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RECENT ARRIVALS – PATHS TO GOD – LIVING THE BHAGAVAD GITA. By Ram Dass. For centuries, readers have turned to the BHAGAVAD GITA for inspiration and guidance as they have explored the spiritual path. Here, in a fascinating series of reflections, anecdotes, stories, and exercises, Ram Dass presents this sacred text as a unique and accessible road map for experiencing divinity in everyday life, and making the journey to higher levels of consciousness. Many of you are familiar with Ram Dass’s BE HERE NOW, which has served as a classic introduction to eastern spirituality for decades. This new book contains talks given by Ram Dass in 1974 to a large audience at the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado. Presented in his unique, conversational style, these talks are vintage Ram Dass. ($22.22. cloth. 326 pp. ISBN 1400054028. Harmony Books.) “Yoga has been called a practice for concentrating all our faculties on a single point in order to transcend the limitations of the ego. But karma yoga? Who would have suspected that the road to God would lead us by way of the household and the marketplace. The world becomes the means for extricating ourselves from the strands of worldly attachment – what an ingenious flip! Instead of entangling us, suddenly our acts set us free. The Gita says, “Who in all his works sees God, in truth goes to God.” – Ram Dass TAMING THE TIGER WITHIN – MEDITATIONS ON TRANSFORMING DIFFICULT EMOTIONS. – By Thich Nhat Hanh. An acclaimed scholar, peace activist, and Buddhist master revered by people of all faiths, Thich Nhat Hanh has inspired millions worldwide with his extraordinary insight into the human heart and mind. Now he focuses his profound spiritual wisdom on the basic human emotions we all struggle with every day: anger, fear, and love. Distilled from the pages of his many bestselling works, TAMING THE TIGER WITHIN is a handbook of meditations and reflections that offer pragmatic techniques for diffusing anger, conquering fear, and cultivating love in every arena of life. The editors have done a wonderful job of putting together a beautiful and powerful book – a real treasure, and a book that will change lives. ($19.95. cloth. 295 pp. ISBN 1573222887. Riverhead Books.) “The Buddha never advised us to suppress our anger. He
taught us to go back to ourselves and take good care of it.” “Anger and love are both of an organic nature, and thus they both can
change. Hate can always be transformed into love. And unfortunately, many
times love is transformed into hate.” “When someone is angry and vents their anger by hitting a pillow, they are learning a dangerous habit. They are training in aggression. Instead, a wise practitioner generates the energy of mindfulness and embraces her anger every time it manifests.” “The energy of mindfulness is like a big brother or big
sister, holding a young one in her arms, taking good care of the suffering
child, which is our anger, despair, or jealousy.” “No fear is the ultimate joy. When you have the insight
of no fear, you are free.” “Please remember that your notions of happiness may be very dangerous. The Buddha said happiness can only be possible in the here and now. So go back and examine deeply your notions and ideas of happiness. You may recognize that the conditions of happiness that are already there in your life are enough. Then happiness can be instantly yours.” – Thich Nhat Hanh PATHWAYS TO BLISS – MYTHOLOGY AND PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION. By Joseph Campbell. In this new collection of lectures and dialogues, Joseph Campbell applies the poetic and symbolic wisdom of myth to the challenges of our daily lives. Myth, says Campbell, serves as a travel guide or map for the journey each individual makes while seeking meaning, fulfillment, and bliss. This anthology highlights Campbell’s remarkable storytelling, and his ability to apply the larger themes of world mythology to personal growth and the quest for transformation. The lectures explore the many insights of Carl Jung; the notion of the self as the hero, and how East and West differ in their approaches to the ego. The book also includes an extensive question-and -answer session that ranges from mythological readings of the Bible to how the Hero’s Journey unfolds for women. ($20.00. cloth. 194 pp. ISBN 1577314719. New World Library) “There are something like 18 billion cells in the brain
alone. There are no two brains alike. You can take your instructions and
guidance from others, but you must find your own path, just like one of
Arthur’s knights seeking the Grail in the forest.” “It is this quality of the Occidental spirit that
strikes other cultures as so sill and romantic. What is it we are questing
for? It is the fulfillment of that which is potential in each of us. Questing
for it is not an ego trip; it is an adventure to bring into fulfillment your
gift to the world, which is yourself.” “There’s nothing you can do that’s more important than being fulfilled. You become a sign, you become a signal, transparent to transcendence; in this way, you will find, live, and become a realization of your own personal myth.” – Joseph Campbell. SAME SOUL, MANY BODIES – DISCOVER THE HEALING POWER OF FUTURE LIVES THROUGH PROGRESSION THERAPY. By Brian L. Weiss, M.D. Noted psychiatrist Brian Weiss made headlines with his pioneering research on the healing power of past-life therapy in his bestseller, MANY LIVES, MANY MASTERS. Now, Dr. Weiss reveals how our future lives can actually transform us in the present. We have all lived past lives. We all will live future ones. What we do in this life will influence our lives to come as we evolve toward immortality. Dr. Weiss encourages this important recognition because recently he has not only regressed his patients into the past, but has progressed them into the future. And what they have discovered is that our futures are variable, so the choices we make now will determine the quality of life when we return. ($25.00. cloth. 226 pp. ISBN 0743264339. Free Press.) “If we prepare, our souls will move up the evolutionary
scale, come closer to healing, come closer to the higher state. If we don’t,
we will recycle our present lives – in effect, march in place – and postpone
to a future life the mastering of the lesson we might have learned in this
one.” “How do we prepare? How do immortal people act? In this life we prepare by learning how to have better relationships; how to be more loving, more compassionate; how to be healthier physically, emotionally, and spiritually; how to help others; how to enjoy this world and yet advance its evolution, advance its healing. By preparing for immortality we will quiet present fears, feel better about ourselves, and grow spiritually. And we will be healing our future lives at the exact same moment.” – Brian L. Weiss, M.D.” THE ANCESTRAL MIND – RECLAIM THE POWER. By Gregg D. Jacobs, Ph. D. Why, at a time when we are better off materially and live longer than any generation in history, are depression and stress reaching endemic rates? Emerging scientific research suggests that the answer to this modern paradox may lie within the brain itself. Our emotional well-being is suffering due to our over reliance on the thinking mind – the rational, verbal, self-conscious part of ourselves that has been responsible for some of our greatest achievements – and our separation from a deeper, older part of humanity. The ancestral mind – our preverbal, intuitive, unconscious emotional mind – contains a deeper, wiser instinctual wisdom that has guided us unerringly for millions of years. Our disconnection from the ancestral mind is a root cause of the stress of modern life. Based on twenty-five years of research and clinical practice, and a synthesis of recent findings in neuroscience, anthropology, and mind/body medicine, this book offers a practical program for reengaging with this indelible part of our being. It explains how we can access life-enhancing positive emotions, achieve a closer harmony of intellect and emotion, connect with a more intuitive intelligence, and reawaken ancient sources of wisdom and health. ($15.00. paper. 242 pp. ISBN 014299457X. Penguin.) “The Ancestral Mind is a resource that balances and
mitigates the harmful qualities of the Thinking Mind; it doesn’t replace it.
