Spirituality Books

Terribly interesting. I got it especially for Gen.P.Orridge's essays. It's also got a great Crowley section and a nice piece on John Dee. This is both a great collection for seasoned occultists and magick enthusiasts and an excellent launch pad for those delving for the first time. Enjoy!

Because I consider it my duty to buy any book with the words "Magick" or "Occult" in the title, I picked this one up against my better judgement. On the whole, my initial fears were that this would be cartoonish, poorly written and obtuse. Even the name, cribbed from one of Aleister Crowley's works, worried me. That being said, I am very lucky that I purchased this book anyway.

Richard Metzger, the compiler and editor of this collection, has done the occult world a great service by bringing together this series of articles and publishing them in one soft cover. Containing the works of authors such as William S. Burroughs, Aleister Crowley, Anton LaVey, Timothy Leary, Donald Tyson and Robert Anton Wilson, this collection isn't any sort of theoretical discussion of magic. What you'll find here instead is a series of examples from fairly famous people who have actually practiced magic.

Many people who've been practicing or living magically for some time will still have a lot to learn from this book, just as I did. The examples are eye-opening in some cases, and at the very least thought-provoking in others. I often found myself saying "Wow... I've never thought of doing it THAT way."

My only real objection is the heavy emphasis on the use of illegal and illicit drugs. I understand that the use of these substances has been linked very closely with the occult, especially in the United States, but the way this book seems to promote the use of these substances upsets me. Still, there are enough examples of magic without drugs to satisfy my tastes.

All in all the book is very well put together, with a lot of detail, good editing and nice illustrations and pictures. I whole-heartedly recommend it to students of magic from intermediate to advanced. Beginner's might want to get a little more grounding before experimenting with some of these ideas, though. Good luck!

If the occultophobes of the world had any sense, they would leave the Harry Potter series alone and forget all about it. THIS is the book they should be trying to burn.

Book of Lies: The Disinformation Guide to Magick and the Occult is a collection of essays and articles by leading voices in the occult world. A total of 40 written pieces take up roughly 350 pages here. A small sampling of these includes Phil Hine on magickal initiation, Donald Tyson on the Enochian Apocalypse, and Boyd Rice on the connections between the Biblical Leviathan and the mythic Dagon.

An entire section is devoted to the infamous Aleister Crowley, his life's work, and those who took his ideas and ran with them. Fiction writer Grant Morrison (The Invisibles) delivers his philosophy on modern magickal practice as a lifestyle. Erik Davis discusses the fiction of H.P. Lovecraft and its significance to the practicing occultist. Tau Allen Greenfield debunks the popular history of Wicca, and P.R. Koening exposes the fraudulent "Caliphate" Ordo Templi Orientis.

This book reprints an interview with late Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey by author/musician Michael Moynihan (Lords of Chaos, Blood Axis) and Dr. Stephen Flowers's essay "The Secret of the Gothick God of Darkness." Only Robert Mason's article on the "Ahriman Consciousness" seems strangely out of place; it reads more like a vaugely Christianized version of David Icke's conspiracy theories than the work of a practicing magician.

Be advised this is not a "spellbook" as such; a few articles give practical advice for starting points and point the way to futher study, but the book as a whole is an exhibit, not a seminar. But it's a very well-assembled and stimulating exhibit; read it to learn, evaluate, and be inspired.

Young readers or newcomers to this area of interest may be surprised to learn here there is much more to the world of magick than astrology, Wicca, and themed-deck Tarot cards. This book is a joy in that it not only acknowleges the existence of a darker, more volitile side to the occult, but gives it legitimate coverage beyond a cursory two-sentance summary in dismissive, generalized terms. This is not commericalized, superficial reading. No Three-Fold Law. No love spells, vampire poetry or tips for naming your "familiar" (cat). This is a challenging and colorful showcase that gives a small sampling of the forbidden knowledge shamans of the Lost Age knew firsthand and embroyonic quantum science is only beginning to point to. Get your copy now... before the book burners do.

