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Drawing on the prophetic abilities of 102 sources,
including Edgar Cayce, G.I. Gurdjieff, and Nostradamus, John Hogue has compiled
the most comprehensive work to date on prescient visions. Beginning some eight
thousand years B.C.E., and ending well into the 38th century, "The
Millennium Book of Prophecy" covers aspects of the future--religion,
politics, war, and natural disasters--a breadth unlikely to be topped any time
soon. Hogue is a bit of a show-off, but legitimately so, demonstrating not only
his vast knowledge of prophecy, but also his ability to synthesize a variety of
information into a coherent commentary deftly. His wit is apparent in his
religious and political commentaries that turn what could have been a dry
encyclopedia into an engaging look at the future. --Brian Patterson
"Nostradamus: Predictions for the 21st Century" by Manfred Dimde
Nostradamus, the 16th-century prophet by whom all
other prophets are judged, left a legacy of cryptic predictions that have
puzzled interpreters for centuries. Manfred Dimde believes he has cracked the
code to Nostradamus's prophecies, and offers a glimpse at the surprises in store
for us in the next hundred years, such as an entirely new method of
transportation by the year 2000, and a new energy source by 2008. Dimde paints a
picture of a future full of exciting new discoveries, but not without its share
of political and social problems. What sets "Nostradamus: Predictions for
the 21st Century" apart from similar works is its bold claim to have pinned
down prophecies uncovered in Nostradamus's work to specific dates, a boldness
that will either make this the single best book about the future, or prove to be
its undoing as the next hundred years roll by. --Brian Patterson
John Hogue, a leading authority on Nostradamian
prophecy, turns his analytical skills to the 111 Latin mottoes of Malachy of
Ireland, a 12th-century bishop who is said to have predicted the succession of
popes from Celestine II to the end of the Catholic church. Hogue integrates
prophecy and history like a master fencer wields a rapier and dagger, adding
just a touch of wry humor--who else but Hogue would compare Saint Bernard and
the 12th-century monastic movement to Elvis Presley and rock 'n' roll? "The
Last Pope" succeeds on many levels: as a comprehensive history of the
papacy, as an examination of the prophecy of Saint Malachy, and as an assessment
of the history and potential future of Catholicism. --Brian Patterson
"When the Comet Runs: Prophecies for the New Millennium" by Tom Kay
A common theme in millennial prophecies is the
appearance of a bright comet in the heavens. Tom Kay's "When the Comet
Runs" attempts to divine what this celestial event might bring with it. Kay
does not claim to be a prophet, but he is adept at interpreting and integrating
the prophecies of the Bible, Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and contemporary prophets
like Gordon-Michael Scallion. Kay weaves this potpourri of prophecy into an
illustrated tapestry of the future, revealing a variety of images from
earthquakes--like "the big one" due to hit California--to an
approaching spiritual transformation of the entire human race. --Brian Patterson
"Awakening: The Upside of Y2K" edited by Judy Laddon, Tom Atlee, and Larry Shook
Rather than recommend that we hoard canned goods
and build solar panels in the face of a potential Y2K-caused computer meltdown,
"Awakening" offers a far more sensible and surprisingly spiritual
approach to the predicted technological catastrophe. This collection of engaging
articles offers convincing evidence that Y2K could create extreme havoc in our
daily lives--causing loss of electrical power, national food shortages, even a
stock-market crash. Nonetheless, the contributors (which include national
computer consultants, investigative journalists, a community planner, a retired
naval officer, and a psychotherapist) never falter into doomsday, fear-inducing
babble. Instead, they sound like the voices of reason and spiritual maturity,
recognizing that citizens must prepare for extremes by creating a lifestyle that
is less computer-dependent and more human-dependent. (Specific suggestions are
offered throughout the book.) In fact, this is precisely the "upside of
Y2K": a computer disaster that could ultimately lead to more small-scale,
locally supported agriculture, more localized energy cooperatives, and certainly
more faith in humanity than technology. In short, Y2K may be a welcome
"glitch" in our social evolution--helping us assert and live out our
highest human and spiritual values in the face of the new millennium. --Gail
Hudson
"One Degree Beyond: A Reiki Journey into Energy Medicine" by Janeanne Narrin
Janeanne Narrin's "One Degree Beyond" is an engaging introduction to reiki, the rapidly growing art form that has proven to be an avenue for many to alleviate tension, manage stress, and expand powers of perception. Although "One Degree Beyond" does not claim to be a course in reiki, it is designed like a textbook, with sidebars and review questions, making it an easy-to-follow guide to discovering reiki as both a methodology and a life-force energy.
