A multi-faceted portrait of Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Includes translations of verses used to invoke this goddess.

This collection of accessible essays relates the stories of individual goddesses from around the world, exploring their roles in the cultures from which they came, their histories and status today, and the controversies surrounding them. Goddesses in World Culture brings readers the fascinating stories of close to 100 of the world's goddesses, ranging from the immediately recognizable to the obscure. These figures, many of whom derive from ancient cultures and civilizations, serve as points of departure for examining questions that go well beyond the role of women in religion and spirituality to include social organization, environmental awareness, historical developments, and psychological archetypes. Each volume of this groundbreaking set is composed of 20–25 previously unpublished articles written by expert contributors from diverse disciplines. Volume one covers Asia and Africa, volume two covers the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, and volume three covers Australia and the Americas. Goddesses from cultures often overlooked in texts on religion, such as those of the Australian Aborigines, Korea, Nepal, and the Caribbean, are included here. In addition, the work offers new translations of ancient texts, introduces little-known folklore, and suggests new approaches to contemporary religious practices.

Treasures of Lakshmi is the culmination of the much-loved goddess series, brilliantly curated and edited by Namita Gokhale and Malashri Lal. This trilogy, which began with In Search of Sita and continued with Finding Radha, examines the mystical realms of Hindu thought and practice, celebrating the essence of the sacred feminine. Whether it is Lakshmi's 108 names or a sahasranama of a thousand appellations, her blessings are multidimensional and eternal. as the third and final instalment of this remarkable trilogy, Treasures of Lakshmi takes readers on a unique journey of exploration, unravelling the compelling narrative of 'the goddess who gives'.

Discover the Guiding Goddesses in Your Birth Chart and Ignite Your Authenticity, Passion, and Purpose Did you know that astrology and magick are woven from the same threads? The more you learn about one, the more you'll intuitively understand about the other. This inspiring, hands-on guide shows you how to connect with the twelve faces of the Goddess through astrology, story, ritual, and pathworking. Explore cross-cultural myths associated with each goddess, delve into astrology from a groundbreaking feminine perspective, and discover the personality, archetype, and correspondences of each zodiac sign to unlock a deeper understanding of yourself as the heroine of your story. Work with the specific guiding goddesses in your birth chart, learn how astrology is connected to the seasonal turning points on the Wheel of the Year, and much more. The Twelve Faces of the Goddess is a reminder that connecting with the sacred feminine is an empowering and radical act that can guide you on your journey. Praise: "Join [Danielle Blackwood] at that moonlit crossroads where magick and the sacred feminine intersect with astrology...Let The Twelve Faces of the Goddess be a lantern for you."—Steven Forrest, author of The Inner Sky "This beautiful perspective on the stars and our relationship to them is uplifting and inspiring, enlightening and intriguing."—Spirituality Today, 5-star review "An inspiring exploration of the archetypal interconnections between astrology, ritual, and the divine feminine."—Kris Waldherr, bestselling author of The Book of Goddesses and creator of The Goddess Tarot "Danielle has beautifully woven a book that everyone can use to enhance their journey into the feminine and the mysteries on many levels. Though it is about the goddesses and the feminine found in the archetypes of astrology, mythology, ritual and the magical, it is not a book for women only. It is a book for all on the seeking path—to the realms of their own inner space; all the types are familiar to us, but now we have the language."—Erin Sullivan, author, astrologer, and teacher "A refreshing look at astrology from the perspective of the divine feminine. The topic of astrology is often intimidating to learn, but Blackwood presents information about the signs and how to use the magick and power of the goddesses connected to them in an easy-to-understand and relatable way...this is a must-read."—Stephanie Woodfield, author of Dark Goddess Craft "This beautifully written book is a thoroughly uplifting, as well as informative, read and now has a place at the top of my list of favorite astrology books."—Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, author of The Planetary Myths and Take Control with Astrology "Looking for a book that seamlessly weaves Goddess spirituality, archetypal psychology, and astrology together into a tapestry of love, magic, and (surprise!) real-world wisdom? The Twelve Faces of the Goddess by Danielle Blackwood is the book you are looking for."—Anne Newkirk Niven, editor of SageWoman

