5 comments about The Cosmic Serpent.

1. I sincerely enjoyed reading this book as I could not put it down. This book is roughly 240 pages with eleven chapters. And, it is very easy to read. Narby's "Notes" section at the end of the book is lengthy and informative.
   
   "The Cosmic Serpent" reads more like a novel or a personal journey rather than a scholarly work that one would normally read on the subject. Personally, I was fascinated with the sincere expression of the author's stories and his mix-in with the science of DNA. There were much confusion among the scientific community about connection between the use of hallucinogenic plants and genetic, and yet Narby was able to clear that up, even as briefly, in this book. I also find it interesting about Narby's discovery of the connection between the symbolism of snakes and that of DNA (double helix), and he backed this up with historical evidence from Americas as well from other cultures.
   
   I found this book to be quite informative and most interesting to read. Most certainly a new look on DNA. I also enjoyed his other book, such as Intelligence in Nature.



2. Parts of this book were really interesting, and others were a bit tedious. Overall, the author's theory that Shamans are "seeing and learning" from plant DNA (that looks like snakes/serpents to them, hence the inordinate amount of ancient paintings that depict snakes) is certainly counter to conventional Western thought.
   
   If you enjoy learning about alternative ideas, you'll enjoy this book. Who knows, it may be generally accurate -- Western science certainly can't explain the knowledge native Shamans have acquired.



3. Apparently countless civilizations have recognized the serpent or other double-helix like shapes as of primal importance, and consumption of hallucogenic drugs induces similar visions. Narby has taken this information and declared that humans are, and always have been, somehow aware of the DNA that underlies our existence. He also believes that DNA has intentions, can communicate with us, and it not of this world (he does not believe in natural selection, etc). As a geneticist with an interest in neurobiology and consciousness myself, I am aware that he has butchered much of the science he presents (for example, claiming that the circularity of natural selection makes it untestable). However he writes well, and I enjoyed reading about the anthropology (which appears well documented to my admittedly inexpert eye) that led him to derive this new mythology. I certainly don't agree with his conclusions, but I appreciate his intellectual creativity and sense of discovery.



4. I found the book to be well researched with over 90 pages of notes, indexes, and bibliography to support the 162 pages of the author's perspective and one possibility of how all life is interconnected. Myth or truth? Not easily answered because I don't think one could ever know now that most every inch of the planet has been explored and the primitive cultures "found" have been affected in too many ways. What impressed upon me most was that there is something profound that we can learn from studying and understanding these ancient ways. An interesting read.



5. I'm surprised that no one before me has mentioned how poorly written this book is. It sounds like it was written by an eighth grader with no imagination. For somone who is discussing hallucinations, he would have done well to have been more colorul in his writing. It reads like a technical brochure. Half the things he talks about are of no consequence to the point he's trying to make.

5 comments about Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers.

1. Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers
   by Richard Evans Schultes, Albert Hofmann, and Christian Rätsch
   
   Publisher:Healing Arts Press/Inner Traditions
   
   Year:2001 (revised and expanded edition)
   
   ISBN:089281979-0
   
   Categories:Book Reviews, Recommended Books
   
   Reviewed by Jon Hanna, 6/26/2007
   
   It may be a rare thing for a second edition of a book to warrant its own review, but such is definitely the case with the new edition of the Schultes' and Hofmann's 1979 classic Plants of the Gods. The updated version was produced as a German translation in 1998 by Christian Rätsch, and Healing Arts Press released the English translation of this in late 2001. It is a thing of beauty.
   
   The primary and most dramatic improvement is the inclusion of numerous new photographs and art images. Although this second edition retains many of the same photos, it introduces a lot of new ones as well. In some cases, the item depicted-such as the statue of Shiva with Datura flowers in his hair (p. 11)-has been revisited with a higher-quality photo. Frequently, black and white images have been replaced with a similar image in stunning full-color. While this works superbly in most cases, there are a few situations-such as the replacement color photo of an aerial view of the Kuluene river (p. 24)-where the original black and white photo was much better. New psychedelic art is featured throughout from the likes of Pablo Amaringo, Walangari Karntawarra Jakamarra, Nana Nauwald, and Donna Torres. There are even some incredible watercolor paintings done by Christian Rätsch himself (think Codex Seraphinianus on acid)-where can we see more of his art!? A beautiful mural of an ayahuasca ceremony that graces a wall at the Cuzco Airport in Peru reminds us that some countries have a more enlightened attitude towards the use of psychoptic plants.
   
