The Osha: Secrets of the Yoruba-Lucumi-Santeria Religion in the United States and the Americas : Initiation, Rituals, Ceremonies, Orishas, Divination, Plants, s

Average customer rating:

Good Book

Mixed feelings

The Osha

Very thorough

The Osha

The Osha: Secrets of the Yoruba-Lucumi-Santeria Religion in the United States and the Americas : Initiation, Rituals, Ceremonies, Orishas, Divination, Plants, s
Julio Garcia Cortez , and Julio Garcia Corlez
Manufacturer: Athelia Henrietta PR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Tribal & Ethnic | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1890157228

Book Description

The Osha examines a religion. (not a cult) practiced by hundreds of thousands of people in different countries principally Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Latin America and most recently the United States. The Osha provides the stories, history, types and manner of divination, the procedures of vestment, names of the deities and everything which is part of the Yoruba/Santeria Religion. A bold work of great intimacy with "The Religion."

Customer Reviews:

Good Book.......2007-01-18

What a wonderful Book to start out with when you are new to the religion!

Mixed feelings.......2007-01-18

Well, I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, it is very thorough; on the other hand, there are bits and pieces that are not considered accurate in my lineage, and overall it seems to be a bit misogynistic. I guess my biggest concern has to deal with the section regarding the Asiento/Santo/Kariocha ceremony. While I can appreciate the author's desire to remove the secrecy element from the religion, there is something to be said for maintaining a degree of mystery, that allows an individual to experience something without preconceived notions. All I can say is that I am grateful that I had already been crowned before I read this book, and that I would discourage any uninitiated godchildren from reading this book simply because I wouldn't want to possibly ruin the joyful surprise and spiritual enlightment that can only come from an unbiased mind when presented with the Divine.

I would certainly recommend this book -- perceived errors and all -- to those who have already been initiated with their Santo, while cautioning others to practice self-restraint and to skip over those sections that deal with assorted initiations that they, themselves, have not yet received.

Respectfully,

Elaine Hall

The Osha.......2006-11-10

Great book. A lot of detail. Great for anybody who wants to learn.

Very thorough.......2006-02-23

This book on the religion is extremely and very thoroughly written. The amount of detail that is in this book is a very good introduction for any neophyte who has recently been initiated into the religion and I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in learning about the Lukumi or who needs to be educated on certain topics. However, any book written on the religion always leaves out information that is supposed to be kept secret and I am glad not ALL of the information was revealed. Nevertheless, it is a great read and interesting information has been written.

The Osha.......2005-07-13

I found it very informative, it explains way too much on my religion but, in part it is good, like that people get a better and total impression of what it is all about and that we do not worship the devil, but orishas whom were once on earth. The writer did a good job in the translation of the original book.

I would also like to have the spanish version which I had, and lent it to someone, but it never came back to me. I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know when it will be available or if there is a used one that someone wants to sell.
Thank you.

Average customer rating:

A book about women in general, not just Mormons
interesting, but hardly based on "truths"
very touching and VERY TRUE!!
Truth isn't black and white...
Congruent with Many Other Accounts

Secret Ceremonies
Deborah Laake
Manufacturer: Island Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0440217806
Release Date: 1994-03-05

Customer Reviews:

A book about women in general, not just Mormons.......2007-08-16

I finished this book quickly - it was a page-turner for me. I found the descriptions of Mormon ritual, garments, and thought very interesting. I live just outside "Zion" (as they call their territory), and there are many Mormons here - I live adjacent to two Mormon families. I've found copies of The Book Of Mormon INSIDE my garage (stamped property of their library), and have often wondered just what their lives are like, especially the women. The book also clarifies the reasons for the Mormon attitude and way of dealing with "the rest of us".

After reading the book, however, I found that I identified with much of it more because of the time-frame than because of religion. The attitudes Ms. Laake talked about extended way beyond the LDS Church. The idea that the man's the boss in HIS house, that women are "less" and are to be controlled, and that the sex act itself is the biggest sin of all (for women) were prevelent then, and still are in some ways. Those of us who grew up in those days will find a lot of the incidents in this book familiar, Mormon or not.

