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Sex, Death and Witchcraft: A Contemporary Pagan Festival
by Douglas EzzyFaunalia is a controversial Pagan festival with a reputation for being wild and emotionally intense. It lasts five days, 80 people attend, and the two main rituals run most of the night. In the tantalisingly erotic Baphomet rite, participants encounter a hermaphroditic deity, enter a state of trance and dance naked around a bonfire. In the Underworld rite participants role play their own death, confronting grief and suffering. These rituals are understood as "shadow work" - a Jungian term that refers to practices that creatively engage repressed or hidden aspects of the self. Sex, Death and Witchcraft is a powerful application of relational theory to the study of religion and contemporary culture. It analyses Faunalia's rituals in terms of recent innovations in the sociology of religion and religious studies that focus on relational etiquette, lived religion, embodiment and performance. The sensuous and emotionally intense ritual performances at Faunalia transform both moral orientations and self-understandings. Participants develop an ethical practice that is individualistic, but also relational, and aesthetically mediated. Extensive extracts from interviews describe the rituals in participants' own words. The book combines rich and evocative description of the rituals with careful analysis of the social processes that shape people's experiences at this controversial Pagan festival.
A Mystical Philosophy: Transcendence and Immanence in the Works of Virginia Woolf and Iris Murdoch
by Donna J. LazenbyRevealing, in an original and provocative study, the mystical contents of the works of famous atheists Virginia Woolf and Iris Murdoch, Donna Lazenby shows how these thinkers' refusal to construe worldviews on available reductive models brought them to offer radically alternative pictures of life which maintain its mysteriousness, and promote a mystical way of knowing. A Mystical Philosophy contributes to the contemporary resurgence of interest in Spirituality, but from an entirely new direction.This book provides a warning against reductive scientific and philosophical models that impoverish our understanding of ourselves and the world, and a powerful endorsement of ways of knowing that give art, and a restored concept of contemplation, their consummative place.
Ancient Magic and the Supernatural in the Modern Visual and Performing Arts (Bloomsbury Studies in Classical Reception)
by Filippo CarlÁ -Uhink Irene BertiTo what extent did mythological figures such as Circe and Medea influence the representation of the powerful 'oriental' enchantress in modern Western art? What role did the ancient gods and heroes play in the construction of the imaginary worlds of the modern fantasy genre? What is the role of undead creatures like zombies and vampires in mythological films? Looking across the millennia, from the distrust of ancient magic and oriental cults, which threatened the new-born Christian religion, to the revival and adaptation of ancient myths and religion in the arts centuries later, this book offers an original analysis of the reception of ancient magic and the supernatural, across a wide variety of different media – from comics to film, from painting to opera. Working in a variety of fields across the globe, the authors of these essays deconstruct certain scholarly traditions by proposing original interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations, showing to what extent the visual and performing arts of different periods interlink and shape cultural and social identities.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care 2nd Edition
by Tina Tilmouth Jan QuallingtonReflect on how best practice can be managed in care settings, develop your leadership skills and achieve your career goals with this new edition of Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care.This new edition of Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care has been fully updated to reflect the changes to the structure of the qualification. Covering all of the mandatory units in an easy-to-follow and thorough manner, this book is perfect for anyone looking to progress in their management career and for existing care setting managers as an invaluable reference guide. -Covers all the information in the qualification thoroughly and in an easy to follow manner with a new and updated design.-Updated to match the Level 5 qualification's integration into the higher apprenticeship programme including the new 'undertake a research project' unit.-Encourage learners to think more about the theory aspect of the qualification and how it is applied in the workplace with 'In Practice' features.-Explore and understand the different methods of assessment and how to prepare using relevant activities.