"Richard Metzger opened the drug fetus's industrial BDSM play into the abolition world and transplanted the era respiration-byte sending program of the acidhuman body encoder to the digital chimpanzee's cerebral cortex." - Kenji Siratori, author of Blood Electric

This book, unlike Metzger's MISERABLE TV series is a joy to have. If you are a person open to the idea of alternate realities then you will find some of the best speakers from that fringe world here. You should not think of this as a typical "disinfo" offering such as "You Are Being Lied Too". This material would more easily be imagined as a series of essays along the lines of subject matter Robert Anton Wilson might discuss. Much of it deals in one way or another with magick and alternate mind states.

I am a stay at home mom to two small children, and I was looking for a book to make me smile when things get stressful. This book is fine if you are a deeply religious person -- but if you are not, you will find it talks more about Jesus than it does about the stresses of raising children. I believe in God and am a good Catholic girl...but half way through the book, it's like "okay, I get it..you pray to God a lot and yeah for you! Now can you discuss raising children a little?"

Sorry - I just don't understand the deep level of belief the writer has, I guess....

The book begins with a journal countdown to her child's birth. Every chapter begins with a scripture then she shares her experiences as a mother and wife and ends with a prayer. Her experiences and thoughts about them make you feel as if you're reading about yourself. Nice book with good advice and appropriate scriptural references for direction.

I loved this book! Elisabeth and I must have been separated at birth--or else, she's reading my journal. :) Seriously, her honesty was refreshing and her commitment to Christ, her husband and her kids was so encouraging. Elizabeth reminded me about my own need to slow down and appreciate the simple wonders in life. I sometimes let those moments of "special ordinariness" slip by...and it's my loss. Thanks for nudging me back on the right path, Elisabeth! I will recommend this book to other moms, because it's nice to know that we're not alone, and that someone else struggles with the chaos of parenting.

This is such a great book and one that I could truly relate to. I am a stay at home Mom to two wonderful children, ages 2 and 4. I could completely relate to Elisabeth's words. I appreciated her honesty as well. Wonderful!

I am a friend of a friend of the writer of this book. My friend shared it with me. I think it is a wonderful, funny, heart-touching book. I am not a mother yet and it had many great things to say to me anyway. This is definitely a great book to purchase and read for yourself and give as a gift to a friend.

Simply put, this is the single most helpful volume I've yet run across for participating in "the fellowship of the Godhead," the God-given gift known variously as contemplative or centering prayer. I revisit it again and again in my personal practice, and would recommend that others do the same. John 17 and 1 John 1 come alive in this "wayless way" that Bourgeault suggests. Check it out!

This book has opened a whole new chapter in my prayer practice. For anyone who wishes to get out of the false self circuit, here is hope.

For those on a spiritual path,Cynthia Bourgeault has given us a book with not only an excellent background in the nature of Centering Prayer, but a book which will inspire us to seek a deepening of our own journey with God. Centering Prayer has been part of a new spiritual searching in the world, and this book will be an important aid to those who want to know how it can help in their own search for deeper life in God's presence.

I enjoyed this book very much. The author, Cynthia Borgeault - an Episcopalian priest, reviews aspects of centering prayer, a Christian contemplative practice evolved from Christian monastic practices of the first few centuries A.D. by Fr. Thomas Keating and his monastic colleagues. Fr. Keating is a leader in this form of spirituality and is the author of many of the books related to the practice. Borgeault studied with Fr. Keating, but her "take" on centering prayer is a bit different than Keating's and it provides useful contrast and food for thought... Give it a try, you might like it.

