10 Principles of the Feminine, The
I loved the book! It's easy to read and very on point, and I liked the fact that it makes use of so many pragmatic and clear examples that it's not just another daunting book on spirituality; it's actually relatable. Also, I used to be very afraid of death but since reading this I feel much better about it. ~ Reader
Am I Too Old to Save the Planet?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Cute title and it did hook me and make me curious. And the book was better than I expected. I think most readers are going to do what I did and skip the first few chapters to get to the meat of it which is what Boomers CAN do. I liked that it wasn't just general suggestions, but rather did cater to us Boomers and where we are in life. In fact the book does that quite well; I found much of it to be relevant to me and how I live, so though I was prepared to scoff at this book (yes, I'm that kind of boomer) I found myself impressed. This would not be a bad book to keep on your reference shelf and to challenge yourself to take a few of the suggestions to heart. Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. To the other generations: Get this book as a holiday present for the boomers in your life! ~ Sara Aoyama (Reviewer)
Making a Massacre
Tom Reilly
It's been a bit of a busy day, but I just sat down and read the intro to your book to my wife. Bloody nearly wet myself. At times I felt it was like something out of Hugh Leonard’s Tales from the Lazy Acre, but I am happy to say that I think that you have a very valid argument for what you say. Your argument started in the best place – original sources - and is confirmed by original sources. Your questioning of when the references to the massacre were made, by whom, and crucially when, is the absolute kicker. All told, your book was a bit of a magic carpet ride for me, I laughed, I cried, I nearly hurled once. You write very like I do when I am off the lead. I loved the references – had to look a lot of ‘em up, and I really enjoyed the Irish cultural references. ~ Steve Pickstock
Church Going Gone
Brian Mountford
I hugely enjoyed this book. In the early chapters especially, there is a laugh on every other page. It is a riveting account of ministerial life in the Church of England since the 1960s, depicting, as the title suggests, an era of catastrophic falling away in church attendance. Written in a style which is at once dry and vivid, with ruthless honesty and a good eye for telling detail, this is an insider’s story which will be recognised by all who have served during this period.
Modern Believing October 2023 ~ Modern Believing, Review
Are You a Mutant?
How do you develop and upgrade your inner world? Well, whether things are going well or going poorly, the stronger you are inside, the more you accomplish outside. Ergo, such tips to make you more powerful with each mental and physical state you take are, but not beholden to: Know who you are - Spend time in silence - Set a routine - Create the right circle - Gain control of your body - Give yourself a good home.
Assured that the book wouldn’t have even existed without all these life contributions that these people kindly bestowed upon her, it’s also found within the Forward (by best-selling author Kathryn Alice) that perhaps reading this book will also be your very own ticket into the life you’ve always wanted - a life of happiness, fulfilment, love and joy.
FULL REVIEW: https://annecarlini.com/ex_books.php?id=538 ~ Exclusive Magazine, Review
Phantoms in the Night or ETs?
Nearly half of all Americans and millions more globally believe we’re not alone, according to a 2000 poll. While 40 million Americans say they have seen or know someone who has seen an unidentified flying object, or UFO, a growing number believe they’ve actually met aliens.
Some even believe that Extraterrestrials can embody people’s fears, looking radically different from human life. Indeed, pop culture depictions of aliens don’t seem to be slowing down, one of my own personal favs being the acclaimed mini-series Torchwood: Children of Earth.
But I digress; for another, and one which Lorraine herself attests to is spiritual transformation when you see these objects, and then you do the research, and you see that there are so many people who have experienced the same thing as you. And so you have to say to yourself, well, okay, maybe there is something to this.
As for Lorraine’s story in particular, well, it's a smorgasbord of encounters that all add up to the fact that she has believed for the longest time that she has had various encounters with either phantoms in the night or ETs. “Having undergone a series of spiritual promptings lately, I believe I can no longer sit on the sidelines in the shadows and that it is time to share my story with the world.”
So, from my point of view, and having now read this book twice, I think it is time to start taking these stories more seriously. I’m not saying that; I believe it’s literally true that there are aliens riding around the galaxy in their respective spaceships. Still, at the very least, these people, such as Lorraine, who were previously disbelieved and even ridiculed, should be listened to and given a hearing.
And, in closing, for everyone who tells you these people are attention seekers after fame and fortune, I would say, ‘What fame? What fortune?’
