As she was riding wit her horse she has a chance encounter with Isobel Gowdie. they exchange a few words and then as she is about to go back to her castle she hears the rustle of hooves . The MacDonald's raid the village an steal  plenty of crops and cattle. At this point Margaret's life will change drastically. Her friend Henrietta is kidnapped and she meets and English soldier named Andrew.  The English soldiers are tasked wit rescuing Henrietta but cannot find her. As the search progresses the soldier and Henrietta develop a courtship.   No one can find her until Isobel gowdie uses her second sight. That is when her friend is found. This prompts more meeting between Isobl and Margarete. Margarete explores the reals of magic with Isobel. She learn charms to heal sick people and she gets great insight into the world of magic. But things come to end when isobel is accused of witchcraft and confesses. No one knows for sure the ultimate fate of the accused witch but the ending does put a more positive spin on things.

The Devil and the Witch

 Magic at the Crossroads

By Kate Frueller 

The Witch and the Devil the two most iconic and evil characters in literature. Going back to the beginning both were depicted in the most vile way. As time rolls by their image in literature improves. The witch who was once portrayed as an old hag who lived out in the forest and performed spells to harm mankind. Having made a pact with the devil it was her undivine mission to harm mankind. The Devil was the highest angel who was cast out due to his pride and arrogance. Often he was portrayed at a beast with cloven hoof and horns. Over time their image and meaning have improved. Kate frueller does just that and more in this awesome and ground breaking work. Not only is she covering the two iconic images in literature and history but she also delves into witchcraft and Satanism often times standing two parallel elements side by side which often times have conflated meaning . The paths of Satanism and Witchcraft are two different path that have often interwined with each other. 

The witch has definitely changed over time. In the olden days she was portrayed as an evil hag. Lately though she is being portrayed in a more positive manner. Now she is being portrayed an young and good looking and is usin her magic for the benefit of mankind. For women she is seen as a rebel going against the oppressive patriarchy and rules that should be overturned and changed. Witches are now seen as social warriors fighting for the good of mankind. In fact witches have been showing up for protests that are all about immigrant rights, abortion rights etc. You name it and they have been doing spells for this end.

The Devil once seen as evil has also gone through an overhaul.  During different periods of time he has been pictured in a variety of different way.  Now he is seen as a liberator, rebel an warrior. He fights for freedom, womens rights. He is the opposer and the light bringer. The Devil can also be seen as a seductive force leading one o follow ones will in defiance of outdated taboos. The Devil is the one who tells you take care of yourself.

Exactly where did witchcraft begin ? well witches have been with us for ages , ever since the first civilizations of mankind. The witch even back in Sumerian times would be called upon to work her magic, usually for healing and for fertility. Sometimes the witch would do baneful magic for hire.   While he witch was called upon for healing and such she was also feared because she was powerful. If one offended a witch one could be sure they would experience bad luck. If someone experienced bad luck they would usually blame the local witch. This fear carried into the middle ages with the burning times. Everyone feared the witch had had something to do with their misfortune. It was during the burning times that mostly women but also some men were burned or hung after weeks of being tortured and denied food. A mere accusation could get one thrown in prison. There were laws passed against Witchcraft. Eventually as society became more enlightened the laws against witchcraft were repealed.

What are the origins of the devil ? That is a good question. In the old days there was no evil incarnate. Gods like humans had both good and evil traits. Set was Osiris's evil brother.  Lord of foreigner and desert, good old Seth was a master of Chaos. he could also be a trickster god. Papa Legba could also be a devil prototype. He was a shape shifter and a trickster.  Or maybe Hades the greek God of the underworld.  In the Hebrew Bible he is called the Satan which means the opposer. He was a servant of god meant to test the loyalty of mankind and then give his report. Lucifer means "Morning Star"   he was called the light bringer or a giver of knowledge. The Mornin Star used to refer to the planet Venus which is associated with Venus or Aphrodite. Could it be that the devil was once a womon.

Satanism is a spiritual form of atheism that does no believe in the spirit realm or in any deities. It is more of an attitude that says take care of yourself and your needs first. It is ok to be selfish and indulge in the things you love. No one should be allowed to dim your light. Rituals are a form of psycho drama that strive for a release of psychic o mental forces. The Rituals tend to be rather simple. Wicca or witchcraft believes that the spiritual world exists  and depending on the tradition gods and goddesses.  No one knows what witchcraft looked like back in the day. When Gerald Gardner introduced witchcraft to the world it had many elements of Ceremonial Magic thrown in. Groups that venerated the devil went through their progressions as well. Mostly with groups trying to break the mold.

