4 comments about Your Secret Self: Illuminating Mysteries of the Twelfth House.

1. "Your Secret Self" has become one of the most useful astrology books in my library. This least understood house in one's chart is illuminated brightly by Tracy Marks' intuitive, well-planned writing. Great depth of understanding can be yours! Excellent!



2. I have three planets in the 12th House of my natal chart. Now I know why I've repressed many of my feelings, creativity and even anger. This is the place where we keep things hidden from the world, and even ourselves.

   This book teaches how to navigate the hidden energies of the planets that reside there. With patience, deep understanding and spiritual insight, one can confront the past and learn to live whole and fulfilled.




3. THIS was the book I've been looking for! It is clear, concise, has numerous examples, as well as charts to help explain what I most needed to know. As an astrologer this book is a most valuable tool in assisting my clients. As a native with 6 planets in the 12th house (5 of which are in Leo!), I have NEEDED something to explain why I am the way I am. This book explains it.
   
   Thanks to Tracy Marks for all the effort she put into this gem of a book!
   
   Kat Starwolf



4. This book is literally one of the best investments I've ever made. It may seem to defeat the purpose of writing a review, but I cannot even begin to tell you how enlightening this book is--and I haven't even quite finished it yet! I have only one planet in the twelfth house, but it's a hell of a planet--Saturn in Cancer in the twelfth!! Yet, this book's not just about having twelfth house planets: everyone, regardless if one has a planet in the twelfth or not, does have a sign ruling the twelfth house cusp in his or her chart, and this book can really bring a lot of light onto that aspect for each and every one of us. A highly recommended book.

No comments about Dreaming in the World's Religions: A Comparative History.

5 comments about Angel Watch - Goosebumps, Signs, Dreams and Other Divine Nudges.

1. As the author is a best-selling novelist, it is understandable that some people, like the previous reviewer, are not sure where to draw the line between fact and fiction. One might suspect that Lanigan, being a talented fiction writer, knows how to embellish simple, everyday experiences and turn them into entertaining stories. This was my initial reaction after reading the first few of the 53 short stories in this book. But story by story, Lanigan builds credibility and emerges as a sincere, spiritually-evolved woman. "Some of you may feel they are just too strange or bizarre to be believed," she writes in the Introduction. "The incidents happened exactly as portrayed here. Your interpretation of the event might vary from mine, but the facts of the occurrence are precise."

   All 53 stories involve the author, members of her family, or close friends. They include near-death experiences, deathbed visions, past-life regressions, clairvoyance, clairaudience, faith healing, ESP, precognitive dreams, apparations, and automatic writing. The skeptic or the fundamentalist will scoff at most or many of them, perhaps calling some of them mere coincidences, but anyone with an open mind, especially those who have become familiar with the operations of other dimensions of reality, will understand and appreciate these stories. The story of her father's NDE and deathbed visions is especially interesting, intriguing and inspiring.

   As Lanigan mentions, most of us are too busy "running helter-skelter" in our everyday activities, too busy just surviving, to take note of the magic or divine influences in our lives. The purpose of the book, she says, is "to lift the blinders from our eyes and reveal the divine ballet performed between humans and angels."

   This is not really an angel book, per se. It is one woman's observations relative to psychic phenomena. It may not be for the person who has his or her "blinders" strapped on tightly, but those who have shed their blinders will find it entertaining and validating, while those who have their blinder on only loosely might find it an "eye-opener."




2. Her book has inspired me to keep searching within myself for the truth for I know that the all powerful creative force in the universe is conscious and is most definitly watching out for me. For when the days are darkest it is then that we will be able to more clearly see the light. And the angels are one of many who long for us to see the light. Yet one must remember that not all angels are on the side of love but with love we as humanity are more powerful than evn the most powerful angel.

   Goddess Bless:) Ryan.




3. For those who believe in or are open to the "afterlife", this book is highly recommended. With roots firmly planted in Buddhist Philosophies, I personally believe we live many lives and for that reason, "Angel Watch" was a fascinating read.

   After losing someone close to us, I think we all look for a sign that their spirit is still with us, even though not all of us would publicly admit it. That is not to say I believe in psychics, for me personally I do not; however, I definitely do believe that this life is only part of the journey. When my mother passed away suddenly, twenty years ago, it was my first experience with the death of a family member. As a stood by the casket for a brief moment in complete privacey at the funeral home, I ventured to whisper, "please give me a sign that you are here," Call it fate or coincidence, all it whatever you choose, at that sudden moment one single white rose fell from the casket to the floor...in my mind, my question was answered. I have had two separate, similar instances following the passing of animal companions, who each shared over ten years of my life. No one will ever convince me that we do not live on after our journey on this Earth is over.

