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Gary Varner

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I am an independent folklorist with a degree in anthropology\archaeology. My research is focused on the universal aspects of folklore and symbolism throughout the world. I have 25 books in print on sacred sites, Native American culture, folklore and mythology and architectural symbolism. Most of my publications may be purchased on Amazon if you want your own copy without having to print it. By the way, I stand with Ukraine and a Free Palestine! I want to assure my readers around the world that not all Americans are racist or fascist and we are hopeful that someday in the future America will return to it being a beacon of hope.
Address: South Carolina

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Damien Marie AtHope

Mario-César Suárez Arriaga

University of Oxford

Orma. Journal of Ethnological and Historical-Religious Studies

Babes-Bolyai University

Stanford University

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Papers by Gary Varner

Hidden in Plain Sight

Hidden In Plain Sight

The Folklore of Faeries, Elves & Little People A Study in a Cultural Phenomenon

This work may not be reproduced in any manner without the written consent of the copyright holder.

A Comparison of Chinese Taoism with Native American Religious Traditions

An analysis of the spiritual commonalities of Chinese Taoism and Native American beliefs.

The Folklore of Trees

The magnificent tree has been revered and viewed with awe for untold ages. As such the tree is al... more The magnificent tree has been revered and viewed with awe for untold ages. As such the tree is also the subject of folklore and myth with tales of mysterious walking and talking trees and trees said to give birth to children as well as being the final resting place of wizards and witches. This article also discusses the folk medicinal uses of trees and how people came to revere them.

Native American Accounts of the Great Deluge

Why are flood myths found around the world so similar? Do these myths contained in oral literatur... more

Spirits of the Otherworld--Ghosts & Vampires!

A special look at supernatural beings in other cultures by Gary R. Varner.

Portals to Other Realms: Cup-Marked Stones & Prehistoric Rock Carvings

Face of Cernunnos

McConnell Springs - Birthplace of Lexington, Kentucky

In June, 1775 a group of explorers, surveyors and others interested in settling the Kentucky wild... more In June, 1775 a group of explorers, surveyors and others interested in settling the Kentucky wilderness camped at a natural artesian spring with the intent to build a cabin and to claim a land grant. Similar actions 30 miles to the south on the Kentucky River had created the frontier settlement of Boonesborough under the leadership of Daniel Boone.

Death in Folklore and Mythology

All things that live must die-to complete their path of existence and to move on into an unknown ... more All things that live must die-to complete their path of existence and to move on into an unknown land. Those who believe in a continued existence after death often cite the scientific principle that energy cannot be destroyed, only changed. As we know all living things are, in fact, composed of energy. So what, we ask, happens after death? Do we continue in our present forms and conduct our lives as we have in this existence? Are we judged by a Higher Power which may award us with a continued existence in a land of peace, plenty and beauty or, conversely, send us on to a land of eternal punishment, pain and anguish? Some have even suggested that this world, the one we now occupy, is that land of punishment, pain and anguish and we are in it because we have finished our useful lives and are now being tormented for our transgressions. In this theory, we are now experiencing "hell."

Magic Witchcraft Pagans & Christians A study in the suppression of belief and the rise of Christianity

The importance of fire is examined in ritual and magic.

Artistry for the Dead: Graveyard Symbolism by Gary R. Varner

An analysis of the symbolism on grave markers from the 17th and 20th centuries.

Books by Gary Varner

Water from the Sacred Well Further Explorations in the Folklore and Mythology of Sacred Waters

Water From the Sacred Well, 2004

A continuation of research about the folklore and mythology that surrounds water. This book exami... more

Monsters in Stone - Kentucky’s Gargoyles, Grotesques and Green Men

Kentucky, one of four Commonwealth states, became the 15th state of the Union in 1792. It was the... more Kentucky, one of four Commonwealth states, became the 15th state of the Union in 1792. It was the birthplace of both president’s Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, was explored by Daniel Boone, saw numerous battles during both the Revolution and Civil War and is mostly known for its bourbon, moonshine, tobacco and horses. It is also home to hundreds of buildings, some on the National Register, which are adorned with thousands of gargoyles, grotesques and Green Men. Solidly a Christian state, Kentucky continues to publicly exhibit on its old buildings ancient symbols and icons which have been part of humankind’s history for thousands of years, far longer than Christianity has existed. Ancient symbolism continuously influences the lives of everyone, in every society, throughout time. This is because symbols are important to each generation and seem to be imbedded in the psyche. Symbols satisfy a need to be linked to an ancient tradition and the physical remains of that tradition. Overtime these symbols, and the various things they represent, become absorbed into the dominating culture and religion and come to represent the core values of those cultures and religions. This is especially obvious in the development of Christianity.

