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Energetic Anatomy and Physiology (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 1)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Tai Chi & Qi Gong | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
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Energetic Alchemy, Dao Yin Therapy and Qi Deviations (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 2)
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Differential Diagnosis, Clinical Foundations, Treatment Principles and Clinical Protocols (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 3)
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Prescription Exercises and Meditations, Treatment of Internal Diseases, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Gynecology, Neurology and Energetic Psychology (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 4)
-
An Energetic Approach to Oncology (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 5)
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Medical Qigong Exercise Prescriptions
ASIN: 1885246285 |
Product Description
The information contained withinthe Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy: A Comprehensive Clinical Text hascurrently been tripled and reformatted into five exciting new textbooks.The five new Medical Qigong textbooks are composed of both modern andancient knowledge, graphics, and expanded techniques, guaranteed tofascinate and intrigue the reader. Never before in the history ofChinese Medicine has a textbook series been made available to thepublic that includes such comprehensive and thorough understandings onancient Chinese energetic healing techniques. Written by an internationally recognized Grand Master ofMartial, Medical, and Spiritual Qigong training, this five textbookseries (often referred to as the "Medical Qigong Encyclopedia")provides the first complete explanation of ancient Chinese esoterictheory that has for centuries eluded and confounded the West. This first textbook includes a thorough understanding of the creation and development of the body's energetic fields, ancient metaphysical theories of tissue formation, and the evolution of ancient Chinese energetic medicine. The featured highlights of this clinical textbook include:- Foundations of Chinese Energetic Medicine- The History of Qigong and Chinese Medicine- Understanding Ancient Chinese Metaphysics- The Energetic Formation of the Universe- Energetic Formation of the Human Body- Energetic Embryological Development- Prenatal and Postnatal Energetic Patterns- Ancient Daoist Archetypes of the Human Soul- The Hun (Ethereal Soul) and Po (Corporeal Soul)- Tissue Formation and Development- The Five Energies of the Human Body- The 12 Chakra Gates and The Three Dantians- The Taiji Pole and Three Dantians- The Eight Extraordinary Vessels- The Six Extraordinary Organs- The 12 Primary Organs, Channels and Collaterals- The Connecting Vessels, Divergent Channels, Muscle and Tendon Channels and Skin Zones- The Body's Energetic Points
Customer Reviews:
A tale of a teacher.......2007-09-25
An extraordianary tale of a teacher from Cypress. A must read story for everyone interested in growing one self
It is not Greek! It is amazing!!!.......2007-01-10
This is about Gods work through this amazing healer in a such a remote island, Kyriakides nailed this one !!!!!!great book!!an eye opener to spiritual seekers!!!!!
a deeper view of the world we inhabit.......2007-01-03
I have often advised young people to travel the world, not as a tourist but for extended visits to immerse themselves in other cultures. If nothing else, the traveler encounters a diversity of beings and ways of living that change, to a greater or lesser degree, how one sees his or her normal life. New doors of perception open, new senses are enlivened, and when one returns "home" it is never quite the same as before. And that's what this book does to the spiritual or simply curious traveler.
Through young Markides' eyes, we stay at the home of a true magus, that is, one who understands how the life force operates beyond our normal perceptions. For the magus, it's somewhat of a workaday world of dealing with elemental beings, karmic energies (which he sometimes consciously "takes on" as a gift of mercy to others), and other forces of which we normal people are most often quite unaware. A magus, or magician, may be black (harmful) or white (helpful). In this case, get to see how a conscientious, helpful healer operates in a commonplace setting, surrounded by regular people. No pointy star-spangled hats or boiling pots of newts and goat hooves here. You'd walk right by him on the street.
This is a fascinating story sincerely chronicled by the author. We're given a peek behind the curtain of miracles and get a sense of how they happen, of what it takes (beyond the typical waving of a wand or sprinkling of stardust) to restore balance and healing where chaos and illness have prevailed. For anyone interested in the idea of natural or psychic healing, and to see how it happens in plausible, everyday circumstances, you'll really appreciate this story. Especially in this age of preposterous medical costs and the pharmaceutical shroud blanketing our health care system, it's encouraging to encounter a practice of real healing knowledge that's not only priceless, but free.
Confirms and Provokes..........2005-03-02
Have you ever looked into the topic of energetic healing? Have you ever looked at biographies and autobiographies of healers? I have. I've read lots of them. And the "Magus of Strovolos", which is about "Stylianos Atteshlis", a Greek Cypriot healer who lived until the early 1990's, did what no single book has done that I've read so far. It tied everything together and proposed a truly complete view of things, from reincarnation and Karma, to healing, astral projection, to philosophy, to ethics necessary to move into the work. And, it was absolutely hilarious at times...
But before you decide that "funny" isn't a good thing in a book that covers this topic, let me tell you that it's not funny through and through. It's deadly serious at times. And the subject matter is so thought- provoking that I've found myself reading this book (and the subsequent two that are now out of print), several times, just to be sure that I didn't miss anything.
It's THAT good...
The Origenal.......2004-07-31
If you have discovered this great book and can bring yourself to believe in it you have much to congratulate yourself on.
Book Description
In every movement of our bodies, we express a world of emotions. But our movements don't just reflect our emotions-they directly affect them.
In Walking Your Talk, Lavinia Plonka explores the connection between how we move and how we feel. Our movements and body posture are more than just simple expressions of our feelings-they are a powerful factor in our well-being. And changing them can be a crucial first step in altering our emotional behaviors.
Drawing from her years of experience as a movement teacher and Feldenkrais Method(r) instructor, Plonka provides simple exercises, thought-provoking lessons, and real-life examples that help readers better understand the relationship between their movement patterns and their emotional state.