Narrin's anecdotes knit together the metaphysical
concepts behind reiki, and offer a glimpse at a new world waiting to be
discovered by those willing to explore one degree beyond the apparent boundaries
of our lives.
Over the centuries, doctors have tried countless
therapies to battle mental illness--from shock therapy to drilling holes in the
head--and have had little success. In "Remarkable Healings," Dr.
Shakuntala Modi offers a revolutionary psychotherapeutic treatment that dips
into the controversial realm of past-life regression and demonic possession. It
might sound like she is straying outside the bounds of credible psychiatry, but
compared with some of the methods her peers still employ, Modi's therapy is
conspicuously humane, preserving the patients' physical health and concentrating
on repairing their problems at a fundamental level. Interestingly enough,
"Remarkable Healings" is not based on Modi's own religious or
spiritual beliefs, but is pieced together entirely from the reports of her
patients, who discover under hypnosis that their psychological and physiological
problems stem from supernatural causes such as trauma in a past life or the
interference of a discarnate entity. The picture that emerges is an odd mixture
of Christian motifs involving God, Satan, and hell combined with other ideas
such as karma and reincarnation. Modi is the first to suggest that this milieu
may simply be a construction of her patients' subconscious, but stresses that
treatment based on this system has a much higher success rate than conventional
chemical and talk therapy.
"Healing Yourself: A Practical Guide" by Walter L. Weston
Walter Weston believes he can help you say goodbye
to chronic pain, recover more quickly from minor injuries, and release the
negative emotional traumas that cause you to remain susceptible to poor health.
These are big claims, but "Healing Yourself," the companion book to
"Healing Others," introduces readers to a holistic approach to
spiritual healing for the body, mind, and spirit. "Healing Yourself"
renders to us Weston's hands-on technique for healing both physical and
emotional pain through the power of prayer. Weston stresses vocal prayer as the
key to successful healing, whether that prayer is to a god, goddess, or great
creator. Weston draws us into his book with a question-and-answer style that
addresses our doubts and fears up front, forming a solid foundation for working
with healing energy. No matter what your religion, "Healing Yourself"
will open doors to a life devoid of physical and emotional pain and full of new
potential.
"Healing Others: A Practical Guide" by Walter L. Weston
This companion book to "Healing Yourself"
offers practical guidelines for applying healing prayer to others. Weston
stresses the importance of prayer and religion in successfully healing others,
but his technique should not be misconstrued as some form of the "faith
healing" seen so often on television; "Healing Others" carries
none of the faith healer's circus-like trappings. Weston clearly states that
one's faith is in no way detrimental to one's ability to heal, but prayer is
vital to focus and reinforce the healing intent. Drawing on his years of
experience as a pastor, professional healer, and counselor to illustrate the
effectiveness of his deceptively simple technique (which involves little more
than placing a hand on the patient and allowing the healing energy to do its
job), Weston bestows upon us a passionate and positive work, full of affirmation
and encouragement to explore the realm of healing.
"How Prayer Heals: A Scientific Approach" by Walter L. Weston
One of the most common phrases Walter Weston hears
when someone makes a miraculous recovery is "That's impossible!"
Weston has spent over 30 years making the impossible possible, and shares his
secret with us in "How Prayer Heals," an in-depth explanation and
analysis of healing energy. "How Prayer Heals" has a definite
religious focus (the author is a Methodist minister, after all) but at no point
does he insist that healing is a purely Christian power. In fact, anyone of any
religious background can develop his or her own healing ability. Weston recounts
his personal experiences and backs them with the results of others' experiments
to develop a picture of how healing energy travels between people and how it can
make incredible differences in one's health. "How Prayer Heals"
progresses logically from individual healing to group-energy fields--a
fascinating chapter on the raising and interaction of energy among
collaborators--and finally explores the transformative power of peak religious
experiences.
