New Age Alternative Belief Books

Wicca, the Complete Craft as written by D.J. Conway is an interesting book, to say the least. If you are new to Wiccan studies and instruction books, please pick up a copy of Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Includes Author's Book of Shadows). There you will discover a much better and more accurate look at history as well as a less biased look at the role that the God and Goddess play.

She has reduced the God to little more than a good lay for the Goddess, which is completely inaccurate. Her feminism would do well to duck its head when she works on an instructional text, to say the least.

It is however, a handy reference material, offering nicely presented correspondence lists as well as alphabets in the back. To tell the truth, with the slim pickings of books in my area, it was a nice buy only to get the compilation of information in the back.

I have many wicca books, but when I want to look something up I almost always turn to this one. I really like the way the rituals are worded and the way the book presents information. It's very informative and is a great starting point.

This is by far the worst book I have ever read on the craft. With such falsities as wicca being an ancient matriachal religion, and that wicca is goddess based, it is a wonder this hasn't gotten worse reviews. I have read books by this author before and enjoyed them, but if you are looking for a good book about wicca I would suggest Cunningham's guide for a solitary practitioner. When you get past the intorduction about the craft and get into the rest of the book, such as nature spirits and other invisible helpers, and the book of spells the content is more barible, but not deffinatly not worth the price of this book. If you are still interested take a trip to you local book store and read a few sections before you buy it. I wish I would have.

This book gives an introduction to a broad range of topics. The explanations are complete enough to provide a basic understanding of the topic, without being completely overwhelming. That said, it is not a good teaching tool by itself (I have a Bachelors in Music Education and have taught school K - 12, so I do have some expertise in this area). It seems as if would make a good reference guide, but as a book, it's rather, well, boring. I have little experience with Wicca, so I am not qualified to comment on the factual aspects of the book, but most of what Conway says fits in fairly well with the few other books I have read on the subject; however, certain other aspects of the book cast doubt upon her reliability.

Her historical accuracy, for instance, leaves much to be desired. I am no historian, but many of the assertions the author makes prove to be untrue. For one example, she claims that all truly ancient civilizations were matriachies, but then evil patriarchies invaded and wiped those civilizations from history. To support this, she cites the work of Johann Jakob Bachofen. Bachofen was a sociologist/anthropologist who lived and worked in the nineteenth century, before the debut of modern anthropological tools and methods, and his work has since been refuted or debunked. Nevertheless, Conway uses him as the basis for some of her claims. This is analagous to claiming that the sun revolves around the earth on the basis that Aristotle believed it. This level of stretching for facts is the rule rather than the exception, at least in the historical section. The academic research in this book is a complete joke.

This writing is also strongly biased against men in general and Christianity in particular. In her chapter, "The History of Wicca", she writes that patriarchy - and by extension, men - are responsible for all the ills of society in the entire history of the human race.

When Christianity enters the picture, the book leaves Wicca entirely to spend most of the rest of the chapter blasting Christianity, a theme that continues throughout the rest of the book. This book will take any chance imaginable to blast Christianity - and only Christianity. It is clearly not horribly opposed to monotheism in general; in fact it avoids the subjects of Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam completely. Instead, it says such things as, "The deities and ideas of any ancient culture except Christianity can be grafted onto Wicca, thus forming a legitimate form of Witchcraft." The book only ever refers to Christianity negatively, and never makes any other reference to other monotheistic faiths.

Let me make it clear here that I am not a Christian, and that I bear the religion no love. It has caused more damage in my life than all other influences combined. Nevertheless, a bias like one shown by this book has no place in what claims to be an instructional guide for beginners.

To the author's credit, she states at the beginning that this book reflects only her opinions of Wicca, and that other Witches will have differing opinions. However, while allowing for more flexibility than a book that claims to be complete, undeniable fact, this only grants a certain degree of latitude in the things that can be claimed without falling into the territory of academic dishonesty, and that is this book's major failing.

In summary, this book has some good points, but there are better to be had for twenty bucks.

This book covers many topics that are important to know if you are beginning your studies into Wicca. Although some of her points are different than others ... a different point of view helps you understand that not all witches follow the same ideas.
I strongly recomend this book to any and all just getting started.

It is very difficult to say more than I highly recommend "Shadows Of Wolf Fire". I eagerly awaited this book for months after reading the others in the series three times each. So much so, I purchased a Limited Edition Leather Bound book. That should tell you something. This is not a book to be read without first reading the other three. My recomendation to any-one, would be to read Volume 1, "Return Of The Warriors". Personally, I don't see how anyone can read the first volume without eagerly consuming the other three. Anything else I could say seems to place me in a "catch 22" situation, which you can only understand after reading and begining to live the wonderful, mysterious teachings that flow through them. I have never met Theun Mares personally or participated in any of his workshops, but I am truly honored to be a recipient of his purpose. To recomend the book in some way seems futile for I know that all that will read it have all been already determined by fate. In that regard, all I have to say is "thank you so much Thuen Mares."

