Prismind: Scientific Theory of CRYSTAL CONSCIOUSNESS - a Multidisciplinary Carousel 
by Zach Shatz, Prismind Publications, Berkeley, CA 1998, 65 pages, $4.95

Sometimes, when I begin a book, everything in me fights against reading it. That’s what happened when I first picked up this “little book.” Lists of academic references and scientific phrasings didn’t make me want to read further. Yet, I was caught by a few writing analogies: “A sentence or whole thought is like a crystal of meaning, the words the facets of a prism...”

As I forged on, certain concepts brought flashes of contemporary ideas into my mind: “As the larger whole (of parts within parts) is transformed, its whole parts must reorient in turn with respect to their relationships” became, for me, a line from the song in the movie The Lion King: something about all of us being moved as the kaleidoscope turns.

“Parts and whole act to define one another,” made me think of how we are all part of a greater puzzle, each part affecting the other; each becoming and belonging... suggesting that “each facet is reflected in all, and all is, by necessity of geometry, the interdependence of each.”

The later part of the book seems to get more into a bit of spirituality, philosophy and psychology. There’s even a little poetry. Sadly, this very diversity left me wondering what the point of the content was.

It was somehow satisfying to come across a quote from a character in the classic book, The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck: “I been thinkin’ what he said... Says one time he went out in the wilderness to find his own soul, an’ he foun’ he didn’ have no soul that was his’n. Says he foun’ he jus’ got a little piece of a great big soul... his little piece of a soul wasn’t no good ‘less it was with the rest, an’ was whole. Didn’ think I was even listenin’ but I know now a fella ain’t no good alone.” Wouldn’t it be nice if this was a concept everyone understood and lived by.

The greater part of this book is a bit too much like a scientific thesis for me. I did like its section on life’s complementary opposites, some of the interesting quotes, and I suppose, truthfully, the challenge of trying to understand it. Still, it is not a book to read when you are tired or your mind isn’t clear.

Reviewed by Barbara K. Johnson

The Complete Book of Dreams 
Julia & Derek Parker, D K Living Series, Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc., New York, 1998, 208 pages, $13.95

The earlier part of this interesting book develops a good deal of background: history of sleep, why we dream, how to utilize dreams and more. I was particularly impressed with the “Dream Thesaurus” index of the book. Though it certainly can’t contain all possible dream references, it is a unique adaptation of the Word Thesaurus. Find the symbols or theme from your own “private theater” of the dream and then refer to the Dream Theme pages to look at related topics for possible meanings. Clever.

One small section delves into how the creative results of some writers, artists, composers and songwriters came from their dreams (Paul McCartney of Beatles and Wings fame was said to have dreamed the tune for Yesterday).

The authors state that we need to dream. And that it may be true that “dreams do their work whether we strive to understand them or not.” This full-color, beautifully constructed, glossy and detailed, softbound book is an interesting guide meant to help us recognize the messages our “unconscious is sending” us about ourselves through dreams.

Reviewed by Barbara K. Johnson

ENERGY MEDICINE
by Donna Eden With David Feinstein. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, 1998, 378 pages, $16.95.

To see Donna Eden at work is to believe in the validity of her work. After witnessing her exceptional skills and listening to her enthusiastic and vibrant talk about the body’s energy, having this book in my library was a must. If you have ever complained about lack of energy, you’ll find the roots of the problem described in his book along with a remedy for you to implement. In addition, Donna designed a daily routine that anyone can use to keep energy flowing and it can be completed in 10 minutes.

Donna Eden has received unrestrained praise from people as diverse as Jean Houston to Angie Dickinson to Bernie Siegel and Richard Gerber. Indeed it is difficult to restrain oneself in praising Donna Eden. She shares her own amazing journey from being bedridden with multiple sclerosis to becoming the vibrant, active healer she is today.

Along with The Daily Energy Routine, Donna explains techniques to use to get your kids (and yourself) out of bed in the morning, how to develop abs of steel, how to concentrate in the middle of stress, how to refresh the mind using the Crown Pull and techniques for relieving pain. My copy has so many pages turned over that it now appears to be twice as thick as when I started. The index at the end is perhaps a better way to quickly find the specific exercises you may wish to repeat regularly.

The text is detailed, yet written so well that it does not require a medical degree to understand. Numerous illustrations help the reader identify the points described in the text and add clarity. Donna begins by explaining the importance of our energy systems and how to test them to discover which ones are weak. Part II, The Anatomy of Your Energy Body, explains the meridians, chakras, auras, five rhythms, triple warmer and the strange flows. If this sounds incomprehensible now, it won’t after you read her explanations. Part III weaves it all together.