FULL REVIEW: https://annecarlini.com/ex_books.php?id=537 ~ Exclusive Magazine, Review
How To Guide to Cosmopolitan Socialism, A
Matthew McManus is swiftly becoming of the globally leading figures on liberal socialism. This book shows why. Combining his encylopaedic knowledge of the topic with easy-to-access pros, McManus convincingly argues that cosmopolitan socialism is central to a just future. You’ll walk away angry, but well-equipped to argue. ~ Dr Timothy Stacey | Utrecht University
7 Levels of Wisdom, The
Esgueva provides a series of carefully orchestrated exercises and realizations, guiding readers past ethical quandaries and into territory that leads to enlightenment.
Perhaps nowhere else in new age and self-help or spiritual literature is the importance and challenge of this process so succinctly and clearly defined as described in The 7 Levels of Wisdom.
~ D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, , Midwest Book Review
And this shall be my dancing day
Jennifer Kavanagh
A lovely book, discovering the interwoven lives of two very different women. I enjoyed Jennifer Kavanagh’s evocative exploration of their experience of their city and countryside, and the background of serious concern about so many troubling elements of our life today - and the ending! I’d love to know what happened next! ~ Beth Allen, Amazon
Pagan Portals - Raven Goddess
Morgan Daimler
Heavily researched books get a bad reputation for being stuffy, boring, or just too damn long. When something has been researched to the point where it’s just a collection of facts with no soul, that’s where I check out. Fortunately, Raven Goddess: Going Deeper with The Morrigan by Morgan Daimler provides an abundance of thoroughly researched and cross-checked facts, coupled with a flair that only an accomplished storyteller could achieve.
Having authored many books on the subject of the Irish Gods and Ungods, despite not being part of that heritage, Daimler has captured the respect of fellow authors and scholars by their clarity on the subject matter and the depth of their research on the topics. A blogger, poet, teacher, witch, priestess and the author of more than two dozen books, Daimler’s Pagan Portals – Raven Goddess is a shining example of this depth of research as this book takes you beyond the normal space of explaining who The Morrigan is and explores the mystery that surrounds her.
The Morrigan has been misrepresented in many books, mostly due to the rapid spread of misinformation through opinion-based writings. I am not in any way suggesting that people may not have an opinion on how they identify or interact with any particular God or Goddess, but I do believe having the facts should precede any sort of opinion-based writing. Having said that, while Daimler does inject their own opinion on a regular basis throughout the book, it’s done in a simple and satisfying way that adds layers to the information being presented.
The opinions expressed by Daimler are based on their exhaustive research and their ability to translate the old texts that are referred to throughout the book. Having tried learning Gaelic exactly once in my life, it is impressive to see the original text plus the various translations already made compared to Daimler’s translations. This added touch lends a layer of authenticity to the book that is both refreshing and downright amazing.
Referencing old texts, parts of poems, and scholarly writings, Daimler is able to piece together a very deep and revealing portrait of who The Morrigan is and how we can work with Her as individuals if we feel called to. Beyond the normal listing of various correspondences, Daimler provides an in-depth examination of various sources of the material from which the correspondences associated with The Morrigan are derived. This cross referencing could be tiresome for folks if it weren’t for the way Daimler writes.
In one chapter, Daimler provides irrefutable proof that Morgen Le Fay and The Morrigan are two separate entities. They explain:
“The Morrigan and Morgen Le Fay are often associated with each other in modern paganism… both certainly were vilified and demonized over time as stories evolved, the Morrigan going from a goddess to a night spectre and Morgen from a priestess of Avalon to an incestuous and usurping sister of the king.”1
That is perhaps one the most common misperceptions of The Morrigan that I have personally come across. I didn’t think that the two shared any roots, but over the years as I did my own reading and found others who made connections, it made me wonder. The biggest point of contention is the fact that the Morrigan is Irish and Morgen La Fay is Welsh, so that should have stopped the connection there. Fortunately, this book cleared all that up as Daimler says without reservation, “there’s no evidence that the Morrigan and Morgen La Fay share any roots or that historically the two have any connection to each other..”2
There are other pieces to the book that enhance the journey through the history of The Morrigan. The correct spelling of her name, for example, as well as an explanation of why it is “The Morrigan” and not simply “Morrigan”. Daimler goes into this briefly, stating “It may help to keep in mind that her name translates to a title — either the Great Queen or the Phantom Queen, so try thinking that you are saying that.”3
References to other works abound, if you aren’t careful you will fall down a rabbit hole of personal research and cross checking. As I write this, I have four other books on the subject including Daimler’s first book on The Morrigan titled “The Morrigan: Meeting the Great Queens”. I love reading books that give you additional resources to look up your own information and this book does that perfectly. Daimler’s writing is clear and concise and carries a hint of reverence for the subject matter. This book is an absolute pleasure to read and conjures up many questions that no doubt I will spend time finding my own answers to.