The book has rituals, recipes , symbols and spells that could be used by either witch or Satanist.  There is a huge difference between the Black Mass and the Witch's Sabbath.

The Hidden History of Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison : Secret Teacher of the Occult

By Paul Wyld

 If there was a bible to Jim Morrison's life and how to be like him I would say the best go to book would be "No One Here Get's Out Alive"  . This book somehow gets into the nooks and crannies of Jim's life and somehow manages to garner some occult secrets.  It is common knowledge among Jim's fans that he was impacted immensely by the death of native American Children he saw lying dead on the road after a traffic accident. He believed one o the souls entered him and lived through him.  It could have been the source of his divine madness. Jim could be classified as one of those poet thinkers who sa away rom the crowd and sought mysical wisdom. He was meant to open the doors to the mystical world and lead others to it.  While in high school he would devour many written works penned by many great thinker and poets. He would read Nietze, Rimbaud, Zeligman,  T.E Lawrence and many others. He spend high school in Alameda wit his girlfriend Tandy Martin. His father was in the navy and wa a hihly decorated officer as well, Jim and his dad did no get along too well. In fat they were polar opposites.  Whie his dad was tightly would and uber disciplined, Jim was wild and unruly .

These prophetic poets often times were isolated from everyone else.  Poets and mystics try to develop something called faculty "X"  According to Colin Wilson this faculty is the laten power in human beings to reach beyond the present. It gives them a glimpse into another world, the world of the subconscious. Jim saw his role as helping humanity wake up and shake off the shackles of society and pursue thei enlightened dreams.  Often times these messianic mystics are persecuted by those that want to remain asleep and by those who want everyone to remain asleep. This could be evidenced by the way Jim had all those run ins with law enforcement. Messianic people often had a masochistic streak. Jim would often confront people without having the intention of hurting them. .T.E Lawrence could also endure lots of pain and seemed  relish in it.

In all much o what yo read here can be found in" No One Here Get's Out Alive"  but I was unaware o Jim's dealings with he occult. Jim read Seligman's  "History of Magic and the Occult" and Colin Wilson's "The Occult" when he wsas in high school and had no idea that they strongly influenced him.  Of Course he one time married a witch named Patricia. Jim was a Dionysian mystic o poet which meant that he reached ecstacy and wisdom through strong drink and physical exertion and relations.  If you are a fan of Jim and the Occult this book is one you will enjoy.

A Quick Guide to Working with Angels

 Raziel's Paths of Power volume 1

 72 angels of the name

 by Jarreth Tempest

Follow is a simple path working to reach the angels. the first angels will work with Israel; the author depicts the angel as a She. Once you start with Raziel you wait a moment to get a response then you choose the angel you want to work with you, the path working for that angel and you say its name and you wait for a response from that angel. Raziel is the guide; he is the psychopomp. Here is a sample ritual that you can use at one close your eyes step two think about the time you have messed up or been foolish step 3 imagine your Divinity approaching. next you say the name which in this example is na ka eeahoheh. Then you imagine the deity spreading throughout your heart and body knowing that you and God are one and you can act with the divine Authority.  Motions work very strongly with magic when you can write an invocation for an angel that includes an intense amount of their feelings with the situation being described. one can also leave offerings not just food or drink but other things like incense candles different objects flowers are also good some people don't like fruit because fruit rots and the angels don't really eat it but the offerings are kind of like extra credit you don't really have to do it either by the way Angels do not like bodily fluids but they do like wine though. and important note about magic you must create a pathway in the physical world for the magic to manifest itself for example if you want a job you have to fill out a resume new job applications dress up and go out for job interviews or you have to be invest in the stock market or some other investment it's not going to happen just on its own just because you invoked an angel. here are some examples of pathworkings. they are very simple.

The first  One is Raziel. You can start off by pronouncing his name Raziel. your past working is inside a dark cave a waterfall at the exit of the cave in the distance at the exit the sun shines through the waterfall creating rainbows a light filled Forest of pine trees. rossio helps you grow in wisdom guide you through the inner world in the dark Mysteries and he reveals the secrets about your life and Magic you can free you from your old ways of thinking and increase your second abilities he also guide you to other spirits 

The next angel I chose to document here is Chahoel or Kah Haw El. His path working is dark clouds gathering rain falls in the dust a muddy puddle.  This Angel helps you connect to your personal magic and the energies in the world around you you can also help you develop your magic repel Vermin and thieves and help you trust in yourself as a magician.