It is possible to live in a high-tech society – we don’t seem to have much
choice – while also living a greater part of our lives in touch with the
healing properties of the Ancestral Mind. But the fact remains that our mind
has not caught up with our technology. We now live in a world very different
from that which our mind was designed to inhabit – and the conflict is
killing us.” “By the time you finish this book, you will have gained
the knowledge and skills you need to access the Ancestral Mind and to harness
its power. I’ve tried to make the techniques for getting back in touch with
this ancient part of ourselves easy to incorporate into your life, putting
their benefits well within reach.” “What I hope you will find here is a key to open the door to a new level of consciousness, one that allows you to move toward self-actualization by using your mind’s capacities to the fullest.” – Gregg D. Jacobs, Ph.D. THE WANDERING SAGE – TIMELESS WISDOM FROM OUR ALTERNATIVE TEACHERS. Edited by Robert Van de Weyer. Every human society has its teaching stories – parables, fables, and legends – which contain moral and spiritual values and pass those values on from one generation to the next. One of the characters found in every spiritual tradition is the wandering sage. In parts of the world this storytelling tradition still survives, and in four spiritual traditions it is especially prominent: Taoism, Sufism, the Celtic, and the Hasidic. This collection of over 70 stories from these traditions captures the flavor of timeless wisdom and countercultural wit that is part of our collective human heritage. The stories are suitable for all ages, and once you hear them, you will be sure to remember them and pass them along to others. ($7.95. paper. 125 pp. ISBN 1903816653. O Books.) “The sage was on a small ferry crossing an estuary. In
addition to the boatman who was rowing, there was also a scholar who was
extremely proud of his learning.” “’Tell me,’ the scholar asked the boatman, ‘have you
ever learnt how to read the ancient languages?’ ‘No,’ the boatman replied.
‘Then half your life has been lost,’ the scholar declared.” “When they were half way across the estuary, there was
a sudden storm that was extremely violent. The water became very rough, and wave
after wave broke over the boat, so that it started to fill with water.” “’Tell me,’ the sage asked the scholar, ‘have you ever learnt how to swim?’ ‘No,’ the scholar replied, his face white with fear. ‘Then the whole of your life may soon be lost,’ the sage declared.” – from a Sufi story. THE CAT WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD – A FABLE. By Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson. The bestsellling author of THE NINE EMOTIONAL LIVES OF CATS and DOGS NEVER LIE ABOUT LOVE has given cat lovers a wonderful new gift: a magical story about a feline named Billi, who long ago, in ancient India, became the first cat to choose domestication. Cats relish independence, and Billi is no exception. He wanders through the Indian countryside enjoying a sense of freedom, belonging to nobody. But the monsoon season, when the skies go pitch-dark and the rains come, has arrived, and Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is approaching. Walking into a village, Billi gazes through windows and sees a cozy fire, a content dog, and a happy family with children. Inspired, Billi’s untamed soul begins the tranformative journey to a new life of warmth in a world of interconnectedness. With his storytelling gifts and his ability to penetrate the animal psyche, Jeffry Masson captures Billi’s inner world – his aloofness, his mischievousness, and ultimately, his new perspective on the deep connection between humans and their feline friends.($15.95. cloth. 107 pp. ISBN 0345478665. Ballantine.) ASK AND IT IS GIVEN – LEARNING TO MANIFEST YOUR DESIRES. By Esther and Jerry Hicks (the teachings of Abraham), with a foreword by Dr. Wayne Dyer. This fascinating book, which presents the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, will help you learn how to manifest your desires so that you’re living the joyous and fulfilling life you deserve. As you read, you’ll come to understand how your relationships, health issues, finances, career concerns, and more are influenced by the Universal laws that govern your space-time reality – and you’ll discover powerful processes that will help you go with the positive flow of life. ($14.95 paper. 314 pp. ISBN 1401904599. Hay House.) “One of the most valuable things about ASK AND IT IS GIVEN is that Abraham gives us 22 different powerful processes to achieve our goals. No matter where we are, there’s a process that can make our lives better.” – Louise L. Hay INVISIBLE HEROES – SURVIVORS OF TRAUMA AND HOW THEY HEAL. By Belleruth Naparstek. Now there is new hope for the millions affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Drawing on more than thirty years experiences as a therapist and the most recent cutting-edge research, Belleruth Naparstek presents a clinically proven program for recovery using the potent tool of guided imagery. She reveals how guided imagery goes straight to the right side of the brain, where it impacts the nonverbal wiring of the nervous system itself, the key to alleviating suffering. This book contains important insights into how the brain and body respond to trauma, why conventional talk therapy can actually impede recovery, and why the nonverbal, image-based right brain is crucial to healing. There is also a step-by step program with more than twenty scripts for guided-imagery exercises tailored to the three stages of recovery, from immediate relief of anxiety attacks, flashbacks, nightmares, and insomnia, to freedom from depression and isolation, to renewed engagement with life. ($25.00. cloth. 377 pp. ISBN 0553803506. Bantam.) ACUPRESSURE FOR EMOTIONAL HEALING – A SELF-CARE GUIDE FOR TRAUMA, STRESS & COMMON EMOTIONAL IMBALANCES. By Micheal Reed Gach and Beth Ann Henning. Find emotional healing at your fingertips. Long known for its ability to alleviate physical pain, the ancient healing art of acupressure also relieves stress and emotional pain. From day-to-day pressures to life’s most significant trials, traumatic events cause the body to shut down and keep negative feelings “stuck,” resulting in physical ailments and emotional imbalances. Acupressure – which uses the fingers to stimulate the same points targeted in acupuncture – releases this muscular tension and restores the flow of vital energy, making resolution possible. In this book, two of the leading acupressure practitioners in America show how to locate vital points and apply pressure effectively so that self-healing can be part of your daily routine. Featuring step-by-step instructions illustrated with more than 400 photographs and line drawings, the book covers more than twenty conditions, including: abandonment and codependency, addictions, anger, anxiety and panic attacks, chronic fatigue, depression, grief, guilt, mood swings, sexual abuse, worry, PTSD, and stress. ($20.00. paper. 307 pp. ISBN 0553382438. Bantam) THE INTUITIVE ARTS ON MONEY – USE ASTROLOGY, TAROT, AND PSYCHIC INTUITION TO SEE YOUR FUTURE. By Arlene Tognettit and Katherine A. Gleason. Used alone, each of the intuitive arts – astrology, the tarot, and psychic intuition – is a powerful tool. Used together, they create a powerful synergy. This integrated approach can release within you a deep understanding of your true abundant life path. The book gives you the revealing insights into your earnings and assets that ordinarily would come from a reading by a professional intuitive. Learn to attract prosperity, hold on to (or increase) the wealth you have, reverse debt, enjoy the benefits of abundant living, and more. The INTUITIVE ARTS series also offers books on family, health, love, and work. ($14.95. paper. 