No comments about Understanding Dreams.

1 comments about Dreams, A Portal to the Source: A Guide to Dream Interpretation.

1. ....as written by authors of a Jungian persuasion.

   Those very familiar with Jungian dream theory will find the first couple of chapters slow and basic. Others will welcome the exposition of why dreams do what they do.

   Dreams, not just as imaginal compensations for the narrowness of conscious daily life, but as completions, as fillings-in to be lived as night-time dramas; dreams as metaphoric missing pieces of what we neglect in our journeys toward wholeness; as messages, or letters, in the Talmudic sense, we must open to understand: all this is here, and warmly recommended.

   I can't write a book review without at least a brief comment on style. In this case, nothing close to the poetry of a Hillman or a Romanyshyn. Adequately expository, though. They do a good job of seeing to it that the reader gets the ideas.

   The authors claim to have written for clinicians, but the educated non-therapist unacquainted with the tools of dreamlife can find real gold in this book.

   If you're curious beyond the simple "did I dream that because I ate a bad hamburger" or "I can't understand my dreams, so they don't make any sense," then begin here.

2 comments about Dreams, "Evolution" and Value Fulfillment, Vol. 2: A Seth Book.

1. Where do we come from and why are we here. This book deals with the origin of mankind and the creation of this world in dreams. I'd not recommend it if you do not know other Seth books, and also not if you are looking of ways of how to improve your life situation (get Nature of Personal Reality in that case). However, it's excellent if you enjoyed Seth Speaks and Unknown Reality.



2. Seth Dreams and Projections Of Consciousness
   
   The scientific approach to dream interpretation leaves something to be desired at least in my view. However, Seth presents an indepth picture of the origin of life - from the inner dream world and beyond. His explanation of the physical world...where virtually every possibility exists and is constantly encouraged to achieve highest potential.
   
   Consider the ways in which our religions have stifled the human spirit. Surprising insight into life's meaning and purpose.
   
   "Dreams are mental work and play combined, psychic and emotionally rich creative dramas. They also involve you in the most productive of enterprises as you begin to play with versions of events that are being considered for physical actualization..."

5 comments about Cloud Nine:: A Dreamer's Dictionary.

1. I have an older copy of this book, and absoluetly love it! I read it regularly, and the information is astounding. I was looking for an edition to buy as a present, and saw that a new edition is now available.

   I plan on buying more than one copy, and definetly recommend this to anyone curious about their dreams.




2. Most of us are visited nightly by dreams. And most of us are puzzled by the fragments we can recall of these elusive visitors. Do dreams mean anything? If so, what? How can we better remember them? Is it possible to "control" our dreams? Sandra Thomson, a psychologist and author, tells readers all about dreams in Cloud Nine: A Dreamer's Dictionary. Thomson says that "dreams show us our conflicts and way to resolve them; they chronicle our inner striving." She adds that dreams can be "a second language." She starts with a general discussion of dreams, highlighting the primary theories of the significance of dreams. People have tried to understand their dreams since the beginning of time, often relying on shamans. The first dream book was written in the second century A.D. Hundreds of people have studied and attempted to explain dreams since then. Freud was a pioneer in dream interpretation. Thomson explains his theories, then goes on the discuss the work of other researchers, including Jung, Adler, Horney, and Perls. She clearly explains what each believed to be true about dreams, which is helpful to readers trying to understand the symbolism of their own dreams. Dreams use symbols and the meaning of the symbols vary from person to person. Thomson highly recommends that each person prepare their own "dream dictionary," in which they figure out the meaning of their unique symbols. The bulk of her book is a generalized dream dictionary that will help readers get started. She offers alternative meanings for most of the symbols, enabling users to better interpret their dreams. She provides extensive instructions for decoding individual dreams. The book is filled with "dreamercises," which are designed to assist in recalling and interpreting dreams. Thomson also explains how to put your dreams to work for you, by asking for solutions to daytime problems. She also describes how to teach yourself how to have lucid dreams, in which the dreamers are aware that they are dreaming before they wake up. Thomson wrote Cloud Nine to "allow you to participate more fully in understanding your own dream productions or in identifying your growth tasks." The guidelines and exercises she provides gives readers the tools they need to understand and interpret their dreams.



3. I am one who has been paying attention to, and interpreting my own dreams since I was a kid, however, there are some dreams that I still need help understanding. I had a difficult time chosing a good dream dictionary due to the fact that many dream dictionaries have narrow meanings for their symbologies. However, this book gives you the point of views of Sigmond Freud, Carl Jung, the interpretations of other cultures and esoteric symbologies. So, it gives you a broad view of each symbol. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!