   "Fourteen Major Hallucinogenic Plants" of the first edition has been altered to become "The Most Important Hallucinogenic Plants," and expanded to include new sections on Anadenanthera colubrina, ayahuasca analogs, Salvia divinorum, and Duboisia hopwoodii. There have been numerous expansions on the old chapters as well, including many additional species of the genera discussed. Six new plants have been added to the "Plant Lexicon," and this section has been vastly improved through the addition of color photographs. Previously, the majority of the plants described were depicted via illustrations, with only a few photo images; this situation is now reversed, with only a few illustrations. (It is a shame that there are any drawings remaining, although I suspect in some cases it might be hard to obtain photographs of the plants in question. Still, in other cases it should not have been difficult-photos of Banisteriopsis caapi, Lagochilus inebrians, Mandragora officinarum, Mimosa tenuiflora [= M. hostilis], Peucedanum japonicum, Scirpus atrovirens, Tabernanthe iboga, and Virola theiodora are all available via the web). The map of "Native Use of Major Hallucinogens" has been expanded to include Hyoscyamus sp., Duboisia sp., and A. colubrina, and the depicted range of Cannabis use has been increased.
   
   Some problems that the original book had are, alas, retained or, in a few cases, exaggerated. The gutter of the book is too tight, causing one to crack the spine to get a full view; this was the case in the earlier edition as well. New layout glitches include shaded backgrounds for text boxes being placed too close to the edge of the text (in some cases touching it), and headlines that sit too close to the images. The problem of citing alkaloid contents as fixed numbers is still present (although in a few cases ranges are presented). Those with little knowledge on the subject might actually believe that all dried Trichocereus pachanoi plants have a 2% mescaline content, while this is actually the peak of the range that can be determined through a survey of the scant few published isolation analyses (which dips down to 0.33%, and even lower in published HPLC analysis), and may not be typical. In new cases when ranges are presented, such as the case with Mimosa tenuiflora root-bark said to contain 0.57 to 1.0% DMT, the information may not be correct. (M. tenuiflora has been reported to contain 0.31 to 0.57% DMT with specific analyses available in the literature of Gonçalves de Lima 1946 and Patcher et al. 1959, and there have been unsubstantiated counter-culture claims of 1% to 11%, see ER Vol. X, No. 3, 2001 and Ott 2001). Both the new and the old editions of this book are riddled with statements about alkaloid contents that are presented as if they were fixed amounts, when in reality alkaloid content can be highly variable.
   
   Some new errors are introduced with this edition. Spelling mistakes are peppered throughout (they've misspelled author Hofmann's name on the back cover!), and awkward phrasings are not uncommon in those sections that were translated from German. In some cases, plants are presented as containing specific alkaloids that they do not have. For example, it is remarked that "The Turkey Red variety of the grass Phalaris arundinacea contains liberal amounts of DMT." This is in error, as this variety contains liberal amounts of 5-MeO-DMT, not DMT. Also, photographs of four cacti-Ariocarpus retusus, A. fissuratus, Astrophyton asterias, and Aztekium riterii-known in México as "peyote" are depicted, with the statement "They primarily contain the substance mescaline and other psychoactive alkaloids." This too is in error, as only A. riterii has been found to contain trace amounts of mescaline, and no mescaline has been found at all in the others. (It was interesting to see that Rätsch considers a heftier amount of mescaline, "0.5-0.8 gram" to be a dose, compared to the Shulgins' more conservative 200-400 mg dose listed in PIHKAL; I tend to agree with Rätsch.)
   
   Any and all criticism of this book should be viewed as minor, as it is truly a marvelous work. Rätsch has taken a great book and made it better. Especially if you own the first edition, you owe it to yourself to pick up this revamp. It is visual delight, a joy to read cover-to-cover, and it will no doubt be revisited repeatedly for years to come.



