Conference hydra::dejavu

    I am interested in hearing what books people have found to be
    significant for getting going on their various spiritual paths/
    investigations of psychic phenomena.  Although suggestions pop up
    here and there in the notes, I would be interested in having a
    place in the notes to "browse", for us compulsive conscienceness
    expanders. I don't think we need to limit more than to the general
    topic of the conference. 

    Some of our (wife and I) personal favorites, so far (we are fairly
    new at this): 


    o Companions in Spirit , Laeh Maggie Garfield and Jack Grant,
    (1984) Celestial Arts 
    P.O. Box 7327 Berkeley, CA 94707 

    An easy to read and apply, guide to working with your spirit
    helpers, while staying under control and your feet on the ground.
    Down to earth writing style. 

    o Clearing Crystal Consciousness, Christa Faye Burka, (1985)
    Brotherhood of Life, Inc., Albuquerque,New Mexico 

    Covers the usage of Quartz crystal for healing and meditation very
    effectively without getting hung up in precise procedures.
    Emphasizes listening to your inner self for exact procedures. 

    o There is a River, Thomas Sugrue, (1970) Dell Publishing Co.,
    inc. New york, New york 

    The life story of Edgar Cayce. Fascinating reading no matter what
    your stand is on Cayce's channeling. Complete with case histories
    and an appendix that gives a channelled theory on the "origin of
    man". 

    o What Dreams May Come, Richard Matheson, (1979)
    Berkley Publishing Co., New York, New York
    
    (Fiction)A love story between spirit and substance made
    interesting and appropriate for this topic by being based around
    studies of after life experiences and theories.
    
    o Does it Matter?, Alan Watts, (1970)
    Vintage Books(Division of Random House)NY,NY
    
    A good essay on the theme of confusing the symbol with the
    reality. Some dated references, but Alan Watts was always good
    at cutting through the culturally derived apparent differences
    between Western and Eastern thoughts on Mysticism and Religion.
    Often humorous style, somewhat Taoist slant.  Watt's speaking
    style is easier to follow than his writing style and there
    are some tapes floating around.
  
    o How to Read Tarot Cards, Doris Chase Doane and King Keyes,
    Funk and Wagnalls, New York (1967)
    
    A great resource book for anyone interested in using  a
    variety of spreads. There are fourteen spreads ranging in
    difficulty from the simple yes/no spread to a very
    complex Horiscope spread. They also include a sample
    reading of each spread. I'm not particularly fond of 
    the deck they use (Egyptian), though.
    
    o Tarot, A New Handbook for the Apprentice, Eileen Connolly,
    Newcastle Publishing Co.,Inc., North Hollywood, CA,(1979)
    
    A great guide to the Tarot for the beginner, or anyone too
    lazy to learn all the precise meanings. I like the expanded
    reversed divinations and the additional references to 
    astrology.She also discusses tarot and meditation.
    
    o The Windows of Tarot, F.D.Graves,Morgan & Morgan, Inc.,
    Dobs Ferry, New York,(1973)

    This is a reference book specifically for Paladini's
    Aquarian Tarot. I use it mainly for myself as the
    divinations tend to be long winded and nebulous. He
    does address the specfic imagery in the Aquarian Tarot
    deck, which I found helpful.
    
    O.K. fellow seekers, what are some of your favorites!
    
    Just remember: "There's a seeker born every minute."
    
    Thom and Renee
    

    My 3 favorite books right now are:  (These books are philosophy)
        
    The Lazy Man's Guide To Enlightenment     By Thaddeus Golas
      It's short, simple, eye-opening, and wonderful.  Mr. Golas doesn't
      believe you need to do anything to become more enlightened.  He
      says that "all states of consciousness are available all the time"
      to everyone.
    
    Freedom From The Known     By Krishnamurti
      Krishnamurti has a way of pointing out things about people and
      the world, that are so harshly real, they almost "sting".  He has 
      a lot of good observations to share, and he challenges all belief 
      systems.  If you give your attention to this book, there's lots of 
      good challenging thought material in there.

    The Book     By Alan Watts
      Actually, I'm in the middle of this book right now...but it's
      EXCELLENT so far.  It's easy to follow and thought-provoking.
    
    All 3 of these books are good for clearing your head of "clutter",
    and for offering new things to think about.  I like them because
    they all offer the concept that there is no one "right" way to be,
    or "right" thing to do...therefore, suggesting that reality really
    is limitless.  To really grasp that concept is mind-boggling, and
    freeing.

    Happy reading!

    Excellent topic!
    
    The books which have have "stuck" with me are:
    
    The Education of Oversoul 7
    
    The Further Education of Oversoul 7
    
    Seth Speaks
    
                all by Jane Roberts
    
    The Oversoul 7 books are written as fiction; yet I found myself
    understanding my "circumstances" much better as I read them.
    
    The Seth book made such complete sense to me.  It seemed so logical.
    As if I were clarifying ideas that were floating around in my sub-
    conscious, and giving them definition.
    
    
    
    Helping Yourself With White Witchcraft
    
    Helping Yourself With ESP
    
             both by Al Manning
    
    
    Why You Are What You Are (or maybe it's Why You Are Who You Are)
    
            sorry, can't remember the author
    
    This book is slightly "religeous", it speaks often of God, and 
    often suggests the 10 commandments and Golden Rule, re-worded.
    Nevertheless, gives some excellent suggestions for living a 
    positive and productive life.
    
    

    
    Here's another:
    
    Many Mansions, by Gina Cimenarra (spelling?)
    
    The author is a psychologist who has gone thru Edgar Cayce's
    files on past lives and examined case studies from the psychological
    point of view. It is very interesting the way she links many
    kinds of neurosis to past lives rather than maladjustment.
    She also discusses Cayce's words on karma and other "universal
    laws"
    
    renee

    Muktananda. *Play of Consciousness*.  Deeply stirring spiritual
    autobiography.  Focuses on the period after he encounters his spiritual
    master, Nityananda.
                                       
    
    Muktananda. *Satsang with Baba*. (6 volumes)  Engaging series of
    questions and answers between Muktananda and close devotees in the
    '70s.  Answers sometimes humorous and often unpredictable.
    
    *Way of A Pilgrim*  Absorbing tales from the diary of an unknown
    Christian mystic, who, from the writings he left behind, traveled
    widely in the Steppes area of Russia in the (18th?) century
    encountering all kinds interesting situations.  Wonderful!  (It
    seems to me that there's a reference to this pilgrim in *Franny
    and Zooey*.)
    
    *Lazy Man's Guide to Enlightenment*  Great primer for the spiritually
    uninitiated, or anyone else, for that matter.
    
    *Women Saints of East and West*.  Very interesting.

    Well, the movies were fiction, perhaps for books, let's keep it
    factual.
    
    Books I've enjoyed include:
    
    _The Romance of Sorcery_ by Sax Rhomer (the author of the Fu Manchu
    tales).  This book is a collection of biographies of various
    practitioners of [real] magic throughout history (to the end of the 
    19th Century).  Interesting, if adulatory chapters on Apollonius
    of Tyana and Nostradamus highlight this book.
    
    _Archidoxies of Magic_ by Paracelsus.  The typeface makes it somewhat
    awkward to read, but it gives a good insight to a 15th Century
    occultist.  Current knowledge invalidates some of his conclusions
    (e.g., he thought thunder and lightning were evidence of the existence
    of demons), but it's interesting to follow his thought processes.
    
    _Supernature_ by Lyall Watson.  A noble, if not always successful,
    attempt to put many paranormal phenomena on a scientific basis.
    Some of his citations are dubious, but overall an impressive and
    enjoyable effort.
    
    _The Life of Apollonius of Tyana_ by Philostratus.  A long work
    about Apollonius, hitting the high points of his life.  Better to
    read if you've had a classical education, since sections make more
    sense if you're used to the formal style of classical Greek rhetorical
    argument.  Original written 3rd Century A.D.
    
    _Brujeria_ [author slips my mind] - A look at the Brujeria/Santeria
    movement from the near-inside by a lady sociologist who more or
    less "went underground" to gather her data.  Her view of Santeria
    paints it as both benign and very eclectic, and includes, of all
    things, a practitioner's complete Book of Shadows [the movement
    apparently borrows from everywhere!].  One objection to the book
    is that it's been heavily edited/rewritten by someone on the
    publisher's staff (this was verified in private correspondence between
    the aithor and me several years ago); however, even with that, it's
    an enjoyable read.
    