4. I love this book! Keep it by the bedside. Use it for interpretations. It has multiple entries for different words/phrases, only the dreamer knows which one applies. Easy to use. A must have for anyone wanting to know what their dreams are telling them!



5. I have been using Cloud Nine for about 10 years now to help me interpret my (and others') dreams, and it's by far the best! Once in a while I will browse through other dream dictionaries to see if I can't find a better one, but I don't think there is a better one out there.
   
   It not only gives multiple interpretations for dreams and provides the reader with various dream exercises, but after using the book for a while, the reader can become adept at just KNOWING what their dream is trying to tell him or her. The book gets into symbolism of different cultures, archetypes in general, psychology, philosophy, religion, etc, but not so much as to become overwhelming. It feeds your brain, and definitely your intuition and ability to read between the lines in all sorts of waking-life situations.
   
   It has really helped me be able to understand that dreams can reveal so much more than reality can seem to about what's REALLY going on in my journey through life. I do have this book by my bedside and it has been indispensable to me in trying to establish clarity, meaning, and direction in my life.
   
   I can't recommend Cloud Nine enough :)

5 comments about The Act of Creation (Arkana).

1. The book looks at creativity from a broader perspective than what is generally portrayed in society. It looks at the creativity involved in sciences, humour and of course the arts, showing that the three types are inextricably linked, and that the creative process for genius in all areas follow incredible parallels. His theory on bisociative deductions is marvellous. One of my favourite books.



2. A fascinating read for the person who steps back and wonders - it gives glimpses and answers through an integrated body of research and a graceful and insightful fireside chat about it all. One of my all time favourite books. I can hardly wait to read it again!



3. This is the first of Koestler's big three serious science books. The second is "The Sleepwalkes", on the contribution of Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo. The third is "The Ghost in the Machine", which contains a critique of behaviorist psychology and Koestler's theory to account for the apparent self-destructiveness of human nature.

   "The Act of Creation" offers a theory to account for the "Ah Ha" reaction of scientific discovery, the "Ha Ha" reaction to jokes and the "Ah" reaction of mystical or religious insight. In each case the result is produced by a "bisociation of matrices" or the intersection of lines of thought which brings together hitherto unconnected ideas and fuses them into a creative synthesis. When the lines of thought are scientic the result is a scientific discovery, when they are concerned with devotional matters the result is mystical insight and when they are on a more homely plane the result can be a joke.

   The model is fleshed out with a great deal of information ranging from the religions of the world to a theory about the nervous system to account for the build-up of tension and its discharge at the puchline of a joke. Peter Medawar's review was scathing in his comments on Koestler's science, which is a shame because the book can have the desirable effect of encouraging young scientists to read far beyond the usual range of their literature.




4. Recently, I have read a lot of books on Creativity and Innovation. My big surprise is that virtually none of them mention Koestler's The Act of Creation. This is unfortunate because this book is probably the most authoritative examination of creativity. Attention to this classic is worth reviving.
   
   Koestler examines three types of creativity - Humor, Science, and Poetry. Humor, according to him, is cruel (a valuable insight). Poetry, and other forms of art, integrate oneself with the World. Science occupies the neutral middle. It is amazing how Koestler manages to link all three kinds of creativity with a common framework.
   
   My two biggest take-aways from this book are regarding the process of creation and its form.
   
   As Koestler describes beautifully - "..uncovers, selects, re-shuffles, combines, synthesizes already existing facts, ideas, faculties, skills. The more familiar the parts, the more striking the new whole." This is corroborated by all geniuses who have stood `on the shoulder of giants'. Even inventors like Edison fit this framework. This is close to saying that instead of thinking `outside the box', link several boxes to each other.
   
   The other great insight is that the final breakthrough is rarely verbal, but in images. So people see new insights in a dream-like trance, rather than expressing it in language. Language, probably, impedes creativity.
   
   There are several more delightful and relevant insights on creativity in this masterpiece. Nearly a bible on creativity.



5. This is a remarkable book. Some years ago, I used it as the basis of a course I wrote on Thinking & Creativity. When I first read it, I was astonished to realise that the agonising process I had been going through daily in my (then) profession of advertising copywriter was something that all creative people went through - if they were trying hard enough.
   
   One other thing struck me then. How much Edward de Bono appears to owe to Koestler's theories. Has he ever acknowledged this?

5 comments about A Course in Astral Travel and Dreams.