For me, as someone who follows The Morrigan and has for years, this book provides a wealth of knowledge that I didn’t have and more importantly, didn’t know I was missing. ~ Sarah October Young, https://musingmystical.com/author/sarrahoctoberyoung/page/3/
To Sing with Bards and Angels
TO SING WITH BARDS AND ANGELS
by Iona Jenkins
ISBN:9781803410746
Iona Jenkins' book is a portal into the creative flow which, in Welsh and the language of the Druids, is known as Awen (akin to our Irish Abhann) and is translated as 'flowing spirit'.
The author is a contemporary bard who writes in the poetic language of that flow. Not only does she access the spiritual, creative Awen, but she also lives in it, turning her life into a work of art, painted in vivid word colors. In this series of meditations and life reflections, the bard meets her muse, a rather intriguing angel, who gives her poetic and spiritual guidance. We are drawn right into her internal and external worlds to dance in their magic.
As a writer, I see this book as a valuable tool to access creativity. One doesn't have to believe in angels. The meditation practices at the end of each chapter are an inspirational way to meet one's own muses, access the spiritual flow, and learn to sing with the bards from the Oran Mor (yes, again our Irish Amhran Mor), the Great Song of the Universe.
The whole experience of this book requires an openness of spirit. It is not for skeptics.
Orla O'Connell ~ Pagan Ireland Magazine Autumn 2023 issue , Iona Jenkins
10 Principles of the Feminine, The
Truly insightful, a unique view! A guide I will keep and revisit. It's not just another run-of-the-mill tool on femininity; it's a mesmerizing journey that celebrates the essence of truth feminine with a passionate and authentic flair but practical at the same time. It shares some fundamental ideas and other quite intriguing but in a very simple, correct, unexpectedly pragmatic and also feminine way. It captures the essentials in a veiled way, but without losing the main idea. The examples are like a gentle guiding hand, making sure you get it right. It's these little details that matter most when we're diving into the realms of energy and perceptions. Reading the book you feel the author's breath and authenticity also didactic manner, you feel there is a goddess guru talking to you and guiding you through the feminine world, and you feel safe, free and empowered to experience your soul desires. Unique, sublime! ~ Reader
10 Principles of the Feminine, The
I have been curious about feminine and masculine while on my own journey to find this balance within me. This is so beautifully written I couldn’t stop reading. I gained so much valuable information to help me grow. I love giving books as gifts to friends who are on a similar journey to mine and this will definitely be shared with them. Thank you, Roxana, for this gift! ~ Christine Colucci (author, public speaker)
Shine On
J S Jones
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This is a really interesting autobiography that explores life after death through one man's experiences. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, you'll find plenty of thought provoking material in here to make you question what really happens when we die.
~ Alethea Lawton (Reviewer) , NetGalley
Staff of Laurel, Staff of Ash
"An absolutely beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking, and liberating piece of work. I do not have adequate words to describe this, other than read it for yourself." ~ Steven Davis, goodreads
Quaker Quicks - Inner Healing, Inner Peace
John Lampen
INNER HEALING, INNER PEACE by John and diana Lampen
This is the first book in the Quakers Quick series that I have read and I thought it would be a rapid read. However this book really deserves a slow read to savour all the wisdom it contains.
Drawing on a lifetime of their personal ministry, Diana and John explain how they have helped people in many different parts of the world in circumstances where they were able to facilitate peace and healing. But this is so much more than autobiography, and all their experiences are referenced by a library of authors e.g. Thich Nat Hahn, Gerard W Hughes and Steven Levine.
The book has 8 stand alone chapters with titles like “Choose Joy”; “ Physical Pain and Distress”; and “The Wounded Spirit”. At the end of the book there is a section called “The Practices" offering the reader an opportunity to experiment with 14 different exercises to encourage peace and healing for themselves and others. There is also an appendix of “References and Further Reading” for wider study.
I read the chapter on “Unease and Anxiety” when I was worrying and gained comfort from both the narrative and by trying out Practices 1 and 2, that go with it.