    _A History of White Magic_ by Gareth Knight.  Actually, it's a history
    of magic, but he stresses the positive sides more than not.  Knight
    is a first-rate Qabbahllist, but his work doesn't restrict itself
    to that discipline.
                                        
    _The Collected Works of Charles Fort_.  This anthology combines
    his four books, and is primarily a mixture of anecdotal stories
    (mostly gleaned from the press) and speculations on Fort's part.
    Fort formulated odd ideas, sometimes serious and sometimes
    tongue-in-cheek.  His style is both feylike and incisive, and even
    though some of his "facts" are dated, one can be entertained for
    hours leafing through the pages.
    
    Steve bKallis, Jr.
     

    Since I started this topic, I suppose I should reply to it.
    
    1) _The Witch's Kaballah_.  This is one of the best books ever written
    on ceremonial magick, and the Tree of Life, but with the added twist
    of applying it to the Goddess.  The one volume I have is "Volume
    1 - The Goddess and the Tree".  I have an occult bookstore owner
    who will call me immediately whenever volume 2 comes out.  BTW,
    everything in it is totally ethical and as safe as published magick
    ever is.
    
    2) _Witchdame_, by Kathleen Skye.  Fictional alternate history where
    the upper and middle class are practicing a Christianized form of
    Wicca.  The lower classes are forbidden to use magic.
    
    3) _Drawing Down the Moon_, by Margot Adler.  A well written overview
    of Paganism of all types.  The new, revised, expanded (by over double)
    is much better than the original.
    
    I could extend this list quite a bit, but I'd say these are about
    the top three.
    
    Elizabeth
    

	What follows are the Author and Titles of some books that have had
a direct impact on the way I see both the world and myself. Books which I
learned to love, and books that had taken me to unknown and remote places;
both outside and within myself.


- JSR -
								
				*******


From Carlos Castanedas' books:

	The Eagles' Gift -  The meaning of erasing personal history and its 
		relation to what is called "the Eagles' Gift"; one of the
		most important aspects of the Yaqui way of knowledge.

	Tales of Power  -  The adventures of Castaneda with many other members
		of the naguals' party (Juan Matus group) in their encounters
		with "power".

	The Fire from Within -  In this, his most recent book, Castaneda
		summarises several of the individual topics that a warrior
		must dominate to become "a man of knowledge". It vividly des-
		cribes the "last" feat of a warrior in the path of knowledge;
		when it "disaperars" from this world engulfed in the "Fire from
		Within".


From George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff:

	Meetings with Remarkable Men -  The people, who this great Russian sage
		meet in his life long quest for Knowledge. People who guided him
		and where his mentors during his formative years (childhood).
		People who formed his party in his dozens of travels thru Asia,
		looking for lost temples, schools, communes; following leyends
		and stories seeking light. Sometimes they were successfull and
		meet with knowlege; sometimes they were not and meet with death.
		
		A truly inspiring book, I highly recommend it !!!

	Beelzebubs' Tales to his Grandson -  A semi-fictional view of mankinds'
		world as narrated from Beelzebubs' to his Grandson, during a
		boring intergalactic travel to heaven. These tales of his, are
		full of insight into the human ways' of being. In this book, by
		means of Beelzebubs' narratives, Gurdjieff gives his reasons as
		of why mankind behaves as behaves. The name of Beelzebubs' is
		used by Gurdjieff somewhat out of the devilish context that is 
		normaly asociated with it; that is, Beelzebubs is just the name
		given to this central character of his (although it humorously
		maintains some resemblance to its "darker meaning")

	Life is Only Real then When I am... -  The last of his books, this one
		is a compilation of part of Gurdjieffs' philosophy. Its mostly
		based on the talks that he gived in his "Institute for Harmo-
		nious Development of Man"; place where he teached several topics
		related to man harmonious development: music, dance, and yoga
		among others. Regretfully, he never finished this one.


From Peter Diastinovitch Outspensky:

	In Search for the Miraculous -  Peter D. O. Describes in this book his
		personal quest for knowledge. It details his encounter with 
		whom later became his mentor and guide: Gurdjieff. He not only
		describes this, but the extraordinary adventures and experiences
		he passed thru as a result of this event. I must mentioned that
		although Peter became a disciple of Gurdjieff, he maintained his
		"independency" and his writings are not extremly influenced by
		Gurdjieff philosophy.

		A great book !!!

	The Fourth Way -  A detailed description of Gurdjieff philosophy; that
		is, his system: "The Fourth Way". A system for ataining inner
		growth and development well suited for "modern" man.
			  There are three ways or mainly systems, that when
		practiced diligently will promote inner growth; they are the
		way of the monk, the way of the yogi and the way of the fakir.
		But there is the fourth way, the one developed by Gurdjieff.
	
		Another great book !!!


From Colin Wilson:

	The Occult -  A compendium of the history of the "Occult". This book
		follows an almost cronological order on the narration of occult
		phenomena: its stories, events and individuals. It flows, from
		Apolonius of Tyana to Rasputin, from the Druids to Alesteir
		Crowly, from Merlin to Madame Blavatsky and Leon Hipolito de
		Rigail (Alan Kardec). This is truly a fascinating book for
		anyone interested in "Occult" phenomena.

	Mysteries -  The mayor mysteries of paranormal phenomena are analized
		in this superb book.

	Poltergeist -  Here Colin Wilson presents the poltergeist phenomena in
		its various aspects. From places, events and individuals to
		posible explanation for the phenomena.


From Baghwan Shree Rajnesh:

	I Say Unto You...-  The teachings of Jesus are presented here with a
		new light, in a new dimension. If there is anyone looking for
		a fresh, truly universal look at the teachings of the master of
		masters, this is the book.

		Outstanding reading for anyone !!!


From Alan Kardec:

	The Book of the Mediums -  A complete system of mediumnship; from
		techniques to clasifications, on how to recognize an undeveloped
		spirit from a highly developed one.

	The Gospels according to Spiritsm -  Interesting interpretations of the
		Gospels in light of the spiritist "philosophy".

		
From Julio Cortez:

	La Ocha; secrets of the Lucumi religion -  This book gives full
		descriptions of the origin, tradition and ceremonies of the 
		"Religion of the Saints" (in spanish "Santeria"). This book 
		penetrates the deepest mysteries of it; it is truly, fascinating
		reading.
		Note: This book its actually published in spanish and I don't 
		      know if it is available in english. However I decided to
		      mention it here first, because it truly describes this
		      Afro-antillian religion (also known as Vo-Doo in Haiti,
		      Macun in Brazil, The rule of the Candomble through some
		      of the lesser antilles and the Yoruba or Lucumi religion
		      in several other places), Second because anyone inter-
		      ested could try to find out if its publish in english,
		      and third because , who knows if among you readers are
		      some who read spanish ? 

    	three best books;
    
    	"The Kin Of Ata Are Waiting For You" by Dorothy Bryant.
  		a fabulous Jungian fable.   For people who really
    believe in their dreams, this is the book.   I will never be
    the same....
    
    	"The Lion Of Boaz-Jachin and Jachin-Boaz" by Russell Hoban;
    		A father-son parable with an incredible amount of mystical
    depth.   
    
    	"City Of Illusions" by Ursula K LeGuin;
    		A poem disguised as a science fiction book.   A Taoist
    journey from the dawning of a consciousness to the discovery of
    self...
    
    
    	These three are all novels, but some novels are more real than
    any non-fiction could ever be.....    Believe me, these are among
    the VERY best.
    
    	Alan.

    There are so many books that I've read over the years, I'd have to go
    through my library to get all the titles and authors of the ones that
    were good.  Some that come to mind easily are:

    The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge
    A Separate Reality
    Journey to Ixtlan
    Tales of Power
    The Second Ring of Power
    The Eagles Gift
    The Fire From Within

      Carlos Castenada - I read the first three books when I first started
    to become interested in metaphysical and occult subjects, and the others 
    as they were published.  They really caused quite a shift in my view of 
    reality and the world and in us. The seven books document Carlos' 
    apprecticeship to a Yaqui indian, Juan Matus, and span quite a number 
    of years.

    Seth Speaks
    The Nature of Personal Reality

      Seth (through Jane Roberts) - Two other books I read very early on.
    They too stretched my concepts of the world and myself.  Guides to under-
    standing how we create our own reality.

    Medicine Woman
    Flight of the Seventh Moon
    Jaguar Woman
    Star Woman (almost finished!)

      Lynn V. Andrews - Excellent books!  Autobiographies of Lynn's
    apprenticeship and spiritual journey into Native American culture and the 
    "medicine way".  The role of women in this culture is vividly portrayed.

    The Mists of Avalon

      Marion Zimmer Bradley - Though not an occult book, it presents
    the Arthurian Legend from the perspective of the women.  A beautiful
    book!
 
