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Reviewsby Michou Landon, unless otherwise notedReview PolicyMt. Shasta Magazine does not do reviews in-house. If you have a book, CD, DVD or product you would like us to review, you should send two copies. The first is to our editor, who has final approval on all reviews, at Mt Shasta Magazine, POB 1289, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067. The second goes to our reviewer, Michou Landon, PO Box 20391, Boulder, CO 80308-3391. With reviews only, preference is given to advertisers. Those wanting to reprint a review in another publication should contact our editor for approval. There is a small fee involved.
Newest ReviewsOlder reviews can be found in our archives; click on Books, Audio, Video, etc. above! Divination Cards: Selves in a Box J. Tamar Stone has created a beautiful set of cards based on Voice Dialogue work, pioneered by her father and stepmother, Drs. Hal and Sidra Stone. The artwork brings the beholder immediately into a sense of thesacredness of self-- as a unique expression of archetypes, experiences and forces inherent in us all --and the sacred essence that connects us. The depth of the creatorÕs care and understanding is also palpable, even when the images donÕt immediately synch logically with the associated word or concept. The illustrations are simple but carefully layered collages of images, which blend into an impressionistic synergy that works on the subconscious, while sometimes acting like Koans on the mind. These create a choice point, where the beholder can withdraw or constrict into intellectual analysis or open into a realm that draws from a full range of intelligences available in us: conscious, subconscious and superconscious. What is interesting is how the creatorÕs choice of images can inspire the beholder to agree or disagree with those choices and then notice his/her own heart and mind wordlessly suggesting alternatives in a subtle process that, if not overridden, is itself revealing. It would seem this deck could illuminate in any context a divination deck might be used. However, there is a different angle here than with Tarot or other mystical decks. While, ultimately, external/internal and personal/impersonal are illusory (or conceptual) subsets within a divine continuum, I gather that these cards purport to reflect the psychological aspects of oneÕs human personality involved in the themes and challenges brought to the reading, rather than emphasizing universal forces one can externalize. Again, though, itÕs hard to tell where one realm ends and the other begins. Each card is dedicated to a "subpersonality" Stone calls a Self. There are 52 distinct Selves here, though some thematically overlap. The artwork rescues their names from a knee-jerk over-simplification by the mind. Our impressions of each Self presented are instant and telling. The thoughtfully written guidebook, however, can facilitate much deeper observation and realization. In addition to the brief summary of the psychological foundations of the cards and the work, Stone offers several insightful draws and spreads, as well as a parlor game -- a perfect diversion for inhabitants of the Tower of Psychobabble that is Boulder, Colorado, whence originate the cards. Seriously, though, this set is a rewarding tool for anyone with a psycho-spiritual bent, offering an intimate support and a nourishing and validating calling home of all our disowned or competing selves. Book Title: Six Weeks to Yehidah In Six Weeks to Yehidah, author Melissa Studdard strikes an endearing balance between the overt preaching of teaching adventures like Celestine Prophecy and the more metaphorical, encoded yarns of more literary times, like Through the Looking Glass, A Wrinkle in Time, and the Oz books. It's a quick read, and suitable jog of remembrance for adults and younger readers alike. At times quite obvious with her message and other times sneaking up on the reader, Studdard uses a comfortable dose of innocence and playful, dreamlike imagery to wash the wisdoms down, to deliver them almost osmotically. Yehidah, defined in an introductory quote from Rabbi David Cooper, means "unity," and refers to "the soul level most connected with the source of awareness," most intimate, continuous with the totality. The plot concerns a young girl who finds herself in a strange world in the clouds and must find her way through various unusual encounters-- thinly veiled initiations-- often with characters representing aspects of her own self. I confess the book's start was so poetic and promising that I wished for more than I found on first reading. There is enough substance to the message and content of the book, though, that one is tempted to read it again, to see whether all that it is hinted at was apprehended, all the references caught, because the pace, language and delivery is such that it's easy to speed through and miss any subtleties that might be there. I'm not going to call it a masterpiece, but Six Weeks to Yehidah is definitely smarter than the average piece of contemporary youth fiction, more uplifting, and a positive, entertaining and even illuminating gift, not only for older youngsters but for their parents or the wise youngster in any oldster! Book Title: The Poetry of Yoga, Volume One When I received this book for review, it struck me as remarkable that such a thing hadn't appeared before. And maybe there have been many such volumes in other guises. Certainly, as poetry is a form of yoga (as a practice of contemplation and communion), and as asana practice lends itself so fluidly and profoundly to poetic expression, this edition will not be the last, as the title itself states. The book is a collection of poetry by well over 100 yogis and yoginis, including a few widely recognizable names in the yoga world (e.g. Krisna Das, Rod Stryker, Eric Schiffman). The quality and style of the poetry ranges broadly. On any given day, there will likely be something here with which anyone will resonate. And the resonances will change with each reader's own vicissitudes, making the book itself a poignantly supportive resource for practice, not to mention inspiration for one's own poetic expression. This is a sweet gift offering to any poetically inclined yoga practioner