The Roman Mithras Cult: A Cognitive Approach (Scientific Studies of Religion: Inquiry and Explanation)
by Olympia Panagiotidou Roger BeckThis book is the first full cognitive history of an ancient religious practice. In this ground-breaking study on one of the most intriguing and mysterious cults, Olympia Panagiotidou, with contributions from Roger Beck, shows how cognitive historiography can supplement our historical knowledge and deepen our understanding of past cultural phenomena.The cult of the sun god Mithras, which spread widely across the Graeco-Roman world at the same time as other 'mystery cults', offered its devotees certain images and assumptions about reality. Initiation into the mysteries of Mithras and participation in the life of the cult significantly affected and transformed the ways in which the initiated perceived themselves, the world, and their position within it. The cult's major ideas were conveyed mainly through its symbolic complexes. The ancient written testimonies and other records are not adequate to establish a definitive reconstruction of Mithraic theologies and the meaning of its complex symbolic structures. The Roman Mithras Cult identifies the cognitive and psychological processes which would have taken place in the minds and bodies of the Mithraists during their initiation and participation in the mysteries, enabling the perception, apprehension, and integration of the essential images and assumptions of the cult in its worldview system.
Yoga, Meditation, and Mysticism: Contemplative Universals and Meditative Landmarks
by Kenneth RoseContemplative experience is central to Hindu yoga traditions, Buddhist meditation practices, and Catholic mystical theology, and, despite doctrinal differences, it expresses itself in suggestively similar meditative landmarks in each of these three meditative systems. In Yoga, Meditation and Mysticism, Kenneth Rose shifts the dominant focus of contemporary religious studies away from tradition-specific studies of individual religious traditions, communities, and practices to examine the 'contemplative universals' that arise globally in meditative experience. Through a comparative exploration of the itineraries detailed in the contemplative manuals of Theravada Buddhism, Patañjalian Yoga, and Catholic mystical theology, Rose identifies in each tradition a moment of sharply focused awareness that marks the threshold between immersion in mundane consciousness and contemplative insight. As concentration deepens, the meditator steps through this threshold onto a globally shared contemplative itinerary, which leads through a series of virtually identical stages to mental stillness and insight. Rose argues that these contemplative universals, familiar to experienced contemplatives in multiple traditions, point to a common spiritual, mental, and biological heritage. Pioneering the exploration of contemplative practice and experience with a comparative perspective that ranges over multiple religious traditions, religious studies, philosophy, neuroscience, and the cognitive science of religion, this book is a landmark contribution to the fields of contemplative practice and religious studies.
Priscian: Answers to King Khosroes of Persia (Ancient Commentators on Aristotle)
by Pamela Huby Sten Ebbesen David Langslow Donald Russell Carlos Steel Malcolm WilsonPriscian of Lydia was one of the Athenian philosophers who took refuge in 531 AD with King Khosroes I of Persia, after the Christian Emperor Justinian stopped the teaching of the pagan Neoplatonist school in Athens. This was one of the earliest examples of the sixth-century diffusion of the philosophy of the commentators to other cultures.Tantalisingly, Priscian fully recorded in Greek the answers provided by the Athenian philosophers to the king's questions on philosophy and science. But these answers survive only in a later Latin translation which understood both the Greek and the subject matter very poorly. Our translators have often had to reconstruct from the Latin what the Greek would have been, in order to recover the original sense. The answers start with subjects close to the Athenians' hearts: the human soul, on which Priscian was an expert, and sleep and visions. But their interest may have diminished when the king sought their expertise on matters of physical science: the seasons, celestial zones, medical effects of heat and cold, the tides, displacement of the four elements, the effect of regions on living things, why only reptiles are poisonous, and winds. At any rate, in 532 AD, they moved on from the palace, but still under Khosroes' protection. This is the first translation of the record they left into English or any modern language.This English translation is accompanied by an introduction and comprehensive commentary notes, which clarify and discuss the meaning and implications of the original philosophy. Part of the Ancient Commentators on Aristotle series, the edition makes this philosophical work accessible to a modern readership and includes additional scholarly apparatus such as a bibliography, glossary of translated terms and a subject index.
