Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series)

Book Description

Selling over 200,000 copies, Earth, Air, Fire & Water features more than 75 spells, rituals, and ceremonies. Cunningham reveals the secrets of the four magical elements, in addition to the fifth one: spirit. He explores their basic nature and the types of rituals associated with each element. Herbs, stones, metals, musical instruments, colors, seasons, direction, and symbols corresponding with each element are also discussed. This bestselling guide to natural magic also introduces the basics of magic-concepts, techniques, and tools-to those who are new to the practice.

New cover New interior design New edit

Customer Reviews:

Natural Magic 2.......2007-08-31

This book was easy to understand and read. Gave good information of what Natural Magic is and was very imformative.

Connect with the Elements !.......2007-08-28

I adore Scott Cunningham's work, and EAF&W is no exception. Although I love EARTH POWER as well, I like that EAF&W has more techniques and really helps the reader to understand how natural things are affected, and in turn, affect the elements. I love Cunningham's ability to show the reader that magic doesn't really need 50 candles and some expensive oil to be magic - all we have to do is remember our Earth and work with her - directly...that's what real magic is about.

`Earth, Air, Fire and Water' is a continuation of Scott's widely successful `Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic/1983'.......2007-05-31

`More techniques of Natural Magic

A water-smoothed stone
The wind
A candle's flame
A pool of water.

These are the age-old tools of natural magic.
Born of the Earth, possessing inner power, they await only our touch and intention to bring them to life.
The four Elements are the ancient powerhouses of magic. Using their energies, we can transform ourselves, our lives and our worlds.
Tap into the marvellous powers of the natural world with these rites, spells and simple rituals that you can do easily and with a minimum of equipment.

Includes more than 75 spells, rituals and ceremonies
Provides detailed instructions for designing your own magical spells
Instills a sense of wonder concerning our planet and our lives
Promotes a natural, positive practice that anyone can successfully perform.'

`Earth for money and employment
Air for intelligence and travel
Fire for protection and courage
Water for love and healing'

Elemental magic exists to serve those of us in need. Through life-affirming, loving rituals, we can create wondrous transformations.
The power is resident in ourselves and within the Earth. Magic is a natural, positive practice that anyone can successfully perform.

Few tools are required, and these are familiar: stones, candles, bowls of water and plants, and the powers of your mind.
Natural magic carries within its practice an innate sense of wonder and respect for nature as manifested in the Earth and the Elements.

`Earth, Air, Fire and Water' is a continuation of Scott's widely successful `Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic`.
Readers of `Earth Power' wanted more: more rites, spells and simple rituals that they could do with a minimum of equipment.....
Here, then, is more............
Come. Join us and discover the wonders that exist within Earth, Air, Fire and Water!'

In paperback format, from `Llewellyn Publications`, USA:-
223 pages, split over 3 main parts:-

(1) Basics of Magic

This is Magic
Magical Techniques
Tools of Magic
The Elements
Preparatory rituals

(2) Elemental Magic

Earth Power
Air Power
Fire Power
Water Power

(3) Natural Magic

Stone Magic
Magnet Magic
Candle Magic
Star Magic
Snow Magic
Ice Magic
Mirror Magic
Wishing Well Magic
Sea Magic
Creating your own Rituals

with a preface, an `after-word`, appendices, glossary and a concise index.
Interspersed with charming black and white illustrations, written in the usual Scott Cunningham style, packed with information and hints/tips:-

`Safe methods of leaving candles burning in your absence (while preventing the possibility of accidental fires):

Place the candle and its holder in a large, metal pot (such as a cauldron).
Burn the candle in the bathtub (Many, many natural magicians do this).
Burn seven-day candles (which are housed in glass jars).
Burn candles in an indoor fireplace.

Generally speaking, candles shouldn't be burned during outdoor rituals and never in a forest.'

`One Spell on a Candle'
It's best to use each candle for only one magical ritual.
Say you've been burning a blue candle to promote peace. When that spell's done, you've still got half a candle left. Should you re-charge the taper and burn it to, say, promote psychic awareness?
Nope. One spell to a candle, please. I usually let the candles burn out anyway, so I don't have stubs lying around.'

From the Glossary:-
`Witchcraft
The craft of the Witch. This is magic, especially magic that utilises `Personal Power' in conjunction with `Earth Power'.
From this definition, Witchcraft isn't a religion.
However, many followers of the religion of Wicca interchangeably use both terms to describe their religion.'

From `Star Magic':-

RELEASING

This ritual is designed to use the energy of the stars to absorb negativity. Use it to help make a clean break from negative habits, misplaced emotions, and other wonderfully human problems.

