Recommended Reading

Auspicious titles for those on the spiritual path...

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe by Douglas Adams As this satirical adventure opens, the Earth being destroyed to make way for an intergalactic highway. Adams blends satire, quirkiness, and witty philosophy to answer "the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything.'' (The answer is 42.) This book was followed by several sequels, including The Restaurant at the End of the Universe; Life, the Universe and Everything; and So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish.

The Diamond Heart by A. H. Almaas Psychological insights into the social aspects of humanity give practical instructions on being Real in an unreal world.

The Golden Ass by Apuleius, translated by Robert Graves The story of Lucius Apuleius who offends a priestess of the White Goddess and is turned into an Ass. Apuleius' misfortune and his contrivances to appease the Goddess finally allow him to resume his human form.

The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov Three books, Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation, released in the 1950's, are science fiction classics covering 1000 years of an ideal universal ruling corporation. Foundation begins with the work of Hari Seldon, a psychohistorian, who develops a strategic galactic outpost of scientists. Through galactic struggles between kingdoms and predictable patterns of cycles formulated in the Seldon Plan, Foundation emerges as a state positioned to defeat the decrepit First Empire. However, a dangerous mutant threatens Foundation, something Hari Seldon had failed to foresee. The search for the Second Foundation, a secret twin to the first, begins in earnest. Now the Second Foundation must vie with first the mutant and then with the First Foundation in order to survive. An excellent allegory to some mystery school work.

The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks Coleman Barks' renderings of Rumi are intoxicating and invigorating. Rumi's mystical poems bring the moth to the flame.

The Orion Mystery by R. Bauvel & A. Gilbert An intriguing account of the Egyptian pyramids and the Pyramid Texts, revealing the Pharaohs' gateway to the stars.

Making a Soul by J. G. Bennett A thought-provoking book with exercises for those desiring real change in themselves.

Journey into Consciousness by Charles Breaux A comprehensive book on meditation that weaves experiential and Buddhist philosophy with yogic chakras, tantra, and Jungian psychology. Breaux provides a comparison of known and unknown concepts to encourage a holographic understanding of different states of consciousness. A must-read if you can find the book. (Libraries are often a valuable resource.)

The Active Side of Infinity by Carlos Castaneda Casteneda's recapitulation of key events during his apprenticeship with Don Juan summarizes all of Don Juan's teachings about sorcery. Highly recommended for those encountering alternate realities.

The Art of Dreaming by Carlos Castaneda Acting as an intermediary between the natural and unseen worlds, the nagual Don Juan leads Castaneda along the path to understanding the energetic configuration of the universe.

The Eagle's Gift by Carlos Castaneda Casteneda explores the heart of sorcery in a world that is full of terror, mysterious forces and allies, and dazzling insights. Can be read as an entertaining fiction, but as one who has explored these realms of consciousness, his words ring strikingly true. A fascinating story of initiation, shamanic deeds, and dreams.

Stalking Tender Prey by Storm Constantine This novel and its sequels, Scenting Hallowed Blood and Stealing Sacred Fire, revolve around an ancient line of superhumans that live among us and provide thought-provoking and erotically provocative entertainment.

Hamlet's Mill by De Santillana & von Dechend In their comprehensive thesis of the interactions between science and myth, the authors assert that the mythic corpus is the remains of a preliterate astronomy.

Awakening Osiris by Normandi Ellis This modern poetic translation of the Pyramid Texts beautifully relates the Egyptian themes of life, death and resurrection.

Esoteric Orders and Their Work by Dion Fortune Fortune examines the secret societies and esoteric schools who shroud their practices in mystery.

Bloodline of the Holy Grail by Laurence Gardner A comprehensive study of the bloodlines of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Gardner weaves mythical, biblical, and historical facts into a fascinating pattern.

Initiation by Elisabeth Haich A women with almost-total recall of her initiation in Egypt writes of the profound teachings she received in numerology, healing, and wisdom.

Fingerprints of the Gods by Graham Hancock Evidence of a lost civilization destroyed more than 12,000 years ago. A fascinating jigsaw puzzle illuminating mankind's hidden past.

The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight by Thomas Hartmann Hartmann proposes that the solution to modern crises is to rediscover the wisdom of our ancestors. Through personal and planetary transformation, there is a possible future for humanity, and the fulfillment of our highest dreams and aspirations.

Freedom from the Known by J. Krishnamurti Krishnamurti's clear gentle voice explains how people can free themselves from the expected, no matter their age or past. When an individual learns to live in the free state, his or her perception of the structure of society and relationships may also change. Valuable insights on conditioning, time and love are explored.

Meeting Life by J. Krishnamurti Timeless wisdom and love penetrates all of Krishnamurti's works. Savor.

The Egyptian Mysteries by Lucy Lamie The ancient wisdom of Egypt is revealed through the creation stories of its art, monuments, and murals. The mummy is a cocoon enshrining the mystery of transformation.

Sacred Geometry by Robert Lawlor Numbers are the supporting principles of the universe. Lawlor defines the system that determines the dimension and the form of both man-made and natural structures, from Gothic cathedrals to flowers, from music to the human body. Includes the logarithmic spiral, the Golden Proportion, the squaring of the circle, and other noted ratios and proportions.