Shadows of Wolf Fire
by
Theun Mares
Reviewed by Anthony Gagliano

In his latest book, Shadows of Wolf Fire, Theun Mares adds another chapter to the unveiling of the Toltec Legacy, a task he first began seven years ago with the publication of Return of The Warriors and continued in Cry of The Eagle and The Mists of Dragon Lore. Readers of these works, as well as serious students of Carlos Castaneda, will find in Shadows of Wolf Fire a most important addition to their understanding of what it means to walk the warrior's path, and more importantly, The Path With A Heart. This fourth volume in the series examines many topics which will be of great interest, including the training of the three and four pronged nagal; the socerer's explanation; the relationship between the dreamer and the dreamed; and the role of gender in the evolution of awareness, as well as many others. Fans of Tales of Power will find themselves on the edge of their seats.
I recommend this book without reservation, as I have the first three volumes. I do so not only out respect for Mr. Mare's works, but as a long time student of the teachings of Don Juan as first introduced to the modern world by his most famous student. I believe that Mr. Mares represents the truest segue from the teachings of Don Juan as imparted to Dr. Castaneda, both of whom the author acknowledges in the preface of the book. Long ago, a reviewer of one of Castaneda's works wrote that the significance of what the writer had achieved could not be overestimated. I can, with all my heart, and with all the powers of discrimination available to me, say the same of Theun Mares and The Shadows of Wolf Fire.

Anthony Dale Gagliano

It is so refreshing to see the Totlec tradition embraced by some many and to hear another voice showing people the way toward freedom.

This book reminds me of the story of the Zen master pointing at the moon. The student is reminded to look at the moon and not focus on the master's finger that merely shows the way.

However you connect with your spirit, with the greatness of who and what you are - enjoy the process.

A very interesting read!

In the journey towards self-realization, SOWF serves as a springboard that catapults the reader to move beyond the "intellectual masturbation" and romanticism that many so-called spiritual books have regurgitated and repackaged. Within these pages are the tried and tested tools that are most practical and applicable to our daily lives.

How do we affect change to promote growth and evolution within ourselves so that, in turn, we may assist humanity in moving towards its own collective maturity? How does our own state of mind, when lost in chaos and confusion, affect the very interrelationship of life on a grander scale? How do we utilise our folly to gain a better understanding of the concept that life doesn't just happen, but instead should be lived and cherished as the most exhilarating adventure of all.

This book will make you remember.

Unlike many, my discovery of Theun Mares and the Toltec Teachings did not come through the Castaneda camp. In fact, to this day I still have not read straight through any one of Dr. Castaneda's books.

In any case, after I read "Return of the Warriors" by Theun I quickly ordered all of his books which up until that point did not include "Shadows of Wolf Fire."

It was with great anticipation that I began Theun's latest work on the Toltec Teachings: "Shadows of Wolf Fire." And I was never disappointed. In fact, moved to tears in many parts, puzzled and somewhat overwhelmed in others, I found in this work
answers to many of the questions raised within me from reading his earlier volumes of the Toltec Teachings.

In a world so riddled with strife, so fragmented by separative behavior and thinking and so very far from the potential magic inherent within each of us, Theun's newest book is a joy. It makes me glad to be alive and thankful for each day as I work to unfold the mystery which is me.

This book was an amazing book that I was lucky to find. After reading this book I shared it was friends whom all felt the same. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

I can't believe that I have never seen this book in the bookstore before, especially these days when there's such a multitude of New Age and Spirituality books around. I first saw this book online and was intrigued and encouraged by other reviews to buy it. I am so happy that I did.

This book is a good mish-mash of things, and provides lots of interesting perspectives on the neo-Pagan movement, especially in the United States. There is some "fluff" to be found, as one reviewer pointed out, but there are a lot of nuggets of wisdom found within. One of the most touching things for me, as a solitary practicing witch, was to read about how other people came to discover Divinity within their lives. It is amazing to see how all our stories intertwine, and how we all come to the Goddess/God, and comforting to know that there are like minded people in the world, outside of the small Pagan community where I live. I especially liked the story: "The Goddess's Call to Service: She Moves in Mysterious Ways". I also liked: "Children's Perspectives", because it reminds us that young children are so often more like sages than we give them credit for. I also am a fan of "Encountering the Divine in Nature", written by Phyllis Curott, who I cannot praise enough as one of the most insightful, wise witches of our time.

There are many other stories that I liked, and a few that I did not care for, but overall I really liked this book. It is a great departure from the "Do this, do that" instructional books that are put out nowadays. The exercises in the book are more like suggestions than rigid guidelines. This book really captures the spirit of our movement in all it's great diversity.

Peace to You,
April

This is an excellent short book on contemporary pagan thought.This book reminded me of the work,'Being a Pagan'.Yet,this book is more personal and less about the formal pagan dogma.There is well over fifty different magickal writers reflecting on their personal experiences as a natural 'Heathen'.I thought there would be more recipes and spells presented,however,this worthy reading is about the struggles and triumphs they weathered.There are only a few potions,rituals,and incense blends discussed.They are new ones that were interesting to read about anyway.I would get the book again, for the fact that, it has a wide varity of thoughts about neopagan faith and modern witchcraft.The name 'witch' still arouses angst in some,and this book helps dispell any fears about wiccans.Wicca is an Earth-based non-christian religion.All media stories about 'satanism',really involve 'christian-satanists'. Any story about 'devilish wiccan malefactions',involve people who are bi-polar and troubled.As a modern pagan,i say 'to Hell withe the Devil'.I hope this fine book inspires curious readers to follow the Craft.Many people are turning away from Christianity.For a pagan,one would think that this would be great for the pagan community .Yet,atheism is very much on the rise.To me people turning away from and denying Nature ,is flat-out dangerous too.This wise pagan book will help persuade any atheist that people need spiritual faith in their lives

When I saw the title of this book, I expected it to be a "Chicken Soup for the ___ Soul" type book. I expected to read a bunch of short stories of the heartwarming (and possibly a little sickeningly sweet) variety, told from the pagan point of view. However, the book had a bit of a "soapbox" feel to me. It was full of articles, how-to rituals,(which are fine in their own right, but I wanted stories) and just an offhand mention of stories. I felt a little cheated, because I wanted a light hearted and fluffy, feel good book and got what felt a bit like a homework assignment.