You know that I like to work with is Hahael The path working is a dog walks through a field a dove freezes and listens for danger she runs into the forest stunning Stillness and silence. how's powers are showing you where you need to go Bringing peace to build a home helping with politics and trade and help create wealth out of your knowledge and intuition and he gives definitive answers

The angel Shahael Angel that will help you heal and recover from illness increase your energy and maintain your health or help you start a new Venture thus increasing your passion of life so you can Thrive rather than survive the path working as a tall strong Mountain black storm clouds low in the sky the clouds Collide into the mountain the storm piles up against the mountain unable to pass.

Examples of working with angels people have found Angels be very powerful allies to work with this path is simple not too complicated not too expensive and be useful for most people 

A History of Witches

 

The Witch’s Chronicle: a History of Witchcraft 

By Cerridwen Maeve 

A book about the history of witches it is a perfect book for Muggles, children and people with no exposure to witchcraft. This book deals with the history of witchcraft starting All the Way from beginning of time back to the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt were priest in religious workers doubled as magical workers during the day helping people solve their problems . Whereas magic  could be seen as a force for good. It could also be seen as a force for evil because if you got one of these magical workers really angry, they could use magic against you. Magic also plays out during the great times as we go much later in two history Hecate was the main goddess of the witches for the Greeks and she’s featured in many mythologies and once again the witch is seen as someone who can do good and someone who can do great evil turns men in the pigs sorcery also had a place in the Roman emperor were magic were called upon to do various things but also at times with craft was condemned and witches were killed basically. The attitude against witches carried over into the times of early Christianity, where we enter into the dark ages. Pagan traditions, often filtered through into the religion, and they were accused of being witchcraft. As you progressed to the middle ages, we have the witch hunts. The most famous of these is the Salem witch trials the Penndel witch Trials And they went across America and Europe. There were known as the burning times influential in these witchhunt was the malleus Mallleus Malificorum Corum. It told the witch hunters how do identify witch and how to hunt for witches. Often times the victims of these witch hunts were elderly women who had property and no other family to protect them so the main thing was against women. Remember that Christianity taught that women were easy targets for the devil they were prone to sin and subject to temptation it was very easy to accuse someone of being a witch. The evidence was often spectrum meaning that there was nothing to back it up, and it was often based on someone’s visions as things progress and science took over and the enlightenment took over people demanded a more rational approach. people were not so suspicious as to be afraid of witchcraft and eventually witchcraft trial subsided, and the laws against witchcraft were repealed. The image of the witch changes over time at first it was an evil person. Then the witch becomes a symbol of resistance of sexuality and a more positive connotations Many different cultures are using their magic as a form of resistance and cultural identification they are trying to resist the pole, the dominant culture to make them erase their culture once again a great book for beginners someone who who is just new to the history of witchcraft and it’s a great children’s book

Martians Among Us ?

 

The Martians: evidence of life on the red planet.  

By : nick Redfern

Lately with the probes landing on Mars and taking photographs on some really strange things and with Elon Musk talking about settling Mars with a colony of human by the year 2015 Mars has been a topic of interest. The big question is can life be sustained on Mars or has there been life on Mars in the past . Author Nick Redfern believes that life on Mars has been there in the past and that it was rather intelligent, probably more advance than we are today. He furthermore believes that some of these Martians left the planet Mars and settled down here on earth, which is why some of the human beings have an Rh negative blood.

There have been connections with Mars in the past some of the most notable connections are in the work of fiction. The author of Gulliver‘s travels wrote a book in which he documented two moons rotating around Mars. This was well before we even knew that Mars had two moons orbiting around it Also other authors have speculated that their pyramids on Mars and they’re oboist on Mars and it turned out they were correct some people believe that Martians in the past or in the present were sending us signals that could be radio signals given to someone like Nicola Tesla, who is a great inventor he believed he heard signals from Mars Other people have also heard communication for ours from their radio, or they have heard it through a psychic connection. Remote viewing has also been employed to explore the surface of Mars besides, the Rover and other pros are going around collecting information about Mars. One person is named Ingo Swann and he was one of the people who was given a assignment to remote viewing of Mars there were several others in this as well, and they would view the surface of Mars, both the past and the present, and they would also view our moon And the moons on Mars and what they found was rather interesting. They saw pyramids obelisk. They also saw a huge spider, light creature, a face, hugging, alien, tight creature and long tall Spinley people walking around Mars of course this was in the past there’s an area in Mars called Cydonia, which has pyramids very similar to what is an Egypt also a sphinx or a dog like creature very similar to Egypt they also found a structure very similar to Stonehenge on Mars. These are rather interesting fines, which is at a connection between Mars and earth in the past they’re various theories as to how and why the Martian civilization got wiped out One speculations at asteroids from the asteroid belt, came hurtling towards the planet and destroyed it. Another speculation at the Martians were a war like people who use nuclear weapons on each other and wiped out their planet yet a third speculation states that the asteroids destroyed their planet what was left of Martian civilization turned on each other with nuclear warheads. Some of the Martians that made their way to earth may have established colonies in our planet and they may have Wage War on each other. One of the most spectacular examples of this is in the Bible when they talk about Sodom and Gomorrah the way he describes could be nothing else, but nuclear warheads. There’s a final theory that states at the Martun came down to Earth along side. Some ultra terrestrial are an alternative human race that is living underground and they decided that they’re gonna live here and they take common cause against us because we’re such violent people so we could be sharing the planet with Martians and with people in an underground civilization or more advanced than we are but only by a little bit This book is juicy. It has lots of information. I really enjoy reading Nick Redfern‘s work. I certainly look forward to reading more of his books and find them more about life on Mars.

