Silent Moments

Book Description

This 96-page gift book presents nearly 90 sublime photographs of winter scenes, specially selected for the feelings of meditative peace and tranquility that they inspire. Accompanied by insights from philosophers, statesmen, writers, and religious figures, Silent Moments is meant to lift the spirits and instill an appreciation for the quiet beauty of the season. Thanks to the versatility of our new Courage 8 x 8 gift format, we have received significant increased orders for our first four titles in this series, and expect our new gift books to continue that success.

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Guide to forming your own traditions
Solving the Mystery of Our Traditions
A gathering of winter traditions from many sources
Tradition and ritual without faith
getting into the spirit

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas
John Matthews
Manufacturer: Quest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Holidays | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Customs & Traditions | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Family Activities | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

New Thought | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth
The Winter Solstice
The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice
Autumn Equinox: The Enchantment of Mabon

Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0835608344

Book Description

Brimming with stories, activities, folklore, and recipes, this popular holiday gift book traces the history behind many sacred traditions of the season and provides practical suggestions for celebrating the Winter Solstice as a joyous, life-affirming festival.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Guide to forming your own traditions.......2007-01-27

My family was looking to develop our own traditions and to understand why traditions where as they are today. This book was a wonderful source.

Solving the Mystery of Our Traditions.......2007-01-03

I absolutely loved this book and found it a great companion for the holidays. The author explains the background and history of Solstice, Christmas, Santa Claus, plant and animal symbols. He even explains the 12 Days of Christmas and includes activities, recipes, and rituals to celebrate the sacred days between 12/1 and 1/6.

This book is highly recommend for people wanting to know the why behind the celebrations.

A gathering of winter traditions from many sources.......2005-02-07

Most people who celebrate Christmas know that numerous elements of our modern traditions come from older religions than Christianity, but the range of source traditions astounds me. There is, for instance, no one source of the practice of observing the winter solstice itself, of myths involving the death or sacrifice and rebirth of a deity, or of father and son symbols for the old year and the new. Many sources are cited in the book as possible origins of Santa Claus, of the giving of gifts, and the custom of bringing greenery indoors.

It's not the diversity of customs that fascinates me so much as the variety of myths and stories that impact on an emotional level. When I consider the winter solstice traditions presented here, as a whole, I realize how similar all cultures are in their most basic concerns. The winter solstice was a time of great disquiet to people who lived close to the earth, more than a couple of centuries ago. The shortening of days, scarcity of food, and intense cold of winter carried far deeper implications for those who lived directly off the land and couldn't quickly transport needed goods. It's no surprise some important and deeply meaningful traditions arose from the resulting insecurity about the future.

Whatever the reason behind the timing of Christmas so near the solstice, and whatever your beliefs about it or your reason for reading, you'll find a wealth of information in The Winter Solstice. This impressively researched book even contains ideas for creating celebrations and traditions of your own. It's a fitting tribute to this most ancient holy day. If your celebration centers around the birth of Jesus, never fear. There's a wealth of commentary and research included on traditions specific to Christianity. But an open mind is required to sift through the myth, legend, history, and blending of customs. This is not a book conducive to fundamentalist thinking about religion-any religion, Christian, pagan or otherwise. It's far better suited to those with a penchant for myth and speculation.

A few of the subjects covered in the first chapter are The Returning Sun, Chambers of the Sun and Sun-Rites, with mention of those ancient structures built for the purpose of calculating or demonstrating the sun's return at the turn of the solstice, such as Stonehenge in England, New Grange in Ireland, and Mayan ruins. Zuni houses in North America contained objects and windows designed to catch the rays of the returning sun. Saturnalia, New Year rites, the Celtic Calendar, and the sun gods of Egypt and elsewhere are also mentioned, as well as a fifteen hundred-year-old Jewish commentary on the Babylonian Talmud. This is just a taste, mind you, and only from the first chapter.

The information is presented in short sections, so it's easy to pick up and read a few paragraphs. But these paragraphs will easily draw you in for a longer read. It can be read straight through, or enjoyed as a coffee table book to share with friends, and to stimulate discussion and speculation. It's a must-read, for me, during the December holidays.

Tradition and ritual without faith.......2004-11-15

I've always loved Christmas. But a few years ago I deconverted from faith; I found myself, as an atheist and humanist, longing for a connection to the holiday I loved. This book helped me forge a new perspective on, and a new connection with, Christmas as a worldly and human celebration.

Each chapter provides cross-cultural connections to the ideas, customs, and icons of Christmas. Even when Matthews seems to be reaching a bit, it makes for engaging reading, and provides the rest of us with a way to connect with America's (and much of the Western World's) most important holiday season. It's especially engaging to know the origins of certain figures and beliefs; rarely are the origins religious, but cultural and traditional. [My favorite chapter was on the Twelve Days of Christmas.] The presentation of faith-free rituals at the end of each chapter was especially welcome, and I have already incorporated some small, new traditions into my holiday activities.