Wizards: From Merlin to Faust (Myths and Legends)
by David McIntee Lesley McIntee Mark StaceyFrom the wise and mysterious soothsayer with his long grey beard to the deathless necromancer practicing his dark magics in a forgotten dungeon, wizards have captured our imaginations since the earliest days of human storytelling, presenting us with some of our greatest heroes and villains. This book collects the tales of the most interesting, popular, and important spell-casters, including such legendary figures as Merlin, Simon Magus, Zhang Guo Lao, Nicolas Flamel, Dr John Dee, and Johann Georg Faust, and examines their place in history and legend. Written in modern language, each tale captures the drama, the tragedy, and the wonderment that has ensured that these stories have survived the passing centuries.
Knights Templar: A Secret History (Dark Osprey)
by Graeme Davis Darren TanBorn in the dark days of the great crusades, the warrior monks of the Knights Templar vowed to defend pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Yet strangely, there are few historical records of the Templars ever fulfilling this task. Instead, their history is one of bloodshed and conquest, wealth and power, dark secrets and conspiracies. Today, the story of the Knights Templar is intimately linked with the story of the Holy Grail. But what exactly is this ancient artifact, and how has it been used to manipulate history for the last one thousand years? This book, based on the notes of the recently deceased historian, Dr. Emile Fouchet, attempts to unlock the secrets of the Knights Templar. It begins with an examination of their historical origins, their growth in the early middle-ages, and their supposed destruction under the charges of heresy. From there, it uses the clues left by the Templars themselves to reconstruct their secret journeys as they moved the Holy Grail from Europe to the New World and back. It also charts the secret, three-way war that is still being fought between the Templars, the Freemasons, and the Catholic Church. Finally, the book reveals the greatest of all Templar conspiracies, the attempt to found a new world order under the auspices of the European Union.
Die Entschlüsselung des menschlichen Bewusstseins: Vom Urknall zum menschlichen Denken
by Michael ProstDieses Buch leistet zweierlei: Einerseits beantwortet es in allgemeinverständlicher Form die Frage, wie es dazu gekommen ist, dass es den Menschen gibt und was das Besondere an ihm ist. Der Leser wird nicht nur in die Entwicklung der Materie vom Urknall bis zur Entstehung sprach- und denkfähiger Lebewesen einführt, sondern er erfährt auch, wie das Rätsel des menschlichen Bewusstseins in einem naturalistischen Weltbild vollständig aufgelöst werden kann. Andererseits beschäftigt sich das Buch mit dem Konflikt zwischen Naturwissenschaft, Philosophie und Religion über die Deutung des Menschen in unserem Universum.
The Complete Guide to Boxing Fitness: A non-contact boxing training manual
by Hilary LissendenA comprehensive, practical guide to non-contact boxing - looks at workouts in an individual, group or class setting. Learn how to improve clients' body composition, heart-lung stamina, strength, speed, co-ordination, balance and flexibility. It also covers boxing training's less tangible but equally important benefits such as building confidence and self-esteem – especially relevant to schools and young people.Key features:* Fully illustrated, with vibrant photographs and practical diagrams for imparting core boxing and safety techniques (e.g. wrapping clients' hands; teaching correct stance, punches and combinations)* Sample training programmes for clients of differing abilities and fitness levels, with guidance on safe and appropriate progression* Relevant content on dietary and health matters. The Complete Guide to Boxing Fitness is a tried-and-tested, unique guide to boxing skills and drills for the fitness and sporting arenas.
Food for Fitness: How to Eat for Maximum Performance
by Anita BeanA sports nutrition guide and recipe book rolled into one, Food for Fitness dispels popular myths and gives you the tools you need to reach your maximum performance.Food for Fitness is the ultimate resource for anyone who is serious about sport or fitness.. Now in its fourth edition, this bestselling book has been updated to include the very latest nutrition research for exercise and performance, and is packed with easy, delicious and nutritious recipes and snacks and helpful new menu plans.- Find out what to eat and drink to stay fuelled and hydrated. - Debunk the myths and evaluate the usefulness of sports supplements. - Learn the best times to eat to prepare for exercise, and what to eat to maximise recovery after exercising. - Discover specific strategies to aid fat loss and prioritise muscle gain- Includes tailored menu plans adapted to each sport – whether it be running, swimming, cycling, triathlon, team or racquet sport- Get the performance edge and learn how to eat to win during competitions. Along with trustworthy advice and up to the minute research, clearly explained and tailored to your needs, Food for Fitness contains an essential recipe section filled with sixty five easy to follow meal ideas to help you put the advice into practice.