1. This is not a book to instruct you on how to achieve astral projection. It is a mish-mash of things about what you can expect if you are successful in astral projecting. I have yet to find a book that gives a simple procedure that will result in successful astral projection. I have done astral projection in the past but am having difficulty as of late. I must question whether the author is a successful astral projector or if he is simple writing from other works that he has read. I suspect there are a lot of fakes out there just trying to make a buck from gullibles such as I. If anyone has done a successful astral projection using this book, I would like to have them present their case as a review. Anyone that uses a crazy name like Belzebuub to hide his identity must be highly suspect.



2. Not only is the book well written but it explains such a challenging topic with clarity and ease. Early on it become quite clear to me that this book had been written by someone with extensive experience and knowledge of the Astral.
   
   The author, Mark H. Pritchard writes with pen name Belzebuub (pronounced bell-se-boob). According to the book jacket he currently lives in Australia and is the founder of the global metaphysical school "Gnosticweb".
   
   "A course in Astral Travel and Dreams" was written for the complete beginner as well as those who have prior experience. I felt the techniques taught in this book were simple, clear and very effective. (Hey, if I could follow along then anyone can.) I was a complete novice and after applying the techniques and methods from this book it didn't take me long to have my first Astral experience!
   
   The book discusses the Astral and the techniques to project there in a detailed and simple manner. Personally I think it has all the information anyone would ever need.
   
   There is also a great section on dreams that among other things discusses why we have them and how to understand them.
   
   Additionally, there is a website where you can go for extra information or to get answers to any other questions you might have. Great site too!
   
   Another important point that separates this book from the rest is that it is hands on. It is very engaging. This book is a concise step by step guide that takes you through the whole process and there are simple exercises (and techniques) to practice right from the beginning.
   
   What also impressed me while reading the book is that the author encourages the reader to not simply take his word about what he writes, but instead to use the information given to verify things personally.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone.



3. A Course in Astral Travel & Dreams has opened my eyes to a whole new realm of possibilities and realizations: I am more than just a mere physical body.
   
   I have a scientific background, and come from a very Cartesian type of upbringing. So the style of the book pleased me immensely as it is all about practices, and experiences. Not like a theory-and-believe-what-I-tell-you type of thing.
   
   The author explains the techniques in a very simple and down to earth manner. Each week, time should be devoted to the particular technique given in a chapter. There are 9 chapters, and therefore 9 weeks, and there are 9 main techniques. However, most of the techniques come with several different practices aimed at the same technique, as some practices work better in some people while others don't. It's just a matter of finding what works best for you.
   Plus, if you have some questions that arise, there is a Q&A discussion at the end of each chapter.
   
   I have to say that at first I was skeptical, but I diligently followed through each week, and each exercises. And by week 6, I was rewarded with my first out of body experience!!! I was able to do what the book said you could do (fly, go through objects, etc..) and much, much more. Since then, I often go back to the book, and re-work my techniques, as you always learn something new.
   
   So in short: Eye opener, great info, simply explained, different type of exercises to suit different people, and down-to-earth. Loved it!!



4. I have read the majority of this title, and I appreciate it for its brevity and simplistic approach to Astral travel and dreams. As a novice on such topics, but having had "experiences" with both, I am keeping an open mind to the possibilities that Belzebuub knows of what he speaks, as well as the point of reference needed to communicate effectively to an inexperienced audience. I find the writing style easy, and the contents relevant and effective. Coupled with the free online course, this companion book offers explanations, exercises, and questions and answers sections. I have enjoyed it thus far, and I will continue reading and practicing...



5. This book is a very practical guide to experiencing astral travel. It is easy to understand, and does not theorize about this or that, as many other books on the subject tend to do.
   
   I would have never discovered the astral plane had it not been for this book and the practical techniques it provides. Of course, you need to apply a good deal of effort into making the techniques work, but all good things come with effort, patience, and persistence.

5 comments about The Dream Dictionary: The Comprehensive Guide To Analysis And Interpretation, With Explanations For More Than 350 Symbols And Theories.

1. Dreams: Gateway to the True Self. It just had more depth and insight to the questions we really want answered.



2. I suggest two good A-z guides, The Dream Dictionary and The Discovery of Dreams A-Z for everything you'll need. They'll help over the years yet to come.



3. I've seen better but I've seen worse.

   The information on the physical aspects of sleep and dreaming, sleep stages, brain waves, and psychological theories and theorists is all insightful but something that you can skip completely if you have even an introductory level knowledge of Psychology.

   The directory of dream images was somewhat refreshing to me in that, unlike the typical "dream dictionary", it allows for the fact that different symbols will mean different things to different people depending on their experiences/world views.

   I will warn that, if you have a degree in English and/or are a stickler for details, you should not read this book. It will drive you up a tree with numerous glaringly obvious typos, omissions, and spelling errors.