I recommend it to readers of all faiths or non-faiths. Every open-minded reader can find something of interest. Only literal Fundamentalists will be offended!

getting into the spirit.......2004-09-02

a fascinating and stimulating account that seems to put things into the proper perspective. Makes the myths all the more enjoyable.

Chuang-Tzu: The Inner Chapters (Mandala Books)

Average customer rating:

An almost correct translation, but not really enjoyable to read
Not for Everyone
Chuang Tzu smiles and nods his head in approval.
Excellent!

Chuang-Tzu: The Inner Chapters (Mandala Books)
G. Cox , P. Lowe , M. Winter , and A.C. (Translator) Graham
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Taoism | Other Eastern Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Companion to Angus C. Graham's Chuang Tzu: The Inner Chapters (Monographs of the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy, 20)
The Book of Lieh-Tzu
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Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings
Wandering on the Way: Early Taoist Tales and Parables of Chuang Tzu

ASIN: 0042990130

Book Description

The Inner Chapters are the oldest pieces of the larger collection of writings by several fourth, third, and second century B.C. authors that constitute the classic of Taoism, the Chuang-Tzu (or Zhuangzi). It is this core of ancient writings that is ascribed to Chuang-Tzu himself.

Customer Reviews:

An almost correct translation, but not really enjoyable to read.......2005-03-02

HISTORY OF BOOK TITLED: ZHUANGZI

The present version of the ancient Taoist book on philosophy titled Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi) was edited by Kuo Hsiang around 300 CE. He edited an earlier version consisting of 52 sections down to 33 sections, the omitted 19 sections were considered inferior and of a spurious nature. The 33 sections were divided into the inner chapters (seven sections), outer chapters (15 sections) and miscellaneous chapters (11 sections.).

The inner chapters the Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) are considered to be the most authentic chapters and most likely to have been written by Zhuangzi or at least written by a brilliant and keen mind. (The inner chapters probably date to around the second century BCE.) The inner chapters contain all the important ideas and are consistently brilliant. The outer and miscellaneous chapters are more uneven and sometimes contain excellent pieces of philosophical writing and others times are the work of a feeble scribbler--to quote the famous Chinese translator Arthur Waley.

QUALITY and READABILITY of GRAHAM'S TRANSLATION

From the above, one can see why the late sinologist Angus Graham wisely chose to only translate the inner chapters of Zhuangzi. However, at least two things are essential for a good translation, capturing the meaning and getting the flow. If a translation sounds awkward or is not otherwise enjoyable to read it is not a successful translation.

This translation is more suitable for a scholar as it is uses terminology that is technically precise, but arcane and awkward in many places. The style of this translation is very academic. It is written by a scholar who appears to subscribe to the notion that any word that is close enough in meaning is the word to use regardless of how it sounds to the reader or what images it invokes in the reader's mind. If one has handy a good English dictionary and is willing to read Graham's end notes the meaning will become clear, but this kind of reading is not an enjoyable experience as the wit, energy and spirit of Chuang Tzu is diminished by this style of translation.

The more I translate Chuang Tzu, the less I like Graham's translation. His translations often significantly differ from Watson's and others translators. He makes many unusual translation choices.

I recommend that unless you are writing an academic paper on Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi), are a philologist, or are taking a class on Chinese philosophy to skip this translation. (Note, Angus Graham also wrote a second book detailing his translation notes for this book. Again this is only suitable for a scholar, not for the non academic.)

ALTERNATE AVAILABLE TRANSLATIONS

Burton Watson's translation is superior in capturing the exuberance of Chuang Tzu. The few "mistakes" Watson makes are inconsequential as he truly captures the essential meaning and the spirit and the flow of the writing. I highly recommend Burton Watson's translation in either his book: The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu (a full translation) or his smaller paperback: Chuang Tzu--Basic Writings. (This last is a subset of the most interesting and best written parts of Chuang Tzu, and it includes all the inner chapters.)

If one wants a more poetic translation suitable for random daily study or meditation then one should seriously consider Thomas Merton's translation of selected passages of Chuang Tzu. They are very well done. And despite the fact that Thomas Merton did not know Chinese, pretty faithful to the original text. The only drawback to his book--and this is its strength as well--is that the selections tends to be short and sometimes he omits passages that are logically and thematically connected and hence probably should not have been omitted. With few exceptions Thomas Merton's selections are the cream of Chuang Tzu. Very occasionally, Merton adds in something that is not in the original Chinese, but he does it so skillfully that it reads like something that Chuang Tzu could and even should have written.

I have read (and am inclined to agree) that Arthur Waley's selected translations of Chuang Tzu in his book: Three Ways of Thought are the best written, however Waley only translated some of Chuang Tzu.

COMPARISON BETWEEN GRAHAM'S and WATSON'S TRANSLATION

The late Angus Graham was a respected sinologist, so it is surprising that his translation is flawed, both in its readability and in my opinion in the accuracy of the translation itself. Compare Graham's translation of chapter three, section three, with Burton Watson's.

