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May/June 2008 Conscious Media
Reader's Choice 5-08

Living Your Unlived Life, Robert A. Johnson and Jerry M. Ruhl, Penguin Group, 2007, $22.95

In this fruitful book, the authors provide a means for "coping with unrealized dreams and fulfilling your purpose in the second half of life." Robert Johnson, writer of several Jungian oriented books, suggests increased consciousness as the central tool for dealing with midlife's variety of issues and accompanying emotions. Doing so allows one to live and end one's life in a more integrated and evolving manner.

Through a blend of theory, myths, case histories, instances of grappling with their own personal challenges and some provided activities, Johnson and Ruhl deliver a resourceful and encouraging approach to life's naggings. If one acknowledges the "underlife" by interacting with it, perhaps in a dialogue, an antidote to the fight or flight response is provided. Remaining open and flexible as to outcomes can be attained by the embracing of contraries. In real or imaginary realms, which are both equally effective, adopting an attitude of "one who plays" invites opportunities for growth. Working with symbols, active imagination and dreams, individuals can enter into a relationship with their inner figures and urges.

- Michael Moylan

Saint Michael: The Archangel, Mirabai Starr (editor), Sounds True, 2007, $12.95

Archangel Michael, or as the Catholic faith refers to him, Saint Michael, appears in many different spiritual traditions throughout the world, from Christianity to Judaism to Islam. Michael, whose name means "who is like God" has many roles including the guardian angel of Israeli children, transporter of souls and the patron saint of warriors. Mirabai Starr draws on the prayers, poems, personal stories and scriptural passages that have been written throughout the ages about the presence of this supernatural being. Starr brings to light her feelings that Michael represents the spiritual warrior inside each of us, and how with unconditional love in his heart, is willing to stand up for his beliefs. She also tells us that Michael's sword of discrimination is able to cut through illusion to the bare truth, leaving us to see what lies underneath the false impressions. This small, compact book offers many wonderful prayers and stories offered to Saint Michael.

- Jelina Vance

Happier Than God: Turn Ordinary Life into an Extraordinary Experience, Neale Donald Walsch, Hampton Roads, 2008, $18.95

Best-selling author Neale Donald Walsch moves beyond spiritual theory to present a 17-step program to being happier than God. The plan combines conceptual truths from his nine-book Conversations with God series to create practical tools for improving your life and the world. Focusing on the law of attraction, Walsch encourages readers to become a catalyst for change in the world beyond the self. By helping others, you become a conscious cocreator with God, broadening the gifts of happiness and contentment bestowed upon yourself and others. Walsch reminds readers that God is within all beings, and we all hold the power to look beyond our personal stories and transform our lives.

- Vicky Thompson

Removing All Sorrow and Suffering CD, and Awake in the Cosmic Dream CD, Paramahansa Yogananda, Self-Realization Fellowship, 2007, $14 each

The Self-Realization Fellowship offers two new CD recordings featuring the voice of Paramahansa Yogananda. In Removing All Sorrow and Suffering, this 1950 talk by Yogananda focuses on how to conquer suffering by applying the universal precepts for happy living (in harmony with divine laws), and by practicing the ancient scientific techniques of yoga meditation for realizing oneness with Spirit. Awake in the Cosmic Dream, recorded in 1952, provides listeners with an overview of spiritual living, illustrated with personal stories and practical guidance. With endearing humor and compassionate understanding, Yogananda conveys why God is the only permanent solution to the enduring problems of human existence. Visit www.yogananda-srf.org.

- Vicky Thompson

Hear All Creatures: The Journey of an Animal Communicator, Karen Anderson, New River Press, 2007, $14.95

This compact book profiles several experiences Anderson has had communicating with many members of the animal kingdom. Animal communicating uses telepathy to contact and communicate, from one mind to another. After making a connection with the designated animal, thoughts, words and feelings are discovered through questions and dialogue. She has found that our animal companions eagerly await the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with us. Anderson serves as a bridge in helping humans and animals understand each other.

From her home near Spokane, this well-known animal communicator and pet psychic does readings on pets, both living and deceased. She helps find lost pets, analyzes puzzling pet behavior or just communicates with beloved animals. Visit www.animalcommunicating.com.

- Alice R. Berntson

Journey into Now: Clear Guidance on the Path of Spiritual Awakening, Leonard Jacobson, Conscious Living Publications, 2007, $22.95

We all tend to be driven by the thoughts in our heads, the "me-ness" of our egos. The mind and ego can only know things from memory, the events of the past, good or bad, which project into the present and an imagined future. Each of us has our own reality, distorted by what's in our minds.

But all we really have is this very moment. Jacobson explains why and how we can transcend the ego to awaken into now, on the path to inner happiness, freedom and peace. He advocates reclaiming your power and your right to exist independently of the judgments, opinions, needs and expectations of others, which ultimately leads to simply being here, which is the true liberation. Being fully present enhances every aspect of life, freeing us from the pain and limitations of the past and anxiety about the future.