Advocating For Israel?

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 October 2023 mraked a turning point for me and how I relate to Israel and the middle east.  In fact I think it goes for many Jews and non Jews alike. Many of us felt that the Israeli -Palestinian conflict was one of mutual blame to both sides . I condemned the settlers as well as Hamas.  A conflict requires two sides. Israel might do a land grab o make it really tough for Palestinians to move around Gaza or Israel. This of course would raise frustration, hence the rise of terror. I felt that in some instances the Palestinians were right to resist . The suicide bombing and other attacks against civilians were not act of resistance but pure terror aimed at murdering as many Jews as possible. My view has shifted after the brutal attacks of 10/7 and how the hostages were treated to viewing the Palestinians as the main cause of the conflict.

This authoress would staunchly disagree with me, which is not a bad thing. In fact it might be a good thing. I you ever want to find the solution to a problem you need multiple points of view.  She is more entitled o her opinion than I am of mine as she has livd though it all first person. She was raised in Brooklyn, New York in the chassidic neighborhood.  Brought up a nice religious girl she attended Chinuch where in her teacher named Tomer ran a class on Israel and Zionism. According to her he parroted the company line saying that the state of Israel was all good and the arabs were bad and how it was justified for the Jews or Zionists were entitled to the whole land. they needed it as a safe haven for Jews.  

My upbringing was different. Raised in the permissive climes of So Cal. I was raised eating cheeseburgers, bacon and shrimp dinners. My only Jewish education was Hebrew School thre times a wek which did not leave me with a good impression. I did not fully become Jewish until 10 years after my Bar mitzvah. It was there that I was introduced to Israeli education or should  say propoganda. Tagar programs and other programs funded by Israel in the Jewish agency often had the feeling that they were trying to make you g impressionable Jews into mouth pieces for Israel. For some it worked and others it did not.

Israel's possession of the land is justified on some major arguments. The first argument states that jews are inherently good and can do no wrong. Whenever Jews hear about a crime o the news sometimes the reaction is . No way could a Jew do something lke that. Of course we are astonished when a jew does commit a crime. Sometimes we are guilty of helping cover it up or lookin the other way. The other argument is that Palestinians are ba people who are out to destroy the jewish people. Of course there is good an bad in everyone. After witnessing October 7 and the joyous reaction of every Gazan I begin to wonder. Anytime Israel is criticized it is chalked up to antisemitism. Let us be frank. Sometimes criticism is justified and other times not. Jews have been one of the most persecuted if not the most in all of history. Cetain levels of mistrust and paranoia can be expected from a group that has gone though so much.

the premise of Zionism is the Jews must live in the historical land of Israel and must have the majority. This is based on our fear of persecution and while it may not be balanced tht is what persecution does to you. This could lead to racism and trying to dehumanze the other.  The argument goes that it was a land without a people and the Jews were a people without a land. Perfect marriage, save fo the fact tha people were livin there. When Jews first started settling the land it belonged to the Ottoman empire.  Neither Zionist nor Palestinian owned it . The province of Palestine was Ottoman territory.

Like many Jews Elana has had a journey unpacking her religious upbringing and realizing the pain her people have caused others by settling the land and dispossessing Palestinians. In fat her view like many on the Israeli left view it not as a conflict but rather Palestinians resisting a brutl occupation. She has children in the IDF. She is proud of there service and dedication to the people of Israel as the army instills many positive values. At the same time she decries the way the IDF is forced to treat Palestinians in an inhumane fashion. She also decries the way the government wantonly uses teh soldiers for political ends without safeguarding there welfare.

While I do not share this author's view at the moment. I still feel it is an important work. It is a book that talks back to the culture that the author was raised in. Yes it is important to question your culture an analyze where it is right or wrong. Israel has a lot of work to do, as do other countries. Women need more empowerment, there is racism in Israel and it is not against just Arabs but also against other Jews.  The right wong and the left wing are at each others throats.  The country s divided and Netanyahu miht be the biggest dividing factor.

