Esoteric Research

[jackofallgeeks]

So, here's the deal -- I have had aspirations of writing a novel-length story for quite some time now. Anyways, I think I've started to come into more of a solid concept, mostly because I've found a world in which to work in (I hesitate to say it's White Wolf's World of Darkness, specifically their Mage: The Ascension game, but it is). Anyways, toward this end, there's a number of things I'd like to learn a little bit more about, so I can apply them in a somewhat reasonable way in my story. If anyone out there could help me, either with internet sources, recommended books, or pieces of personal knowledge, that'd be grand. Specifically what I'm looking to find out more on is:

Kabbalah

Chaos Theory

Astrology

Colonial-era 'Witchcraft'

Celtic Mythology

Egyptian Religious Beliefs

And any odd bit of esoteric knowledge wouldn't be unappreciated. Thanks in advance.

Comments

[ofthelily.livejournal.com]

well..... for my little bit of input.

in the colonial withcraft bits, I'm not sure if you are talking about the Salem trials or not, but mostly it was all based around hysterical fears. There weren't really witches in the woods eating babies. In salem there was a woman from barbados?? (i think) who taught the girls a little voodoo, but that was the closest thing to "magic" i think. People just believed that men and women sold their souls to their devil for supernatural powers (like flying or being able to curse your neighbors cow) and that they would go out into the woods to summon the devil and have big dance/orgies with him. stuff like that.

As for the celtic mythology, there's lots O_o I have several books on the subject here at home which i could lend you if you came to visit *hint hint* but basically I can send you some info if you give me a generic what you want.

And with the Egyptian stuff, I have read some on their religion cause I took a class on Classical History that started with Egypt. Basically if you pick up any generic history of Egypt it will give you a base overview of thier spiritual beliefs.

hope this helps a bit *^^* Now write a novel so I have something clever to read!

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

-laughs- Well, in reply to your bit on Colonial witches, yes, I'm sure it was all due to fear that we had such things as the Salem Witch Trials -- some lady didn't fit in or whatever, things happened, and people wanted someone to blame. The reason that I said 'colonial-era witches' is because 'witch' seems to have become quite vague, and gets mixed in with wicca and the like, which isn't really what I intended -- though anything of interest here would be, well, of interest. Another random off-shoot, half-way between this and the next, would be anything on Celtic witches or druidism.

I would love you for days if you'd let me borrow sources on Celtic Myth! I've been interested in it for quite some while, but I haven't ever found anything much on it! I'll try and see if there's sometime I could come visit (you know I want to!), but worst-case, maybe I can get them from you at Katsu?

I know basics on Egyptian Religion, such as the name of a few gods, basically what the gods did, and the whole reincarnation bit, but I'm curious to see more than what my 6th grade Social Studies class taught me.  ^_^;;  Any ideas where I can find that sort?

Yes'm, it helps!  ^_^  And when I start getting to some writing (maybe sooner, maybe later) you'll be one of the first to get your paws on it. -nod nod- Now, as far as Novels go, when do I get to see YOURS?

[starlight1184.livejournal.com]

IF it is the Salem witch trials, and the like, that you are specifically interested in, the play "The Crucible" can give you a good feel for the era and the environment. It wouldn't be factual research, because Miller made up the entire story based on fact, (and based as well on the McCarthy hearings... History it seems, really does repeat itself)... but it gives a totally accurate feel for the time period and what was going on.

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

Now there's something I sould look into, just on principle... Of course, I'm not interested in fact, really, but more the mysticism and superstition behind and around the facts. After all, I'm looking to write a book of fiction. And I can definitely see the connection between he Witch Trials and the McCarthy Hearings -- funny how people never change, eh?

[ambereternal.livejournal.com]

I have a book around my house somewhere that's all about celtic mythology. If I can find it, I'll bring it back to school for you.

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

That would be muchly appreciated!

[otakulk.livejournal.com]

uuhhh I don't know much about any of those, except that Jurrasic Park had some mind bending chaos thoery parts, you should read it if you havn't.

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

No, I haven't, but if that's the case, I may look into it. Did you read it? How was it as a book in general?

[otakulk.livejournal.com]

I read it a while back, and it was either the first or second one with the really good chaos theory stuff. The first book was reallyu good, second good, but not all that.