225 pp. ISBN 1592571077. Alpha) LECTURES ON THE TEN OXHERDING PICTURES. By Zen Master Yamada Mumon. Here is a book that will be welcomed by serious students of Zen. In ten pictures with commentary and poetry, the Ten Oxherding Pictures uses the ox as a symbol for Buddha nature, the original possession of all human beings, and the oxherder’s taming of the ox as symbol for the practice of realizing that Buddha nature. Long ago, practitioners of Zen in China and Japan developed a special fondness for this text as a guide for seekers of the Way. It can even be called a traveller’s guide to life. ($24.00. cloth 109 pp. ISBN 0824828933. University of Hawaii.) “Our true nature is originally Buddha; it is the Great Perfect Mirror Wisdom. But the self which we find within ourselves is just an ordinary mortal replete with delusive passions and deeply sunk into bad karma. However, the self which is seeing this is the true person of no rank, the true source of all Buddhas. So long as there are these two selves within us, we are not truly living. When these two become completely one, we have achieved satori.” – Yamada Mumon, Roshi. THE ASTROLOGICAL KARMA OF THE U.S.A. – AN ANALYSIS OF THE BIRTHCHART OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER ESSAYS. By S.G. Vanel. Realizing that we are in one of the most dramatic and critical times in our history’s evolution, Steffan Vanel continues an in-depth discussion of planetary influence beginning with September 11, 2001. He shows us the historical imprint of the birth of the United States and lessons she has had to endure in the past and present, as well as the choices that are coming in the future. This second edition includes supplementary chapters on the astrological karma of George W. Bush, conspiracy theories and the problem of evil, and 2012 and the end of the Mayan Calendar. Vanel is known for his unique synthesis of astrology, tarot, Kabbalah, and psychology. He is also a primary exponent of the information received from the Master Hilarion. ($19.95. paper. 258 pp. ISBN 0971933065. Spiritual Company Press.) SADHANA – THE CLASSIC OF INDIAN SPIRITUALITY. By Rabindranath Tagore. Few figures in history have been as important as Rabindranath Tagore in bringing Indian philosophy and spiritual teachings to the West. Although he was known primarily as a poet, his work is deeply religious, imbued with his belief that God can be found through personal purity and service to others. SADHANA (sometimes translated from the Sanskrit as “spiritual practice” of “spiritual discipline”) is a beautifully written, concise distillation of the great resources of Indian philosophy. ($8.95. paper. 129 pp. ISBN 0385510470. Doubleday.) “We see the truth when we set our mind toward the infinite.” – Rabindranath Tagore. PENDULUMS AND THE LIGHT – COMMUNICATION WITH THE GODDESS. By Diane Stein. For thousands of years, pendulums have been used as effective tools for divination and empowerment. In this book, Diane Stein explains how to attain unrivaled pendulum accuracy by asking a Be-ing of the Highest Light to guide your pendulum. If pendulums haven’t worked for you in the past, you will find out why and learn how to use them perfectly now. Stein also describes how to make or buy pendulums that perform optimally for your specific energy and needs, and how to use pendulums in ways you have never thought of before. Stein is the author of more than twenty books on healing, natural remedies, metaphysics, reiki, and the Goddess. ($14.95. paper. 176 pp. ISBN 1580911633. Crossing Press.) “We are in a time of very great change for the better on Earth, and many Light-beings are here to aid the shift from Dark to Light. When you use the pendulum as a means of working with these great Be-ings, you have access to a great many blessings.” – Diane Stein THE ENLIGHTENED SEX MANUAL – SEXUAL SKILLS FOR THE SUPERIOR LOVER. By David Deida. The author presents the ultimate collection of skills for opening to the physical, emotional, and spiritual rewards of intimate embrace. Direct, provocative, and never before offered to the public, this book teaches you how to transform simple “skin friction” into the depths and embodiment of ecstasy; how to develop sexual abilities as gifts of heart rapture and bodily surrender; how to achieve the principal types of orgasm – and all their varieties, and much more. The book comes with a bonus CD of guided exercises. ($24.95. cloth, with CD. 136 pp. ISBN 1591791979. Sounds True.) “Good artists are skilled, but great artists convey an immense depth of feeling through their expertise. The same goes for the art of sex. A good lover knows how to make the body sing. But a great lover, a superior lover, evokes a vast choir of bliss.” – David Deida RECENT BOOKS TO ILLUMINATE THE HEART AND MIND SUMMER – FALL 2004 MUSIC AS YOGA – DISCOVER THE HEALING POWER OF SOUND. By Patrick Bernard. There are chants, mantras, and prayers to all the great saints, sages, and holy beings of the world. But what is the power and significance of calling out the Holy Names? Learn how to replace the din of modern noise with simple but potent, age-old practices for awakening from within. Tying together scientific research, the use of mystical language, and the power of everyday sound and speech, this book presents a compelling case for the transformational power of sound, and offers practical exercises for everyday healing. ($12.95. paper. 190 pp. ISBN 193277100X. Mandala Publishing.) “Our religious traditions tell us to be honest, to be kind and to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. But these words do not necessarily penetrate the heart . . . On the other hand, music that calms and appeases produces an impression in the thought process, and this impression, in turn, enters the heart. We come to desire the realization within us and around us, the image of health, beauty, peace, kindness and purity that we have perceived.” “It is universally recognized that sound has the power to draw the consciousness out of sleep, to awaken it. Who has not experienced the ringing of an alarm clock? Along the same lines, the soul asleep in the bed of the physical world can awaken to real life through spiritual sound vibration.” – Patrick Bernard CREATING TRUE PEACE – ENDING VIOLENCE IN YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR COMMUNITY, AND THE WORLD. (New paperback edition). By Thich Nhat Hanh. Twenty-five hundred years ago, Buddha taught for one reason: to relieve the pain and suffering experienced by all living beings. Now, in the 21st century, the Buddhist monk, peace activist, and poet Thich Nhat Hanh wrote this book to end the pain and suffering caused by war – within ourselves, our families, and of course, our world. The Ven. Nhat Hanh has seen war for himself. He courageously risked his own life and lost many close friends and students while helping his countrymen during the conflicts in Vietnam. But he also knows a way to peace: through mindfulness, love, “deep listening,” and appreciation of life in the present moment. (On that note, Ekhart Tolle fans will find many helpful suggestions here.) We could, for instance, seek a peaceful, human solution to our conflict with radical Islam, Nhat Hanh says, and as the first, crucial steps, we can become kind friends to our families, our neighbors, and ourselves. When you read the news or watch TV, you may get the impression that there will never be an end to war, and specifically, the conflicts in the Middle East. You may discover an alternative, however, in the Buddhist teachings, incidents from Thich Nhat Hahn’s life, and ancient wisdom stories found in this book. ($13.00. paper. 208 pp. ISBN 0743245202. Free Press.) “We have allowed violence to accumulate in us for too long because we have had no strategy to deal with it. When we cannot handle our suffering, we spew forth our frustration and pain onto those around us. We are victims of our own suffering, but because we do not know how to handle it, we hurt others while we are in pain. We – each of us – must become responsible for our own pain and work to transform it in order to save ourselves and those we love.” “As you begin to transform your own inner pain, you also transform other people’s anger and hatred into flowers. You soon see that arrows shot at you come out of other people’s pain. You do not feel injured by their arrows or actions; instead, you have only compassion. Your compassion transforms the speech and actions of the other person. Together these practices provide real self-protection, which is necessary before we can protect others.” – Thich Nhat Hanh DARK NIGHTS OF THE SOUL – A GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR WAY THROUGH LIFE’S ORDEALS. By Thomas Moore, author of CARE OF THE SOUL. Every human journey is filled with emotional tunnels: the loss of a loved one or end of a relationship, aging and illness, career disappointments, or just an ongoing sense of dissatisfaction with life. Society tends to view these “dark nights” as obstacles to be overcome as quickly as possible. This book, however, presents them not as the enemy, but as times of transition, occasions to restore yourself, and transforming rites of passage. Thomas Moore offers ways to engage life more deeply as he addresses such topics as the healing power of melancholy; the sexual dark night and the mysteries of matrimony; finding solace during illness or in aging; anxiety, anger, and temporary insanity; linking creativity, spirituality, and emotional struggles; and finding beauty and meaning in the darkness. Moore was a Catholic monk for twelve years before he became a psychotherapist and earned degrees in theology, musicology, and religion. ($27.50. cloth. 