Voices of Collective Remembering Review

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Voices of Collective Remembering ReviewIn Voices of Collective Remembering, James Wertsch has complemented the studies of collective memory with a valuable and cogent volume. He focuses particularly on the ways in which modern nation-states employ collective memory in their endeavors to assimilate individuals into the imagined community by stressing univocality and limiting ambiguity. The first couple chapters serve as an excellent introduction to previous theoretical engagements with social memory, which supplemented by his textual analysis of pre- and post-Soviet history, produce a well-rounded and highly readable examination of the way memory is utilized by the state and individuals in social interaction.Voices of Collective Remembering OverviewThis book draws on psychology, history, literary theory, semiotics, sociology, and political science to provide a comprehensive review of collective memory.It outlines a particular way that narratives produced by the modern state are consumed by individuals. These issues are examined with the help of examples from the transformation Russia has undergone as it entered its post-Soviet era. This is a case study of how a modern state can lose control of collective memory and how memory can be regenerated in unique ways.

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Psychedelic Information Theory: Shamanism in the Age of Reason Review

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Psychedelic Information Theory: Shamanism in the Age of Reason ReviewMy acid-drenched late-teen spanned the very end of the 1960s. I longed for ways to describe and understand my highs and, at that time, the only book that claimed to interpret psychedelic experience was Timothy Leary's book of that name, which, modelled on the Tibetan Book of the Dead, handed the entire thing, lock, stock and goofy (but superior) grin, over to oriental mysticism.
What's more, the illegalization of acid in 1966 meant that book was left high and dry, washed up by the first wave of research, and so, by default, acquired a much more canonical status than it deserved. Another phase of investigation didn't emerge until the late 80s, when the MDMA craze catapulted psychedelics into the public domain again. Since then we've seen a cautious re-appearance of studies on psychedelic experiences; we seem, at least for the time being, to be in a modest renaissance of psychedelic research and evaluation.
James Kent's book is a timely and thorough attempt to describe and evaluate the psychedelic experience in non-religious, non-spiritist terms. He defines psychedelic information theory as: 'The study of nonlinear information creation in the human imagination, particularly in states of dreaming, psychosis and hallucination', and on its scope:
'It is the conjecture of PIT that all mystical states, including healing and regenerative states, have unique formal nonlinear qualities that can be described in physical terms close enough to make good approximations. This means that PIT is also a work of technical shamanism, neurotheology, or spiritual neuroscience, and can be referenced in the clinical application of psychedelic drugs in shamanic ceremony, mystical ritual, or psychedelic therapy.'
That's an early warning of unusual word-usage, with the peculiarly broad use of 'mystical states' telling us straightaway that Mr Kent does not hang out with mystics. He also positions PIT next to chaos magic, defined rather oddly but not inaccurately as:
'The practice of using ritual techniques of spiritual transcendence to manipulate belief systems ... an occult blend of neo-shamanism, cognitive theory, and social theory.'
More of which later...
Writing about how psychedelic information moves through societies, he has the insight to ask why we should care about PIT and answers with a whole chapter (2). Also, he is alert to the well-known dangers of psychedelically-triggered megalomania, and to the bad trip, which generates 'Psychedelic information with negative value ... delusional, paranoid, false, or subverts the health of the individual or culture.'
...
One of the most hopeful passages is a section on that mysterious sense that most ayahuasca users get that some transformation is happening at the level of gene expression. He notes that 'hallucinogens target 5-HT2A receptors, and ... 5-HT2A activation has also been demonstrated to produce powerful anti-inflammatory effects in cardiovascular and soft tissues; and 5-HT2A agonists like LSD may produce potent anti-inflammatory effects against TNF-a (tumor necrosis factor alpha), an autoimmune regulator which has been indicated in atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, type II diabetes, depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.'
This is tremendously exciting, especially for people like the two guys from [...] I met at the Breaking Convention conference last weekend, who could only get relief from their crippling pain and fear from regular LSD use.
Dealing with spirits, he has the wisdom to assert that '... psychedelic spirits are tricksters', but recognizes that 'it does not matter if the spirits are real or delusion, the information they generate is real and can be analyzed from a formal perspective.'
Finally, he approaches the subtle and knotty problem of 'Gnosis, the All One, and Nonlinear Communion', and concludes that 'Without debating the metaphysical existence of God, the formal techniques for subjectively communing with the All One are reliable and repeatable, and can be readily achieved'.
There are some problems with this book. The minor one is that it very badly needs a proof-reader. Mis-spellings and solecisms abound; 'entoptic' is spelt 'entopic' in a chapter heading, and consistently thereafter, and there are some small but annoying problems with his biology, like reversing the night-day attributions of the retina's rod and cone cells (and 'amine crystals' do not pass thro the blood brain barrier - oww, that hurts! - amine molecules do).
The more major problem is that he has brought together many of the elements of a powerful theory, but it feels unfinished; the text continually swallows itself up, getting lost in a maze of details, as if it's waiting someone to come along and supply an overarching narrative.
In this book's sub-genre, there is probably nothing else since Jim DeKorne's 1994 book 'Psychedelic Shamanism'. De Korne navigates between science and magic, and never really makes a satisfactory link between them; Kent has gone much further and produced a much more useful discourse, but is confused about magic, his ideas contaminated by airy-fairy wishful thinking about shamanism.
For all those objections, this is a brave and useful work whose time has come. At its best, it reads like a manual that has dropped through a wormhole from the future, maybe 15 years on, from when we know how to run our brains.
***This is just two excerpts from a much longer review at my blog, at [...]
Psychedelic Information Theory: Shamanism in the Age of Reason OverviewPsychedelic Information Theory: Shamanism in the Age of Reason is a formal analysis of the physical mechanisms underlying hallucination, shamanic ritual, and expanded states of consciousness. Written by James L. Kent, this text was researched for over 20 years and includesover 200 references and 31 images related to the latest science in the diverse fields of pharmacology, shamanism, and perception. As a succinct yet comprehensive formal analysis of the dynamics of hallucination and shamanic ritual, Psychedelic Information Theory is destined to become the modern textbook on psychedelic phenomena.Chapters include information on the physiology of perception, types of visual hallucination, psychedelic pharmacology, psychedelic neuroplasticity, chaos theory, shamanic therapy, shamanic sorcery, and group mind phenomena related to psychedelic consciousness.