After beginning with an overview of both historical and modern ideas about the correlation between bodily movement and human emotion and expression, Plonka turns theory into practice by addressing each major area of the body-and the emotional baggage held there. Through exploratory exercises, we learn more about:
- how we carry stress-from responsibilities, family issues, and financial burdens-in our shoulders;
- why we "freeze" the pelvis-the bodily center of personal freedom, power, spontaneity, and sexuality; and
- the self-confidence (or lack thereof) we convey through our carriage.
Whether she is examining how a depressed chest can make us feel psychologically depressed, how body language is used to deceive others, or how loosening our pelvis can help us break a lifelong cycle of self-destructive behavior, Plonka is always caring and insightful, guiding readers to a deeper awareness of themselves and how changing their posture has the potential to change their whole lives.
Customer Reviews:
To see ourseles as ithers see us.......2007-03-24
Walking Your Talk is an answer to Robert Burns' lament-- "O wad some Power the giftie gie' us, To see ourseles as ithers see us." In the work of personal transformation, this book has begun helping me connect mind, body, spirit and my relationship to the world around me in a way no other book has done. Dreamwork, psychotherapy, breathwork, meditation -- and a host of therapies and practices-- are important and wonderful, but few bring it all home into everyday living. This book reads easily, yet is full of insights that demonstrate deep and grounded wisdom. Anecdotal evidence is balanced with well researched experience from the great teachers of our time. The exercises are simple and well explained. For those of us who live with constant little and big pains, but are determined to care for ourselves, this book is both a gentle challenge and a mug of hot chocolate!
The best present I bought for myself.......2007-03-14
It's nice to know that in this complicated world of layered information a guide like this exists. Author sheds light on the importance of body language as we move through our world, and does so simply and gracefully. Free of excess and to the point, this is a shortcut for anyone seeking answers on the endless rows of "self-improvement" shelves. Author invites reader to pay attention to how we move in order to discover where we are going and what may be slowing us down. The design of workbook lends to a literal learning experience. Readers can look forward to immediate internal shifts due to the style of learning that the practice of this book encourages. I was astounded by the many personal discoveries and "aha" moments during the read. Sufficient background, insightful mention of relevant theories, helpful illustrations, and clear instructions makes this an all around rich experience. My only regret is that I didn't learn all this earlier.
Book Description
Taking a magickal approach to this often misunderstood spirituality, Christopher Penczak explores the fascinating path of ascension. Ascension Magick unveils the diverse mystical roots of ascension, and highlights where the beliefs and practices of today's "light workers" intersect with those of modern pagans, witches, and magick practitioners. It also examines the practical side-various forms of magick, energy healing, meditation, past life regression, channeling, dowsing-and provides helpful meditations, spells, and exercises. From angels and aliens to reincarnation and the Merkaba, Penczak leaves no stone unturned in this remarkably thorough and absorbing examination of ascension spirituality and magick.
Customer Reviews:
A Breakthrough.......2007-10-11
This book has marked a significant point in my spiritual growth.
I've read many, many works on magick. While they all tell you how to cast a circle and call the quarters...no book I've seen to date has addressed how to go beyond the basics and actually GROW within the magickal arts.
Until now.
I feel this book is very "next level" material.
Lovely Synthesis!.......2007-08-16
Over the years I've read alot of books on ceremonial occultism, Paganism, Wicca, and occasionally I ventured into Ascension material - but never felt any connection or resonance with the more "New Age" offerings, even though I found some of the information compelling and in many ways related to my own magickal practice and path.
The reason I did not "feel" Ascension material was really related to more of a vocabulary difference, than anything else. The terminology was vastly different, with alot of nearly sci-fi jargon, and a seeming imbalanced perception of Light as in direct opposition to Dark. I also was unsure of what to think about the whole Ascended Masters and ET elements that were such core aspects of that paradigm. Many within the Pagan community looked down on Ascensionists as "fluffy White Lighters", while alot of attitudes within the New Age community seemed to look down on Pagans and Witches as evil &/or misguided.
Christopher Penczak has written a truely amazing book that helps bridge the gap between the various magickal and spiritual communities that actually share most, if not all, the same goals. Taking the major concepts and ideologies from the Ascension paradigm and drawing parallels to the Eastern and Western magickal and spiritual paths, Christopher cultivates a sense of kinship. Even the ET and intergalactic elements of Ascension were put into a perspective that made them not only palatable, but accessible and potentially very useful to a wide variety of readers. Also "translating" the contextual vocabulary of the New Age into concepts more familiar to Pagans and Magickians, the reader become highly aware of the value that Ascension can bring to the very modern seeker - whether or not they consider themselves "New Age" or not.
The book is hefty (which I loved), but does not rely on filler that repeats the same line from many other available books to acheive its weight. Readers well-versed in Western magickal traditions, such as Cabala and ritual magick will likely have a much easier time with some of the material than those unfamiliar with it. But by offering explanations that appeal to the knowledge-set of many different pracititioner levels and paths, everyone will be able to get a great deal from this veritable tome.
Throughout the book Christopher's desire to cultivate an inter-paradigm understanding and mutually beneficial exchange is very clear. Misconceptions that each community has about the other are also addressed honestly, and discussed in a frank manner - and even the weaknesses of the path are gently exposed, with practical solutions for overcoming or avoiding them altogether provided for those who wish to delve deeper and become more involved with the Ascension scene.
I absolutely loved this book and dog-eared many pages and chapters to go back to and re-read for better understanding. I also loved the meditations provided, especially the Merkaba activation. These allow the reader to experience the energies of this paradigm for themselves, should they choose.
Ascension Magick.......2007-06-20
This is probably the most important book I've read to date. Although it's not the easiest read, there are new concepts that I'm working on, it contains the foundation for this most important path. As a long-time fan of Christopher Penczak, I can say that it fits in nicely with his easy-to-understand way of writing. No, I don't understand everthing in the book, but it a lot easier than Frissels's, Nothing in This Book is True... I think it is a necessary addition to any personal library. It is inspiring!