Hidden in Plain Sight II: A Visitor's Guide to the Hidden Symbolism of Pittsburgh's Public Buildings

The historic city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been the home to Native Americans and immigrant... more

The Owens Valley Paiute: A Cultural History

This is the story of the Paiute Nation, their social structure, mythology, religion, art, folklor... more

Hidden In Plain Sight: A Visitor's Guide to the Hidden Symbolism of Sacramento's Public Buildings

Sacramento. Capital of California and home to a half million people and hundreds of symbols and i... more Sacramento. Capital of California and home to a half million people and hundreds of symbols and images from an ancient past. These are the same symbols that have been part of the framework of the human psyche for thousands of years. While contemporary man of the 21st century may think that they are simply decorative manifestations of a by-gone era, they represent so much more. They represent the fears, dreams, ideas, beliefs and struggles that humankind has endured since we began to walk upright. This book will survey many of the icons that still reside alongside modern man in Sacramento and will present them in a broader context both in the context of ancient history and folklore as well as a meaning that is suitable for our contemporary times.

Hecate The Witches Goddess

For the most part Hecate is seen today as the Goddess of Witches and Sorcery—but this wasn’t alwa... more For the most part Hecate is seen today as the Goddess of Witches and Sorcery—but this wasn’t always so. Hecate was at one time both protectress of women and children and Goddess of Death. She was, in her trinity aspect, goddess of fertility and prosperity, Goddess of the Moon, and Queen of Ghosts, shades and the night. It is interesting that she was seen both as the goddess of fertility and life as well as death. “Hekate can poison as well as intoxicate,” wrote Nor Hall, “turn ecstasy into madness, and cause death where incubation—or a short journey—was intended.” This book will examine her many facets and bring about a truer sense of the primal goddess known as “The Distant One” and “The Nameless One.” One of her titles places these in a softer light, for she was also called “most lovely one.”

NOTE: Effective 12/16/24 this book will no longer be available as a download. Physical copies may be purchased from your book store or from Amazon.com. Thank you.

Hidden in Plain Sight

Hidden In Plain Sight

The Folklore of Faeries, Elves & Little People A Study in a Cultural Phenomenon

This work may not be reproduced in any manner without the written consent of the copyright holder.

A Comparison of Chinese Taoism with Native American Religious Traditions

An analysis of the spiritual commonalities of Chinese Taoism and Native American beliefs.

The Folklore of Trees

The magnificent tree has been revered and viewed with awe for untold ages. As such the tree is al... more The magnificent tree has been revered and viewed with awe for untold ages. As such the tree is also the subject of folklore and myth with tales of mysterious walking and talking trees and trees said to give birth to children as well as being the final resting place of wizards and witches. This article also discusses the folk medicinal uses of trees and how people came to revere them.

Native American Accounts of the Great Deluge

Why are flood myths found around the world so similar? Do these myths contained in oral literatur... more

Spirits of the Otherworld--Ghosts & Vampires!

A special look at supernatural beings in other cultures by Gary R. Varner.

Portals to Other Realms: Cup-Marked Stones & Prehistoric Rock Carvings

Face of Cernunnos

McConnell Springs - Birthplace of Lexington, Kentucky

In June, 1775 a group of explorers, surveyors and others interested in settling the Kentucky wild... more In June, 1775 a group of explorers, surveyors and others interested in settling the Kentucky wilderness camped at a natural artesian spring with the intent to build a cabin and to claim a land grant. Similar actions 30 miles to the south on the Kentucky River had created the frontier settlement of Boonesborough under the leadership of Daniel Boone.

Death in Folklore and Mythology

All things that live must die-to complete their path of existence and to move on into an unknown ... more All things that live must die-to complete their path of existence and to move on into an unknown land. Those who believe in a continued existence after death often cite the scientific principle that energy cannot be destroyed, only changed. As we know all living things are, in fact, composed of energy. So what, we ask, happens after death? Do we continue in our present forms and conduct our lives as we have in this existence? Are we judged by a Higher Power which may award us with a continued existence in a land of peace, plenty and beauty or, conversely, send us on to a land of eternal punishment, pain and anguish? Some have even suggested that this world, the one we now occupy, is that land of punishment, pain and anguish and we are in it because we have finished our useful lives and are now being tormented for our transgressions. In this theory, we are now experiencing "hell."

Magic Witchcraft Pagans & Christians A study in the suppression of belief and the rise of Christianity

The importance of fire is examined in ritual and magic.

Artistry for the Dead: Graveyard Symbolism by Gary R. Varner

An analysis of the symbolism on grave markers from the 17th and 20th centuries.