Very nice book to pick up read a few passages when you are feeling in need a lift. Helps you remember why you choose to believe in magic.

For those who may be unfamiliar with Ashleen O'Gaea, she is a founding board member emeritus of the Tuscon Area Wiccan-Pagan Network and board member and senior Corresponding Priestess for Mother Earth Ministries-ATC, a Neo-Pagan prison ministry. In this book she presents a handbook on how and why we celebrate our Sabbats.

This book, the first of two, covers Samhain, Yule, Imbolc and Ostara. Our calendar, being round instead of linear, as she explains "...allows everyone seated to see everyone else and keeps anyone's positions at the table from being more important than anyone else's, so does Wicca's round calendar, the Wheel, let us see the relationship of each Sabbat to the others, and keep any from being more significant than any other."

Rather than trying to explore, as other books have, the origins and picking apart the meanings, Ms. O'Gaea instead focuses on what the holiday actually means, to us, now. Each Sabbat is broken down into four parts: Lore, Rituals, Activities and Symbols. What is also interesting is that Ms. O'Gaea compares these celebrations in what she calls the 'big three' Neo-Pagan religions: Druidism, Asatru and Wicca.

In Lore, Ms. O'Gaea explores how past traditions have been translated into modern day practices, and how each one of the Sabbats interacts with the other Sabbats. As in Samhain, she discusses this third of the three harvest festivals we celebrate in relation to the others, and to the Sabbat that follows. Each holiday is linked to the previous, and is a key part of the next one. She also discusses the Lore of the three Neo-Pagan religions, and how it may blend and how different aspects have been incorporated.

In Rituals, Ms. Gaea gives us specific rituals, explains their meaning, their applications, and you are given a very well rounded look at the Rituals of the three religions. She also discusses how some of these Rituals can also borrow from other religious practices.

Activities takes from our current practices. They range from traditional foods and how to make them, to practices and how to make tools specific to those practices. Corn dolly, plates for the ancestors, Runes, egg dying; there are many activities that are easy to do, good to eat and have some very interesting associations to the holidays celebrated. Some of these projects are family oriented, while others can be solitary projects.
Finally, we have symbols. The symbols range from specific tools, to written symbols, to food and song. Ms. O'Gaea examines many of the modern day symbols and their associations to Gods and Goddess, the seasons, nature and the religion.

The book has a chapter called Conclusion, and she states, as is obvious, that this first book can not properly be concluded as it only covers four of the Sabbats and the remaining four are needed to draw the Wheel of the Year together. And she sums that up nicely with a quote from "The Way of Wyrd" where Wulf says to Brand "It is a mistake to assume that events far apart in time are thereby separate. All things are connected as in the finest web of a spider. The slightest movement on any thread can be discerned from all points on the web."

Ms. O'Gaea successfully proves that point, in my opinion, with this book. Each Sabbat on the Wheel of the Year is woven with the rest of the Sabbats. Each Sabbat has an effect on the next and relies on the previous one to give each other substance. Which is why we refer to our calendar as a Wheel.

She also makes a good argument for all the Northern European based or Celtic Based Neo-Pagan religions having similarities in their celebrations and her comparison of these celebrations draws some interesting possible conclusions.

The material is easy to read, well put together and organized. Her bibliography is interesting as some of the references are unusual and interesting. The chapters are well defined, keeping to the material discussed and there is an index for easy reference.

I enjoyed this book, found it a good primer in celebration the Wheel of the year, as opposed to just knowing about them, and I am looking forward to the second book which covers the other four holidays. boudica

A simply wonderful addition to New Age Studies reading lists in general, and Wicca reference collections in particular, Celebrating Celebrating The Seasons Of Life: Samhain To Ostara by Ashleen O'Gaea (a founding board member emeritus of the Tucson Area Wiccan-Pagan Network and Senior Corresponding Priestess for the Neo-Pagan prison ministry Mother Earth Ministries) superbly presents an informed and informative introduction to the ancient lore, metaphysical rituals, Wiccan symbols, and spirituality enhancing exercises associated with primeval celebrations as Samhain (October 31st), Yule (December 21st), Imbolc (February 2nd), Ostara (March 21st), and others high holy occasions in the nature worshiping seasonal calendars. Very highly recommended and enhanced with easy-to-follow Circle casting directions for groups and individuals, Celebrating The Seasons Of Life also includes recipes and other creative touches of celebration.

I have several of Ms. O'Gaea's books, all of which are givin a parenting slant. With so few books on pagan parenting, I love her writing style, it is very personable and she is extremely knowledgable.

"Samhain to Ostara" is a unique book among all the other books on the Sabbats out there... instead of rehashing all the stuff previously beaten to death in other books, Ms. O'Gaea instead goes deeper and explores the meaning of these sabbats to us in modern times.

What really piques my interest, is near the end, where Ms. O'Gaea categorizes things to teach about each Sabbat to children, grouped by their ages. Very useful!! I can hardly wait to get my hands on "Beltane to Mabon"!!

All in all, this book is a fantastic addition to my library!

Ashleen O'Gaea has written another original book here. Once again this author has broken out of the tried and true formats of Wicca 101 books to deliver a unique and useful book.

The book, subtitled Lore, Rituals, Activities and Symbols, delivers exactly what it promises on its cover. In its few hundred pages we are treated to an in-depth look at the holiday, its origins from a historical viewpoint and the customs as they pertain to today's practices. This book focuses on the first half of the Wheel of the Year. (This fall will see the publication of the sister book for the final four Sabbats.)