4. This is a great book. Very up-to-date and clearly written. Highly recommended.



5. Bought this book on the strength of the other reviews, but this book is horrible--other books in the same category have many more images and explanations included.

5 comments about The Emerging DreamHealer.

1. I have read all of Adam's books and have gone to Canada to see him. His message is great. Energy medicine is coming and he makes it possible to explore and learn it. Adam is a fantastic presenter, writer and is introducing us to a new paradigm of healing.



2. This is a wonderful book for people who would like to know about energy or distant healing or for people who already practice different types of healing and are looking for additional ideas that they can incorporate. The information in this book is presented in a very simple, clear and easy to read manner. One of the exceptional benefits of this book is a set of 50 or so images provided for visualization. Also, suggestions about different symptoms/diseases are very helpful.



3. I placed a critical of Adam McLeod's book and it was rejected by Amazon. If you have doubts as to the authenticity of Dreamhealer's claims, I suggest that you do a Google search and decide for yourself.
   
   Nobody has confirmed any of Adam's claims, and that includes the claims that he cured individuals of cancer over the telephone.



4. Perfect information for anyone interested in healing. Adam has been given a gift to guide us all to explore our own healing journeys, he shows us that we can all do a lot more than we are aware of. An excellent book, easy to understand and follow.



5. Adam serves as a role model for all of us. He allows us to remember that we are an extension of God just as our beloved Ascended Masters have shared many times over. No human can treat another human, animal or any form of energy any better than they treat themselves. Skeptics who use the word fraud are individuals who choose to remain in the darkness of fear and most are educated from books based on others perceptions called the Medical Profession. Conventional medicine is purely that, 3rd dimensional based mentalities which have very little to do with medicine at all.
   Doctors do not heal, they were orginally respected individuals who assisted another into temporary transitions of in-balance. Every human and animal has the ability to heal and re-create themselves each earth based second. This planet is changing and let the truth come in without interruptions. Thank you all for trusting what truly is God.

5 comments about Sylvia Browne's Book of Dreams.

1. I've read many dream books, but this one I would highly recommend. It's very practical. It teaches you how to analyze your own dream. Symbols in dreams don't always mean the same thing to everybody.



2. Browne offers her theory of interpretation of dreams with real-life stories. She believes dreams influence memories, health and well-being rather than those things triggering certain dreams as many of the researchers affirm. As all her rhetoric implies, we can make positive changes by heeding all things that we encounter in our lifetime. Browne states that one can connect with departed people they have known through the dream world. Working as a psychic for fifty years, Browne uses that basis in order to interpret dreams. Our sleep journeys, she says, even the nightmares, are gifts, our allies to embrace rather than dread, and worth every effort it takes to unravel their mysteries and cherish every valuable lesson they have to offer. She has assisted people with interpreting dreams for thirty years and says much of the other dream interpretation resources leave one more confused. She says periods of huge upheaval in one's personal life tend to make our sleep adventures more vivid, intense and meaningful. Astral travel? Be your own judge. One thing people may not know about this author is that she was a school teacher for many years.
   Trish New, author of The Thrill of Hope, South State Street Journal, and Memory Flatlined.



3. sylvia brown is a fake. She practices a technique called cold reading. Fake. and I would say evil for preying on people



4. Now this is a dream book unlike any of the other "interp" books out there. It's very simple yet thorough, because there ARE only a few basic types of dreams, and the interpretation specs here make total sense.
   
   Having said that, Sylvia's other books are rather odd, parties-in-heaven? I think not Sylvia!, belligerent, egotistical, unbelievable. They are, however, highly entertaining. Take them with a huge grain of salt.
   
   But this book is a winner; she definitely has insight into the dreamstate. Buy it!



5. This book is great. It helped explain things I have never even heard about but was experienceing in my dreams. I truly loved this book. Shipping was great and it was delivered quickly as well.

3 comments about Toltec Dreaming: Don Juan's Teachings on the Energy Body.