I read the chapter on “ The Art of Dying” when my 92 yr old friend was nearing her death in a care home , and found that helpful too. Having worked in Hospice Care for 20 years the topic of death and dying is close to my heart and I especially appreciated this chapter of John and Diana’s writing. It begins with a reflection on how we think about death now, some suggestions about what to do when death approaches, the challenge that death presents if we are afraid, moral issues of euthanasia, hospice care and then what a Quakers perspective might look like.
When John asked me to read this book, he said he thought I would be able to give an unbiased review. I hope I have done that despite giving it a 100% recommendation. It has a knack of retaining the every day aspects and questions that we all ask ourselves alongside combining some ‘answers’ backed up by references and real life practices. The glory of this book is that you could read it in a day but you could equally dip in and out at will or use it as a study guide for a small group over, say, a year.
~ Anne Gardner, Stourbridge Quaker Meeting Newsletter
Quaker Quicks - Inner Healing, Inner Peace
John Lampen
Inner Healing, Inner Peace: A Quaker perspective,
by John Lampen and Diana Lampen
Review by Tim Newell.
|Photo: Book cover of Inner Healing, Inner Peace: A Quaker perspective, by John Lampen and Diana Lampen
This is a book full of good things to marvel at, understand and apply. So much of it rings bells after the trauma of the pandemic, and its impact on families and loved ones. The issues of tension and conflict are a focus, but there is also a remarkable section called ‘The Practices’. Here the riches of experience are described and explained, so that it is made easy to apply a particular practice to a particular need.
John and Diana Lampen have brought their long experience and special expertise to bear on our everyday experiences of conflict, distress and loss. From international conflict to personal trauma, this treasure trove of hope gives us confident possibilities that things don’t have to be as they are. The book is grounded in the Quaker experience of worship, and we all come back to that for our continuity of balance – ‘That of God’ in each of us.
The authors describe an event, the setting, an experience, the people, and the issue. They then consider what was needed to restore balance and work it through. ‘The Practices’, rich with personal insight, give us responses that are appropriate to particular settings and issues. Such a sharing of wisdom!
So many of the issues speak to us. The section on ‘Forgiveness’, and the explanation of the need for self-forgiveness, connected me to the experience in a community meeting at Grendon Prison, where all forty members introduced themselves by their name, their sentence, and with the acknowledgment that they were there because of the harm they caused their victim (named), for which they take responsibility.
Many of us will appreciate the description of the Experiment with Light as a practice of worship. My own Meeting has had a practice for the past seven years, readily adapted to the Zoom world. Powerlessness is described and respected, for the influence it has on others, bringing tranquillity. Readers are encouraged to take time to look at things around us when walking with no purpose other than with curiosity and marvelling.
There are good things around every page, with encouraging experiences and pertinent quotes. Take this one from Isaac Penington: ‘Give over thine own willing – give over thy own running, give over thine own desiring to know or be anything and sink down to the seed which God sows in the heart and let that grow in thee and be in thee and breathe in thee and act in thee’.
The book ends with a moving chapter on the art of dying. Again this is helped by the authors’ experience of being with people in a hospice, and approaching the end with calmness and without fear. There is a wonderful Practice to help with this.
Quakers have much to offer in the world of conflict and distress. This book will provide Friends with insight and tools to apply as they work through the issues. It is relevant in any setting of need and concern.
~ Tim Newell , THE FRIEND - British weekly Quaker journal
Beneath the Moon
Rachel Patterson
A Must have book! This Book should be on every Pagan Witch's bookshelf!! Chocked full of great information. Well laid out and easy to follow. This book will become well worn with love. Great for those just starting out on the path and for those seasoned who like to keep references on hand within easy reach. ~ Rosemary K, Amazon
Pagan Portals - Gods & Goddesses of England
Rachel Patterson
As always, another fab book from Rachel. She never lets her readers down with her knowledge. Her research on any topic can not be faulted, always well researched. If you are interested in learning more about the English gods/goddesses, then I would recommend this book. ~ Luna, Amazon
Quaker Quicks - Inner Healing, Inner Peace
John Lampen
Here is the power and the joy of this book: the Lampens have taken these raw experiences, told candidly and tenderly, and have harvested spiritual practices from their Quaker faith and many kindred sources to open up ways of healing that people of all sorts of temperaments can use. After telling us these stories and outcomes, they distilled what they learned into a set of fourteen accessible practices. Many of these practices have a common thread: gently helping us to connect our minds, our spirits, and our bodies. ~ Johan Maurer - Can You Believe?, FULL REVIEW >>> https://blog.canyoubelieve.me/2023/08/experiment-with-healing.html
