"In this exploration of magic, the author traces the development of modern magical consciousness from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn through to the revival of Wicca and the Celtic religious traditions and the re-emergence of Goddess worship as a vital expression of feminine spirituality." "Along the way key figures are profiled, including Aleister Crowley, Austin Osman Spare, Dion Fortune, Gerald Gardner, Alex Sanders, Janet and Stewart Farrar, Starhawk and Z. Budapest - as well as advocates of the shadow side of magic like Anton LaVey and H.R. Giger. The author also explores the contemporary revival of interest in shamanism and mythology, and the contribution of prominent thinkers in this field like Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, Carlos Castaneda, Michael Harner and Terence McKenna."--Jacket.