    The I Ching Workbook

      R. L. Wing - An easy to understand, comprehensive approach to
    the I Ching.


    Illusions

      Richard Bach - an inspiring story of Richard's relationship
    with a "reluctant messiah".

    Some astrology books:

    Planets in Transit - Robert Hand

    Everything you want to know about the current cycles of the
    planets and their relationship to your birth chart.

    Saturn: A New Look At An Old Devil - Liz Greene

    An indepth look at Saturn's placement in the signs and houses,
    with a clearer understanding of its teaching principles.  If
    we can work with our Saturn energy, we can learn a tremendous
    amount about ourselves.

    Pluto: The Evolutionary Journey of the Soul - Jeff Green

    Jeff's indepth look at Pluto's placement in the signs and
    houses, and in aspect to the other planets and luminaries.
    A guide to the soul's purpose in this life.


    On Mediumship...

    My Life As A Search For The Meaning Of Mediumship

      Eileen J. Garrett - You would probably have to look for this
    one in a library.  An autobiography by one of the world's most
    gifted and dedicated mediums.  Eileen also established the
    American Society for Psychical Research.
    
    Companions in Spirit
    
      Laeh Maggie Garfield and Jack Grant - A guide to working with
    your spirit helpers.  An excellent book!
    
    


    Carole

    I'll list the books that I have read and enjoyed, but I may not
    have all the author's names.  They are in no particular order.
    
    Escher, Godel, Bach:  by Douglas Hofstra.  Excellent book about
    logic, Mathematics, and Music, and how they are related.  My only
    advice is to read it slow.  (Hofstra now writes an article in
    Scientific American.)
    
    Illusions:  Richard Bach (no relation to above).  Excellent book.
    
    Carlos Castenada Series:  I read all six books for
    the first time in one month last year (whew!).  I found the first
    few books more informative than the latter.  It seemed to me that
    Carlos became more of a storyteller and less of an apprentice. 
    I would reccomend the first books for information, the latter ones for
    entertainment, and all of them to describe Obscure western indian
    Folklore.  It's important to Read them in order.
                                 
    Godbody:  Theodore Sturgeon.  Outstanding book about the appearence
    of a Christ-like figure in a small mid-western town.  It is the
    last book that Sturgeon did.  Be forewarned of explicit sexual detail.
    
    Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainence:  I just finished this one
    a few weeks ago.  It's one of those books that's hard to describe,
    but has to be experienced.  Read it!

    The Tao of Physics: F. Caprica (sp?) and The Dancing Wo Li Masters
    (Author?)  - These two books attempt to explain the relationship
    of Quantum mechanics and Eastern Mysticism.  It seems that they
    have very similar ways to describe the universe.  An example given
    in one of the books tells about a group of artists that develop
    a new form of painting and go to an old antique paint dealer.  The
    dealer examines the style of the new paintings, goes into his back
    room and comes out with dozens of dusty, old paintings of the same
    style.  The "new artists" are today's physicists, and the "old
    paintings" are the teachings of the Eastern Mystics.
 
    The Silva Mind Control Method:  A mind opening book...

    Re .7:
    
    >Illusions:  Richard Bach (no relation to above). 
    
    I understand that Richard is a direct descendent of Johann Sebastian.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

RE: .6
    
    The American Society for Psychical Research was founded by William
    James (something most of his biographers would like to forget) and
    others in 1884 -- more than a smidgeon before Ms. Garrett's time.
    
    She worked extensively, however, with ASPR's research staff at various
    times: as a subject, a consultant, a patron, and as a researcher.
    
    She did found, I think, the Parapsychological Foundation, which
    is also headquartered in New York.  They are a much smaller
    organization which publishes a newsletter, sponsers small conferences,
    and gives small grants to resarchers.
    
    An amazing lady, all around.  She had a true sense of the awesome
    complexity of the human mind, and so, although an active, practicing
    psychic maintained a strong skepticism as to the reality of the surface
    manifestations of her own abilities.
    
    					Topher

    
    
    Hi Topher,
    
    Thanks for the correction on that.  Part of me was not sure if that
    was the correct name of the organization.  She really was an amazing
    woman.  She used to lecture at my church when it was located on
    Exeter Street (formerly the Exeter Street Theatre; originally the
    First Spiritual Temple).  I would have loved to have met her.
    
    Regards, 
    
    Carole
    

    Agartha:A Journey to the Stars - Meridith Lady Young (a channeled 
    book)
    
         This is a book of profound wisdom from a perspective beyond 
    the limitations of physical earth and physical reality. It is also 
    a story about intense personal transformation where physical 
    changes, emotional fears and spiritual traumas are explored and 
    shared in a way which sheds light on the awesome experience of 
    meeting one's teacher.
    
    The Starseed Transmissions - Raphael (aka Ken Carey)(a channeled 
    book)
    
         Messengers of the Universe share new possibilities for human 
    development. Explores human evolution from the Garden of Eden to 
    the present day and empowers us to find ourselves reawakening to 
    experience God as the original source of life. 
    
    Vision - Ken Carey (a channeled book)
    
         A book about co-creating a future of peace and God awarenss. 
    The challenge to human kind is clearly to use courage and wisdom 
    to create what is our natural destiny. 
    
    Terra Christa - Ken Carey
    
         A penetrating look at our Christian heritage, its history and 
    development throughout the ages. A look at the modern world 
    awakening, seeking growth, transformation and renewal of personal 
    and global spirit.
    
    Stardust - Becca Zinn
    
         An intensely personal story of the author's journey from 
    rebellious nihilism and atheism to a spiritual awakening. It took 
    the death of her father, followed by his very convincing return in 
    the spirit, to set her on the spiritual path. She experienced 
    great joy, as well as fear, doubt and frustration, but gradually 
    found the ultimate meaning in her life.
    
    The God-Mind Connection - Jean K. Foster (a channeled book)
    
         An account of the author's communication with spirit 
    counsellors called The Brotherhood, this book provides 
    instructions on finding and making your own personal God-Mind 
    connection. The first volume of a planned trilogy, it offers clear 
    information on how to discover your true purpose and destiny.
    
    The Warrior Athlete - Dan Millman
    
         Based on the secrets of the ancient martial arts and is a 
    dynamic new method for developing the "natural athlete" within 
    every person. By blending all aspects of the total self, the 
    warrior in each person emerges, enhancing the quality of life.
    
    The Final Choice:Playing the Survival Game - Michael Grosso
    
         A look at those manifest phenomena which suggest that the 
    world is now witnessing a revolution of global self-healing:UFO 
    reports, near-death experiences, religious visions, 
    self-transformation through meditation, fourth dimensional 
    communication, the force of the collective mind now impacting on 
    life conditions desparate for a change.
    
    The Moebius Seed - Steven M. Rosen  (fiction)
    
         Weaves into several worlds simultaneously - where individuals 
    discover the powers of their own minds, triggering out-of-body 
    adventures and communication abilities well beyond the powers of 
    the physical world.
    
    Journeys Out of the Body - Robert A. Monroe
    
         Description of the author's first experiences of being out of 
    the body, his fears and how he copes with them. 
    
    Far Journeys - Robert A. Monroe
    
         Takes up where his first book left off. After he gets bored 
    with just poking randomly around, he begins to be taken through 
    some interesting experiences by his guides.
    
    The Ultimate Journey - Robert A. Monroe
    
         Monroe is currently working on this book. It will continue 
    from where Far Journeys ends and explore the ulimate journey of 
    death.
    
    Creative Dreaming - Patricia Garfield, PhD
    
         Explores different cultures and how they use dreaming in 
    their lives. Gives instructions for remembering and interacting 
    with your own dreams.
    
    Life After Life - Raymond A. Moody, M.D.
    
         A doctor's compilation of near death experiences from amoung 
    his own patients as well as patients of others. He finds a common 
    theme running through most.
    
    Life Before Life - Helen Wambach
    
         Hypnotic regression of over 700 individuals and the results.
    
    Jonathan Livingston Seagull - Richard Bach
    Illusions - Richard Bach
    The Bridge Across Forever - Richard Bach
    
    Dancing in The Light - Shirley Maclaine
    
    Medicine Woman - Lynn V. Andrews 
    Flight of the Seventh Moon  "
    Jaguar Woman                " 
    Star Woman                  "
    
    Diary After Death - Franklin Loehr (a chanelled book)
    
         An account of a man's death and his journey afterward.
    