and a perfect item to have at yoga studios. Often, instructors will bring resting students back from Savasana with an inspiring reading. The Poetry of Yoga, Volume One, offers a trove of fresh selections. Like asana practice itself, each visit to the book may bring new discovery and communion. Book Title: Hidden Treasure: Uncovering the Truth Within your Life Story Those familiar with the teachings offered by Gangaji will recognize the same message restated in her new book — the same simple and arrestingly profound message. The message is not new here, not revelatory, except that it discusses and illuminates what is ever being revealed anew in every moment, in every way. The hidden treasure of the title refers to one of many teachings stories used by Gangaji's teacher, H.W.L Poonja (Papaji), and also to the spiritual treasure it points to, the true and common identity of each of us — silent awareness and presence — which is always here, if hidden under or within the din of personality, circumstance, thoughts and sensations. In part because of ungrounded interpretations of Eastern philosophical traditions, one's personal story has gotten stigmatized as a distraction from "enlighenment." In Hidden Treasure, Gangaji seeks to put that right a bit. She continues to acknowledge "story" as a potential trap, as fuel for drama and egoic imprisonment; but she seeks equally to demonstrate how it can and must be included as integral to human life and to show how our personal story may be used as leverage for awakening. This book contains much more autobiographical content as she candidly uses her own life story as illustration. These passages are refreshing complement to the more abstract discussion of something that is not really articulable (though, as usual, Gangaji does admirably). I found the initial chapter strangely abstract and dry and encourage readers not to bog down there, especially if already familiar with Gangaji's teachings. It richens as it goes along, and, as with any of Gangaji's public satsangs, certain moments, passages or exercises will have more impact at any given time than others. The Truth can be revealed in any combination of words, depending on what combination unlocks the door it is hiding behind within us. Hidden Treasure offers us a very promising new combination. CD Title: Bruce Lipton's Music for a Shift in Consciousness According to the liner notes of Music for a Shift in Consciousness, Bruce Lipton (cellular biologist and author of The Biology of Belief) tapped the talents of very accomplished composer and performer Russel Walder to create an ambient and deeply womb-like flow of music designed to shift brain activity from beta wave state to alpha. It is quite effective. I confess I played it four times before I found myself still awake at the end! I mean that as a compliment. It doesn't have to put one to sleep, but the disc does give one permission to let the held stress of a day flow away. It is a watery experience that encourages the release or integration of the unresolved emotion that gets stuck or scattered in one's field in the course of a typical day of modern life. This is typically what we need sleep for. The liner notes offer a brief history of music's cultivation as a therapeutic tool, as well as an over view of the various brain wave states. I venture that this educational passage further enhances the effect of the music through suggestion. The instrumentation is simple: Oboe, bass, some ethereal vocal sounds, some unobtrusive percussion, and lots of synthesized "sonic brewing," as the Lipton/Walder team calls it. The melodies flow with a familiarity and comfort after a couple of listenings, but don't call attention to themselves. Music for a Shift in Consciousness delivers what the title claims, and it seems a good bedtime companion or a complement to any number of hands-on healing therapies. Book Title: Luminous Secrets In Luminous Secrets, Prem Joshua and friends offer up a tasty mélange of cultural and spiritual flavors and impressive musicianship. Drawing players, poetry and instruments from Islamic cultures, Hindu cultures, the West and points between, the CD casts a unique sound and spell. The arrangements are often based on traditional Raga forms, but blend less commonly juxtaposed instruments and contemporary percussion devices to create a sense of both mastery and whimsy, of deep Spiritual resource and truly inspired and joyous musical collaboration. Here jazz dances on the swirling scents of Morocco, then Bulgaria, then Persia and India, to the ecstatic words of Kabir, Hafiz and Mirabai, among others. High tech production values make it fluid and danceable without losing the echoes of the ancients in the wildly evocative vocal and instrumental improvisations. The final cut, "Chandra," is dedicated to the spirit of Goa, a place in India where artists of all sorts gather every year, celebrating life, art and simplicity. This encapsulates the theme of the CD and the transcendent potential of art to neutralize differences and birth peace. This one moves you inside and out. Yum. Book Title: The Big E: Everything is Energy Here we have another book about how Universal Laws, like the Law of Attraction, operate in our daily lives. And it can be argued that there can never be too many if the unique approach or vocabulary of each supports someone in really "getting," and living in alignment with, these uplifting energies, learning to live a balance of personal responsibility and providence. The gimmick of The Big E is to launch its discussions from about one hundred common aphorisms and clichés (Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder, You can't teach an old Dog New Tricks, A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned, etc.). Not a bad idea, actually, as these adages often exert influence on us whether we are conscious of their influence or not. So, the book gives us the opportunity to examine the truth or validity of these cultural capsules of wisdom or, just as often, outmoded worldview.In this way the book can help us disentangle from allegiance with pictures of reality that don't serve us, and, where appropriate re-energize the power of some of these adages as positive little mantras!
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