This was a really helpful book concerning the method of centering prayer. The author gives a very detailed description of the method as well as the potential pitfalls a practitioner may encounter. I found these to be very relevant to my practice. My one point of confusion, however, is in the author's effort to distinguish centering prayer from other forms of meditation, presumably Eastern forms of meditation (although she does not specify.) She states that these other methods are built on "the model of 'storing' or 'attaining': one 'concentrates' so as to attain clear mind, conscious presence, a strong witnessing I, or unitive experience." In Zen meditation, at least, having a desire to attain anything at all is discouraged. She differentiates centering prayer from these other traditions by saying that "... in centering prayer one aims to attain nothing." That is the essence of Zen practice as well as a generally Buddhist attitude, at least from my rudimentary understanding of Buddhism. She also states that in other schools "meditation is seen as virtually synonymous with clarity of mind and a strong 'I am here' presence..." I think Buddhist-oriented meditation methods teach that maintaining an "I am here" presence would be incorrect, and the 'desire' to attain clarity of mind would also be an obstacle and a form of attachment. Perhaps I was confused when she compared centering prayer with other meditation traditions because the other traditions were lumped together. There may be some traditions that do teach these things (such as the "I am here" presence and the desire to attain) and she was referring to those specifically, but I don't think the Buddhist methods do. I feel there may be more common ground between other meditation methods and centering prayer than the author concedes. If I had one question to ask the author in person it would be to clarify this point.
Overall, however, I think this book provides a uniquely Christian approach to meditation, and really gets at the heart of Jesus' exhortation to die to one's self. I found it to be useful in learning and understanding centering prayer and found its main strength to be its focus on the specifics of the method.

I love this book so much. i wanted more info on chakras and i was going to take a course butthis book covered all of the details. i do the yoga exercises for each chakra and it works for physical and mental benefits. i am buying more books for my patients to have.

This is a good book for begginers. It shows how to balance your chakras, how they interact within them, how the non balanced chakra might manifest a specific condition..

This kit is wonderful and it forces you to do the work without skipping ahead, which is one of my tendencies. I have not yet finished all of the exercises, but the first exercise is incredible in helping you to get centered.

Chakra Balancing Kit is a follow up to Anodea Judith's "Wheels of Life" (which is a huge book but the definitive guide to chakras). This serves as an excellent introduction to learning about chakras, or serves as a refining of one's advanced understanding of chakras. Has chakra cards, photo illustrated book of balancing exercises, 2 CDs - one CD explains what chakras are, the colors and meaning attached to each chakra; the second disc explains balancing chakras. Saved it to my Ipod and computer for working out, meditating, taking a break, driving in car, etc. ONLY PROBLEM: Her pronunciation drives me crazy - "CHAKras" - not the soft "shakras" as most people say, and the Indians say (where this sciece began its evolution). Her voice is nice, her pronunciation disconcerting. Overall the kit is excellent and I am enjoying it, and giving it as gifts to persons who don't know what a chakra is.

This set is gorgeous from the box to the visuals it enables within the mind. I highly recommend it.

Committed But Flawed is a spiritual growth book that you'll want to refer back to time and again to enhance your prayer life and make that divine journey closer to God. We've been told all our Christian lives that we'll never be perfect like Jesus, even though that's what we are to strive for. As a Christian, that can be difficult to grasp. We're flawed, and we will always be flawed, yet our role model is perfect. So how can God possibly love us? How can we ever live up to His expectations? This book will hold a mirror to your thoughts as the author, Cecil Murphey, focuses on those great icons that were the heroes and heroines of the Bible. Even they had flaws, but were very much loved and favored by God. If you're new Christian, not yet a Christian, or even a seasoned Christian, this book will offer you silent mentors by providing insight into the lives of those who were pleasing in God's sight in spite of their quirks and flaws. With every character, I kept thinking there couldn't possibly be anyone else left for the author to write about that I could identify with. Then, as each chapter revealed another, I found that those individuals had a gift, or an attribute for which I strive in order to be pleasing in His eyes. It's a wonderful read in a length that is just right and will not only hold your attention, but will linger in your thoughts long after you are finished reading.

In Committed But Flawed Cecil Murphey introduces readers to an entirely new way to pray. His method of relating to people from the Bible causes readers to really think through familiar Bible passages and dig deeper for personal application. Spiritual growth is a guaranteed byproduct of reading this book! I highly recommend it.

In typical Cecil Murphey style, the author has once again written from his heart, humbly, sincerely, and effectively, drawing his readers into a deeper yearning for more of God. And he has accomplished this through the easy-reading careful examination of the frailties, failures, and feats of everyday (though sometimes obscure) Bible characters such as Barnabus, Timothy, Mephibosheth, and Hur. "I want to walk as far up the mountain as the Spirit will take me," Murphey declares. After reading Committed But Flawed, I want to do the same.