1. An Excellent Book On Shamanism
   By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)
   From the newsletter "Keeping In Touch ..."
   Vol. 7, No. 13 August, 2007
   
   I've been reading a wonderful book just out by Ken Eagle Feather titled "Toltec Dreaming: Don Juan's Teachings on the Energy Body" (Bear & Co., 272 pages, June 22, 2007; $16). He was kind enough to send me an advance copy, which I endorsed:
   
   "In Dreaming, Ken Eagle Feather masterfully outlines the appearance of Power in our lives as a shamanic principle that he shows can be easily recognized, and explores the power of dreaming as an active force that can define our lives in profound ways. As with his other books, Eagle Feather explains complex shamanic principles of the Toltec tradition as taught to him personally by don Juan Matus, the shaman many have come to know through the books of Carlos Castaneda. For the discerning Castaneda student, Eagle Feather provides painstakingly researched references including page numbers for ideas covered in Castaneda's books for easy reference. But Eagle Feather demonstrates his proficiency of the subject matter by expanding on the ideas and principles with examples from his own life, as well as offering new avenues of thought -- and exercises -- for readers. For novices to shamanism to the well-read, Dreaming offers new insights into the nature of the energy body that complement Eastern concepts, while also refining that which is known of Toltec ideas. In Dreaming, Ken Eagle Father demonstrates he is a man of knowledge in his own right, sharing a rare gift of inestimable value."
   
   But, I'd go a bit further to say that all of Ken's books are worth reading, especially if you are "into" shamanism. For those who follow Castaneda's work, he has references to his books with the concepts; but, more importantly, in my mind, Ken offers a way of seeing the world that takes don Juan's and applies it to the world.
   I read all the Castaneda books when they came out nearly 40 years ago, and have practiced shamanism all my life. Some of the teachings of don Juan, I believe, were horribly distorted, and later books bear me out, especially regarding the use of psychotropic drugs. That's because, I believe, Castaneda was a literalist, or too left-brained, to understand the concepts and so don Juan and his fellow shamans dramatized and even traumatized Castaneda so that they could "get through" to him.
   Anyone who actually practices shamanic journey (which my next book, "Healing Plants and Animals from a Distance: Curative Principles and Applications" will introduce to the trilogy) knows in Castaneda's books where don Juan was speaking, and were left-brained suppositions entered in.
   What I like about Ken's books are that anyone, repeat anyone, can get a clear idea of the shaman's path from reading him - whether one practices or not - and be sure that they are getting "the straight skinny."
   I don't agree with much of the Toltec way, as I believe it is too foreign for most average Americans to accept, that is, truly adopt; but the way of viewing the world in shamanic terms as outlined by Castaneda has become part of the cultural currency, so it's useful to employ. As a method, it's easy to point to the nagual and tonal and explain being and nonbeing in shamanic terms, for example. Whether we are all fodder for the Eagle, well, that's a philosophic point perhaps best left to left-brained individuals with lots of time on their hands. I believe, as Ken notes, that how we view our world is a product of "cuing," that is, connecting to select understandings that join to make a world view. Some of the concepts of the Toltec way, in my mind, are too harsh, they stem from a world in which "lack" is the order of the day, breeding a stoicism that teeters on nihilism. My world is a much more joyful world, filled with exciting possibilities. It's also a lot less lonely.
   But much of what Ken writes about are actual practical applications that are useful and described in a way that can become powerful tools used as second nature. For example, stalking your weaknesses, or predilections, or being aware when your controlled folly comes forward. One tool I've been using a lot lately, reminded of it reading Ken's book, is recapitulation. Simply stated, and Ken does much better in the book, that's when you remember an event that is freighted with negative emotions and walk through it again, reexperiencing every emotion, every nuance of the event, and allowing it to be more fully imprinted from a larger point of view. This allows for tremendous inner growth and healing by taking the "charge" out of past negative events, and it frees energy for use now. I would recommend those who read my books, especially using inventory to allow themselves to become more present, aware and allowing who they really are to come forward (Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others, and Clearing: A Guide to Liberating Energies Trapped in Buildings and Lands) to practice recapitulation, as well.
   If you are looking for a good book on shamanism, Ken Eagle Feather's "Dreaming" is a good one; also get a copy of his On the Toltec Path: A Practical Guide to the Teachings of don Juan Matus, Carlos Castaneda, and Other Toltec Seers. Both are excellent.
   
   Many Blessings!
   Wisatologi Nihi!
   
   Jim PathFinder Ewing
   (Nvnehi Awatisgi)
   Healing The Earth/Ourselves
   (www.blueskywaters.com)
   Lena, Miss.



2. Ken Eagle Feather's TOLTEC DREAMING: DON JUAN'S TEACHINGS ON THE ENERGY BODY explores different levels of the dream state, contrasting ordinary dreaming with 'dreaming awake' in which an active dreamer ascends to the Dream of Transcendence. All this is placed in context of the Toltec tradition and provides a fine, purposeful blend of history and new age 'how to' insights.



3. A must for fellow Toltecs, not for others. For us, however, having Ken Eagle Feather's description of his own 'dreaming' experiences is helpful to the guiding of our own.