New age collections must have this........2007-06-17
Ascension spirituality receives a new level of clarity and insight in ASCENSION MAGICK: RITUAL, MYTH & HEALING FOR THE NEW AEON. The history, spirituality and meaning of ascension theology and techniques are surveyed from a spiritual and magickal perspective, with chapters focusing on everything related, from the science of the seven rays and karma to channeling, Atlantis theory, sacred geometry and more. New age collections must have this.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
A book for Pleidian Pagans and Magicians.......2007-06-02
In this book Christopher Penczak synthesizes channeled material with neo-pagan practice with excellent results. He has sifted through the voluminous output of trance channels and gleaned out the nuggets from the mountain of fortune-cookie platitudes, murky and meandering prose, and sentimental blathering that is the overwhelming majority of that literature. The result is very worthwhile addition to any spiritual library. The chapter on the Merkaba meditation alone is worth the purchase price. It also would be good as an introduction to anyone curious about channeled material. Highly recommended.
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Differential Diagnosis, Clinical Foundations, Treatment Principles and Clinical Protocols (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 3)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Tai Chi & Qi Gong | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Injuries & Rehabilitation | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
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Energetic Alchemy, Dao Yin Therapy and Qi Deviations (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 2)
-
Prescription Exercises and Meditations, Treatment of Internal Diseases, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Gynecology, Neurology and Energetic Psychology (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 4)
-
Energetic Anatomy and Physiology (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 1)
-
An Energetic Approach to Oncology (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 5)
-
Medical Qigong Exercise Prescriptions
ASIN: 1885246307 |
Product Description
The information contained withinthe Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy: A Comprehensive Clinical Text hascurrently been tripled and reformatted into five exciting new textbooks.The five new Medical Qigong textbooks are composed of both modern andancient knowledge, graphics, and expanded techniques guaranteed tofascinate and intrigue the reader. Never before in the history ofChinese Medicine has a textbook series been made available to thepublic that includes such comprehensive and thorough understandings onancient Chinese energetic healing techniques. Written by an internationally recognized Grand Master ofMartial, Medical, and Spiritual Qigong training, this five textbookseries (often referred to as the "Medical Qigong Encyclopedia")provides the first complete explanation of ancient Chinese esoterictheory that has for centuries eluded and confounded the West. This third textbook includes a thorough understanding of the ancient metaphysical theories of Chinese energetic medicine, including Qi diagnosis, materializing and dematerializing energy, discovering and removing energetic cords, long distance scanning (moving clairvoyance), breath incantations (mantras) and medical talismans, hand seals (mudras), the ancient Daoist use of the magic mirror, advanced energy cultivation and Qi emission techniques, vibrating palm cultivation techniques, and other practical clinical applications of energetic medicine. The featured highlights of this clinical textbook include:- Introduction To Differential Diagnosis- Clinical Examination and Diagnosis- Establishing the Medical Qigong Clinic- Principles and Parameters of Energetic Therapy- Balancing the Body's Energetic System- Other Healing Modalities- Healing Emotional Traumas- Precautions and Ethical Considerations- Qi Massage and Tissue Regulation- Qi Extension, Vibration and Advanced Emission Techniques- Sound and Color Projection- The "Invisible Needle" Theory & Application
Customer Reviews:
A Good Gentle Start.......2006-06-27
This is a very sensitive book. The couple is gentle in their terminology and not likely to scare a person new to magick or energy exchange away.
Much of our culture looks at sex as carnal and bad no matter how loving or monogamous the relationship. This book gently introduces the reader to healing those feelings about sex in a positive way.
This book is going to disappoint any practiced magicians or tantrics but it is a very good book to introduce people to a new broader way of loving their partner and sharing in the sexual experiance together.
AN ABSOLUTE MUST.......2006-04-16
I am a devotee of Charles and Caroline; I have attended so many of their seminars that now, because I am a CTE I go to the weekend seminars for free. This book is their teaching, reading it for me is hard because I have heard them say the same things so many times. It is ancient wisdom. It is learning that is unchanging and essential for enlightenment on this path.
Truly A Monument of our Age.......2004-01-20
This book offers to teach Westerners something about Tantra. But there is a gross misonception in this book that needs to be clarified:
"Sexual energy is divided into three distinct types. First: the energy having to do with the reproduction of the race and the health of the physical body in general. Second: the energy having to do with the spheres of thought, feeling and will. Third: the energy that is found related with the Divine Spirit of man.
Indeed, sexual energy is without a doubt the most subtle and powerful energy normally produced and transported through the human organism. Everything that a human being is, including the three spheres of thought, feeling and will, is none other than the exact outcome of distinct modifications of sexual energy.
The control and storage of sexual energy is certainly difficult due to the tremendously subtle and powerful nature of this energy. In addition, its presence represents a source of immense power that can result in a true catastrophe if one does not know how to handle it.
Within the organism, there are certain canals through which this powerful energy must normally circulate. When this energy infiltrates the delicate mechanism of other functions, failure is the violent outcome. In this case, extremely delicate centers in the human organism are damaged, and in fact, the individual becomes an infrasexual.
All negative mental attitudes can lead directly or indirectly to these violent and destructive catastrophes of sexual energy. Hatred of sex, hatred of the Sexual Mysteries, disgust or repugnance towards sex, disdain for sex, an underestimation of sex, fear of sex, passional jealousy, sexual cynicism, sexual sadism, obscenity, pornography, sexual brutality, etc., turn the human being into an infrasexual.
When man and woman unite sexually in the Perfect Matrimony, they are truly ineffable Gods in those voluptuous moments. Man and woman united sexually form a divine androgynous being, a male-female Elohim, a terrifically divine Divinity. The two halves, separated since the dawn of life are united for one instant in order to create. This is ineffable... sublime... this is a thing of paradise...