Graham's

My life flows between confines, but knowledge has no confines. If we use the confined to follow the unconfined, there is danger that the flow will cease; and when it ceases, to exercise knowledge is purest danger.
...
Three years more and I never saw an ox as a whole. Nowadays, I am in touch through the daemonic in me, and do not look with the eye. With the senses I know where to stop, the daemonic I desire to run its course. I rely on Heaven's structuring, cleave along the main seams, let myself be guided by the cavities, go by what is inherently so.

Watson's

Your life has a limit but knowledge has none. If you use what is limited to pursue what has no limit, you will be in danger. If you understand this and still strive for knowledge, you will be in danger for certain!
...
After three years I no longer saw the whole ox. And now---now I go at it by spirit and don't look with my eyes. Perception and understanding have come to a stop and spirit moves where it wants. I go along with the natural makeup, strike in the big hollows, guide the knife through the big openings, and follow things as they are.

Not for Everyone.......2002-04-30

I am a person who wants to know everything about the philosophy of Daoism. This book is indispensible to me beacause it reveals many "hidden" meanings in the text of Master Zhuang (Chuang Tzu). But like some others, I find Graham gets a little too analytical for his own good (not to mention ours). He did a much better job with his translation of Lieh Tzu (Lie Zi).

Chuang Tzu smiles and nods his head in approval........2001-05-22

Chuang Tzu is the wisest, wittiest, and easiest-to-read of all philosophical writers, and also the greatest. And the question that A. C. Graham's 'Chuang-Tzu - The Inner Chapters' raises in an acute form is this: Do you want to read Chuang Tzu himself? Or do you want to study what a scholarly mind thinks about him, and in the process have your mind carefully adjusted so that you will end up thinking in the same way too?

In other words, are you a mature and sensible person with an enquiring mind, who for some reason or other has become interested in China's most brilliant philosophical rascal - one who would have let out a howl of laughter if shown the present book? Or are you a student being run through society's ideological mill, and one needing to grub up on the history of Chinese philosophy and Chuang Tzu's relation to the Mohists and Logicians and other such extraneous stuff, a mill for whom Chuang Tzu is just another 'philosopher' (a word that hardly describes him since he's something much bigger)?

If you are one of the latter, perhaps Graham, who is one of the world's foremost Sinologists and a brilliant translator, is the man for you. So far as Graham is concerned, and many agree, most of the received text of Chuang Tzu wasn't written by Chuang Tzu at all. He feels that only the first seven chapters, the 'Inner Chapters,' are Chuang Tzu's own work, the other chapters being a collection of pieces written by others, and in his edition has rearranged the text to bring it into line with his thesis.

Consequently his book falls into six parts: 1. Introduction; 2. The Inner Chapters and related passages; 3. A 'School of Chuang-tzu' selection; 4. The essays of the Primitivists; 5. The Yangist miscellany; 6. The Syncretist writings.

The 40-page Introduction is both detailed and informative. Each of the remaining six parts has its own introductory note, and is annotated with other long notes. The book is rounded out with a List of Chinese Characters (sinographs) and an Index. All in all, then, this is a thorough and scholarly production in which Graham presents a very persuasive and convincing case for his complex rearrangement of Chuang Tzu's text, and one backed up by lots of impeccably logical argument.

So why did I say it would have made Chuang Tzu howl with laughter? Well, because Graham's rationalist approach violates the whole spirit of Chuang Tzu, a man who had seen through the folly of the overemphasis on reason. Graham founds himself squarely in reason, while failing to note that reason can never really arrive at the truth. Chuang Tzu, in contrast, and although he was certainly capable of a reasonable use of reason, was more a bubbling and sparkling fountain of joyous insights, brilliant insights into the nature of man and woman and reality, and he doesn't need any commentators. All you need to read him is a mind of your own.

Confronted by the kind of mindset represented by Graham, we should never forget what Lu Chi (+ 754-805) reminds us of in his brilliant 'Essay on Literature,' the 'Wen fu,' when he tells us that: 'Theses are convincing - but deceptive...' I can just see Chuang Tzu smiling and nodding his head in approval.

So if you are a student, and if you need a heavily annotated scholarly (though rearranged) translation because you have to grub up for an exam on Chinese Philosophy, Graham's edition can certainly be recommended. Others, however, who may be approaching Chuang Tzu for the first time, would be wiser to look for something less cluttered, something that allows them more immediate access to this scintillating writer without the distractions of a mass of extraneous matter. Two uncluttered and excellent translations that can be strongly recommended are those of Lin Yutang and Burton Watson.

And for the simplest and easiest approach of all to Chuang Tzu there is Thomas Merton's quite brilliant reworking and abridgement, 'The Way of Chuang Tzu.' Merton, who was not a scholar of Chinese, may not have given us Chuang Tzu's actual words in his selection of these ironic, witty, and sophisticated stories. But as a man of insight he's succeeded wonderfully in capturing the spirit of the old rascal.

