R – Faith & Fairies
Posted by Morrighan on January 19, 2008 at 6:14 am | Last modified: January 19, 2008 6:14 amTitle: Faith & Fairies
Author: C.S. Haviland
Publisher: LegendMaker Scriptoria
ISBN: 0-9759355-0-X
Copyright: 2005 C.S. Haviland
Pages: 254
A sacred number is three. In the pages of C.S. Haviland’s Faith & Fairies, you’ll find a particularly interesting, and perhaps sacred, trio – Terry, Scott and Ronnie.
The three boys are all orphans, picked up by a grandfatherly fellow and brought to the “hidden valley” of Haviland’s Hollow. Here there be secrets, and Terry – a tough street wise teenager – immediately gets the boys involved in a dark mystery reminiscent of the fairy tales of old. Along the way, they unlock the secrets and stumble, literally, into another world.
Quote pg. 127 para 1 & 2
“A subterranean slave yard was built into a colossal cavern, half of it reinforced by steel-and-brick columns and support struts. Most of the slaves were preservers, and some were muplets. But the most fearsome sight to behold was the animal that watched over them.
Her name was Horde Kaa, and she was the monster of monsters. She was a massive, black, reptilian creature with a long muscular neck, glowing red eyes, massive horns, and terrible fangs. She was at least fifty feet long, and her mouth was large enough to swallow a grizzly bear whole. Flat dorsal scales stuck out of her spine and ran down her neck, back, and tail, and at the tip of her tail was a diamond-shaped plate. On her back was a pair of leathery black wings, folded upward as she sat on her haunches like a dog. She scanned the cavern for disobedience, eyes never flinching.”
It is quite likely going to turn my curiosity into a raging hurricane but the author never completely disallows his familial involvement in the mysterious legend of “Haviland’s Hollow” and it’s apparent existence in New York state. The back cover of the book claims: “Based on a family legend you’re forbidden to hear…Set in a hamlet you’re forbidden to see…Unless They invite you.” There is even a disclaimer on the Faith & Fairies website, involving what should happen if one stumbles across the tiny town. The author plays it up for all it’s worth, and for one, I am beginning to fall for it.
I very much want to travel to New York, explore the state in hopes of finding Father Tree and the Woodkeepers. In the meantime though, I’ll just not-so-patiently wait for the sequel…
–
Jodi Lee, aka ierne, is a 20+ year veteran of pagan paths. A single work at home mom, she is currently hard at work on her first novel.
http://www.jodilee.ca
Categories: Reviews, Sprites Pagan Kids | Comments Off | PermalinkR – Bach Flower Remedies for Beginners
Posted by Morrighan on January 1, 2003 at 9:08 am | Last modified: January 1, 2003 9:08 amBy Jodi Lee
Originally Published 2003
(see author/copyright info below)
Title: Bach Flower Remedies For Beginners
Author: David F. Vennells
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
ISBN: 0-7387-0047-9
Copyright/Release: 2001 David F. Vennells
Mr. Vennells has presented the reader with an excellent resource on the Bach Flower Remedies..his style of writing is much like a friendly teacher, which makes the book an easy read. It also lends the reader an ability to understand and retain the information provided.
Beginning with a basic explanation of the noted Dr. Edward Bach, and his discovery of these new treatments, moving toward a reflection on his life, Mr. Vennells gives the student a past history that many books neglect to mention. If one is to truly understand and wish to study further into the Remedies, this history is definitely needed.
The author then moves forward, explaining each remedy in turn, how they work and the process for creation. Not only does he include this information for humans, but also for animals – which is another glaring omission in most books. The book finishes off with a few case studies and notes from practitioners.
Quote pg. 51
“The remedies help us change our mind; not the world around us, but by changing our mind, all things change. Our perception of ourself, our environment, and others changes completely when we change our mind or when our mind is changed. This tried and tested ancient wisdom for solving all our problems can be summed up in one phrase:
All we need is a happy mind.”