"Your Dreams and Your Stars" by Helen Adams, David F. Melbourne
David Melbourne and Helen Adams have synthesized an
approach to dream analysis that combines the theories of Freud, Jung, and other
psychological models with astrological readings to form a dual interpretation of
the deepest messages in dreams. While the organization of "Your Dreams and
Your Stars" is a bit perplexing, the book is a much needed departure from
the questionable reliability of dream dictionaries, which try to define dream
images with one-size-fits-all definitions. While acknowledging the importance of
Jungian archetypes shared throughout the human subconscious, Melbourne still
realizes that dreams are highly individualized messages that can't be pinned
down with a single set of definitions. The one flaw (if it can be called that)
in "Your Dreams and Your Stars" is the book's reliance on Melbourne's
earlier work, "Dream Interpretation: The Secret," an exploration of
the benefits of incorporating this methodology with astrology. But when read as
a set--"Dream Interpretation: The Secret" and "Your Dreams and
Your Stars"--they make a powerful tool for the astrologer with an interest
in dream interpretation.
"Venus Trines at Midnight: Love Poems" by Linda Goodman
Linda Goodman, author of the renowned "Sun Signs" and "Star Signs," focuses on distilling love through her astrology and has captured its essence in a poignant book of poetry in "Venus Trines at Midnight." Often her poems reflect the rhythm and semantics of the Timothy Leary era through phrases like "this game of freak-out croquet" found in "Listen, Shy Pussycat, This Is Where It's At." And while Goodman is not afraid to show her vast knowledge of astrology, it isn't a tool she brandishes with a heavy hand but a rapier she wields with eloquence. Even her most blatant references to the stars, such as in the brief "Astrology Lesson," are a delightful insight, not only to the personal dynamics of a relationship, but to the art of astrology itself:
Mars is the ruler of Aries
Nothing rules Aries
Mars is the ruler of the first house
That's better
From the creator of "The Love Boat,"
"Love Signs" is a fun-filled romp through the stormy world of love,
sex, and romance, best described as a compatibility manual based mainly in
astrology, but with some facial analysis, palmistry, graphology, and numerology
thrown in for good measure. This information could conceivably be applied to all
sorts of relationships, but when Saunders turns phrases like "Staying power
is the most noticeable attribute of the Taurus. Don't plan to get home early on
your first date," you know she's not referring to office politics. Like a
lighthouse beacon in the midst of a gale, "Love Signs" will guide you
out of the choppy seas of the singles scene, and straight into the harbor of
love.
"Astrological Timing of Critical Illness: Early Warning Patterns in the Horoscope" by Noel Tyl
Plenty of people believe that astrology can be a
reasonable guide to personality traits, and many also believe that it is a
fairly accurate tool for divination. So why not use astrology as an
early-warning system to guard against physical ailments? Noel Tyl has done just
this in "Astrological Timing of Critical Illness," offering the
experienced astrologer a set of guidelines for assessing his or her clients'
potential health risks, including congenital problems, cancer, lifestyle-related
troubles like heart attack, and even suicide. Tyl's sample analyses get fairly
complex, but charts from his clients and celebrities, such as Carl Sagan and
Theodore Roosevelt, accompany each example, and Tyl is quite clear in presenting
the evidence for each of his conclusions. It is important to realize that Tyl is
not offering a replacement for proper medical diagnosis, nor are his efforts a
method of divining the nature of a person's demise. Instead Tyl suggests a
partnership with modern medicine, and a tactic to ward off disaster before it
happens.
"Brady's Book of Fixed Stars" by Bernadette Brady
Most readers are aware of sun signs and the
significance of zodiacal constellations, yet the importance of fixed stars,
especially those outside the ecliptic (the plane through which the planets
travel), is often overlooked in contemporary astrology. Brady has returned to
the art's origins, reviving the ancient meanings ascribed to individual stars in
both the northern and southern hemispheres. Fixed stars add their own influences
to a person's horoscope (sometimes subtly, sometimes with drastic changes)
through "paran" relationships with the planets. A star and planet are
paran when they simultaneously occupy certain positions in the sky. Brady has
accomplished the daunting task of charting the rising, culmination, and setting
of 176 stars. She has researched their mythology in several cultures, and offers
an interpretation of how each of the stars can affect a horoscope. While
figuring paran relationships can be done with good computer software, such
programs do not offer the rich history and revealing interpretations found in
"Brady's Book of Fixed Stars," and there is also something to be said
for consulting charts and the nostalgia of old-fashioned, hands-on astrology.