I've known many Mormons, and this book explains much that I had questions about, but never got answers to. I was unaware that Ms. Laake had passed away - that makes me sad - but I hope she came to terms with all of her troubles and found some happiness and peace.

interesting, but hardly based on "truths".......2006-09-21

The author makes an interesting story, even a page turner, but her autobiographical account can hardly be taken as truths of the Mormon church. As unfortunate as her story is, it is not a "peek" into the Mormon church or even a typical mormon family. Having lived around Mormons most of my life, I can say this is a gross exageration of a unique circumstance and based on hearsays and past clouded recollections of a religion she no longer (at the time of writing) adhered to or even believed in. I, too, could write a jaded and hateful view of a past religion in my life, full of every negative person and account blown into almost false proportions. but, that is never an uplifting nor "Christlike" way to focus time or energy. As with any religion, don't listen (or read) the hateful comments of "ex-members". Find out truths for yourself through proper channels and only then can one make an enlightened decisions concerning religion. This is not one!!

very touching and VERY TRUE!!.......2006-06-30

If any Mormon tries to deny what Deborah Laake wrote about that goes on in the Mormon church, than they are LYING. Any person who has been through the temple and been a Mormon can tell you the exact same thing. Yes, the Mormon church used to require its patrons to take blood oaths by demonstrating their throats being slit, their hearts being cut out, and their bowels being spilled from their guts. I have to admit I was one of those devout Mormons who very quickly denied it if anyone revealed anything about the church - even if it was completely true! I like most Mormons felt the need to defend the church, and I like most Mormons was deeply embarrassed when someone would ask me about the secret temple ceremonies. And even though I no longer deny it, I know I should not get mad at those who do lie and deny it because I used to do it myself. I understand the position they are in.

I know it's hard on the Mormon church when someone writes a book like this because it messes up their public relations plans to make Mormonism look like just any Christian religion. That is a relatively new strategy that the Mormon church is taking because when I was young it was quite different. The Mormon church used to pride itself on being different than the "so-called Christians" (as BYU religion professor George Pace used to call them almost daily to us students). Ever since the invention of the internet, all the the weird and disturbing history, doctrines, and practices were being exposed and were causing the church to stop growing so rapidly.

I have done about two years of research, and all I can say is it shows how amazing human beings are that anyone can believe in this religion.

How smug of a narcisstic man Joseph Smith would be if he saw the success his scams, treasure digging, and other disgusting practices have created.

I think the thing that amazed me the most though is how very few Mormons even believe in the religion anymore. I went to a very small dominantly Mormon high school and I was recently very pleased to learn that I am far from alone. Indeed, less than half of Mormon "members" even believe in the religion anymore.

Deborah Laake is (or was) a great writer. I couldn't put the book down. She was brutally honest and even exposed herself far more than most people would be willing. May she rest in peace knowing she was braver than most people would ever be.

Truth isn't black and white..........2006-03-16

I've read this book several times over the years, and each time something new stands out.

Those of you who say she is using the church as scapegoat for her own troubles - how frightfully un-Christian of you. The church presents itself as a support system that its followers can rely upon, grow and learn with, and yet, when Ms. Laake needed their support, she did not get it. It says a lot about the church that the first authority to treat her with any kind of dignity was NOT a clergy member. Her illness should not be used to invalidate her accounts of what the Mormon church was like in her youth.

The exposes of Mormon theology are fairly scant, but they are relevant to the tale. While one could use a search engine and find all the 'juicy details' they would ever want about this or any other religion, there is something about Laake's story that lingers in the mind. Was she ill because of the church's treatment? Was she always ill? These are questions that must be left unanswered because the author is no longer with us.

Nobody is perfect, and this book isn't either, but it is a very visceral read that illustrates, more than anything else, the dangers of putting all of one's faith in one entity or system.

Congruent with Many Other Accounts.......2006-01-08

Books such as these - the uncensored stories of individual
people - help society understand what is going on in the
Mormon "religion" .
We are all affected by such a large cultural group , and,
sometimes people who leave the party have a better bead
on it than those still at the party, so to speak. In this
book the author describes how her various relationships
with men , including a few marriages, brought her into
a questioning and examining stance towards Mormonism.

I cannot attack the writer- she is a good writer, and
the context - her story, is a bit of a page turner. She
was courageous to tell it; I believe good writers are gifted
to help give voice to the many many others who cannot
tell their own similar stories. Quite apart from her personal
relationship choices and how life eroded her mental health,
it was congruent with many other accounts , in that she
told of being continually hounded by intrusive church
authorities; of silenced women, of imperious and pompous
men, rampant depression , pharmaceutically drugged people,
control, control, control, overwhelming brainwashing which
begins at infancy, utterly disturbing and menacing "religious"
ceremonies, and continual whitewashing and sugarcoating and
downright purging of
any truth which manages to come up into the Light.