329 pp. ISBN 1592400671. Gotham.) “If you give all your effort to getting rid of your dark night, you may not learn its lessons or go through the important changes it can make for you. I want to encourage you to enter the darkness with all your strength and intelligence, and perhaps find a new vision and a deeper sense of self. Even if the source is external – a crime, rape, an abortion, being cheated, business pressure, being held captive, or the threat of terrorism – you can still discover new resources in yourself and a new outlook on life. We are not out to solve the dark night, but to be enriched by it.” “The nobility of the human spirit lies in its refusal to accept defeat.” – Thomas Moore GODS, GENES, AND CONSCIOUSNESS – NONHUMAN INTERVENTION IN HUMAN HISTORY. By Paul Von Ward. Whether you call them gods, angels, ETs, aliens, or spirit entities, proof now exists that history has been influenced by beings more advanced than humans. The evidence suggests they shaped our religions, genes, technology, and cultures. Analysis of all types of reported nonhuman consciousness reveals a generic category the author calls Advanced Beings, or ABs. A review of sacred texts, myths and legends, and contemporary reports shows all such entities fit into a natural universe. Whether from the Pleiades or Yahweh’s Heaven, historical, archeological and scientific evidence now shows we’ve had their help along the way. While scientists, religious leaders, and governments continue to ignore or deny the reality of ABs, our very identity as a species and our psychological health hang in the balance. How did humans reach the point were leaders claim to speak for God in such conflicting ways? The answer could hold the key to resolving out most urgent contemporary dilemmas, such as our struggle with terrorism. Paul Von Ward was ordained as a Baptist minister and trained as a psychologist, as well as serving for three decades as a U.S. naval officer, diplomat, and international educator. He has multilingual experience in 100 countries and combines social and physical sciences with history, religion, and consciousness studies to create an iconoclast’s view of human development. His earlier works include OUR SOLARIAN LEGACY – MULTIDIMENSIONAL HUMANS IN A SELF-LEARNING UNIVERSE. ($14.95. PAPER. 411 pp. ISBN 1571743790. Hampton Roads.) “When I recognized that the accounts of modern human encounters with ABs were in many ways similar to ancient stories recounted by societies around the world, I began to suspect that we were dealing with the same phenomenon. If we were, why is there such a concerted effort by governments and other institutions to cover up the reality of current AB activities?” “Suddenly, I began to see something of the problem. Somewhere along the way, the founders of modern Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and all their offshoots had convinced their followers that a supernatural god had chosen them as its special representatives on Earth . . . They went so far as to claim that their religion was the only valid channel for humanity to reconnect with that God.” – Paul Von Ward THE MAYAN CALENDAR AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF CONSCIOUSNESS. By Carl Johan Calleman, Ph.D., with a foreword by Jose Arguelles. The prophetic Mayan calendar is not keyed to the movement of planetary bodies. Instead, it functions as a metaphysical map of the evolution of consciousness and records how spiritual time flows, providing a new science of time. The calendar is associated with nine creation cycles, each of which represents one of nine levels of consciousness or Underworlds on the Mayan cosmic pyramid. Using empirical research, Carl Johan Calleman shows how this pyramidal structure of the development of consciousness can explain matters as disparate as the common origin of world religions and the modern complaint that time seems to be moving faster. Readers will learn that time is, in fact, speeding up as we transition from the materialistic Planetary Underworld that governs us today to a new and higher frequency of consciousness – the Galactic Underworld – in preparation for the final Universal level of conscious enlightenment. ($18.00 paper. 295 pp. ISBN 1591430283. Bear and Company.) “The degree to which the facts of modern science and historical research match up with the Mayan calendar is by most standards astounding. I am convinced many readers will conclude that this is the most important source of knowledge about the cosmic plan available to humankind, which leads to the further conclusion that the dissemination of the Mayan calendar in its true – that is, empirically verifiable – form today is an urgent task for us all.” “The situation presents spiritual seekers with a choice. We may continue to use astronomically based calendars, and, if we do, we will continue to see history as a series of chaotic random events. Alternatively, we may begin to use the traditional Mayan calendar, become aware of the contours of the cosmic plan, and align ourselves with its evolution of consciousness.” – Carl Johan Calleman, Ph.D. SECRETS OF THE MAYA. From the editors of ARCHEOLOGY MAGAZINE. “You might say that contributors to this collection of articles have drawn back the curtain of an ancient stage, revealing people and places hitherto poorly understood, surpassing in their art, spirituality, and political savagery our wildest imagination.” So writes Peter A. Young, editor-in-chief of Archeology magazine. And indeed, these very readable articles illuminate the most recent discoveries regarding such topics as kings and court intrigues, war, blood sacrifice and ball games, domestic life, music, art, celestial origins of the Mayan calendar, creation myths, rituals, and shamanism. The book includes a special section on Mayan hieroglyphs, a comprehensive timeline, and a number of beautiful photographs. ($15.95. paper. 203 pp. ISBN 1578261708. Hatherleigh Press.) PROPHECY – WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR YOU. By Sylvia Browne, with Lindsay Harrison. As she came to grips with her own psychic gifts, Sylvia Browne turned to the writings of others who, likewise, were “communicating with spirits, seeing clients, peering into the future, using their gifts for other people’s benefit and trying to serve God in the process.” “Somewhere between a biography of Madame Helena Blavatsky and one of Edgar Cayce’s many books,” she writes, “I became intrigued with the idea of expanding my visions of the future from one client at a time to the world at large.” She then surrounded herself with the White Light, prayed for guidance – and nearly fainted. “The rush of images and sounds and flashes and special effects and explosions and music and words and cars and doctors and rocket ships – it was like seeing and hearing every movie you’ve ever sat through, all at the same time, superimposed over one another.” This book came into being as Browne realized that instead of being overwhelmed, she could approach prophecies one subject at a time. In the book, after exploring our timeless connection with prophets and prophecies and the role of the “other side”, she gives her vision of the future for the earth (including ecology, weather, and space travel), society (politics, the economy, religion, education, technology, and crime), and our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. The book concludes with a benediction, or an “invocation of a divine blessing.” ($23.95. cloth. 267 pp. ISBN 0525948228. Dutton.) THE MATRIX AND PHILOSOPHY – WELCOME TO THE DESERT OF THE REAL. Edited by William Irwin. The choice is yours, and you’ll have to live with the consequences for at least the rest of your life. Will you take the blue pill – ignore this book and go on thinking of The Matrix as just a movie? Or will you take the red pill – read this book, and find out just how far down the rabbit-hole goes? The Matrix is the most philosophical film ever made; every step of its plot pivoting on a philosophical conundrum. If the world as we know it is nothing more than our dream, does that make the dream real? If we had the choice to step out of our world into a more real but less pleasant one – to take the red pill – would it be a moral failure not to do so? Why do humans have a value above that of intelligent electronic mechanisms? Can the mind live without the body, or the body without the mind? In this book, professional philosophers explore the world of The Matrix from many angles: metaphysical, epistemological, ethical, and aesthetic. They uncover hidden depths in this intricate film, and often reach disturbing conclusions. Those who take the red pill will never look at “the real world” the same way again. ($17.95. paper. 