THE ISAIAH EFFECT   Decoding the Lost Science of Prayer and Prophecy by GREGG BRADEN Harmony Books $23 (hardcover) reviewed by Peggy Smith In the vast multidimensional layers of the universe as we are coming to know it, can a simple element such as conscious, compassionate human thought really make a difference? Gregg Braden not only says "yes" to this eternal question, but impeccably shows us the way to understanding the dynamics of how you and I can participate in a miracle that can change our destiny. In his new book, The Isaiah Effect, words of ancient wisdom unfold the secrets to the power of focused prayer. In his skillful ability to connect the delicate strands of our past to the technology of new-millennium sciences, Gregg offers the possibility of a world without strife, war, disease, hunger, and fear. In Braden's two previous bestsellers, Awakening to Zero Point and Walking Between the Worlds, he introduced us to a feast of ancient knowledge, global sciences, and spiritual possibilities rolled between the logic of quantum physics and metaphysics. Now he leads us on a path that transforms our knowledge into wisdom. Gregg explains the difference: "Knowledge may be viewed as the element of our experience that deals with information. All of the data, statistics, and behavior patterns of our past or present may be shared as knowledge. Knowledge may be taught and passed down for generations as texts and traditions. The experience of wisdom must be lived by each individual of each generation to know the consequences of direct experience." The ability to live in "the experience of wisdom" is a process woven into the writings of the ancient Essenes, displayed on the walls of Egyptian temples, hidden in the mysteries of the great Mayan and Aztec civilizations, and heard among the lore of our Native American ancestors. Gregg Braden asks us to travel with him across the seas of time and "remember" as he taps into this past to show us new possibilities for our future. Follow his path and be prepared to take a sacred journey inward, a journey that needs no itinerary or luggage, a place where each of us can experience the Isaiah Effect: the power of prayer. As all good travel guides should, Gregg leaves no important or beautiful point of interest unexplored. Through his personal travels and vivid descriptions of daily miracles, the reader is drawn into the emotion of each experience. From watching a fallen man healed by the mere touch of a passerby, to the collapse of linear time in the sacred desert of Egypt, we are repeatedly witness to the undeniable fact that something unknown to modern humanity is at hand. The ancients call this time "the shift of the ages." These are the times described in the prophecies of Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and several different tribal legends that have foreseen the future of our race. Destructive natural forces sweeping the planet, causing unimaginable plight and death, is a common vision of our destiny in all of these predictions. Is it possible that we, the children of the earth, are reaching the end times? Gregg very passionately offers us a different outcome: "This is the Isaiah Effect — the expression of an ancient science stating that we may change the outcome of our future through the choices that we make in each moment of the present." I highly recommend that you take this present moment and read The Isaiah Effect; it could change your tomorrows forever. GARY NULL'S GUIDE TO A JOYFUL, HEALTHY LIFE by GARY NULL, Ph.D. Carroll & Graf $28 (hardcover) reviewed by Mirra Lee This 848-page tome is really three books in one, written by a prolific author, radio health talk show host, consumer advocate, environmentalist, investigative reporter, and nutrition educator. The first section ("Who Are You, Really?") outlines Dr. Null's ideas on what he calls "Natural Life Energies"; an appendix includes short questionnaires to self-determine your "type." I personally found the information interesting, then went through the questionnaires and discovered that I fit about halfway into six of the seven types, which suggests to me that the categories, without subtypes or cross-typing, may be too simplistic in and of themselves. The next two sections ("Be Kind to Yourself" and "Choosing Joy," the latter co-authored with Vicki Riba Koestler) are written workbook-style, with questions intended to allow the reader to find the truth amid the hype. Anyone willing to follow Dr. Null's step-by-step path, answer the questions honestly, and make the changes suggested by him will truly find him/herself in a better place, self-empowered and joyfully free. This is not a book for spiritual wienies, and some of his suggestions are tough love at its most raw. However, what might come across to some as egocentric is, I think, intended to portray and defend self-worth and self-love in their purest forms. That is, if we don't define and set our own boundaries in some pretty definitive ways, then our lack of doing so creates self-defeating patterns that negate the "joyful, healthy life" Dr. Null advocates as achievable by all. You can read this book for its eye-opening worth or follow it strictly like the workbook it's designed to be — or both — or something in between. Regardless, you won't come away unmoved. THE HEART OF BUDDHISM Practical Wisdom for an Agitated World by GUY CLAXTON Thorsons $15 (softcover) reviewed by George M. Lewis Having been a practicing Buddhist myself for many years, I can certainly relate to Mr. Claxton's efforts in this book to share some of Buddhism's traditions and realities, one of which is that Buddhism isn't for everyone but can benefit most. On one hand is a person who just wants to just "do it" and have fun without thinking too much. Claxton says about this: "In their view all this 'contemplating your navel' business is at best misguided and probably harmful as well." On the other hand, Buddhism also appeals to those who are not so easily satisfied and continually question their own beliefs. It's never necessary to justify or explain why one is a Buddhist (or a Christian, or Jewish, or anything else for that matter). As the author says, "I've just found that the way that I felt, and the things that I believe in, just happened to coincide with the Buddhist ideas and the way of life." Mr. Claxton conveys the spirit of Buddhism in a rational, uncomplicated way for beginners as well as those who have been practicing Buddhism for some time. In addition, the book contains an excellent glossary of Buddhist terminology, as well as a listing of more comprehensive sources. Beginners, especially, will find many useful examples, experiences, and explanations that may be helpful in their search for enlightenment. GAIAMANCY Creating Harmonious Environments by MAUREEN L. BELLE Blessingway Books $17 (softcover) reviewed by Jerome Matthews, The Olde Way The author defines gaiamancy as a combination of spiritual and shamanic geomantic practices from around the world, designed to enhance human and environmental health and well-being. This beautifully written and highly approachable work presents the three main tools of the gaiamancer: the bagua (or Feng Shui) wheel, the Celtic Knot wheel, and the Native American medicine wheel. She goes on to discuss the attributes of each system through application to three different floor plans, as well as remedies each offers for stimulating, slowing, and/or grounding ch'I (universal life force), to create a more vitalizing, balanced dwelling. I was highly encouraged and empowered by the Belle's insistence that creating a harmonious environment starts with listening to one's inner voice and the voices in one's surroundings (as opposed to reading nine books on Feng Shui theory), and continues through the focusing of intent. Nearly every chapter contains at least one shamanic exercise designed to bring the reader into greater balance with personal and earthly rhythms. The author also gently and lovingly instructs the reader on approaching environmental spirits with pure intention and respect when asking for guidance on how to create sacred space. Gaiamancy concludes with an index containing contact information for companies that provide nontoxic (or less toxic) building materials and supplies and household products, making Ms. Belle's commitment to safe, non-toxic, harmonious living as apparent as her joy in sharing this information. I will continually refer back to this book as I piece together parts of all three systems and apply them to my own home and workspace. ENLIGHTENMENT FOR BEGINNERS Discovering the Dance of the Divine by CHUCK HILLIG Black Dot Publications $11.95 (softcover) reviewed by Mirra Lee This book is an updated version of What Are You Doing in My Universe? after the author recovered publishing rights. Essentially written for children (with an introduction for "older" readers), the book quickly, easily, and lightheartedly explains how we came to believe we are "separate" (by first identifying ourselves as Black Dot #1 and then pretending that we're not Black Dot #2). I guarantee a chuckle for "enlightened" readers, and a good starting point for those of you attempting to explain concepts of oneness to your children and/or grandchildren. If they really "get" Mr. Hillig's telling of it, this book will serve as an excellent foundation upon which to build any spiritual belief system thereafter.