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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism Review

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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism ReviewA lot of the Idiot's Guides that I have read are really misnamed, because they contain a lot of valuable information about the subject and presented in terms that anyone can understand. I loved this book because it explains virtually every aspect of Paganism. The explanations and descriptions of various Pagan practices, ideals, Sabbats, rituals are kept brief as befits an introductory book. And yet, even after having a handful of other intoductory Pagan books, I found myself learning facts here that I hadn't known about before. The author sticks to the "Pagan philosophy" of "Harm no one" in describing Paganism.
Among topics discussed? Besides the various Pagan Sabbats and pagan ideals, there are chapters devoted to Shamans, Druids, Wicca, the "Spirit World" and the Pagan elements of fire, air, water, and earth. There are four chapters that discuss Pagan rituals and I found the author's claim that we already do rituals in our lives (high school and college graduation, marriage and funerals, for example) very true. I never would have thought about that. There's also several chapters devoted to "Pagan magic," which help to demystify it. The book's last few chapters offer advice on "living the Pagan lifestyle," and there's an extensive list of recommended reading at the book's end. One could spend months reading through the list of books alone if one wanted to.
The more I read about Paganism, the more I realize other religions over the centuries have liberally borrowed its customs and holidays. For anyone wishing to join this path or those already on it seeking to learn more, this book is a wonderful introduction.The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism OverviewYou're no idiot, of course. But finding the perfect expression of your spirituality can prove long and challenging. You might already be attracted to paganism, but considering the variety of traditions and paths that fall in this category, you'll need a spiritual guide.Seek no further! Whether you're interested in following the pagan path or just curious to know more, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism will enlighten you on this fascinating array of nature-based beliefs and practices. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you'll learn about:* The basic principles of shamanism, druidism, Wicca, and more.* How to deepen your connection to the Goddess, the God, and nature.* The fundamentals of meditation, magic, divination, and spiritual healing.* Tips on incorporating pagan rituals into your modern lifestyle.--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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RitualCraft: Creating Rites for Transformation and Celebration Review

