Inspiration Books

That's something that I really liked about Tarot Spells, instead of Dorothy Morrison's "Everyday Tarot Magic" (where she requires that for some spells, you cut and black out cards - which is quite difficult to do for those of us who only own one Tarot deck).

Overall, Renee really has a knack for writing about the Tarot and really seems to have a deep understanding of the deck, what it means and what it can do to help us out. I didn't see drastic results like other reviewers for some of the spells within, but every spell manifests in its own way.

If you do choose to do one of the *manipulative* spells in the book, just remember:

"Be careful what you wish for."

I have practiced wicca since 1995 and used tarot since 1989. This book is an easy to understand, effective, powerful work. I don't even bother with other texts now. I use this book for any situation that requires consequence work. Janine is a terrific writer, boiling down the complicated into a gentle, healing reference guide.

Got this book just to see what it was like to utilize my cards with a book and I found the results to be almost too fast, but effective and easy to understand.

Like this book allot and recommend it to the begginer or the advance.
=S=

This is very easy on the eyes. I was impressed with how useful the information can be. Also there artwork by Robin Wood in the book to enjoy.

Worth a peek

It's a good guideline to start and it gives you the basis to continue growing and or adapt the spells to your needs. Obviously if you're a good practicioner with help from this book you'll be able to create your own spells.

Well, what can I say?!?!?! After reading this book 1 time, you will never be able to doubt or deny any of its spiritual concepts. Rosemary does a wonderful job of explaining the question we've all asked since birth "Where do I come from?" Even if you don't understand the events that led to your earthly existence; you're here!!! And boy does Rosemary make it easy to understand why it is we do the things we do. With this book, I've been able to identify all of my close friends and relatives' soul sources. After understanding and grasping the concept that each of us are placed in this physical realm with our own personlaity traits and emotions from individual energy sources, my relationships with others have done 360 degree turn-arounds! Try it for yourself. The minute your eyes stroll across the simply -written pages explaining personal, underlying make-up; Rosemary's words will capture all of your attention leaving you yearning for more information on (who else).....you!

Soul Signs was an inspiring book. I enjoy reading works from this author, and her writing inspires me every time I enjoy one of her books. The stories are heartwarming and her experiences are related in a way that everyone can understand. The best thing is that it is a 'hopeful' book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone. It really shed some light on myself as well as others in my life. This book is well worth it.

After reading this book, I came to the conclusion that Rosemary Altea may be sincere, but she is greatly deceived. The bible clearly states to stay away from psychics or mediums. She supposedly channels a spirit called Gray Eagle. Somehow I ended up feeling she wrote this book to make money. "wow" What a novel idea. At the risk of upsetting people who believe in psychics, I have this to say.

These psychics get their ability to have partial knowledge about you and your present situation directly from demons. No human has the supernatural ability to know what is going to happen to you in the future or anything about you in your present condition if they have never met you before. And if they do seem to have some type of personal information about you that could only be supernaturally picked up, then that knowledge is being transmitted to them by demons or they deceive people by doing "cold or warm readings".

Cold readings are where they make an educated guess about something about you, buy picking up clues, by what you say or do, or your appearance or age. If you tell them the information is wrong, they use a number of ways to distract you, for example some will tell you that they are getting information from a "playful" spirit that tells them false things, etc..... warm readings are where they have microphones in the studio before their show and they listen in, as people talk to friends that have come with them about deceased friends or relatives, and then they pick those people in the audience that they listened in on and use that information to make those people and others think they are getting a message from a spirit.

The bible says "And the person who turns after mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and him off from his people." (Leviticus 20:6)

If you want to see some damage done by new age teachings and psychics, I suggest a book by Sharon Beekmann called "ENTICED BY THE LIGHT ". She trusted the "spirit guides" that promised her fulfillment. By the time she discovered their frightening, true identity, it was too late--they had taken control of her mind....tormenting her, attacking her sanity, and pushing her to the brink of suicide.

For a while I was involved in the New Age teachings and a book that really opened my eyes was "THE LIGHT THAT WAS DARK' BY Warren Smith. It is excellent!!!!