2. 
   The authors Richard Schultes, director of the Botanical Museum at Harvard and Albert Hofmann, discoverer of LSD and former director of the Pharmaceutical-Chemical Research Lab in Basel, Switzerland, together have over fourteen years of research in field of botany, chemistry and ethnobotony. In their book the authors offer an ethnobological look at the sacred use of hallucinogenic plants and include: an introduction to hallucinogenic plants, a plant lexicon, overview of plant use chart, detailed section of fourteen major hallucinogenic plants, and concludes with an overview of the chemical structure of hallucinogens.
   The plant lexicon includes ninety-one known and most common hallucinogenic plants with: a colored picture for each plant, botanical name, geographic location, hallucinogenic properties and a short description of the individual plant. Following the lexicon is a chart overview of each plant that includes: usage in history, context and purpose, preparation, chemical components and effects. Following the chart is a detailed account fourteen major hallucinogenic plants. "Most of these plants are or have been culturally and materially important...that they can not be overlooked "(81). The authors include: a descriptive history, gathering techniques, rituals, the chemical make-up of the plant, pictures of ceremonies, and artwork of "visions" by people.
   Plants of the Gods is more than a research book, it is a guide to understanding the role hallucinogens play in various religious cultures using a scientific and anthropological approach.
   
   This review is based on the 1992 publication:
   Schultus, Richard E., and Albert Hofmann. Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers. Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 1992.



3. This is a good book on the topic of psychotropic plants, though I have to admit that I'm a little shocked that the opium poppy wasn't included. Oh well. There are enough books on that subject that I'm sure if you really want to study the "black smoke" you can find another book to read. It presents an interesting subject in an approachable, readable format. My one complaint is that parts of it read a little too New Age-y, which irks me. But that's the way I am. Aside from that one (rather small) problem, I would readily recommend this book to anyone looking for an all-in-one look at this branch of botany.



4. This is a good starting point for working with Psychoactive Plants. It is however not quite as informative as the author's "The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications". If you are interested in working with plants but are not sure then this is the book for you to get the real information you need to make a informed decision.



5. If you're looking for information on how to prepare psychoactive plant medicine and, well quite frankly, how get high, this is not the book for you. However, if you'd like to gain more wisdom and insight into shamanistic practices around the world, this is a wonderful history that draws you into the mind of the shamin. I loved this book. It gave me new respect for the wisdom of those ancient people of whom we know so very little. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in shamanism and herbalism. It offers insight into not HOW but WHY psychoactive plants are ingested. Plant medicine is afford the tremendous respect it so rightly deserves.

5 comments about Power of Silence.

1. Carlos Castaneda was one of the most controversial writers of the twentieth century. Some in academia branded him a fraud for claiming his stories were biographical rather than fiction, while lauding him as a great novelist for exposing a mass audience to otherwise inaccessible philosophical abstractions they claimed were largely plagiarized. Each of his works is a piece of a larger puzzle, which makes it impossible to critique any one book without addressing the larger context into which it fits.
   
   
   
   His first two books, "Teachings of Don Juan" and "A Separate Reality" describe experiences induced by ingesting psychotropic hallucinogenics prepared by a Yaqui Indian shaman from Sonora, Mexico he called don Juan Matus, and accounted for his becoming a guru to a generation seeking short cuts to spiritual enlightenment, as well as his lifelong interest in the relationship between perception and reality, a theme now explored in many popular books on consciousness and quantum physics. Unfortunately, these books remain his best selling works, in spite of Castaneda refuting their importance in his later works. Readers would be best served to skip these and avoid the risk of being turned off to Castaneda and missing the more stimulating works that followed.
   
   
   
   His third and fourth works were "Journey to Ixtlan" and "Tales of Power." In Ixtlan he admits to over-estimating the value of his drug experiences, which caused him to overlook the more profound teachings of don Juan which became the focus of future writings. What emerges is a spiritual discipline dating back to the Pre-Colombian Toltec sorcerers of Latin America, culminating with don Juan's departure from our world, effectively ending Castaneda's direct affiliation.
   