I have found many other books that contain Holy Day celebrations to be less than useful for my particular situation. Since I have a family, solitary solutions for ritual don't work, and as we are too small to be a coven, neither does group ritual. However, contained in this book's pages are rituals that are directed toward the solitary, the family or the coven practice. Even if none of the rest of this book is used, the cost of purchase is well covered just by this feature alone.

But the rituals themselves are just a small part of the wealth of information contained between the covers. There are ideas for crafts and a few yummy looking recipes. There are also suggestions for holiday related activities that can be used no matter what your age or coven affiliations. Plus, the book is written in such a way that the reader is truly inspired in the understanding of how each Sabbat ties into the one before and after.

I found the book well written and easy to read. Even an old Pagan like me found a few tidbits among the pages that added to my knowledge and deepened my understanding of the Holy Days. I would recommend this book for any Wiccan's library, beginner or long-term practioner.

W. Lyon Martin Author/Illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child"

This is a great tale, and fairly accurate and instructive. The Western world is sorely lacking in instruction about the non rational, can't put your tongue on it realities of which the author speaks. While what I know of Peruvian shamanism is very small compared to the author's knowledge and direct experience, I suggest that this effort to capture End Journeys is both admirable and riveting. I have used FOUR WINDS as a guide to non ordinary reality since my discovery of it as a legitimate map; my work in the Celtic otherworld supports what the author here describes in terms of the Peruvian landscapes of non ordinary reality. But personally, from a shamanic perspective, I want more of Antonio's accurate and real mentoring, and less of the neophyte journeyer's somewhat predictable story line. As a tale, the book is not as finely crafted as FOUR WINDS either. Nonetheless, a great read, but just not as instructive or as easy to read as I found FOUR WINDS. /D.L. Smith 12/12/98

For those seeking more info about Dr. Villoldo's lack of detail and other concerns regarding truthfulness in contemporary shamanism, please see "The Selling of the Shaman and the Problem of Informant Legitimacy" which appears in the Summer 1990 issue of 'Anthropological Research', Volume 46, Number 2. Dr. Villoldo is prominently featured.

In ISLAND OF THE SUN, co-authored with Erik Jendresen, Alberto Villoldo relates his Peruvian odyssey in search of his teacher, Don Antonio. ISLAND OF THE SUN is a dramatic, poetic adventure -- a profound exercise in suspending ones disbelief, in expecting the unexpected, in stretching the imagination, and in shattering the boundaries of consciousness. In short, it gives a glimpse into the mind of a shaman. It has been said that to know and understand a shaman, one must become a shaman. Villoldo has become a shaman. His story is a captivating articulation of his journey into the unknown; its imagery, vivid and enchanting - "the Sun glistened in playful white sparkles of light on the green waters. I listened to the cicada hiss, the high-pitched cacophony of the birds and the insects, the whir and hiss and chatter and hum that bounced off its surface and filled the clearing with music."

Villoldo sees his mission as that of translating the ancient psychology and truths contained in the Medicine Wheel of the Incas into a Western framework - into a psychology of the sacred. He sees the Medicine Wheel as providing a neurological map for the evolution and transformation of our species by accessing the state of consciousness that informs life. He sees the Medicine Wheel as offering a path through which we can override the oftentimes violent survival mechanisms of our primitive limbic brain.

Villoldo presents the symbolic imagery of the archetypal energies contained in the Medicine Wheel. In the South (serpent), we confront and shed the past like a serpent sheds its skin. In the West (jaguar), we overcome fear and death. By experiencing ourselves as conscious energy, death loses its sting and becomes but a doorway to one of infinite phases in eternity. In the North (hummingbird), we experience the knowledge and wisdom of the ancients. We access a sea of consciousness as vast as time itself. In the East (eagle), we experience a transcendent, comprehensive, vision of what we have learned. We share our story with the world as caretakers of the earth. That, he says, is our return home.

The psychology of the ancients is based on direct shamanic experience in different domains of consciousness. Its approach -- of experience and exploration -- is from the inside out; its goal -- to know, understand, and be in harmony with the forces of Nature. In Villoldo's experience, that approach requires a new state of mind - one that allows but is not distracted by subjective experiences. The skills required come naturally in the process of "serving experiences." He explains that when one's intent is in harmony with the experience, it is served. Otherwise, it is just an experience.

In shamanic awareness, Villoldo experienced innumerable altered states of reality by shifting his perspective to unaccustomed dimensions. The most profound, for me, was his experiencing the integrity of a multisensory dream body awareness in which everything was reflected within him. He described it as like being a champagne bubble with all images of life reflected upon its inner surface. As his teacher later pointed out, in that, everything was reflected but the seer himself, for the seer is invisible.

Purity of intention is the key to shamanic exploration. Abandoning preconceptions is necessary and essential. To master the stillness required in the dream body, Villoldo says that one learns how to be conscious without being self-conscious. Through purity of intention, it is said to be possible to enter a realm beyond dreaming -- a wondrous, rich dimension of magnificent power and splendor. Maintaining purity of intention is the challenge.

Shamans of Peru practiced an alchemy of the soul. They were said to be able to influence the past as well as the future because they understood the relationship between time and light. It is said that in becoming light (an Inca, a Child of the Sun), time was dissolved. Shamans knew that time doesn't fly only in straight lines like an arrow - it also turns like a wheel. When those two kinds of time intersect, says Villoldo, that is sacred, ritual time -- one can influence the past and summon destiny from the future. The challenge is not to let knowledge of the future influence present actions or intent. Therefore, the shaman must be able to keep a secret from himself.