Reviewed by Colleen Verbeke

Awakening the Spirit Within
by Jan Forrest, Heart to Heart, 2000, ISBN 096636029X $8.95

Awakening the Spirit Within is a treasure of inspiration. Jan Forrest has created a slim gift volume that is packed with encouragement to step into an authentic spirit-filled life. As we move along in life, we hit the tough spots and come face to face with questions about our place and purpose in this world. Forrest doesn’t presume to have all the answers, but she does know where to seek them. She urges readers to stop looking outside of ourselves for the answers, but rather to reflect within‚ to honor our inner wisdom and to listen to the divine voice that can only be heard if we listen. “Through our inner journey, we come to know ourselves within a sacred framework and in so doing, experience first-hand the presence of our source.”

Forrest has chosen to focus on 10 key elements to “unlock the doorway to your spirit.” Each key is far-reaching and profound. All are centered in a belief in a divinely organized plan within our universe. Ecumenical in tone and directed toward men and women of all ages, Awakening the Spirit Within offers 100 reflections, scattered throughout. One reflection touches upon another and life weaves its interesting patterns. There is an index at the end of the book in case you seek a particular notation, but Forrest urges readers to simply skim and discover the reflection to which you are drawn. This may be just the guidance your heart and spirit needs most today.

Reviewed by Alexandra M. Fix

Emissary of Light
by James F. Twyman, published by Time Warner Books, 288 pages, $18.00. The Secret of the Beloved Disciple by James F. Twyman, Findhorn Press, 2000

This past spring when I gifted myself a spiritual retreat on the west coast, I packed some reading material in my carry-on to serve as soul food. One such delectable morsel was Emissary of Light by singer/songwriter and peace activist, James F. Twyman.

I savored this true account of one man’s journey into war-torn Yugoslavia as a singer of peace prayers. The book was quite unlike anything I had read before. It’s quaint conversational writing style reminded me of James Redfield’s Celestine Prophecy, yet different in that the prose truly contained a piece of the author’s heart and soul. Twyman openly shares the full range of his emotions, from fear to ecstasy as he risks life and limb to carry a message of universal peace to this region of the world.

Because the author is a selfless individual, following where spirit leads, he is richly rewarded and compensated for his actions. Unbeknownst to him, he has been “chosen” to be brought into a secret circle of wise ancients who live in a secluded part of the region. Called, “The Emissaries,” they live in a closed community in the mountains, meeting daily to meditate for 12 hours a day, holding vigil for peace and love to anchor itself into the planet. Twyman is mentored by the wise ones and prepared as an emissary to carry forth their message and techniques of connection with the Divine.

It is a remarkable story, one which I truly enjoyed primarily because it illustrates one of the most universal principles we all can benefit from: when we follow spirit’s lead, when we heed the whispers of the divine, follow its signs and synchronicities, we are buoyed and guided in ways we cannot even imagine. James Twyman did not ask to be given the title, Emissary of Light, but God deemed him worthy and he was brave enough to answer the call. I commend him for writing this transformative tale.

However, the author’s journey did not end with this little volume. The sequel, The Secret of the Beloved Disciple is here to answer our nagging question of “What happened next?”

In this newest book, James Twyman finds himself back in southeastern Europe, this time making connections with none other than the Blessed Mother herself, Mary the Mother of Jesus that we know from the Bible. Much more than a historical woman, Twyman experiences Mary through divine connections which bring him to the feet of the feminine face of God.

This particular story is startling to some, familiar to others. Mary has been reported to be very active in our physical world these days, appearing to thousands of people all over this planet. What is unique is the spin the author puts on her visibility and why she is present in our world today. I agree with the author in his assessment, that we are experiencing a time of great change and upheaval, one which is ushering in the “time of the feminine;” an era in our history where we are being called to incorporate the feminine qualities of healing, peacefulness, compassion and gentle strength. These feminine qualities are an aspect of the total view of God, one which has been long neglected and misunderstood. Mary comes to us as herself and in many other forms (Kwan Yin, Isis, Gaia, Sophia, etc.) to awaken us from a deep slumber where we have been disconnected from our true nature. The feminine and the feminine face of God is found within each and every one of us. Mary beckons to the author and many other interesting characters found within the storyline, to pay attention, make the necessary changes and focus one’s life on deep, meaningful and direct communication with spirit.

