❓
Questions and Answers
Find answers to the most popular questions about our products — 297152 questions total
All
Alchemy & Hermeticism
Astrology & Cosmology
Divination & Tarot
Kabbalah & Jewish Mysticism
Magic & Ritual
Mysticism & Contemplation
Occult Philosophy
Theosophy & Anthroposophy
Witchcraft & Paganism
Freemasonry & Secret Societies
Spiritualism & Afterlife
Sacred Texts & Gnosticism
Supernatural & Occult Fiction
Spiritual Development
Esoteric History & Biography
Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes, while offering profound depth for advanced practitioners, Wang Yang's clear explanations and structured approach make 'Authentic I Ching' an excellent starting point for newcomers to this ancient...
📦 Authentic I Ching
Divination & Tarot
What is the primary focus of Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain?
The book focuses on Taoist philosophy and the journey of spiritual ascent, using the physical landscape of Qingcheng Mountain as a metaphor for inner transformation and the practice of concepts like '...
📦 Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain
Occult Philosophy
Who is the author, Wang Yun, and when was this work first published?
Wang Yun is the author of Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain, which was first published in 2019. The book reflects a contemporary engagement with Taoist thought.
📦 Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain
Occult Philosophy
Does the book provide practical instructions for Taoist practices?
No, the book is more of a literary and philosophical exploration than a practical guide. It offers an immersion into the mindset and environment conducive to spiritual growth rather than step-by-step ...
📦 Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain
Occult Philosophy
What esoteric tradition does this book primarily engage with?
The book primarily engages with Taoist philosophy and its associated spiritual practices, exploring themes of nature, stillness, and the concept of the path.
📦 Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain
Occult Philosophy
Is Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain suitable for beginners in esoteric studies?
While accessible, the book's contemplative and philosophical nature is best suited for those with some existing interest in esoteric traditions, particularly Taoism, or those who appreciate literary a...
📦 Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain
Occult Philosophy
What is the significance of Qingcheng Mountain in the book?
Qingcheng Mountain serves as a central symbol and setting, representing a sacred space and a catalyst for spiritual awakening, mirroring the internal journey of the protagonist or narrator.
📦 Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain
Occult Philosophy
What distinguishes Wu style Taijiquan from other styles?
Wu style Taijiquan is characterized by its relatively compact posture, slower tempo, and a strong emphasis on maintaining a central equilibrium and directing force through subtle shifts rather than ov...
📦 Wu style taijiquan
Occult Philosophy
When was "Wu Style Taijiquan" first published?
The book "Wu Style Taijiquan" by Wang Peisheng was first published in 1983, making it a significant reference from an earlier period of Taijiquan's global dissemination.
📦 Wu style taijiquan
Occult Philosophy
Is this book suitable for complete beginners?
While it offers detailed instruction, the book is best suited for individuals with some prior experience in martial arts or Taijiquan, as it assumes a degree of familiarity with basic concepts and ter...
📦 Wu style taijiquan
Occult Philosophy
What are the core principles emphasized in Wu style?
Key principles include maintaining a relaxed yet alert posture, coordinated whole-body movement, sensitivity to an opponent's force (ting jing), and the application of soft, yielding power.
📦 Wu style taijiquan
Occult Philosophy
Does the book cover the martial applications of the form?
Yes, the text typically includes sections on the practical martial applications of the movements, explaining how the postures and transitions can be used defensively and offensively.
📦 Wu style taijiquan
Occult Philosophy
What is the significance of the author, Wang Peisheng?
Wang Peisheng is recognized as a significant figure in the transmission of the Wu style Taijiquan, and his work serves as a conduit for his lineage's teachings and understanding of the art.
📦 Wu style taijiquan
Occult Philosophy
What is the primary goal of Wang Yangming's philosophy as presented in Chuan xi lu?
The primary goal is moral self-cultivation and the realization of one's innate moral nature. Wang Yangming, in *Chuan xi lu*, emphasizes that this is achieved through the unity of knowledge and action...
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
How does Wang Yangming's concept of 'innate knowledge' differ from traditional Confucianism?
Wang's *liangzhi* posits that moral knowledge is inherent and intuitive, accessible directly through the mind, rather than solely derived from external study of classics as emphasized by Zhu Xi's scho...
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
What does 'unity of knowledge and action' mean in the context of Chuan xi lu?