Purists may scowl, but I think I spot Chuang Tzu looking down from his dragon as it flaps him across the heavens, and beaming and nodding in approval of Merton too.

Excellent!.......1998-04-15

This is one of the best translations of the writings attributed to the brilliant Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu. Although less well known outside of China than "Lao Tzu," the reputed author of the _Tao Te Ching_, Chuang Tzu, who lived in the 4th century B.C., is both one of history's greatest anti-rationalist philosophers and one of the best prose stylist of world literature. Among the most famous (and moving) passages in his eponymous work is the story of how Chuang Tzu (whose full name is Chuang Chou) dreamed he was a butterfly, and, upon awakening, "does not know whether he is Chou who dreams he is a butterfly or a butterfly who dreams he is Chou."

Graham gives a complete translation of the "Inner Chapters," which are regarded by many scholars as the authentic works of Chuang Tzu, and also gives selections from later Taoist works, attributed to Chuang Tzu (but probably from other philosophers). Graham's interpretive Introduction (with sections on such tasty topics as "Rejection of Logic" and "Death and Mutilation") is itself one of the classic interpretations of Chuang Tzu's philosophy.

Readers familiar with the _Chuang Tzu_ from other translations will notice that Graham has rearranged some sections of the text. This is not mere whim on Graham's part, but part of his thoughtful view that parts of the text have been moved from their original locations due to textual corruption as the book was recopied by generations of scribes.

As you can see, this book is currently out of print (which is a testament to both the poor taste of much of the book-buying public, and to the near-sightedness of publishers). I sincerely hope that some publisher will pick up the rights to this outstanding translation.

Amazon.com

Those who yearn for spiritual meaning but aren't strongly affiliated with a specific religion sometimes feel left out of winter holidays. Yule is like a hot toddy for these chilled and isolated souls. From mistletoe to gift exchanging, Yule explores and exalts the pagan and regional roots to many of our contemporary rituals and celebrations. For example, lights were historically used to decorate winter homes in order to "frighten negative entities and urge the sun to shine," according to author Dorothy Morrison. Many people believe that Santa's reindeer "represent the stags that drew the chariot of the Norse gift-giving goddess, Freya." Beyond all the fascinating trivia, this is also a book that offers fresh approaches to old traditions, such as having a cleaning ritual that ceremoniously sweeps out the old and makes room for the new season or conducting a reverent "tree blessing" ceremony. Morrison also suggests numerous homemade crafts and gift ideas (many are suitable for children), inviting seasonal recipes (such as Yuletide Ambrosia and Dragon's Layer Cake), and a December calendar that lists traditions and rituals for every day of the month. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

The holidays are a time for reflection, resolution, and renewal. Whatever our beliefs, they provide us with rituals to celebrate the balance of light and dark, and for welcoming the healing powers of warmth back into our world. Jam packed with holiday lore, recipes, crafts, rituals, and more, Yule guides you through the magic of the season!

Customer Reviews:

wonderful.......2007-09-15

I really like this book. It will be very useful this Yule. Great craft ideas, blessings and stories. Wonderful for the whole family.

a treasured gift of celebrations.......2007-05-23

As Winter approaches every year, so too does the magic of Yuletide days. Children are filled with anticipation and wonder. All over the world people are celebrating and embracing their beliefs. More often than not, these celebrations involve candlelight in some way, and family gatherings.

What else do the traditions of the world have in common? Where do these traditions come from? Dorothy Morrison explains it all so clearly and with great warmth and respect for diversity, in "Yule - A Celebration..." Here, you will find answers to questions heard in households every December: "Why does Santa use reindeer to pull his sleigh?" or "Where do candy canes come from?" Do you know the origins of the Yule Log? Do you know why the Chanukah Menorah and the Kwanza Kinara hold eight candles?

The Winter Solstice - Yule - has been celebrated for four thousand years! It is a time of renewal and rejoicing, and it is a time to celebrate light overcoming the darkness. There are many historical lessons to be learned here and Ms. Morrison has created a well researched, thorough guide to the significance of the "holidays". Included, is a most wonderful calendar for the month of December in which every day is a festival or celebration around the world, and how you can incorporate these traditions in your life.

Enjoyable are the chapters on trivia, omens and superstitions. Inspiring are the chapters on preparing for the season, gifting, feasting and festing, with recipes and craft ideas. Most inviting are the chapters on creating personal traditions. The world is truly a wonderful mixture of beliefs and customs and no matter where of who you are, this guide to Yule is a treasured gift of celebrations. [...]

Get the whole series.......2007-05-07

Each Llewellen book has a cool introduction about the history of the holiday. I recommend all the sabbat books in this series - - they have a lot more information than in any individual sabbat book.

Save your money!.......2006-09-14

This book offers more information about Santa Claus than it does the gods/godesses associated with the Winter Soltice. The craft projects are cheesey and the recipes terrible. Save your money and do a little research yourself and if you want recipes or craft projects pick up one of those special Christmas magazines for ideas you can adapt for a pagan holiday theme.