As in Emissary of Light, Twyman hears another “call” and follows where it leads. Through divinely orchestrated twists and turns, he comes upon other seekers who have also had contact with the Blessed Mother, an artist, a priest, an intuitive and like a master puzzle solver, he creates a clear and revelatory picture out of all these clues and connections. The results are astounding. A painting of Mary which sends healing energy to its viewers. A CD which touches the divine spark within those who listen to it. And the story goes on.

Throughout this adventure, the author becomes acquainted with a body of spiritual teachings encompassed in what he calls “The Community of the Beloved Disciple.” For centuries these teachings have remained hidden and are now, for the time is ripe, being revealed to any and all who will listen. They come through the Divine One, Mary and the disciple, John, whom Jesus entreated to care for his mother upon his death. At the close of the book, James Twyman shares with us how he personally has chosen to carry on the sacred traditions and teachings that have been revealed to him over the last decade. Readers are encouraged to contact him through his website, www.emissaryoflight.com, to acquire further information or to continue the journey with him.

I feel privileged to have read both of these works and even more privileged to share them with you. The divine is calling each one of us to awaken, to listen for the wisdom being revealed from many sources around this planet right now. My prayer is that each one of us will listen with an open mind and heart to these gentle, but urgent whisperings of spirit.

Reviewed by Jan Forrest

THE MEASURE OF A MAN: A Spiritual Autobiography
By Sidney Poitier, Harper San Francisco, 2000, 255 pages, $26.00

Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier’s new autobiography is not the usual gossipy show-biz story. Poitier’s intention clearly is very different. Introspective and thoughtful, this book is about life in general as much as it is about Poitier’s life. He says, “I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I’ve done at measuring up to the values I espouse, the standards I myself have set.”

The values which form the basis for Sidney Poitier’s life choices originated in his unique early years. Born on small Cat Island, one of the Bahamas, Sidney’s childhood was filled with the gentle freedoms of that island, the simple, but strict rules of his parents and most importantly, a lack of materialism and negative social influences. Although poor, Sidney says he was lucky because he “wasn’t bombarded with contravening images and influences that really didn’t have any direct connection to my nurturing.” He later says, “By having very little, I had it good.”

The issue of racism didn’t enter his consciousness until later when he came to the U. S. mainland. In Florida he came face to face with the institutionalized racism of the American south. By then, however, in his early teens, he had already established a clear self-identity of personal worth that the racist behaviors couldn’t destroy. He determined to be “better than you.” He says “he would carry that theme, detached from questions of color and race all the way into the theater world, where it would become a personal standard, applicable to creative excellence and professional competitiveness.”

His early life in New York was never easy. For many years he supported himself as a dishwasher. With very little formal education, Sidney “set out on a course of self improvement.” An old Jewish waiter at the restaurant where Sidney washed dishes helped him learn how to read. Even after a few successes on the stage and two films (No Way Out and Cry, The Beloved Country), Poitier returned to Harlem and washing dishes. His values clearly influenced a decision to reject an offered movie part paying $750 a week because the character “didn’t measure up... didn’t behave with dignity.”

Sidney’s standard for measurement was always his father, Reggie and his mother, Evelyn. Both parents were extremely hard-working, proud and honorable. Sidney says, “My work is who I am. I decided way back at the beginning, back when I was still washing dishes in a barbeque joint in Harlem, that the work I did would never bring dishonor to my father’s name.” At one point in the book he says, “The greatest part of that legacy from my father is the knowledge that in discipline and commitment lies hope.”

In order to remain in control of his measure of values, Sidney never became a tool of the Hollywood studios. By luck or accident he maintained his independence. “By remaining an outsider on the free market, I was able to pick and choose my projects which led to work I can still stand behind, work informed by my life experience, work aligned with my values.” As a basis for his choices, Sidney says, “I look for themes that say something positive and useful about the human condition.”

This is not to imply that there weren’t plenty of problems and obstacles in Poitier’s professional career and encounters with various individuals who tried to shut down projects, or in some instances, force Sidney to sign a “loyalty oath” during the paranoia of the Cold War period. But thanks to producers and directors such as David Susskind, Richard Brooks, Joseph Mankiewicz, Darryl Zanuck and Stanley Kramer, the early Poitier landmark films got made, works like Blackboard Jungle, Edge Of The City and The Defiant Ones.