Sit outside
Attune with your `Star of Power'. (explained in previous section)
Visualise your problem. Visualise yourself wallowing in it, feeding it energy so that it is self-sustaining.
Hold out your arms before you. Cup your hands together. Push this visualisation out of your arms into your hands. Break all connections with that which is to be released.
See the problem and its causes sitting within your palms.
Say something like the following:-

Blazing stars;
Fiery stars;
What was mine
Is now yours.

With a strong, certain gesture, separate your hands, fling your arms to the sky and release the negativity to the stars. PUSH it from your body.
Send it wildly spinning up into the heavens, where the energy of the stars will cleanse and transform it.
Repeat as needed.'

not as good as "Earth Power" but still good.......2007-03-23

while I consider myself a christian and not pagan, some would argue that I practice some so-called pagan arts. For centuries my ancestors have practiced a sort of combination, if you will, of Catholic and native traditions. anyway, long story short ~ I like this book and while it doesn't really have any traditions my family would have practiced and mostly focuses on Old World (European) rites/traditions, I still find it interesting. it's not nearly as good as "Earth power" but a good read anyway. take it from me, Scott Cunningham is the perfect author for non-wiccans/pagans looking for good books on invoking the earth: nothing that offends unlike many others on the genre.

Great buy.......2007-03-15

I've owned this book for quite some time, and I use it as a reference guide for both daily household spells and specific issues. It's very well written; I can see Cunningham in my mind's eye while reading this. He really put his heart and soul into these books.

This was the first of his books that I bought. When I was a bit younger and first getting interested in Magic, I was ploughing through a pile of "New Age" books, and came across this. Even though it's an extension of one of his other books, it doesn't have to be read like that. He refers back to it a couple of times, but it's really a guide, and ought to be used as thus.

I highly recommend it. Whether you're beginning or just want to brush up on some other spells, this guide is beautiful.

Deconstructing the Elements with 3ds Max, Second Edition: Create natural fire, earth, air and water without plug-ins

Average customer rating:

Amazing!
Almost Perfect......
recontructiong the elements is awesome
Great buy for anyone getting into the world of 3ds Max
Pretty good

Deconstructing the Elements with 3ds Max, Second Edition: Create natural fire, earth, air and water without plug-ins
Pete Draper
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 024052019X

Book Description

Get the most realistic effects from 3ds Max without having to spend more on plug-ins!

Boost your effects skill-set with this 3ds Max workshop. Tutorial lessons give you hands-on experience in creating realistic fire, earth, air and water effects. Updated to demonstrate production techniques suitable for any version of 3ds Max, this new edition is co-published by Autodesk Media and Entertainment, and includes new tutorials on entering the Earth's atmosphere, glaciers, lava eruptions and a Badlands landscape.

Inspirational color images cover every page of the book as the author shares his professional techniques and workflow processes. The companion DVD contains all of the required tutorial media as well as over 6 hours of video tutorials.

User level: Intermediate and advanced

· Realistic effects without plug-ins!
· Tutorial lessons demonstrate professional techniques and workflow processes.
· Companion DVD contains all of the required tutorial media plus additional video tutorials.
· Co-published by Autodesk Media and Entertainment.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing!.......2007-08-01

If you want to learn particle flow this is the book for you. Pete does things I never thought 3DS Max was capable of. The tuts in the book are great and there are a couple of bonus video tuts on the accompanying DVD. Buy this book!

Almost Perfect.............2007-05-31

This book has EXCELLENT tutorials, very descriptive and in-depth, the only complaint I have is it needs more tutorials on water, such as a running faucet tutorial, would've been helpful for my 3d animation class.

recontructiong the elements is awesome.......2007-02-20

a great book - the only flaws are that is it not for beginners and it doesnt tell u much about changing the parameters to change each effect to your own style - otherwise- i loved it

Great buy for anyone getting into the world of 3ds Max.......2006-12-20

I have only recently started working with 3ds max, yet i could follow along with every single tutorial in this great book, simply because the book takes you through every single detail of the scene creation process. One of the best 3ds Max books I have come across yet.

Pretty good.......2006-11-18

This book is great for creating scenes. It saved me some cash because I could develop the scene myself, instead of buying a scene online.
The one criticism is that it gives very specific tutorials for generating several scenes. But it doesn't have a general discussion of techniques.

Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet

Average customer rating:

Transform Your Home into a Peaceful Sanctuary
Detox Your Life
Declutter, paint and detoxify
Life-changing ideas
Fantastic book with tons of information

Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet
Norma Lehmeier-Hartie
Manufacturer: Lingham Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0977963306
Release Date: 2007-01-01

Product Description

Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, by Norma Lehmeier Hartie, is an indispensable reference book for anyone who cares about their health and well being and for the future of the planet. Hartie concisely covers a wide range of subjects and includes a comprehensive listing of advisory organizations, product and service resources. Part I of the book, Banish the Ugly from Your Life, is a blueprint for green, sustainable living. Discover how to replace toxic and unsustainable products from household cleaners to food (including recipes) to furniture to personal care products with safe, eco-friendly ones. Hartie is the tough but motivational Life Coach in her approach to cleaning, removing clutter and on organizing the home or office. Part II, Bring in the Beautiful to Create a Harmonious Environment and Self, includes a chapter on Earth-based spirituality and a fascinating look at the Four Elements (Earth, Fire, Air and Water) and the Medicine Wheel. The core of Hartie s philosophy blossoms in Chapter Seven, Applying Harmonious AdjustmentsTM: Using Feng Shui and Other Techniques for Powerful Results. Unlike other Feng Shui authors, Hartie has experience as a designer and her skills are apparent in this chapter and the following two. She has combined principles of Feng Shui, the Four Elements, color, energy, Vastu, and good design principles that create a unique and eclectic approach to home decorating. Finally, Hartie provides guidance on how to manifest personal or professional desires. In Part III, Putting the Pieces Together, Hartie skillfully integrates the many subjects of the book into a unified and cohesive whole. At its cover price of $19.95, Harmonious Environment is a value alone for the comprehensive green living product suppliers in the Resources section. What makes this book so truly ambitious, however, is what lies beneath the surface. In a sense, this book is only marginal

Customer Reviews:

Transform Your Home into a Peaceful Sanctuary.......2007-04-10

"The energy from flowers is so bright and strong that they can be put anywhere in the home and they will enhance your life." ~ pg. 217

Norma Lehmeier Hartie is a design consultant and Harmonious Adjustment practitioner who enjoys gardening and cooking. She created the practice of Harmonious Adjustments to give her clients the chance to reconnect with nature and to manifest their personal and professional dreams. Through her book she introduces ideas for detoxing and decluttering your home environment.

If you want a happier, healthier lifestyle that is more in harmony with nature, then Norma Lehmeier Hartie's book has a world of information to make this possible. She can help you:

Remove toxic products from your home and garage
Clean and organize your home
Buy environmentally friendly cleaning products
Organize your home for more peace and harmony
Find healthy personal care products
Grow plants that help to control pollution - A list of the Fifty Best Houseplants
Find the best choices in flooring
Figure out how to recycle larger items like a refrigerator
Cook more safely and use kitchen scraps for your garden
Formulate a plan to keep your house clean
Organize every room in the house
Decorate with Confidence

Reading through the list of harmful products gives you an idea of the ingredients to avoid in cleaners and how they can affect your health. For an antibacterial spray, the author suggests water and essential oils and for cleaning silver she also suggests more natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar. Using Borax and water is less dangerous than chlorine bleach fumes and you may want to try this in your shower. You may enjoy products by Seventh Generation.

Chapter three felt a little out of my personal range of expertise, although we know that thoughts can affect our environment and life and can move our life in a positive or negative direction. This chapter deals more with spiritual practices. Chapter 6 also delves into a deeper connection with nature, personality types and elemental powers. The list of Yin and Yang is helpful to create a balance of the two in your home. An entire chapter is also dedicated to plants, gemstones and crystals.

"If you are the average American woman, you expose yourself to over two hundred synthetic chemicals that are found in the products you use as you prepare yourself for the day. These products do not simply sit on your skin; approximately sixty percent of these ingredients get absorbed into your bloodstream." ~ pg. 91

Chapter four is especially informative and essential if you are trying to be healthier and want to find organic alternatives to products filled with synthetic chemicals. Why should you avoid petroleum and talc? Why is there lead in hair dye?

The section on an Eco-Friendly Kitchen is interesting and the chapter on natural and organic foods also gives ideas on how to save time in the kitchen. A few recipes are included:

Vegetarian Pasta Primavera
Fajitas
Risotto with Scallops or Shrimp
Lemon Rice
Grilled Vegetables

An extensive list of resources and a very handy index complete this well-researched and extremely helpful book. If you enjoy Feng Shui or decorating and organizing your home, there is a lot to enjoy and you may find the information in this book can also help with fatigue, anxiety and sleeping problems.

~The Rebecca Review

Detox Your Life.......2007-04-04

No matter what your goals are, this book has the starting point for you. Learn how to make your life less toxic and get a better relationship with Mother Earth.

Declutter, paint and detoxify.......2007-04-02

Using the principles of Feng Shui, you can create a harmonious home environment with this book as a guide.

Author Lehmeier-Hartie has you choose colors, elements and design based on your birthday. If you suffer from problems feeling disorganized or headachey at home, it could be your home is not organized properly or the flow of energy is impeded.

The author extends this tranquility to finding the right job and the right mate. Whether or not it is the alignment of elements in the home, focusing on clearing clutter in your life can only have positive effects. A very pretty book.

