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by John Calabrese, Huntington, NY
Dei Legacy is a treasure trove waiting to be unpacked - a fascinating, encyclopedic-yet-readable work that will draw you in for hours at a time. Be “forewarned,” though (in a good way), as this is a BIG book, similar in appearance to a textbook - except that’s where the resemblance ends. If you love researching on the Internet, pouring through books, and exploring the mysteries of creation while uncovering ancient knowledge, you will be entranced by Dei Legacy. Read it in small chunks. Look at the pictures. And gradually absorb the breadth of humanity’s past as well as our possible future - the “divine legacy” that “slumbers within each one of us,” according to Paganini, who also poses the central question: As a species, are we on the threshold of a spiritual breakthrough? To answer this vast inquiry, virtually no subject is left out of the book, and all are tied together. We’ve been taught not to judge a book by its cover, and Dei Legacy is no exception. Mere minutes of browsing its voluminous sections - while caressing beautiful, smooth, high-quality pages - will captivate your attention and imagination, catapulting you into realms of awareness outside the radar of most humans. Enjoy!
Anthropologists are a rare find these days. Yet their work, the comprehensive and often complex study of human beings - from cultural, physical, linguistic, and archaeological perspectives - is ever the more vital today, as societies around the world face massive economic and environmental upheavals, needing to understand each other better to more compassionately and effectively cooperate and solve these crises. Vetter, a Long Island native, has been bringing visitors into Native American homes since the 1980’s, bridging cultures though educational tours and social immersion, while also taking Native American cultures into classrooms, expanding the work of his primary venture, “Journeys Into American Indian Territory.” But Big Bow: The Spiritual Life and Teachings of a Kiowa Family, is his lifework. Starting with a promise to a medicine man, “Richie” Tartsah, Sr., a beautiful, heartfelt book has been brought to fruition, the life story of a Kiowa family reaching back to the 1800’s and touching Tartsah’s great grandfather, Big Bow. Consider forgetting what you think you know about Native American cultures, and throw yourself into a genuine understanding of one family, and how they represent and practice so many of the values we all so desperately need to remember. Note: book also includes a CD of songs.
JUST ASK
THE UNIVERSE:
A No-Nonsense
Guide to Manifesting
Your Dreams You’ve all heard the expression, “Ask and ye shall receive?” Well, this is the basic sentiment at the heart of Michael Samuels’ guide to getting everything you want. Written as an instruction manual to manifesting your wildest dreams, Samuels reminds the reader of his/her responsibility in creating the life they long to live, and much of it has to do with making a simple request. As the verse goes on to say, “Seek and ye shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you,” Samuels’ blueprint for success makes it clear that we are indeed the drivers on the course to our destiny, and the Universe is the gas station at which we stop when we have lost our way and need to ask for directions. With a strong focus on the principles of positivity and gratitude, Samuels’ approach will have you feeling lighter and happier in no time. His methods empower the reader by offering ample opportunities for personal growth and development, leading one to believe that the future is as Samuels’ himself says, “just as you imagined.” That is, if you want it to be. Reviewed by Erica Settino
THE (UN)OCCUPY MOVEMENT:
Autonomy of Consciousness,
Practical Solutions, Human Equality In this moving anthology of prose and poetry, Mankh has managed to compile an insightful and creative body of work, that illuminates our legacy of superiority and dominion; one which so many of us are still carrying out today. Filled with passion and insight, not only into our history of disconnection and deceit, but also into today’s daily power struggles, be they political, economical or environmental—all of which call into question our morals. This is highlighted in works such as, “Today a sadness lies in the fears of Americans,” and “We Are the Ones,” reminding us of our ability to rise up, and that our voices, and votes, matter now more than ever. This is an inspirational and educational call to action, and reminder that where we go does not have to be based upon where we come from. Reviewed by Erica Settino
John Calabrese is the Editor-at-Large at Creations Magazine and has a private counseling practice in Huntington, NY. |
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