280 pp. ISBN 081269502X. Open Court.) “The senses have long been regarded as the organic interface between mind and body, the means by which we gather data in order to form knowledge about the world. And as we know from experience, any kind of sense perception can be subject to occasional illusion. Might we in fact be such thoroughgoing victims of illusion that every single sense perception is caused not by contact with the objects of the external world but only by intervening stimuli in our brains?” – Carolyn Korsmeyer “The Matrix is not strictly a Buddhist film, nor was it intended to be . . . It’s genius consists in richly combining penetrating script and superb images in a way that creatively conveys the profound though oftentimes impenetrable Buddhist message of liberation. In doing so, The Matrix awakens the viewer and challenges us to reflect (and not reflect) on where we habitually live – in our minds. It compels us to ask, the next time we look into the mirror: Who or what is it that we see?” – Michael Brannigan STUKELEY ILLUSTRATED – WILLIAM STUKELEY’S REDISCOVERY OF BRITAIN’S ANCIENT SITES. Compiled by Neil Mortimer. In this book, you will see British sacred sites through the eyes of a gifted eighteenth century artist and draughtsman. William Stukeley (1687-1765) was the first man to chronicle the greatest prehistoric stone circles in the world, Stonehenge and Avebury. One of the eighteenth century’s truly remarkable characters, he was friend and colleague to some of the most brilliant men of his time, including Sir Isaac Newton. Stukeley’s work laid the foundations for the modern study of prehistoric monuments, influenced the Druidic Revival, and inspired some of William Blake’s most celebrated paintings. This book contains over 100 of his best engravings, which changed the way we look at ancient sites. It is indispensable to anyone interested in the sacred sites and landscapes of the British Isles, and aside from their historical interest, the engravings stand on their own as works of art. The book would also serve as an excellent gift selection for those with an interest in Stonehenge, etc., and in fine engravings. ($16.99. paper. 136 pp. ISBN 0954296338. Green Magic.) MAGICAL PATHWORKING – TECHNIQUES OF ACTIVE IMAGINATION. By Nick Farrell. Through magical path working techniques, you can illuminate hidden aspects of your personality. This exploration of your inner landscape reveals your world as your unconscious sees it – a perspective that enables you to make dramatic changes, even to the point of rooting out neurosis, and healing psychological trauma. This book discloses how to use psychological magic to achieve a better life, and demonstrates the mystical use of path workings as a way to contact the divine. It also presents the results and techniques behind groundbreaking uses of the imagination for healing. Nick Farrell was initiated into Builders of the Adytum, the Servants of the Light, and the Order of the Table Round. He now runs a Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn temple in the United Kingdom and conducts lectures and workshops throughout the world. ($16.95. paper. 226 pp. ISBN 0738704075. Llewellyn.) “This book will show that there is a direct link between psychological states and those environments created in the imagination. Neurotic complexes that do so much to spoil and limit our lives have the same reality in our imaginations and, therefore, it should be possible to correct these faults using magical imagination techniques. Instead of waiting for a person to dream to hear the voice of his or her unconscious, creative imagination would enable a person to have direct access to the unconscious mind – not only two-way communication, but also a way of repairing mental faults.” “ . . . If an Inner Kingdom were built, it would be possible to see the world as my unconscious saw it. What was learned from that unique perspective was that I was the ruler of my own Inner Kingdom, and if I made a change at the unconscious level, it was possible to change my life.” – Nick Farrell CANDLE MAGIC FOR BEGINNERS – THE SIMPLEST MAGIC YOU CAN DO. By Richard Webster. “You might be surprised to learn that you have been practicing candle magic since you were a toddler,” writes Richard Webster. “Making a wish when you blew out the candles on your birthday cake is a good example of candle magic. First of all you concentrated, and then you made a wish. Your subconscious mind received this request and made the wish happen.” This easy to use guide covers all the basics of this popular form of magic: essential factors for successful rituals; color; healing with candles; preparation of candles; a make a wish ritual; timing; fragrances; numerology, candle divination, and more. Start making all of your wishes come true with candle magic. ($12.95. paper. 244 pp. ISBN 0738705357. Llewellyn) “The hypnotic fascination that the candle flame produces gives a clue as to why people began burning candles for magical purposes. The flickering flame appears to ignite something deep inside us that connects us with the infinite, and with all humanity. A candle reveals all life, death, and rebirth. The relationship between the human soul and a solitary candle burning in the dark reminds people of the power of the human spirit, and how it can turn darkness into light.” – Richard Webster
INVISIBLE ACTS OF POWER – PERSONAL CHOICES THAT CREATE MIRACLES. By Caroline Myss. For more than two decades, Caroline Myss has been studying the ways we can use our intuition, spiritual energy, and personal power. Now, in this new book, Myss expands her message in a new direction: she explains how we become channels for divine grace and a conduit for miracles through kind, compassionate, and generous actions – invisible acts of power. “You can make a difference in your world,” she writes, “and in the life of every single person you encounter.” Myss uses the eastern teaching of the seven charkas or energy centers to explore seven stages of the practice of compassion and generosity – from Gifts of the Earth (food and shelter) through Gifts of Self-Esteem (unconditional support, friendship and kindness) and Gifts of the Heart (love and forgiveness), all the way up to Gifts of the Mind, and finally, Gifts of the Spirit. As she conveys these insights, she tells electrifying personal stories about life-changing acts of service, chosen from twelve hundred letters that were sent to her web site. “I discovered that it is one thing to talk abstractly about human goodness and our potential to be kind,” Myss writes, “but it’s quite another to come into direct contact with hundreds of real stories of real people exercising their power to heal, to help each other, to make a difference . . . They are solid evidence that the great power of compassion, honor, and grace still exists, even in the middle of national and world crises.” ($24.00. cloth. 