Sexual energy is dangerously volatile and potentially explosive. During the secret act, during sexual ecstasy, the pair is surrounded by a tremendous, terrifically divine energy. In these moments of utmost joy and ardent kisses, which ignite the depths of the soul, we are able to retain that marvelous light to purify and totally transform ourselves. When we spill the glass of Hermes, when the loss occurs, the light of the Gods withdraws, leaving an open door for the red and sanguinary light of Lucifer to enter the home. Then the enchantment disappears and disillusion and disenchantment take its place. After a short time, the man and woman start out upon the path of adultery because their home has become an inferno." (Quoted from The Perfect Matrimony by Samael Aun Weor).
In short, those who continue to spill the sexual energy through the orgasm inevitably face disappointment, disiillusion, and they never enter into the real work of positive, White Tantra.
All White Tantra requires the absolute renunciation of the orgasm.
A Shock.......2003-09-06
While it is true that we in the West have very disturbed notions about sex and sexuality, it should be kept in the mind that genuine Tantra harnesses the most powerful energies in the human organism: the creative forces. If you use these energies to create more lust, more attachment, more false security, then quite simply you are deepening your suffering. The sexual energy can enslave or it can redeem; but are you sure you know the difference? For more information, read the works of Samael Aun Weor, especially "The Perfect Matrimony" (0974275506) and "The Mystery of the Golden Blossom." (0974275522)
The book for Us to share.......2003-08-15
If there was a manual for our relationship, shouldnt it be one that takes love seriously & Tantra deeply, yet comes off lightly? I recommend this book to you as a guide on the new path-- sexual healing and an honest look at how We might work together. Sure it has a lil bit of "pyramid-hat wearing," but what's Tantra with out a lil' Shiva, Shakti and Chakra action? This book covers a very real method for developing stronger and more harmonious relationships, and I would say that's why this book excels more than the average tantric tome. Breathing together as a daily ritual; "no fault" communication; and a section on healing the sexual wounds of past relationships all make for a useful and informative easy read.
For Us, as we grow on new levels.
Book Description
A modern healer draws on Aztec folk medicine to offer a new perspective on women's health.
Showing readers how to become not only physically healthy but also creatively and spiritually whole, Elena Avila's book presents a global vision of how the gifts of indigenous health care, married with contemporary technology, can create a medicine of the future.
Customer Reviews:
From the Horse's Mouth.......2005-08-28
I am the co-author of Woman Who Glows in the Dark. I had not visited this page for quite some time and was deeply troubled to read the review written by Edward B. Holman. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, I feel that Mr. Holman has made some grave misjudgements about an author he has never met. He has also reported information, inaccurately and out of context, regarding a book I find it difficult to believe he has read. None of his references get beyond p. 28, and Chapter 1 starts on p. 41.
I spent eight months writing this book with Elena. That work involved traveling through Guatemala and Mexico with her, meeting her Aztec teacher Ehekateotl, staying at her home in New Mexico for weeks at a time, and meeting and interviewing her students and some clients. As someone who knows her personally and had to do extensive research to write this book, let me tell you, from the proverbial horse's mouth, what really happened and something of who this woman is.
Mr. Holman writes "Curanderismo is mainly the province of the people who are, essentially, exorcists, and their conterparts, brujos, brujas, and hechiceros, are people who are paid by their clients to place hexes on others."
This is incorrect. First of all, many modern curanderos are midwives, herbalists, chiropractors, bone-setters, and counselors. For a more in-depth discussion of this topic, please see, Chapter 1: Types of Curanderos and Their Specialties (beginning on p. 69).
Second, to infer that this class of healers, and Elena by extension, deals only with the darker arts is a gross mistatement.
Elena is a healer of the highest integrity--and, I might add, an inspiring humility. Every time we met to write, she spoke of the responsibility that healers have toward their clients. She never claimed any "magical powers" for herself but emphasized over and over that she was just God's instrument.
The stories she tells in this book are of clients who were healed in a profound way. You have only to read them to see the love and commitment she brings to this work. Writing this book with her brought profound healing into my own life.
I also saw the fruits of her work in her students, whom I met and interviewed for the book. The foundation in healing that she gave them was solid and rich. I refer you to Chapter 6, which is filled with stories about what she taught them about curanderismo. Read the book and let these students, who have worked and traveled with her for years, speak for themselves.
Mr. Holman goes on to say, "she replaces it [the 'conventional wisdom of curanderismo']with a concoction that she largely invented herself, with the help of a couple of fraudulent pretenders from Mexico who claim to be the heirs of the magical and religious traditions of the Aztec Indians."
Again, I was there. I traveled with her to Mexico and spent time in the community center of her teacher Ehekateotl, who is truly one of the spiritual heirs of the Mexica (Aztec) tradition. How do I know this is true? Because I met the people he helps in his community and found them to be good and intelligent souls. I helped them to build a huge altar for the Dia de los Muertos ceremony and did ceremony with them. I was permitted to visit some of their sacred sites. I listened to their stories, I met other healers who deeply respected Ehe.
All I can say is that Ehekateotl is a man of deep humility, great humor, and dedication to his people. To call such a kind and generous man, sight unseen, a "fraudulent pretender," as Mr. Homan does, is inexcusable. Ehe lives very humbly, has little money, and spends his days healing people who come to the community center where he lives. (And they keep coming, obvously, because they get results.) He is really quite overworked and kind, and carries on with a lot of courage.
To really understand how a culture could go underground to survive the Spanish Conquest, take a look at Chapter 7: The Gods That Refused to Die. It's not unthinkable that cultures go underground. When I wrote A FOREST OF KINGS and MAYA COSMOS with Linda Schele and David Friedel, it was the same story. The Aztecs, as well as the Maya, are alive and well.
On the subject of cursing, Mr. Holman quotes Elena as writing, "'Some times the "cursed" individual is suffering from some kind of chemical imbalance, such as schizophrenia, and needs medication and psychiatric help.'... That is the impression I get of her. People come to her expecting to be treated in the way that any other curandera would treat them, and she sends them off to someone who will get them started on Prozac. Thanks a lot, Ms. Avila!"