   
   
   In his fifth and sixth works "Second Ring of Power" and "Eagles Gift" Castaneda suffers strange flashbacks of what seem to be memory fragments of events he is unable to fit into any logical time sequence. In his seventh and eighth works, "Fire From Within" and "Power of Silence," Castaneda succeeds in reconstructing his lost memories, which derive from teachings previously administered by don Juan while Castaneda was in a "heightened" state of awareness.
   
   
   
   In books nine and ten, "Art of Dreaming" and "Active Side of Infinity," Castaneda focuses on what he describes as inorganic predators from another dimension, some having the power to imprison humanity in "ordinary reality" so they can feed on the dark emotional energies we produce when succumbing to the negative thoughts they insert into our minds.
   
   
   
   In later years several seemingly substantiating works appeared by two of Castaneda's female apprentices, Taisha Abelar and Florinda Donner-Grau. In addition, two scathing exposés were also published by two of his ex-wives. The first, "Magical Journey with Carlos Castaneda" by first wife, Margaret Runyon, offers little corroboration, since her marriage pre-dates the time when the bulk of Castaneda's adventures were claimed to have occurred. While steadfast that Castaneda was a sorcerer, she doubts the existence of don Juan, even claiming authorship of many of the concepts Castaneda ascribed to him.
   
   
   
   The second, and more credible work, is "Sorcerer's Apprentice," by well-known writer Amy Wallace, daughter of the late best selling novelist Irving Wallace. Here again, we find little corroboration since the time of the events she describes is well after the period when Castaneda's relationship with don Juan is alleged to occur. What the book does provide is a troubling look inside Castaneda's final years, a picture of descent into what seems sexual addiction and possibly madness, leaving one to wonder if Castaneda was just one cup of cool-aid short of a Jonestown.
   
   
   
   Many have asked why I put any stock whatsoever in Castaneda. A story from my autobiography, "The Vortex" may shed some light. A year before Castaneda published his first book I had an experience that would remain a mystery until Castaneda published "Power of Silence" twenty years later.
   
   
   
   For a brief time, in my youth, I became a practicing Muslim, meticulously performing the complex prayer ritual five times a day. Then one night, sitting in my car, frustrated and complaining at not being able to find the address of my next sales appointment, something inside me snapped. It was as if some part of me had disconnected from my body and assumed control, lecturing me about my lack of discipline. A profound calm settled over me, rendering me simultaneously detached and engaged. For two days my sales figures soared. It was as if no one could say no to me. On the evening of the second day I decided to put my new state of being to the acid test by visiting my parents. Their behavior was so uncharacteristically supportive I hardly recognized them. It was enough to convince me that I was now living in an altered reality. But by the following morning I had returned to "normal." So distracting had this event been that I completely forgot to perform my Muslim prayers, and in fact, never did so again.
   
   
   
   Twenty years later, in a chapter of "Power of Silence" entitled "Place of No Pity" Castaneda describes a very similar experience. In the aftermath of the event don Juan explains that humans are like televisions stuck on a channel called "self-preoccupation," lacking the energy to tune into any of the vast array of other channels available to us. To change channels, he explains, we first need to accumulate energy, by practicing rituals that are deliberate, precise and repetitious. Do this long enough and eventually our stored energy precipitates a shift to a channel where self-importance and self pity become impossible. Once this happens we connect with the force that controls the entire universe, a force don Juan called "intent," and everything can be bent to our will and even more channels can be opened, assuming we remember to keep practicing the rituals that save our energy.
   
   
   
   This one realization alone was enough to inspire me to dedicate my autobiography "To Carlos, with gratitude."
   
   
   
   Maxwell Austin van Lack, Author of The Vortex: A True Story of Passion and Karma
   



2. I came to this Castaneda book upon its mention in Wayne Dyer's "The Power of Intention." Reading them together is a unique experience, and one I suggest.
   
   As much as "Silence" is about the typical themes as other reviewers have pointed out, the book has a great deal to say about the power of intention. Cultivating full, unemotional intention ("ruthlessness") causes powerful ability to harness perception. Weak, conflicted intention causes one to be acted upon. There is much more to it, of course, and Castaneda explains in dense detail. You'll find yourself rereading passages at times in order to follow--but the effort is worthwhile.
   