In the pantheon of Hindu deities, few hold as significant a place as the divine and revered Goddess Lakshmi. Known as the embodiment of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, she is celebrated and worshipped by millions around the world. Through her presence, devotees seek blessings for material and spiritual prosperity, and her grace is believed to bring forth blessings, fortune, and auspiciousness. This book, "Manifestations of Lakshmi: Exploring the Eight Forms of the Goddess of Wealth," delves into the profound significance of the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi as described in ancient Hindu scriptures and mythological narratives. These eight forms, known as Ashtalakshmi, represent different aspects of wealth and prosperity, each carrying its unique symbolism and blessings. Throughout the pages of this book, we embark on a journey to understand the essence of each form of Lakshmi and the wisdom they impart. From Adi Lakshmi, the primal source of all abundance, to Dhanya Lakshmi, the bestower of bountiful harvests, each form offers profound insights into the multifaceted nature of wealth and its role in our lives. The exploration of these forms takes us beyond the material realm, revealing the spiritual significance and transformative power they hold. As we delve into the stories, rituals, and teachings associated with each form, we gain a deeper understanding of the Goddess's presence in various aspects of human existence. From the importance of generosity and compassion to the significance of knowledge and education, these forms of Lakshmi guide us towards a holistic understanding of prosperity and its true meaning. While rooted in ancient wisdom, this book aims to make these profound teachings accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Whether you are a devout follower of Hinduism or simply intrigued by the wisdom and symbolism of the divine, the intention is to provide a comprehensive exploration of the eight forms of Lakshmi, allowing you to connect with the Goddess's grace and embody her qualities in your own life. May this journey into the manifestations of Lakshmi awaken your spirit, illuminate your path, and inspire you to cultivate abundance and prosperity in all aspects of your existence. May the Goddess's blessings shower upon you, bringing forth wealth, wisdom, and spiritual fulfillment. Om Shri Mahalakshmi Namah.

While globalization is often credited with the eradication of 'traditional' constraints tied to gender and caste, in reality the opening up of the Indian economy in the 1990s has led to a decline in freedom for many female, Dalit, and lower class Indians. This book explores the contraction of what it means to be free in post-liberalization India, examining how global capitalism has exacerbated existing inequalities based on traditional femininities and masculinities, while also creating new hierarchies. Freedom Inc. argues that post-1990s literature and culture frequently represents and reinforces the equation of free-market capitalism with individual freedom within the new 'idea of India.' However, many texts often also challenge this logic by pointing to more expansive horizons of autonomy for the gendered self. Through readings of texts as diverse as Dalit women's life-writing, pop fiction, realist novels, self-help, regional film, and Netflix TV shows, Mangharam investigates how notions like 'free trade,' 'entrepreneurship,' and 'self-help' are experienced, embodied, and challenged by disadvantaged peoples, and by women differently than men. In the process, Freedom Inc. explores how different literary forms illuminate alternative and buried pathways to fuller freedoms.

“If there’s only one sadhana you could do to invoke the Goddess of opulence, it would be the one of Sri Suktam,” says the bestselling author Om Swami. Emerging from the sixteen sacred verses of the Rig Veda, Sri Suktam is one of the most ancient and powerful hymns in the world. Tracing our Vedic roots, this spectacular book is replete with the mystical origins of Vedic lores and other untold stories behind each verse of Sri Suktam. Written in the masterful, inimitable style of Om Swami, he continues to reveal the secrets of sadhana. Prepare to be captivated by The Legend of the Goddess, an illuminating journey through the sublime verses of Sri Suktam, offering a historical perspective and a grand roadmap for personal and material success. “This is my most devotional and important work thus far,” says Om Swami. “Sadhana has blessed me with unlimited abundance. I pray the same for you.” hiraṇya-varṇāṃ hariṇīṃ suvarṇa-rajata-srajām | candrāṃ hiraṇ-mayīṃ lakṣmīṃ jātavedo ma āvaha || Immanent in all beings, I hum like the female bumble bee. As kundalini, I unfold myself with the brilliance of thousands of risen suns, fires and moons. On entering the last stage of (mantra) sound, I become the mother of all sounds, showering objects of enjoyment in the same way as a cow showers milk. Having praised me, addressing me as Hiranyavarna, the very wise Prajapati obtained my grace and became the narrator of the yoga religion. Like a doe I flee farther and farther from the mind of the yogin. Yogins observing their vows bind me through their own devotion.