I had high expectations of this book, hoping it would be at the minimum insightful to my current views and perspectives. I have to say, this book proves nothing more then stereotpyical concepts in a seemingly unfounded light.

My biggest gripe with the book is not even so much the content, but the way its written is exceedingly difficult to comprehend. Each chapter seems redundant, and at the least self explanitory. The author makes very general points and very little meaning to their comprehension. She states in an earlier chapter how we should have 'figured out what sign we are by now', but I clearly havent. The beginning on how the author sees the garden and comes to these realizations are interesting, but so vague I had trouble placing faith in how these can be compared to modern astrology. The author makes several cliffhangers to end chapters and writes very little information on the "Dark Soul" group which had attracted me to the book in the first place.

The author uses alot of emotion and little sensibility in interpreting the various groups, and after a few chapters, it all sounds the same, redundant and boring. The scenarios the author uses to help understand the soul groups and how we figure them out seems shallow and incomplete, leaving too much to the imagination and too little to guide the reader to self actualization. Even the clarity used to describe certian personality types can be drawn from astrology with greater precision. I found myself wondering why the author avoids certain subjects and does not analyze the more important ones in greater detail.

Overall, I think the book lacks evolution and is flawed in more ways then one. I give this book two stars because I did make me think, at least enough to concider the deep and ancient ways of the Native American spiritualists whom I have sincere respect for. It is a relatively easy read however, if you are not bored by stagnation and dont try to think too much.

Wabi Sabi for Writers is a philosophical source of inspiration for intermediate to advanced writers. Author Richard Powell, who studied at the Kootenay School of Writing under such acclaimed authors as Margaret Atwood and David McFadden, Wabi Sabi for Writers emphasizes that while perfection is great to strive for, the struggle to create flawless beauty is in essence a false idea in an imperfect universe - absolute "perfection" is impossible, yet imperfection contains within its own sense of timeless beauty. Written in a soothing style of narrative flow, Wabi Sabi for Writers applies ancient Japanese aesthetic to modern practical principles and suggestions, and is filled cover to cover with tips, tricks, and techniques for improving one's writing production rate. From the value of personally experiencing and connecting with nature, to applying the concept of "yugen" in hinting at depths below the surface and engaging the conscious mind to puzzle over the unseen, Wabi Sabi for Writers is an invaluable and inspirational tool for promoting personal fulfillment as well as improved quality in one's writing.

I found this book in the most unlikely places-- a local new age store. Later would it prove to be one of the best places to find such information. I own Powell's other book, Wabi Sabi simple, which provides a broader and more introduction to this concept. I was amused and amazed that here was a book on a subject that I am growing more and more interested in, encapsulated inside a well written, personal account on writing.

According to Powell, writing lends itself well to the ways of wabi sabi. For it is through exploration, simple natural elements, connecting and sharing with others the passion for writing, and the test of time that turns an item into something wabi sabi. The same can be said about writing. Good writing, has to have certain universal elements, explore some "element of nature" (natural or humankind), and withstand the test of time. Writers also need a reader, for without the act of sharing, the story cannot be complete. The rest of the book, then, uses inner dialog with the haiku poet, Basho; personal tales of experience that help to illustrate how one achieves points while being on the path of wabi sabi; and examples of writing, contemporary and canonical, that he considers wabi sabi to show writers how to apply this to their own works

The book is broken down by topic chapters, these being: Wabi Sabi for Writers, Inspiration, Education, Wabi Sabi Beauty, Enlightenment, Motivation, Community, Wabi Sabi Elements, and Craft. Powell sets the theme of each topic with a small inner dialog question and answer session between himself (the writer) and the great haiku poet, Basho, who he questions about why these elements are important to both wabi sabi and a writer who desires to attain the idea of finding the truth through the craft of words. He then goes into the heart of each chapter discussing how writers can get more out of their daily and lifelong practice of writing if they applied these concepts and ideas to their work. While Powell focuses most of his examples around his love of haiku and other Japanese poetic forms, he says that any writers can benefit from the knowledge of wabi sabi.