Poitier took his share of knocks in the 60s from some of his fellow African-Americans for not being “angry” enough. But while obviously indignant of the perpetual racism in America and abhorrent of its injustice, Sidney doesn’t “act out” his indignation. Called an “Uncle Tom” at one point, he was “being taken to task for playing exemplary human beings,” such as the schoolteacher in To Sir With Love, the homicide detective in In The Heat Of The Night and the young doctor in Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. Poitier says, “All I can say is that there’s a place for people who are angry and defiant and sometimes they serve a purpose, but that’s never been my role.” His greatest heroes are those “who are able to recycle their anger and put it to different uses,” such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.

Moreover, for Poitier, his values and beliefs derive from as well as nurture his professional craft. “Living consciously involves being genuine; it involves listening and responding to others honestly and openly; it involves being in the moment. This is equally true of effective acting. Acting isn’t a game of ‘pretend.’ It’s an exercise in being real.”

The Measure Of A Man: A Spiritual Autobiography is a real book about a real person, not the usual movie star biography. It offers “a picture of a man seeking truth, passion and balance in the face of limits – his own and the world’s.” It truly reflects the essential measure of a very special man. For readers it offers the opportunity to better understand Sidney Poitier and to ponder many of the social issues that underscore his life experiences. It is truly a “spiritual” autobiography and it offers us all an insightful reading experience.

Reviewed by Gayl Woityra

The World to Come
By Ruth Montgomery, published by Harmony Books, 154 Pages, $18.95

The World to Come is Ruth Montgomery’s long awaited book after her hiatus of twelve years and will probably be her last. And what a way to go out.

In her book, Ruth shares new predictions supplied by her guides, of what the new millennium holds for us. The guides share of the Earth’s expected axis shift and what we can expect during the time of the shift and its aftermath. She elaborates on the thousand years of peace after the shift and also gives us hope of our future. They once again confirm that we will have a walk-in for a president during the time of the shift and his impact in restoring peace and his role in leading the country in new arenas of economic power and socialization techniques.

For me, one of the most interesting aspects of the book is when she shares with us some of her friends and acquaintances and the lives they lived during the time of Jesus in Palestine. She even offers us a glimpse of the past and future role of Marianne Williamson.

The World to Come is an extremely fascinating book and very easy to read. It has inspired me to read some of her other books like: Strangers Among Us, Companions Along the Way, Aliens Among Us and The World Before. It is interesting that I am also reading Gregg Braden’s book The Isaiah Effect and many of Ruth’s information is also in Gregg’s book. Coincidence? I think not!

Reviewed by Vicki Schneider

Lenore's Natural Cuisine, Your Essential Guide to Wholesome, Vegetarian Cooking
by Lenore Baum, Culinary Publications, 2000, $17.95, ISBN 0-9674627-3-8.

Right from the cover, and I really try not to judge a book by it's cover, the beautiful illustration of fruits and vegetables compelled me to open Lenore's Natural Cuisine, Your Essential Guide to Wholesome, Vegetarian Cooking. I have quite a collection of cookbooks ranging from an assumption that I am a master chef to an idiot savant. In all honesty, I am probably closer to an idiot savant, but I don't want to cook the things we made in 7th grade Home-ec, like biscuit pizzas or 7-up salad. Lenore's recipes are easy-to follow including variations and cooks' tips. However, this cookbook offers a wonderful assortment of breakfast meals, salads, grains, pasta, beans, tofu, tempeh and vegetable dishes.

The chapters Making the Most of This Book, and What It's All About, give helpful definitions of unfamiliar ingredients and alternative sources for nutrients, such eating leafy greens, instead of dairy products for calcium. Most impressively, she talks, about organic food and the dangers of pesticides. Yes, Lenore is an aware consumer and writer. My overall impression is that Lenore wants people to see how easy and fun cooking can be, with a little help.

Lenore's Natural Cuisine is available in many natural foods stores, bookstores as well as from the author at (248) 479-4455.

Reviewed by Lyn Scharret

Cosmic Canines: The Complete Astrology Guide For You And Your Dog
By Marilyn MacGruder Barnewall, 352 pages, Ballantine, $12.00, 1998

When my dog Morgan came to me, she was barely out of the weaning stage and she already faced tragedy in her life. A couple of days earlier her mother had been hit by a car. She along with the other surviving puppies sat shivering along side the road in the below freezing temperature.

For the last seven years, I really had no idea who she was. I gave her a birth date of November 30, 1993 and pretty much watched her grow up to be the best dog I’ve ever had. The one thing which still bothers me, is she continually has bad nightmares. Then I came across Cosmic Canines: The Complete Astrology Guide For You And Your Dog.