It Could Have Been So Much Better.......2006-08-08

First off, let me point out that I have high standards when it comes to pagan books. I expect for my faith to be presented to the general public as something that should be taken seriously, not poked fun at. I realize that these may be high expectations, but nonetheless... The first chapter was funny to me because although I could understand where Dorothy was coming from in her explanation of the history of how Yule came to be I could almost hear the right-wing Christians raging on their pews. It was the way she explained it that seemed a bit of a stretch. On the other hand, I liked the way she presented the symbols of the season and where they originated. There were some good prayers. Also helpful to me were the recipes for the Yule Log Rolls and how to make a real Yule Log. Other than that I decided against purchasing this book. I'm hoping to find a concise book on Yule that digs deeper into the history and gives me a clearer picture of how people practiced Yule. (A NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are expecting to sell more pagan themed books of this kind, you need to start including full-color photos. If I am going to pay money for a book like this I want to see photos that go along with the recipes-what would a typical Yule table from 2006 look like for example?- and photos that go along with the craft projects. You cannot expect people to try the craft projects without knowing what they will look like.) This book is helpful for beginner pagans or nonpagans who just want a look at some fun history facts.

Average customer rating:

Powerful Images
A Beautiful And Powerful Deck Well Worth Your Investment
My favorite Tarot Deck
Truly magical
Stunning!!

Vision Quest Tarot
Gayan Sylvie Winter , and Jo Dose
Manufacturer: U.S. Games Systems
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1572811978

Book Description

Discover humanity's connection with the cosmic forces of nature through Native American legends. The soothing imagery and spiritual symbols on the cards will bring you to a new understanding of our place in the cycle of life.

Customer Reviews:

Powerful Images.......2007-08-25

I wanted to recommend this tarot deck. It is my favorite. The images are deeply powerful as well as beautiful. I can relate to the idea of water representing the emotional body, as well as fire the energetic body, the air the spirit body, and vegetables and flowers the material realm. The Vision Quest Tarot booklet makes this deck different than other tarots. The definitions are very precise and accurate. I too, like a previous reviewer, usually do one reading about once or twice a year; it is that good. The cards are surrounded by a white framed border. I am ordering another deck to write key words around the frame of the cards for easy and instant interpretation when I read for others.

A Beautiful And Powerful Deck Well Worth Your Investment.......2007-08-11

This deck is beautiful in concept, as well as beautiful in illustration and working. I can only use this deck once a year, as it is SO accurate it makes me a little uncomfortable. However, with the intent of the cards inherent in the pictures, this deck should really be and CAN be used more often. A more experienced practitioner should be able to handle the depth and power of it. I use a three card spread, past-present-future.
The card pictured on the box, the medicine woman card, to ME, unlike one of the other reviewers, IS the most powerful and beautiful card in the deck. (In fact I plan a tattoo of her,changing out the hawk for a raven and adding wolves and an owl). She is particularly powerful in her peace and strength, and should be honored. The shamaness card is powerful, but a little disappointing to me in illustration. She is the only Pacific NorthWest Native American in the deck and I find that a little strange.
This deck is WELL WORTH your money and energy. Its illustrations promote positive contemplation no matter what the issue you are addressing.

My favorite Tarot Deck.......2006-11-05

I recently purchased this deck. I had been using the Faery Wicca Deck. I wanted to work with my Indian ancestors and energies and did not feel the connection I desired with the Wicca deck. The bond was immediate with Vision Quest. It has given me insight and direction in multiple dimensions in my life.

Truly magical.......2005-07-06

The Vision Quest Tarot was created by Gayan Sylvie Winter and Jo Dosé in 1998. It is published by AGM Agmüller in Switzerland, and distributed by U.S. Games in this country.

The seventy-eight card pictures for this deck are all based on themes from the Native American Indian tradition. The artwork depicts Native American Indians engaged in traditional activities, and these pictures serve to define the meanings of the cards.

Each of the pip cards has a single word printed at the bottom, and that is the meaning of the card. The meanings of the Major Arcana and court cards are contained in the instruction booklet.

When I first started using this deck a few years ago, I had mixed feelings about it. I liked the earthly artwork and the spiritual quality of the card meanings, but I had difficulty doing intelligible readings with it.

During the intervening years I discovered the magic of using the combined meanings of Tarot cards dealt in pairs. Typically, I would deal eighteen cards, nine pairs in all. Most of the time, a card meaning would be only one or two or three words long to facilitate combining its meaning with that of another card. In this way, a pair of cards produced a new, systhesized single meaning.

I recently rediscovered the Vision Quest Tarot, and started using it again. This time, however, the cards came alive. Their one-word card meanings were ideal for my eighteen-card layout of nine pairs. As I used the nine-pair layout, I noticed a quality that was missing from other decks I had used in this way. Amazingly, the nine pairs of Vision Quest cards rendered divinations that answered each question in a logical, linear fashion. The systhesized meaning of each pair was like a sentence in a paragraph, with one sentence serving as the foundation for the next. Each pair produced an orderly progression of thought from one pair to the next.