Villoldo's teacher, Don Antonio, points out that in all the great cultures developed north of the equator, God is a descending god -- the Divine comes from the heavens and descends to the Earth. For the Incas, the only great culture to develop south of the equator, the god-force is ascending -- it "rises from Earth to the heavens like the golden corn." Antonio envisions the new caretakers of the Earth as coming from the northern hemisphere. ( A prophecy of hope and perhaps even a vote of confidence, I think, for those of us in the northern hemisphere.)

Villoldo points out the paradox of psychology -- that when we study the human mind, it is the mind studying itself. He adds that modern science has failed to identify the psyche or subject of this study. The mind continues to evade us. From his extensive laboratory research as a psychologist and his inquiries as a medical anthropologist, Villoldo testifies that mind cannot be derived from the neurology of the human brain. He believes that psychology is like physics in that the act of studying the psyche alters it . Villoldo strongly believes that now is the time for humankind to turn consciousness on itself and step into a grander consciousness in the evolution of mankind. He sees the path of the shaman as giving us clues for this process of exploration, discovery, realization, and transformation. He sees the path of the shaman as offering hope for a better world and a new humanity.

I must say how true it is when they say not to judge a book by its cover! Or, in this case by opinion only with no firsthand experience. I am currently studying with Alberto Villoldo through The Four Winds Society. Alberto will be the first to tell you that you must experience this to really understand and I will attest to that in full measure. The experiences and healing and wisdom of this system are profound. Having been a student and practitioner of alternative modalities since I was 15, I can attest to the fact that this system is like no other - and it works, as quickly as one is able to assimilate the process. Nothing else I tried, including traditional therapy - it only made things worse - has been able to fully release the deep seated issues of the extremely hostile enviroment I was born into and lived surrounded by for the first 30+ years of my life. If you are truly ready to be fully alive and free of the past - this will take you there in a graceful manner. And, it is fun as well as extremely effective. He also does not exclude useful modern medicine, there is a time and place for both.

Dennis Waite's book "Enlightenment: The Path Through the Jungle" is a necessary addition to everyone's library because it can serve as a checklist against which they can test their understanding. Have you ever had the experience of trying to do something new, struggling with it to no avail, and then someone comes over to you and shows you what you have been doing wrong and suddenly - voila! - you understand? This book is that someone. Dennis has collected together over 500 `pointers' and categorized them under aspects of understanding Enlightenment, going to great pains to clarify the meaning of words used in nondual writings, the purpose of and need for practice, and the necessary value of scriptural teachings and guidance from an experienced teacher within Advaita. This makes it easy to find the pointers needed when questions arise for you - you can always find what you are looking for in Dennis' Index, if not in Reality!

While there will be some that take his assertions about the necessity of effort on the part of those who wish to find enlightenment and end their suffering, and his criticism of certain "neo-advaita" teaching methods, as negative, I feel it is worth the time of everyone to read what he has written and pause to digest these gentle assertions and see if they do not ring true. There is that old adage: "You get what you pay for," which, if you see your efforts to reach understanding as the payment, holds just as much in this realm as in any other.

Of course there will always be those who are in too much of a rush to "stand in line," and they don't listen to anyone anyway. This book isn't for them.

There is a disturbing current finding favor in modern Nondual circles, which Dennis points to, which I characterize as anti-Intellectualism. Concepts, more and more frequently of late, are considered to be wrong in all cases. And it is this judgment that leads to teachers today presenting an understanding of ultimate reality as requiring nothing more than a short tagline, such as "you are That!," to achieve. As Dennis explains, this is the reason that effort is rejected and scriptural authorities are ignored. But it isn't that easy to dispel ignorance, and if you spend the time to contemplate the good feelings of being together with your satsang and how you were before, you will see that all you have done is replace one misunderstanding of reality, coupled with whatever suffering, or dis-ease, this brought on, with assertions that you really don't understand when you try to make sense of them, coupled with the good feelings of companionship that one finds in satsangs. And it is this failure to make sense of these assertions that is today esteemed because it means that one is not "lost" within concepts. Yes, but one is also bereft of understanding!

You are That, and nothing needs to be done to change you, but until you understand what that little tagline means you are not enlightened. It is the conceptual wisdom of a long tradition like Advaita that has proven effective in moving individuals like you and I to this understanding. It is the ignorance that must be dispelled, as Dennis points out, and that does require effort. Understanding is not like coins in the pocket - something that you have - and you do not get $200 for just passing "Go". Understanding is something that you are, and this book will help you realize what you are "doing wrong" to become that!

James Corrigan
An Introduction to Awareness

Look, this whole argument is stupid. There is no right or wrong answer.
Some people might like more of the neo-advaita writers, while others might like more of the traditional writers. No group is better than the other or more right than the other group. It will depend on the individual.
Again, there is no right, no wrong, no better and no worse.
And there should be no argument.

Time for bed. Sleep well.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to know more about the traditional teachings of Advaita/Vedanta.

It would be especially useful for those who have been exposed to the recent satsang method (or non-method) of teaching, or any other non-traditional teachings of non-duality, and who have begun to wonder why after so many years of listening to various teachers, they don't seem any closer to the goal than when they started.

The teachings of Advaita/Vedanta offer a tried and true methodology which enables the student to understand and reach the goal of self-knowledge. The other newer non-traditional teachings of non-duality have no informed knowledge of, and therefore cannot offer, this approach.

Dennis's book clearly compares and contrasts the traditional teaching of Advaita/Vedanta with the various and numerous non-traditional approaches to the subject. In a logical step by step fashion, Dennis illustrates why and how traditional teachings work as an effective means of self-knowledge, and why non-traditional teachings are very unlikely to bear fruit.

Anyone who has a sincere interest in this subject will no doubt be greatly benefited from reading this book.

What is traditional advaita?