    Incarnation and Reincarnation - Roy Smith
    
    Destiny of the Soul -         Dr. Helen Roberts
    Karma, The Great Teacher -    "    "       "
    
    Dr. John: He Can Read Your Past Lives - Hussey & Sherrod
    
    The Third Eye - T. Lobsang Rampa
         also
    The Saffron Robe
    Wisdom of the Ancients
    
    Siddhartha - Hermann Hesse
    
    The Teachings of Don Yuan - Carlos Castaneda
       and the sequels
    
    A Dweller on Two Planets - Phylos the Thibetan
    An Earth Dwellers Return -   "     "    "
    
    Stranger in A Strange Land - Robert A. Heinlein (sci-fiction)

    
    This last weekend I read two wonderful little books by
    Mary Summer Rain;   "Spirit Song" and "Pheonix Rising".
    
        I found them both rather enlightening, but particularly
    recommend the "Pheonix Rising" book, which summarizes the
    prophecies of a blind Native American woman called "No Eyes".
    The prophecies cover the USA during the upcoming years, but
    give no precise dates.

        Reading these two books has been a spiritual experience,
    and for me they have that "ring of truth".   I would recommend 
    them for any person interested in this type of prophecy.
    The prophecies were quite well in line with the Edgar Cayce
    prophecies, as well as other sources, and they are very
    easy to understand.
    
	Alan.    

         I have read a few books that I have enjoyed (in regards to
    metaphysics, that is.)  At present I am halfway through 
    "The Mists of Avalon" (see .6) and am enjoying the thinking
    that it promotes and provokes in me.  Tremendous accomplishment,
    that book!  I have also enjoyed "The Only Dance There Is" by
    Ram Dass and I especially enjoyed "Illusions" (mentioned in previous
    replies.)  In fact, that was my favorite until this week when
    I read "It's all in the Playing" by Shirley Maclaine.
         I will not tell you why anyone should or shouldn't like it,
    but I can tell you why *I* liked it.  I like it because I find
    (through her writing in this book) that my thinking parallels
    Shirley's nearly 90%.  I have many of the same questions and I
    have reached many of the same consclusions.  If someone were to
    come up to me and say they know nothing about metaphysics and where
    could they start, I'd probably suggest this book to him/her.
    Though it doesn't have *All* the answers, and it isn't a dictionary
    or enclyclopedia of knowledge, it provides more (than what she
    had in "Out on a Limb" or "Dancing in the Light") of the search
    that Shirley has been on and what she has found thus far.  I suppose
    it helps that I have met some of the characters in the book but
    to that extent, it allows for more believability for me (since they
    seem to be true to "form.")  It's easy and fun reading, too.
        (Incidentally, this book was talked about in note 483.)
        I also read a "children's" book a few years ago that I found
    extraordinarily "enlightened" but I don't remember the author or
    the title.  It take about 30 minutes to read and is a story about
    two caterpillars who find themselves on a journey they don't
    understand whereupon they find themselves climbing pillars of 
    other caterpillars.  If anyone knows of it, please enter a reply.
      
    Frederick
    

        ...this is too typical...no sooner does someone start a note
    that another one on exactly the same topic materializes.  Couldn't
    some of you who have been here a long time make an attempt to point
    this out?  It's much easier going through 200 notes than it is going
    through 500.  Look at how many topics there are on dreams, oiuja,
    etc.  I bet they could have been condensed.
      
         Anyway, the note I just happened to uncover is 298.  This note
    (412) could have been appended to that one.  There is also a note
    on periodicals (I didn't write down its number.)
      
    Frederick
    

    The little book about the quest of the two caterpillars is
    called _Hope_for_the_Flowers_.
    						Ann B.

    re: .15
      
        Thank you, Ann, I will try to locate this little book to purchase.
    I think it has an incredibly profound message.
      
    Frederick
    

The best book I've ever read is the autobiography of the Western Spiritual
Teacher, Da Free John.
    
It is:  The Knee of Listening, by Da Free John (Franklin Jones).
        ---------------------                                   
I know that it is available in Harvard Sq at the Dawn Horse Bookstore on
99 Mt Auburn St.
    
The book is Da Free John's story of his spiritual struggle and eventual
re-Awakening, beginning with his birth on Long Island, his college years
at Columbia, his adventures in California, at Stanford, in LSD experiments
at the VA Hospital, his time with a teacher named Rudi in New York (you've
heard of Rudi's foods? Same guy), his discipleship with Swami Muktananda
in India and his Enlightenment in (of all places) Hollywood in 1970.
    
There is absolutely nothing in the field of psychism, mysticism, philosophy
or spirituality that Franklin Jones didn't explore, from Jung to Scientology,
from kundalini yoga to opera.
The bottom line for him was that all of life is seeking and that truth is
not at the end of seeking but rather in the obviation of it.  He realized
that seeking is actually the method of un-happiness, not the means for
attaining happiness.  Once the seeking is removed, what remains is the
happiness that we always already are, prior to everything.  He realized
this truth to such a degree that today his confession, like so many great
beings throughout the great tradition of spirituality, is "I am That".
    
For other books, I'd list anything by this great Teacher.
    
    What books turned me in this direction were:
    
o Zen Buddhism by DT Suzuki, classic intro to this wild "religion"
o Be Here Now, by Ram Dass, LSD, India and Guru stories = profound insights
o Tales of Power, by Castenada, which opened me up to other possibilities
o No Boundary, by Ken Wilber, if you've never read anything by him, run to
   your nearest store and learn about the evolution of consciousness from
   an intelligent, non-religious, credible perspective
o The Book, or the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, (I think that's the
   title) by Alan Watts,  sure Al had his problems, but he could explain the
   manifestation we call the World in witty, Zen-y, loving ways
o The Mad Monk, (can't spell the author's name), a collection of paintings
   by a Korean Buddhist wild man who practices the Way of Unlimited Action.
o Miracle of Love, by Ram Dass, a collection of lilas (or, stories of play)
   about Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj), by Western and Eastern devotees.  Some
   of the stories about this guy will send you crying your head off with
   laughter, others will just send you crying.
    

    Those interested in learning more about reincarnation from a Christian
    viewpoint would do well to read some or all of the following books 
    available from:
    
    	 Religious Research Press
    	 Box 208 
    	 Grand Island, FL  32735

 [The prices listed are postpaid worldwide.]
 [orders of 3 or more books, subtract 20%  ]

	Karma The Great Teacher  455 pages	$14.50

	Destiny of the Soul  285 p.		$12.50	

	Dr. John: He Can Read Your Past Lives
					270 p.	$12.50

	Death With Understanding  282 p.	$12.50

	Diary After Death   148 p.		 $7.50

	Development of Religion as a Science
					92 p.	 $4.50

    
    	- Bill Keefe
    

    ARTHUR FORD SPEAKS FROM BEYOND by Eileen Sullivan is a nonfiction
    work that can bring a lot of comfort to terminal patients and their
    families. 

    
    
    Here are some (non-fiction) books that I highly recommend:
    
    The Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East by Baird T.
    Spaulding - 5 Volume set.  Baird T. Spaulding was a scientist at
    the turn of the century who took a large scientific party into the
    Himalayas to locate the Ascended Masters.  The books describe the
    miracles that the witnessed by such Masters as Master Emil.  Books I
    & II are the best, but all five books are excellent.
    
    You Can Heal Your Life - by Louise Hay
    
    Creative Visualization - by Shakti Gawain

    Living in the Light - by Shakti Gawain
    
    The Blue Island - by W. Stead

    
    Linda

       I know I already entered a reply to this topic but I figured
    I'd just add another.  
        
       As I've mentioned elsewhere, Lazaris has a new book available
    now.  Since it has only been out for about three weeks, it is still
    hard to get, but it should become more visible as time rolls along.
       I recommend the book very highly.  It is simple enough to understand
    (unlike some of the Physics books, e.g. mentioned) and yet complex
    enough in thought that one can spend a great deal of time digesting
    it.  I know that some others among "us" in this DEJAVU studio audience
    are presently reading the book and it would be nice to hear their
    comments, but, in any event, herewith is my recommendation for 
    a "Way to go," for Lazaris.
      
       The title is "The Sacred Journey:  You and Your Higher Self"
      
    
    Frederick
    

    
    I also highly recommend any books by Catherine Ponder, such as "The
    Dynamic Laws of Prosperity" and "The Dynamic Laws of Healing".
    
    

    
    I received a book on 'Channelling' by Jon Klimo recently.  Have
    only managed to read bits and pieces, however it seems to address
    just about every topic discussed in this notes conference and a
    few others (even a section for skeptics).  It also seems to be quite
    a balanced book in that the author tries to just report on the subject
    material rather than to interject his views. Might be worth your time
    to check it out next time you're in a bookstore.
    
