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January/February 2008 Conscious Media
Reader's Choice

You Can Heal Your Life, the movie
Louise L. Hay, Hay House, 2007, $19.95

Affirmations create a space for miracles to happen. Your thoughts create your life, and with that understanding, you can create enormous changes. In this inspiring DVD, the life story of spiritual teacher and self-help pioneer Louise L. Hay is shared, from her childhood in a family who devalued her to her life-affirming battle with cancer. Featuring Cheryl Richardson, Wayne W. Dyer, Gregg Braden and other Hay House authors, the film encourages viewers to plant their affirmations like seeds in the ground, knowing that their vision will grow.

- Vicky Thompson

Relieve Anxiety with Medical Hypnosis
Steven Gurgevich, Sounds True, 2007, $19.95

Dr. Gurgevich, an internationally known health psychologist specializing in mind-body medicine, uses medical hypnosis to assist in a broad range of health challenges. In this two CD set, he demonstrates how to tap into the power of your subconscious mind in order to relieve worry, nervousness and anxious feelings. Behavioral patterns can be unlearned by using hypnosis. Having had first-hand experience with panic attacks while in graduate school, Dr. Gurgevich explains the physiology of anxiety on the first disc and then proceeds to hand you tools to change your life with four trance-work sessions on the second disc. Using simple techniques, learn how to create a healthy resilience to anxiety and boost your self confidence when speaking publicly, taking tests, competing in athletic events or socializing in groups. Rediscover your passport to comfort, peace and relaxation.

- Jelina K. Vance

Editor's Choice

Secret of Letting Go
Guy Finley, Llewellyn Worldwide, 2007, $14.95

"If life knocks you flat on your back, open your eyes: above you are the stars," Guy Finley shares in the revised and expanded version of The Secret of Letting Go. Finley shares key insights to self growth through engaging stories and gems of wisdom, helping readers to release weary weights that have made them someone sorry, not special. As Finley says, letting go is strictly an inside job.

- Vicky Thompson

Songs of Spirit
Norma Gentile, Healing Chants, 2007, $16.99

That soprano voice is intoxicating. Songs of Spirit is a gentle blend of healing sounds, incorporating Tibetan singing bowls, schruti box, guitar, Tibetan flute and that intoxicating soprano voice. Recorded in live healing settings, the CD is designed to guide you into a deeply meditative state and release what is no longer serving your soul's journey. An hour in length, the music is gentle, yet very effective in helping even dark energies in a home or office space to release. Deeply transformative energies abound in the soundscapes that are created by these songs, transmitted from spirit through Norma. Visit www.healingchants.com.

- Peter Scrogin

The End of Days: Armageddon and Prophecies of the Return
(The Earth Chronicles)
Zecharia Sitchin, HarperCollins Publishers, 2007, $25.95

The End of Days is the seventh and concluding book of Sitchin's The Earth Chronicles. Books one through six dealt with lost realms, other planets, the beginning of time and the cosmic code. Sitchin did extensive research and consulted with a variety of scholars and archaeologists for his latest tome. He concludes that evidence exists that nuclear weapons were used in the Middle East in the 21st century - B.C., and that the past is the future.

One of the few scholars able to read Sumerian clay tablets, Sitchin combines archaeology, ancient texts and the Bible to show that these diverse sources point at similar conclusions. He often cites Biblical passages and makes other references to Christianity and its history. Readers lacking some knowledge of the Christian Bible may feel a bit bewildered.

Visit www.sitchin.com for more information on his startling conclusions.

- Alice R. Berntson

Courageous Souls: Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?
Robert Schwartz, Whispering Winds Press, 2007, $14.95

A few years ago, Robert Schwartz led an unfulfilling life and yearned for more. He chose to meet with a medium to perhaps find out something about himself. That day he learned that each of us has spirit guides with whom we plan our lives prior to incarnating. He discovered that he had planned major challenges in his life - not for suffering, but for the growth that would result. Life's challenges are not random and arbitrary, but are rich with purpose.

