Does the word symbol make you shudder? Words are powerful magic, imbued with nuance, subtext, connotation, and emotions that reside deep within our collective consciousness. Words and symbols impart meanings readers respond to on a visceral level, that extend beyond the literal meaning. Discover all the ways that iconic symbols can provide thematic, foreshadowing, contextual, plot, and characterization beyond the superficial. This is a quick guide, a springboard meant for you to leap high and dive into powerful symbolic word choices. Symbols and their layered meanings act as a diving board into a deep pool of emotional, psychological, spiritual, cultural, and intellectual dynamics that you decide how to mold and manipulate. It’s just one more tool for your writing toolbox.

"The main thrust of this book is to deliver a major critique of materialist and rationalist explanations of social and cultural forms, but the in the process Sahlins has given us a much stronger statement of the centrality of symbols in human affairs than have many of our 'practicing' symbolic anthropologists. He demonstrates that symbols enter all phases of social life: those which we tend to regard as strictly pragmatic, or based on concerns with material need or advantage, as well as those which we tend to view as purely symbolic, such as ideology, ritual, myth, moral codes, and the like. . . ."—Robert McKinley, Reviews in Anthropology

In this delightfully witty, provocative book, literature professor and psychoanalyst Pierre Bayard argues that not having read a book need not be an impediment to having an interesting conversation about it. (In fact, he says, in certain situations reading the book is the worst thing you could do.) Using examples from such writers as Graham Greene, Oscar Wilde, Montaigne, and Umberto Eco, he describes the varieties of "non-reading"-from books that you've never heard of to books that you've read and forgotten-and offers advice on how to turn a sticky social situation into an occasion for creative brilliance. Practical, funny, and thought-provoking, How to Talk About Books You Haven't Read-which became a favorite of readers everywhere in the hardcover edition-is in the end a love letter to books, offering a whole new perspective on how we read and absorb them.

Discusses the elements of a sign, and looks at pictograms, alphabets, calligraphy, monograms, text type, numerical signs, symbols, and trademarks.

Spellbound Secrets: Unveiling The Mysteries Of Wiccan Magic is a comprehensive guide that introduces readers to the fascinating world of Wiccan magic. The book explores the history, principles, and tools of Wicca, providing a solid foundation for practitioners. From casting spells and performing rituals to divination and fortune-telling, the author delves into various aspects of magickal practice. Readers will learn about the power of a coven and the rituals associated with different life events such as handfasting, Wiccaning, and rites of passage. Additionally, the book delves into the importance of ethical practices and personal responsibilities for witches. From connecting with deities and spirits to harnessing lunar energies and transformative magick, Spellbound Secrets covers a wide range of topics, including creating sacred spaces and working with mythical creatures. The book also explores the magick of love and maintaining balance in relationships. With its accessible writing style and in-depth exploration of Wiccan magic, Spellbound Secrets is a must-read for anyone interested in the practice of Wicca or seeking to expand their knowledge of magickal arts.

More than any other book of the last fifty years (and perhaps ever), the Harry Potter novels have captured the imagination of children and adults around the world. Yet no one has ever been able to unlock the secret of Harry's wild popularity . . . until now. Updated and expanded since its original publication as Looking for God in Harry Potter (and now containing final conclusions based on the entire series), How Harry Cast His Spell explains why the books meet our longing to experience the truths of life, love, and death; help us better understand life and our role in the universe; and encourage us to discover and develop our own gifts and abilities.

Piers Anthony’s bestselling Xanth series is one of the cornerstones of fantasy, a lively and whimsical interpretation of a genre often criticized for taking itself too seriously. Anthony’s first Xanth novel, A Spell for Chameleon, was initially edited to target a more traditional audience. Now, in an eBook exclusive, A Spell for Chameleon has been reworked line by line—its language matching the simpler, playful way with words that made Piers Anthony an enduring fan favorite. Xanth is an enchanted land where magic rules, a land of centaurs and dragons and basilisks where every citizen has a unique spell to call their own. For Bink of North Village, however, Xanth is no fairy tale. He alone has no magic. And unless he gets some—and fast!—he will be exiled. Forever. But the Good Magician Humfrey is convinced that Bink does indeed have magic. In fact, both Beauregard the genie and the magic wall chart insist that Bink has magic as powerful as any possessed by the King, the Good Magician Humfrey, or even the Evil Magician Trent. Be that as it may, no one can fathom the nature of Bink’s very special magic. This is even worse than having no magic at all . . . and he still faces exile!