   "Angel Watch," while not necessarily all about angels, is a beautifully written book, all about "signs" and believing. For anyone who has ever lost anyone dear to them, I hope you will find a measure of comfort in this book.




4. Although other reviews were favorable for this book, maybe it's just not what I was looking for. On a spiritual journey, I'm looking for credible existence of some type of "afterlife." I was hoping to read about varying individuals' experiences, near-death or otherwise, but it seems the author just has some kind of freakishly remarkable family who all have tons of their own experiences with the great beyond. Interesting? Yes. Credible? No.



5. This book is amazing! From the moment I opened the first page I knew that it was going to be a real gift!!! With each chapter a new door opened...a door that I think was meant to be shared with all who want to believe that there is so much more to life than the day-to-day minutia.
   
   As you embark on this beautiful journey bear in mind that you may very well be forever changed in how you look at things. And that my friends, is what I think the ultimate goal that the author, Catherine Lanigan had in mind.
   
   This book is a real treasure...think of it as a real-life 'golden ticket' nestled within a delicious Willy Wonka Chocolate Bar

1 comments about Goal Mapping: How to Turn Your Dreams into Realities.

1. I really identified with Brian's method and his style of writing. I like his working back from the goal method and how he peppers the whole books on each with quotes from famous people including the Bible on goal setting and success achievement. I've read Shakti Gawain Creative Visualisation which was nice but did not give me a roadmap; Brian does and shows not only how it has helped himself but others. A superb book for those of us who don't know where we are going, much less how to get there.

5 comments about Notes from the Cosmos: A Futurist's Insights into the World of Dream Prophecy and Intuition.

1. If you have studied Edgar Cayce at all, there is not much new here but I always enjoy reading about someone's spiritual journey. A good primer to this book would be Church's "Edgar Cayce: The Story Of The Soul." I applaud Scallion for his courage and convictions although there is a strong sell for his newsletter.



2. I'm already reading this book for a second time; I could not absorb it all the first time. Maybe I'll end up reading it a third time; feel good, nurished.

   The "Notes from the Cosmos" has a genuine feel about it; the material itself is not "new" as I've been familiar with much of it. There is an account of Gordan's contact with his higher self who he calls his "Monad" ... where Monad is defined by another (ie: Manly P. Hall) as the entity that manifests (projects) part of itself on the earth plane (being pure and beyound defination). A direct contact with one's Monad would be pretty rare and unusual....and if it's true...and I feel it is...then alot of the material in the book can be taken seriously.




3. On page 173:
   The purpose of prophecy is twofold. On one hand, it
   allows those who read the signs to prepare for what
   may come -- a warning. On the other hand, it
   allows some who read the signs to change that which
   may come to be.



4. Although gordon Michael Scallion is a decent human being, like most self-discovered or self-proclaimed "prophets" in this day and age they usually modify predictions to fruition, ignore failed predictions and hail realized ones; and whats worse, many of the realized ones had a 50-50 chance of coming true. Of course something "bad" will eventually happen: the real prophet knows when EXACTLY. LOOK UP PREDICTIONS ON "GOOGLE" FOR SUCCESS RATE ON HIS GUESSES.



5. This is utter nonsense. Don't waste your time reading his material. It is a shame that so many people are sucked into this nonsense. If you want to waste your money, go ahead, be my guest, but don't blame me that I did not warn you. Do your own research on the internet, before you buy any of his books.
   
   Amazon should come up with a negative star rating for material of this caliber.

5 comments about Awakening to the Dream.

1. Memory tells that I once seemed to visit leo's beautiful internet site (awakeningtothedream.com) and read his book... not knowing 'advaita'... though it is ever clear... like looking in a mirror... a smile still seems to linger. As a waterfall takes no credit for being a waterfall, leo takes no credit for the writing - nor the insight. This book will be read from many perspectives and, in some cases, it will seem that a door opens into a doorless void that needs no words to express itself... it is not what you think it is, yet it seems to be... smile. If it seems you have read this far, perhaps this One book is enough... Love



2. Leo Hartong connects the reader to the terrain of Nonduality in a manner that is gracious, enjoyable and satisfying. The topics of enlightenment, ego, intellect, the witness, I Am, awareness, meditation, awakening, teacher/seeker, death, are integrated effortlessly.
   
   Awakening to the Dream is both an excellent introduction to Nonduality, and an encounter with an awakened one. The writing style is memorable. This is a valuable work which could become a classic in the field. (Note: The previous sentence, as the well as this entire review, was written in 2003 when the book came out. It is first being posted to Amazon.com in 2007.)
   