And I agree with him. Already this book has awoken a new perspective in me. The chapter on Community, for example, discusses how we writers aren't really meant to practice our craft in a vacuum, but rather share and get help from other writers. We are not meant to write alone. Only one half of the story gets told, the other half... unfolds when someone else reads and interprets our words. Not to mention all the writing groups (like NaNoWriMo) which encourage writing with partners, in groups and sharing ideas and pitfalls so that others can help us gain more insight into our own works.

The book also helps shape your words and your voice as you write. It's a constant reminder that writing takes time to develop and uncover the right words to use for the right scene. It is okay to not get things down right the first time, that you can go back and add more complexity and layer more meaning onto the draft as time goes on. In the chapter on Wabi Sabi Elements, Powell suggests that instead of passing off time or seasons in your work, you should describe the world around your characters, the smells in the air, the way that leaves fall of trees or snow sprinkles to the ground to instill a sense of natural beauty and wonder into your written work.

I also like how Powell breaks down each chapter into smaller chunks and snippets of things we, writers, can do to add a greater dimension and spirituality to our works. We're not just carefully crafting stories but we're breathing real life into the works. It's easier to break apart this large ambiguous concept into more concrete chunks and makes a lot more sense. Which could be one reason why I have never really finished Wabi Sabi Simple, even though I enjoyed reading it as well.

The book ends with a glossary of common Japanese terms and a small (but comprehensive) appendix of Suggested Reading which contains contemporary works, alongside some good books on haiku and history on Basho. The reading list alone is an added bonus to view works of wabi sabi writing in practice.

I highly recommend this book for those who are into wabi sabi philosophy, writing haiku or just wanting to maybe add another layer of dimension onto your writing crafts and want to expand and explore new writing techniques.

([...].)

This was a gift from my parents. Such a great book and very helpful with life's issues. Definitely a book that can be read multiple times when needed.

I was looking for a read that would inspire and propel me forward at a time when my life was somewhat less than 'light and breezy'. I learned that Norman Vincent Peale was the seed for many of the current popular self-reflection books and decided to start with "The Power of Positive Thinking". I am not disappointed in my selection of this book but it is certainly not a quick read or a page turner. I find that I must put the book down and reflect on the message which is uplifting and reassuring ... just what I needed. I have actually passed the book onto a friend for that very reason.

This is a cute little book that we keep in the bedroom and just flip through every once in a while! It has some really nice "food for thought" in it. Quick motivation

As a book on positive thinking, this is *the* book to read.

However, you don't become successful by positive thinking
alone. You need negative thinking sometimes. When buying
a stock, you need to look at the risks. You sometimes need
creative thinking in your work. You need to think about
how others will think, feel, and perceive your service or
product.

Therefore, as a thinking skill book, it only covers one aspect.
I think the title is appropriate.

I don't consider this a Christian book but a thinking skills book.

Note: I'm referring to the original version. This is the miniature
version according to other reviews. Amazon got them
mixed up.

This is a very Inspirational book. It's an easy read and will give a much needed attitude ajustment to those who adhere.
Arrived on time as promised and in good condition.

Hi,

I love Cheri's books. I find them to be WONDERFULLY enlightening, interesting, deep and profound, yet fun and funny. A FANTASTIC way to understand deep Zen teachings and apply them to every day life. The books "There is Nothing Wrong With You" and "Suffering is Optional" especially spoke to me.

I REALLY like the handwritten look text. It is both easy to read, and seems more "fun" somehow than regular book type. Her approach is very conversational and fun, and at times, humorous. She draws me in, and I don't want to stop reading (except to do the exercises).

I previously tried to read some of the Zen classics, by both oriental and western writers, but their writings just seemed to philosophical, too dry, too hard to understand and apply, not to mention too small type to read comfortably. I just happened on Cheri's books at my local bookstore. Once I read one, I was hooked! I've read 5 and counting!

Thank you Cheri!

I've read a lot of books on Buddhism of various flavors - Zen, Tibetan, etc. Most Zen books I've read are either very abstract, or very straightforward but lacking in detail for how to practice day-to-day. Cheri Huber has written the ultimate book that is pretty much buzzword-free and extremely simple to put to the test.

/Suffering Is Optional/ is not really a Buddhist book, or a Zen book. It happens to have been written by a Zen teacher, and there are a few Buddhist-y words (mostly "karma") that are used to highlight points for which Western culture tends to lack solid terminology. But for the most part, this is simply a book about freeing yourself from the ways you (often unknowingly) punish yourself. Suffering is indeed optional, and Cheri Huber shows how to see that.