   The book was written 30 years ago, but is an undated, forceful read. If you have any bent toward spirituality, I'd recommend this book to you.



3. Carlos Castaneda has once again provided a vivid, detailed description of a new way of thinking. This book is a good read but plan on taking some time with it if you plan to maximize the experience. Thought provoking presentation.



4. I didn't especially care for Castaneda himself, when I met him, and I realize that he may have completely fabricated don Juan and his teachings, but I have recently finished reading "The Power of Silence" for my TENTH time in 35 years, and still find it awesomely powerful and on-point! In fact, each time I read this book, I keep finding ideas and methods that I either hadn't noticed before or had forgotten about. I consider this book a must-read for any serious transformational seeker who wishes to attain self-mastery and illumination.



5. Truth as well as beauty reside in the brain of the beholder. One is heard and one is seen as perfect to the senses.
   My interpretation of the words in this book feel truthful as do those of the Bible, Koran and Bagavad Gita. Myths are made of these.

5 comments about The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge.

1. I first read this book a few months ago before reading the rest of the series, and it was a mind-blowing read.
   
   "Teachings of Don Juan" is the first of many books by anthropologist Carlos Castaneda to which he revealed his teacher-student relationship and experiences with Yaqui Sorcerer by the name of Don Juan. The dialogues and experiences lay within this book are rather insightful read.
   
   This book is merely a starting point where readers begin to understand the warrior's way and how one would understand one's perceptions of the world and how they can be deceiving. The plants or substances discussed in this book is not the means nor the ends, but merely just a tool, rarely used, in order to shock the author to see what lies beyond and around himself. Merely a step towards being a "man of knowledge."
   
   Remarkably, as I read through the series, I cannot help but wonder who Don Juan really was and where the sources came from. I recently found the answers to these questions in William Patterson's The Life & Teachings of Carlos Castaneda, which is a new profound perspective of the life of Castaneda and his work.



2. These books are just classics! Takes you on a journey of your own I first starting reading the series when I was 16...now 34 but I often get the urge to pick them back up I get something new out of it every time. Inspires me to see things in a new light.



3. Don Juan possesses the wisdom of the ancients . Getting away from your babbling inanities and shutting down the internal dialog, you might just ask the question?" What is the Matrix"?



4. An excellent book about the first steps of Carlos Castaneda to become a man of knowledge. A book that has it all. Funny, enlightening and mysteries.



5. Having read several of Castanedas books and been strongly influenced by them as a youth, it was with great sadness that I subsequently found them to be almost completely imaginary. If you care to research Castaneda you will find that most of his experiences of flying through the air, encountering supernatural Mexican wisemen, receiving transcendental illumination etc etc happened while he was sitting in the library at UCLA. Many of the dates in the books are contradictory, much of the alleged herbal knowledge is potentially dangerous and essentially the bottom line is that you would be well advised to take all these books with a very large grain of salt. However that being said, they are fairly well written, quite entertaining and do contain some measure of truth after all. So go figure...

4 comments about Plant Spirit Healing: A Guide to Working with Plant Consciousness.

1. A wonderfully written book, explores herbal healing well beyond the modern paradigm of plant chemistry and herbal analogues of pharmaceuticals. The spirits of the plants as healers and teachers through the ages is brought to life here by a talented writer who obviously walks the walk while talking the talk. Thank you Ms. Montgomery for this gem



2. This accessible yet comprehensive book is a tremendous gift of both wisdom and practical application on how the universe actually works and how to tap in and play a part yourself. Plant Spirit Healing is about the difference between knowing about a plant (available through book learning and use) and experiencing its spirit - where you merge with it, communicate through an exchange of insights, and achieve a full and lasting relationship. This book benefits from Pam Montgomery having taught and honed this material many times. If you cannot take Montgomery's apprenticeship program and experience her own ebullient spirit, this book is the next best thing.
   
   Emphasizing that each person's knowing and experience of different plants may be different in what is really a Both/And, rather than an Either/Or, universe, Montgomery guides you to find your own plant spirit guides appropriate for this time in your life journey. Chances are who they are will surprise you.
   