Life-changing ideas.......2007-02-02

Worried about what your family is being exposed to? Are you hoping to increase your wealth or find love this year? Trying to decide on the best color to paint your walls? If you answered "yes!" to any of these questions, then Harmonious Environment is a must read.

The goal of this book is to create positive energy both in your home and your life and to be kinder to the earth. Hertie is a design consultant, chef, gardener, and healer. She shares her professional and personal experiences with the readers, i.e., homemade earth-friendly cleaning products, tasty recipes for carnivores and vegetarians, etc. She recommends that after reading this book, you apply the process in the following order:

1. Remove toxic products from your home and garage
2. Clean, declutter, clear and organize your home
3. Buy/use environmentally friendly products
4. Learn how to use place objects (furniture, mirrors, etc.) to manifest change in your life

The relationship between people and the Earth is an important part of Harmonious Environments. To remind ourselves of this interconnection, Hertie recommends bringing the natural world into your home. Some ways to do this include displaying rocks and minerals and using houseplants as pollution busters.

Hertie uses Harmonious Adjustments (TM) that combines "the best principles of Feng Shui, the application of the Four Elements based on your birth date, color, Vastu, energy work and good design." I've read a few Feng Shui books in the past, but the author's clear instructions and enthusiasm has given me the confidence to actually try this at home.

I liked how the author reminded me to use this book as a guideline but to also trust my intuition. Do what looks and feels right for you. I also liked how the Resource section listed all the suppliers, organizations and further readings mentioned throughout the book.

Even if you aren't interested in Feng Shui, this book has valuable information about becoming an informed consumer and living a more eco-friendly life.

Armchair Interviews says read Harmonious Environment and get ready to change your life!

Fantastic book with tons of information.......2007-01-18

I got this wonderful book as we are moving our place of business, and wanted to make smart choices. From the first page, Ms. Lehmeier-Hartie shares her expertise in an organized, thoughtful way. The day after I got the book, I negotiated a much more logical and healthier ventilation system, and the section on colors was far and away the most organized and logical explanation I have ever seen.

Some aspects of our project are beyond our control, but I became a much more active participant. We anxiously await our new space, and know that the suggestions made here will add to the beauty and functionality of our space. I wish I could have rated this 10 stars!

Elements Of Ritual: Air, Fire, Water & Earth in the Wiccan Circle

Average customer rating:

The "Why" for the "What You Do..."
Practical and No Nonesense Guide - Finally
The Elements of Ritual
Required Reading
wicca 102

Elements Of Ritual: Air, Fire, Water & Earth in the Wiccan Circle
Deborah Lipp
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 073870301X

Book Description

Wicca 202: Advanced training by an experienced High Priestess Many books may tell you how to cast a Wiccan circle, but none really bother to explain why. When you finish reading The Elements of Ritual, you'll know what each step of the circle-casting ceremony means, why it's there, and what it accomplishes. You'll learn several alternative approaches to each step, and you'll be empowered to write your own effective ceremonies using sound magical, theological, and pragmatic principles. Selling Features

Advanced, sophisticated Witchcraft philosophy and practice

Delves further into the theology and theory of every phase of ritual, along with practical how-tos and how-not-tos, and much esoteric, hard-to-find information Every step of ritual has at least two sample scripts, including an avant-garde example Provides detailed instructions for writing your own ritual

Includes meditations on the deeper meanings of each phase of ritual

Customer Reviews:

The "Why" for the "What You Do...".......2007-01-14

I can't say enough good things about how this book is presented and the material it covers. She takes one step by step through the building blocks of ritual, all the while detailing the reasons why one does this or that, and the reasons one should or should not do something else.

It is a well-presented guidebook for the experienced ritual writer yet still concise and understandable enough for those just beginning to explore the path and write ritual and it is not too full of craft jargon so newbies aren't left thinking "what...?". After reading this book, one has a complete understanding of exactly what an elemental is and the proper handling of this energy. Combining energy with elemental instruction, she spins a powerful thread from which most will be succesful in weaving their desired results.

She covers the subject I personally think is most overlooked in many writings today, that of making offerings. One hears so much misinformation about 'sacrifices' and not nearly enough about 'offerings' and the differences between the two. She also stresses the importance of grounding and WHY it's important to those around you to do so yourself and to make sure those who participate in your rituals follow this step. I don't recommend always slapping walls, but I certainly think this type of action is warranted at the end of each ritual that had the purpose of raising energy. Proper handling of the power is a necessary step to successful spellwork, and proper return of the energy raised is just as important a step afterwards.

She gives several examples of different types of rituals and where specific actions fit in each so that you still end up with pretty much the same formula for your work, even though the rituals might be for totally differing purposes.

She also touches on the 'ettiquette' of ritual, the proper order and form of ritual so that an offering is presented before the request is made, and the result is given an action of acceptance, very important to the serious witch.