This is a very fast, very simple read, but do not be fooled. /Suffering Is Optional/ does not set out some pie-in-the-sky path to happiness that involves no effort on your part. Quite the opposite, as the author herself is quick to point out:

"I remind people with annoying regularity that if this practice were easy it would be more popular. Consider that, please. Look around and see what has thousands or even millions of 'adherents.' What do those things have in common? I would suggest that they all share the quality of people being exactly as they are while having something hopeful to believe. Very popular. Compare that with a practice that encourages people moment by moment to go up against, see through, and embrace the worst stuff in life. Not popular."

Not popular, maybe, but I feel it is very beneficial.

There's a lot of hands-on exercises to try in this book... Not of the SIT PERFECTLY STRAIGHT IN YOUR CHAIR MAKING THE SUCH-AND-SUCH MUDRA WITH YOUR HANDS sort. No, miss Huber invites you to be AWARE of the things that go on in your life, and inside you. What things lead to joy, and what things lead to suffering? She doesn't preach or politicize any of it - all she asks and guides you to do is to be aware. Through awareness and genuine commitment, much can be revealed about our interactions with this world and how often we get in the way of our own happiness.

If you're ever stressed, or angry, or frustrated, I highly recommend this book. It's conversational, caring, and does not require you to run out and purchase a saffron robe and begging bowl. I've yet to discover a more wise or more powerful way for discovering "the path to freedom and joy."

Great book. Great condition. excellent read. You can read this over and over and get more out of it. She is an excellent writer. Very helpful.

Focuss on the core of suffering...No pep talk but realistic talk ! Anyone who has courage to step into her path ! You have already won half the battle

I have read just about every Cheri Huber book, and given them as gifts to friends. She has impacted my life in a very positive way. I highly recommend any of her books to anyone who is open to seeing life in a new way. The books are very easy reads, and the type of books you read more than once to let the information truly sink in.

This is a very readable and understandable book about the problems associated with being creative, and how to overcome these blocks and fears. The insights in this book can also be applied to parenting and other relationships. A new approach to psychology and the creative experience. Wonderful!

Artists, writers, and other creative individuals know that our passion tends to bring with it great ups and downs. One day, we are on top of the world. The story, the painting, or the healing flows like we are simply channeling the work. There is no effort, no thinking, and no worrying about the end result.

Then, seemingly for no reason, we get stuck. Just getting to the computer to type is more than we can handle. We find ourselves fixating on a single aspect for hours (or days or even months). At some point, we begin to judge ourselves as lazy and question our talent. Forcing the issue only seems to make the problem worse.

Standing at the Water's Edge is a must have for any creative individual. In her counseling work the author has come to understand that there is a real psychological reason that we choose such creative endeavors. Essentially, we are trying to immerse, engage, or otherwise make connections with other human beings. This is something that we both unconsciously yearn for but are also terribly afraid of achieving. So we start writing completely open and willing to make that connection. Then, we start to analyze: will the reader like this, what will my publisher say, will this book sell as well as my last book, etc. Basically, the fear takes over and disrupts the flow. In knowing this cycle, we can learn ways to keep the creativity flowing, particularly by seeking out relationships that serve our immersion needs in various healthy ways.

Though intended as a tool for professional artists immersing in the creative process, Dr. Paris' book has universal appeal as a profoundly revealing guide to understanding the human condition and teaching all of us how to immerse in healthy relationships with our children, our parents, our partners and others. As a single mother, I only wish that I had been able to read this book 18 years ago when my sons were first born. Dr. Paris puts herself out there, sharing not only her professional therapy experiences with gifted artists but also by exposing her own creative hopes and fears and highly personal dreams.

It has profoundly opened me to a new understanding of my own early childhood relationships (dysfunctional and otherwise) and given me guidance and hope for healthier relationships with my own children. I have always believed that creativity is our soul calling, and that nurturing a child may be our greatest masterpiece though I have made mistakes in the pursuit of both. Dr. Paris' book has given me hope that it is never too late to heal ourselves and our relationships whether that be in pursuit of an artistic endeavor or in the raising up of our children to know boundless joy.