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RitualCraft: Creating Rites for Transformation and Celebration ReviewSo many Wiccans today aren't experienced in how to write a great ritual. Even though best learning will come from personal experience -- this book will help you write rituals to die for. Tips and tricks from experienced ritualists.
Much Love & Many Blessings,
Thorn NightwindRitualCraft: Creating Rites for Transformation and Celebration Overview

You can change yourself and your world with effective, focused rituals. This book by renowned Witches Amber K and Azrael Arynn K shows you how to craft powerful and meaningful rituals for your life, your family, and your spiritual community.
The authors share their vast knowledge of ritual planning and performance, providing a framework for creating your own successful rituals. They illustrate the principles of ritual crafting with stories from their own experiences as they explore a variety of topics including rites of passage, esbats and sabbats, seasonal celebrations, rites for personal transformation, and rituals done simply for the fun of it.
You'll find information on all aspects of ritual including correspondences, timing, environment, attitude, music, meditation, altars, tools, costumes, and safety. This comprehensive book also offers worksheets, outlines, suggested themes, sample rituals, and a guide to teaching others.
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned practitioner, this comprehensive guidewill help you take your own Witchcraft to new levels of significance, celebration, and personal transformation.
"This is a wonderful book, and is highly recommended to anyone doing ritual." —Lisa McSherry, FacingNorth.net
Winner of the 2007 COVR Book of the Year award



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Essentials of Public Health Communication Review

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Essentials of Public Health Communication ReviewI have read this book and highly recommend it. It contains very useful concepts and examples that are key in public health communications. I am finding it and excellent resource in nutrition communications for a wider audience with varying needs. Thanks JPEssentials of Public Health Communication OverviewThe field of communications is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in addressing the world s most imperative public health challenges. Effective communication in health campaigns can inform, empower, or persuade individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles as well as foster public debate and policy change.Featuring a full chapter on informatics, this book is devoted to the competencies in health communication and informatics recommended by the Association of Schools of Public Health. With chapter contributions from some of the leading experts in public health informatics and epidemiology, health communication and evaluation, Essentials of Public Health Communications introduces concepts and examples that will prepare students to enter a local health department, community organization or government agency, and contribute to health communication research, patient counseling, materials design, program management and media relations. Written specifically for student use, this book presumes no prior knowledge of the health communication or the informatics fields. Concepts are presented in clear, jargon free language, with terms defined throughout. Key Features:Rather than simply presenting theories and cases, this text emphasizes the framework and methods, breaking down complex tasks into steps for mastery.Simplifies key concepts in public health informatics, and how data are transformed into useful information and effective presentations.Examines how health communication is actively being used by the leading public health agencies and organizations today.Includes suggest health communication projects that can be implemented at an academic institution, or small scale community level, to enable hands-on learning.A forthcoming companion website provides a complete package of instructor resources including sample syllabi and curriculum guides for two semesters of instruction, as well as small scale research projects.

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True Magick: 2nd Edition Review