How do you live a life of spiritual awakening as well as outer abundance, inner freedom as well as deep intimacy? How do you serve the world selflessly, yet passionately celebrate your life? The sages of Tantra have known for centuries that when you follow the path of Shakti—the sacred feminine principle personified by the goddesses of yoga—these gifts can manifest spontaneously. Yet most of us, women as well as men, have yet to experience the full potential of our inner feminine energies. When you know these powers for what they are, they heighten your capacity to open spiritually, love more deeply and fearlessly, create with greater mastery, and move through the world with skill and delight. In Awakening Shakti, you will learn how to recognize and invite: Kali, bringer of strength, fierce love, and untamed freedomLakshmi, who confers prosperity and beautySaraswati, for clarity of communication and intuitionRadha, who carries the divine energy of spiritual longingBhuvaneshvari, who creates the space for sacred transformationParvati, to awaken creativity and the capacity to love With a wealth of meditations, visualizations, mantras, teachings, and beautifully told stories, Awakening Shakti provides a practical guide for activating the currents of the divine feminine in every aspect of your life. “Sally Kempton's new book is a treasure that brings myth, meditation, and everyday revelation together in a way that will allow every woman to embody the divine feminine in her life. Sally enlivens the full spectrum of the goddess—from independent protector, to lover, to dynamic and powerful creatrix. I highly recommend this soon-to-be classic!” —Shiva Rea, yogini “Sally Kempton has given us a mythic manual for a new kind of feminism—a feminism of the soul. And this is a good thing, because humanity needs feminine power now as both a healing tonic and a source of reinvention.” —Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder of the Omega Institute, author of Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow

“Singing is as human as breathing, and this book tells us why.” —Mark Guarino, contributing music writer, The Guardian Celebrated yogi-musician Girish opens new possibilities for transforming your life through song, combining the ancient art of singing mantra with twenty-first century neuroscience research. For as long as he can remember, Girish has created rhythm to accompany life. His first experience of music as sacred art came in college, playing with jazz bands. “During improvisational sessions,” he recalls, “there were these unexplainable moments of synchronicity and intuition that felt like magic.” This led Girish to an unexpected journey—a seeming detour to live as a monk in an ashram for five years that inadvertently nourished his musical artistry. Here, he studied Sanskrit as a means to understand the deeper meanings of ancient chants, which sparked a life-changing event that led him back to music—and to combine music with Sanskrit chants. Now he shares what he’s learned to help people of all ages, backgrounds, and traditions to transform body, brain, and life through mantra and music. With Music and Mantras, Girish has created an interactive toolkit—including more than ninety minutes of companion audio material—for personal transformation through singing, sharing his own experience as a musician, yogi, and former Hindu monk. Weaving simple, elegant mantras from ancient traditions with neuroscience, Girish shows us how to achieve greater peace of mind, clarity, calm, focus, and even improved health and wealth through the yogic art of chanting—an ideal practice for singing our way to happiness, health, and prosperity.

The path of yoga reveals that the potential for an extraordinary, fulfilling life is contained within each one of us. By uniting all the parts of your being, you will experience the life you were meant to liveone of deep connection and supreme fulfillment. This is the essential teaching of Purusartha, the ancient Vedic science of human endeavor. It states that not only is it possible to enjoy a harmonious integration of worldly success, consciousness, and sensuality, but it is your dharma, your destiny, and your birthright as a human being. Take the journey within and discover the following: How to harmonize worldly success and consciousness with joy and purpose The keys to attracting unlimited wealth in all areas of your life Practical steps of how to create wealth consciously How to become more congruent and align with your wealth dharma The process of conscious wealth creation will not only benefit yourself, but also the environment, your family, your community, and generations to come.