In ten chapters, Anne Paris explores the creative impulse, what may block it, and how to avoid the pitfalls. I admit to skepticism at first, as so many books on this subject fall into the pop psychology category, but the author has navigated these shoals skillfully, offering coping skills, insight, and impetus to readers who strive to create.


Writers, artists, and businesspeople should benefit from this book. As a writer, I found it particularly intriguing, especially the chapter on family dynamics, in which the author explains that roles are often thrust upon us without our knowledge. Paris addresses what can occur when one is viewed as "the baby" (even when we are older). With intriguing insight, she points out that when such a person achieves success, she upsets the applecart because her siblings "could not tolerate her change in position in the unspoken family hierarchy; her siblings could no longer feel better than their sister (an experience they needed to boost their self-esteem)..." When experiencing this situation, some writers even give up their craft, perhaps feeling the price of success is too high to pay. Paris urges, "Take back your dreams of childhood and then reach for them!"


The author acknowledges that the creative process does not have to be a lonely, solitary endeavor, as we have heard so often. Feedback, interaction and encouragement from friends, co-workers, and colleagues are useful and beneficial. Being positively seen by others when we are young is important. But if that is not part of our history, Paris suggests we can turn to "positive fantasies of a perceived audience," thus affirming that imaginary supporters, even ancestors, can bless and enrich our creative endeavors.


As I read, thoughts of my personal experiences surfaced, and I realized that each time before I make a public appearance, I summon a memory of my first poetry reading decades ago at a Women's Voices Writing Workshop in Santa Cruz, California. My audience applauded, whistled, stomped, and sent me home with an empowered feeling that I resurrect each time I get up to read my work. I don't know where any of these women are now, or if they are still writing, but I hold them in my memory as a gathering of compassionate souls whom I summon to bless my efforts when I need them. It was and is one of the principles Paris explores in Standing at the Water's Edge.


Having read Csikszentmilhalyi's Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, I was delighted to see parallels in Paris' content. Flow explores the mental and emotional state in which an artist, if she is fortunate, finds herself in order to bring the creative process to its highest level, a condition the ancient Greeks referred to as Kairos.


At the end of each chapter, readers are offered "Guides" with helpful suggestions. So much of this book spoke directly to me. Multiple quotes sprinkled throughout the book enriched it. In short, Paris' entire theme seems to echo a quote from one of my heroes in the art world, Vincent van Gogh... "I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart."
For people who create or who would like to create, for those who have struggled with fears and blocks, this book is more than helpful. Paris will move you toward understanding yourself as an artist.

by Joan Shaddox Isom
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

Standing at Water's Edge by psychologist Anne Paris is an exceptional read for everyone. The author brilliantly examines our fears that prevent our access to our ultimate creative potential. She highlights that our deep connection with self and others is a powerful tool that can encourage inspiration and creativity. Whether you are an artist, musician, author or simply someone who is interested in facilitating your creativity in every day situations, this book is a valuable guide.

Throughout this book, the author offer practical "Guides" that are questions and exercises that shift us beyond what we perceive to be our fears and blocks so that so that realize our potential.

"Standing at the Water's Edge" is well documented with footnotes, a Bibliography, and most helpful Index, so that you may conveniently refer to subjects presented in the book.

Good read and highly recommended.

Katie Davis, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment

I had originally glanced at this book at my local bookstore and was captivated by the collection of touching short essays in it. I love this book! I hope she publishes more like this.

Sue Monk Kidd's work continues to delight. Her short, honest, writings show her to be attentive to the moment as well as to the world around her. This book would be a start to a group discussion for people seeking to live mindful, but interactive, lives. She enjoys the spiritual life of monks without having taken their vows. Readers will gain much from this collection of essays and observations.

Decent enough, but there is better free material out there, like Dr. Michael Smith's Inner Power material. Karla's voice is soothing, although I found the meditations strangely generic. Overall, it will help those just starting out, although in general, it's much too vague for my tastes.

