July/August 2008 Conscious Media
Reader's Choice 7/08

The Third Jesus, Deepak Chopra, Harmony Books, 2008, $24

Little is known about the "historical" Jesus, the details lost in the passage of time. The "theological" Jesus was molded to the needs of various churches and became "obscured in ritual and sacrament." Chopra uncovers a third Jesus, seen as a savior (not The Savior) whose re-visioned words are a set of directions for approaching our lives from moment to moment. This radical Jesus challenges how we choose to be. He calls us to a higher consciousness now, not to a distant salvation later.

Chopra reinterprets the words of Jesus from the gospels and from the works of the Gnostics, placing them in the context of our daily living. Along the way a new gospel appears - one of enlightenment. In this context, themes such as love, contemplation, illusion and unity are given a fresh perspective. Various exercises are presented to assist individuals in attempting to apply this Third Jesus' summonings - some helpful guidance while on the path. It is envisioned as a demanding undertaking requiring a vigilant constancy.

In The Third Jesus Deepak Chopra provides a valuable, insightful blend of Eastern and Western thought, releasing Jesus from the burden of dogma, and shedding light on what, in a clarified way, Jesus would do.

- Michael Moylan

Practical Astrology, Priscilla Costello, Weiser Books, 2008, $12.95

Have you ever wondered what your birth chart may tell you about yourself? This easy-to-understand guide is for you. Costello introduces the reader to the basic principles of astrology. She goes into detail so that the reader can grasp the significance of how the four primary elements of the planets, signs, houses and aspects all merge together in the birth chart, showing a complete personal portrait. With this information, you can understand your inner psychology and see the unfolding of life cycles. A captivating and fascinating book that will keep you and your highlighter coming back for more, as you interpret your own chart and discover what zodiac signs your friends and family were born under.

- Jelina K. Vance

Do Dead People Watch You Shower?, Concetta Bertoldi, Harper Paperbacks, 2008, $13.95

Bertoldi, a full-time medium, consults regularly with members of the British royal family, American celebrities and politicians. She has communicated with the "other" side since early childhood, and in this first book shares her many insights, humorous stories and answers to questions asked by many clients: Do the dead feel bad if we don't visit their gravesites? Do the dead have emotions? Do souls that have crossed miss us as much as we miss them? Do they watch us shower? Bertoldi addresses each question using her upfront, direct and humorous methods. This book made me laugh out loud several times, and I appreciated her descriptive words: "I'm no saint, I tell dirty jokes and argue with my mother-in-law, but that doesn't make me a bad person. I'm a vivacious, loving woman, who just happens to hear dead people, and I don't think there is anything wrong with that." And yes, by the way, the dead do watch us shower, but as Bertoldi says, "Who cares? They're dead! Who are they gonna tell?"

- Jelina K. Vance

Gardening at the Dragon's Gate, Wendy Johnson, Bantam Books, 2008, $25

This long awaited book, which took over 10 years to write by long hand, is divided into three parts: Johnson's memoirs, teaching and instructional material, and meditation tips to help stay connected to the earth. Johnson, one of the founders of the organic Farm and Garden Program at Green Gulch Zen Center in Northern California, has been teaching gardening and environmental education since the early 1980s. This beautifully illustrated book gives both the beginning gardener and the master gardener much needed and valuable information regarding the history of gardening, soil conditions, composting, basic gardening skills, pests and guests in the garden, harvesting tips and learning to live in balance with nature and all of earth's creatures. This is not your everyday gardening book - it covers many aspects of gardening that I myself as an avid gardener appreciate being reminded of: give up control, learn from your mistakes, take a stand, follow your passion, and above all, respect the elements. I would highly recommend this wonderful book to all who want to learn more about our earth and how to live a more balanced and organic life.

- Jelina K. Vance

The Greatest Secret of All, Marc Allen, New World Library, 2007, $18

This book clearly explains the law of manifestation and then takes it even further to reveal what is far more important in life. We are all seeking a life of inner happiness, peace and fulfillment and to know that in our own small way we can contribute creatively to making the world a better place. At age 30, drifter Allen decided that his life must change and he began writing down and creating on paper the life that he truly desired. He says that, "The first step to discovering the secret of manifestation is to write your ideal scene on paper, your dream life five years in the future. Begin with the end in mind, and keep it in mind." Allen not only changed his own life, he also guided his publishing company, New World Library, from a small start-up venture with no capital to its current position as one of the leading independent publishers in the country. The Greatest Secret of All is a fast read, with many helpful suggestions and affirmations. A wonderful book to pick up when you feel that your life is just a little off track.

- Jelina K. Vance

The Mind Chronicles, Barbara Hand Clow, Bear & Company Books, 2007, $22

Originally published in three volumes, Eye of the Centaur (1986), Heart of the Christos (1989), and Signet of Atlantis (1992), the combined and updated Mind Chronicles is Clow's inner journey. Through more than 450 pages, she travels into the past to find herself via past-life regression, accessing memories from past incarnations.

Archaeologists and historians have to use the evidence (or lack of) at hand to explain events, people and places. Clow describes various times and places from her own personal experience, within the context of life then and there, in Greece, Egypt, the Mayan and Celtic worlds, and even out in the cosmos. Artist Angela C. Werneke's many rich illustrations highlight specific scenes that Clow describes.