Traditional advaita is a process, a culture, and a methodology for achieving enlightenment. It is founded in Indian scriptures, but more important than scriptures are the teacher and the methodology, according to Waite.

What is neo-advaita?

Neo-advaita gets right to the point that so many people already sense, intuit, and know from experience. The point is that "this" is "it." Stop and see. Neo-advaita confesses the truth that there is only "this." Neo-advaita doesn't go through a process of education, nor does it unfold scriptures chapter by chapter. It just says what is, in various ways.

Since it's impossible for people to gather around any interest at all without some kind of organization arising, there are processes, methods, and a culture of neo-advaita that can be identified, but they are very thin compared to traditional advaita..

Some of the teachers of neo-advaita, though they themselves do not use the term neo-advaita, include Tony Parsons, Jeff Foster, Richard Sylvester, Nathan Gill.

Theme and purpose:

The theme of this book is that you can become enlightened through traditional advaita, while it is unlikely you will become enlightened through neo-advaita and satsang.

Dennis writes about the book's purpose: "The purpose is specifically to address the concerns of seekers who are dissatisfied with the satsang or neo-advaitin approaches to the teaching of advaita and to answer related questions." Waite says, "I am not primarily criticizing neo-advaita in respect of the truth or falsehood of its actual statements but as regards its utility as a teaching methodology."

The evolution of advaita:

Neo-advaita is less than 30 years old and evolving. Traditional advaita is 1200 years old and it too is evolving. For example, one organization, The Philosophy Foundation in Waltham, Massachusetts, is dedicated to traditional advaita and offers an Eckhart Tolle reading group. Swami Chinmayananda's ashram offers youth camps and senior citizens homes. Both those organizations are mentioned by Waite in his book and their recommendation is implicit.

Dennis Waite has freeze-framed the evolution of neo-advaita, analyzed it, and suggested it bend and graft onto traditional advaita. More than anything else, that suggestion makes this book controversial. It sounds as though he is asking Tony Parsons to teach classes in the Upanishads. That is unnatural. Kindly allow me to ask, When did Dennis Waite become the Pope of advaita?

This is an important book in the nonduality genre for several reasons. Dennis Waite makes a distinction between neo-advaita and traditional advaita that is detailed and clear. Well-known players in the nonduality game back Waite's thesis. Also, Dennis Waite has developed a potential force for the evolution of neo-advaita. If his book is read by people who attend Western satsang and if they ask the right questions, that force could be absorbed by neo-advaita and a new faction might split off that looks like a neo-traditional advaita.

I recently read a short debate between Tony Parsons and Dennis Waite on this very topic.

For whatever it's worth, I tend to agree with Dennis Waite about the
lack of depth or 'efficacy' in modern teachings. Yet, I don't
necessarily agree that the traditional teachings are 'better'. The
actual teaching itself is quite simple - self-enquiry, just BE-ing and
direct seeing.

There really isn't that much to 'teach' - it's all in the sincerity and
dedication of the 'student'. From here the traditional teachings have
*much* more to offer the sincere, but neither modern nor traditional
teachings have a single, solitary thing to offer the half-arsed, uninterested and/or uncommitted seeker.

[...]

"Sticks, Stones, Roots, and Bones" is a fabulous insight into the workings of the magick of Hoodoo. This book guides you through the elements of War, Love, Fertility, and Prosperity as seen by the hoodooist, and offers practical information on making your own mojo's and washes.

Hoodoo, not to be confused with Vodou (also spelled Voodoo and Vodoun) is a system of magick that was birthed out of folk magick practices, especially from those of the slaves brought from Africa, but became a collection of various folk magick practices and rootwork.

I recommend this book for anyone who wishes to look into African American spirituality, Santeria, or Vodou. Just remember that she (the author) is only one opinion, and that there are various other books out there as well.

I loved this book its a beginners book on Hoodoo. I especially loved the part on Hoodoo child, it offered wonderful rituals for the pregnant woman while I am an advanced Hoodoo root worker, this book is a wonderful book to pass on to my 3 daughters. being a life long root worker and one who is a current student of Cat Yronwode. I found this book to be a wonderful addition to the Hoodoo experience. some people have complained the book was fluff, quite frankly if they read the book without prejudice they would certainly find things that work. now there are books with more in depth information like Robert Laremy and Cathrine Yronwode for the more advanced root worker. and 5000 spells by Judika Illes the mother of all spell books. to try to dismiss Stephanie book as fluff indicates prejudice by those who seek instant magic. if they knew anything about "real" magic its a tool to enhance and make the living experience that much more richer. this type of magic by Stephanie invite the reader to tap into their inner Hoodoo spirit and to enjoy the experience of intimate Hoodoo working. I know my daughter will enjoy this book as much as I have, it will surly spark their curiosity and creativity on a long held cultural tradition of Hoodoo practiced by our ancient ancestors and their descendants today. this book invites you to tap into latent cultural traditions.