This was astounding. In all the other decks I had used in this way (and there were a few), there was no logical or narrative flow from one pair to the next. The nine pairs of cards would provide a comprehensive answer to the question, but not in a smooth narrative fashion as with the Vision Quest cards.

I have no clue as to why the Vision Quest Tarot alone answers questions in this way, but it does.

With all that said, the relevance of the one-word card meanings is sometimes difficult to comprehend. As with all decks I have ever seen, you will need to use your imagination and intuition to flesh out the meanings of the cards into more fully realized statements.

Stunning!!.......2002-05-10

I think this is the best Native American tarot deck that I have come across. Not only is the artwork beautiful, but it is so peaceful and calming. The pictures are not overdone, or too busy. This is a deck where the tougher cards are not really scary.. but at the same time avoid being "cute" or playing down to the message.. Actually, the death card, "Transformation" in this deck, is captivating to me.. while still getting the message clearly across.. NOT an easy task. There are keywords on the minor arcana.. some people do not like this.. myself usually included. However, here, they somehow seem to blend into the overall meaning of the picture without being distracting. Amazon does not have this deck readily available.. but it is out there.. ...

Average customer rating:

A pure delight
Just okay.
Angel Power Cards

Angel Power Cards
Wulfing Von Rohr , and Gayan Sylvie Winter
Manufacturer: U.S. Games Systems
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

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ASIN: 0880797711

Book Description

The supportive nature of angels energizes this thoughtful 60-card deck. The cards are useful for meditation, solving problems, or guidance in any situation.

Customer Reviews:

A pure delight.......2005-02-18

Often people don't take this deck seriously because they think it is childish.

They confuse childishness with childlikeness.

Anyone with an open heart and who still has a remnant of childlike innocence will not only enjoy using these cards, but will be able to hear that still small voice that is so often ignored due to the hustle and bustle of our busy days.

Buy it. Use it. And be happy.

Just okay........2002-07-05

I have quite a few Angel Cards and I have to be honest and say these are not my favorites. The packaging is cute and it might make a nice gift for someone who is interested in Angel cards, or even a teenager, but for my personal tastes, I feel there are other decks that are more helpful. Doreen Virtue's Angel and Fairy cards are wonderful and beautiful and I also like the Angel Messages cards. They are terrific, too.

Angel Power Cards.......2001-05-16

I found these cards when I was actually looking for other angel cards - they are so nice and positive! The illustrations are very vivid and the texts are comprehensive and inspiring. It is pure pleasure to be acquainting with these beautiful cards. I am carrying them around with me wherever I go no and I feel safe and secure. Every time I need advise or support I turn to these beautiful tiny cards. They do not require books and explanations because they just talk to you while you use them. The booklet explains the basic steps and ways to use them and it's a great way to get started.

Mesmerized: Powers of Mind in Victorian Britain

Average customer rating:

Mesmerization of Victorian Britain
Medical hypnosis

Mesmerized: Powers of Mind in Victorian Britain
Alison Winter
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Religion & Spirituality | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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The Darkened Room: Women, Power, and Spiritualism in Late Victorian England
The Other World
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ASIN: 0226902196

Book Description

Across Victorian Britain, apparently reasonable people twisted into bizarre postures, called out in unknown languages, and placidly bore assaults that should have caused unbearable pain all while they were mesmerized. Alison Winter's fascinating cultural history traces the history of mesmerism in Victorian society. Mesmerized is both a social history of the age and a lively exploration of the contested territory between science and pseudo-science.

"Dazzling. . . . This splendid book . . . gives us a new form of historical understanding and a model for open and imaginative reading."—James R. Kinkaid, Boston Globe

"A landmark in the history of science scholarship."—John Sutherland, The Independent

"It is difficult to imagine the documentary side of the story being better done than by Winter's well-researched and generously illustrated study. . . . She is a lively and keen observer; and her book is a pleasure to read purely for its range of material and wealth of detail. . . . Fruitful and suggestive."—Daniel Karlin, Times Literary Supplement

"An ambitious, sweeping and fascinating historical study. . . . Beautifully written, thoroughly researched, and well-illustrated."—Bernard Lightman, Washington Times

Customer Reviews:

Mesmerization of Victorian Britain.......2000-08-29

Alison Winter has written a thorough , well-researched look at mesmerism in Victorian Britain that is actually a thorough look at Victorian Britain through the concept of mesmerism. It was amazing to see how mesmerism touched on such Victorian concepts as gender relations, the emergence of science and medicine as a profession, and class relations. The chapters on mesmerism and colonial India, and the effect of the idea on mesmerism in changing the image of the homebound invalid were the most fascinating. All the famous characters from this period appear somewhere in this vast study. The metaphor seemed to stretch a little thin when reading and politics were added to the mesmerisic mix near the end of the book, although this was nevertheless very interesting. A good book that makes me interested to read more about this time period in Britain.