Water from the Sacred Well Further Explorations in the Folklore and Mythology of Sacred Waters

Water From the Sacred Well, 2004

A continuation of research about the folklore and mythology that surrounds water. This book exami... more

Monsters in Stone - Kentucky’s Gargoyles, Grotesques and Green Men

Kentucky, one of four Commonwealth states, became the 15th state of the Union in 1792. It was the... more Kentucky, one of four Commonwealth states, became the 15th state of the Union in 1792. It was the birthplace of both president’s Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, was explored by Daniel Boone, saw numerous battles during both the Revolution and Civil War and is mostly known for its bourbon, moonshine, tobacco and horses. It is also home to hundreds of buildings, some on the National Register, which are adorned with thousands of gargoyles, grotesques and Green Men. Solidly a Christian state, Kentucky continues to publicly exhibit on its old buildings ancient symbols and icons which have been part of humankind’s history for thousands of years, far longer than Christianity has existed. Ancient symbolism continuously influences the lives of everyone, in every society, throughout time. This is because symbols are important to each generation and seem to be imbedded in the psyche. Symbols satisfy a need to be linked to an ancient tradition and the physical remains of that tradition. Overtime these symbols, and the various things they represent, become absorbed into the dominating culture and religion and come to represent the core values of those cultures and religions. This is especially obvious in the development of Christianity.

Hidden in Plain Sight II: A Visitor's Guide to the Hidden Symbolism of Pittsburgh's Public Buildings

The historic city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been the home to Native Americans and immigrant... more

The Owens Valley Paiute: A Cultural History

This is the story of the Paiute Nation, their social structure, mythology, religion, art, folklor... more

Hidden In Plain Sight: A Visitor's Guide to the Hidden Symbolism of Sacramento's Public Buildings

Sacramento. Capital of California and home to a half million people and hundreds of symbols and i... more Sacramento. Capital of California and home to a half million people and hundreds of symbols and images from an ancient past. These are the same symbols that have been part of the framework of the human psyche for thousands of years. While contemporary man of the 21st century may think that they are simply decorative manifestations of a by-gone era, they represent so much more. They represent the fears, dreams, ideas, beliefs and struggles that humankind has endured since we began to walk upright. This book will survey many of the icons that still reside alongside modern man in Sacramento and will present them in a broader context both in the context of ancient history and folklore as well as a meaning that is suitable for our contemporary times.

Hecate The Witches Goddess

For the most part Hecate is seen today as the Goddess of Witches and Sorcery—but this wasn’t alwa... more For the most part Hecate is seen today as the Goddess of Witches and Sorcery—but this wasn’t always so. Hecate was at one time both protectress of women and children and Goddess of Death. She was, in her trinity aspect, goddess of fertility and prosperity, Goddess of the Moon, and Queen of Ghosts, shades and the night. It is interesting that she was seen both as the goddess of fertility and life as well as death. “Hekate can poison as well as intoxicate,” wrote Nor Hall, “turn ecstasy into madness, and cause death where incubation—or a short journey—was intended.” This book will examine her many facets and bring about a truer sense of the primal goddess known as “The Distant One” and “The Nameless One.” One of her titles places these in a softer light, for she was also called “most lovely one.”

NOTE: Effective 12/16/24 this book will no longer be available as a download. Physical copies may be purchased from your book store or from Amazon.com. Thank you.

Ancient Footprints Cultural Diffusion in Pre-Columbian America

Ancient Footprints Cultural Diffusion in Pre-Columbian America, 2009

When we think of the "First Americans" we generally tend to think of the American Indian. After a... more When we think of the "First Americans" we generally tend to think of the American Indian. After all, there is no doubt that the Native American has lived in North America for thousands of years, descended from those original explorers who trekked across the Bering land bridge. At least this is what we are taught in school. But is this entirely correct? Were there others that came perhaps thousands of years before who brought not only trade goods but knowledge and ideas of other religions, cultures and oral traditions?

The Folklore of Faeries, Elves & Little People A Study in a Cultural Phenomenon

Faeries, trolls, goblins--are these simply creatures of age old stories or are they much more? Le... more Faeries, trolls, goblins--are these simply creatures of age old stories or are they much more? Legends of these Little People are universal across time, geography and cultures. Are the origins of these stories connected to a real race of tiny humans such as those found on the Indonesian island of Flores or to some other ancient and unknown cause? Sightings of these creatures continue to be reported in our modern time from Europe and Russia to North Carolina and California. Are these reports the result of mis-identification or hallucination or are we in fact sharing the world with a number of beings from a lost age? The Folklore of Faeries, Elves & Little People - A Study of a Cultural Phenomenon looks cross-culturally at the history and folklore of these creatures as well as current areas said to be frequented or inhabited by them and gives possible explanations for the continued belief in their existence.

The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil

The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil, 2007

A survey of witches around the world, their prehistoric origin and how society has viewed them th... more

THE SWORD IN MYTH AND LEGEND

An overview of the history and folklore of bladed weapons.

Ghosts, Spirits & the Afterlife in Native American Folklore and Religion

A brief survey of how America's first people reacted to death, how they disposed of their dead, t... more

The History & Use of Amulets, Charms and Talismans

The history of amulets, charms and talismans from prehistory into contemporary society.

Pagans, Perceptions & Persecutions A talk before "Atheist & Other Free Thinkers"

lecture, 2003

I have been asked to give an overview of Paganism and to address some of the issues concerning th... more