The Complete Guide to Bodyweight Training
by Kesh PatelBodyweight training is one of the growing global trends in fitness. It's simple enough to explain – using your own body weight to improve your fitness and strength, and yoga and gymnastic practitioners have been doing this for years. But the theory behind it isn't often understood. Kesh Patel contextualises bodyweight training – where did it come from? What is Evolutionary Fitness? and looks at the theory behind it. Understand the basics of biomechanics and you can adapt and improve your bodyweight training programmes and improve your results. So find out about working with gravity, how skills acquisition works, how to develop posture and balance – all based on biomechanical principles. This book is packed with practical, clear and accessible exercise ideas, progressing from fundamental movement patterns to more advanced exercises, along with details of exercise programming - including adaptations for different skill levels, working with groups, and ideas to integrate bodyweight exercises into traditional weight training, circuit and bootcamp classes, to name but a few.
Rival Truths: Common Sense and Social Psychological Explanations in Health and Illness (International Series in Social Psychology)
by Lindsay St ClaireIt is common sense that our survival as individuals depends on the survival of our physical bodies. However, common sense has been medicalised. Terms such as 'road rage' and 'premenstrual syndrome' sound like medical problems and suggest that it is affected individuals, rather than experiences or circumstances that require treatment.Without denying their importance, Rival Truths challenges four basic common sense views of health and illness and offers rival social psychological explanations. The primacy of biological facts is challenged by looking at the effects of social psychological influences, such as those mediated by stress. The assumption that medical practices are scientific is challenged by evidence that they also reflect and recreate social constructions. The assumption that medical advances are the most effective way to combat disease is questioned as their success may rely on changes in beliefs or behaviour, and finally, critical analyses suggest that medical treatment can sometimes be to the disadvantage of patients.Lindsay St. Claire has helped to raise awareness that health problems might be caused by social arrangements, not biological dysfunction. Thus, social psychology might suggest new ways to enhance health status which do not depend on medical breakthroughs. This book will be of interest for health psychology students, medical students and anyone involved in caring professions.
Britain's X-traordinary Files
by David ClarkeDavid Clarke opens The National Archives' own X Files to uncover the secret, official accounts behind legendary paranormal and extraordinary phenomena. From mediums employed by the police to help with psychic crime-busting to sea monster sightings reported to the Royal Navy, Britain's X-traordinary Files brings to light a range of secret documents created by military intelligence and government agencies who have investigated and even used extraordinary phenomena or powers in recent history. Each chapter is underpinned by original, official records held at The National Archives, which throw new light on many rumours and unsolved historical mysteries, including the Angels of Mons and other legends of the Great War plus a variety of strange phenomena reported both in the sea and in the air, from phantom helicopters to the great sea serpent of the Victorian era. The final chapter scrutinises official interest in the infamous Loch Ness Monster of Scotland and the 'Beast of Bodmin'. These accounts are supplemented with contextual material gathered from interviews and the author's own investigations, making truly eye-opening reading for anyone interested in the paranormal.
