About Gary Varner - The author is a solitary Wiccan and has contributed to such Pagan magazines as New Moon Rising and the international publication, Circle Magazine. He is currently a staff writer for Pagan Sanctuary Network Newsletter. Trained in anthropology and archaeology, his main interests lie in educating the public in the historical and factual basis of Paganism and how Goddess worship is again finding its place in the world.

$20 - Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning, and Mythology of Holy Wells & Waters by Gary R. Varner - This book is a welcome addition to the scant literature concerning holy wells, springs, and rivers around the world. One of a few serious works outside of regional studies which discusses, in depth, the folklore, mythology, and archaeology of holy wells and springs, as well as rituals that still exist today at many of the sacred water sites around the world. Sacred Wells is a fascinating look at the continuation of ancient pagan traditions into modern culture. Many of these sacred wells, from California to Cornwall and from Estonia to Australia, are still frequented for their miraculous healing powers. Mysterious beasts, ghosts, fairies, and gods are still believed to reside in and near these holy areas. This study examines the universal appeal of these sites and provides an excellent reference for anyone interested in folklore, history, and the development of religion. (Paperback - Jul 22, 2002)

$30 - The Mythic Forest, the Green Man And the Spirit of Nature: The Re-emergence of the Spirit of Nature from Ancient Times into Modern Society by Gary R. Varner - (Hardcover - May 30, 2006)

$20 - Water of Life-Water of Death: The Folklore and Mythology of Sacred Waters by Gary R. Varner - Water of Life-Water of Death is an exploration of the folklore and mythology of sacred water found throughout the world. A companion volume to Sacred Wells, Water of Life-Water of Death continues the quest for the underlying sacredness associated with water and the universal themes found in folklore and religious traditions from around the world. Blending personal exploration with archaeology, folklore, and ancient traditions, Water of Life-Water of Death takes the reader on a fascinating trip to surreal lakes, hot springs, and rivers in search of the spirit helpers, demons, faeries, mysterious Black Dogs, Women in White, Water Babies and the gods and goddesses that are part of this story. Water of Life-Water of Death connects common themes found in water lore to sites in Europe, Africa, the United States, Polynesia, and elsewhere. Gary R. Varner provides a glimpse into the world of spiritual development and the continuing rituals and traditions associated with life-giving waters and how these traditions continue to create a need for sacred space. (Paperback - Nov 1, 2004)

$16 - Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death: Ancient Symbolism in European and American Architecture by Gary R. Varner - In his seventh book on folklore and symbolism, Gary R. Varner provides a look at strange and grotesque images we see everyday on our churches, banks and in our cemeteries. Images with origins far older than the structures they adorn. What are the meanings behind these grotesque creatures, why are carvings of griffins and dragons, unicorns and Green Men found throughout the world on churches and cathedrals, government buildings and even apartment buildings? Illustrated with over 50 original photographs, Varner explores the meanings of the carvings found on both old and contemporary buildings, from France and Great Britain to New York and California. In addition, Varner explores strange images that are commonly seen in our cemeteries, engraved on grave-markers and tombs. This is a book for anyone interested in symbolism and folklore, architectural history and the development of religion. Gary R. Varner is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies. (Paperback - Dec 8, 2006)

$30 - Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings around the World, A Study in Comparative Mythology (HC) by Gary R. Varner - Bringing together a medley of stories, myths, and folklore Gary Varner shares a fascination and respect for humankind's early and contemporary cultures and wonders at similarities across the board. Here, he focuses on "Little People" and giants, animals and were-creatures, and the odd, helpful or threatening ways imputed to our earthly companions including dogs and cats, bats and spiders, and the stories people have told each other about them since time immemorial. Gary Varner has performed a valuable service in these books. [Presenting] lore from about the world, a collector's hoard of traditions rich and strange, ... Varner shows there really are obvious and puzzling similarities between widely separated cultures. Gary Varner has pointed the way to some important cross-cultural readings in the ageless themes of stone and water. - Jeremy Harte, Curator of the Bourne Hall Museum, Surrey, England, in Northern Earth magazine, #103, 2005 Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone is an excellent guide to large-scale magical stones and stone magic. This book is a must for anyone interested in megalithic sites. Most highly recommended. -PanGaia Magazine, United States As with other books by the same author, this is a book based upon broad research into the subject, stretching across the world. What results is a fascinating weave of stories and images, descriptions of sites and associated tales, that leaves a sense of a thousand deities whispering in the air. Because it is so broad a sweep, the positive outcome is an overreaching perspective of the patterns and commonalities held between human communities - our ancestors - all around the world. The book is a sound overview and provocation to research more deeply ourselves, to find alternative visions, tales and interpretations, to find out more about the sacred currents, their depths and importance - both to our ancestors and to ourselves. The author's notations are comprehensive, allowing us easily to follow the clues. A valuable piece of work. -The Druid Network, England * Gary R. Varner is a lecturer and writer on folklore and early religions. He is author of several popular books comparing legends and beliefs around the world, including The Mythic Forest, the Green Man & the Spirit of Nature (Algora 2006); Menhirs, Dolmen and Circles of Stone: The Folklore and Magic of Sacred Stone (Algora 2005); and Sacred Wells: A Study in the History, Meaning, and Mythology of Holy Wells. His approach incorporates details from ancient cultures and from Native American, UK and European, Asian, South Pacific and African folklore. Varner is a member of the American Folklore Society. (Hardcover - April 1, 2007)

$13 - Essays in Contemporary Paganism by Gary R. Varner - While many books have been written on Pagan topics, this is one of the few to bring contemporary issues to light. Pagan politics, new interpretations of lore and mythology, as well as an insightful look at various Gods and Goddesses, are combined to provide a timely, provocative, and important look at contemporary issues for Pagans and others interested in the development of religion and society. (Paperback - April 2002)

$22 - Menhirs, Dolmen, And Circles Of Stone: The Folklore And Magic Of Sacred Stone by Gary R. Varner - (Paperback - Aug 2004)

$16 - The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil by Gary R. Varner - The Dark Wind provides a survey of witches around the world, their prehistoric origin and how society has viewed them throughout history. Folklorist Gary R. Varner explores the use of magic, spells and curses among indigenous groups as well as state approved religions such as those observed in ancient Rome and Greece, and how even contemporary Christianity uses many of the same "magic" combinations. Also examined is the current "witch craze" in several countries where thousands are being killed as witches, the underlying reasons for this tragedy and the history of anti-witchcraft laws. The Dark Wind is a book for everyone interested in anthropology, archaeology, ancient history, religion and the occult. Illustrated with contemporary woodcuts and drawings. The author is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies. (Paperback - Feb 6, 2007)

Real classics and easy on the wallet! (more coming...)