   This remarkable book takes the reader on a journey from (possibly) skeptical interest in plant spirits, to plausible, to possible, to practical. At no point does the journey include religious overtones or spacey far-out suggestions.
   
   Montgomery builds a foundation based on physical and energetic qualities of both people and plants. Each new parcel of knowledge is presented in a flowing sequence based upon previously explained information. The trip is full of "of course" moments where you recognize that you already knew what she is presenting, but perhaps did not know where to place it in your established body of knowledge. As much as anything this book greatly expands and updates your established body of knowledge.
   
   Fine-tuning gathered from years of teaching workshops and apprentice programs has honed Montgomery's understanding of the pace and paths by which people can not only learn, but can experience and assimilate deeper knowledge. Her expertise allows her to lead the reader through these layers of knowing in the transparent, uncluttered, way that characterizes the best of guides.
   
   The Theme is Relationships.
   Despite years of loving plants, I would not have thought that there were so many ways to understand plants, or so many tools for deepening my relationships with them. Indeed, relationship is what this book is all about, including establishing, fostering, and nurturing actual relationships with plants. This includes being open, observant, respectful, and enjoying. It involves appreciating plants and learning from them and moving those relationships on to partnerships. This carries on the theme of Montgomery's previous book, Partner Earth (1997) in which she encourages humans to take responsibility and action to be co-creators and partners with Earth, rather than passive children of Mother Earth.
   
   At one point in Plant Spirit Healing Pam likens establishing a new relationship with a plant to a relationship with a potential lover. Just think about that. It includes breath exchange, attention, respect. One is open, observant, eager to learn all one can about this person who suddenly seems to glow with light. One is gentle and respectful and wants to spend every available moment with the new love, gently growing knowledge and love and a shared history, exploring all facets and aspects of the beloved.
   
   Organization and arrangement
   The book's organization is clear and accessible. Different learning modes are accommodated as each chapter presents the material in three modes. Chapters begin with a journal entry from Montgomery's daily interactions with nature and how it feeds her developing wisdom. We catch a glimpse of her slipping into communication with plants and the landscape. Next, the bulk of the chapter is a descriptive exposition of the topic. This is followed by examples which illustrate the ideas and techniques just presented with experiences Montgomery has had with her clients, or that her students have experienced.
   
   The book is divided into three parts, The Theoretical Basis for Plant Spirit Healing, The Practical Application of Plant Spirit Healing and Plant Allies, a section on specific plants. Christian Hummel recently wrote "We are living in a time when ancient principles that have been espoused for ages from Vedic texts to Native American philosophies are being validated by science - a meeting point between science and spirituality where these principles are being tested and proven to be true." [July 2007 Wisdom magazine p. 28 "Accessing the Creative Matrix: The Secret to Healing the Earth" ] Montgomery presents much of this material in Part One by distilling and presenting the essence of a large and varied body of new scientific information in an accessible format that relates to plant spirit and communication. She has gleaned knowledge from others - both ancient traditions and recent science - and incorporates it straightforwardly for easy absorption without being academic. Part Two is a practical journey where actually meeting and getting to know plants is facilitated with a range of different techniques. Part Three introduces the plants as their fully embodied selves giving a sense of the expansive beings they are.
   
   Plant Spirit Healing teaches about how sprit moves in the world, thus bringing spirit into reality, instead of keeping it in the abstract realm of religion. We are given a handbook to understand the wonder of plants, and a guidebook of practical techniques and exercises to form personal, intimate, real relationships with plant beings whose importance, variety, beauty, gifts and outright wisdom are usually ignored. The result reminds me of my joy at the animal tracks revealed by the first snowfall in what has been a gray and lonely November landscape. The joyful feeling of not being alone. The deep knowledge that I share this landscape with other beings who are aware of themselves, who live full and interesting lives, and who are open to knowing me and interacting with me.
   
   Plants have been calling to many of us for the past several decades. Chances are they are somehow calling you as well. This is a guidebook to answer that call, probably in a deeper way than you ever imagined. By the time you have read it you will have established relationships with plant beings, taken a deep journey and found missing parts of yourself.