Prior to reading this book, I had read about "praying Scripture" but never about examining Biblical figures and praying for the strengths and character they possessed. "Committed but Flawed" spoke to me in every chapter---I too, should pray for these characteristics to increase my walk in faith. Not only did I learn more about people from Biblical times, but I learned a technique for prayer thanks to the author's humility in presenting his own prayer needs. Highly recommended.

Wow. This author offers us a fresh new approach to praying by identifying with characters in the Bible who are "committed but flawed." He expounds upon each character and relates them to his own short-comings and downfalls, as well as his strong points, in a brutally honest way. He explains how we can do likewise and grow closer to God.

I especially liked the chapter on "transparency"-- he ventures on that topic in a profound way. He identifies with the Apostle Peter--perhaps Peter's vulnerability - his transparency - was a trait that made him the leader of the Disciples, the man Jesus chose to be among his inner circle of three. Murphey's keen insight and knowledge of Scripture are brilliant, and this chapter is a perfect example.

Cecil Murphey's credentials as a missionary, Pastor, and professor are all impressive; however, as a writer he has a distinct flair. He makes us (the reader) feel as we know him as an old friend. His openness and sharing of his experiences embellish his smooth writing style. This book has inspired me to jump start my prayer life as well as to concentrate on reading the Bible in greater depths. Highly recommended!!

This is a superb book on prayer! I devoured this book the day it came in my mail box. I only put it down for a few necessary praise breaks! The revelation I received from this chosen vessel bordered on overwhelming. You will need a highlighter because there will certainly be things that you will need to go back and read again. I have since re-read this book and continue to go back for refreshers... Your prayer life will never be the same; mine certainly isn't!
Be blessed :)

This is an inspiring and encouraging book on prayer---the best I have ever read. I am applying the suggestions outlined by the author and am being blessed in my walk with the Lord. I highly recommend it to anyone who thinks they need help with their prayer life.

The book expands upon "The Lord's Prayer" and gives us great understanding into "fleshing-out" the outline given in Matthew 6:9-13. Breaking it up into six parts, Dr. L. Lea examines and expands it and associates it to six "laps" of an indoor jogging track (and calls the parts 'demarcations'). The examples and short illustrative stories add much richness to the presentation.

All in all, it was a highly iformative and enjoyable read. I am currently re-reading the book and gleaning more out of it than I thought possible.

Anyone wishing to enhance their prayer life should have this in their library, it will be a regular 'friend.'

This book is a must have for any Christian's library or study resources. The study in prayer and how to become effective in prayer is excellent. The book will certainly change your view on prayer and your prayer life if it's principles are applied.

I can't imagine anyone coming away from this book without understanding the importance of prayer. The book leaves you with a desire to pray.

Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:18-20 to go and make disciples of all nations. This book helps do just that. It guides a person through the process of becoming a mature disciple of Jesus Christ. More than that, it is helping create strong intimate relationships between people. This is something that disciples need to do but we are often "too busy" to do.

I have used Discipleship Essentials with two different triads over the past two years and found it to be wonderful and effective in deepening spiritual maturity.

I found this book to be very well thought out and written. It is an excellent tool for those looking to grow in their own personal discipleship and or to develop a discipleship program.

I reviewed many books along these lines and found the book to be solid in every way. Ogden, does a great job of writing easy to understand / implement books. I highly recommend the companion book "Transforming Discipleship" as well. I have ordered this for my discipleship group that I just started. I'm looking forward to seeing God do amazing thins in all of our lives.

I've seen my students leaders barf on various kinds of discipleship "materials" over the years. This is the only discipleship "stuff" that they have really loved and been impressed by (re: because it's well written & and written at a college-level). I love it because it's lead foot is "making disciples" ...it's got the right DNA.

Daniel Curran (510) 290-8145 * [...]
The Bay Area Campus Ministry * Campus Crusade for Christ

Meher Baba had a different point of view, and explains why life is as it is.
As Shridi Sais closest student he writes with authority.
The book was not written but dictated thru unique gestures (not ASL)!
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and its not 'easy' reading.....