269 pp. ISBN 0743264258. Free Press.) “Now I believe that the human spirit needs to develop generosity and compassion to be healthy. We need to respond to others’ vulnerabilities in the process of addressing and healing our own. Exercising empathy and compassion and performing good deeds make our body and spirit thrive.” “The action itself, the lifting of a heavy piece of luggage or the drink of water offered to the thirsty man, may be small. But the energy that is channeled through that action is the high-voltage current of grace. It contains the power to renew someone’s faith in himself. It even has the power to save a life.” – Caroline Myss THE WISDOM OF FORGIVENESS – INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS AND JOURNEYS. By His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Victor Chan. When Victor Chan first met the Dalai Lama in 1972, it was through a quirk of fate (karma?). Chan had been kidnapped in Afghanistan, and his fellow victim was a western Buddhist, on her way to a meeting with the Tibetan political and spiritual leader. After they escaped their captors, she invited Chan to accompany her. Chan worried that the Dalai Lama would receive him warily because of Chan’s Chinese heritage, but in fact, His Holiness giggled uncontrollably at the sight of his long black Moroccan cape, ponytail, and scraggly beard. The encounter blossomed into a warm and enduring friendship. Over the next three decades, Chan would travel the globe with the Tibetan leader. From private meditation sessions to meetings with Archbishop Desmond Tutu or Oprah, Chan was granted unprecedented access. Chan’s observations take the shape of a remarkable, no-holds-barred look at the Dalai Lama as we have never seen him before. The book is a heart to heart conversation between the Tibetan spiritual leader and his dear friend. It allows us to discover what profound meditative insight and suffering (including a serious illness) feel like to an enlightened being; what he does to further develop himself spiritually; how he feels about violence, and figures such as George Bush, Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein; how he has learned to love his enemies; and why it is that the heart of this holy man in his late sixties, according to his doctors, resembles that of a twenty-year old. Many have heard the public voice of His Holiness, and now we are invited to listen in on his personal explorations, to accompany him on his own journey toward wisdom, and to take instruction on the Tibetan art of living happily in even the direst of circumstances. ($24.95. cloth. 266 pp. ISBN 1573222771. Riverhead.) “Now, if we really analyze our feelings, one thing becomes clear. If we think only of ourselves, forget about other people, and then our minds occupy very small area. Inside that small area, even tiny problem appears very big. But the moment you develop a sense of concern for others, you realize that, just like us, they also want happiness; they also want satisfaction. When you have this sense of concern, your mind automatically widens. At this point, your own problems, even big problems, will not be so significant. The result? Big increase in peace of mind. So, if you think only of yourself, only your own happiness, the result is actually less happiness. You get more anxiety, more fear.” – The Dalai Lama
THE SIMPLE FEELING OF BEING – EMBRACING YOUR TRUE NATURE. By Ken Wilber. While he is best known for his scholarly research into the world’s contemplative traditions, along with his “theory of everything” that integrates the truths of Eastern spirituality and Western science, Ken Wilber is also an accomplished spiritual practitioner and mystic in his own right. The editors of this book have assembled a collection of inspirational, mystical, and instructional passages drawn from Wilber’s numerous publications. These writings include: poetic passages of contemplative insights and reflections; inspired descriptions of Spirit, Non-dual Awareness, the Witness, One Taste, and other topics; commentaries on the spiritual contributions of such figures as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Saint Teresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart, and Ramana Maharshi; personal anecdotes that offer glimpses into Wilber’s inner world; and practical spiritual instructions, including guided meditations. ($14.95. paper. 172 pp. ISBN 159030151X. Shambhala) “People typically feel trapped by life, trapped by the universe, because they imagine that they are actually in the universe, and therefore the universe can squash them like a bug. This is not true. You are not in the universe; the universe is in you.” “It is flat-out strange that something – that anything – is happening at all. There was nothing then a Big Bang, then here we all are. This is extremely weird.” “Look at it this way: if you now close your eyes and attend very carefully to everything you hear, you will hear an extraordinary flux of sounds crashing around you: birds singing, cars honking, children playing, TV blaring, people chatting, crickets chirping; but notice that even now – just as you are – there is one thing that you cannot hear, no matter how hard you try, how long you try, how much you strain. Of all the sounds you can hear, you cannot hear – the hearer.” – Ken Wilber LLEWELLYN’S TAROT READER – 2005 – YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO NEWS, REVIEWS, TIPS & TECHNIQUES. Whether you are a Tarot beginner or a professional reader, you will find much of interest in this handy book. It contains more than thirty articles by well-known authors on card interpretation, spreads, and tarot history, along with numerous deck reviews, and more. Special topics include Tarot and Dreams, Reading for Children, Tarot and Astrology, Your Daily Inspiration, and Energetic Readings. There is also a calendar (daily planner) that features the Moon’s sign and phase, major holidays, and plenty of room to record your daily card readings, special events, or important dates. ($8.95. paper. 283 pp. ISBN 0738705381. Llewellyn.) THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF LUCK. By Gary Goldschneider, coauthor of THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF BIRTHDAYS and THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF RELATIONSHIPS. Here is the complete good fortune guide to finding the best times to: start a new job; take a vacation; fall in love; plan a meeting, and more. Gary Goldschneider’s unique, internationally recognized system tracks the two most important planets governing success in daily life: Jupiter, which governs prosperity, and Saturn, which governs difficult times and obstacles. This book will allow you to take advantage of auspicious moments, and avoid the unlucky times in order to maximize your chances of success. It includes a week-by-week fortune guide for every week of the year through 2021 and easy-to-use birthday charts and tables for quick reference. Each entry tracks Jupiter and Saturn to pinpoint how each planet affects daily life. Good luck! ($15.00. paper. 265 pp. ISBN 1594480230. Riverhead) “Since timing is everything, we must tread carefully in certain weeks and push ahead fearlessly in others, taking into consideration of course where the planets Jupiter and Saturn were in our astrological charts at birth.” “You can use this system to look at past, present, and future events; you can use it to check on your own luck or the luck of someone else. You might want to look up a past event to see why things went right or wrong. You’ll want to look up a future event so that you can take full advantage of the many opportunities that are bound to come your way.” – Gary Goldschneider HOW DOGS THINK – UNDERSTANDING THE CANINE MIND. By Dr. Stanley Coren. A best selling author, psychologist, and world-renowned expert on dog behavior and training provides a fascinating picture of the way dogs interpret their world and their owners: how they solve problems, learn, and take in new information. Dr. Coren lets you see through a dog’s eyes, hear through his ears, and even sense the world through a dog’s nose, so you can understand the quirky, apparently irrational behavior of dogs, along with the stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity that they sometimes display. Have you ever wondered if dogs can count? Do they appreciate art or music? Can a dog learn to do something just by watching another dog, or even a person do it? Do dogs dream? Which behaviors are pre-wired into your dog, and which can you actually change? And can dogs sense future earthquakes, or detect cancer? The answers are all here. The book also provides practical advice and wisdom that allows owners to teach dogs new things; it explains why punishment doesn’t work, how a dog learns to love or to fear, and how to turn that new puppy into an emotionally sound, inquisitive, happy, and obedient dog. You will find plenty of solid science along with funny and informative anecdotes that reveal Dr. Coren’s irrepressible sense of humor – and that of his dogs, who sometimes outsmart him. ($26.00. cloth. 351 pp. ISBN 0743222326. Free Press) THE WAY OF GO – 8 ANCIENT STRATEGY SECRETS FOR SUCCESS IN BUSINESS AND LIFE. By Troy Anderson. For centuries, business, political, and military leaders throughout Asia have had a secret weapon for success – the philosophies and strategies found in an ancient game called Go. Leaders of all stripes, from Mao Tse-Tung to Bill Gates are among the millions of people who have played this apparently simple, two-person board game – also known as “the game of geniuses.” Now, Troy Anderson, an entrepreneur, Fortune 500 management consultant, and one of only five Americans to train at the Japanese Professional Go Academy, brings these philosophies and strategies to the West. In this unique book, Anderson shares the essential elements of strategy and competition found in Go. Then he shows how to apply these principles to: make use of limited resources and time to produce the largest gain; determine which initiatives to continue and which to abandon; decide when to lead and when to follow an opponent; enter a market where the competition is well established; or create a strategic plan when a market changes quickly. All in all, Go provides experience and understanding regarding basic strategic problems that no other art or science can readily claim. ($23.00. cloth. 