After reading through Bird's second book, "Four Seasons of Mojo", and seeing how bad that one was I read through this book hoping it might be better; no such luck. This isn't real Hoodoo and any practitioner who is trained in the tradition would either be highly annoyed, or laugh themselves silly, by what is being passed off as Hoodoo.
The problems with the book start right at the beginning. Bird gives the reader the ingredients for a "Fast Luck" Mojo without explaining that "Fast Luck" isn't a generic term for luck. It is a term used in Hoodoo to describe a hand made for luck with money or love. I'll also add that the number of ingredients included don't work to strengthen the spell.
On the very next page the author gives the list of curios/ingredients for a "Stay Away From Me" mojo, but includes Senna Pods and Dragonsblood resin. Interesting, if illogical, choices considering the fact that in Hoodoo, Senna Pods and Dragonsblood resin are used to draw people to you! I didn't analyze all of her recipes, but I'm not hopeful that the book gets any better if it starts off this bad. The mistakes I found in the book are the type you might expect a novice student to make, but not those of someone who deems themselves knowledgeable enough to write a book on the topic.
SSRB reminds of Ray Malborough's Hoodoo Mysteries, and is just as full of misinformation and misdirection. If you are looking for real, authentic Hoodoo stick with Hyatt, if you can afford to collect Hyatt's work; Cat Yronwode, Jim Haskins, or even Henri Gamache. I also have a Listmania, "Hoodoo/Rootwork/Conjure and nothing but", which lists other reputable authors, but do yourself a big favor and pass on this one.

...but perhaps not the most accurate source. I'm not a very experienced practitioner in this area (only a little bit throughout the years), but even I noted several mistakes and/or questionable interpretations, for example:

*she says in one place that Robert Johnson himself claimed that he sold his soul to the devil

* she says Scorpio, which is of course a water sign, is most closely aligned with FIRE-- and she doesn't explain the connection, if any, to any African source

* she's concerned about how the word "mojo" is used in a silly movie, but seems to have no idea of any other metaphorical and/or erroneous use of the word, nor does she give much useful information about nomenclature in response to the errors of others

* she has some discordant ingredients in some recipes (her "War Water" is very sweet-- is it for killing with kindness?)

* she ignores the European herbal tradition behind recipes such as Four Thieves Vinegar in favor of implying a deliberate connection to African heritage and deities (a "coincidental" connection to a certain African God or Goddess or an orisha would be a different type of claim...)

* finally, although she insists that rootwork doesn't require fancy expensive ingredients, she's "all the time" listing such in her recipes, and doesn't provide guidance in making substitutions... very annoying.

On the other hand, many of her recipes and ideas are quite usable, and my copy has many pages marked to designate recipes I plan to try. I bought the book because 3 different people interested in folk magic recommended it (perhaps it's relevant that none of them were African-American.) If you'd like to flavor your spiritual practices with some African-American style work, I'd recommend this book. If, like myself, you were looking for something that would give authentic practices without having to constantly struggle with old-fashioned or pedantic language of folklore books-- keep looking. Further steps might be: Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic: A Materia Magica of African-American Conjure and Mules and Men (P.S.), which I have been acquainted with for much longer.

The caption for my review about sais it all. This is yet another "new age" fluff bunny attempt at sterilizing a tried and true folk practice into some modern hip thing for anyone to go to Barnes and Noble to pick up. If you are looking for an authentic guide to african american conjure, I reccomend Mules and Men by Zora Nele Hurston and Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic by Cat Yronwode. If you want to still use this book too I suppose it would make a good substitute for toilet paper or perhaps kindling.

Great book for the beginner. This book has lots of useful information in an easy to understand format.

I bought this book for a friend and she seems very satisfied with it. She asked for a book to help her with candle stuff and I figured the basics was the best for her.

If you want a book to explain to you how to use simple candle magic, this is probably the best one you could get. It explains all the basics (cleansing, consecrating, and dressing the candle) and it even goes into the not-so-usual ways of using numerology and magic squares to enhance your candle magic.

He explains the different types of candles, the tools you'll need; the importance of color, fragrance, and timing to get better results. There's a chapter on healing, a chapter on divination with candles, and a chapter with some candle rituals for you to try. There are even instructions on making your own candles, if that's your thing. Finally, the conclusion urges the reader to actually start practicing what was presented in the book. I liked that part the most because I know a lot of people who read books on magic rarely take the time to practice it (I've been guilty of this in the past myself).

All in all, a pretty good introduction to the topic. Although, keep in mind that the book is by a New Age author. If you're a witch looking for a book on candle magic, I'd still recommend it to you, but just keep in mind that the book comes more from a New Age perspective than anything else.

Good intro to candle magic and a definite keeper!

-Ater

I found this book very interesting. It improved my meditaion skills as well as my overall sense of well being. One of my favorite chapters has to be when the author goes in-depth with colors and possible personal makeup traits or characteristics in a great chapter titled "Numerology and Candles." So, if your looking for a basic introduction to candle magic look no further.

Very easy read and excellent for beginners! Also includes mini sections on various forms of Divination. Definite keeper ;)

Although there are a number of excellent books about Mermaids legends and art involving Mermaids from around the world and throughout history, I have not found that many publications about Mermaids from the mystical and magical points of view. D.J. Conway did a superior job in writing this book. Her suggested meditative techniques are easy to understand and work with. She breaks down the different types of sea beings into good and friendly ones, as well as identifying and cautioning the reader of potentially harmful sea beings and spirits. I personally do not know of any other author that fairly and specifically breaks this topic down. I do recommend this book!

I've been fascinated with mermaids all my life. I have recently been trying to collect as many books as possible for my personal library. A couple of months ago, my obsession turned to mermaids. I ordered this book and another that mostly contained pictures.
If you're looking for facts on mermaids, mermen, and other types of merfolk (there are more than you think), this book is for you.
This book contains several mermaid legends from around the world. It covers the different types of water folk, grouping them by the waters they inhabit: Rivers, Small Streams and Waterfalls, Desert and Arrid Regions (Who knew?), Swamps, Fens, and Wetlands, and finally Lakes. There is also a section of other kinds of water creatures, such as dolphins and hippocampus.
In addition to these facts, there are sections on how to contact merfolk and use water magick. None of which I have tried yet but maybe someday. Even if you find that a little ridiculous, the book is worth it for the other information it supplies.
There are illustrations, in black and white, most from Clipart. If you're looking for a book with mostly pictures of mermaids, I recommend Mermaids (Magical Beings) by Elizabeth Ratisseau.