The more you know about what you are doing, the better you will become at it. Moreover, this book is a guide to being a successful servant to the Gods...and I can't think of a much nicer thing to say about it.

Practical and No Nonesense Guide - Finally.......2006-12-20

I happened upon this book by recommendation of a friend. All I can say is WOW. I was so tired of reading the anything goes pagan circle casting and so many authors clamoring about to say why everything under the sun was acceptable. It seems so many forget about foundation.

I now recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn how to cast a circle the wiccan format. NOT A PAGAN CIRCLE format. But a witch's circle. The author comes from a traditional background. There is so much in her writing that is of practical use. There is much that speaks and inspires here. There is much that is said yet unsaid. Plans within plans, so to speak.

The manner of presentation is refreshing and very useful. So much thought went into the preparation and presentation of this book.

I intend to use this for teaching purposes. I can't say enough good about this book and Deborah.

Thank you! Thank you! Your years of experience are of great use to those of us coming along.

Blessed Be Great Lady!

The Elements of Ritual.......2006-11-03

I was so pleased to add this book to my collection. It is perfectly suited for both beginners and more advanced practioners of the craft. There is lots of explanation, but not dogma, so that at the end of the day, I can decide for myself what fits and what does not, and leave open the door to changes in the future. Ritual as viewed through this book lets me choose my ritual from knowledge, not blindly follow someone who created ritual for themselves. I highly recommend it.

Required Reading.......2006-09-05

I like doing reviews. Most times I get books that have information I can use in them, and times there are books that have almost no information I can use. There are some books I have reviewed that are examples of the worst that comes out of current publications. There are times when I can't say enough good things about books I read.

I count this book as one of the latter.

Now that the author and publishers can breathe again, I want to tell you all that if you are looking for a book on how to perform a ritual, the theatrics, the actual nitty-gritty, the practical side and the mystic side, then this is your book.

I tend to think of myself as being very knowledgeable in the realms of ritual and mystic mindset. This book showed me those things I did know were accurate and it also showed me where my knowledge lacked in substance. I was able to objectively break down the rituals I perform and to be able to see which parts were necessary and why those portions worked. This went through every aspect of ritual, from the decision to start the ritual, to altar setup to the actual workings themselves and to the closing rituals.

It is a needed reference for anyone who performs ritual for more than just themselves. It is absolutely critical that those who learned their tradition of Wicca from books have this.

I know I'm sounding like I'm gushing, and I am. I have a couple personal qualms, but they are so minor that I don't think they affect my review at all. The questions and qualms are from the fact that this is focused on Wiccan Rituals, not rituals in general. Now, I would be remiss if I didn't say that the fact this is Wiccan oriented is spelled out on the cover. The subtitle is "Air, Fire, Water and Earth in the Wiccan Circle". So right there I should assume that it is focused on Wiccan ritual. I think this could have been so much better if it were a general ritual book.

The divisions of Air, Fire, Water and Earth are used throughout this book, mainly to delineate different parts of the same segment of ritual. For instance; if we were talking about the Opening the Circle segment, there would be a section in this chapter discussing the Air aspects (the meaning behind doing things thus and so), the Fire aspects (the mental attitude and what is supposed to be happening mystically), the Water aspects (the mythology, story and history behind this step) and the Earth aspects (the practical how to do this steps). In addition to those there is some discussion about other things that affect ritual, like tools and placements and some about the choice of deities.

There are sample rituals to be used as a template throughout the book, mostly to be shown as examples of what you can do and still have all the elements be present. But there is only one full ritual shown, from beginning to end.

There is no bibliography as such, although there are references throughout the book. There is no "recommended reading" in here either, nor is there any kind of appendix. There is an index, so finding the information is easy. But, there is also some "muddleness" in the chapters themselves. For example, in the chapter about beginning the Circle, you go through all the steps before the Circle is cast, the actual casting of the circle, and immediately after the circle is cast before moving into the next chapter. Each of those is broken into it's own subsection with the elements brought forward and discussed, Air, Water, Fire, and Earth. Three times for this one chapter, so it can get a bit confusing. I probably would have broken them into their own chapters instead of including them in one chapter together. But that is me.

I can unhesitatingly recommend this book for anyone that I feel is going to do rituals and wants to have an in depth understanding of a Wiccan ritual structure. I give this book 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

It is my opinion that every coven should have a copy of this book in their library.

Daven

wicca 102.......2006-08-15

This is a very well written "Wicca 102" level book that I would highly recommend to anyone who is serious about gaining a better level of understanding of themselves, how ritual really works and how to enhance the level of power in your rituals.