248 pp. ISBN 0743258142. Free Press) “Losing two or more important battles is not enough reason to resign if you’re still in the game. The emotional letdown is powerful, but you cannot let it consume you. There have been games where I was so far ahead that despite two big losses locally I was still ahead in the game. That was the unemotional view. In reality, my emotional upheaval clouded my thinking, and I resigned thinking that the game was over. Dumb.” – Troy Anderson LIFE BETWEEN LIVES – HYPNOTHERAPY FOR SPIRITUAL REGRESSION. By Michael Newton, Ph.D. The author is world famous for his spiritual regression techniques that take hypnotic subjects back to their time in the spirit world. His two best-selling books of client case studies, JOURNERY OF SOULS and DESTINY OF SOULS, have left thousands of readers eager to discover their own afterlife adventures, their soul companions and guides, and their purposes in this lifetime. Now, for the first time in print, Dr. Newton reveals his step-by-step methods. His experiential approach to the spiritual realms sheds light on the age-old questions of who we are, where we came from, and why we are here. This groundbreaking guidebook, designed for both hypnosis professionals and the general public, completes the afterlife trilogy by Dr. Newton. ($14.95. paper. 222 pp. ISBN 0738704652. Llewellyn.) “I explain that in each lifetime we may falter, make mistakes, take the wrong paths, and make poor choices, but with every opportunity and decision we grow. The mark of a distinctive life is having the courage to keep picking ourselves up after setbacks and finishing our lives strong.” – Michael Newton LIVING, DREAMING, DYING – PRACTICAL WISDOM FROM THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD. By Rob Nairn. Rob Nairn’s training in psychology and Buddhist practice gives him a unique ability to explain ancient Eastern concepts in modern, accessible terms. Here is part of his introduction to this intriguing new book: “Many Westerners are fascinated by dream and its potential for new experience and spiritual growth. Few are drawn to the idea that death can be a creative and liberating experience, but the fact is that death offers more spectacular opportunities than life. So does dream. We must train while living if we want to recognize and take advantage of these opportunities.” “The purpose of this book is to introduce you to the main principles of training and acquaint you with some of the age-old Buddhist teachings on liberation through living, dreaming, dying. We will also examine how the “ordinary person in the street” can best prepare for death and thus die skillfully, and also how to help others who are dying or have already died.” The book is divided into three parts. Part one presents the themes of the TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD, especially the need to “identify the psychological patterns that dominate our lives and determine how we experience the moment of death and the bardos of death,” as Nairn puts it. Part two, “Making friends with our minds,” introduces mindfulness (meditation) and ways to address our various impulses and fears. Then, in part three, the book explains special ways to help those who are dying, and those who are already dead, including those who died long ago. The book begins with a foreword by one of the most highly respected Tibetan Buddhist masters, the Karmapa. He writes that Nairn’s psychological approach will allow modern readers to readily understand these ancient and profound teachings, and comments that “Rob’s work to benefit beings has my blessing.” ($16.95. paper. ISBN 1590301323. Shambhala.) “Within us is the potential to experience virtually any state of mind, ranging from the most negative and confused to full enlightenment. Those states on which we focus are those that we strengthen and thus experience more frequently and powerfully. Energy follows focus. When we realize this, we realize why negative habitual patterns are so problematic: They act as magnets attracting negative energy, reinforcing the habitual pattern . . . The training in life, dream, and death is to break the habitual focus and thereby free the mind from the habitual patterns. When we are able to do this, we are able to let go of what we think we are and discover that reality, in the form of our enlightened mind, is always staring us in the face.” – Rob Nairn KRYON—A NEW DISPENSATION (PLAIN TALK FOR CONFUSING TIMES.) By Lee Carroll. In this tenth book of their 15-year collaboration, Kryon, through his partner and channel, Lee Carroll, continues to provide his unique combination of love and physics. Using parables and scientific explanations to help us comprehend the multidimensional physical reality, we’re expanding into and becoming aware of our returning journey to our pre-Earth omni dimensional selves. ($14.98. paper. 408 pp. ISBN 1888053143. Kryon Writings.) “Dear ones, as you read the loving words in this book from the angel-entity we call Kryon, understand that this isn’t spooky, weird, and esoteric information just for the elite few. It’s about real-life experience and everyday living. It’s about life, death, and dealing with the unexpected. It’s about a God who knows who we are and what we’re going through, since this God sees us as part of the God-family. It’s also about a changing and evolving Earth, and about how we all fit into a grand plan that somehow is appropriate for the Universe.” – Lee Carroll “You sit in a time that no entity, anywhere, predicted. Yet you are here. Almost 13 years ago, we told you of the changes that were your potential. Now you’ve manifested it. The earth is doing a housecleaning, and it’s about integrity and wisdom: what is, and is not, appropriate for the planet. Not for a country, but for individuals . . . for civilization. You’re now deciding the value of humanity – the rules of how it’s to be seen and treated. You’re making the difficult decisions we told you would never have to be made unless you made the switch to a new reality . . . and you made that switch. -- Kryon THE EARTH CHRONICLES EXPEDITIONS – JOURNEYS TO THE MYTHICAL PAST. By Zecharia Sitchin. This is the tenth of Zecharia Sitchin’s bestselling books. He wrote the previous books, under the umbrella title THE EARTH CHRONICLES, as a reporter observing the deeds and histories of others, be they gods or men. In this book he shares with the reader his own story of searching and researching, of going to distant places to see things for himself, to personally verify evidence, to check the feasibility of trade routes or flight paths. Ranging from Mayan temples in Mexico to hidden artifacts in Istanbul, Turkey, from biblical tunnels to the mysteries of Mount Sinai, from the abode of a Sumerian goddess to Greek islands, the Expeditions’ destinations and amazing discoveries unmasked established fallacies, detected the fate of provocative artifacts, and revealed ancient connections to modern space facilities. In this autobiographical book Zecharia Sitchin shares not only his encompassing knowledge of antiquity and his field experiences, but also hitherto unseen photographs from his personal archive. He also reveals his inner feelings, and the cord that binds him to his ancestral past. ($24.00. cloth. 243 pp. ISBN 1591430364. Bear and Company.) EGYPT CHILD OF ATLANTIS – A RADICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE ORIGINS OF CIVILIZATION. By John Gordon. The author, a senior fellow of the Theosophical Society of England, asserts that the civilization of Egypt is far older than is commonly believed. Furthermore, says Gordon, it was structured around forms of cosmic knowledge derived from a level of astronomical and geographical competence that modern science has yet to attain. Building on evidence of a prehistoric worldwide religious culture that extended from ancient Egypt to Tibet and China, Gordon traces the origins of Egyptian civilization to the legendary lost continent of Atlantis. Based on an understanding of the Precession of the Equinoxes and its inextricable connection to human evolution, he concludes that the sacred esoteric tradition of the ancient Egyptians came from a worldwide prehistoric philosophy, of celestial origin, in which the divine being within Man was seen as a “fallen star god.” Egyptologists contend that ancient Egypt was a civilization obsessed with death, that its greatest monuments were tombs, and that its history dates back only some 5,000 years. Gordon, however, suggests this civilization to have been at least 50,000 years older. It was not a society obsessed with death, he insists, but one that saw in life and death an initiatory transition. ($20.00. paper. 