- Alice R. Berntson

Riding Grace, Alissa Lukara, Silver Light Publications, 2007, $14.95

This extraordinary book of tremendous depth is about Alissa Lukara's amazing journey of self-transformation. She tells how she took the darkest experience of childhood abuse and adult illness (chronic fatigue syndrome) and created an incredible journey of physical, emotional and spiritual healing. It is a difficult subject, yet this well written powerful story is hard to put down. The full range of experiences she shares makes it compelling and moving. It is about facing the darkness, finding forgiveness, walking the spiritual journey and so much more. After I read the book, I was fortunate to have a chance meeting with the author and she does indeed radiate much vitality, grace and joy.

- Angelica Williams

Discover Your Psychic Type: Developing and Using Your Natural Intuition, Sherrie Dillard, Llewellyn, 2008, $14.95

Have you ever picked up the phone to call someone just as that same person is calling you? Have you ever had those moments of deja vu where you knew you had been in that same situation but couldn't recall when? Sometimes do you just get a gut feeling or intuitive insight that you can't ignore? Sherrie Dillard helps dispel the misconceptions about intuition being a gift only some can possess. Everyone receives psychic information one way or another. It's how we interpret the information that helps us connect with the subconscious.

"What we find as we develop intuition is that it is more than attaining a skill. We will never learn to become psychic. It is rather, the unfolding of our spirit, the evolution of our consciousness," says Dillard.

The insightful quiz in this book will help you determine whether you are a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual intuitive. Many who take the quiz are a mix of the four. From there she helps you understand each type's intuitive nature, personality, and possible physical weaknesses that can correspond with the psychic type and affect the interpretation of psychic information.

- Chelsea Lester

Joy Now, Laura Derocher, 2007, $15

Joy Now takes the listener on a journey into spiritual unfolding using brilliant original lyrics that are filled with profound truth and wisdom. Her compelling melodies linger long after this upbeat CD ends. Derocher's masterful vocal and musical acting capabilities are beautifully showcased in this positive message CD. You only have to close your eyes to feel that you're sitting in the audience of a big-budget Broadway musical production. Back-up vocalists and contributing musicians are all world-class talents who happen to reside in Derocher's home region in Southern Oregon. This CD is a wonderful, lighthearted glimpse into the process of personal transformation and self-realization. Visit www.lauraderocher.com.

- Shara Gardner

Deva, The Luminous World Orchestra,Brahmasong Records, 2007, $15.99

Composer Steven Chesne had a dream. Although he had composed musical scores for hundreds of prime-time network TV shows and also created many orchestral concert works, Chesne had long contemplated the possibilities of transforming the traditional symphony orchestra. The Luminous World Orchestra combines Western instruments with those from all corners of the planet: East Asia, India, the Middle East, Africa and South America. Strings, such as violins, cellos and the Chinese Erhu fiddle, and wind instruments, such as the Native American flute and Celtic Pennywhistle, along with the percussion of Balinese Gamelan gongs, all add to the richness of the music.

The result is a collection of soft and gentle melodies. At times somber and melancholy, the music inspires introspection and meditation within the listener. This CD would also be beneficial for use with yoga or massage, or just plain relaxation. Visit www.brahmasong.com.

- Alice R. Berntson

Unlocking Your Intuitive Power (CD), Laura Alden Kamm, Sounds True, 2007, $69.95

Everybody has intuitive insights - everybody. Many people don't trust them, however, even with practice. Unlocking Your Intuitive Power contains techniques and insights to help the listener develop and use mindfulness to be able to read the energy of anything. Having a heightened intuitive sense allows more effective navigation through the everyday physical environment. Being able to read the energy of anything can assist in understanding common everyday stresses.

This audio learning program contains six CDs, which run for just under six hours. Laura Alden Kamm begins by telling about her near-death experience and how she became a startlingly accurate medical intuitive. She explains energy and chakra systems, what intuition is, resources on the other side, and many other related topics. She explains each in a manner that flows into the next, facilitating being able to grasp the subject before moving on to the next. Each CD also contains practice sessions to reinforce the learning in the fundamentals presented: chakra and mindfulness activation, intuitive energy, body scanning, core components, and aligning with spirit. The program also includes a 40-page study guide, supporting the information and practices in the CD set.

Learn more at www.energymedicine.org.

- Alice R. Berntson

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Life After Death-A Fascinating Exploration of Afterlife Concepts and Experiences, Diane Ahlquist, Alpha Books (Penguin Group), 2007, $16.95

The Complete Idiot's Guide set includes books on a wealth of subjects, written in a light-hearted style. Now the concept of life after death has gone mainstream with its inclusion in the series. Typical of the series' format, this book is also quick and easy to read. From "Contents at a Glance" and complete "Contents" tables to its comprehensive index, it is easy to peruse and find exactly what you need. Each chapter includes definitions. Accompanying sidebars have additional information, and, just for balance, what the skeptics say. "The Least You Need to Know" section at the conclusion of every chapter is a quick review and summary of the chapter's highlights. Appendices include resources and ways the reader can make contact with the departed.