    Jon Klimo was also the author of the recent article on "Channelling"
    in the New Age Journal magazine a couple of issues back.  
                                                    
    Cindy
                                                 

    
    	I recently discovered the books by Tom Brown, Jr.   He is well
    known as a naturalist, and has written nine books that I know of.
    But three of these books are autobiographical;   1) "The Tracker"
    2) "The Search", and now, just last week he published the third
    volume of his personal story, "The Vision".    Whew!
    
    	I have to say that I believe these are among the very best
    of all the books I have ever read.   He tells the story of his 
    upbringing in New Jersey, where he was given the most important 
    parts of his education from an Apache teacher, Stalking Wolf.
    
    	I hope these books may mean as much to you as they do to me.    
    
	Alan.

            Living with Joy ... Sanaya Roman
    
    I just started reading this book, and I can't recommend this book
    enough. It's a channeled book on keys to personal power & spiritual
    transformation. It's easy to read and will help bring positive results
    in your life.

    The Lazy Man's Guide To Enlightenment...by Thaddeus Golas
    
       ...continues to be one of my favorite of all-time books.  I've
       gone back to it, time and time again.  The ideas of NO RESISTANCE
       and LOVING AS MUCH AS YOU CAN FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE, have been
       very valuable for me.  It's a short book.  It's also simple...
       like life.
    
    Love Is Letting Go Of Fear...by Gerry Jampolski
    
       I enjoyed this book very much too.
    
    
    Jerri

    
    I just finished a terrific book entitled, "The Masters and the Path",
    by C.W. Leadbeater.  This book goes into the Ascended Masters and
    Shamballa, what we need to do to ascend and what role the Masters play 
    in our development, the Great Initiations, and the heirarchy of
    Masters, Chohans and the Rays, etc.
    
    I bought the book at the Seven Stars in Cambridge, if anyone is
    interested....
    
    Linda

Anyone read any of the St. Germain books, like the Seven Rays or any of the 
others?  I saw them for the first time last night in a bookstore and was drawn 
to them but at the same time apprehensive.  I flipped through some pages and 
they seemed pretty complex.

    
    I just bought _The Seven Rays_, but have been too busy to read
    anything.  I got mine at The House of Zodiac in Framingham.  I 
    also got a book on the chakras that I think is by Leadbeater(sp?).
    It's all part of my interest in "seven-ness".  The basic premise
    of _The Seven Rays_ seemed to be that there are seven types of 
    people and...beyond that I don't know yet.  Glad to provide tons
    of meaningful insight.  
    
    Guy
    

    
    Guy,
    
    At the Lazaris session I attended last December in Ft. Lauderdale,
    he mentioned that when one burns 6 candles, you are the 7th one.
    
    Back to the topic...
      
    Cindy

    
    Cindy,
    
         Thanks for the tidbit.  I like that idea.  
    
         Does that mean whenever _anyone_ burns 6 candles(that I am
    the 7th)?  :-)
    
    
    Guy
    

              
    Hi Guy,
    
    I usually just burn one candle.
    
    Most of the time it's a both ends though.  (;^)
    
    Cindy

    
    Well, personally I like to burn my candles in the middle - as well
    as both ends.  :-)  It's apparent from my stress level.
    
    Guy
    

    Oops!  Guess you can't backspace in a title.   You figure it out.
    
    Guy
    

    Reply to .33, Guy,
    
    Just go to your note that you want to change and type...
    
    modify note/title="xxxx"
    
    That will modify the note's title.

    Two newly published books worth reading:
    
    OUT OF DARKNESS, INTO THE LIGHT by Dr. Gerald Jampolsky (author of
    LOVE IS LETTING GO OF FEAR)   An autobiographical story of his own
    'journey of inner healing'.
    
    SEAT OF THE SOUL by Gary Zukav (author of the DANCING WI LU MASTERS)
    
    
    Ro
    

    I'm not quite halfway through this yet, and it is GREAT!
    It has blasted away any of my preconceived 'warm and fuzzy'
    notions of witchcraft today/history-of, and paganism,
    and instead replaced my notions with ideas of possibilities.  
    I see this as an eye opener and a must read for anyone interested
    in the Craft and/or Paganism.       
    
    I probably could have done a better job of writing the above,
    but wanted to post this while thinking of this.  If this has already
    been mentioned, maybe a moderator could modify the titles of these
    replies to show the titles of the books being reviewed.  In the
    mean time, I will write a more comprehensive review and post it
    here.  It may be a while.
    
    Karen

    
    Try "14 Years With My Teacher," by John Mann, available through the
    Rudra Press, of Cambridge, Mass.   This is John's account of
    his association with Rudi, a Brooklyn-born Kundalini Yoga master.
    The account is very sincere and matter-of-fact. Highly interesting.
    
    
    I'd also like to recommend the books of Francis Merrill Wolf: 
    "Pathways Through Space" and "Philosophy of Consciousness Without
    and Object." (can't think of the publisher). Wolf was a professor
    of Mathematics who had a series of breakthroughs which culiminated
    in what he feels is the self-realization spoken of in the classical
    scriptures. "Pathways Though Space" is an experiential account
    of what happened to him. "Philosophy of Consciouness Without an
    Object" is a follow-up in which he attempts to communicate the 
    insights that derived from his experience. He also tries to find
    a reconciliation with what is usually understood as an "Eastern"
    phenomena with the foundations of Western Philosophy.
    
     
    
    
    
    

    Some more books:
    
    "Christ Consciouness," by Norman Poulsen. 
    
    Norman is a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, though he
    is not part of SRF (Self Realization Fellowship), the organization
    that is carrying on Yoganananda's teachings. He lived as a monk with
    Yogananda for a number of years and has many interesting stories 
    about that Master that you don't hear through SRF.
    
    He left the monastary after Yogananda passed on and moved to the
    California desert where he had a series of experiences which can
    only be described as "out of this world." He says that he was contacted
    by extraterrestrial beings (human beings, not little grey men)
    who raised man to consciouness on this world and are currently locked
    in a struggle to free man from the influence of malevolent beings
    who have held him in thrall for aeons. 
    
    The book is partly Norman's personal story and partly his description
    of what was revealed to him by Yogananda and these beings, whom
    he calls, "The Builders." Norman and his group are currently living
    on a ranch in the high desert of Nevada. I stopped to see them 
    on my way to California (they live right on Rte 80) and to me,
    they seemed for real. Norman is certainly a good and sincere man.
    Whether he's crazy or not, decide for yourself. The book is 
    published by The Builder's Press and I've seen it around here and
    there. As a follow up, read Autobiography of a Yogi, published by SRF
    (about Yogananda).
    
    
    In the same vein, "Autobiography of a Western Yogi," by Swami
    Kryananda, Ananda Press, is good. Kriyananda was a brother disciple of
    Norman in Yogananda's ashram.
    
    
    "The Notebooks of Paul Brunton", published, I think, by the Paul
    Brunton Foundation, is a multi-volume rumination by a seeker who
    seems very classically European, sophisticated, and gentlemanly,
    yet who trekked around India looking for living embodiments of 
    spiritual truth. He spent a considerable amount of time with Ramana
    Maharshi, but doesn't recommend or seem personally inclined toward
    devotion to a particular path or teacher. The notebooks consist
    of series of individual thoughts, briefly, but deeply considered.
    
    Several previous noters recommended the books of Da Free John. I
    like to second that recommendation. His writing may be somewhat
    "heavy duty" and philosophical and you may think he's the 
    ultimate psychotic genius, but he is able to bring everything
    from Macumba to Mahayana Buddhism into a single, clear picture like
    nobody else. Some people may be instantly put off by his assertion
    that he himself has reached perfection. If so, look beyond that.
    There's a rich body of material there.
    
      
    
    
    

I'd like to recommend the following book:

	'Waking Up' 
	by Charles Tart,
	published by Element Books,
	ISBN 1-85230-053-1.

Here's the blurb from the back:

	The purpose of this book is to help you find what you
	think you already have, namely free will, intelligence,
	and self-consciousness. 

	Using the latest data from scientific studies, Charles Tart,
	author of best-selling 'Altered States of Conciousness', 
	explains how we can awaken from that trance-like state
	called 'ordinary conciousness'.

	Drawing on powerful ideas and exercises from various traditions,
	Tart shows how to overcome the cultural conditioning and
	habitual attitides that have become barriers and limitations
	to true conciousness.

	Interpreting and expanding the psychological and spiritual
	teachings of G I Gurdjieff, he explores the obstacles to full
	human potential, showing that it is possible to achieve
	inner peace as well as greater effectiveness in the world.

