~ diane fergurson
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From Diane Fergurson:
A Discovery of Witchesby Deborah Harkness
Viking
This book renewed my faith in fun and intelligently written fact based fiction. The author, Deborah Harkness, is a professor of history with numerous awards and fellowships. This is definitely reflected in the quality of her book. "A Discovery of Witches" literally has it all. You will not want to leave this story for even one minute once you begin! Adventure, mystery, romance. Interesting historical information on magic and alchemy. A 1,500 year vampire. Witches, daemons, Oxford University, the Knights Templar and the American Revolution...all rolled into one terrific story. A fabulous read that you can learn something from too. Doesn't get any better then that!
The Celtic Way of Seeingby Frank MacEowen
New World Library
"The Celtic Way of Seeing" takes you on a beautiful journey. A journey through the mind, the eye, the soul and the heart of Irish spirituality. Through the retelling of the traditional story "The Settling of the Manor of Tara" MacEowen explores man's connection to the Universal energies through the four basic spiritual directions (well, five if you count the center) - that are contained within the Irish Spirit Wheel or mandala. What I enjoyed most in this book was the author's exploration of the similarities between the Celtic belief system and a variety of indigenous cultures and traditions. "The Celtic Way of Seeing" is wonderfully written. A true joy to read again and again because something new always seems to find you. After I finished "The Celtic Way of Seeing" I immediately ordered and read some additional books by Frank MacEowen. I love them too!
Parabola Magazine
Summer 2011 Issue: Giving and Receiving
For those folks who may not be able to find the time to read an entire book this summer, I recommend picking up or downloading the Summer Edition of Parabola Magazine. Founded in 1976, Parabola explores the traditional myths, symbols, rituals, and art of the world's religious and cultural traditions. Every issue explores one of the facets of human existence from the point of view of many world religions and spiritual traditions with essays and images. The Summer 2011 issue focuses it's articles on "Giving and Receiving"... something we can all benefit from.
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From Abby Horowitz:
Sastunby Rosita Arvigo
HarperOne
For anyone interested in the healing powers of plants, Sastun tells the story of Rosita Arvigo and her apprenticeship with a renowned Mayan healer. The narrative is compelling and full of wonderful information. I love this book.
Rosita subsequently published 2 wonderful books on Rainforest Remedies.
The Maya Way To Heal Your Body and Replenish Your Soul
100 Healing Herbs of Belize
Healings Mantrasby Thomas Ashley-Farrand
Wellspring/Ballantine
This amazing book was written by one of the few Western experts in Hindu and Buddhist mantras. It offers an in depth collection of mantras, their uses, and instructions on how to use them. A treasure trove of powerful information!
Spiritwalkerby Hank Wesselman
Bantam
I read this book back in 1995 when it first came out. It is the story of one man’s spiritual journey into the shamanic realms. Hank Wesselman is an Anthropologist whose autobiographical account of his experiences will keep you riveted. A great read!
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From Christina Dudley:
The Zahir by Paul CoelhoHarperCollinsA story of obsession - wherein the narrator embarks upon a search for his missing wife and finds himself in the process. A meadering story about discovery, love, and enlightenment.
Journey to the Lord of Power: A Sufi Manual on Retreat by Ibn 'Arabi, with forward by Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak Al-Jerrahi Inner TraditionsThis text is an excellent resource for quiet, contemplative solitude. If you're finding yourself alone on a summer day, pick up this book and indulge in the silent Being of Now.
Ishmael by Daniel QuinnBantam/Tuner"Teacher Seeks Pupil. Must have an earnest desire to save the world. Apply in person."~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
From Nellie Levine:
Reiki: A Comprehensive Guideby Pamela Miles
Tarcher
I'm on my way to completing second degree Reiki training this summer, and recently read this. It's a great, level-headed and straightforward book that explains what Reiki is and what it does, and offers sound advice on how to approach Reiki practice, for self and others. It is written for those who are already practitioners, as well as for those considering it. There is a big emphasis on how Reiki helps chronic conditions, and how those with such conditions benefit from learning Reiki for self-treatment. Miles also addresses the issue of research, and how as Reiki grows in use among many hospitals, it is gaining more and more respect in the medical community.
Turning Your Mind Into an Allyby Sakyong Mipham
Riverhead Trade
If you've been putting off beginning a meditation practice, or if you simply want to strengthen your existing practice, this book will offer you helpful guidance, inspiration, and instruction. Written to a Western audience, Turning Your Mind Into an Ally has a very accessible voice - Sakyong Mipham gives us examples of stumbling blocks that we can all relate to, and his sense of humor helps us approach our practice with kindness for ourselves. Although it's very much a beginner's book, I am glad to know this book is on my shelf and I can open it up whenever my practice needs a little boost in discipline.
Vodou: Visions and Voices of Haitiby Phillis Galembo
Ten Speed Press
Haiti is still suffering from the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. Through the devastation the news showed us images of the hurt and newly homeless, the survivors, and the dead, of this poor country; yet the story has since faded into the background. Vodou: Visions and Voices of Haiti is a book of beautiful photography and insightful words that shows us an undeniably indomitable spirit. Published years before the earthquake, it depicts a rich, steadfast spiritual faith that underlies life in Haiti. Enjoy the beauty in these words and images, and remember Haiti! The people of this country still need our attention.
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