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The Pagan Book of the Dead
Ancestral Visions of the Afterlife and Other Worlds
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The Pagan Book of the Dead
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
An extensive look at the cartography and folklore of the afterlife worlds as seen by our ancestors
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
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Description
An extensive look at the cartography and folklore of the afterlife worlds as seen by our ancestors.
The Pagan Book of the Dead examines how ancient European cultures viewed the beyond, including the Blessed Isles of early Greek and Celtic faith, the Hebrew Sheol, the Hades from Homer’s Odyssey, Hel and Valhalla of the Norse, and the Aralu of Babylon. It shows how medieval accounts of journeys into the Other World represent the first recorded near-death experiences.
Connecting medieval afterlife beliefs and NDE narratives with shamanism, the book looks in particular at psychopomps, power animals, the double, the fetch, and what people bring back from their journeys to the spirit realms.
Charting the evolution of afterlife beliefs in both pagan and medieval Christian times, Claude Lecouteux provides an extensive look at the cartography and folklore of the afterlife worlds as seen by our ancestors. He explores the locations and topographies of various forms taken by Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. The exploration extends to beliefs in Other Worlds, lands different from our own that are not truly the afterlife but places where time flows differently and which are inhabited by fantastic or supernatural beings such as fairies or dwarfs.
Lecouteux shares medieval tales of journeys into the beyond, illustrating how these accounts represent the first recorded near-death experiences (NDEs) and comparing them with modern NDE narratives. He also examines the work of NDE researchers like Raymond Moody.
Additionally, the book explores tales of out-of-body experiences, dream journeys, and travels made by a double or fetch, connecting these narratives with shamanism. The author particularly looks into psychopomps, power animals, and the significant insights people acquire during their journeys to the spirit realms.
In analyzing the afterlife beliefs of the Middle Ages, Lecouteux concludes with a collection of medieval afterlife-related traditions, such as placing polished stones in the coffin so the departed soul can find its way back to friends and family during times of the year when the veil between the worlds grows thin.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Pagan Book of the Dead expertly explores the afterlife's cartography and folklore as perceived by ancient European cultures. It delves into narratives from both historical and present-day perspectives, examining near-death experiences and offering a comprehensive exploration of death-related myths. Highly recommended for those curious about pagan traditions and the enigmatic journey beyond life, the book caters to both novices and seasoned spiritual seekers.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781644110478
Publisher: Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 15 October 2020
Country: United States
Imprint: Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Illustration: 23 b&w illustrations
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 20.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 229.0mm
Weight: 542g
Pages: 320
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About the Author
Claude Lecouteux (1943–2025) was a professor emeritus of medieval literature and civilization at the Sorbonne and author of numerous books on medieval and pagan afterlife beliefs and magic, including The Book of Grimoires, Dictionary of Ancient Magic Words and Spells, and The Tradition of Household Spirits.
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