Love the author's presentation. It make you feel like you are one with the mermaids. I don't like to read much. But this book got me reading page by page.

I wish it has color illustration on the mermaids.

The books discuss all aspect of mermaids and all kinds of merfolk and water creature.

Love research on folklore. And compilations of myth or legend.
But this struck me as the 'ultra-lite' version. This book is not outstanding or special in any way. Suggest readers (whether child or adult) get this from the library before they decide to spend any money for their own copy. Glad I did. There are plenty of other mermaid books that contain stunning art and text.

D.J. Conway has worked in the fields of magick and Paganism for over forty years: her background lends to Magickal Mermaids And Water Creatures: Invoke The Magick Of The Waters: a collection of stories about the Mer-Folk which exist in nearly every water culture the world over. Ocean mermaids have influences on the weather and water alike: their secret powers and how to find and use them are revealed in a unique coverage not to be found elsewhere.

An excellent guide to Northern European legend, culture and lore by the noted fantasy novelist and author of Taking Up The Runes. Beginning with a concise and scholarly history of the origins and spread of the Germanic peoples, proceeding to an account of their gods and customs and magicks, outlining religious ritual in both ancient and modern forms, explaining the various retro-heathen Asatru groups, their core values and issues, their parallels to and differences from other neo-pagan traditions including Wicca, and ending with a guide to further study and the various organizations of modern times. One of the most significant differences between the Norse and Celtic revivalists is that the Norse generally have a stronger emphasis on accurate cultural information and a firm basis in the surviving texts of the Poetic & Prose Eddas and the various folktales and sagas. This is a clear and complete introduction to an important part of the 21st century's diverse spiritual traditions, by an author who clearly knows whereof she speaks!

There are a few books out now that offer a general overview of Asatru, and for the novice, I think this is the best one to start with. Diana Paxson has a great way of writing, and the book is a quick, fun read. I certainly don't think the aspiring heathen should stop there - the book IS of course only a brief introduction, but it covers the basics and provides plenty of resources to continue with.

One thing I like about this book is that TO ME, at least, it seems that the author made a very solid attempt to remain un-biased. (Although I see that some here disagree). Remaining unbiased is very difficult in Asatru, because the source material is so far removed from us and thus rather mysterious and difficult to interpret. Thus, each scholar makes his or her own interpretations, and obviously every person has their own biases and pre-conceived notions that they can't help inserting into the lore they read. There is absolutely NO authoritative overview on Asatru, because each author colors it with their own biases. That is why in Asatru it is ESSENTIAL that a person read as many authors as possible (both those considered 'liberal' and those considered 'conservative') and read the lore themselves, and then make their own determinations. The remarks here about feminism, by the way, I don't even understand where they got this from. Is it because the Goddesses are given equal weight to the Gods? I don't see any other basis! But where in the lore does it say that the Goddesses are less important? I have a feeling that perhaps some people didn't really read the book, perhaps they just assume that a female author can't possibly write a good book on Asatru.

Anyway, I do think that Ms. Paxson made a great effort to include a mention of EVERY interpretation of Asatru, even those she obviously doesn't agree with. I think this is to her credit. As I mentioned in a comment to someone else's review, all novices deserve to be exposed to EVERY interpretation before they make up their own minds. And in fact, I think numerous sections including the very important "Questions and Conflicts" does a very good job of outlining these very tense ongoing arguments (Universalist or Folkish? Honor Loki or ban Loki? Earth religion or not? Is it Wicca, or is it Tru? Liberal or Conservative? etc etc etc) In most (though admittedly not all) cases Ms. Paxson does a great job of self-restraint in regards to not pushing her own opinion, and simply lets the readers know what the different opinions are.

All that said, again I maintain that this is a perfect choice for a first book, before going on to other overview books and the lore itself. It's got a little bit of everything: some history, descriptions of the Gods and Goddesses (including very nice prayers and songs for each one), a brief description of the runes and other heathen esoteric practices, as well as both a very handy list of references and heathen organizations AND descriptions of heathen rituals and how to show good manners therein!

All in all, I can't praise this book enough, and just for it's "quick reference" value, it's definitely a keeper no matter how many more in-depth books one reads.

It's got a bit of a slow start, but that's only because it gives a ruff history of the religion and the people who worshiped these deity's. It's a very good read for those who are new to this religion or those who are interested in what it is. It answers a lot of questions, and give very good list of what to read next if indeed you what to know more. I'd suggest it to anyone interested in the religion.

This is one of those books where you expect to find one kind of information only to find a more important history lesson on being Asatru.

Diana Paxson has been revising history for decades. I met her at a conference in the eighties and she was esposuing pagan beliefs that were totally feminist in nature and had little connection to ancient realities. Marion Zimmer Bradley was the grand damme of such "find a fertility figure invent a religion" points of view. Later, Ms. Paxson "converted" to heathenism and the "asatru movement" has never been the same. This book is the usual intro for young feminized followers, but with a twist: fictionl passages that quietly promote Ms. Paxson's touchy-feely, warm and snuggly agenda. Haven't people had enough of this hippy revisionist history making?? Need I point out that Germanic and Norse peoples were fierce warriors living harsh lives and that the Vikings were vicious conquerors, thieves and plunderers? I have no problem with this personally. I am proud of my ancestors. At least Bjork, of all contemporary artists from such a magnificent background, is wildly imaginative, talented and unique, which is more than can be said for the authors of this post-Starhawk, seventies-era style manual for armchair heathens.