Courageous Souls profiles 10 people who have experienced six major life challenges, such as physical illness, disability, addictions, death of a loved one and accidents. Collaborating with four mediums and channels, they obtained information about their pre-incarnation plans, along with dozens of other people.

There is immense power in the most elemental truth that we are not our bodies. The people in our lives are eternal souls playing temporary, scripted roles on a physical stage. Understanding that we choose our lives can help us consciously use the challenges we face to foster spiritual growth.

- Alice R. Berntson

Wisdom Of The Gemstone Guardians
Michael Katz, Natural Healing Press, 2005, $14.95

This book contains interviews with 30 inner-world beings given the responsibility for fulfilling the purpose and maintaining the effects of gemstones. The interviews were conducted in nonphysical realms, by opening conscious awareness.

From amethyst to tourmaline, each gemstone has different therapeutic effects when humans wear spherical strands of a chosen stone, affecting a person's aura. Auras have different colors, which led to the concept of birthstones. The birthstones offered today by the jewelry industry have no correlation, however, to a person's main color ray. The book compares the healing properties of herbal treatments and gemstones. One of the guardians states that it's time for humans to awaken to the healing properties of medicinal gemstones. Visit www.gemisphere.com.

- Alice R. Berntson

The Integral Vision: A Very Short Introduction to the Revolutionary Integral Approach to Life, God, the Universe, and Everything
Ken Wilber, Shambhala Publications, 2007, $15.95

Ken Wilber provides a map of the best elements for human potential in the areas of spiritual, psychological and social growth garnered from various cultures. In continuing his eclectic, comprehensive approach to all that life can be, he attempts to create a world philosophy. Filled with illustrative charts, this pint-sized volume offers a glossy, full graphic view into life's possibilities. Wilbur presents an "integral life practice" with core modules on the body, mind, spirit and shadow to assist one to a fuller life. Wilber concludes this insightful work with a sampling of brief activities which allow one to get a taste, to go beyond the abstraction of words, of this fuller awareness in this opportunity called life.

- Michael Moylan

State of Grace III
Koch Records, 2006, $16.98

Fans of the defunct Windham Hill label will embrace with open ears this third collaboration of New York musicians produced by pianist Paul Schwartz. The direction of the music, with a decided bent toward Western neoclassical, is a comforting blend of impressionism, opera and a dash of prog/rock Moody Blues. Pervasive throughout many of the cuts are snappy funk drumming creating a most unusual juxtaposition of sound. Subliminally, Schwartz may have wrote a great score for a somber Broadway musical as his family has a history in film as well as music. The star of the CD is versatile singer Lisbeth Scott who fuses crystalline Celtic tradition with choral angelic grace.

- Lee Brodinsky

Faery Healing: The Lore and the Legacy
Margie McArthur, Brighton Books, 2006, $20.95

This book focuses on traditional faery healing among the Celtic people of the British Isles, as evidenced in their faery lore and folk healing customs. Any question you have ever had related to the subject will be answered in this book. Faery Healing is a fascinating read, even if you have never even considered faeries. The author has provided an extremely well researched book that includes history and myths taken from stories and recorded history, and healing using natural cures. The book includes information on working magic, medical healers in the Irish tradition, and illnesses associated with faeries (plus cures). The final section is a practical manual for faery healing, and offers realistic ways for humans to discover and enjoy relationships with the faery people. Here's an example of how the physical world is intrinsically intertwined with the spiritual in faery healing:

"Faery Doctors had to pray and chant while they were pulling the special herbs for their cures. They prayed to the faeries, especially the Faery King, Queen, and the 'simple among them.' They talked and chanted to the plants themselves, sometimes calling them king or queen, depending upon the gender of the person to be healed."

Author Margie McArthur is an ordained minister and an ArchDruidess of the Druid Clan of Dana of the Fellowship of Isis. She is also the author of WiccaCraft for Families and Wisdom of the Elements.