Karla McLaren's workshop on tape is just about the right length, and presents about the right information at about the right depth. The idea of someone being or wanting to become an empath speaks volumes about that individual even before the first step is taken or the first idea is taught. If the meek are to inherit the Earth, you'll find a quorum here.

It has been said that the voice is the barometer of one's being, and if so Karla's is beautiful (in both respects). Here is the voice of experience, one who has taken her childhood wounds and used them as a vehicle to transcend the common mold, to become a butterfly rather than choosing to remain a victim.

Karla explains what an empath is and highlights the differences between clairvoyance, clairaudience and clairsentience. She explains the theory of the five elements of the human personality and presents a powerful working model for balancing the psyche. No part of the personality should be squelched because a person is "too sensitive". What really needs to be accomplished is the balancing of a dominant attribute by bolstering other aspects of the personality. (This portion of the tape alone is so interesting and useful that it could be considered a seminar in its own right.)

Karla teaches the inner skills of self knowledge, emotional agility and humility, and the importance of external support systems such as healthy relationships, good boundaries and the ability to create separations. She explains how to maintain a sense of personal space, of grounding and image releasing, and other skills necessary to protect against the energy overloading that may be associated with emotional over-exposure. She also teaches the skills of listening without projecting one's own judgements into the picture.

She talks about the primary emotions - anger, fear, sadness, depression and suicidal tendencies - their many and varied derivations and disguises, and shows that emotions are messengers, not problems. She exposes the awesome primal power that can be tapped into by communicating with the emotions and the deep insights they can yield, and provides the specific questions that should be asked in the presence of each emotion. Fantastic!

I think the word "skills" is the cornerstone of this seminar. It's all about learning how to handle situations with finesse, rather than force, and a bit of "by the book" is a nice balance to the obvious emotional predilection of the subject matter.

Wondering how empathic you are? One thing for sure--you ARE empathic! With these tapes you can figure out if you use projection, mimicry or clairsentience when relating to others. Learning three internal skills, you can work from a place of wholeness. Learning emotional agility allows you to ask the right questions and move through emotions to healing. And learning three external skills cultivates and supports your empathic skills. Speaking of support, Karla says that empaths need the company of other empaths for understanding and exchange--and that includes your partner at home.

Karla also gives three steps to clear empathy that are important when helping others and maintaining yourself. And if you're like me, the advice to do some "conscious complaining" is pure joy!

The skills in the last session are some you've seen before if you've worked with Karla's tapes, but done this time in a different context. At the end, two Sufi meditations are suggested for those in conflict in close relationships.

These are powerful tapes! I highly recommend them to everyone, as we're all living on some empathic level. I love Karla's music, her voice, and her awe-inspiring connection with that misunderstood and neglected part of us--the emotions.

The first thing I noticed about this CD was Karla McLaren's voice...it sends me into an almost-meditative state just listening to her! Sometimes I turn it on even if I'm not participating in the visualization, but just need my nerves soothed. You can certainly tell she's an empath who knows what she's doing if she can do this over headphones. :-p

Also, I found the information on boundaries to be very appropriate to my life. I'm not a healer by profession, which is the focus of the CD, but I encounter problems in my private relationships where boundaries are not healthy. Her other set, Energetic Boundaries, goes into further depth about this aspect.

Overall, a good set of coping tools plus an ego boost that it's OK to be an empath - you're not a freak!

Wondering how empathic you are? One thing for sure--you ARE empathic! With these tapes you can figure out if you use projection, mimicry or clairsentience when relating to others. Learning three internal skills, you can work from a place of wholeness. Learning emotional agility allows you to ask the right questions and move through emotions to healing. And learning three external skills cultivates and supports your empathic skills. Speaking of support, Karla says that empaths need the company of other empaths for understanding and exchange--and that includes your partner at home.

Karla also gives three steps to clear empathy that are important when helping others and maintaining yourself. And if you're like me, the advice to do some "conscious complaining" is pure joy!

The skills in the last session are some you've seen before if you've worked with Karla's tapes, but done this time in a different context. At the end, two Sufi meditations are suggested for those in conflict in close relationships.

These are powerful tapes! I highly recommend them to everyone, as we're all living on some empathic level. I love Karla's music, her voice, and her awe-inspiring connection with that misunderstood and neglected part of us--the emotions.