The author of "Picatrix" was likely a highly educated and intellectually versatile scholar, deeply rooted in the Arabic-speaking world of the 11th century. He was well-versed in a variety of disciplines, including astrology, alchemy, and philosophy, drawing on Greek, Persian, and Indian sources. As a participant in the Islamic Golden Age's rich scholarly tradition, he likely had access to extensive libraries and intellectual circles. His work suggests a blend of academic knowledge and practical application, indicating both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience in astrological and magical practices.

Introduction
No Longer a Sleeping Giant: The Reawakening of Religious Conservatives in American Politics by Steven Shaw
Taking the Initiative: Anti-Homosexual Propaganda of the Oregon Citizens Alliance by David Douglass
The Constitution as Rhetorical Symbol in Western Anti-Gay Rights Initiatives: The Case of Idaho by Daniel Levin
The Idaho Anti-Gay Initiative: A Chronology of Events by Suzanne McCorkle and Marshall G. Most
Fear and Loathing on the Editorial Page: An Analysis of Idaho's Anti-Gay Initiative by Suzanne McCorkle and Marshall G. Most
In Their Own Words: Conversations with Campaign Leaders by Harvey Pitman
Secular Anti-Gay Advocacy in the Springfield, Missouri Bias Crime Ordinance Debate by Ralph R. Smith
Direct Democracy and Minority Rights: Opinions on Anti-Gay and Lesbian Ballot Initiatives by Todd Donovan and Shaun Bowler
The Correlates of Tolerance: Analyzing the State-Wide Votes on Anti-Gay Initiatives by Stephanie L. Witt and Leslie R. Alm
Romer v. Evans: The Centerpiece of the American Gay Rights Debate by Sean Patrick O'Rourke and Laura K. Lee Dellinger
Bibliography
Appendix A: Tables
Appendix B: Text of Anti-Gay Initiatives
Index
About the Contributors

This book examines anti-gay voter initiatives from both the political science and communication perspectives. In recent years, anti-gay initiatives sponsored by conservative Christian groups have been placed on the ballot in several states. This development provides an opportunity to evaluate the initiative process as a way of resolving public policy questions on this divisive topic. Using examples and data from Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Maine, Missouri, Florida, California, and Washington, the authors discuss the emergence of the new religious right and why anti-gay initiatives are sponsored by conservative Christian groups. Interviews with the leaders of the groups opposing and supporting the anti-gay initiative in Idaho and a listing of the measures themselves are included.