Medical hypnosis.......2000-04-19

This excellent book contains many fascinating threads, interwoven skillfully to produce a most satisfying reading experience. It is certainly a good history of altered states of consciousness obtained by interpersonal communication. The Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer borrowed the notion of "animal magnetism" (science was infatuated with magnets in those days) and went about effecting cures by touching patients with a glass wand in an abracadabra setting. The phenomenon took his name ("mesmerism") until the Scott James Braid started calling it "hypnotism" based on the Greek name for sleep. As should be expected, Victorian mesmerism/hypnotism bares little resemblance to modern medical hypnosis.

It is also a story of the origins of modern anesthesia: the only known general and dental anesthetics available until the 1840's were alcohol and opium. Anesthetic gases, such as ether and nitrous oxide, had been known since the 1790's, but no one had thought about applying them to block the excruciating agonies that attended surgical interventions in those days. This neglect in blocking pain was due, in part, to the medical profession's ambivalence about the eradication of pain; an ambivalence not entirely lost to this day. For example, when a patient by the name of J. Wombell (age 42) had a leg amputated at the thigh while in a mesmeric trance, he remained quiet and cooperative and had no memory of pain afterwards. He lived another 30 years. The case was given enormous publicity throughout Britain, but doctors were not convinced. Many believed there was collusion between the surgeon and the patient; that Mr. Wombell had been fully awake during the surgery and had been just pretending to have felt no pain.

Finally, it is a history of Victorian medical science and its wobbly foundations. Elliotson, who was responsible for introducing the stethoscope to Britain (for which he was much criticized) took up the practice of mesmerism and eventually had to resign his university post after a series of "experiments" in which it appeared that his patients were faking their altered states of consciousness. The work of Esdaile, a Scottish surgeon working mesmerically with native patients in Calcutta is given a well deserved full chapter.

Book Description

Explore how the dormancy and difficulty of winter can be a time of spiritual preparation and transformation.

For many, winter is a time of postponed activity--and of shoveling snow, navigating ice, and trying to keep warm. What can easily be forgotten in winter's cold and occasional dreariness is that it can also be a time of shoring up, of purity, praise, delight, and play.

In thirty stirring pieces--from translated Sanskrit and Hebrew poems to Henry David Thoreau and Bashô, Jane Kenyon, John Updike, Kathleen Norris, and Annie Dillard--we share in the recognition of winter's hardships and celebrate the glory of winter as a spiritual gift--a quiet time in the rhythm of life, a time of thoughtfulness, of looking forward, and of unexpected hope.

Customer Reviews:

Slow down and smell the snow.......2005-04-22

This is a great collection of works by a diverse range of authors organized by the different aspects of the seasons - renewal, playfulness, isolation. I had first picked this book because it had something from Annie Dillard in it but found a great number of other authors to enjoy in it; actually that has lead to a number of other great book finds - like Indian Creek Chronicles by Pete Fromm which has an excerpt in the book.

Too often the years just fly by - we have a been there, scene that attitude which causes us to just gloss over much of life. This `spiritual biography of the season' invites the reader to slowdown and truly observe what is going on around then. So far this is the only one I have read in the series but certainly plan on similarly enjoying a similar look at the other seasons.

A Hidden Order: Uncover Your Life's Design

Average customer rating:

Discover the Joy of Your Authentic Self
A Hidden Order
Discover Your Life Plan!
Awesome!...... Impactful!
Absolutely wonderful work!

A Hidden Order: Uncover Your Life's Design
Winter Robinson
Manufacturer: Red Wheel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Personal Transformation | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

New Thought | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Personal Transformation | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1590030842

Book Description

Things that happen to us are really choices we make. Once we know that, we can discover and follow our blueprint to create the lives we want. This book shows us how to make our best ideas for the future into reality. Author Winter Robinson writes, "When our inner (internal, spiritual) and outer (physical) world meet, a blueprint reveals itself. . . . The purpose of this book is to assist you in bringing these worlds together."

A Hidden Order is divided into two parts. Part one, "A Gentle Touch," presents the idea that individuals plan and create everything in their lives. Anecdotal stories support this idea and exercises help readers to test this theory in their own lives. Part two, "Master Practices," offers a set of master practices and exercises to incorporate into a daily routine. After reading each chapter, readers are directed to practice the suggested exercise and record their experiences in a journal, which over time reveals a blueprint for life.

A Hidden Order reveals methods that helped Winter Robinson and others to be the people they were meant to be, including:

• The I Ching to help answer the questions that lead to a deeper experience of self

• Meditation and journaling to recognize and work with your subtle energy

• Bathtub rituals that not only cleanse the skin, but reveal deep self-truths

A Hidden Order helps readers plan their futures. What emerges is a clear, exciting map that can chart a destiny for anyone who wants to experience a brighter future.

