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Caverns, Cauldrons, and Concealed Creatures
This edition is no longer in print. The most up-to-date edition is here: http://www.amazon.com/Caverns-Cauldro...
The 3rd edition of the cult classic CAVERNS, CAULDRONS, AND CONCEALED CREATURES, is the first book of its kind to examine the striking similarities between folklore, religious, mythic, new age, fictional, and first-hand eyewitness and historical accounts of anomalous beings, entities, cryptids, hidden civilizations, and related anomalies.
Drawing from scientific facts, folklore, comparative mythology and eyewitness/anecdotal sources, it is demonstrable that the structure of our planet, the history of our species, the underlying truths disguised as our myths, legends, folklore and " pop culture " imagery, are not quite what we have been led to believe. The Earth itself is much more complex in structure than we have realized, and our species has perhaps experienced, through the ages, encounters and conflicts with "others"— non-human intelligences or beings of various types who have seldom been our friends. Memories and accounts of these encounters have come down to us in the form of folklore and mythology, often viewed with superstitious terror or awe through the conditioned lenses of religions, religious interpretation or "folk traditions." Such encounters are continuing today.
The theories put forth in this book are based on two types of evidence: very strong circumstantial evidence based on folklore, mythology, religion, legends, archeology, geology, and related areas, and first-hand or witness accounts, both ancient and modern. Often these two areas of source material or even anecdotal evidence overlap.
It is possible that these various phenomena and beings are in fact modern representations of those who have traditionally been considered fairies, gnomes, trolls, nagas, djinn, "aliens" and their "magic" is a technology of such antiquity, advancement and complexity that it is, to our limited understanding, "magical." With UFOlogy, cryptozoology, Fortean phenomena, and all the rest, we are in fact seeing, perhaps even participating in, an ongoing contemporary " update of "folklore," which is in actuality the way our human minds attempt to gather, categorize, assimilate, comprehend and decipher (as well as "cover up" with terror-masking simplifications) the very REAL evidence for the existence of such beings and their ongoing yet seemingly inexplicable activities.
From ancient myths to modern experiences from credible witnesses, it is ALL folklore, and ancient folk traditions may contain much more truth than has previously been believed, just as "forteana" and related topics do today. Once we make the leap of understanding that the creation of folklore is part of the process of comprehending these mysteries, and even may be caused by them, the whole picture of our culture, literature, fairytales, Jungian archetypes, and so on takes on an entirely different light. The creation of folklore, based on very real " others " and their parasitical or otherwise peripheral activities, has become an instinctive, mind-protecting function for the collective human mind.
This book has been previously published in a First Edition, an expanded Second Edition, and now is offered EXCLUSIVELY in a greatly-expanded, magnum opus 3rd Edition presentation with introductions by Brad Steiger, Micha Hanks, Brian J Allen, and Dean de Lucia. Not only is this visually and textually stunning digital version more expansive and complete; it is considerably less costly than its printed predecessors. New chapters, artwork, photographs, maps, and introductions are joined by substantial data and observations added to each section of the book, as well as a greatly-expanded appendix featuring the possibly non-human-generated imagery discovered by Richard S. Shaver, recorded in solid rock, and evidence of an ancient civilization that once existed on our planet.
The 3rd edition of the cult classic CAVERNS, CAULDRONS, AND CONCEALED CREATURES, is the first book of its kind to examine the striking similarities between folklore, religious, mythic, new age, fictional, and first-hand eyewitness and historical accounts of anomalous beings, entities, cryptids, hidden civilizations, and related anomalies.
Drawing from scientific facts, folklore, comparative mythology and eyewitness/anecdotal sources, it is demonstrable that the structure of our planet, the history of our species, the underlying truths disguised as our myths, legends, folklore and " pop culture " imagery, are not quite what we have been led to believe. The Earth itself is much more complex in structure than we have realized, and our species has perhaps experienced, through the ages, encounters and conflicts with "others"— non-human intelligences or beings of various types who have seldom been our friends. Memories and accounts of these encounters have come down to us in the form of folklore and mythology, often viewed with superstitious terror or awe through the conditioned lenses of religions, religious interpretation or "folk traditions." Such encounters are continuing today.