3. Beautiful, hopeful, how to in a world filled with strife. Pam reminds us all to take the time to walk among the creatures who are there in our backyards. We don't have to travel far, but instead realize that each plant on our earth has purpose. When we befriend them, opening our spirit to encompass their's a new strength is formed. Thank-you Pam for this powerful reminder.....Dona



4. Pam Montgomery ties so many sources together, including more about "the how" of opening our senses to link with our plant relatives. The literature in this important inquiry is growing and it is so good to have Pam's feminine voice in the chorus. Thank you Pam!
   Submitted by Zia Parker, school director of Agua Alma Aquatic Bodywork

5 comments about The Art of Dreaming.

1. Not the greatest but who's to say. Lists some practical guides for dreaming and is still a bit criptive to those not fully involve with the sorcerer's path. Still a recommended read for those not too inclined but interested. Don't know what else to say.



2. When I read this book I started having many more lucid dreams. I found this book extremely interesting and very different from other dream books.



3. Before reading any of the Castaneda books, it is vital that any potential reader know the truth behind the legend - this I have covered in lengthy reviews of each of the first five books. This short review is just to say that this is probably the worst place to start as far as Castaneda books go. The others are at least written in a believable way, when Castaneda's art of fibbing was still well-developed. By this book he had given up all pretence at earning the label of non-fiction, the final result being a book that makes Alice in Wonderland seem quite believable. And if you want lucid dreaming, you've come to the wrong place. Read up some more on the man and his work before you believe anything in this book.



4. I've done some research on lucid dreaming and astral travel and am in the process of attaining these states and looked to this book, by recommendation, as a potential guide book of sorts. Well, it does contain some general truths as compared with other books I've read and then there are things that are added in to make for a good and dangerous story with plenty of conflict that keeps you turning the pages. For instance: When Castaneda talks of the dangers of being lured in by "inorganic beings", which "inorganic" or non-physical beings is he talking about? The entire physical, astral, spiritual universe is populated by potentially millions of different races of "inorganic" beings. Some are out to get you, while some are benevolent, just like people on Earth. And the "scouts", or spirit-guides as most call them, are stereotyped as well as having a mischievous intent of luring out into realms of the universe that might not be able to get back from. Total rubbish! These examples and many more are why you can't rely on these books as actual guide books to help the serious explorer of these realms. They're written more in the style of "The Celestine Prophecy". I don't see why Castaneda just wouldn't be upfront about them being fiction, because as fiction, they are o.k. books if that's what you're looking for.
   If you want real advice from real people about real experiences in the real lucid dreaming/astral travel worlds I'd suggest the following authors: Bruce Moen, Robert Monroe, Albert Taylor, William Buhlman, Stephen LaBerge, Adrian Cooper, Robert Bruce, Fred Atwater and others that you can find from links on their websites.
   But, if you're not seriously looking into astral travel and looking for a good read, then Castaneda may be your man....



5. To quote an erudite earlier reviewer: "In books nine and ten, "Art of Dreaming" and "Active Side of Infinity," Castaneda focuses on what he describes as inorganic predators from another dimension, some having the power to imprison humanity in "ordinary reality" so they can feed on the dark emotional energies we produce when succumbing to the negative thoughts they insert into our minds. "
   
   I might add this a dangerous book with its own subtle, destructive undertow. The creative shamanic mind should beware and approach with serious minded caution and maintain a healthy distance. I am neither stating its contents are true nor untrue, but the un-initiated need not apply, and the initiated might be wise enough to let sleeping dogs lie.
   
   It is a big mind-you-know-what, whether Carlos in his imaginative process intended it that way or not.
   
   Claim your power and move on. Consider THIS a gift and a warning. Your greed for esoteric exploration may test you beyond what you expected.

No comments about The Long Trip: A Prehistory of Psychedelia.

5 comments about Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self.

1. This book was well-written and informative---a wonderful introduction to this traditional shamanistic practice, updated for modern application.



2. I purchased this book to learn a little bit about Soul Retrieval. Well, I learned a TON about it. It was a very interesting book and very easy to read and understand. I am so glad I bought the book!



3. I studied soul retrieval with Sandra Ingerman and find her to be an excellent teacher. This book is a continuation of her excellence! Ingerman has a down to earth teaching style so that all can understand and her book is written in this style as well.
   
   I have found soul retrieval to be a life changing experience for most people. I love performing soul retrievals as I know that in asking for the soul parts who are ready and willing to come back at this time, that the person and the soul parts are ready to work together. It was my own soul retrieval after the death of my son that helped me to come out of the deep well of grief I was in. And my soul retrieval led me to become a shamanic practitioner and teacher. I have found the language of my heart! This book is a must for all who seek to get well after trauma.



4. This is the most beautiful and beneficial work I have ever come across in my 35 years as a Massage Therapist.



5. This powerful book written by a highly experiencd practitioner gives extensive background, details and thoughful reasons behind the practice of "allegedly" helping people to reconnect with parts of their psyche that are causing them grief or are simply no longer available to them. The puzzle is involving oneself in this activity and that we may not have access to all the reasons for the initial disconnect. The words "better left alone" resonant with these activities because of our own arrogance and lack of all the pertinant details essential to back bringing together that which is broken. Even the most carefully mended object still exhibits the signs of the mend. Tread carefully unless you REALLY know your stuff.

5 comments about Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner's Guide.

1. I think the book is a little too light, too introductory for this subject. The best chapter for myself is almost at the ned where she gives a varies groups of subjects to focus the voyages of the young shaman. The hardcover edition is very nice, very high quality, the paper. It also comes with a CD, which is nice for begginers. I was expecting a little more.



2. Sandra Ingerman is wonderful. I am grateful she made these ancient healing techniques accessible to all. And the drumming CD is a huge bonus.



3. i continue to enjoy this book and recommend it to those new to the experience



4. This book comes with a drumming CD which facilitates the shamanic meditative state. It is a good introduction to shamanism. I am a full mesa carrying shaman. I have not read the whole book yet but still can see its value from the information presented in a easy comprehensive form.



5. While this book does not go into depth about the ins and outs of Shamanism, it will give the reader a well written idea of what it is. One can easily start practicing some of the techniques given within this 85 page book. I read this in about 3 hours, including time to sit quietly and reflect on the information given. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and enjoyed the included CD as well.
   
   I held back one star due to some redundant parts. I am waiting to read that "blow me away" book on Shamanism before I give a 5 star review, but that's just me.
   
   This was a worthwhile purchase you should add to your library.

5 comments about Animal Spirit Guides: An Easy-to-Use Handbook for Identifying and Understanding Your Power Animals and Animal Spirit Helpers.

1. Well let me tell you, I will never look at an animal the same way again. I'm not sure how true the messages of the animals in this book are it is still a fun read that everyone (believer or not)can get a kick out of. The other day I read this book about the eagle and later on I took a walk and I heard the scream of an Eagle! There are very few eagles in this area, but there she was flying just above me and when I told my neighbors about the sighting, no one believed me. Go figure, when you start reading stuff like this, strange stuff (cool stuff) starts to happen. Enjoy!



2. I absolutely love this book. I am getting so much more information now after I got this book. I have it easily accessible because I am constantly getting animal images I then look it up in the book and the messages are relevant to what is going on in my life.
   I had the earlier version of this book and felt guided to give it to a family member..And when I saw that he came out with this version with tons more animals I was SOO excited!
   
   HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!



3. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR ANIMAL TOTEMS AND SPIRIT GUIDES. STEPHEN IS AWESOME. HE IS AN AUTHENTIC SHAMAN. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO MEET HIM. GREAT GUY, GREAT BOOK! (HE IS DOREEN VIRTUE'S HUSBAND)



4. Received this book right away and really love it. It is well written and a wonderful addition to Animal Speak and Wise books by Ted Andrews



5. This is a great book for the beginner or the experienced. We carry the book, CD and cards at Facets of Healing. It's also one of our suggested reads for our shaman students or those just wanting to know more about animal guides, or energies. I personally love the Antelope section, being an antelope shaman.
   
   Namaste
   Antelope Medicine Woman
   AKA Jacuqeline Kennedy,
   Facets of Healing and The Reiki Energy Healing Center
   717 Vista Ave
   Boise, ID 83705
   208-429-9999