Past-life regression goes far beyond symptom relief, validation of belief or simply to verify reincarnation. Regression can facilitate growth, integrating personal healing and spiritual growth into one process. Cultures throughout time vary in the kinds of learning and capability they favor and permit. Knowing our own unique past provides a vehicle for learning so much about our true essence, our higher selves.

- Alice R. Berntson

7 Minutes of Magic: The Ultimate Energy Workout, Lee Holden with Doug Abrams, Penguin Group, 2007, $24.95

Through a series of seven flows, PBS presenter Lee Holden brings vitality to one's rising moments and tranquility to the closing of one's day. Elements of tai chi and qi gong are the foundation of his approach, with each movement linking to the next. "Health is an ongoing process, not a goal that is ever reached. It is a daily journey; you are either taking steps toward health or away from it every day." Holden's breadth of experience with Eastern disciplines allows him to encompass much in these brief patterns of movement. Clear concepts combine with a readily usable format making it easy to grasp and accomplish the basic steps.

Central to the exercises is the integration of body, mind and spirit. Mindfulness comes into play in how we walk, how we breathe and how we chew the food we eat. Included are tips on nutrition and relaxation, as well as targeted workouts for specific body areas. Meditation is offered as a break from the hectic lives our world fosters. The inner journey allows for a peaceful, relaxing break. Holden suggests a meditation technique called the inner smile. Can driving with a smile be far away?

- Michael Moylan

Mayan Days of Sound, Craig Howell, Sunset Venue Music, 2007, $16

The Maya created a sophisticated calendar. The ritual calendar that developed in Mesoamerica used a count of 260 days. This calendar gave each day a name, much like our days of the week. There were 20 day names, each represented by a unique symbol. The 260-day or sacred count calendar was in use throughout Mesoamerica for centuries, probably before the beginning of writing. The music for this CD was created at the new moon, one song a day for 20 days with the highest intention. Each piece of music is hauntingly beautiful and can be used for meditation and balancing purposes. According to the Maya, each day in creation has its own sacred energy and purpose.

- Jelina K. Vance

Secret Journey, Omar Akram, Real Music, 2007, $17.98

The third CD from composer/pianist Akram represents a medium of expression based on his travels growing up as the son of a United Nations diplomat. Violinist Charles Bisharat was outstanding and highly expressive on every cut, breathing life into each piece. This was particularly evident on "Nomadic Rhapsody" resembling the great Jean Luc Ponty's gift for stylistically blending violin with piano and guitar. "Caravan" is a gem, a rhapsodic delight featuring Akram's piano dancing madly around programmed rainfall rattling percussion, accents abound. "Mirage," with its mixture of unison bass/tabla introduction and ultra cool percussion tip toe around Akram's motifs. Fans of Akram and his genre can certainly disagree with me: Though the music is artfully tasteful, I would have liked more fire from the belly, particularly when you've got firebrand guitarists Farah and Ramon Stagnaro in the wings.

- Lee Brodinsky

WEB ONLY

The Life Organizer, Jennifer Louden, New World Library, 2007, $19.95

"Isn't it strange that no matter how sophisticated your organizer or planner is, your life still doesn't fit into it?" This quote on www.lifeorganizer.com speaks to those of us who have become prisoners to our planners and overwhelmed with too many commitments. If you're wondering how you'll ever find time to focus on your hopes and dreams, check this book out. According to Louden, traditional approaches to time management don't work for women as they emphasize linear thinking and compartmentalizing. Women hold many concerns in their awareness at the same time and have lives that are set up to be interrupted. Oh yes, we work intuitively and use our emotions more than men. The author states on the first page that it's not a self-help book, not designed to be read cover to cover, doesn't offer advice. "It's an interactive guidebook, a collection of possibilities to inspire you in creating your own way of participating with life and your own gifts. It's a book you will finish by making the process your own." Louden is a monthly magazine columnist for Body+Soul, a frequent guest on Martha Stewart's Sirius channel, and creator of learning events and retreats around the country. Her life planner website offers supportive resources for the journey.

- Angelica Williams

The New Pyramid Age, Philip Coppens, O Books (John Hunt Publishing), 2007, $19.95

When people think of pyramids, Egypt or the Mayan world typically spring to mind. Worldwide discoveries of new pyramids challenge our thinking, however, about how they came to be and their function. Coppens thoroughly explores this subject, combining his first hand experiences from traveling the world, with the on-going debate of renowned scientists in the field. Tombs, religious rites, extraterrestrial influences and more are all examined in detail.

Unearthing pyramids is just a start. Determining if a "mound" is manmade or not is the next step. Interpreting their function, including why that location, and for what purpose, ignites endless debate. Coppens states that most pyramids are similar in shape, size and age, and offers hypotheses regarding the possibility of a global movement around 3000 BCE.

- Alice R. Berntson

Lost Canyons (CD), Scott August, Cedar Mesa Music, 2007, $14.99

Listen to the low haunting melodies and tones of August's Anasazi flute, and indeed, it is easy to find yourself lost in the canyons of the American Southwest. This ancenstral Puebloan flute is one of the oldest types of instruments known. Simply a hollow tube, it is end-blown, with six finger holes producing a wide range of sounds. All music on this CD was composed, performed and produced by August. Besides the Anasazi flute, he also plays other flutes, made from a variety of woods. His deft additions of piano, percussion, and guitars create an evocative and rich mix on the 12 compositions. Discover and explore cliff dwellings and ceremonial chambers. Dream under the desert skies and starry nights. Let the flutes echo through the canyons. Visit www.cedarmesa.com.

- Alice R. Berntson