This is taken entirely out of context. I quote from p. 53 of the book, "Recently, I saw an elder named Anna who had give a 'curandero' her life savings--ten thousand dollars--to take away a hex. I was deeply saddened by her story. Her thirty-six-year-old daughter had been diagnosed as having paranoid schizophrenia but was refusing to take her medication."
Elena goes on to say that the daughter was becoming violent and was unable to care for her small children. When the woman brought her daughter to Elena, who is also a trained psychiatric nurse, "It was obvious to me that her daughter had a chronic condition and needed to take her medication. Not taking her medication was what was causing her to become violent with her children."
This brings up an important point, that there is, as Mr. Holman implies, some sort of "right" or "orthodox" way to be a curandera. This is a terribly limited way of looking at any healing modality. A true healer applies the APPROPRIATE AND EFFECTIVE cure for the situation, not some kind of rigid prescription.
What Elena writes about in this book is how she has taken what she learned of curanderismo and applied it to THIS culture. Sometimes that looks very, very traditional indeed; and sometimes it looks creative and appropriate and effective. The stories told in the book, particularly the story of Donna and her soul retrieval in Chapter 4: The Weeping Soul, p. 193, attest to how skillfully Elena works with her patients and how astute she is about finding ways to help them.
I would also like to address Mr. Holman's remark "I am quite sure she charges for her sessions, her lectures and tours and workshops, and anything else she can charge people for. And I doubt if she is cheap, either." It is true that in traditional cultures a healer works by accepting donations. But it is also true that they never have to go without food or lodging or the necessities of life because the community values them and takes care of them. To expect a curandera in America to accept only donations is just absurd. Elena started out this way, she told me, but soon discovered that people would give her $15 for two hours of work. One wealthy client, who had a $100-a-day cocaine habit, handed her a twenty for hours of work.
Why do we believe that traditional healers don't deserve to be paid? We pay our medical doctors, don't we? Yes, Elena does charge, reasonably, but I also know for a fact that she would not turn away someone who really needed her help. When we were in Mexico City together doing research for the book, the owner of the hotel we stayed at found out she was a curandera and sent his whole staff to her. She didn't charge a penny and willingly worked on everyone because that is her calling.
It is also very interesting that the book that Mr. Holman holds up as the ideal, CURANDERISMO by Robert Trotter, does not seem to have been well-reviewed by him. I quote from his review of that volume: "This book is what one would expect from a team of American academics starting from scratch trying to assemble a definitive body of knowledge while based on US soil and focusing on a population located inside of the US." On the other hand, Elena has lived her whole life in this culture and WOMAN WHO GLOWS IN THE DARK is written with depth and intelligence, honesty and passion.
I just do not believe that Mr. Holman carefully read this book and I am curious about the virulence of his attack.
I can only urge you to read this book and judge for yourself. It is a wonderful record of the history of curanderismo, of love and service to others, and of deep respect for a wonderful, endlessly creative, living healing tradition.
Another New Age book for the gullible.......2005-08-22
Lewt me start off by saying that I have been interviewing curanderos and curanderas in Mexico, along with their clients, for 15 years now, and I have read all of the major books on the subject, and I know what curanderismo is and what it isn't. This book is just another New Age piece of fiction, such as the market abounds with, and the author is taking advantage of the gullible with this work.
Curanderismo is mainly the province of the people who are, essentially, exorcists, and their conterparts, brujos, brujas, and hechiceros, are people who are paid by their clients to place hexes on others. Besides that, they do treat regular illnesses, and also they treat "folk illnesses" such as "susto", with prayers and simple cleansing ceremonies known as limpias. In addition, they sometimes perform candle burning magic, usually wherein images and statues of saints are involved, and these are known as "trabajos" - "works".
Avila has concocted a scheme of things that overlooks and actually, at times, rejects the conventional wisdom about curanderismo and she replaces it with a concoction that she largely invented herself, with the help of a couple of fraudulent pretenders from Mexico who claim to be the heirs of the magical and religious traditions of the Aztec Indians.
Here are just a very small sampling of the nonsense and contradictions that she offers, which, for anyone who is actually familiar with Mexican curanderismo, do not represent in any fashion the conventional wisdom or what one would find on ones own if one were to interview real curanderos or their clients.
On page 21 she states: "Although I do not believe in curses, I respect the cultural perspective of those who do, and I listen to them with respect" ... "Some times the 'cursed' individual is suffering from some kind of chemical imbalance, such as schizophrenia, and needs medication and psychiatric help". So, what she is saying is that she completely rejects and dismisses out of hand the very foundations of curanderismo, and since she obviously des not anything about curanderismo, she finds this very easy to do. That is the impression I get of her. People come to her expecting to be treated in the way that any other curandera would treat them, and she sends them off to someone who will get them started on Prozac. Thanks a lot, Ms. Avila!
More: "Curanderas build up a person's energy and self-esteem, and teach him or her how to break the vicious cycle of depression and hopelessness." So, here we can see that her concept of curanderas is that they are essentially counselors who give pep talks to people, and this sort of speculation derives from her fumbling around to idealize them as some sort of folk psychoanalysts along with her not having any contact with any real ones wherein she would find out soon enough that none of this is true.
Page 23: (in which she is making the assertion, apparently, that the principal roots of curanderismo come from Africa) "As a curandera, I use ritual, ceremonies, dances, drums, rattles, divinations, painting of the face and the body during ceremony, and fasting as tools of healing." That all sound like the sort of thing your average New Age shaman would do, but I have never heard of a real curandera doing any of that.
She says that she had "Aztec teachers" (p. 23). These people, it turns out, are a couple of men who claim that they are part of a tradition that has been kept alive secretly by members of the Aztec priesthood who operated underground for the last 500 years ago before resurfacing and appearing in Northern New Mexico where they became Avila's gurus. What we have here is a tale that seems to be copied from Gardner (of Wicca fame) and Carlos Castaneda (with his ficticious Yaqui guru "Don Juan").