The Wisdom of the Elements: The Sacred Wheel of Earth, Air, Fire and Water

Average customer rating:

One of the best I've read this year...
For a Wiccan oriented look at the elements it's wonderful.
Talk about dry reading.
I really liked it
I did not think it was that great.

The Wisdom of the Elements: The Sacred Wheel of Earth, Air, Fire and Water
Margie McArthur
Manufacturer: Crossing Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0895949369

Customer Reviews:

One of the best I've read this year..........2002-12-29

This book is one of "those" for me: it brought together so many pieces. Upon finishing it, I had a holistic picture of the four elements as applied in many areas of metaphysics, including astrology and tarot, and in medicine and sacred wheels used in many spiritual traditions. Margie covers so much, from the five platonic solids of sacred geometry to chinese medicine and the tao, to archangels. She even has recipes! Her discussion of the four elements is the most in-depth and informative I've ever come across. I've been studying metaphysics for over 17 years, and this book was the one that gave me what I was missing re: fire, earth, air and water. She also discusses elementals, which I've been curious about. Her style is companionable. Her meditations are doable - and I really have trouble in that department. Do yourself a favor: get this one!

For a Wiccan oriented look at the elements it's wonderful........2001-09-10

It is a Wiccan/Golden Dawn/High Magick look at the elements that goes into great depth. IT is not over ridden with too many spells or meditations. It gives good information to Wiccans and the like who wish to have an eclectic look at the elements. Much better than Cunningham's Elemental books.

Talk about dry reading........2001-07-25

Yet another in a list of Fluff Bunny books. This one is so full of wannabe tree hugger information that it almost put me to sleep within the first part of the introduction. This author's writing is uninspired, unorignal, and boring. If you are into this "hippie magick", then you may like it.. otherwise pass it up for something better. Try Scott Cunnigham's excellent book on the elements if you're a wiccan and want something really worth reading on earth,air,fire, and water. Better yet, read Agrippa's work on the elements and hit it at the source!

I really liked it.......1999-07-25

I initially pulled this book from the shelf because the beautiful cover attracted me. But I ended up buying it, because it looked so interesting.

I've found this book to be FULL of information. It makes many connections and correspondences I'd never thought of before. In some places, there's so much packed into a paragraph, that I had to read it 2-3 times to really get all that was there. I can tell this book is destined to become one of my favorite reference books. Any pagan who seriously wants to understand the sacred wheel of the elements we all work with, owes it to themselves to read this book. It's just become required reading in my training circle!

I did not think it was that great........1999-07-19

I read these reviews and they all seemed so glowing, so I bought this book, but I was VERY disappointed. So, I came back to let others know that I thought it was poorly represented. In fact, I'm wondering who wrote these reviews? Guess I will sign mine like everyone else.

Deconstructing the Elements with 3ds max 6: Create natural fire, earth, air and water without plug-ins

Average customer rating:

Completly AMAZING
ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL
Best 3Ds Max book purchase
One of the very few 3D books worth your money
Awesome...simply awesome

Deconstructing the Elements with 3ds max 6: Create natural fire, earth, air and water without plug-ins
Pete Draper
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 024051954X

Book Description

Master professional techniques in 3ds max with expert guidance from this unique book and DVD-ROM package!

A must have guide for those with 3ds max experience who want to get more out of the base kit this versatile package provides. Save money by finding out how to get the most realistic effects from 3ds max without having to spend more on plugins. This book includes all you need to know to create realistic earth, air, fire and water effects with Discreet's powerful 3ds max animation kit.

Inspirational color images cover every page as Pete shares his professional insight, detailing the breakdown of the extensive catalog of visual reference material supplied on the DVD-ROM to ensure your effects are more realistic when working in 3ds max. This information is then used within the body of the tutorials which teach not only how to create each effect, but why we have performed that specific step so that you have a complete understanding of all the processes involved.

The free DVD-ROM also contains 5 hours and 45 minutes of free video tutorials in which Pete walks you through additional effects while still maintaining the same quality and format as the tutorials in the book.

'I congratulate Pete on this amazing accomplishment. I am certain that those of you who read this will find it incredibly useful, both as an educational tool and as a volume of reference. I encourage you all to read and absorb the information found within, and use it to help strengthen both your own skills, and to help strengthen and maintain our ever spreading 3D community.' Jason 'Buzz' Busby (www.3dbuzz.com)

* You need this book to get the most realistic effects from 3ds max 6 without spending more on plugins!
* Learn how to create all the inspirational images, with this unique book and DVD package
* Benefit from the experience of a successful freelance max artist!