"Witchcraft and the Shamanic Journey: Pagan Folkways from the Burning Times" by Kenneth Johnson
The 20th century has seen an astounding revival of
European pagan beliefs such as witchcraft, but could these pre-Christian
traditions have roots in an even older heritage, one common to people in lands
as far apart as Iceland and South America? Kenneth Johnson believes so, and as
he sifts through the records left from the witch trials of the 15th and 16th
centuries, he uncovers bits of evidence that point to an ancient shamanic lore
that survives in Slavic, Icelandic, and even North American cultural beliefs.
According to Johnson, such a far-reaching lore would necessarily have its
origins with the very beginnings of humankind before we migrated across the
continents. Johnson's colorful prose transports the reader to diverse eras, from
colonial Greenland to United States of the 19th century. He blends this prose
with historical research and practical spiritual exercises, exploring the
origins of an ancient pathway while reestablishing our connection to it.
"Northern Mysteries & Magick: Runes, Gods, and Feminine Powers" by Freya Aswynn
In the global scheme of mystery traditions,
cultures from most countries have their own current mythos, yet northern
shamanism conspicuously lacks representation in contemporary spiritual practice.
"Northern Mysteries and Magick" fills this gap by unearthing the
ancient Nordic pantheon, examining the meanings and interrelations of the
earliest 24 runes, known as the "Elder Futhark," and exploring the
often overlooked feminine aspects of Northern mythology. The included CD
hearkens back to tribal storytellers and replaces the vital aural component
missing from our paper-based society. Freya Aswynn's accent lends a crisp
consonance to her powerful performances as she invokes the old gods of an icy
clime. Waking this pantheon from its long slumber, Aswynn extrapolates a natural
course of evolution for the Northern tradition and synthesizes it into a magical
tradition suitable for the contemporary practitioner.
"Gypsy Witchcraft & Magic" by Raymond Buckland
Gypsies have long held a place in romantic fantasy.
Even the name they commonly use to refer to themselves, the Romany, sounds like
romance. However, romantic images of Gypsy life have fallen prey to harsh
depictions of Gypsies as criminals living in the poorest of conditions. Buckland
dispels some of the contemporary misinformation and revitalizes the romance of
the past that, despite societal pressures and constraints, still can be found in
Romany culture today. Buckland's collection of photographs of early-20th-century
Gypsies--their ornately carved vardos (the colorful wagons that served as both
home and transportation) and their close-knit family lives--elicit a sigh of
longing for the freedom of life on the road. "Gypsy Witchcraft &
Magic" certainly lives up to its title, revealing spells, talismans and
methods of divination that have become an inherent part of Gypsy culture, but
Buckland's real achievement is his preservation of part of a culture that is
slowly dissolving in the social mainstream.
"The Lost Books of Merlyn: Druid Magic from the Age of Arthur" by Douglas Monroe
Part adventure tale and part grimoire, "The
Lost Books of Merlyn" remains true to the Druids' method of wrapping
important knowledge in a story. Monroe's tale of the British Celts, their
conflict with the Romans, and the last days of King Arthur, recounts the demise
of the Druids but reveals the hope of their resurrection today. Coupled with an
abundance of spells, charms, and sacred rites, this is more than just a
well-written fantasy, more than just a well-stocked spell book. "The Lost
Books of Merlyn" is both teacher and course. Whether you read it as a work
of fiction or dig for a deeper meaning, you will hear a voice in these pages
speaking to you as Merlyn speaks to the author: "Now, at last, it is your
turn to understand what has already been lived, and what may come of it."
"The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge" by Carlos Castaneda
Carlos Castaneda's intelligence shines through as
clearly in his updated commentary in the 30th anniversary edition of "The
Teachings of Don Juan" as it does in his original story. It is impossible
to encapsulate what Castaneda has achieved with his first book about the
teachings of the enigmatic Don Juan Matus, a Yaqui Indian sorcerer who shared
his ancient knowledge with Castaneda. The academic character of "The
Teachings of Don Juan" is evident in Castaneda's in-depth analysis (and
sometimes overanalysis) of his experiences with Don Juan, and readers who lack
an interest in anthropological analysis may find this section a bit tedious.