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True Magick: 2nd Edition ReviewI have been a practicing pagan for 6 years and read for about 3 years before that (I know not long but give me a break I'm only 21 lol). When people are interested in witchcraft and want to know where they can find more information this is ALWAYS the only book I recommend to start people out. I own almost all of the traditional reads; Cunningham, Buckland, Starhawk, etc and most of the more prominent modern authors Ravenwolf, Conway, etc. If had known about this book to start out with to be honest I probably would have skipped most of the others. This book beats out all of them for EVERYTHING. I can't recommend it enough. It has 19 Chapters and can be used as a workbook or you can read it all the way through. The Chapters are as follows
Ch. 1 About Magick- and You
- a brief introduction of what magick is and isn't
- notably missing are the council of American Witches Principles of Belief but remember it was never meant to be a guide towards just wicca.
Ch. 2 A Brief History of Magick
- Covers mostly Western and American magick from prehistory through modern times.
Ch. 3 First Steps in Magick
- exactly what it says it is very briefly covers timing, space, book of shadows, purpose, magickal name, ritual clothing, etc.
- has a dedication ritual
Ch. 4 Magick and Science
- perhaps the only confusing chapter in the book but you have to expect that if you try to explain quantum physics in 18 pages
Ch. 5 The Path Lies Within You
- Getting to know yourself; discusses middle, younger, and higher self and how to get in touch with them
Ch. 6 Ethics and Hazards
- Karma, the Law of Return, Wiccan Rede, Permission, Charging money
- Energy imbalance, spending too much time in the astral plane, power crazy, persecution, and spirit interference
Ch. 7 The Pyramid of Magick
- To know, to Will, to dare, to be silent
Ch. 8 The Energies of Magick
- All about energy
- Raising power, charging things, grounding power, the power within you, the power in the earth, balancing
Ch. 9 Magick and Your Health
- More down to earth guideines on eating right, exercise, sleep, etc
Ch. 10 Creating the Magickal You
- taking an honest look at yourself, what to improve and how to improve it, beginning to connect with a god(dess) or pantheon.
Ch. 11 The Varieties of Magick
- styles of magick (nature, ceremonial, intrinisic, hermetic)
- traditions of magick (Wicca, Qabalistic, Shamanism, Voodoo)
- how to connect with a certain tradition and a wonderful quiz to help you determine what style of magick is for you.
Ch. 12 Nature Magick
- Nature Divination, Herb and Garden Magick, Water Magick, Tree Magick, Sun and Moon Magick, Weatherworking and working with animals and stones
Ch. 13 Intrinsic and Inner Magick
- working magick with no tools
- working magick only in the mind
- ways to use your mind in all types of magick
- One goal 5 ways of working towards it
- pros and cons of not using tools
Ch. 14 Getting Ready for Ritual
- more in depth discussion of purpose, tools, altar setup, timing and how to understand correspondences (note not a list of correspondences just what they mean and how to use them)
Ch. 15 Creating and Performing Ritual
- outline of steps of a ritual then a longer explanation of each step
- Sample ritual
- analysis of what happened during the ritual
Ch. 16 Spellcraft: The Techniques of Magick
- Lots of Useful Sample Spells for you to try
- Some examples of techniques to try ie: candle magick, cord magick, herbal magick, totem animals, runecraft, gem and stone magick, dreamwork, dancing, drumming etc
- what to look at before you use somebody else's spell
Ch. 17 Everyday Magick and Daily Spiritual Practices
- grounding and centering
- meditation
- visiting your astral temple
- raising energy quickly
- protection and travel spells that you need to be quick
- portable ritual tools
- lots more stuff that I didn't include
Ch. 18 Your Magickal Education Continues
- contact points (how to meet other witches)
- schools that teach witchcraft
- evaluating teachers, fees
- learning from books
- learning from nature
- how to experiment
Ch. 19 Change, Death, and Magick
- what is death
- past lives
- how to confront your fear of death
She also has a brief conclusion, a very good glossary and then some appendixes (elemental and color correspondences, meditation ideas, magicians through the ages) and a recommended reading list divided by topic.
She has exercises at the end of each chapter for you to work through and a recommended list of books on the topics discussed in that chapter in addition to the list in the back of the book.
If you want a complete course without spending tons of money and searching forever I would recommend Dorothy Morrison's The Craft. She goes alot more in depth on the practical aspects of witchcraft. Ann Moura's Green Magic for a more in depth discussion on spells and spell crafting. After you decide what types of magick you want to concentrate on the buy a couple (not too many books on that subject) I recommend Gem and Stone magick for beginners because it can be inexpensive (stones are generally a one time purchase as opposed to herbs which even if you don't use them need to be replaced every 7 months to a year) and generally is easier to start out studying than herbs or animal magick.
I'll be doing more lists and reviews so please check those for more information.True Magick: 2nd Edition OverviewFor fifteen years, Amber K's "little green book" has guided thousands down the life-changing path of magick. Selling more than 200,000 copies, True Magick has truly struck a chord with Witches, Pagans, and magicians around the world. Presented here for the first time is the revised and expanded anniversary edition of True Magick. It features the same delightful introduction to the history and lore of magick, in addition to several varieties of magick, ranging from shamanism and Norse Magick to Voudun and Qabala. Amber K explains the basics, such as how to find or create ritual tools, establish a temple, plan a ritual, and cast spells safely and ethically. New material includes six more chapters, recommending reading for each chapter, and more than 100 added exercises.

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