I won't elaborate on the text, but her description of the "spiritual theory" of curanderismo, as she describes it, on pages 27 and 28 indicates that she does not understand the core concepts of curanderismo and brujería. This seems to indicate that she has always been insulated from actual curanderismo and its practice, and that, even though her clients keep trying to bring her into the fold, she seems to not be interested because she has been promoting this pseudo-curanderismo that she invented for so long that she cannot even begin to accept the conventional wisdom such as what the people who really did grow up steeped in this culture hold. She also thinks that people who are under curses are only suffering from "suggestion", and that this is the reason for their reactions. This is a point that we have discussed at length in the 1curanderismo group in earlier exchanges. People who do not believe that curses are possible contend that this is all a psychological occurrence based on the fear reaction that occurs in people who believe themselves to be cursed, and this allows an explanation as to why people might get sick or even die. It is all psychosomatic, according to these explanations. However, we know that brujos and hechiceros go to pains to prevent their victims from knowing that they have been cursed. Avila also claims that people who supposedly cure the victims of these supposed fictitious curses are charging a lot of money and bilking their clients for bogus services That is not true either. Certainly, there are plenty who do that, but it is well known that the best curanderos never ask for money. They only accept donations. Inasmuch as she is willing to tar all legitimate curanderos and curanderas who are actually practicing curanderismo and doing what curanderos and curanderas do more often that anything else with this sort of cynical charge, I think that no one should object to her being exposed for the way that she presents herself and how she does business either. Let us be perfectly honest here. I am quite sure she charges for her sessions, her lectures and tours and workshops, and anything else she can charge people for. And I doubt if she is cheap, either.
If anyone wants to read about curanderismo from the standpoint of ligitimate researchers, you might try the Trotter book, which I think is the best in its field in English (some excellent studies have been written in Mexico, but they are in Spanish). Such books, you will find, almost categorically contradict Avila's assertions. The shame of all this is that there are, no doubt, a lot of people who would really like to know more about curanderismo, and as long as Avila is allowed to dominate the scene with this nonsense, people are going to have a hard time getting at the facts. I think that is about time that she were exposed for the fraud that she is, if only for the sake of those who might benefit from actually knowing about curanderismo, which is a fascinating subject. One person who would likely benefit from such knowledge is Avila herself.
invaluable wisdom and knowledge on modern Curanderismo.......2003-09-16
One of the most, if not the most important book of Modern Curanderismo. Lovely book, that is hard to place down, and belongs in every Healer's shelf. Beautifully written, touching, and very informative. The book teaches the importance of not just healing the body and mind, but also the soul. As a Puerto Rican Espiritista and Santero, I have really appreciated the deep wisdom and body of knowledge that came from this book. I Highly recommend this book. The lessons learned can be applied by any healer or spiritual councilor, no matter what ones spiritual path or religion, or race may be. The wisdom and knowledge that Elena Avila shares with her readers and students is invaluable.
Well worth the money, and it is like having a wise sage or Curandera in your living room. I hope to see future works by Elena Avila, as I believe she has a voice and knowledge that needs to be heard. I am late commer to this book, and am happy to have had the chance to find it, and enjoy, brazo to you Seniora Elena Avila. Luz, Progresso, y Caridad!
This is a wonderful book.......2002-03-25
There is no end of thanks for such insight as is reflected in this book. Elena Avila is a selfless healer. What she does is the blessing of the Creator. Anyone interested in Healing will do well to read this book.
Exceptional writing by Joy Parker.......2000-05-30
This book is a beautiful and powerful testimony of the potential that lies within each of us to heal. Joy Parker accurately details the experiences and inner world of a curnadera working in the Aztec tradition. Her mastery of language and her ability to translate on paper the magic of Elena's work is exceptional. I highly recommend this book to any serious seeker on the path of healing, spirituality, native studies/indigenous cultures, and/or women's studies.
Average customer rating:
- Another must-have from Isaac Bonewits
- Bridges the Scientific Physics into the Realm of Magick
- Dry as the Gobi Desert
- A wide-ranging survey
- Essential Isaac
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Real Energy: Systems, Spirits, And Substances to Heal, Change, And Grow
Phaedra Bonewits , and
Isaac Bonewits
Manufacturer: New Page Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Mental & Spiritual Healing | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Magic | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Parapsychology | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Energy Healing | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
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Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism
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Real Magic: An Introductory Treatise on the Basic Principles of Yellow Magic
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A World Full of Gods: An Inquiry into Polytheism
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Ascension Magick: Ritual, Myth & Healing for the New Aeon
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The Pagan Man: Priests, Warriors, Hunters, and Drummers
ASIN: 1564149048 |
Book Description
Energy. Psi, prana, mana, chi, divine power, the tao, reiki, or "vibes," every system of magic and mysticism calls the energies that power its practices by different names. Whether questioning the power of prayer or a healing session with a Reiki master an underlying question exists of whether this energy is all the same or if they exist as distinctly different "wavelengths" of some universal power?
When New Agers, occultists, spiritual healers, metaphysicians, artists, and Neopagans talk about the "energies" they use, what do they actually mean? Now, for the first time, a single book discusses the vocabulary, magic, metaphysics, art, and science of energy from a multi-model, 21st century perspective.
Lessons included will cover: • Physical vocabulary of energy • Metaphysical vocabulary of energy • How the laws of magic affect energy • The Importance of Focus
Real Energy will then take these lessons to the next level giving you direction on how to understand and begin working with different energies. Half of the book is dedicated to showing you how to work with specific energies, including: the four elements, crystals, plants, animals, your own body, nature spirits, ancestors, and deities to accomplish your goals and enhance life experiences. Specific energy work practices are also covered, including: Reiki, The Huna System, working with "Pure" ESP and PK, Feng Shui, and the Tantra System.
With tips from scientists, artists, magicians, and spiritual teachers, Real Energy will give you a solid introduction to both the theory and practice of energy work.