   Here are a few passages:
   
   "These words are nothing but a gentle reminder from yourself to yourself that you are the awakened one."
   
   "This whole universe is the dream of the Self. Our identity is one continuum with the deep Self, and when we use words like unconditional love, bliss, and acceptance, we are reaching for our own hands."
   
   "Once your true identity is uncovered, you'll see that birth, existence, and death do not happen to you, but in you."
   
   "Enlightenment appears as a goal that one can reach only as long as there is the illusion of a separate entity or ego. In Zen, it has been called the gateless gate. When one stands before it, the gate seems to be there. When one passes through and looks back, it's clear there never was a gate nor anyone to go through it."
   
   Jerry Katz
   One: Essential Writings on Nonduality



3. Leo's book is really good - it's very conceptual and uses every "trick" to point to that which you are. Leo has a way of using analogy and metaphor to throw us back to that which is the basis for all experience - not to see a new state of mind, a special experience, but to know that what you are is the silent, still presence in which all states and experiences arise. Leo's writing at times seems to reflect an impression by Alan Watts. He gently invites you to see through the concepts and duality that are the nature of the mind.



4. This book gives a very clear and succinct description on the basic nondual nature of reality and that our own awareness is the only cause for not recognizing this. I liked it very much for its simplicity and getting down to the core of it without alienating phrases.



5. I've read many books on Advaita Vedanta and nondualism, and this is absolutely, without a doubt, the BEST of them all. Hartong writes so lucidly about difficult concepts that you will quickly come to understand many aspects of nondualism that take others YEARS to grasp. This book ranks #1 on my Advaita reading list. #2 is I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj. If you want your understanding of reality to be boosted RIGHT NOW, read this book. I'm now reading it for the second time, and marvel at the clarity and quality of the writing.

5 comments about American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child's Sleep: Birth Through Adolescence.

1. I as well did not find this book very helpful.I am not a mother, but my sister and her family live with us.My sister practices and has practiced co-sleeping with all 5 of her children and they are not whiny, sniveling brats as this book and others against co-sleeping suggest! They are happy, well adjusted children who are confident and secure.

   And also, to think that the AAP would scare poor first time parents into believing that they could accidentally suffocate their own children is appaling to me! There has never been any scientific proof thus far that this happens, unless the parent is drunk or otherwise impared.My sister has 5 living breathing human beings to attest that this rarely happens.I wish sleep books would give parents this option without presenting it in such a negative fashion.The parents have the right to do what they feel is best for their children without being made to feel guilty for doing it!




2. I bought this book on the advice of my pediatrician to help my newborn sleep through the night. While it was no miracle-worker, it did give me some basics such as a nightime routine to follow, and what I could actually expect my child to do at his age. I recommend it to someone who has no good "sleep" resource, but for seasoned moms, it is probably not any help.



3. Because this book was edited by the AAP, I expected a detailed and methodical perscription for getting my baby to sleep. Instead, the book is really an expanded pamphlet that describes the different sleep options out there with a clear bias against co-sleeping. Frankly, I wasn't interested in co-sleeping with my baby either, but I found their "con" (from the "pro/con" section) to be laughable--that co-sleeping is dangerous because you could smother the baby accidentally. Lots of other books out there. Don't buy this one.



4. Although this book got poor reviews based on its poor organization, the tips in it have worked wonderfully for my baby. I followed its recommendations for a 6 - 8 week old baby and after a few days, my daughter responded very well. She began sleeping all night (11 hours) when she was 10 weeks old and I believe it is because when she awakes during the night (as all babies do), she is able to soothe herself back to sleep. Follow this method for all naps and nighttime and you should see success! The crying is minimal compared to other methods, and my little girl never cried more than six minutes without my comforting her. Give it a try.



5. I think the medical communty over-reaches itself when it tries to address dynamics of human behavior and human relationships, both of which encompass the activity of parenting. This book assumes that the sleep habits which are most convenient for parents are also best for children. It also implies that difficult sleep patterns in children are something that parents should be able to control from very young, and that it is only a matter of hard work and competence. Neither of these assumptions are true, but either could leave a new parent feeling idiotic and overwhelmed. Not helpful.
   
   Also, the book states that there is a higher rate of SIDS among infants who cosleep. This is completely unsupported. In fact, research demonstrates that when infants sleep "in proximity" to their mother's, they are at a *decreased* risk of SIDs. Nor has any study demonstrated any significant risk of suffocation to an infant who cosleeps with a breastfeeding mother, who is not influenced by drugs or alchohol, who is not a smoker, and who makes sensible modifications to her bedding.
   