Sports Training Principles: An Introduction to Sports Science
by Dr Frank Dick O. B. E. Penny Werthner Scott Drawer Vern Gambetta Cliff Mallett David Jenkins Tim NoakesThis is the new, fully revised, sixth edition of this ultimate reference tool for all coaches responsible for training athletes to fulfill their performance potential. Written by world-renowned and highly sought after coach and President of the European Athletics Coaches Association, Frank W. Dick, with contributions from Professor Timothy Noakes (University of Cape Town, South Africa), Dr Penny Werthner (University of Calgary, Canada), Scott Drawer (English Institute of Sport, UK), Vern Gambetta (USA Track & Field), Dr Cliff Mallett and Dr David Jenkins (University of Queensland, Australia), this textbook comprehensively covers the core aspects of sports coaching which can be applied to all sports and disciplines. This new edition has been extensively revised to incorporate the latest theory and practice in sports training and coaching, with supplementary contributions from international experts. The book covers the key sports science topics: Anatomy and physiology; Biomechanics, Psychology; Nutrition; Performance Analysis; Training; and Coaching methodsThis is a highly recommended resource for students of applied sports science, sports coaching, sports development, PE teachers, fitness advisers, coaches and athletes.
How are you feeling today?: A Let's Talk picture book to help young children understand their emotions
by Molly PotterWe all experience emotions and emotions are absolutely fine as long as we know what to do with them. Feelings arrive effortlessly enough but deciding what to do with them when they turn isn't so easy - especially when you are a child. Cue: this book! It provides children with several straightforward, entertaining and appropriate interactive ideas to help them deal with a selection of significant emotions.A great dip-in book where children can choose a feeling that relates to them and then turn to the page that provides child-friendly strategies for dealing with that feeling. Helpful parent notes at the back of the book provide more ideas for parents to use with their child and other strategies to try out together and practice the all important skill of dealing with feelings.
The Complete Guide to Stretching: 4th edition
by Christopher M. NorrisThe Complete Guide to Stretching is the definitive practical handbook for: - sports participants and recreational exercisers who are keen to achieve a level of flexibility that will enhance their performance - sports coaches and fitness instructors who are seeking a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of this often neglected component of physical fitness - sport and exercise therapists who use stretching as an important part of a balanced rehabilitation programme A reasonable level of flexibility is essential to the healthy functioning of joints and muscles, which in turn facilitates performance and reduces the risk of injury. Now in its 4th edition, The Complete Guide to Stretching provides an accessible overview of the scientific principles that underpin this form of training and offers more than 70 exercises designed to safely increase range of motion right across the body. Full colour photographs demonstrate the stretches throughout.
Performance Assessment in Strength and Conditioning
by Paul Comfort Paul A. Jones John J. McMahonIt is an essential skill for any strength and conditioning coach to be able to reliably assess the physical performance of their athletes and communicate the results and their implications to performers and coaches, alike. Performance Assessment in Strength and Conditioning is the first textbook to clearly and coherently suggest the most appropriate and reliable methods for assessing and monitoring athletes’ performance, as well as including detailed sections on testing considerations and the interpretation and application of results. The book explores the full range of considerations required to reliably assess performance, including questions of ethics and safety, reliability and validity, and standardised testing, before going on to recommend (through a comparison of field- and laboratory-based techniques) the optimal methods for testing all aspects of physical performance, including: injury risk jump performance sprint performance change of direction and agility strength power aerobic performance body composition Closing with a section on interpreting, presenting and applying results to practice, and illustrated with real-life case study data throughout, Performance Assessment in Strength and Conditioning offers the most useful guide to monitoring athlete performance available. It is an essential text for upper-level strength and conditioning students and practitioners alike.
The Strength and Conditioning Bible: How to Train Like an Athlete
by Nick GranthamProfessional athletes' careers and livelihoods depend on results, so when they train they make sure they get the most from their training sessions. Experienced trainer Nick Grantham introduces you to performance based conditioning, explaining why athletic-based strength and conditioning training programmes are superior to all other training methods. Providing you with detailed information in a highly accessible manner, the book ensures you can elevate your training programmes to a new level.Revealing the training S&C strategies and principles used by elite athletes, this book will show that, regardless of your current fitness and exercise experience, anyone can train like an athlete.Providing a strong scientific rationale for an athletic approach to training so you can develop a better understanding of physical preparation, The Strength and Conditioning Bible gives you the key elements of an integrated performance-conditioning programme. An essential resource, this book contains a 16-week, 4 stage plan that balances total-body strength, endurance, mobility, balance, coordination and athleticism. You will be able develop a customisable and realistic fitness programme and with the knowledge gleaned from the book, you will develop and enjoy productive and pain-free workouts for years to come.
The Complete Guide to Strength Training 5th edition
by Anita BeanThe Complete Guide to Strength Training is the ultimate resource for anyone wanting to increase strength and re-sculpt their body. Featuring proven training programmes and evidence-based nutritional guidance it delivers comprehensive workouts for beginners, intermediates and elite athletes. This updated 5th edition includes:· New exercises and workouts· Brand new photos, and detailed descriptions of more than 100 exercises· Programmes for increasing strength, muscle and explosive power· Fat loss workouts· Bodyweight-based workouts· Plyometric training· Up to date cutting edge nutrition and supplementation advice for gaining muscle and reducing fat
The Complete Guide to Yoga for Fitness Professionals
by Debbie Lawrence Conrad PaulThe Complete Guide to Yoga for Fitness Professionals gives you the necessary skills to become a successful yoga teacher or practitioner. Whether you are looking for information on planning, structuring and delivering a yoga class, or are looking to increase your general understanding and appreciation of the history and ancient lineage of yoga, our experienced authors are here to help.Reaching beyond the typical 'how to' guides, this book not only covers the basics but also details more advanced teaching techniques. Master how to teach the classic asana pose, including the benefits, precautions, prohibitions and modifications of a selection of some other Hatha yoga postures. Higher level yoga practices are found in Part Three, along with information about how to deal with common conditions of participants encountered in a yoga class and any adaptations that need to be made to support them.
Total Foam Rolling Techniques: Trade Secrets of a Personal Trainer
by Steve BarrettThe ultimate 'one stop' guide to using foam rollers. A relative newcomer to the fitness scene, lots of us don't know how to use foam rollers effectively as part of an exercise or training routine. Originally used only by physiotherapists and exercise therapists this 'new' piece of kit has become a mainstay of workouts. Foam rollers work by releasing muscle tension to relieve pain, aid injury recovery and improve flexibility - all through massaging and manipulating muscles. Practical and easily accessible, The Total Foam Rolling Workout is perfect for the fitness enthusiast or fitness professional who wants to lightly improve their knowledge and heavily improve the range of exercises they can use in their training. Tried and tested exercises are accompanied by clear photos and illustrations.This book is brimming with ideas for using foam rollers not just in the gym, but at home too. Packed with clear and easy to use exercises, this how-to reference book also provides adaptations of basic and advanced workouts, making it ideal for anyone who wants to get the most out of their fitness gear.- Each exercise idea is organised by fitness level and includes follow-up and extension ideas.- Written in a jargon-free and concise style, this book is light on the science and background, heavy on practicality.
Sports Supplements: Which nutritional supplements really work
by Anita BeanMore and more of us are looking to sports supplements to gain a competitive advantage and to aid recovery – but do they really work? Media reports and manufacturer claims can be confusing – and often downright wrong. What should you take? What shouldn't you take? What will actually benefit you?Fully updated to reflect the latest research, Sports Supplements is packed with clear, reliable and unbiased advice that will help you maximise your athletic potential. Renowned sports nutritionist Anita Bean takes you through each supplement and explains what they are, how to use them and if they really work – as well as suggesting other alternatives.Covering the most popular supplements on the market – from beetroot juice to creatine, caffeine to whey protein, this is the essential guide for anyone considering taking supplements.
The Complete Guide to Suspended Fitness Training
by Ben PrattThe Complete Guide to Suspended Fitness Training is a comprehensive resource - packed with training ideas and how the equipment can be used to improve functional strength, stability, rehabilitation as well as sports-specific training. This is ideal reading for anyone interested in fitness and weight training, and how get the most out of this equiment for their training programme or that of their clients.Includes information on:Types of suspension systems and attachmentsThe benefits of suspended fitness trainingSafety considerationsUpper body, lower body and core exercises progressions and variations as well as common faultsBeginner, intermediate and advanced programmes and sessionsTraining sessions for sports.