However, Castaneda's journal accounts flow effortlessly, the current carrying us
through his conversations with Don Juan and opening doors to an astounding realm
outside the bounds of everyday life. The phrases "life changing" and
"earth shattering" come to mind, and perhaps these are just metaphors,
but what Castaneda offered in the 1960s is still for many an entirely new
perception of reality.
"A Bard's Book of Pagan Songs: Stories and Music from the Celtic World" by Hugin the Bard
A book that contains as much learning as fun is a rare gem, and Hugin's book is a treasure you will certainly want to add to your collection. Part storybook and part songbook, "A Bard's Book of Pagan Songs" takes you on an adventure through the Mabinogion (a collection of Welsh tales of heroism and romance), celebrates the wheel of the year, and affirms the significance of the pagan heritage. These songs make an excellent accompaniment to festival celebrations, and they are a fun way to learn some of the important aspects of paganism. Hugin tells the story behind each song, followed by words and music so that playing them is as easy as picking up your guitar. The included CD gives a feel for how some of the songs could be played and showcases Hugin's considerable talent, which has earned him the title of bard.
Be careful when you listen: Hugin's exuberance is
contagious, and you may find yourself singing along or even dancing a jig.
Quilts have long been used as protection from the
chill of winter, and even today with electric heating, quilts are still given as
gifts on important occasions such as births and weddings. These simple
handcrafts can elicit powerful feelings of protection and memories of love, and
the magic within them is undeniable. "Magical Fabric Art" shows you
how to build on this foundation to create symbolic and practical talismans with
"only the simplest cutting and sewing ... sharp scissors and new
needles." By including some modest preparations to charge the materials
with your intent and by giving some extra consideration to the timing of your
project, you can construct a quilt for love, a quilt for protection, or many
other possible projects that draw on the energies of your creative abilities and
focus them into a fabric of your own design.
"The Mysterious, Magickal Cat" by D.J. Conway
A playful romp through feline facts and cat tales
with a dash of whisker magick, "The Mysterious, Magickal Cat" is *the*
cat omnibus. Conway looks at all things feline, from cat history and anatomy to
cat magick and communication, in this delightful blend of facts and
entertainment. "The Mysterious, Magickal Cat" unravels feline
interaction with humans back to the earliest parts of history, examines our view
of cats over the years (both negative and positive), and shares some touching
personal stories from loving cat fanciers. If you are fortunate enough to have
been adopted by a cat, "The Mysterious, Magickal Cat" is the manual
your feline friend forgot to bring along.
"Everyday Magic: Spells & Rituals for Modern Living" by Dorothy Morrison
Dorothy Morrison has the daring point of view that
magic is not just compatible with technology--the two can actually help one
another. Since technology has made our lives more productive, surely it can
enhance our magic, too. (Have you ever thought of making your herbal infusions
in an automatic-drip coffeemaker?) Technological assistance with magic is only
part of the story. Morrison has filled a grimoire with charms that protect from
car trouble and ensure the safe and timely arrival of luggage while traveling,
and spells to keep a computer from crashing, which makes life in the 20th
century a little less harrowing. Rather than fighting the progress of the
electronic age, Morrison has tapped into the wealth it has to offer, and she
shares her discoveries with anyone adventurous enough to try them.
"Tracking Freedom: A Guide for Personal Evolution" by Ken Eagle Feather
Following "Traveling with Power" and "A Toltec Path," "Tracking Freedom" continues and expands the Toltec legacy first imparted to readers by Carlos Castaneda and the Toltec sorcerer Don Juan Matus. "Tracking Freedom" is simultaneously a methodology for examining different spiritual disciplines that may come your way and a manual for adopting the Toltec discipline; the main thrust of which is to cease viewing the world as a material place and instead to perceive it as a realm of energy. Ken Eagle Feather makes this imposing task manageable, breaking it into smaller components. His nomenclature for these components draws on resources as diverse as Toltec shamanism, Kundalini yoga, and J.R.R. Tolkien. The whole idea can be a bit confusing at first glance, but perseverance will reap great rewards. While "Tracking Freedom" is more of a companion to, than a substitute for, Castaneda's writings, it is an excellent starting point for an excursion into Toltec philosophy.