   Finally, the book makes very little reference to the psychological and attachment needs of young children, failing to detail the *emotional needs* of children and infants as they detail the "pros and cons" of various approaches to nighttime parenting.
   
   The nighttime needs of children and infants are complex, unique, and multidimensional. This book is not.

No comments about Fortune-Telling Book of Dreams.

3 comments about Kabbalah and the Power of Dreaming: Awakening the Visionary Life.

1. Kabbalah and the Power of Dreaming is a magnificent guide to putting soul back in the body and walking a path with heart. Catherine Shainberg is a profound spiritual teacher who reminds us that dreaming is not only about what we do when we sleep but about waking up to a deeper life, remembering and navigating from our sacred purpose, tapping into Source energy - including the images that speak to the body and can make it well - and being present at the place of creation. Her book contains a panoply of practical exercises for transforming fear and anger into heart-centered energy, liberating ourselves from the rule of habit and healing the wound between Earth and Sky.
   Extemporizing on a common dream image, she incites us to stop being "passengers" on the train of life and instead become "switchmen" - which means catching ourselves every time we start giving our energy to a pattern or emotion, monitoring where the train is going, throwing the switch to take ourselves off the track of repetitive behavior or a negative emotion, and steering consciously toward a desirable destination.
   She knows that dreaming is a discipline, one of the most vital and powerful that our kind possess. "True dreaming calls for rigorous training", to take us beyond the snares of illusion and protection. When we grasp that "imagination affects the physical, and vice-versa" and that "the mind exteriorizes itself" and turn these insights into daily practice, we can consciously dream and re-vision the reality that takes form around us.
   Catherine Shainberg was drawn to Kabbalah by a chain of dreams and synchronicities that led her to study for many years in Jerusalem with Colette Aboulker-Muscat, an extraordinary personality who was a leader of the French Resistance in Algiers in World War II and a lineal descendant of both Isaac the Blind (a medieval kabbalist in Provence) and Dona Gracia Mendoza (one of the leading Jewish women of the Renaissance). Though people sometimes think of Kabbalah as a bookish approach, heavy on numerology and difficult texts, Colette Aboulker's fundamental teaching was that the Book of Books is within us, and is to be accessed through images, after we have cleansed the windows of perception, and anchored in the wisdom of the body.



2. Plenty of books have covered the Kabbalah, but choose psychologist/healer Catherine Shainberg's Kabbalah And The Power Of Dreaming: Awakening The Visionary Life if what you seek is a practical application of Kabbalah principles to daily spiritual purposes. There are practices used by seers, sages and prophets to control dreams and visions: Shainberg uses the ancient Sephardic Kabbalah tradition to blend in stories from around the Mediterranean, to be used as examples for readers seeking to develop their own dreaming powers. A fine, specific exploration based on solid spiritual foundations.



3. I bought this book to help me with my forays into dreams and it gives an extensive amount of exercises to help with that. Plus, I liked how the text wasn't weighed down with complicated Kabbalistic theory which would confuse beginners, though I wouldn't have minded a reference index that points to theoretical information for further research. Another drawback is that the exercises do not come with a recommended practice timeframe, so it is unclear whether the reader does an exercise regularly for an indefinite period of time or if once is sufficient. There is also no recommended timeframe to complete the series in the book.
   
   One is also left with the feeling that there's so much more that the author could've written about. Short of moving to New York, where the dream institute is located, I'd love to see another book by the author further exploring the subject. She's a great writer, and able to convey a lot of information very simply. I'd also like for her to go a little more into the "whys" of the exercises, rather than just expect people to "do" without any explanation. That's a great approach in a master-student scenario, but readers tend to want more information on why they're doing something.

2 comments about On Dreams & Death: A Jungian Interpretation.

1. This is a wonderful book about how the psyche believes in life beyond bodily death. It is full of stories, myths, and experiences that will wake you up. I have given away so many copies of this book that I always keep an extra on hand. I am glad it is back in print.



2. This Jung quote sums up the theme of this book:
   
   "If there is something we cannot know, we must necessarily abandon it as an intellectual problem ... But if an idea about it is offered to me - in dreams or in mythic traditions - I ought to take note of it. I even ought to build up a conception on the basis of such hints, even though it will forever remain a hypothesis."
   
   Von Franz uses dreams, alchemy (Komarios to Cleopatra), and Egyptian mythology as exploratory tools to convincingly show that for the unconscious life after death is axiomatic.
   
   Incredibly it seems the individuation process may continue after death!
   
   Von Franzs style and elegance make this a book that you will want to read more than once. Also a very nice 8-page forward by Emmanuel Kennedy-Xypolitas.