She shares her struggle to realise and come to terms
with all of this. Many writers, including this author,
also take pains to tell of the clean, family oriented
good will of the Mormon people- but that is not the
point- nobody is denying that. With an open mind, keep
reading other books like it (Such as "Leaving The Saints")
and also stories on web sites for supporting ex-mormons.
While one may not make life choices in relationships
like the author did, I felt she was at least a real,
genuine person, with very real feelings, telling a
true story she had to be brave to write and publish.

Dance of the Four Winds: Secrets of the Inca Medicine Wheel

Average customer rating:

Indiana Jones move aside
Now one of my favorite books
good book good seler
Reality or fiction?
reads well

Dance of the Four Winds: Secrets of the Inca Medicine Wheel
Alberto Villoldo , and Erik Jendresen
Manufacturer: Destiny Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Incan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0892815140
Release Date: 1994-12-01

Book Description

Dance of the Four Winds recounts the adventures of the American psychologist Alberto Villoldo as he journeys to Peru to explore the visionary ceremonies of the native shamans. Here Quecha masters use the jungle plant ayahuasca to further their spiritual progress along the four paths of the Medecine Wheel. Entering a magical realm of enigmatic sorcerers and powerful animal totems, Villoldo confronts the hidden powers of his own mind as he unlocks the secrets of the human psyche.

Customer Reviews:

Indiana Jones move aside.......2007-09-08

One of the best books I ever read. Great insights! A book one can always return to and learn from. I highly recommend this and Villoldo's other books.

Now one of my favorite books.......2007-07-05

I absolutely loved reading this story, and haven't read any story as stimulating since The Celestine Prophesy.... the difference, of course being - that this book recounts true life experiences. This was an engaging, enjoyable read with many eye opening insights into other ways and worlds. I have vivid memories of the images and experiences described in this book. Fascinating!

good book good seler.......2006-06-29

a great and by-now classic book on the theme of shamanism by an anthopologist and psychologist. I LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE HE TRIES IN IT TO DECRIBE HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCES IN COMMON WORDS

Reality or fiction?.......2005-05-04

For those seeking more info about Dr. Villoldo's lack of detail and other concerns regarding truthfulness in contemporary shamanism, please see "The Selling of the Shaman and the Problem of Informant Legitimacy" which appears in the Summer 1990 issue of 'Anthropological Research', Volume 46, Number 2. Dr. Villoldo is prominently featured.

reads well.......2002-12-19

In this book Villoldo, perhaps one of the most well known teachers of Inca shamanism in the West, describes his initial encounters with the shamanic world. The book is devoted to Villoldo's experiences with two Peruvian healers - don Ramon Silva (an ayahuascero from the Peruvian Amazon) and don Antonio Morales, (a Qero style healer and philosophy professor!). Villoldo's recounting of Peruvian healing practices is gripping and the final chapter, in which he describes the death of his teacher's teacher in a little cottage on the Peruvian altiplano, is simply breath-taking. I also quite liked the description of the "operation" which allowed V. to see energy patterns and his animal allies.

If V. only recounted his experiences with the old shamans, the book would have been superb. Unfortunately, he decided to insert into the book his own personal issues and musings on the nature of reality (which tend to go on and on) and which to me seem to be rather cliche-y. this guy is a doer, not a thinker and all the theory just detracted me from the magic of his experiences. V. also seems to be unduly impressed by his newly acquired Ph.D. in psychology (from a little known local college) as if a degree means anything these days.

Book Description

The first volume of the Starseed Trilogy: Intuitive knowledge featuring a startling new view of human evolution.

Customer Reviews:

Powerfully true and direct........2007-05-02

I have found this very small gem to be powerfully true and direct after working with the method for a very short while ....and backed up with Shodo Harrada Roshi's particular sussokan (breath) method. This seems to be the single most informative bit of instruction that I have come across. I sense that it would benefit a majority of people. Author Cleary is convincing as well.