This book is a good overview of the whole subject. There have been many, many books written on various components of the concept of life after death, but generally they deal with just one or two components of the topic. This guide is handy to have it all explained in one book. As a well-read student of this subject, even this reviewer learned several things. Other readers will likely also.

- Alice R. Berntson

Your Never Ending Life, Book 1 of The Universal Learning Series, Sandy Andrew, Bridgeway Books, 2006, $12.95

In his first book in a series of three, Sandy Andrew discusses his views and beliefs regarding the 12 universal laws and the energy of the universe. It is his belief that these laws govern how we live and progress through this world, and how they affect us spiritually, emotionally and physically. In his own words he says, "Observing the universal laws and harnessing the power of universal rnergy can help you truly achieve spiritual growth, which is the essence of your existence and the reason why you are here on Earth. The harsh reality is that the more you break and fight against these laws, the tougher you make this life and your future lifetimes to follow."

To help us understand these 12 universal laws we first need to know what they are and how to live accordingly to each law. The 12 universal laws are: karma, love, emotional control, action and effect, preordination, incarnation characteristics, protection, time, guidance, learning, restoration and free will.

It is Andrew's belief that since our paths have previously been established by God, our spiritual guides and our spiritual selves, we have in essence sealed our fate by determining our life in advance. We therefore must understand the laws that govern our life here on earth in order to fully live the purpose of our life time.

Andrew a technical specialist born in Scotland, currently resides in Kansas with his wife and daughter. He is very interested in past life regression as self-therapy as he believes that his past lives of being a WWII German soldier and a passenger aboard the Titanic may have been his motivation to write these books on enlightenment.

- Jelina K. Vance

Sacred Mirrors Cards, Alex Grey, Inner Traditions, 2006, $19.95

The frontier of transcendental artwork is synonymous with the name Alex Grey. Blending his mastery of human anatomy with energy systems and religious iconography, Grey has made self discovery through art readily accessible with the release of Sacred Mirrors Cards. Originally a collection of life-sized portraits, Grey has produced a boxed set of 23 cards "intended to lead us through the process of theosis, that is, coming closer to God, through contemplation of iconic archetypes and seeing ourselves, each other, and our world as a reflection of the divine."

Small enough for placement within an alter space yet large enough to study the immense detail, one could easily become lost in these spiritual renditions of other dimensions. They might also be used as tool to fine tune one's inner vision. Although they are only one artist's interpretation, gazing at a card that details the body's acupuncture meridians, for example, and then quickly shifting your focus to a nearby friend can produce some trippy effects (do not attempt while driving).

Whether for decoration or for retraining your nervous system, the Sacred Mirrors Cards are a valuable addition to the spiritual library.

- Brandon LaGreca

The Souls of Animals, Gary Kowalski, New World Library, 2007, $14

As an animal lover myself, this book intrigued me. Beautiful cover art and stunning black and white photos add to the wonderful stories that are shared in Kowalski's book. He addresses many animals, both domesticated and wild, to illustrate how animals show their feelings, emotions and spirituality. He demonstrates this through heart-warming stories that answer some of the following questions: Do animals have souls? Do they understand and know right from wrong? Do they experience love? Are they aware of death?

As a Unitarian Universalist minister, Kowalski explores the world of animal spirituality helping us to understand that these wonderful creatures we share the planet with are both companions and teachers for us. When we open our hearts and eyes to see life as the animals experience, it enriches our lives. I enjoyed reading this book with all of the touching and often comical stories. The word animal comes from a Latin root that means "soul." To ancient thinkers, the soul was the mysterious force that gave life and breath to the numerous creatures of the earth. Later, theologians restricted the possession of soul to mankind only. Kowalski shows that animals in deed have souls and in many respects are very similar to us. They are our fellow travelers and peers.

- Jelina Vance

Romancing the Awakening the Soul, Swan Ramachi, Trafford Publishing, 2007, $29

Never lose sight of the dream of enlightenment. This is the true story of Swan Ramachi - shaman, astral traveler, shape-shifter, mystic, teacher and healer - and his quest for spiritual growth as he travels between the energy vortexes of Mt. Shasta, Sedona, Taos and Hawaii.

At Mt. Shasta, Swan encounters brilliant orbs and sees tiny lights that dance on the path leading to the entrance of a cave. Entering the cave he is met by two friendly beings who appear as shimmering waves of light. Going deeper, he faces a wall that seems solid, at first, but then becomes pulsating, humming plasma, and he is suddenly sucked through it and into a world made of light crystals.

In Taos, he discovers the essence of shamanism, reminiscent of Don Juan, with this experience: "I began to submerge myself in the oneness of spirit. I was the rocks, the canyon, the hawk, the wind, the water. I felt powerful and clear."

Traveling mostly with his soul mate Lisa, Swan's journey is an outrageous adventure of discovery that finally leads him to discover the truth of who he really is.

- Jessica Bryan