The New American Spirituality by Elizabeth Lesser The cofounder of Omega Institute for Holistic Studies shares her experiences with the great Teachers of the world while offering her own techniques for becoming real.

The Sirian Experiments by Doris Lessing The third in a five part series called Canopus in Argos: Archives. All five books are commendable although the final installment is less metaphysical than its predecessors. Books one (Shikasta) and three are set on Earth — or Shikasta, as it is also known — while the others take place elsewhere in the Canopian empire. Here the story of Ambien II, a colonial official from the Sirian star system, is told. The Sirians and the Canopians have agreed to jointly administer this planet despite Sirius' suspicions of Canopus. Thus the history of our planet and species evolves through the ages, while these two powers struggle to maintain a working relationship and harmony throughout the stars. In addition to the provocative events that make up this narrative, The Sirian Experiments is, at heart, a story about students and teachers.

Spiritual Enlightenment — It's the Damnedest Thing by Jed McKenna A fun read about a reluctant teacher who simply helps others find the Truth.

The Eight by Katherine Neville Novel. The universal mysteries symbolized in the game of chess are played out in this pageturner.

The Magic Circle by Katherine Neville Novel. Neville weaves together different time periods to create a rich tapestry depicting the quest to harness the power of earth and heaven.

Evolution of Consciousness by Robert Ornstein This Sufi psychologist provides an inside view of the workings of the mind, perspective, and human consciousness.

The Autobiography of a Spiritually Incorrect Mystic by Osho (formerly known as Rajneesh) This collection of Osho's teachings offers valuable insights into a religious rebel seeking to find his people.

Eating the "I" by William Patrick Patterson A personal account about the process of becoming enlightened.

Awakening the Heroes Within by Carol Pearson An easy introduction to the archetypes encountered on the hero's journey. Includes a self-help questionnaire.

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche A sage of Tibetan Buddhism explores the insights of life and the process of dying. Using examples and fundamental Buddhist beliefs, he leads the reader past the fear and into the realization of permanence. Along the way, he discusses how to select a spiritual practice and how to deal with doubt along the path.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling The Harry Potter series is a magical joyride through the trials and tribulations of childhood and beyond, encompassing life's journey. Orphaned by the evil actions of Lord Voldemort, Harry is sent to live with his miserable, muggle relatives ("muggles are people without a drop of magical blood in their veins"). Luckily, he receives a reprieve in the form of an invitation to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, Harry and his friends Hermione and Ron attend classes, explore the magical arts, fight the forces of darkness, and grow up. As a children's book and as a magical adventure series, Harry Potter may be read and enjoyed at many levels and by people of all ages.

The Global Brain Awakens by Peter Russell This updated version of 1982's The Global Brain reflects the world mind emerging from the individuality of the 1990's. Exploring personal, social, and technological dynamics, Russell explores the global communications network, planetary awareness and the consciousness crisis. Through this network, the Global Brain not only awakens, but also becomes aware of its heart.

A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe by Michael S. Schneider An extraordinary book providing mystery school insights into the mathematical archetypes of our world. Entertaining and enlightening.

The Great Book of Tantra by Sinha The allure of tantra is the flash of power and mystery. Tantra has exotic sexual rites, forbidden liaisons, intoxication and a profound encounter with silence and dark terror.

The World's Religions by Huston Smith The light in Huston Smith's eyes penetrates his words when he introduces us to the world's religions. This book is essential reading.

Time, Space, and Knowledge by Tarthang Tulku The world we live in appears in space, unfolds in time, and makes itself available through knowledge. Contains the concept of Great Space.

Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism & Psychology by Marie-Louise Von Franz A Jungian interpretation of alchemy as a metaphor for the psychological process of individuation. The images and motifs of the alchemists were of an archetypal nature and are valuable for anyone interested in relationships and communication between the sexes.

The Book by Alan Watts Alan Watts brought Zen to the West. In this book, he discusses humanity's greatest taboo — knowing that we are God.

Nine Faces of Christ by Eugene E. Whitworth An esoteric interpretation of the life of Jesus, this fictionalized account follows Joseph-bar-Joseph as he studies the teachings of the Essenes, the Magians, the Brahmins, and some Egyptian religions, encountering masters from each tradition and undergoing initiations, becoming increasingly more godlike until he attains the Christos. "With all my faith in my own religion, I must never be blind to the value of another's faith, for no religion or church or group has all the good, or all the knowledge. And there is not, nor ever will be a religion higher than Truth!"

The Dreaming Universe by Fred Alan Wolf Read it!

Parallel Universes by Fred Alan Wolf An exploration of the paradoxes of contemporary physics, this book introduces the average reader to the scientific principles behind such concepts as parallel universes, black holes, and alter egos.

Genisis by David Woods The geometric configuration of the valley of Rennes-le-Chateau in southern France reveals esoteric knowledge of the Holy Grail, the Arc of the Covenant, and, ultimately, the origins of humanity.

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