--Jessica Bryan

Connecting Meditations, Troy Parkinson, $15

"Do not listen to this CD while driving or when you need to be fully conscious," advises Troy Parkinson on the cover of his meditation CD. This advice is well taken. Every time I try listen to it, I fall into such a deep state I can hardly focus on writing this review. Backed by gorgeous, soothing music, including birds and other sounds of nature, Troy leads us on a divinely-inspired journey to connect with our own spirit, the spirits of our deceased loved ones, our spirit guides, and the spirit of God. As Troy puts it in his breathing instructions: "In with the light, and out with the stress."

As a gifted medium, Troy radiates light, love, and humility. It's unfortunate that he passed through Oregon only briefly, because the channeled readings he gave at the Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library in Ashland were incredible. Don't miss him if he comes our way again. In the meantime, his CD will have to suffice. Available at www.TroyParkinson.com.

-- Jessica Bryan

The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals
Leslie Taylor, Square One Publisher, 2005, $23.95

This is an excellent reference book for healing with herbs from the Amazon. Over 70 rain forest botanicals are discussed in easy-to-use reference tables, as well as in more extensive sections that include their medicinal properties, dosages, preparation methods, and scientific support for traditional uses. This is a unique book that offers a blend of ancient and modern knowledge, and incorporates the healing practices of shamans. Also included is a discussion regarding preservation of the Amazon jungle in South America. Interestingly, the author, a certified naturopathic physician, survived a rare form of leukemia using alternative and herbal medicinal therapies. Readers are advised to seek these kinds of herbal remedies from reputable manufacturers, as the quality and effectiveness of the available herbs can vary based on preparation methods.

-- Jessica Bryan

Celtic Meditation Music
Aine Minogue, Sounds True, 2004, $16.98

This hauntingly beautiful collection of instrumental melodies was created especially for meditation and relaxation purposes. Each song reflects what the artist Aine Minogue believes that prayers may sound like. Ancient Celtic incantations inspired this Irish born harpist to transform traditional poetry into a set of "slow airs" with soft, feminine, expressive pieces that transpose the silent spaces between the Celtic lines into melody.

Short poems are written to help you contemplate or meditate, and these assist with establishing the mood of each melody. Each song also has a short descriptive narrative describing the Celtic poems, which I found to be very interesting tidbits of Scottish history. The blend of Irish harp, clarinet, guitar, cello and whistles are woven artfully together in this CD to produce a wonderfully relaxing, peace inspiring musical treat for the ears.

-- Jelina K. Vance

The Language of Miracles:
A Celebrated Psychic Teaches You to Talk to Animals
Amelia Kinkade, New World Library, 2006, $15.95

Kinkade is convinced that anyone with an interest in communicating with animals can do so, using the techniques outlined in The Language of Miracles. She writes about many of her amazing experiences with all sorts of creatures. Just to remind the reader of her belief that anyone can do it, she also shares success stories from her students. She wants us to understand how the latest discoveries in both science and spirituality will inspire us to champion the lives of animals and evoke positive change in humans as well.

Kinkade is highly sought after to do readings on pets to find them when they're lost, analyze puzzling pet behavior or just communicate with beloved animals. After reading the many amazing stories in her book, readers will be inspired to try the techniques with the animals in their own lives. A reference at the end of the book lists more than a dozen animal communicators she has trained, as well as an extensive list of recommended reading to learn more about this fascinating topic.

-- Alice R. Berntson

Celtic Passage
Deirdre Ní­ Chinnéide,Sounds True, 2007, $17.98

Celtic Passage is the North American debut for this evocative Irish singer. Deirdre is an accomplished singer in her native country, and has sung extensively with a traditional Irish group, performed at Celtic festivals and even performed for His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the World Peace Conference in Belfast. She wrote or co-wrote all but one of the thirteen tracks on her new CD, and sings in both English and Irish.

The ancient Celtic people believed in the existence of other worlds, and Deirdre invites the listener to come with her there, to remember and return to the natural rhythms that connect all of us and inspire respect for our differences. In addition to Deirdre's ethereal voice and insightful lyrics, the accompaniment of both traditional and modern Irish instruments add other layers to the music. The fiddle, whistle, flute, bass, guitar, uileann pipes and more add richness to each composition. Learn more at www.deirdrenichinneide.com.

-- Alice R. Berntson