Practitioners will find they owe Thomas Cleary a serious debt.......2006-10-19

I have been a practitioner in the Tibetan Vajrayana for over thirty years. This short book, which I have put into daily practice has corrected mistakes in my practice to such an extent that I feel I have wasted thirty years. This, of course, is not entirely true. Because of the extensive study during those years I could appreciate the depth of Cleary's translation and commentary as one who has successfully practiced this meditation.

With practice, the book gets more and more profound and the practice more refined. It subsumes the whole of the Buddhist canon and that of Taoism and Confucianism and Christianity as well. In particular it brings one to the realization that scriptures, while valuable, have the danger of enmeshing one in words and concepts. On a more personal note, it has helped free me from trying to reproduce past experiences of enlightened mind, which are now just memories and therefore also concepts and ideas.

I have waded through Stopping and Seeing, also translated by Mr. Cleary in volume V of his collected translations, and would advise against it. It is very similar to Ashvagosha's Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana, translated by D.T. Suzuki, which I studied at length many years ago. After your practice has reached a certain point, perhaps it might be of value to study such treatises.

Another thing that commends Mr. Cleary's translation is that he puts his commentary at the end so the translated text is presented without distractions. For this I am also grateful.

One thing that is not addressed in this or other meditation texts, nor by the meditation instructors I have had, is the basics of sitting meditation. I spent years "on the mat" working through bodily problems such as back aches, legs falling asleep and painful tensions that can be avoided by a few expediencies, to say nothing of the fact that posture is essential to integrating one's entire being in the practice.

First of all, it is important that the body be relaxed. One should not waste precious time trying to assume unfamiliar and strenuous asanas, e.g. the Lotus posture, but should sit on a cushion, e.g. a Zafu, that raises one's butt and use a mat, e.g a Zabuton, that protects one legs and ankles from hard surfaces.

Secondly, it is necessary to sit with the back straight and the spine unsupported. However, one needs to relax into this position, like stacking a pile of coins, once they are straight, you can let go. You do not want to let go entirely because from time to time tensions arise, for example you begin tensing your back, neck or legs. This subtle awareness will allow you to immediately relax such tensions and again let go. In this way you can eliminate years of trial and error on the mat.

I would add that this relaxing into the posture is the same approach you should take to the meditation itself.

Whatever the secret is, you won't find it in this translation.......2006-10-16

Thomas Cleary has probably done more harm to the cause of Western understanding of Asian philosophy than any other individual, even perhaps including H. P. Blavatsky. He seems to translate one word at a time with the result that you understand each word as you read it, only to find that the sentences are incoherent. Since Cleary has been prolific, not hard considering how carelessly he translates, his translations flood the market making it unlikely that others will be published, particularly of works, such as the Secret of the Golden Flower, with a limited market. We can avoid reading Cleary's translations but then cannot find others by more competant hands.

Cleary translates philosophical terms with rather vague English equivalents but never indicates the Chinese term in question. Thus with terms such as "essence" and "primal spirit" one realizes as one continues to read that their meaning is entirely obscure. Of course, the Chinese used terms with multiple meanings that often must be pondered to be understood, as do Western philosophers. "De" of the Daodejing" is an example. It is not exactly the same as its usual English translation as "virtue" but close enough. In the case of Cleary's vague terms one actually has no idea of what they mean. "Essence" has no equivalent in Chinese philosophical writings, nor does "primal spirit." There are various Chinese terms that might be translated as "spirit" but we have no means to determine which is in the original. The book is elegantly printed but of more value would have been the Chinese text on opposite pages, or at least a glossary.

What most frustrates is that one can glimpse what the original text is saying just enough to wish that an understandable translation existed. Sadly, none does. Though Wilhelm's is much better, it is still inadequate because he lacked the concepts to fully understand the text, as did other Westerners of his generation. We can excuse this in him because he exerted himself to trying to understand. One cannot say the same for Cleary, who significantly, never appears at academic conferences in his field.

one interesting translation.......2006-07-09

This book has been very underestimated, even though it was Carl Jung and Richard Wilhelm who edited it some time ago.
In this translation I found out other meanings of the book. This is enough for me. The commentary is also satisfying, after all. The mistakes of the previous translation (i. e., Wilhelm's one) have been corrected, and some partialities as well.
Nevertheless, it is a book requiring an application, a put-into-practice as it were, and you may not be contented with a mere reading. You can see the cake but not have it.

A Better Title........2005-08-09

It is a good reference for the study of "The Golden Flower" meditative technique.

However, some of the low points have already been alluded to in prior reviews offered here concerning this book.

For instance, I too think Mr. Cleary could have done a much better job of trying to offer clarity, and in formatting, his approach in assisting the reader who may not be to familiar in Buddhist alchemy. Instead, he spends about half his time interjecting why Wilhelm and Jung were wrong in their handling of the subject. If that was his original intent then he should have just titled the book as "A Study of Why Wilhelm and Jung Misinterperted the Secret of the Golden Flower".

I think this Classic Chinese Book of Life is so short and sweet but yet so profound that this book is still worth buying.

I can just hear a Chan Buddhist Master saying " Yes Mr. Cleary I know you wrote this book but did you bother to read it?"

Cemetery Stories: Haunted Graveyards, Embalming Secrets, and the Life of a Corpse After Death

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cemetery stories
Review of Cemetery Stories
Great idea, but that's all...
Great idea, but that's all...
Great stories!

Cemetery Stories: Haunted Graveyards, Embalming Secrets, and the Life of a Corpse After Death
Katherine Ramsland
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Occultism | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 006018518X
Release Date: 2001-10-02

Book Description

Never look at a grave the same way again

Admit it: You're fascinated by cemeteries. We all die, and for most of us, a cemetery is our final resting place. But how many people really know what goes on inside, around, and beyond them?

Enter the world of the dead as Katherine Ramsland talks to mortuary assistants, gravediggers, funeral home owners, and more, and find out about:

Stitching and cosmetic secrets used on mutilated bodies
Embalmers who do more than just embalm
The rising popularity of cremation art
Ghosts that infest graveyards everywhere

If you've ever scoffed at the high price of burying the dead, or ever wondered how your loved ones are handled when they die, or simply stared at tombstones with morbid fascination, then take a trip with Katherine Ramsland and learn about the booming industry -- and strange tales -- that surround cemeteries everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

cemetery stories.......2007-06-08

I enjoyed reading this book, and to me the best part were the websites listed in the back. Interesting..

Review of Cemetery Stories.......2006-04-07

It is interesting to read, however it did not have any pictures. National Geographic's television show called "Tabo" showed the body farm in Knoxville, TN in detail and how research there is help us to learn more about crime scene investigation. Some was described in this book. Also some of the crime investigation stories as seen on HBO, with Dr. Michael Baden are described. Some of characters for the movies "Pyscho" and "Texas Chainsaw" are described in reality. The book also talks about necrophilia, the funneral business, interesting stories by morticians, cemetery stories and more.

Great idea, but that's all..........2005-11-30

Katherine Ramsland has written about death, darkness, and the unknown before. She has, among other things, written biographies about Dean Koontz and the "queen of vampires" Anne Rice, investigated ghost phenomena, and produced a thorough exposé of the secret vampire scene in New York.

In other words; Ramsland is no beginner. She's a skilled writer, she's proven this again and again, however, Cemetery Stories is a low-water mark in her career. It's simply not a very good book.

Still, the topic in itself is perfectly fine. What is life like to a mortician and other members of the "death business", what really happens to a body that has been dead for days or weeks, how happens during an embalming, what's with man's fascination with death, what are some of the most famous ghost stories ever told; these things and much more are brought up to discussion.

But, throughout the entire book the overall perspective is very brief, and while reading one continually feels that there must be more to the stories, things that should and could be told, but are left out. It's very much written for an American audience - who have very different traditions compared to Sweden when it comes to open caskets, funeral homes, and other things of that matter (for instance, only 30% of Americans choose cremation) - but since the topic is global, then there is, in theory, a global audience as well. Too bad the book doesn't feel thoroughly done.

Put another way, there's a lot of potential, but that's all there is. Many of the stories told by Ramsland, stories she's been told by sources or looked up herself, will almost bore you to death, and more or less all her reports of haunted cemeteries or living dead are both pointless and most of all boring, because they all sound like your ordinary urban legend.

At the end of the book Ramsland starts talking about necromancy and necrophilia, but just as the book starts turning interesting it's finished. Considering all the energy devoted earlier in the book to pointless ghost stories, one could only hope Ramsland would spend as much energy on actual phenomena, but no. Instead she chooses to leave the reader high and dry.

The cover is beautiful, the topic interesting, the ambition admirable; but still, it's first and foremost a huge disappointment.

And finally, when Ramsland chooses to analyze traditional urban legends with the attitude "This type of incident has been reported so many times there's no reason to think it does not happen," (p. 174), it really makes one think how skilled she is in critical thinking.

Great idea, but that's all..........2005-11-22

Great stories!.......2005-08-31

Loved the funny stories shared by funeral directors. Gives you the behind the scenes details on funerals and prepraration of bodies, without being to gory!

People of the Sacred Mountain: A History of the Northern Cheyenne Chiefs and Warrior Societies, 1830-1879

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People of the Sacred Mountain: A History of the Northern Cheyenne Chiefs and Warrior Societies, 1830-1879
Peter J. Powell
Manufacturer: Harpercollins College Div
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0064515508

One Foot in the Grave: Secrets of a Cemetery Sexton

Average customer rating:

I can sum up this book in one word...
An Excellent Read
Funny Book
Waste of Time for those over 12
One Foot In The Grave

One Foot in the Grave: Secrets of a Cemetery Sexton
Chad Daybell
Manufacturer: Bonneville Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 1555175562

Book Description

The author of the acclaimed Emma Trilogy switches gears in this non-fiction account of his years working as a cemetery sexton.

In this entertaining book readers will meet such characters as a lock-picking ghost, a coffin-chasing cow, a rock band with boorish graveside manners, and Mrs. Robinson, whose leg preceded her to the grave.

Each chapter gives a behind-the-scenes look at different aspects of a sexton's world, including cemetery blunders, meddling spirits, bizarre events, and efforts to outfox the Grim Reaper.

Written in a humorous, tongue-in-cheek style, this collection of the author's actual graveyard adventures is a curiously uplifting book you won't be able to put down-or ever forget!

Customer Reviews:

I can sum up this book in one word..........2006-12-30

B O R I N G...

I wish I had listened to the reviewer who said NOT for anyone over age 12... I wholeheartedly agree. I have 2 kids who wouldn't enjoy this either. Wish I had my money back. I feel ripped off.

An Excellent Read.......2006-06-01

A well-written feast of a book. I goggled it down in one afternoon. I couldn't put it down. I just had to see what would happen next. This book is a must read for everyone. It will make you see death and cemeteries in a whole different light.

Funny Book.......2004-08-06

This book is great! It is just what it says it is- a humorous look at what goes on behind the scenes in a cemetery. I have read it several times, and I laugh out loud every time. I worked in a cemetery for several years, and this book brings back memories of the funny things that happen that people just don't hear about.

Waste of Time for those over 12.......2004-06-26

I actually had to stop reading this book 2 paragraphs in to see what company would actually have published this. I would not be so harsh in my review of this book, had it been billed as Juvenile non-fiction. Poorly written, hardly edited, and what little factual information Mr. Daybell provides is unresearched and obviously wrong to anyone with any knowledge of the funeral industry. This book is not worth the money, effort of borrowing it from the library, or any of your time.

One Foot In The Grave.......2003-09-13

If you enjoy looking around cemeteries, wondering what takes place behind the scenes, then you will enjoy this book. Chad Daybell writes an excellent book, with a humorous side of the cemetery caretaking business. I found myself laughing several times over incedents that took place, unbelievable requests made by the deceaseds relatives, the "war of the roses" cemetery style, and what a cemetery Sexton actually has to go through and put up with. There is a seriouse side to this book too, what to do and what not to do when visiting a cemetery, appropriate and inappropriate behavoir, and a cemetery is NOT a motocross track nor a sports field. I think it was an excellent read and I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cemeteries.

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The Secrets of the Haggadah
Matityahu Glazerson
Manufacturer: Jason Aronson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The Haggadah, one of the best known texts of our sacred literature, is rich in meaning. Once again Rabbi Matityahu Glazerson has used his unique approach to uncover the exalted ideas that the words and letters of the holy language, Hebrew, convey. This approach is especially suited to the study of the Haggadah, for the holiday of Passover does not only symbolize our redemption, but is also symbolic of the holy language.