I have to admit it has helped me get a little bit of an understanding of who Morgan is. After all, she is a Sagittarius and I’m your typical Aries. Probably not your most perfect relationship, but she does bring some balance to my life.

Morgan is also a Cocker Spaniel mix and according to the book, “Cockers are gentle, easy to get along with and they are just plain cheerful.” I have to admit, this hits the mark 100 percent.

Since Morgan is the only dog I have, I basically read up on her sign and breed, which all of the breeds are broken down by small, medium and large dogs. Like myself, you’ll probably read the parts of the book which fit your particular needs.

I think if you can get through the first chapter of getting started, you’ll enjoy getting to know your companion on a much more spiritual level.

For those of you who really don’t understand astrology, don’t worry since the book is easy to read and follow, plus you’ll be enlightened by how accurate it is when it comes to your particular breed.

Who knows, after reading this, you’ll know your dog better than your human best friend.

Reviewed by Eric J. Tuchelske

The Camino
By Shirley MacLaine, May 2000 Pocketbooks – a division of Simon and Schuster, 320 pages. $24.95.

I found out about Shirley MacLaine’s new book by going to a Celebrity Chat Room on Yahoo one evening that my sister had asked me to join. I believe in synchronicity and this was no exception.

I immediately ordered Shirley’s latest book after reading a synopsis of it. I am myself on an inward spiritual journey and couldn’t wait to read her latest adventure. I was sure it would provoke me into some intense inner journeying of my own and I wasn’t mistaken.

Shirley receives two anonymous letters insisting that she do the Camino pilgrimage... these letters arrive 3 years apart and influence Shirley to embark on a pilgrimage that has been taken by people for centuries called, “The Santiago de Compostela Camino,” across northern Spain. People take this trek with the intent to find one’s deepest spiritual meaning.

Shirley takes us on a “Journey of the Spirit” in the far off plains in Spain. I was truly transformed to another place as I read her words. I too felt as though I was taking the journey right along with her although my journey didn’t include blisters, a scorching sun, mudslides or crabby walking companions! I took the journey with Shirley in my mind.

Shirley’s inward journey takes her backwards to the present past and to past lifetimes. Towards the later part of the book she takes us back to the days of Lemuria and Atlantis through her visions and dreams... even Shirley isn’t sure what to call them… We are given some insight on how we, the human race began, from the beginning of time and how and why we have come to where we are, in this point of time in the Universe.

Shirley MacLaine even admits as she writes that she debated whether to include these events from her soul’s journey knowing that some people would find it somehow shocking or disturbing. I am really glad that she did include this section. I was totally engrossed in the whys and hows of how we could have all began and how we continue to expand our knowledge throughout our time. For me, it was certainly enlightening and reminded me of writings of another great author, Neale Donald Walsch. If you have an open mind you too, will find this book both interesting and thought provoking.

A teacher once told Shirley, “Never ask what it is you fear – instead, ask yourself what it is that concerns you. A fear thought, put out, will return, because all energy returns to the sender. Any energy always makes a loop until it regains the source. A concern thought will return also. At that moment discern why you’re concerned.”

This quote took on meaning for me as I had myself, questioned my own fears recently and am now learning not to address them as fears, but as concerns. (Magically this book was brought to my attention.) When they are only a concern, they take on a whole new meaning. After all fear really doesn’t exist except in our own minds.

Shirley is in her sixties and this trek on foot took 30 days... travelling at 20 miles per day in all kinds of weather. What a remarkable thing to accomplish. She meets many people on the way and they become her teachers. She uses their negativity as a positive by deciding what not to be. She is reminded quite often not to judge others... she faces her fears and finds that they weren’t that big a deal in the end. The press hounds Shirley on her trek but she deals with them as only a Taurus can!

Shirley did this journey in part for one of her friends, Kathleen who has since passed over to the other side. This book is dedicated to Kathleen.

As Shirley says, “Can I prove that Lemuria and Atlantis existed? Of course not. But if I can ‘imagine’ them in such detail, then where does that come from? The recesses of my ancient creative memories? “Perhaps all of it is simple. We came from the Divine; we create with that imaginative energy until we return to it. Lifetime after lifetime.”

Our imaginations are a wondrous asset. All things spring from our imagination... everything around you is created by thought... which starts in our imagination.

Reviewed by Shazz Wiechec