The theories put forth in this book are based on two types of evidence: very strong circumstantial evidence based on folklore, mythology, religion, legends, archeology, geology, and related areas, and first-hand or witness accounts, both ancient and modern. Often these two areas of source material or even anecdotal evidence overlap.
It is possible that these various phenomena and beings are in fact modern representations of those who have traditionally been considered fairies, gnomes, trolls, nagas, djinn, "aliens" and their "magic" is a technology of such antiquity, advancement and complexity that it is, to our limited understanding, "magical." With UFOlogy, cryptozoology, Fortean phenomena, and all the rest, we are in fact seeing, perhaps even participating in, an ongoing contemporary " update of "folklore," which is in actuality the way our human minds attempt to gather, categorize, assimilate, comprehend and decipher (as well as "cover up" with terror-masking simplifications) the very REAL evidence for the existence of such beings and their ongoing yet seemingly inexplicable activities.
From ancient myths to modern experiences from credible witnesses, it is ALL folklore, and ancient folk traditions may contain much more truth than has previously been believed, just as "forteana" and related topics do today. Once we make the leap of understanding that the creation of folklore is part of the process of comprehending these mysteries, and even may be caused by them, the whole picture of our culture, literature, fairytales, Jungian archetypes, and so on takes on an entirely different light. The creation of folklore, based on very real " others " and their parasitical or otherwise peripheral activities, has become an instinctive, mind-protecting function for the collective human mind.
This book has been previously published in a First Edition, an expanded Second Edition, and now is offered EXCLUSIVELY in a greatly-expanded, magnum opus 3rd Edition presentation with introductions by Brad Steiger, Micha Hanks, Brian J Allen, and Dean de Lucia. Not only is this visually and textually stunning digital version more expansive and complete; it is considerably less costly than its printed predecessors. New chapters, artwork, photographs, maps, and introductions are joined by substantial data and observations added to each section of the book, as well as a greatly-expanded appendix featuring the possibly non-human-generated imagery discovered by Richard S. Shaver, recorded in solid rock, and evidence of an ancient civilization that once existed on our planet.
206 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published September 1, 2002
14 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Wm. Michael Mott
11 books14 followersWm. Michael Mott is a writer, artist and educator who has six books and many magazine features in print or electronic book form. He's written about paranormal phenomena; comparative myth, religion and folklore; UFOs; cryptozoology; pulp, adventure, science fiction and fantasy fiction; and art and education topics. He's been a guest on in excess of 40 national and internationally-syndicated radio programs, and currently he's one of the co-hosts at THE OUTER EDGE, a weekly program at www.theouteredgeradio.com. Recently he was also a guest on the 7th season of the television show Ancient Aliens.
He also has extensive experience as an artist, designer, art and creative director, and educator.
Publisher:
http://www.gravedistractions.com/will...
Website: http://www.mottimorphic.com
Blog: http://mottimorphic.com/blog/
Facebook fan page: http://tinyurl.com/kxdh3tw
Artwork store: http://www.zazzle.com/mottimorphic/art
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 19, 2014
Paranoid misinterpretations of ancient mysteries and Underworld mythology. The author's lack of understanding shows at each turn and his conjectures are not only ludicrous, but also often offensive. I would go off on a suitable rant, but quite frankly I have other books to read.
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January 29, 2024I can't rate this but I read it. First book finished in 2024 and if that means anything, this is going to be a strange year.
June 23, 2020
This book was iffy to begin with, but towards the end of the latest edition, there's a chapter that is just complete and utter prejudiced garbage against Muslims. Don't support hatred like this. Get your fun underground paranormal reads elsewhere.
December 12, 2012
Starts out with an interesting thesis and expounds upon it with a definite show of research. Then at about the three quarter mark goes right to crazy town.