This principle, *zhi xing he yi*, asserts that true knowledge and actual practice are inseparable. One cannot truly know something without acting upon it, and action is the manifestation of genuine kn...
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
Is Chuan xi lu a historical text or a philosophical treatise?
It is primarily a philosophical text, compiled from the teachings and dialogues of Wang Yangming by his disciples. While it reflects the historical context of the Ming Dynasty, its focus is on philoso...
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
Who were Wang Yangming's main intellectual influences or rivals?
Wang Yangming was a prominent figure in Neo-Confucianism, largely reacting against the orthodox interpretations of Zhu Xi. His philosophy, however, also drew inspiration from earlier thinkers and, in ...
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
What is the significance of 'investigating things' (gewu) in Wang Yangming's philosophy?
In Wang's system, 'investigating things' (*gewu*) shifts from external study to an internal process of examining one's own mind and intentions to understand innate moral principles.
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
What is the primary philosophical concept presented in Wang Yangming's Chuan xi lu?
The primary concept is the 'unity of knowledge and action' (zhixing heyi), which posits that true knowledge is inseparable from its practical application and that genuine action arises from genuine un...
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
Who were the disciples responsible for compiling the Chuan xi lu?
The Chuan xi lu was compiled by Wang Yangming's disciples, notably including Qian Dehong and Wang Ji, who gathered and organized his teachings and dialogues.
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
When did Wang Yangming live and develop his philosophy?
Wang Yangming lived from 1472 to 1529, during the Ming Dynasty in China, a period marked by significant philosophical inquiry and refinement of Neo-Confucian thought.
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
What is 'innate knowledge' (liangzhi) according to Wang Yangming?
Liangzhi, or innate knowledge, is the inherent moral faculty or intuitive understanding that all humans possess. Wang believed this innate knowledge guides us toward ethical behavior if properly culti...
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
How does Wang Yangming's philosophy differ from Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism?
Wang Yangming's philosophy emphasizes subjective experience and the direct apprehension of innate knowledge, contrasting with Zhu Xi's more objective, text-based approach to understanding principles.
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
Is the Chuan xi lu a historical record or a philosophical treatise?
It functions as both. It is a historical record of Wang Yangming's teachings and dialogues, but more importantly, it serves as a primary philosophical treatise outlining his unique school of Neo-Confu...
📦 Chuan xi lu
Occult Philosophy
Who were the Desert Fathers and Mothers?
They were early Christian ascetics, primarily monks, who lived in the deserts of Egypt from the 3rd to the 5th centuries CE. They sought spiritual perfection through solitude, prayer, and extreme asce...
📦 The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Occult Philosophy
What is the historical period of the Desert Fathers?
The main period of their activity spans from the late 3rd century CE, with figures like Antony the Great, through the 4th and 5th centuries CE, a time of significant development in Christian monastici...
📦 The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Occult Philosophy
What does 'apatheia' mean in the context of the Desert Fathers?
'Apatheia' refers to a state of inner tranquility and freedom from disruptive passions and emotional disturbances, achieved through rigorous spiritual discipline and prayer.
📦 The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Occult Philosophy
Are the Sayings of the Desert Fathers considered scripture?
No, they are not considered Holy Scripture. However, they are highly revered spiritual texts within Christian monastic traditions and contemplative spirituality, offering practical guidance and wisdom...
📦 The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Occult Philosophy
What is the role of demons or 'spirits' in the teachings?
The Desert Fathers believed in active spiritual warfare against demonic forces that sought to disrupt their prayer and inner peace. Discernment of these influences was a crucial aspect of their practi...
📦 The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Occult Philosophy
How does this book differ from systematic theological works?
Unlike systematic theology, the Sayings are a collection of aphorisms, parables, and anecdotes. They focus on experiential wisdom and practical application of spiritual principles rather than abstract...
📦 The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Occult Philosophy
When did the Celts first emerge as an identifiable people according to the book?
Ward Rutherford's "Celtic Mythology" places the emergence of the Celts as an identifiable people around 1000 B.C., during the Iron Age, providing a specific historical starting point for the study.
📦 Celtic Mythology
Occult Philosophy
What is the primary focus of Ward Rutherford's "Celtic Mythology"?
The book focuses on the world of Celtic myth and its significant role in the development of Western culture, exploring their historical overview, social structure, and mythological contents.
