THE ILLUSTRATED EGYPTIAN BOOK OF THE DEAD A New Translation with Commentary by DR. RAMSES SELEEM Sterling Publishing $24.95 (hardcover) reviewed by Christian Malcher The ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead has commonly been regarded as a magical, eschatological text whose purpose was to endow the soul of the deceased with tools for its trip through the netherworld to heaven.
This, of course, is only partially true. There is a broader meaning to these texts, a meaning that lies in the Egyptians relationship with divinity, in their finest metaphysical thought, around which their whole civilization was founded. The texts speak to the living, to the incarnated souls, as well as to the souls of those departed. Egyptian wisdom recognized the human soul as an eternal entity; thus, The Egyptian Book of the Dead speaks as much to Tutankamen and Nefertiti as it does to you and me, and vice versa. 
THE RECONNECTION Heal Others, Heal Yourself by DR. ERIC PEARL Hay House, Inc. $23.95 (hardcover) reviewed by Madeline Weise Are you a budding young (or old) healer, aspiring to do miraculous healings à la the Ellen Burstyn character in the movie Resurrection? Reading The Reconnection may allow you to do just that! The only requirement is that you let go of everything you think you know about "doing" healings. There are neither new procedures nor techniques to learn. No teacher is needed to learn it (you can attune to the energy just by reading the book).
You don't need to know what is wrong with, nor what is best for, the client (how could anyone know that for sure, anyway?). Throw out your talismans, rituals, and prayers (these give one a false sense of power). Let go of all goals and expectations (these can be limiting to what can actually transpire). You don't even have to send or direct the energy. All you have to do is receive it, explore it with your hands, and watch its evolution in awe and wonder. It's just you, the energy, and the client. This bare-bones approach to healing is very refreshing! 
NEVER OFFER YOUR COMB TO A BALD MAN How to Get What You Want By Giving Others What They Need by ALEXANDER J. BERARDI New World Library $22.95 (hardcover) reviewed by Margaret Doyle Never Offer Your Comb to a Bald Man provides "leadership tools for the new century." This book might have been called "Leadership through the Back Door," for it emphasizes preparation for and perspective toward leadership rather than presenting a treatise on performing as a leader in a given situation.
Berardi claims, "The greatest leaders of all time are the reluctant ones those who see their role as one of service and as an unavoidable consequence of that service were forced to assume the position of leader." A servant vision or servant mission "is a compelling drive to champion a particular cause." 
ONLINE reviews by Maria Marsala School is out, and the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer sun are here again! This is a great time to get those creative juices flowing as you creatively ponder the meaning and purpose of your life. And of course, we have some free assessment tests to assist you in the process! Note: this article is best viewed at <http://newtimes.org/issue/0107/reviews.html>, where youll find direct links to the Web sites mentioned. Past columns dealing with assessment tests may be found at <http://newtimes.org/issue/0008/reviews.html> and <http://newtimes.org/issue/0006/online.html>.
Free Online Assessment and Personal Development Service <http://www.odysseyzone.com/personal/free.htm> Create your very own personal development plan using the free services of this site. Effectiveness Zone <http://www.franklincovey.com/missionbuilder/> In just thirty minutes, you can create a life mission statement. Quality of Life 100 <http://www.perfectlife.com/qualityoflife100pdf.PDF> What is the quality of your life? This downloadable 100-question form is an eye-opener! Life Balance Index <http://www.coachmaria.com/documents/LifeBalanceIndex.pdf> How balanced is your life? Try this balance index in an unusual "linear" format from your very favorite Online reviewer. The Clean Sweep Program <http://www.clean-sweep.com/textonly.html> Bring self-care and lots of balance back into your life with this assessment tool. Be naturally energized! Free personal development, Internet, marketing tips, quizzes too. E-zine and articles online. By Maria Marsala, life and business development coach, consultant, teacher, and author. Explore <http://www.coachmaria.com/> and expand your world! |