January 13, 2014
As a fan of mythology, conspiracy theories, historical texts, and fantasy writing of all types I really enjoyed this book. The book is an interesting albeit highly speculative exploration of different cultures views and understanding of creatures they believe to be living around them as the title suggests, in caverns, caves, and generally underground. Depending on what other books you enjoy you might really like this (those who like ufo literature, paranormal stuff, and secret societies) or find it ridiculous and even historically irresponsible (those who enjoy hard boiled books on traditional anthropology, scientific method, and the like. I must say however that for what it is it is a generally coherent and fascinating read....that is until the end. Towards the end of the book the author takes some major leaps of faith in trying to string together all the information into an overarching (and very detailed VERY paranoid) plot that is being carried out by the evil that lives underneath us. I felt that it was unnecessary to do this in that the information provided was enough for the reader to reach their own conclusions. In summation I will say if you like weird books that are well written and string together ancient mythology into wild stories- this book is for you. If you don't like speculative non-fiction or "odd ball" ideas then you will not like this book. As a side note: the author overuses the word "obviously" waaay too much. No it is not obvious that because people go missing sometimes that the reptilian under-lords are kidnapping people for their genetic material. Even if this is happening it just is not obvious, cmon' dude really....
August 5, 2012
Simply amazing. Mr. Mott delves deep into some of our most enduring cultural mysteries. His lucid prose is the main ingredient backed up by thoughtful research that makes this book a "must-have" for any student of Forteana. Get it.
September 27, 2013
This is an extremely interesting book with an interesting and scarey hypothesis that makes more sense to me than the usual "guesses" and "explanations". The answer might just be beneath our feet instead of amongst the stars.
December 5, 2012
I really liked this book. The kindle version makes it hard to see the illustrations. It did a good job of merging myths and legends with historical accounts. Creeped me out more then once.
January 8, 2023
Intriguing.
August 26, 2015
This is a fantastic book exploring various paranormal phenomena--alien abductions, UFO sightings, cattle and human mutilation, various cryptids including Big Foot, El Chupacabra, Mothman, Jersey Devil. According to the author all these things are related in that they involve sub-terrenean entities that live underground,can change their density, and occasionally come to the surface for resources and use people for genetics/reproduction and other (evil) purposes. According to him the idea that aliens come from distant stars as well as benevolent space brothers who want to save us from destroying the Earth and ourselves are deliberate misdirections and lies.
I know this might sound far fetched to some, for me he tied up different research and authors' findings from before (such as John Keel and David Paulides) so it made a lot of sense. This book is really like a unified theory of the paranormal. He does mention different religions and demons and jinn and has a Christian perspective but definitely not preachy in any way.
It has many interesting eyewitness accounts, many of them relating to deep caves and surrounding areas. It explores similarities between ancient myths and methods of protection. Meticulous research and great writing. Highly recommended for those who are interested or curious or want to protect themselves from non-human entities.
I know this might sound far fetched to some, for me he tied up different research and authors' findings from before (such as John Keel and David Paulides) so it made a lot of sense. This book is really like a unified theory of the paranormal. He does mention different religions and demons and jinn and has a Christian perspective but definitely not preachy in any way.
It has many interesting eyewitness accounts, many of them relating to deep caves and surrounding areas. It explores similarities between ancient myths and methods of protection. Meticulous research and great writing. Highly recommended for those who are interested or curious or want to protect themselves from non-human entities.
Read
February 28, 2016excellent read, despite many redundant themes it is well worth the read for anyone interested in any subject related to cryptids, ufos theology or ufos. very well researched and presented in an easy to follow style.
excellent read, despite many redundant themes it is well worth the read for anyone interested in any subject related to cryptids, ufos theology or ufos. very well researched and presented in an easy to follow style.
excellent read, despite many redundant themes it is well worth the read for anyone interested in any subject related to cryptids, ufos theology or ufos. very well researched and presented in an easy to follow style.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews