BOOK REVIEWS

BEYOND THE INDIGO CHILDREN
The New Children and
The Coming of the Fifth World
By P.M.H. Atwater, L.H.D.
“Beyond the Indigo Children” is the study of today’s ‘new children,’ specifically those born since 1982, who fall within the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Fifth World of the Mayan Calendar known as the fifth root race. According to this Mayan prophecy, the fifth sun or fifth world of the Mayan calendar moves into a higher octave of vibration, or ascension, on December 21, 2012.

This date represents a “gateway” of planetary development that will open humanity to new ways of living and new worlds of opportunity. Ancient traditions have foretold that our successful passage through this gateway depends on the ‘fifth root race’ that is destined to help us through the exciting and massive changes ahead.

This new stock in the human gene pool — Indigo Children — are sensitive youngsters who are often quirky and disordered, yet gifted. They may be particularly susceptible to disease and disorders connected to food allergies, poor nutrition, dyslexia or attention-deficit disorders. Special diets and care are often necessary to bring back the natural order and allow their soaring intelligence to be nurtured, to transcend and reach a productive level of maturity and achieve their full potential.

Within the confines of The Mayan Gateway, the author provides detailed information about the world changes that will take place both before and after December 21, 2012. She explores the seven ‘root races’ representing the genetic gene pool of the human family, and the phenomenon of soaring intelligence, which will allow humanity to reach the next level of development.
Published by Bear & Company, this book is available at your local bookstore or at the website www.InnerTraditions.com
Reviewed by Sonia von Matt Stoddard



ON THE TOLTEC PATH
A Practical Guide to the Teachings of don Juan Matus, Carlos Castaneda,
and Other Toltec Seers
By Ken Eagle Feather
The works of Carlos Castaneda are widely recognized as the foremost resource for study of the Toltec Way, a spiritual and mystical philosophy that originated in Mexico several thousand years ago. This metaphysical perspective, akin to religion and philosophy, enables one to compare and contrast forms of energy, styles of behavior and types of personality. It establishes a heightened way of perceiving the world that can be achieved with practice.

The Toltec philosophy utilizes three methods of inquiry: re-examination, re-interpretation, and re-formulation. The discipline offers processes for managing perception through dreaming, visions and learning in order to see the world in more than one reality. In this book we learn about those philosophies and tools of power, like shape shifting, scouting, blending and adaptability.

Unfortunately, those who wish to follow this path find it difficult to understand the techniques and details found in Castaneda’s works. Author Ken Eagle Feather, a student of Yaqui Indian seer don Juan Matus, was assigned the task of explicating the works of Castaneda and here he shares those results in a form that is easily understood.
Published by Bear & Company, this book is available at your local bookstore or at the website www.InnerTraditions.com
Reviewed by Sonia von Matt Stoddard



KEEPERS OF THE CHILDREN
Native American Wisdom & Parenting
By Laura M. Ramirez
Nautilus Book Award Winner; Sacramento Publishers &
Authors Book Award Winner
Drawing on the heritage and knowledge of the Native American, this book shows parents how to help their children develop their true nature and strength. Understanding your child’s natural world helps you guide your child into creating a life full of meaning as well as fulfillment. It encourages you to be a loving and respectful parent and to lead by example.

For example, she points out that your child does not make you annoyed or angry, but rather brings out in you what is already there. While the adult has more experience and maturity, a parent and child constantly teach each other. The material in this book offers insight that helps you to identify your child’s fears as well as visions, discusses how to create integrity through humane values, and provides direction so your child will thrive.

Author Laura Ramirez is a white woman with a degree in psychology, who is married to a Native American man. The book reflects this cultural blend of traditional developmental theories combined with little-known Native American philosophy, wisdom and spirituality.

Ramirez offers us a fresh perspective in guiding our charges to success. And, by helping children to create fulfilling lives, parents deepen their sense of satisfaction with their own.
Published by Walk in Peace Productions, this book is available at your local bookstore and online booksellers. A companion workbook is available exclusively at www.walk-in-peace.com
Reviewed by Sonia von Matt Stoddard



SACRED PLANT MEDICINE
The Wisdom in Native American Herbalism
By Stephen Harrod Buhner
The search for personal contact with the sacred is an integral part of our maturation and development. All living systems manifest and show behaviors of communication.
This book is about tapping into a way to gather sacred information about healing plants, by communicating directly with the plants.

Author Stephen Harrod Buhner, a lecturer on herbal medicine, the sacredness of plants and the intelligence of nature, examines the historical relationship between indigenous people and plants. Through the use of songs, ceremony and prayers, we are taught to coax plants into revealing their healing properties.
Buhner goes on to state that most common diseases can be treated with the knowledge of only ten plants. It is even better if they are in your own ecosystem as they and you partake of the same water and air.

For every healing plant described, the author presents its medical properties, guidelines for preparation as well as the ceremonial elements associated with their use. He includes a separate chapter on the four sacred plants of the Rocky Mountain Region plus a short ‘compendium’ of plants and their sacred uses. Also included are techniques for wildcrafting medicinal plants, such as making infusions, decoctions and tinctures.

Published by Bear & Company, this book is available at your local bookstore or at the website www.InnerTraditions.com
Reviewed by Sonia von Matt Stoddard



The Power of Meow
By Bernard Gunther, Ph.D
A beautiful little book with a delightful message from the life story of the author’s enlightened cat Rumi, “The Power of Meow” reinforces the theme of another book, the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This is a playful tribute to that popular book written by renowned human potential leader Dr. Bernard Gunther, Ph.D.,  in which Rumi reminds us that staying in the moment is the key to happiness.
The book is small but mighty with 30 black and white photos of Rumi in various feline poses  that fit his “teachings,” such as “you don’t have to prove or improve yourself, all you have to do is approve of yourself.”  I read this short book straight through and laughed at its unique wisdom, the simple truths, and wordplay in the prose-poems inside. “The Power of Meow” is a perfect crossover book, appealing to animal lovers, spiritual seekers and gift givers alike.

Dr. Gunther was an early pioneer at the world-renowned Esalen Institute, where he originated the famous Esalen Massage and is the author of many popular mind -body-spirit books.
“The Power of Meow” reminds us to lighten up and practices what it preaches. Let Rumi the cat show you how much fun enlightenment can be.

Published by Hampton Roads Publishing Company, this book is available at your local bookstore or at www.hrpub.com
Reviewed by Kathy DeSantis

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