Quote pg. 94 – Rescue Remedy
“The Rescue Remedy was devised by Dr. Bach to be used mainly in emergency situations or after an accident, physical injury or shock. Many people carry a bottle of this wherever they go, and it has been an invaluable life-saver in countless instances. The Rescue Remedy is made up of five of the Bach remedies: Clematis for faintness, drowsiness and sleepiness; Star of Bethlehem for shock; Rock Rose for extreme fear of terror; Impatiens for irritation and frustration; and Cherry Plum for extreme mental pressure. This is a wonderful remedy to use in any emergency or in any daily situation where we are worried, irritated, drowsy, frightened, shocked or under a lot of pressure. For example, we could use it before and after an exam, interview, a confrontational situation or giving a public speech.”
All in all, a most wonderful example of another “new” method of healing.
–
Jodi Lee – is a freelance writer/editor living in southern Manitoba, Canada.
© 2003 – present All Rights Reserved; Republish notice excluded.
This article can be republished elsewhere in its entirety so long as the author is notified (see contact information), a link is provided to the website, and this notice is left intact.
Categories: Healing Alternatives, Reviews | Comments Off | PermalinkR – A Complete Book of Chinese Health Balls
Posted by Morrighan on October 1, 2002 at 1:22 am | Last modified: October 1, 2002 1:22 amBy Jodi Lee
Originally Published 2002
(see author/copyright info below)
Title: The Complete Book of Chinese Health Balls
Author: Ab Williams
Publisher: Binkey Kok Publications
Pages: 112 (incl. back matter and journaling area
ISBN: 90-74597-28-9
Release/Copyright: © 1997 Binkey Kok Publications
This little book is an amazing collection of history, types, sizes and methods of use for Chinese Health Balls. I’m quite impressed with the author’s knowledge of the subject, and the extensive history is a pleasure to read. There is so much more here than the little booklet that comes with most sets, that I believe this book should be standard issue from now on!
Quote from page: 45; para. 2 & 3
“No doubt, you might be confused about which type you should buy. If your intent for using Chinese Health Balls is primarily therapeutic, the metal balls are the most suitable choice. Some of these chime when they move, and while many people like this feature, if you are sensitive to sound, consider whether or not you want to hear this chiming while you practice. The metal and cloisonne balls that are commonly found in shops also have different designs, which may influence your choice.
“The size and weight of the balls play an important role in choosing the right set of health balls. Generally, the larger and heavier they are, the stronger the effect on the acupuncture points and reflex zones. However, it is advisable to start with small balls. As you become more comfortable with using them, you can get a larger size, and even practice with three or four balls at a time (snip page information).”
The book is well illustrated with line drawings and photos, but I’m more impressed with the line drawings/diagrams. Everything from energy flow in the body to reflexology, to positions for the balls themselves are here; clearly and understandably represented so one hardly needs the extra text in the chapters. But, the extra reading is a pleasant browse, and anyone interested in the effects these balls have will find this book a worthwhile investment.
The exercises in the book are quite in depth, making it much more practical a purchase for the beginner, than simply settling with the insert in the package. For those that would like to test an exercise out before purchasing a book, here’s another brief look at the book:
Quote from page: 76; para. 2
“Take one ball in the palm of your right hand, and press it against a place on the right side of your face, keeping your hand outstretched. For example, start with your cheek. Your fingers are not used in this exercise. Exert enough pressure so that the ball stays in place. Shut your eyes, and then massage every part of the right side of your face with light, rotating movements. In this way discover your face without leaving out any areas, taking particular care around the eyes. Change hands for the other half of your face. The next logical step is to massage the neck. Don’t be alarmed if massaging the jaw and neck area leads to increased production of saliva. This massage can be carried out on every accessible part of the body.”
Let me tell you – this was an utterly, nearly spiritual experience, and has become my favorite exercise!
–
Jodi Lee – is a freelance writer/editor living in southern Manitoba, Canada.
© 2002 – present All Rights Reserved; Republish notice excluded.
This article can be republished elsewhere in its entirety so long as the author is notified (see contact information), a link is provided to the website, and this notice is left intact.
Categories: Reviews | Comments Off | Permalink