Customer Reviews:

Completly AMAZING.......2005-12-09

I don`t speak a lot english and i was so scare to buy it because this guy is brithis but i saw some reviews and took the risk. when i got the book we can resume in one ward i was just surprised, it is completly amazing, i dont know for one else but for me this guy that`s really knows how to explain the difficult world of 3D, Thanks Peter Draper I've already found the key to my goal "this Book"

ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL.......2005-09-20

There is a reason why the used books are priced the same as the new for this item. This is an essential buy. Beginners should try get their hands on something a little easier first, but everyone with even a little bit of experience needs to get this book. Whereas many books leave you with a feeling of being "rushed" or of not being properly thought out, this one leaves you with an impression of having every single tiny detail meticulously planned. The DVD even includes video tutorials that didn't fit in the pages of the book! And the author has a website for the book and users that have problems with the tutorials. And guess what? He actually visits the website and offers help! wow! what a concept!

The tutorials themselves are brilliantly planned. First, we get reference footage, that is analyzed in order to get the best effect. Then, Draper goes through each step, and EXPLAINS EXACTLY WHAT WAS DONE AND WHY IN EACH STEP. This is vital and is sadly overlooked in many tutorials from other sources.

What will he teach you? Exactly what the book promises: extremely realistic water, earth, air, and fire. This is done mostly through the powerful new particle flow system and multi-layer materials (I mean MULTI-MULTI-MULTI-layer materials here). After only a few tutorials, I my skills with procedural materials and particle flow increased exponentially.

An essential buy.

Best 3Ds Max book purchase.......2005-09-07

Most books out there are rehashes of the help documentation or popular tutorials already out there. For this book, however, almost every single tutorial covered tricks and techniques that I've never been exposed to before in my years of working with 3D Studio. Definitely an eye-opener for anyone who wants to learn how to create any sort of realistic environmental effect.

This is one book that is a must-have.

One of the very few 3D books worth your money.......2005-04-07

Most 3D books are unimpressive to me-- the sorts of things that could be readily learned by reading the manual or help files (particularly in the case of 3D Studio, which has excellent help and tutorials.)

Pete Draper's book is one of the happy exceptions-- it extends one's knowledge and capabilities, and moreover, his work is excellent; these are images and animations that would get you a job, if you could make them.

Would that there were more books of this calibre!

Awesome...simply awesome.......2005-03-11

I have had this book for about 2 months now and all I can say is wow. This book has really been helpful...extremley helpful I must say. Easy to follow, the tutorials ALL work....Pete draper expresses all aspects of each tutorial and explains the WHY factor in each step in his tutorials. I cannot praise this book high enough. It has solved a lot of underlying problems that most would use plugins to work around. I give this book a 100% feedback....and I really hope he launches another...I will definatley buy the next one.

Elemental Witch: Fire, Air, Water, Earth; Discover Your Natural Affinity

Average customer rating:

"User Friendly" Guide to Your Element
An Enjoyable Read.
Good Beginners Guide on the Elements

Elemental Witch: Fire, Air, Water, Earth; Discover Your Natural Affinity
Tammy Sullivan
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Wicca | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0738708917

Book Description

Witches and other seekers are often striving to customize and deepen their spiritual practice. One way to revolutionize your path is through the elements: earth, air, fire, and water.

Are you an Earth Witch or an Air Witch? Beginning with how to identify your personal element, the author outlines the specialties and personality quirks of each kind of elemental Witch. A detailed discussion of folklore and associated deities gives depth and color to each element's unique history. The rest of this practical text is dedicated to working magic with a particular element, while maintaining balance with all four. Magical correspondences are provided for each element, in addition to associated crystals, stones, herbs, colors, creatures, and aspects of nature (rivers, trees, caves, wind, lightning, etc.).

Customer Reviews:

"User Friendly" Guide to Your Element.......2007-08-31

The title is what caught my eye. We all have an element that attracts us. It is very "user friendly." It has some beginner stuff, but the info is interesting. The author also states that this book is not "the know all, be all" on the subject, which to me was refreshing to see.

The chapters are set up with info on different Gods/Goddesses, herbs, some spells, floor washes and info on creatures. It has a little Santeria, Voodun, Native American, Roman, Celtic, etc.

If you want to find out more about your element, this may be a book worth getting.

An Enjoyable Read........2007-03-01

I really enjoyed reading this book. You can read it fairly quickly and still get a lot of information from it. Although I recommend this book, it unfortunately has a few problems. As with most Llewellyn publications, it could use a good editor. It is, overall, well written, but a few of the sentences are akward. Another problem it shares with the vast majority of llewellyn books is the lack of footnotes. This can be quite frustrating to some of us who would like to verify some of the more outlandish statements. For instance, the author writes that sylphs are "thought to be the offspring of the Sidhe". I have never heard this before and it seems rather unlikely and I would like to know the source of this information.

