Islamic conceptions of heaven and hell began in the seventh century as an early doctrinal innovation, but by the twelfth century, these notions had evolved into a highly formalized ideal of perfection. In tracking this transformation, Nerina Rustomji reveals the distinct material culture and aesthetic vocabulary Muslims developed to understand heaven and hell and identifies the communities and strategies of defense that took shape around the promise of a future world. Ideas of the afterworld profoundly influenced daily behaviors in Islamic society and gave rise to a code of ethics that encouraged abstinence from sumptuous objects, such as silver vessels and silk, so they could be appreciated later in heaven. Rustomji conducts a meticulous study of texts and images and carefully connects the landscape and social dynamics of the afterworld with earthly models and expectations. Male servants and female companions become otherworldly objects in the afterlife, and stories of rewards and punishment helped preachers promote religious reform. By employing material culture as a method of historical inquiry, Rustomji points to the reflections, discussions, and constructions that actively influenced Muslims' picture of the afterworld, culminating in a distinct religious aesthetic.

The Magical Garden is a curious little book of magic, charms, spells, and bits of traditional and historical lore from and for magical gardens and the curious gardeners who tend to them. What gardener would not want to know the flower they were born under, the traditional magical meanings of bells and chimes, or the healing power of geraniums' Many of these nuggets of wisdom and magic have been handed down from Sophia's grandparents, who extensively used herbs and such in their psychic work. Avid gardener and ancient historian Denny Sargent collected much of the information included here from a wide variety of traditional sources. Roman, Celt, Norse, and Japanese gardeners all believed in garden magic, and some of their most fascinating traditions, spells, and charms are contained in this wonderful little book. In addition to the garden, magical plants, birds, insects, the yard, and the weather are also addressed. Other interesting lore includes: *Garden sprites, fairies, and elves *Ancient and magical ways for empowering the garden by planting certain plants in special places *Traditions for celebrating festivals in the garden, ways of using garden plants for protection, and techniques for invoking positive energy with treesHelpful spells include: *Spells to bless a new bed or garden*Charm to bring prosperity to a carefully planted garden*Spell to create natural amulets and talismans from common garden plants*Garden blessings to gain true love

For more than 30 years, best-selling author and popular herbalist Rosemary Gladstar has been touting the health benefits of fire cider — a spicy blend of apple cider vinegar, onion, ginger, horseradish, garlic, and other immune-boosting herbs. Her original recipe, inspired by traditional cider vinegar remedies, has given rise to dozens of fire cider formulations created by fans of the tonic who use it to address everyday ills, from colds and flu to leg cramps and hangovers. Fire Cider! is a lively collection of 101 recipes contributed by more than 70 herbal enthusiasts, with energizing versions ranging from Black Currant Fire Cider to Triple Goddess Vinegar, Fire Cider Dark Moonshine, and Bloody Mary Fire Cider. Colorful asides, including tribute songs and amusing anecdotes, capture Gladstar’s passionate desire to pass along the fire cider tradition. This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA.

Stephen Pyne has been described as having a consciousness "composed of equal parts historian, ecologist, philosopher, critic, poet, and sociologist." At this time in history when many people are trying to understand their true relationship with the natural environment, this book offers a remarkable contribution--breathtaking in the scope of its research and exhilarating to read. Pyne takes the reader on a journey through time, exploring the terrain of Europe and the uses and abuses of its lands as well as, through migration and conquest, many parts of the rest of the world. Whether he is discussing the Mediterranean region, Russia, Scandinavia, the British Isles, central Europe, or colonized islands; whether he is considering the impact of agriculture, forestry, or Enlightenment thinking, the author brings an unmatched insight to his subject. Vestal Fire takes its title from Vesta, Roman goddess of the hearth and keeper of the sacred fire on Mount Olympus. But the book's title also suggests the strengths and limitations of Europe's peculiar conception of fire, and through fire, of its relationship to nature. Between the untamed fire of the wilderness and the tended fire of the hearth lies a never-ending dialectic in which human beings struggle to control natural forces and processes that in fact can sometimes be directed but never wholly dominated or contained.

Corbett, technical editor of "Fire Engineering" magazine, has assembled more than 40 accomplished fire service professionals to compile one of the most authoritative, comprehensive, and up-to-date basics book for Firefighter I and II classes.