Beltane, also known as May Day or Walpurgis Night, is a pagan holiday that celebrates the arrival of spring and fertility. It is observed on May 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and October 31st in the Southern Hemisphere. The name "Beltane" is derived from the Gaelic word "Bealtaine," which means "bright fire." In ancient times, Beltane was a time of great celebration and joy. Communities would come together to dance around a maypole, which was a tall pole adorned with ribbons and flowers. The maypole represented the phallus and the ribbons represented the female spirit of the Earth.
Chicago: Kurz & Allison, 1890. Color lithograph. Image size: 18½ x 25 inches; sheet size: 22 x 28¼ inches. Matted to an overall size of 25 x 31 inches. Some moderate chipping and edge tears, not affecting image. Reinforced with older tape along top edge. Lightly toned, though colors are.
The unparalleled research in this volume makes it a potential perennial classic on the subjects of both medieval and renaissance history of cannabis, as well as the role of plants in the magical and occult traditions. Acclaimed for his lectures on Reuchlin and the Corpus Hermeticum at universities across Europe, Agrippa acted as archivist for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.
The maypole represented the phallus and the ribbons represented the female spirit of the Earth. The dancing around the maypole was believed to bring fertility and abundance to the land. Another traditional practice during Beltane was the lighting of bonfires.
Liber 420: Cannabis, Magickal Herbs and the Occult (Paperback)
Although little known, cannabis and other psychoactive plants held a prominent and important role in the Occult arts of Alchemy and Magic, as well as being used in ritual initiations of certain secret societies. Find out about the important role cannabis played in helping to develop modern medicines through alchemical works. Cannabis played a pivotal role in spagyric alchemy, and appears in the works of alchemists such as Zosimos, Avicenna, Llull, Paracelsus, Cardano and Rabelais. Cannabis also played a pivotal role in medieval and renaissance magic and recipes with instructions for its use appear in a number of influential and important grimoires such as the Picatrix, Sepher Raxiel: Liber Salomonis, and The Book of Oberon. Could cannabis be the Holy Grail? With detailed historical references, the author explores the allegations the Templars were influenced by the hashish ingesting Assassins of medieval Islam, and that myths of the Grail are derived from the Persian traditions around the sacred beverage known as haoma, which was a preparation of cannabis,opium and other drugs. Many of the works discussed, have never been translated into English, or published in centuries. The unparalleled research in this volume makes it a potential perennial classic on the subjects of both medieval and renaissance history of cannabis, as well as the role of plants in the magical and occult traditions.
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Praise For…
“Bennett has done it again. Going right to the primary sources, he has produced an extraordinary volume outlining the history and occult secrets of cannabis. … Should you be interested in knowing how and why cannabis found employment in the occult arts throughout history, take heart in knowing that you hold in your hands the definitive work written by a brilliant historian.” —Tom Hatsis, author of The Witches' Ointment: The Secret History of Psychedelic Magic (2015)
"In his latest effort, Bennet has uncovered and amassed an overwhelming amount of evidence in support of his claim that cannabis played a central role in many of the Western esoteric traditions, including Alchemy, ceremonial magick—and yes, even factions of Freemasonry! Liber 420 is sure to cause a stir within the Masonic community!" —P.D. Newman, 32° Scottish Rites Freemason and author of Alchemically Stoned: The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry (2017)
:The Holy Grail of historical cannabis books. A tremendous scholarly work, ridiculously well-researched and referenced, that entertains and delights, replete with amazing artwork and fresh ideas about the church versus 'the devil’s weed,' cannabis as a religious sacrament, the hashishin, witches, baptism by fire, and my favorite—the elixir of immortality." —Julie Holland, MD, Editor The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis ; Ecstasy : The Complete Guide : A Comprehensive Look at the Risks and Benefits of MDMA
"Bennett explores some interesting themes in his latest book regarding the use of liquid concoctions in certain lost Masonic rites and occult orders." —Dr. David Harrison, author of The Genesis of Freemasonry (2009) and The Lost Rites and Rituals of Freemasonry (2017)