Customer Reviews:
Another must-have from Isaac Bonewits.......2007-06-18
I really looked forward to this book and I bought my first copy as soon as it came out but one of my mundane students lusted after it and I gave him that one. I actually started to read the next copy I got but that, too, was needed by another. Finally, the third copy got here and I read it. It goes on the never-lend shelf of essentials.
This book is clear, practical, effective and fun. Thanks Phaedra and Isaac!
Bridges the Scientific Physics into the Realm of Magick.......2007-05-29
Magick is the spark that empowers the natural world and allows the maga to tap into the awesome forces of Nature.This enlightening book gives the reader a layman's view of the connection between academic laws of science and the shaman's laws of magick.There are many historical examples listed and discussed.Christianity seperates the individual from the physical world around them.Shamanism connects the individual directly to the natural world around them,by evoking spiritual forces in Nature.The wise shaman is able to channel these conduits of Nature.The experiences can be thrilling and fulfilling.This book touches upon several energy systems in a easy-to-understand fashion.The various ethnic energy practises all have the same common feature of grounding oneself to the elemental center of Nature.Both for recharging one's being and also for healing mind,body, spirit.This book is solid reading for established pagan followers and eye-opening for the troubled monotheoists.So,if you were sending your hard-earned cash to the Jerry Falwell fund,why not look elsewhere.Rather than being a corpse with a remote control,why not invest in this Real Energy book.And empower yourself with a personal or coven connection with Nature,rather than a vicarious fake kinship with televangelists.I can only give this insightful rational discourse on natural/spiritual Earth-Energies a full recommendation to all serious students of Magick.Updated:june/30/07:And if you want to see Issac during his Berkeley days,check out the History Channel's segment on 'The Devil'.Young Issac was giving the satanic eucharist wine for LaVey's Black Mass,a six second clip. He was suffering from post-catholic shock syndrome back then and maybe still today.Paganism is all-natural and satanism is the flip-side of christianity.Paganism is ever-present and christianty is murky half-truths with a checkered history behind it.
He wrote about his 'Satanic Adventure'on his www.neopagan.com web-site.Someday i hope he writes his autobiography down on recycled paper.He's got alot of pokers in the cauldron right now and has a ever-growing literary following.Check out his books.And check out the music of Todd Alan at www.todd-alan.net for some excellent wiccan tunes on par with Isaac's two cd masterpieces.Blest Be!
Dry as the Gobi Desert.......2007-05-14
Physics is not my most passionate of subjects. However, in the attempt to justify magickal theory and practice to sceptics, the majority of this book seems to contain less exercises on attaining adeptness with subtle energy and more discussion on how energy is governed by the laws of Nature- in very scientific textbook fashion. I recognize that this book may be a response to more generic soft magickal books that have flooded the market, but I would have appreciated more of a balance so that those who don't necessarily care why something works (only that it does work) would be able to read this book without their eyes glazing over.
A wide-ranging survey .......2007-05-10
REAL ENERGY: SYSTEMS, SPIRITS, AND SUBSTANCES TO HEAL, CHANGE, AND GROW offers a wide range of strategies for understanding the science, history and mysticism of energy - also called 'psi', 'prana' and 'divine power'. It teaches the basics of how to work with the energies such as the four Elements, crystals and animals, with chapters offering specific energy practices and applications. REAL ENERGY is a wide-ranging survey which embraces different disciplines on the topic and is a recommended pick for any serious new age library.
Essential Isaac.......2007-04-19
Isaac Bonewits is treasure. The more of your life you spend digging him, the better off you'll be at the end of your personal rainbow quest.
All of Isaac's "Essential" books should be in the library of every seeker of truth or teacher of seekers: especially those prepared to appreciate the difference between wisdom and witchcrap. This one might just be the most essential of them all, in that it addresses a core component of many Neopagan belief systems from physical and metaphysical perspectives, toward a more complete understanding of the worlds we inhabit. The wonder of the thing is that this goal is achieved without robbing magic of its magick.
Something that distinguishes Isaac's teaching is a take-no-prisoners commitment to honesty. He debunks the debunkable without mercy, yet will never try to persuade you to believe something just because he thinks it's believable. Instead, he presents the facts, interprets them with skill, then weighs in with ideas to guide you through taking the next steps on your own, like the grounded grown-up he assumes you are. When you compare this with the usual hand-holding how-to books on the metaphysical shelf of your local bookstore, you might think that sounds a little tough, but in fact, something else that characterizes Isaac's teaching style is his extraordinary gentleness. Phaedra conveys both these sides of the Essential Isaac effectively, shading her narrative with just the right touch of Bonewits charm.
The result is an empowering read.
Book Description
Anyone looking to mend a broken heart, turn enemies into friends, or find a guardian angel will find encouragement in this highly inspirational and immensely fun guide, which reinvents old-world spiritual rituals and time-honoured traditions with a down-to-earth, new-age spin. Sister Karol first briefly introduces each prayer ritual, then provides a list of simple materials and step-by-step instructions for carrying it out. She draws from a variety of spiritual traditions but focuses throughout on the power of ritualized personal prayer and positive thinking.
Customer Reviews:
One of the greatest books I have ever read!!.......2007-08-05
I gave this book 5 stars Because it helped bring me back to Catholicism. It is a very interesting book, I love how it talks about getting in touch with God & his creation, & how God is all around us. Despite what some may say this Book is a Christian book & it has helped me to feel closer to God. I have read it all the way through & really enjoyed reading it. I believe that the problems that some have with this book is the way it is written. Sister wrought this book so that people from different religions could enjoy it & apply it. If you really read it & apply it to our Catholic Faith, you will see that what Sister calls spells are really just prayers, the rituals are just prayers with props. I love that we can be Christians & still be in touch with nature (BIG THUMBS UP)
God bless
RebelReader
Karol is not a real Catholic Nun!.......2007-05-25
Don't be fooled into thinking that "Sister" Karol is a real Catholic nun. She still claims to be, but the "order" she belongs to, Sisters for Christian Charity, is not a canonical order. It has no official standing in the Catholic Church. It is a non-heirarchical, ecumenical group of disgruntled and heretical women who will not admit that they do not really believe in Church teachings. A more honest thing for her to do would be to leave the Catholic Church, but who would buy her book without the pretense that a Catholic nun would write a book of spells. The "naughtiness" of a dissenting nun is the drawing card. Don't buy anything she writes, literally or figuratively.