Another problem with the book is in the Gods of the elements sections. I feel that it relies too heavily on non-western deities. I found the information interesting but not practical as I don't think it is ethical to use the deities of Native American and African peoples because of the crimes European Americans have commited against them. But if you don't feel the same way, of course, this issue won't be a problem for you. There are also a lot of inaccuracies in these sections. Sedna is called a "Native American" goddess, when in fact she is Inuit--whose people live all over the far north, not just america. Another mistake is when the author says that in Ireland "Brighid's snake appearing from its mound" is a cousin of the american groundhog weather prediction traditon. The problem is that this custom is from Scottland, not Ireland--the Emerald Isle seperated form Europe quite early and has no indigenous snakes.

You may accuse me of nit-picking but I do think that it is time for pagan literature to grow up and stop spreading misinformation. If the mythological sections contain so many mistakes how do I have trust in the magical information the book provides?

I feel that this should not be a person's first book on witchcraft because not all the elemental correspondences are the ones that are most widely used. The season correspondences the author lists are very different from the traditonal. To the authors credit she does tell you to use the correspondences that you feel comfortable with.

So while I don't recommend this book to absolute beginners, I do think this book has a lot to offer, especailly in trying to figure out which elements you resonate with. It also provides good ideas for incorporating the elements in your practice. I really did enjoy reading this book, and I hope that one day Llewellyn and other Pagan friendly publishers will start providing better editors for their authors.

Good Beginners Guide on the Elements.......2006-09-20

The practice of the Witch relies on sources of energy for the workings. A good witch can draw upon the elemental energies for her use and knows the properties well and how to use them best.

Ms. Sullivan's book examines closely the properties of each of the four elements and gives a good rounded education in their history, associations and applications.

The book is broken down into each element and then breaks it own further into the path of each element, the magics and then Deity associations. There is lore, spells, recipes and herbal and stone associations.

What is nice about this book is that is does offer information on all four elements, and gives the beginning practitioner a well rounded education. And while you may find you have a preference for one or two elements, this book will give you a good look at working with all four.

This is a nice book, easy to read and understand and provides the basics for anyone looking at the practice of witchcraft using the four elements as focus. boudica

Average customer rating:

Exquisitely done: a look at how different cultures have seen

Earth, Fire, Water, Air
Mary Hoffman
Manufacturer: Dutton Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0525454209

Customer Reviews:

Exquisitely done: a look at how different cultures have seen.......2000-06-16

This book has some of the most fabulous artwork of all books. If you're not familiar with Jane Ray, you will never forget her amazing style after you see this book or a companion book entitled Sun, Moon and Stars. Mary Hoffman and Jane Ray team up to write and illustrate these books that show how many cultures have interpreted and been inspired by these elements and share myths, beleifs, and legends that reflect their power and influence.

Earth, Water, Fire, and Air: Playful Explorations in the Four Elements

Average customer rating:

You need to be a master craftsman!

Earth, Water, Fire, and Air: Playful Explorations in the Four Elements
Walter Kraul
Manufacturer: Floris Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0863154891

Customer Reviews:

You need to be a master craftsman!.......2007-08-14

This book is quite old fashioned and the ideas and machines are only viable if you or your partner happen to be a master woodwork craftsman. For example the water wheel looks amazing but totally out of my reach as a steiner inspired homeschool mother of two! Some creations are simple but I've seen them in other books as well. I chose this book as it was highly recommended by others and necessary for some waldorf curriculums. I therefore feel the need to balance these idealistic opinions with a dose of reality.I would not recommend this book to the general public and I regret wasting money on it.

The Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water

Average customer rating:

Not Mr. Wolfe's usual quality
Great Photos

The Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water
Craig Childs
Manufacturer: Sasquatch Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1570614059

Book Description

Art Wolfe's sensitivity to his subject and his craft of photography are once again showcased in this stunning color collection of images for nature and photography lovers. Focusing his camera on the many shapes and forms of the elements — earth, air, fire, and water — Wolfe brings all his famed sense of composition, pattern, and light to expose our natural world's ever-changing beauty: the sensually shaped earth of the red rocky outcrops in America's Southwest; the vertical shifts of silver-slivered earth that form the mountain spine of South America; the mystical, metallic reflection of light on a pool high in the Canadian Rockies; the storming force of a waterfall in Africa. Through his emotive lens readers get a deep appreciation for and education in both the environment and photography. The reader's experience is further impassioned by Craig Child's four essays on the elements.

Customer Reviews:

Not Mr. Wolfe's usual quality.......2005-04-22

I have other books of his and I adore the photography. I did not think that the pictures were reproduced well in this book. Some are grainy. Not up to his usual quality

Great Photos.......2004-11-02

...of the earth and its atmosphere at its finest! How did the photographer know just where to be to get these wonderful photos? My entire family LOVES this book, discovered by my fourteen year old who loves to look at and study clouds. I bought the book for her because she BEGGED me for it! Truly a family favorite for years to come. BUY THIS BOOK! You won't be disappointed!

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