Elana's unpacking has caused her to reach out to other organizations where in Palestinians and Israelis try to help eah other and share there pain. It teaches how to dialogue and hold space for the other one ho is on a different side. Such wok is important. After all this conflict is said and done we will be returning to the negotiating table and we will be talking and empathizing with the other. Then this work will be of much more importance.

The Art of Synchromysticism

 

What is sycchromysticism? A new term is somewhat related to synchronicity.  Basically, it is drawing of connections in modern culture and finding connections between the collective unconscious and the occult. Basically, synchronicity is a acausal coincidence in which an inner thought becomes a reality.  An example might be if you are thinking of a friend and then they call. That could be synchronicity, or it could be precognition. A more solid example of a synch mystic sync is a friend calling you and informing you that your aunt died and left you the estate. In the basement was an occult library.  The object of this book is to find synchronicities. That is not always easy. Sometimes what you hear is noise and sometimes you are merely trying to fool yourself. It often comes in waves and is connected to astrology. Sometimes you can pick it out using systems of divination. In the end you realize that everything is interconnected. What we call the mind is not located in the brain but in fact is non-local and outside the mind.

Carl Jung made synchronicity a well-known term. He worked extensively with the I-Ching.  While working with this divination he noticed that more coincidences were occurring. This was beyond random chance and from this he deduced that another force was at work making things happen. Many of Jungs patients experienced lots of synchronicity and precognition. What astrologer experienced is not based on planets having powers but rather it was based on synchronicity. Jungs theory caught the interest of Wolfgang Pauli, he defined it like Einstein’s “Spooky Action at a distance” this was a quantum entanglement where subatomic particles behaved differently when observed and formed nonlocal connection that defied old models of Newtonian physics. The two would end up collaborating with each other and learning from one another.  This would inspire Aurthur Koestler to write the book “Roots of Coincidence” this would later inspire British Rock Singer, Sting.  The concept of Synchronicity does play a role in the Law of Attraction among other New Age movements.

Rituals can influence reality. Some believe like Richard Hoagland who believe that space programs were nothing but Freemason rituals.  The thinking is reflected in a book called “Cydonia, The Secret Chronicle of Mars” This would later inspire Gora Adachi to coin the term Sychromysticism.  Lately though blogs and other philosophers who were doing Synchromysticism have been quiet.

Humans being communicate via symbols. Words are symbols, signs are symbols. Symbols are how we communicate with each other and the universe. Language tends to deal with specific areas. When we communicate with others we tend to use words and body language. Body language is a misunderstood form of communication.

Syn has three kingdoms. They are personals, the Factuals and the Temporals.   The personal sync is when an internal thought or dream is somehow reflected in the real or external world. Factual syncs are when external, even separated by time have eerie similarities. Termporal syncs are when two events are the same in a significant matter.   It’s a very exciting concept to explore. Lots of info for a little book.

A Fae Murder Mystery: Modern Fairy Tales

 Valiant

By Holly Black

Dead fairies are popping up everywhere. There are exiles from both the Seelie Court and the Unseelie court and at times there are dual alliances and sometimes they just shift. The Fae are everywhere. Most people do not have the sight to see them and if the fairies find out heaven help as they may kill you or just take your eye. They are very whimsical and moody. Things are even worse as the fairies are dealing and using something called Nevemore. If a human uses it then they too might have fae abilities and they will catch a mighty buzz.. Fairies are not above using human couriers. They think humans are like rats. Using humans makes teh investigation of who is doing these murders even more complicated. Like let us blame the chemist.

The story starts off in the human realm. A girl named Val seems to be trying to adjust. After being harassed on the school LaCrosse team Vlal fights back and get's kicked off the team. As she is about to go to a hcokey game with her boyfriend Tom. He is a bit late and Val get's worried. Checking in the wrong area she finds out here boyfriend is fooling around with her mother. Val runs away after the game and ends up meeting Lolli and Dave. Lolli tells Val about the fairies but Val remain unconvinced.  After hanging out in the sewers with Dave's older brother Luis, her and Lolli go exploring. They end up violating the turf of a Troll. As a punishment Val now has to deliver Nevermore to fairy clients. AS the relationship grows she learns sword fighting from th Troll and ends up trying Nevermore herself.

This plunges her into the world of the fae. Learnin to glamour and control her appearances she manipulates her humans quite easily.  Along the way she battle a wicked fairy and exposes the truth in a murder investigation. Fast and entertaining read. Be great if they made it into a movie.