Liz Williams – författare

A beautifully presented directory of occult history and artefacts and an essential guide for anyone interested in the occult. Explore the mysterious and fascinating world of the occult from ancient Egypt to London’s Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in the 19th century with this visual cabinet of curiosities. Compendium of the Occult is divided into seven main sections: Ancient Origins, Divination, Ritual and Rites, Charms and Talismans, Curses and Hexes, Secret Societies and Sites of Significance. Each is packed with original manuscripts, sacred symbols and ritual objects to explore. Expert commentary on eclectic topics, ranging from Ancient Egyptian curses to the history of demonology, is further illuminated by excerpts from historical texts and a wide range of beautiful archive imagery. Unearth the meaning of the word 'occult' and the differences between occultism and magic; discover arcane rituals and the belief systems behind them; and unlock the mysteries of ancient customs, sacred sites and secret societies.

A richly illustrated reference guide to esoteric traditions throughout the year. Discover the events that shape the mystical year with The Occult Almanac, a richly illustrated reference guide to esoteric traditions, celestial cycles and secret histories. Organized month by month, it provides insight into occult festivals, astrological movements, sacred rituals and arcane knowledge. Specially commissioned woodcut-style illustrations add texture and atmosphere to every page, enhancing the book’s distinctive character. Blending authoritative reference with striking design, The Occult Almanac will appeal to practitioners of modern witchcraft and astrology, lovers of mysticism and folklore, and anyone drawn to the mysteries that unfold across the year.

Handfasting is quickly becoming a widely practiced tradition, not only for pagans, but for people from all walks of life. This book is a thorough resource that shares ritual scripts, sample vows, and all the information you need to plan your own ceremony or serve as a celebrant for others. In Modern Handfasting, you will discover the history, practicalities, legal considerations, logistics, and magic of the big day. Author Liz Williams a priestess and long-time celebrant guides you through opening the ceremony, creating a circle, consecration, calling the quarters, vows, tying the knot, and closing the ceremony. You will also discover tips and stories from other celebrants as well as practical information for finding a celebrant, early planning, troubleshooting, working with ceremonial tools, and choosing colours, dates, and other details with magical correspondences.

In the far-distant future Vali Hallsdottir, assassin of an organisation known as the Skald, is sent on a mission to the world of Nhem. Her assignment is to eliminate the destructive patriarchal regime of the Hierolath. But shortly after her arrival, Vali finds herself betrayed by her mission partner, who is not the man he seems. Frey, once Vali’s lover, has undergone a genetic transformation to disguise himself and has his own agenda for travelling to Nhem. After Vali’s escape from the clutches of the Hierolath’s militia she goes in search of Frey in order to discover the reasons for his betrayal. Her journey takes Vali to Darkland, where sinister forces known as the vitki wreak havoc…Praise for Liz Williams and her novel BANNER OF SOULS:‘A vivid adventure . . . that lingers long after the last page is turned’ K. J. Bishop‘A gothic feast for the imagination that places Liz Williams in the first rank of visionary science fiction writers’ Charles Stross‘Liz Williams is this generation's answer to Margaret Atwood and Sheri Tepper' Chris Moriarty

A bold and provocative novel of the future. Millions of years ago, alien beings seeded Earth with their genetic strands to create a new outpost of intelligent life. Now their descendants have returned to Earth's skies, drawn by their detection of a Receiver, a human with the genetic ability to tap into alien communications. It is the signal that Earth is ready to be absorbed into a vast galactic empire.Jaya Nihalani has been a prophet, a crusader, and terrorist fighting for the rights of her own despised Untouchable caste. Now she lies in an Indian hospital, dying of a hideous disease. Her head is filled with voices and visions; her body is aging rapidly, inexplicably. But the voices and visions are no disease. Jaya is the Receiver whom the aliens intend to heal, enlighten . . . and use. Soon the subcontinent erupts in riots and chaos as powerful forces attempt to co-opt the enigmatic alien emissaries, and a shocked world await sits fate. Jaya must somehow discover the plans of her perfect and powerful 'friends'. Have they come to end human suffering, or to make it worse? Should she help them -- or lead the impossible fight against them?'Crafted and polished science fiction, with an involving cast of characters - easily strong enough never to be upstaged by the astonishing an ingenious plot, sets and technology' Tanith Lee

Drawing on her extensive practical experience, Liz Williams provides a highly accessible and much-needed guide to promoting positive behaviour in early years settings. In this book, she explains why children may act in the way that they do and how behaviour should be understood differently in children of different ages. She demonstrates that social and emotional capacities differ greatly in these crucial development years and how this impacts on the support needed at each stage. The book considers a host of factors influencing positive behaviour, such as environments and the importance of planning, and looks beyond the child to show the vital role that staff and parents have in promoting appropriate behaviour. Written in clear and understandable language, this book is full of ideas that early years workers can easily implement in their day-to-day work.

This highly accessible and much-needed resource sets out practical advice on positive behaviour management in primary schools, exploring how to support children effectively with their personal, social and emotional development.With an emphasis on implementable strategies, this book will give primary school teachers and staff an understanding as to why children may behave as they do, and what steps can be taken by the school to support a child's development. Considering a variety of factors that influence positive behaviour, such as environment, mental health, parents, and the importance of planning, this book is full of ideas that can be dipped in and out of for support in the classroom. Bite-sized and practical, this is a perfect book for busy teachers.

Now available in B-format paperback, Miracles of Our Own Making is a historical overview of magic in the British Isles, from the ancient peoples of Britain to the rich and cosmopolitan landscape of contemporary paganism. We explore the beliefs of the Druids, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, the alchemy of the Elizabethan Court and the witch trials. We encounter grimoires, ceremonial magic and the Romantic revival of arcane deities. The influential and well known – the Golden Dawn, Wicca and figures such as Aleister Crowley – are considered alongside the everyday ‘cunning folk’ who formed the magical fabric of previous centuries. Ranging widely across literature, art, science and beyond, Liz Williams debunks many of the prevailing myths surrounding magical practice, past and present, while offering a rigorously researched and highly accessible account of what it means to be a pagan today.

Rough Music explores transgression and shame in British folklore and customs from ancient Britain to the present day. From Bonfire Night to Wassail, Morris dancing, Mari Lwyd and Twelfth Night, along with events like street football and the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, Liz Williams reveals the roots and roles of violence, mockery, protest and public shaming. She also looks at alternative culture and modern protests, such as the Battle of the Beanfield and the Stonehenge Free Festival, as well as interaction between racism and traditions involving blackface, alongside the emergence of all-female Morris sides.This engaging book offers an entertaining and revealing look at British folklore and culture.