John D.

    Well, I see it was me who made the last entry, ah well,
    here's another *very* good book for you.

    And again, it's by Charles Tart. This is a very open
    minded human being, working in a scientific framework
    who has changed over the years to realise that science
    only has some of the answers. I urge you to try
    one of his books.

    Anyway, here's the one I just finished reading:

	"Open Mind, Discriminating Mind"
	- Charles T. Tart
	- Harper and Row
	- ISBN 0-06-250855-5
	
John D.

    Another good book along the lines of using a solid scientific framework
    from various fields, plus integrative modern trends, for psychic and 
    spiritual concepts is
    
    Title: 	Recovering the Soul, a scientific and spiritual search
    Author: 	Larry Dossey, M.D.
    Publisher:  Bantam Books
    Copyright:  1989
    
    I found this to be a very satisfying blend of spiritual values and
    concepts, and scientific proofs regarding what is referred to as the
    nonlocal nature of the mind.  This involves research, speculations,
    and literary reference regarding psychic phenomena, human interaction,
    healing/disease, and other topics that cross the conceptual boundaries 
    between science and things of the spirit.
    
    The author refers frequently to work by Jung, Einstein, Wilber, Godel,
    and particularly Margeneau, as well as older literary sources
    like Lao Tzu and the Upanishads.  
    
    I found this book neither too deeply technical nor too spiritually 
    fluffy to be distracting, and the message was to me a very uplifting
    one.   Highly recommended.
    
    	warm regards,
    
    	>Todd>

    
    A poor appetite for good books eventually leads to intellectual
    malnutrition.
    
    If anyone enjoys reading a spicy book, read a Mexican cookbook.
    
    There might be more good books if there were good people to read them.
    
                                     RM
    

         A nice little book I just bought (yes, I did!  for me!  :-) )
    is one called 
         "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"  by Dr. Seuss.
    
         Yes, Dr. Seuss, of the goofy cartoon characters!  It's a very
    simple book, of course, but with a nice message.  Try it out on
    your kids or yourself...a good message to start life with.
    
    Frederick
    

    A friend of mine recently asked me to recommend
    a basic book on meditation. For some reason
    the book 'How to Meditate' by Lawrence LeShan
    came to mind - I assumed I'd read it a long time
    ago. I bought it and flicked through it. I
    definitely have never read it before. I've
    just read it cover to cover and it
    is a very good book IMHO. Perhaps some pointers to
    prayer and guided imagery would have been
    nice additions but definitely a good book if
    you or someone you know wants to know 'How to...'

John D.

    
    re .50
    
    
                  I baught this book about a month ago and agree. It is 
    a very good "starter" book; and reasonably priced too.
    
                                      Later,
                                       Mark
    
    

    re: .50,
    	I agree also.  LeShan covers the topic very broadly and
    	in a very practical fashion.
    
    	"The New Three Minute Meditator" by David Harp is also
    	very good.  It is even simpler than LeShan, written for
    	a completely experiential approach, with the occasional theory 
    	of conceptual notion separated out into separate blocks of text.  
    
    	It is not as authoritative as "How to Meditate," but I found
    	it easier to get started with.
    
    	Todd

    
    	Could one of you Dejavu'ers direct me to the BOOKS note 
    	conference. I will thank you in advance.  
    
    
    						thanks... joe
    
    

    Joe,
    
    BOOKS can be found at COLBIN::BOOKS ...
    
    
    /peter

I'd like to recommend a science fiction book to you.

	'Earth' by David Brin (out in paperback).

It's a sprawling, block-buster of a novel set in the
near future. I wouldn't say the writing style is brilliant
but it's good enough so that you don't notice it.
What is interesting though is the combination of
hard science with 'whole-earth' concepts. It's a future
in which many of the current ecological problems are
bearing bitter fruit - floods, high ultra-violet levels, etc.

But its a future in which man is beginning to *cooperate*
with the earth. It's a future with an electronic network
rather like EASYNET but instant, ubiquitous and open-to-all.

I won't spoil the story for you, but it involves black-holes,
gravity lasers, nano-tachnology, love, humanity and Gaia.

If you want to face ecological doom - and face it
with hope - then this book is for you.

John D.

    Sounds great, John.

    
    I just purchased:
    
      "The Body Of Light - History and Practical Techniques for Awakening
                           your Subtle Body"
          by:  John Mann and Lar Short
    
    and it is excellent.  The first half of the book is dedicated to
    comparing the various references to this body in the religions and
    cultures the world (specifically Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, are the
    primary ones, however also mentioned are Christianity, Islam, Judaism
    and even the Australian Aboriginal culture).  It is not an indepth
    study by any means, however it provides a lot of links that are
    otherwise obscured by the divisions in the world.
    
    The second half of the book gives introductory, intermediate and
    advanced methods for actually awakening the subtle body.  
    
    The book is an excellent companion to "Hands Of Light" by Barbara 
    Brennan, for those of you who are familiar with that book.
    
    Cindy

A good biography of Krishnamurti is the one by
Mary Lutyens. 

Krishnamurti: The Years of Awakening

Krishnamurti: The Years of Fulfillment (ISBN: 0-380-71112-5, Avon Books, NY)

Krishnamurti: The Open Door

Very balanced. Lots of quotes from K talks and conversations.

John D.

     Hi!

     Does anyone have any recommendations for good books on chakra
     studies?

     I am specifically looking for information on studies that
     have been done/are being done that prove the existence of
     chakras and the subtle energy system.

     Thanks for your help.

     Meredith

    
    "Body Of Light", by Mann and Short
    
    The first half of the book talks about references to the etheric/energy
    body found in the major religions.
    
    The second half of the book gives exercises on how to experience your
    own energy body.
    
    Excellent work.
    
    Cindy

The winter 1992 issue of Gnosis (#22) has dreams as a theme.
The table of contents:

Are Dreams for Real?
  Richard Smoley
The Dark Speech of God
  Michael McNierney
Portals of Sleep
  Charles A. Coulombe
The Dreaming Universe
  Fred Alan Wolf
The Promise of Shared Dreaming
  Barbara Shor
The Body's Role in Dreaming
  Luke Lukens
Dreams and the Sufi Path
  Lllewellyn Vaughan-Lee
The Dream of the Sleeper
  Refik Algan
The Dream Question of the Kabbalah
  Ariel Bar-Tzadok
The Weighing of the Heart
  D. Jean Collins

    

The Capricious Cosmos
  Universe beyond law
 by Joe Rosen     $19.95 (hardcover)

PUB: Macmillan, New York
     Maxwell Macmillan, Toronto
     Maxwell Macmillan International, New York, Oxford, Singapore, Sidney

ISBN 0-02-604931-7

From the jacket:

    Science. *Science.*  SCIENCE.  What a wonderful,
    powerful-sounding word! It instantly induces an
    atmosphere of pure rationality.  It rings loudly a
    symphony of universal knowledge and understanding...
    Does the world look a mess?  Are things getting out of
    hand?  Never fear; science is here!  All will soon be
    set straight.  Order will soon be found and everything
    will be understood and under control.

So begins theoretical physicist Joe Rosen in this charming, provocative, 
and enlightening look at what science can and cannot tell us about
reality. Of those--including large numbers of scientists--who believe
that science is the fountainhead of understanding of the material
world, Joe Rosen says flatly, "They are mistaken."  And he goes on to
show why, with meticulous logic and mesmerizing narrative.

Contrary to popular opinion in our technophilic age, science is *not*
on the verge of explaining all aspects of the material world.  In
fact, science will *never* be able to comprehend the material world as
a whole, for it lies beyond science--orderless, lawless, and
unexplainable.  Any understanding of the whole must therefore come
from outside science.

Just where science leaves off and metaphysics picks up is the subject
of this exceptional book.

Though not a transcendentalist himself, Joe Rosen argues that
metaphysical explanations of the universe are as valid as scientific
ones, depending on what's under investigation, and he explores the
seeming contradiction between the lawlessness and orderlessness of the
universe as a whole and the existence of order and laws *within* the
universe.  With crystalline clarity and a delightfully lighthearted
touch, he raises profound questions about the most far-ranging issues
science embraces today.  His insights shed new light on the value of
cosmology, on quantum theory, and on the possible origins of the
universe.

Here, then, is a hardheaded realist's invitation to the
transcendental.