There are oh so many books, CDs, and courses about Spirituality. some many mean well and are heartfelt. But there is only one Meher Baba. This volume is a veritable bible for the seeker. I cannot think of any other books that are filled with complete understanding and that define the world we live in. It is truely a MUST own book. Do yourself the great favor of owning this treasure.

In this era of New Age "spirtuality lite", Wayne Dyer, Joel Osteen et al.,it is indeed a most fortunate event if one is lucky enough to stumble
upon this book. As I approach my mid 60's and having read many books on the subject of Yoga, Meditation, Spirituality, I would gladly trade them all in for this book and Meher Baba's Master work "God Speaks". Rating books like these 5 stars is laughable, they are beyond catagory.If these books were manditory reading for every college kid, the world would be a very different place going forward. Not an easy read by any means and well worth doing whatever it takes to get through it.

To quote another reviewer, this book truly is the highest of the high. Truly a desert island book. Manages to be infinitely profound while at the same time infinitely practical.

A spiritual reference. This book is similar to Aurobindo's book as a spiritual instructional manual. Unlike Aurobindo's book this one wasn't pieced together by letters to disciples. It's much more coherent and consise. The information is very similar to Aurobindo's. Meher talks about Reincarnation, Karma, Maya, Meditation, Sanskaras, Ego, God, Realization, Love and Happiness from his enlightened perspective. His insights and understanding seem to be right on the money.

I was given the summer version of this devotional and prayer guide, and immediately bought the fall-winter volume! Being scripture-centered has guided me each day to consider the Lord FIRST and LAST, and has blessed me enormously. Most of the prayers are from the Psalms or from traditional Collects and worship service prayers, combined with scripture verses to bless each morning, noon and night. Highly recommended for beginning and mature Christian devotion and growth!

Can't say enough good about this book. Whether you pray the Liturgy of the Hours, or if you just set aside a daily period of personal devotion, it is certainly a welcome breath of fresh air.

Having been raised Lutheran and now a Methodist, the concept of "praying the hours" was new to me. However, I was looking for a good reference book of daily prayers when I stumbled across this series and I've been very happy with it. If you don't have the time or desire to pray morning, noon, vespers and compline, this is still a good reference and even doing one session per day is a good start to a more disciplined Christian prayer life. The only negative is that the entire series is not available in paperback, so it can get a little pricey if you're on a tight budget.

I love this series of prayerful daily readings. The combination of Psalms, prayers and spiritual songs is almost always helpful and inspiring. Best of all -- I use it and it helps me. Wow!

This book beging on October 1. If it anything like the one I am just finishing I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Divine Hours that they can understand. Very helpful and easy to follow.

This book is arranged as a daily reader. I can say with complete honesty, "This is the book I have been looking for all of my life." If you are serious about your spiritual life and want to walk in the path of the Saints, this is a divine gift. The Carmalite way is not for everyone. St. John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila are responsible for showing that "Way". This book is put together with an art that can not be imitated. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford it, buy it for your soul!

As a Catholic priest, I think it was rather sinful the prices people were charging for an used copy of this book (the 1 Volume edition). Hundreds of dollars for a book that sold for $40 just a year or two ago? I guess it does atest to the great value of this book.

Well I have good news; TAN Books has decided to republish this work, in a new one volume, leather-bound edition. They hope to start shipping them on April 30, 2006. They will list for $48, but they are on sale now for $40.

It is more than a bit shameful, the price gouging that's been going on for this book while out-of-print. YAY, though. TAN is reprinting and will be available very soon.

And desire to purchase it. But with all due respect to the people charging many hundreds of dollars for a used copy, this book is being re-published by Loreto in January 2006.

http://www.loretopubs.org/

This book is the best one on Christian contemplation I've ever read. It is a perennial source of insight into God's love, without soft-pedalling the frightening consequences of sin. I hope to find it in print again, and will buy several copies right away for friends. Too bad about the price-gouging going on now: it's a wonderful part of any Catholic library but wait 'til there are enough used copies out there for the price to drop below the outrageous $250 or more for a copy requested by certain used booksellers. I bought mine for $31.50 two years ago,new. Hope that Loreto comes through in Jan 2006.