📦 Celtic Mythology
Occult Philosophy
Does the book differentiate between British and Irish Celtic myths?
Yes, the work explicitly explores the differences and similarities between the manifestation of Celtic myths in Britain and Ireland, offering a nuanced regional perspective.
📦 Celtic Mythology
Occult Philosophy
What aspects of Celtic society are discussed?
The book covers an historical overview of the Celts from their emergence, and provides an exploration of their social structure, offering context for their mythological narratives.
📦 Celtic Mythology
Occult Philosophy
What is the "topography of the supernatural world" mentioned in the blurb?
This refers to the structured exploration of the spiritual landscape and realms inhabited by deities and spirits within Celtic belief systems, as depicted in their myths.
📦 Celtic Mythology
Occult Philosophy
What is the first publication date of Ward Rutherford's "Celtic Mythology"?
The first publication date for Ward Rutherford's "Celtic Mythology" is May 1, 2015.
📦 Celtic Mythology
Occult Philosophy
What is the primary focus of Ward Rutherford's Celtic Lore?
The book primarily focuses on the myths, legends, spiritual beliefs, and cosmology of the ancient Celtic peoples across Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, examining their pantheon, sacred sites, and ritual...
📦 Celtic Lore
Occult Philosophy
When was Celtic Lore first published and why is this significant?
Celtic Lore was first published in 1993. This timing is significant as it coincided with a growing popular and academic interest in pre-Christian European religions and Pagan revival movements.
📦 Celtic Lore
Occult Philosophy
Does the book discuss the role of Druids?
Yes, the book explores the multifaceted role of druids in Celtic society, detailing their functions as lore-keepers, spiritual leaders, and mediators, as presented through the mythological and histori...
📦 Celtic Lore
Occult Philosophy
What key concepts are covered in Celtic Lore?
Key concepts include the cyclical perception of time, the spiritual dimension of the Otherworld (Tír na nÓg), animal symbolism, and the relationship between the human and divine realms as depicted in ...
📦 Celtic Lore
Occult Philosophy
Is Celtic Lore suitable for beginners in mythology?
Yes, the book's systematic approach and clear explanations make it suitable for beginners, providing a foundational understanding of Celtic myths and beliefs without overwhelming them with overly acad...
📦 Celtic Lore
Occult Philosophy
What distinguishes Celtic Lore from other books on Celtic mythology?
Its distinction lies in its structured, reference-like approach to cataloging deities and myths, and its contextualization within the broader landscape of Iron Age European cultures, aiming for a more...
📦 Celtic Lore
Occult Philosophy
What evidence does Ward Rutherford use to support his claims about the Druids?
Rutherford relies on a combination of archaeological findings, such as burial sites and ceremonial structures, and interpretations of classical texts, primarily from Roman and Greek authors like Juliu...
📦 The Druids
Occult Philosophy
When was 'The Druids' by Ward Rutherford first published?
Ward Rutherford's 'The Druids' was first published in 1984.
📦 The Druids
Occult Philosophy
Does the book present the Druids as magical figures?
While acknowledging the spiritual and esoteric aspects of Druidic practice, Rutherford focuses more on their roles as intellectuals, judges, and societal leaders, aiming for a historically grounded pe...
📦 The Druids
Occult Philosophy
Are there any specific archaeological sites mentioned in the book?
The book discusses general types of sites relevant to Druidic culture, such as ceremonial enclosures, burial mounds, and hill forts, placing them within the broader context of Iron Age Celtic societie...
📦 The Druids
Occult Philosophy
How does Rutherford address the lack of written Druidic records?
Rutherford acknowledges this significant challenge, explaining that our understanding is largely derived from external, often biased, accounts and the interpretation of material culture and later trad...
📦 The Druids
Occult Philosophy
What historical period does Rutherford focus on regarding the Druids?
The primary focus is on the Iron Age in Britain, Gaul, and Ireland, when the Druids are believed to have been most influential, before and during the Roman expansion.
📦 The Druids
Occult Philosophy
When was "The Druids and their Heritage" by Ward Rutherford first published?
Ward Rutherford's "The Druids and their Heritage" was first published in 1978, providing a scholarly look at the subject during a period of renewed interest in ancient European cultures.
📦 The Druids and their heritage
Occult Philosophy