294 pp. ISBN 1591430232. Bear and Company.) “ . . . few archeologists have cared to query too loudly the curious but self-evident fact that ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures and civilizations – according to the current wisdom – seemed suddenly to have appeared, some 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, fully fledged and possessing highly sophisticated social, scientific, and technological knowledge (plus a complex linguistic system) with no prior cultural “learning curve” or support from any then current technological equipment or instrumentation. How could this possibly occur – except as a legacy?” – John Gordon “Brilliant, erudite, and controversial, John Gordon has used Madame Blavatsky’s insights to throw a new light on ancient Egyptian civilization.” – Colin Wilson WORRIED ALL THE TIME – REDISCOVERING THE JOY IN PARENTHOOD IN AN AGE OF ANXIETY. By David Anderegg, Ph.D. Whether they’re thinking about school violence or terrorist attacks or the flu virus or getting their child into the right college, American moms and dads are a pretty worried crowd. But, as David Anderegg explains in this groundbreaking study, today’s parents might be letting their imaginations run wild and transferring their own fears and needs onto their children. This book offers keen advice and simple, everyday strategies to help parents ward off the “tabloidization of children” – the media’s overblown portrayal of America’s high-risk youth in news programs, sitcoms, and advertisements – and focus on the Cardinal Rules of Good Parenting: moderation, empathy, and temperamental accommodation Anderegg explores the legitimate concerns of twenty-first century parents, such as drug use, problems with authority, and school violence, and then suggests approaches that might resolve parental worrying when it becomes excessive. All in all, he guides parents towards comfort, confidence, and most importantly, the courage to trust their own common sense. ($13.00. paper. 228 pp. ISBN 0743255879. Free Press.) “The view of parenting expressed in this book is, I hope, a simple one: kids need parents to love them and protect them and set limits with them, and they also need parents to get out of the way so that they can bring themselves up.” “The best way to help them, I believe, is for us to know ourselves better. When we know ourselves better – our own values, our own sorrows, our own wishes for ourselves – we can look at them and know who they are and what they need, or don’t need, from us.” – David Anderegg DRAWING FROM THE HEART – A SEVEN-WEEK PROGRAM TO HEAL EMOTIONAL PAIN AND LOSS THROUGH EXPRESSIVE ART. By Barbara Ganim. You don’t have to know how to draw to benefit from this user-friendly guide to healing from even the most painful events. Inspired by workshops Barbara Ganim began leading after September 11, 2001, it shows how our simplest doodles can help us move on from any trauma – whether due to loss of a relationship or job, illness, violence, death, or other major life change. Split-brain research shows that imagery penetrates more directly than words do to the deep levels of the unconscious, where true healing occurs. This is why the visual exercises in this book work more quickly and effectively than talk therapy can. This seven-week program is a powerful and enjoyable tool for releasing stress, setting healthy boundaries, practicing gratitude, increasing compassion, and finding inner peace. It enables us to grow from painful experiences so that they become the very source of our wisdom and strength. ($24.95. paper. 105 pp. ISBN 0835608328. Quest Books.) “Expressing oneself through drawing and writing has an almost magical power to help heal emotional trauma, pain, and loss. Barbara Ganim is an expert guide in this domain, and DRAWING FROM THE HEART will be a source of comfort and healing for thousands.” – Larry Dossey, M.D. ONE BREATH AT A TIME – BUDDHISM AND THE TWELVE STEPS. By Kevin Griffin. “When I talk about ‘alcoholics’ or ‘addicts’ in this book, I mean these terms in a general way. I include overeaters, sex addicts, compulsive gamblers, codependents, AlAnon members, debtors, adult children of alcoholics, and anyone else who might find benefit in using the Twelve Steps. People for all these groups, and more, have attended my workshops and benefited. Certain concepts will fit more specifically substance abusers, but my experience is that many similar feelings and behaviors appear in people who have all kinds of dysfunctional behavior.” “Beyond this obvious audience, I believe the greater population of Buddhists and other meditation practitioners can benefit from applying Twelve Step principles. As I’ve probed the steps deeper and deeper, I’ve seen how they illuminate my meditation practice; they are not just tools for recovery, but an archetypal spiritual path in and of themselves.” “Many people when they hear I’m writing a book on Buddhism and the Twelve Steps think I’m going to rewrite the Steps from a Buddhist perspective. I’m not. I love the Steps, I honor and respect them; that’s why I’m writing a book about them. I’m trying to translate the Steps and discover their relationship with Buddhism, but I’m not trying to change them.” “Some people have asked if they could see my manuscript because they were having a hard time getting sober in Twelve Step meetings and they hoped my book would offer an alternative. I’m a meditation teacher and I’ve been sober for a while, but I’m not an addiction counselor or a therapist. I’m no expert on substance abuse – except my own. This book isn’t really meant to get you sober but rather to deepen your spiritual life in sobriety.” – Kevin Griffin. The book includes meditation exercises that correspond with several of the steps. ($13.95. paper. 281 pp. ISBN 1579549055. Rodale.) RECENT TITLES ON DVD: HEALING THE LUMINOUS BODY: THE WAY OF THE SHAMAN. With Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., featuring paintings by Alex Grey. This DVD introduces viewers to the luminous energy field that surrounds and informs our physical body like a blueprint of life. Unveiling the secret of ancient shaman-healers, Alberto Villoldo teaches that many of our physical and psychological problems stem from imprints within our luminous body. Villoldo reveals the nature of this luminous field, how it acts as a blueprint for our physical body and how by understanding its nature, we can actually heal each other and ourselves. Trained as a medical anthropologist, Dr. Villoldo left the academic world behind twenty years ago to study among the Inka. It was in the Andes Mountains of South America that he discovered the wisdom of the luminous body from the indigenous shamans. This ancient knowledge reveals the secret of true health and happiness. To illustrate the luminous energy field, the paintings of visionary artist Alex Grey are presented. No other artist has depicted the luminous energy form, with all of its intricacies, so clearly. ($19.95. DVD. 72 minutes. ISBN 9991471863. Sacred Mysteries Productions.) ARTMIND – THE HEALING POWER OF SACRED ART. With Alex Grey. Is it possible that art has the power to heal? Could it be that the sacred monuments, paintings, and sculptures from ancient civilizations around the world were created to evoke more than just beauty alone? Visionary artist Alex Grey believes that this is so. During the course of this presentation, which includes scores of his paintings and sculptures from the last twenty years, Grey discusses the power of sacred art to bring us face to face with divine reality. After describing the life experiences, sacred teachings and painters that have inspired his own artistic vision, he takes us on a whirlwind tour of the sacred art of spiritual traditions from around the world, demonstrating to us how these works of art can heal the ailing spirit and revitalize one’s health and sense of well-being. ($19.95. DVD. 79 minutes. ISBN 9991471871. Sacred Mysteries Productions.) |
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