Corrupted Catholicism .......2005-05-26
Where to begin? First of all this book will lead you to nowhere. Don't do anything in private that you can't do during Mass!!!
This book taken Catholic Faith out of context. ALL efficacious sacraments instituted by CHRIST, entrusted to the CHURCH, to impart grace through the HOLY SPIRIT are contained within the Church. She has made a corrupted crazy quilt of its sacraments, history, tradition, magisterium and Sacred Scripture i.e., "Blessed be the name of the Lord." not "Blessed Be."
She has simulated and invented her own sacraments. Catholics should go to confession if they have fallen for the teachings of this book. Of course, she pretties it up and makes it funny. That is what makes it so acceptable to the uninitiated.
I don't carve candles (or use black ones like she recommends)nor,cast spells. She even calls the devotion to Saint Anthony a "SPELL". THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPELL AND A DEVOTION!
No self-respecting Catholic (or witch for that matter) could stomach this book.
We do not choose days to make holy. They are all holy. Get a good calendar of the saints feast days and FOLLOW THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS AND THE LITURGICAL YEAR OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. Make devotions to saints and Our Blessed Mother. You will be enriched beyond your wildest dreams. Learn to pray the rosary and the Divine Mercy. Attend Mass regularly and go to confession. Receive Our Blessed Lord as often as possible. Your heart will be so light and happy! Be charitable and reach out with the Mercy of Christ to others under the auspices of the Church (so that they will be attracted to Christ, not you). Seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit and His fruits as well.
!!Important!! When buying books about Roman Catholicism, always purchase books that contain the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur (look inside the front cover). You can't go wrong.
Do not give this book those who are young in the faith. It is a homogenous highway to Hell! There is nothing funny, cute or sensible about it. Don't waste your time on this. St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray. And, do thou oh Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
This is scary stuff because it is packaged so attractively. It even tries to imitate a small, sacred book with satin book marks and gold leaf.
Here's the antidote:
THE CATHOLIC HOME--CELEBRATIONS AND TRADITIONS FOR HOLIDAYS, FEAST DAYS AND EVERY DAY BY MEREDITH GOULD--is an excellent book carried by AMAZON.COM. On the flyleaf you will see the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat (that means the doctrine contained within is correct). IT IS A WONDERFUL GIFT FOR ANYONE AND ANY OCCASION.
Don't settle for a counterfeit like Sister Karol's Book of Spells and Blessings. If you are going to Mass at least once weekly, you will not have a desire for these bogus rituals. Come on! You deserve the Real Thing.
A witch nun's get rich scheme.......2004-01-30
...is the first thing that popped into my head when I saw this in the bookstore. How despicable. A Catholic nun, a woman supposedly sworn to the service and prayerful devotion of Christ concocting this pagan nonsense. I spent a fair amount of time reading over it - (there isn't much here, don't expect much of a read) and slammed it down with disgust. But then I looked deeper into the author and some of her other writings and it's plain what's at work here. Buy it if you need airy fairy feel good nonsensical pap for your jaded post modern mind grown too cynical for true religion. All others save your money.
Very inclusive.......2002-10-04
Like the other reviewers, I too was drawn to this little book that felt so nice in my hand at the local bookstore. I expected to see candle rituals, incantations and the like from a pagan point of view. Imagine my surprise when the lovely blue and gold placemarker ribbons opened to the "Nuns' Birthday Blessing" ritual. A lapsed Catholic with decidedly pagan leanings, I took it right to the register and then home.
The book continued to surprise me with its depth of information and scope of Christian, Jewish, and Pagan traditions. How nice to see a Catholic nun bringing ancient wisdom to light in a loving, warm and accessible way. Sister Karol goes beyond the mere compilation of rituals to focus on the importance behind their purpose and function in our lives.
I like this book so much, I keep it out in my living room, where it's continually discovered by my friends and family. Pass this one on to your friends.
Customer Reviews:
text, no images but still very interesting.......2006-09-01
this book provides a lot of information about stones and crystals that is informative and written in a fashion that isn't dry. Not many pictures, but the book is super reference.
I have always enjoyed stone, used to work with a stone wheel shaping them.
Always felt such power from the different ones, almost as if they called to me, telling me what shape they wanted to me. So I appreciate knowing more about them and their properties.
Great book on crystals.......2006-05-18
This book is mostly text with no "real" illustrations (only a very small handful of pictures and diagrams). Very informative and is most definatly a solid choice for reading material of this subject.
A great perspective.......2006-05-03
Written in the simple and personal style for which Conway is known, this work carries on in the tradition of a more folklorical and Pagan perspective of working with minerals. This book helps integrate history, tradition, and the more New Agey perspective, and Conway also adds a bit of mineralogy to the mix.
This work largely addresses crystals for their healing and ritual/magickal connotations, and thus adds a facet that other comprehensive works leave out. This is a must-have for all crystal workers, especially those of a Pagan or Earth-based worldview.
Your Magical Crystal & Stone Bible!.......2005-04-07
I LOVE this book! By one of my favorite authors, this book is extremely easy to read and comprehend. Magical uses, healing properties, history, it's just about all here! Worth every penny! Check out other titles by D.J. Conway, she "ROCKS"!
An excellent and extensive resource book........2004-08-14
It lists for each stone - physical properties, source, facts, history / folklore, healing energies and and magical uses. Includes a very good section on other magical uses for stones in general and has a diverse section on personal gemstones.
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