Joe Rosen is a professor of physics at Tel Aviv University as well as
a musician, composer, and conductor.  Currently a visiting professor
in the physics department at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.,
he has also held positions at Brown University, Boston University, and
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  A distinguished
contributor to the study of symmetry, he is the author or editor of
six previous books, including _Symmetry Discovered: Concepts and
Applications in Nature and Science._
    

    re: .63, /b
    	Thanks for that review.  It sounds interesting.
    
    	I wonder if Israel's cultural trends are parallel to American,
    	but a few years separated...
    
    	His description of 'technophilia' sounds like I'm used to 
    	thinking about in terms of the 60's and 70's, whereas
    	to my peprspective it seems almost as if the pendulum
    	in literature has swung in the last decade more toward
    	technophobia !  Aanyway, regardles of the timing, it still
    	sounds like fascinating reading.
    
    						kind regards,
    
    						todd

    "Learned Optimism" by Martin Seligman, Ph.D.
    
    I'd post a summary but I don't have the time and no one cares.  Haven't 
    gotten to where you unlearn pessimism and learn optimistic thought 
    patterns, but I probably won't bother to finish the book since self-help 
    books don't work anyway.
    
    (I will post more as I finish, hope you saw the invisible smileys -
    I think it's great so far.)
    
    karl
    
    p.s. postulates are supported by actual scientific testing (sure...)

    Karl (.65),
    
    Glad you mentioned the smilies...took me awhile to catch on!  
    
    Ro
    

    Since there is occasionally an interest in hypnosis raised in
    topics here, I thought this might be worthwhile reposting.
    I originally posted it as topic 5.19 in QUOKKA::PSYCHOLOGY.
    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    "... Henceforth, serious discussion of the nature of hypnosis 
    will begin here."
    
    	... says T.X. Barber reviewing the new book _Theories_of_Hypnosis_,
    	promoted by Guilford Press as a collection of authoritative articles 
    	on the most current theories of hypnosis, edited by Steven Lay Lynn
    	and Judith W. Rhue.  
    
    	Guilford claims that this is the current state-of-the-science
    	in this field, covering all major theories, organized to promote
    	the reader's ability to compare and contrast the strengths and
    	weaknesses of the various empirical methods used to address
    	crucial theoretical questions.
    
    	Important issues covered from a number of different perspectives
    	include the relationship between hypnosis and altered states
    	of consciousness, the volunatary and involuntary nature of
    	hypnotic behavior, the stability and modifiability of the 
    	hypnotizability 'trait,' and making meaningful distinctions between
    	hypnotic and non-hypnotic behaviors.  
    
    	Here is the table of contents :
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    	Theories of Hypnosis, an Introduction, Lyunn and Rhue
    
    I.	HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES
    
    	1.  Early Theories : A clinical perspective, Hilgard
    	2.  History and Historigraphy , Spanos and Chaves
    
    II. SINGLE-FACTOR THEMES
    
      A.  The Neodissociation Perspective
    
        3.  A Neodissociation Interpretation of Hypnosis, Hilgard
    	4.  An Neodisssociative Critique of Spano's Social-Psychological
    		Model of Hypnosis, Bowers and Davison
    	5.  Hypontizability : Individual differences in dissociation
    		and the flexible control of psychological processes,
    		Evans
    
      B.  Hypnosis as psychological regression
    
    	6.  Hypnosis as a special case of regression, Nash
    
      C.  Hypnosis as relaxation
    
    	7.  Anesis, Edmonston
    
    III.  CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES
    
        8.  The Locksmith model :  accessing hypnotic responsiveness,
    		Barber.
    
    	9.  Ericksonian Hypnotherapy : A Communications approach, Zeig and
    		Rennick
    
    IV.   THE SOCIAL-COGNITIVE PERSPECTIVE
    
    	10.  Role Theory : a dramaturgical and narrational perspetive, Coe 
    		and Sarbin
    
    	11.  Social-Cognitive approach, Spanos
    
    	12.  Compliance, belief, and semantics in hypnosis : a nonstate,
    		social-cognitive perspective, Wagstaff
    
    	13.  An integrative model of hypnosis, Lynn and Rhue
    
    	14.  Social Learning Theory of hypnosis, Kirsch
    
    	15.  Ecosystemic approach, Fourie
    
    V.  INTERACTIVE-PHENOMENOLOGICAL MODELS
    
    	16.  Two disciplines of scientific hypnosis : a synergistic model,
    		Nadon, Laurence, Perry
    
    	17.  Hypnosis, COntext, and COmmittment, Sheehan
    
    	18.  The construction and resolution of experience and behavior
    		in hypnosis, McConkey
    
    	19.  TOward a Social-Psychobiological Model of Hypnosis, Banyai
    
    VI. CONCLUSIONS
    
    	20.  Hypnosis Theories : Themes, Variations, and Research
    		Directions, Lynn and Rhue.
    
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    	634 pp., ISBN 0-89862-343-X.  Recent publication price of $45 from
    	the publisher.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    							todd

    I just discovered yesterday that Lewis Spence's 
    _Encyclopedia_of_Occultism_ has been republished.  This old and 
    classic volume has an amazing amount of information about the
    spiritual and occult traditions and unexplained phenomena
    of Spence's time and before, and with a balanced kind of
    presentation that I find extremely rare.  A wonderful historical
    and literary introduction to such topics as Astrology, Tarot,
    Alchemy, Spiritualism, and so on.
    
    	Recommended to all students of psychic phenomena.
    
    							kind regards,
    
    							todd

    Just finished this book this past weekend and found myself thinking
    that there may be others here who would enjoy it. The book puts forth
    certain "truths" and also gives ways of verifying them for yourself.
    It's written as fiction.
    
    The subject matter makes a great introduction to information about 
    the Ascension process that many believe is going on at this time.
    
    There are some fascinating insights possible in working through to 
    understand some of the points, particularly about how energy flows 
    among groups of people trying to converse about their truth seeking.
    
    From the back of the book:
    
            An ancient manuscript has been found in Peru.  Its contents:
            9 insights the human race is predicted to grasp as we enter
            an era of true spiritual awareness.
    
            In this gripping adventure-tale, James Redfield offers a
            compelling vision of the new spiritual understanding that
            is emerging in human culture.  You will instantly recognize
            the truth of the First Insight: in each of our lives occur
            mysterious coincidences -- sudden, unexplained events that,
            once interpreted correctly, serve to guide and direct our
            actions.
    
            Join the adventure and let this synchronistic perception
            guide you through a daring search for the remaining insights.
            Each will be found in turn, and each will clarify how a
            growing link with the spiritual is relentlessly transforming
            human life.
    
            Reading like a story of high adventure, but having the in-depth
            effect of a spiritual parable, The Celestine Prophecy will take
            you on a journey that will lighten your soul, and connect you
            with a vision and an experience that is already changing the
            world.
    
    ISBN 0-944 353-00-2
    Retail Price: $13.95 [available through Waldenbooks]
    
    	Enjoy...
    
    		- Bill

    I picked up "Where Science and Magic meet" (I forget the author's name,
    something hyphenated) because it seemed to have some useful reviews of
    parapsychology literature when I was browsing it.  She seems to 
    have done some research on the hypothetical role of the pineal gland in 
    psi phenomena, which is a centerpiece of the several chapters.
    
    It wasn't quite what I was after, but it did turn out to be a rather
    interesting position statement about 'New Age' philosophy, and its
    relationship to experimental parapsychology.  
    
    I recently saw a review of the same book in Fortean Times, and the
    reviewer felt that this was the best, most concise single volume on 
    the 'New Age' interpretation of psychology, physics, 'anthropological 
    parapsychology,' and other sciences.
    
    If this is your cup o' tea, you might want to keep a look 
    out for it.  I got mine at _Barnes and Nobles_ locally.
    
    							kind regards,
    
    							todd

    re: .70,
    	The information is :
    
    	"Where Science and Magic Meet," by Serena Roney-Dougal, 1991,
    	Element Books, Ltd., Great Britain.
    
    							todd

RE: .71

    I wondered from the description if it might be by Serena.  She has a
    new book out, by the way.  I have not read either one, but I have
    read papers by her, and spent time talking to her.  She is a serious
    researcher with a good understanding of science as a process and the
    science that she deals with.  She perceives, I would say, science as a
    powerful tool for understanding the physical universe without feeling
    that that restricts her to considering the universe as purely physical.

    On that basis I would say that her books should be very worth reading
    though I cannot go any further since I have not read them myself.

    I will also mention as a side light, that she is one of the most, for
    lack of a better term, "grounded" individuals I have ever met.  She
    produces a sensation, at least in me, of seemingly radiating a palpable
    calm and self-assurance.

					    Topher

    re: .72, (Topher)
    	Thanks very much for the comments.  I'll take your perceptions
    	into account as I finish the rest of the book.  
    
