New Age Alternative Belief Books

Most people shy away from the subject of death until it intrudes on their, otherwise comfortable, lives. Da Avabhasa, through a series of transcribed lectures and essays reveals the knowledge of this subject only available to a realized being. That he experiences the phenomenal world differently to most others makes the writing occasionally tricky to follow, but never give up, the knowledge contained, in this book, has the ability to remove your fear of this topic.

Take the classic book "On Death and Dying" and explain it with the understanding, knowledge and compassion of one who is fully realized in his relationship with the Divine and you have this invaluable book.

As a longtime hospice worker I've made a habit of reading everything I can find about death and dying. The psychologically-oriented books on bereavement and mourning are interesting and even helpful, but most of them presume that death is just annihilation. The religiously oriented books are more hopeful but, to put it bluntly, most of them are filled with nonsensical dogma. I know for a fact that death isn't annihilation because even after people die you can feel their spirit in the room. In little, out-of-the-way spiritual bookstores I've found several small, pretty marginal books that acknowledge this fact and attempt to describe what happens to a person AFTER they die. But none of them really speak with the authority of the two best books on the entire subject of death and dying, Sogyal Rinpoche's The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying and Da Avabhasa's Easy Death. The good Rinpoche's book is very good indeed and I got a lot of out of it. But Da Avabhasa's book is of another order entirely. Da Avabhasa is an American spiritual master who literally accompanies his own devotees through the death process (the book contains some amazing stories about this) Most importantly, he addresses every important aspect of the death and dying in a language that we ordinary mortals can understand, offering us clear, absolutely usable advice that I've never seen anywhere else. You really can and should know what happens after death, and this book will tell you. I've been employing Da Avabhasa's wisdom in my hospice work for a few years now and it's just totally changed the outcome for those who have died right in front of me--as well as for their families, and even for me. It turns out that what you need to know about death is exactly what you should know about life as well. I don't know who this man is or where he came from but they ought to give him a medal for this book.

Sorry, haven't read this particular book of Gordon's but I've seen him in person in Minneapolis, MN years back and I have never seen a psychic as accurate and detailed in readings as he. Although I didn't get a reading from Gordon, (I did get a reading from another psychic that day) I never forgot Gordon's name because I was so impressed with him.

An intriguing, if a bit surface-level, first-person description of what it's like to be a medium, with a casual but articulate voice sprinkled with comic relief asides. The accounts are interesting, but not any moreso than any decent true paranormal account book. I guess from an author who's described on the cover as being "hailed as Britain's most accurate medium," I expected something a bit more... well... unbelievable. As I was reading this, I kept thinking of the Onion story, "The Thinkable Happens to Local Man": "..."'I can believe what I just saw,' one witness told reporters. 'In all my years, I can honestly say I've seen many things like that. Who wouldn't have thought that this, or something very much like it, could happen?'"

Still, this is a worthwhile addition to the collection of any psychic phenomena enthusiast, and would be a fun and fascinating read for any newcomer to the subject.

The book was awesome, very informative. Couldn't put it down!! I wish it had more pages!!

A credible author. Well written. Positions and experiences related in the book seem plausible.

This is the sequel to Gordon Smith's "Spirit Messenger", and includes some deep insights into the metaphysical world, in addition to interesting anecdotes from the U.K.'s #1 psychic medium. Required reading for all Gordon Smith fans, or anyone who simply wants to learn more about the spirit world.

This books got it all, I didn't know there were THAT many deities! Definately a must have for any witch/pagan/coven...or anyone who wants to know anything about any deity.

This book is an excellent resource for anyone seeking basic information about the stunning variety of gods that humans have believed in over the last several centuries.

A common challenge for believers is to avoid becoming so fixated on their particular god or gods that they ignore or never learn about other gods.

Just skimming through this book will expand one's awareness about our long-time obsession with gods.


I highly recommend this book.


--Guy P. Harrison, author of 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God

"The same mysteries have puzzled people on every continent, the same fears have beset them and they have all attempted to explain the mysteries and allay the fears in the same way-through the worship of gods." - From the book

The Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses is a 402-page paperback dedicated to gods and goddesses, featuring over 2,500 entries and spanning ancient and contemporary cultures. The author provides a chart of the chronology of the principle religions and cultures covered in the book, which include:

* Sumerian
* Egyptian
* Australian Aboriginal
* Akkadian-Babylonian
* Hindu
* Hittite-Hurrian
* Greek
* Hebrew
* Mayan
* Celtic
* Buddhist
* Roman
* African Yoruba
* Polynesian
* Nordic-Icelandic
* Christian
* Inca
* Aztec
* Maori
* Islamic

The author gives only brief treatments of minor gods and goddesses, but affords the major deities with a bit more coverage in the book, including original cultural source, the role of the deity, genealogy, symbols, attributes, art references, literary sources, and so on.

The Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses does not include demigods, demons, or mythological heroes. According to the author, a demigod is "a personality who was once mortal but has been elevated to the celestial ranks". However, significant ancestral personalities who have been clearly deified and treated entirely as gods and goddesses (e.g. the Sumerian god Dumuzi or the Norse god Balder) are included, even though they're technically demigods.

Yet, while the demigod Guatama Buddha has been included, Jesus Christ has not. This makes no sense, especially since most Christians consider Jesus to be 100% god in human form; after his ascension, he is worshipped as "one with the father" (Jehovah/YHWH) and supplicants pray to him as such even today. Why the author chooses to include some demigods, especially tribal ones, and not Jesus (one of the most influential modern deities) is a mystery.

The Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses is a comprehensive source for gods and goddesses; in fact, the author claims that it represents the most comprehensive worldwide listing of deities available in a single volume. However, he admits that it makes no claim to be exhaustive. This is quite true. For example, if you look up Abundantia, the entry reads:

"Minor fertility goddess. Roman. The personification of abundance. She continued in French mythology after the Roman occupation, as a lady who enters houses in the night, bringing prosperity."

The author doesn't even mention that the French called her "Lady Hobunde". This would be valuable information should an individual want more information on HOW Abundantia continued in French mythology. Or, if you look up Athena, you'll find that she offered the olive to humankind, but there is no mention of the context, which is Athena's contention with Poseidon. By humans accepting her gift over Poseidon's, Athena gained control of Athens. In addition, there is no mention of her being a virgin/maiden goddess, nor that Zeus entrusted her with a shield bearing the Medusa and his principle weapon, the thunderbolt. Therefore, if you want in-depth information on the mythos of particular deities, you'll have to acquire an encyclopedia or book dedicated to a specific culture, or one that focuses squarely on mythology.

The Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses is a fine introduction to deities spanning world cultures. It would be especially good for students or general readers wanting quick references to gods and goddesses. Nevertheless, if you want to delve deeply into various deities, especially the mythos, you'll have to look elsewhere.

I'm delighted to be one of the contributors to this publication. Not particularly my own story, which our family is so glad to finally see in print, but because of the other wonderful contributions. How blessed we are to be numbered together in the realm of Angels. Each author holds a special place in my prayers and heart. Your stories have enriched my soul.

Rick and Barb, may God's Blessings accompany your efforts in marketing this book. I am honored to be included among the exceptional writers you selected.

Thank you for your kindness.

What a wonderful book! I was touched by every single story, but especially the contributions from the Smiths, Geralynn and David ("Martha" and "Brandy"). I assume they are married, based on their bios. This book is perfect for gift giving, but get a copy for yourself, too. It's fast, easy reading, and will bless your heart. I highly recommend it, for all ages, including teens and senior citizens. Excellent!

I bought a copy of this book as a gift for a friend. After I read it, I decided to keep it, and went out and bought several more for gifts. This book contains a delightful mixture of experiences with guardian angels from a variety of perspectives--all with a solid ring of truth to them.
Even if you don't necessarily believe in guardian angels, these unpretentious stories tell of remarkable episodes in the lives of ordinary people. An inspiring and touching read.

A book to pick up when you need inspiration, hope or to just feel good. The stories can make you weep or put a smile on your face. Whether you DO believe in guardian angels, this book is a wonderful read for anyone

Finally a believable scenario. You hear all these crazy straw grasping theories all the time and think "I'm not buying this" but the auther gave some really convincing evedence.
I raced thru it excitingly!

This lady just blows my my mind away with her other book beginnings. This book does the same.The math in this book is all most unbelievable.

The author has a good heart and expresses it well. There are several clues in the writing, however, that indicate he does not know all that he should about either his subject or the culture surrounding it.

At one point he speaks of telephoning the tribe in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to ask about the Medicine Lodge. They deny any knowledge, and he assumes they have none.

Wrong. And anyone who seriously practices Native American spirituality can tell at a glance why.

Living in northern Michigan, I was of course interested in this book. It was ordered from the back of a UFO-type magazine, though, so beware. The book most certainly is not boring in any respect, containing retellings of native legends of the area; however, its downfall is the number of serious errors committed. For one thing, some sources seem to be quoted directly without proper credit being given in the bibliography; "Lore Of The Great Turtle" by Dirk Gringhuis (a superior book) is heavily quoted and paraphrased, but not credited; "The Crooked Tree" by John C. Wright (another good book) is referred to in the text, but why not in the bibliography, also? Secondly, why is a book about the Northeast Woodlands Indians filled with pictures of Plains Indians life? I would rather the book had no pictures, instead of unrelated pictures; not all Indians lived in tipis and wore war bonnets. Surely the author could have located images of Ojibwa and Ottawa life if he'd tried. Lastly and most annoying are the typos and spelling errors committed: I cannot respect a person who writes a book about Michigan, and yet spells "Mackinaw Island" wrong. (For the record, it's MACKINAC Island.) All of this goes without mentioning some of the outlandish conclusions the author jumps to. An interesting read if you wish to simply pass the time, but not worth it if you are truly interested in native studies. Try Schoolcraft or Basil Johnston instead.