Life in Utah or The Mysteries and Crimes of Mormonism: Being an Expose of the Secret Rites and Ceremonies of the Latter Day Saints

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Historical Review

Life in Utah or The Mysteries and Crimes of Mormonism: Being an Expose of the Secret Rites and Ceremonies of the Latter Day Saints
J. H. Beadle
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1417975725

Book Description

1870. With a full and authentic history of polygamy and the Mormon sect from its origin to the present time. Beadle, author and editor of the Salt Lake Reporter, was unfriendly to the Mormon Church, a passion that becomes evident in his writings, including this volume. Contents: History from the Founding of Nauvoo till 1843; Mormon Difficulties and Death of the Prophet; Two Years of Strife-Exodus from Illinois; From the Nauvoo Exodus to the Mormon War in Utah; The Bloody Period; Gentiles in Utah; First Views in Utah; Two Weeks in Salt Lake City; Trip to Bear River and Return; The Conference and Its Results; Analysis of Mormon Society; Analysis of Mormon Theology; Theoretical Polygamy-Its History; Practical Polygamy; The Mormon Theocracy; Recusant Sects of Mormons; Geographical Features; Material Resources of Utah; Mormon Mysteries-Their Origin; Present Condition and Prospects; and Redeeming Agencies. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.

Customer Reviews:

Historical Review.......2006-11-05

An excellent book covering the mid 1800s of Mormonism as the church was coming out of the horrible days of the Reformation and Blood-atonement. Beadle, an editor of the Reformation spawned Salt Lake Tribune tells of incidents, big and small, fostered by Brigham Young's Theocratic hegemony.

Secret Native American Pathways: A Guide to Inner Peace (Religion and Spirituality)

Average customer rating:

Native American Pathways
Don't waste your time, money, or energy on this book!

Secret Native American Pathways: A Guide to Inner Peace (Religion and Spirituality)
Thomas E. Mails
Manufacturer: Council Oak Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Native American | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Mysticism | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Tribal & Ethnic | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1571781250

Book Description

More than 40 years ago, Thomas E. Mails began a personal exploration of the spiritual richness of traditional Native American customs and secret ceremonies. Using his gifts as a talented illustrator and writer, he tirelessly worked to bring the spiritual culture of Native Americans to readers until his death in November 2001.

The new edition of Secret Native American Pathways: A Guide to Inner Peace authentically details the religious beliefs and rituals of four major tribes (Apache, Cherokee, Hopi, and Sioux) as practiced since ancient times. In this beautifully illustrated "how-to why-to" book, Mails' includes instructions for applying Native teachings to contemporary life. His central premise is that each tribe he discusses has triumphed over adversity through "walking the pathways" that led to inner peace, and that each of us can use these pathways to find our own inner peace.

For more than a century, Native American medicine men have predicted the advent of a new era in which the spiritual practices of their peoples would be revered by the white man and the Native American alike. Thomas E. Mails could be considered a principal figure in helping that prediction come true.

Customer Reviews:

Native American Pathways.......2003-11-12

Thomas Mails, a well known artist, spent most of his adult life painting Native American subjects and recording their vanishing culture. In Secret Native American Pathways Mails provides valuable information on Native rituals. A friend of some of the great Native American shamans and holy men of the last century Mails preserved much information about the spiritual paths of Native people. Mails died several years ago but the legacy he leaves in Secret Native American Pathways is invaluable and thanks to him will survive.

Don't waste your time, money, or energy on this book!.......2000-06-20

I detest writing negative reviews, but when the author says the following on page 230. My hands are tied.

"I do not in any instance give you enough guidance to duplicate any of the rituals. The native Americans would be rightfuly displeased if I did, amd I would be breaking confidences."

If Mr. Mails did not have permission to release accurate information he should not have written the book!

Now to my minor nitpicks about the book.

I was personaly offended at the title of chapter 4 "Marauding Apache".

On page 189 Mr. Mails talks of women as well as men being pierced in the sundance. Both sexes may participate in the sundance but only the men are pierced.

On page 211, 258, and 259 the author discusses the Sioux medicine wheel, and he lists different colors associated with the directions.

Page 211& 259: West-Black, North-Red, East-Yellow, South-White.

Page 258: West-Black, North-White, East-Red, and South Yellow.

Page 258 has the correct color associations according to Nick Black Elk's vision, and these same colors are shown on the cover of "Native Wisdom" Ed McGaa.

I have no idea why the author would have the colors right on page 258 and wrong again on the very next page.

If you have questions or comments E-Mail me. Two Bears.

Wah doh Ogedoda

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