An encouraging, unpretentious primer for neophytes eager to explore their paranormal skills.
Russell presents a guide to improving one’s clairvoyance.
The popular media often frames spiritual and psychic abilities as inherent gifts—supernatural powers granted to only a select few, blessed people. But to the author, a self-described psychic and paranormal investigator with 50 years of experience, phenomena like psychometry, dream interpretation, cloud manipulation, and even the attraction of a soulmate are all skills that can be honed by anyone willing to put in the time and effort to learn. “My purpose throughout this book has been to demystify and uncomplicate spiritual workings,” he writes. “Why make something any harder than it has to be?” As described in Russell’s encouraging, conversational tone, communicating with loved ones who have died, casting spells, and divining information from objects do not seem like impossible feats. Each chapter focuses on a particular aspect of psychic ability and the significance of accompanying objects, such as the importance of salt, how to “charge” amulets and talismans, and the many exaggerated stories spun about Ouija boards. None of these skills require any costly investment, and most bear a resemblance to meditative practices involving a familiar, quiet space and getting in touch with one’s inner self. The author is quick to eschew perfectionism regarding how certain ceremonies are performed, and he cautions against blindly adhering to the ways in which purported professionals in his field conduct themselves: “just because someone’s a ‘professional’ psychic, medium, or ‘ghost hunter’ that doesn’t mean that they are correct in either their methodology or in their assumptions about the information they may receive.” Skeptical readers may find plenty of things in the book hard to believe, such as Russell’s anecdotes about divining and providing accurate information to the FBI about a missing person case, controlling clouds, and healing medical maladies in others. But beginners seeking a down-to-earth guide to exploring the paranormal will find much to value.
An encouraging, unpretentious primer for neophytes eager to explore their paranormal skills.Pub Date: July 29, 2023
ISBN: 9781977255273
Page Count: 158
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Review Posted Online: Nov. 9, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A sweet final word from an actor who leaves a legacy of compassion and kindness.
The late actor offers a gentle guide for living with more purpose, love, and joy.
Mixing poetry, prescriptive challenges, and elements of memoir, Heche (1969-2022) delivers a narrative that is more encouraging workbook than life story. The author wants to share what she has discovered over the course of a life filled with abuse, advocacy, and uncanny turning points. Her greatest discovery? Love. “Open yourself up to love and transform kindness from a feeling you extend to those around you to actions that you perform for them,” she writes. “Only by caring can we open ourselves up to the universe, and only by opening up to the universe can we fully experience all the wonders that it holds, the greatest of which is love.” Throughout the occasionally overwrought text, Heche is heavy on the concept of care. She wants us to experience joy as she does, and she provides a road map for how to get there. Instead of slinking away from Hollywood and the ridicule that she endured there, Heche found the good and hung on, with Alec Baldwin and Harrison Ford starring as particularly shining knights in her story. Some readers may dismiss this material as vapid Hollywood stuff, but Heche’s perspective is an empathetic blend of Buddhism (minimize suffering), dialectical behavioral therapy (tolerating distress), Christianity (do unto others), and pre-Socratic philosophy (sufficient reason). “You’re not out to change the whole world, but to increase the levels of love and kindness in the world, drop by drop,” she writes. “Over time, these actions wear away the coldness, hate, and indifference around us as surely as water slowly wearing away stone.” Readers grieving her loss will take solace knowing that she lived her love-filled life on her own terms. Heche’s business and podcast partner, Heather Duffy, writes the epilogue, closing the book on a life well lived.
A sweet final word from an actor who leaves a legacy of compassion and kindness.Pub Date: Jan. 24, 2023
ISBN: 9781627783316
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Viva Editions
Review Posted Online: Feb. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2023
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