Customer Reviews:

Discover the Joy of Your Authentic Self.......2005-03-12

A HIDDEN ORDER helps you find your core essence, while discovering the path of least resistance and maximum joy in your life. Author Winter Robinson provides exercises and shares fascinating real-life stories to help us better understand how beautifully all the aspects of our lives come together when we practice listening to intuition and reading the more subtle road signs in life. The hidden order Robinson describes "is rapidly making itself known, suggesting to every one of us that there is spiritual evolution going on; that we have the potential to rid the world of fear, confusion, chaos, and greed and bring humankind into harmony with nature and the cosmos." Much of the confusion in the world can be cleared when we take time to meditate, feel the energies all around us, and discern the difference between what we truly need and what we may have thought we wanted.

A HIDDEN ORDER is written in two main sections; the first section introduces stories from Robinson's life, basic principles related to the hidden order, ideas about health and love and death, and chapters on manifesting with creative power and experiencing a shared consciousness. The second section contains chapters with master practices for dealing with ego and beliefs, quieting the mind, understanding dreams, and setting intention.

What I love best about A HIDDEN ORDER are the stories that Robinson shares from her fascinating life. I also love the way she includes references to relevant studies and research throughout her book, and the way her book provides a such a wonderful way to discover the joys of seeing and understanding life's hidden order and grand designs!

A Hidden Order.......2005-01-25

Incredible,wonderful, enlighting, truthful, gentle, clear. These are the words I have for `A Hidden Order'. I have been working in the energy field for over 30 years. Everything I have been taught by my teachers, everything I learned from my healer grandfather, everything I discovered on my own and everything I teach is incorporated into, `A Hidden Order'. I wish I had written it! `A Hidden Order' is written with a sensible, simple voice, but it is not a simplistic book. No ghosties or goblins going bump it the night. Only clarity and simplicity of truth. Simply reach into your heart, the truth is there, listen. I guarantee this book will change your life forever.

Sonja Christiansen, KRMT
Author, International speaker
www.healingfocus.com

Discover Your Life Plan!.......2004-11-22

This is like having a dolphin as your guide and mentor as you learn how to swim skillfully in the oceans of energies in which we all live. A HIDDEN ORDER is informative, inspiring, and practical. It's like being shown how to discover the blueprint for your life. Truly the work of a master teacher! Al Siebert, Ph.D.

Awesome!...... Impactful!.......2004-11-14

Wow! Winter's "A Hidden Order" is AWESOME! It has reached the core of my being and while only part way though has already had several very major impacts for me. This is a book to be savored, sipped slowly like a fine wine. It is a "life compass". Pay heed to resources she recommends, especially the "I Ching Workbook" by R.L. Wing. As a Life Change Coach, I have already recommended "A Hidden Order" to fellow coaches and clients and it will make a wonderful Holiday gift for many of my friends.Thank You Winter!

Absolutely wonderful work!.......2004-11-12

What a wonderful, sweet book for my soul... I have read through it once, and now I am ready to really read it and do the recommended exercises. I am actually going to do it... which is unusual for me. Thank you for your book and sharing your experiences and insights. You get an A+ from this strict teacher.

Kim

The Singer & the Song: An Autobiography of the Spirit

Average customer rating:

FROM THE BACK COVER OF THE BOOK:
An inspiration
Mystical description of one person's spiritual journey

The Singer & the Song: An Autobiography of the Spirit
Miriam Therese Winter
Manufacturer: Orbis Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Religious | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Eucharist With a Small "E"

ASIN: 1570752796

Customer Reviews:

FROM THE BACK COVER OF THE BOOK:.......2007-08-06

Miriam Therese Winter, an award-winning musician and four-time Catholic Book Award-winner, shares her experiences of becoming a Sister, working with starving children in Ethiopia and with refugees in Cambodia, of exploring mysteries of India and the wonders of God in her own backyard, of having breast cancer and having hope. She also illumines new aspects of community, eucharist, the word and spirit, water and the stars, spiritual blessedness and much more. Each chapter is like a short story, complete in itself but revealing new apsects of the author's life and vision. Each one begins with a personal experience and seques into a spiritual lesson that will resonate in your mind and heart. You'll come to know Miriam Therese Winter as a friend and in the process understand m ore about your own life and the purpose God has for you. The author is a professor of liturgy, worship, and spirituality at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut.

An inspiration.......2000-06-23

This is a book to read at bed time. Most of the chapters are short and prepare one for for good dreams. Miriam Therese Winter's faith, her spirit , her love of people, of God and the natural world make this book an inspiration, even for a Unitarian.

Mystical description of one person's spiritual journey.......1999-11-09

This book was music to the soul! I look forward to enjoying more works of this author since her work "The Singer and the Song" penetrated mind, heart and soul. As a OTR truck driver I now appreciate the beauty and grace that can be found just by getting in touch with nature, sounds, and silence. 5 stars for Miriam Therese Winter

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