"He has followed the white rabbit through the Picatrix and the Solomonic texts, to the Rosicrucians, to the Masons and the occult lodges of the 19th Century, through alchemy, witchcraft, and much more. Cannabis and other mind-altering substances have been an underground and occluded fact of the Western Mystery Tradition all along." —Aaron Leitch, author of Secrets of the Magickal Grimoires: The Classical Texts of Magick Deciphered (2005)
"The latest book to arrive on my desk this morning is Liber 420 by Chris Bennett. It is an Excellent book—very well researched. Even if you are not interested in cannabis, it is an excellent survey of the development of magic, alchemy, the Templars and Freemasonry from a fresh perspective. 777 pages of well written information with many B/W illustrations never seen before." —Stephen Skinner, Author of Sacred Geometry: Deciphering the Code and Techniques of Solomonic Magic
" Liber 420: Cannabis, Magickal Herbs & the Occult . is literally anything and everything you’d want to know about the occulted use of cannabis in religion, mystery traditions, magickal rituals, alchemy and much more" — Occulture
"With legalization of cannabis a central theme in politics today, the timing could not be better for this information to reach the public. This book should be sold in every dispensary. The abundant proof from a wide variety of sources, and the internal consistency of the patterns revealed, leave little doubt that even the most illustrious among our spiritual ancestors knew not only the usefulness of hemp, and the healing qualities of cannabis, but also the entheogenic properties of THC." —Ronnie Pontiac, Newtopia Magazine
"I highly recommend this grand treatise. Well researched, well written, well illustrated. Given the size of this book, the price is quite reasonable." —David Allen Hulse, author of The Key of it All: The eastern mysteries and The Western Mysteries: An Encyclopedic Guide to the Sacred Languages & Magickal Systems of the World
"Chris Bennett’s impeccably sourced and densely researched text unfolds in humorous, compulsively readable, richly lucid prose allowing the grateful reader to swing like a monkey through the jungle gym of the kabbalah, the Vedic mysteries and the pages of the Picatrix, through a smoky skein of myths and symbols, charting a history at once incredible and true. Liber 420 deserves pride of place in any occult library, essential reading for anyone with an interest in magic and human consciousness, regardless of whether or not they have smoked the Devil’s weed. A cornerstone work." —Richard Stanley, Writer and Director, Color out of Space , Hardware , The Island of Dr Moreau
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Entheogens & Visionary Substances
- Health & Fitness / Herbal Medications
The bonfires were seen as a symbol of the growing strength of the sun and were thought to purify and protect against evil spirits. People would jump over the flames or drive their livestock through them for good luck and protection. Beltane was also a time for courting and love. It was believed that during this time, the veil between the spirit world and the human world was thin, allowing for easier communication with spirits and fairies. Couples would spend the night together in the forest, hoping to conceive a child. It was seen as a sacred act and a way to honor the life-giving forces of nature. Today, Beltane is still celebrated by modern pagans and neopagans around the world. The traditions may vary, but the underlying themes of fertility, abundance, and love remain the same. Many people participate in maypole dancing, bonfire rituals, and other customs associated with this ancient holiday. It is a time to embrace the beauty and power of nature, and to celebrate the cycles of life and the renewal of the earth..
Reviews for "Beltane Herbalism: Exploring the Medicinal and Magical Properties of Plants on this Pagan Holiday"
- Jane - 2 stars - I didn't like "Pagan holiday beltame" at all. I found the story to be confusing and disjointed, with too many characters and subplots that didn't seem to connect. The writing style was also a bit difficult to follow, with long, convoluted sentences. Overall, I just couldn't get into the book and ended up feeling disappointed.
- Mark - 1 star - "Pagan holiday beltame" was a complete waste of my time. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth or development. The plot was predictable and uninteresting, and the writing was uninspired. I kept waiting for something exciting or engaging to happen, but it never did. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I struggled to finish "Pagan holiday beltame." The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself losing interest in the story and characters early on. The book seemed to be more focused on illustrating the author's knowledge of pagan holidays rather than telling an engaging story. I was hoping for a captivating read, but unfortunately, this book fell short for me.