BOOK REVIEWS

By Sonia von Matt Stoddard

2012-2021 THE DAWN OF THE SIXTH SUN

The Path of Quetzalcoatl

By Sergio Magana (Ocelocoyotl)

According to ancient Toltec Wisdom and cycles of times, we are in a transition from the Fifth Sun, an era of light, into the Sixth Sun, an era of darkness. In the former, we focused on the understanding of our physical world, and in the latter we will learn to relate to the inner aspects of ourselves, the divine and the unconscious.

If you ever wanted a comprehensive understanding of Toltec/Aztec tradition, this lovely book will enlighten you. It begins by explaining the structures of the universe, the cycles, calendars, numbers, heavens, underworlds and trainings. The author translates a little-known oral tradition of profound and complex cosmology, science and mathematics in order to understand the possibilities presented to humanity during this next shift.

Sacred poses, breathing exercises, dances and other ancient practices all show us how to realign ourselves with the universe. If we wish to understand changes taking place in 2012, which will be more clearly visible in 2021, this book will enable us to make sense of our physical world as it has come to being out of a spiritual world.

Published by Blossoming Books, this book is available at your local bookstore or www.blossomingbooks.com

DREAMING THE SOUL BACK HOME

Shamanic Dreaming for Healing and Becoming Whole

By Robert Moss

When we encounter trauma or loss in our lives, it seems that a part of us goes away as protection against a harsh, cruel world. We disassociate from the encounter and try to hide it from our psyche. The reality is that it never really goes away. It just gets buried.

In our dreams, our higher self finds a way back to us, so we can address all aspects of our soul and turn them into positives. Dreams not only show us what the soul wants, they show us where it has gone. By connecting with those dreams, whether they are current ones or ones from ages ago, we find powerful tools to recover the missing aspects of our lives.

This book introduces us to techniques of Active Dreaming, designed to bring our soul back to our body so we can become whole, in spite of our spiritual wounds. Through the process of Shamanic Soul Retrieval, as well as other exercises, we can become not only shamans of our own souls, but will be able to help others become healers of their lives.

Published by New World Library, this book is available at your local bookstore or www.newworldlibrary.com

STAR ANCESTORS

Extraterrestrial Contact in the Native American Tradition

By Nancy Red Star

The author’s primary goal is to pass on the traditions of the “Old Ways” including those of several native Indian traditions. Exploring the “Sky Elder” theme found in virtually all Indian cultures, researchers unravel the teachings and ancient prophesies that can be applied in our current time.

The Hopi call the world we are in now the Fifth World. People who are able to follow the instructions of our sky deities will walk ahead into the Sixth World. Now that many native peoples have regained their ceremonies, languages, songs and dances, we are in a position to achieve, then maintain a balance with the earth.

Discussed here are the basic laws and tenets shared through extraterrestrial relationships. Caring for the planet, the principles of justice and rituals for visitation, are only a few wisdom teachings that are touched up-on. Recognizing signs of the paradigm shift, as well as learning to develop our psychic powers, invites us to learn from a culture that is proud of its lineage and willing to share its wisdom and survival plan for walking into the next phase of our world.

Published by Destiny Books, this book is available at your local bookstore or www.innertraditions.com

THE LAKOTA WAY OF STRENGTH AND COURAGE

Lessons In Resilience from the Bow and Arrow

By Joseph M. Marshall III

Simplicity is peace. So why do human beings insist on complicating even the smallest of tasks? Are we beyond the salvation of simplicity? The author believes that the answer is most certainly not, but we need to step back, listen and learn from our indigenous ancestors who thrived in an era where an abundance of unnecessary creature comforts through the electronics of today did not exist, while the abundance of whole life did and still does. They did not have a lot of “things” but they were fed well, comfortable and happy.

With several analogies and discussions about the simplicity, yet amazing utility of the bow and arrow, and beautiful stories about the interaction between individuals, for example, a grandfather and his grandson taking a short journey on foot, we are asked to think about things like the endless list of complications we create, ways and ideas you can choose which, if any, have any place in your life, today, tomorrow or ever. Also discussed are purpose, strength, resiliency and advice for transformation.

Published by Sounds True, this book is available at your local bookstore or www.SoundsTrue.com

VISIONARY SHAMANISM

(Includes the Musical Journeys CD)

Activating the Imaginal Cells of the Human Energy Field

By Linda Star Wolf and Anne Dillon

Imaginal cells are the energies of what has happened, as well as what will happen, as stored in the blueprint of the invisible world. In order to be fully present and embodied today, we must be able to not only tune into our past, but also acquire information from the future. By incorporating wisdom teachings, shamanic journeys and breathwork practices, you will be able to tune into these imaginal cells, thus opening up the blueprint of who your highest and best self is meant to be.

The future self is very real. The authors introduce us to many realities that are available for our imagination to grasp. The many connections available, such as instructions on activating these cells, are all included here. There are also discussions on shamanic portals, shape-shifting, the Duat, sacred geometry, and psychospiritual transformation. Personal encounters by the authors are shared throughout the book which creates an illustrative manual, bringing the experiences described to life.

Published by Bear & Company, this book is available at your local bookstore or www.innertraditions.com