    	I think she does accomplish something of what I feel
    	parapsycholgists probably _should_ do in their public publishings,
    	which is to investigate _how_ things happen, and not be overly 
    	concerned with proving to skeptics that something paranormal is 
    	happening, or persuading people that there is world-changing
    	potential in human capabilities.  She certainly
    	spends no time playing up to skeptical readers.  In fact I found
    	the lack of attention disconcerting.  
    
    	So far, I've found some of her ideas a little bit questionable,
    	or at least confusing, like equating _psi_ with _mana_ and other 
    	cross-cultural comparisons.  Things which clearly overlap onto
    	the normal, being equated with something that is explicitly
    	paranormal.  A confusion of the vitalistic stance with the
    	unexplained phenomena of the mechanical materialistic stance,
    	at least in my mind.
    
    There is never any recognition that I could tell
    	that the same conditions conducive to psi are often also conducive
    	to mistaken impressions of psi.  Something I've heard mentioned
    	by other parapsychologists frequently.  As she says, this is of little
    	consequence to a sorcerer, who might apparently use the
    	Batcheldor(?) principle to full potential, and use a deception to 
    	produce the conditions conducive to psi.  But perhaps it should be of 
    	more relevance to a scientist, who does possibly need to know 
    	at a given point whether a healer is holding their patient's liver in 
    	their hands or a conjured cow liver.  Serena doesn't seem to think
    	that there is any importance at all to the distinction.  
    	
    	She appears to take to heart in her philosophy the principle
    	she quotes from psi research, that the outcome is all-important
    	and the mechanism of no consequence, and even an impediment
    	to understanding.
    
    	I guess I'd have been more comfortable with her effort if she
    	at _some_ point played devil's advocate and at least gave lip
    	service to alternate interpretations of the data she cites
    	from parapsychology.  
    	
    	Surprisingly, though, in spite of these points of contention
    	I have with the book, it does hold together pretty well as a kind
    	of guided trip through parapsychology from what seems to be
    	an insider's perspective.   
    
    						kind regards,
    
    						todd

RE: .73 (Todd)

    I would guess then that she is trying to present a non-scientific
    hypothesis from within a non-scientific worldview and is looking at
    how scientific results would be interpretted from within this
    worldview.  This is bad science but can be perfectly valid within other
    sets of criteria than the scientific one.

    It is very hard to step outside our cultural -- including the science
    culture -- norms and see that people are not being irrational (though
    they may be acting non-rationally) or obtuse when they do not conform
    to those norms.  Here is something I wrote in another forum:

        "There are a range of phenomena which, for lack of a better term, I
        shall call, in analogy with "psi", "sigma" phenomena.  Within a
        number of valid worldviews, sigma phenomena are a unitary, complete
        category of experience.  The similarity of these phenomena are more
        important than their differences.  Explanations of sigma phenomena
        within these worldviews address the patterns and similarities
        across of all of sigma.

        "From the scientific viewpoint, however, (which is another, equally
        valid one) some sigma phenomena might be covered by current
        explanatory mechanisms accepted by that viewpoint and some seem to
        require the creation of new explanatory mechanisms.  This latter
        sub-category of sigma is called "psi" (this is, by the way, a
        somewhat informal description of the formal definition of "psi"). 
        Since it is one of the fundamental tenants of the scientific
        viewpoint that understanding is increased by finding phenomena for
        which your current understanding is not sufficient and correcting
        that insufficiency, this distinction between psi and other sigma
        phenomena is fundamentally important."
	
    This was, by the way, addressed at some "sigma-ists" who were
    disconcerted and upset by some "psi-ists", so the emphasis leans in
    that direction.  I think that it is relevant here, as well, though.

					Topher

    re: .74,
    
    I think that something along those lines would have made a useful preface 
    to Serena's book, Topher.   It's an important distinction that's
    habitually (and annoyingly) overlooked in the mutual criticisms of 'sigma' 
    and psi theorists.   It seems somewhat analagous to the foxes and hedgehogs
    schools in philosophy.
    
    						thanks,
    
    						todd
    
    (btw, I thought the latest Anomalous Propagation was the most
    interesting one so far.  The Bieneviste (sp?) thing has gotten too little
    coverage so far elsewhere.)

       For me, this notesfile and the books mentioned throughout it are
    indicative of a common search for clarity and truth.  Knowing that
    there is more to life than what 'Science' delivers pushes me to
    look further.  One book, I found, that provides clarity in interpersonal
    relationships is the "Celestine Prophecy".
    
            I am revisiting this topic from reply 412.69
    
            This story provided a good explanation as to the reasons behind
    the unpredictable swings in a relationship (Perhaps this would be more
    appropriate for the singles notesfile).
    
            The story provides 9 insights to the evolution of man.  As the
    word insight implies, it clarifies and makes visable the mechanics of
    interpersonal relations.  The concept of energy field dynamics,
    charging/discharging, inexhaustable resources and connectivity are
    very alluring.
    
    Anybody else ......
    
    							Jorge'    

    I have been reading The Celestine Prophecy for more than a month now
    because I find so much in it to digest and because I don't want it to
    end!  I have made copious notes as I read it.  I found of particular
    interest the explanation offered about falling in and out of love so
    easily, how to make relationships last, it's ok if they do not last,
    etc.  The instructions on gaining and sharing energy was also of great
    interest. Tonight I plan to attend a "mini lecture, discussion, and
    guided meditation" on The Celestine Prophecy by Dr. Regina St. Clare 
    at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Nashua.  If there is anything of 
    interest to report, I'll fill you in!
    
    *Susan*
                      

    
    *Susan*
                      
	HI Susan,

	   GREAT! I also loved that book, and want to re-read it.
	Please let us know.

	Mikki

    Susan, what time is this and does there need to be pre-registration? I
    live in the Nashua area and would love to attend something on this. It
    might help me to finish the book. I've only gotten through 6 or 7
    chapters and cannot get any further. It's probably because I need to
    work through the issues described in what I've already read.  
    
    Bright Blessings
    
    PJ

    Hi, PJ.  It starts at 7:30 and no registration is required.  See you
    there!  I'm wearing an Indian cotton skirt (very colorful), an egg-
    yolk colored blouse, and shawl.  I don't think you can miss me!
    
    *Susan*
    

    Pj ... you never showed up and Susan looked wonderful! I did not get
    much out of the lecture actually, it seemed to be rather scattered.
    However, afterwards, I had coffee with Trish (and friends) who has
    taken the Celestine weekends and came away with a thorough
    understanding. I also met two other very wonderful women, a mother and
    daughter, just recently moved here from the Hawaiian islands who give
    workshops on crystals.
    
    Serenity

    Serenity, I ended up having to work late again. We're down to one
    person per shift and we overlap in my group. So we end up working 12 to
    14 hour workdays and have been that way for a month. No end to it in
    sight either. Just a question around whether we'll be working for
    DIGITAL or someone else. I didn't even leave work until after 8:00 that
    evening and have corresponded with Susan off-line and explained. I'm
    sorry that I missed it anyway and missed seeing you. It's been to long.
    :-)
    
    Bright Blessings
    
    PJ

    .81 Serenity - thank you, sweetie.  I was delighted to see you there.
    
    To all
    I'm glad I attended the mini lecture, for many reasons!  In no par-
    ticular order:
    - I love the energy produced by group meditation.  We did a medita-
      tion that evening.
    - I met many connected individuals.
    - The lecturer stressed that she was not there to answer questions;
      we must find our own answers, just like The Celestine Prophecy
      says.  From now on I'll refer to this as "the book"  ^ ^ ^
    - The purpose of her many mini lectures is to provide ongoing
      practice and discussion of the book.  She asked for, and received,
      volunteers to lead discussion groups on a regular basis.
    - She stressed that we need to learn and practice the insights listed
      in the book.  They are not new; they just need to be learned this
      time.
    - She is preparing a course entitled "Heaven 101" which will be
      piloted in New Jersey (where she is headquartered) over a weekend
      (Fri/Sat/Sun) in November.  The newly found group or discussion
      leaders will attend this session.
    - I personally was amazed to hear all the "coincidences" reported by
      various people attending the lecture.  I was, and then again,
      I was not (surprised).
    - One particularly surprising fellow is a financial planner who is
      giving a course at the moment and related the accomplishment of 
      financial goals to the physical setting (writing down) of those
      goals, which causes "coincidences" to occur which make the goals
      come true.
    
    Please, Serenity or anyone else, feel free to add to my little
    synopsis here!
    
    *Susan*/*Stella*