Spirit, Spas, Art, Sensuality, History, Mythology of Water
919795
Ms Croutier gives a well researched and thorough perspective on the human history and adoration for our "Noblest Element", water. The focus of this book is spas, health retreats, baths and drinking water- and that's great, but there is so much more!

The many posters, photos, renown paintings and drawings are well chosen and beautiful and makes this book a beautiful table top addition.

Ms Croutier states that "...I was born under the sign of Aquarius-the Water Bearer-in a house facing the sea... and now living in a house facing another sea". No wonder she shows such remarkable sensitivity to the subject.

All through the book are quotes, lines and poetry from notables throughout history regarding their observations on the value and dynamics of water. In the Preface for instance, there is: ["As Benjamin Franklin's `Poor Richard's Almanac' observes: "When the well's dry, we know the worth of water".] and in Ms Croutier's own words: "Water has it's own language. I believe that by observing the ways that people have danced with it throughout history, we can gain a deeper awareness of this most precious element. A responsible appreciation of water is fundamental to our ecological, environmental, and spiritual values." Well put and what a "dance" she portrays!

From Hegel: "Water is the element of selfless contrast, it passively exists for others... water's existence is thus an existing-for-others... Its fate is to be something not yet

specialized... and therefore it soon came to be called `the mother of all that is special'." (p 13)

On page 14 in "Myths of Creation" is: "Among ancient civilizations, water was sanctified as the source of life, the seminal fluid, the juice of the earth's womb. It formed a common thread in their creation myths. The act of creation was perceived by the primitives as the catharsis of a dance that the great deities performed. These deities were the elements, inseparable and interdependent systems orchestrating the cycles of nature, the seasons, and the sustenance of all beings. Water could not exist without earth, fire, or air."

From the Kogi Indians (spelled Cogui in this book), who live in the Columbian mountains, comes an admonition to the world about the abuse of water and environmental degradation: ["What is water?" Water is life itself.]  To the Kogi, the word for water and spirit are the same. ("The Prophecy of Water"- p 183)

At the end of the book is a resource guide to famous spas/health resorts from all over the world. After reading this book, one will no doubt have a more profound respect for the awesome medium that makes spas and health retreats so refreshing, rejuvenating and enjoyable!
2091607
I have to say this DVD is fascinating and really a good presentation of just how miraculous Water is and as the source of life for us, it has some pretty interesting properties.  Water has Consciousness!  It can form molecules based on what ic comes into contact with and also based on what energy we send it.  I recommend this DVD to all who seek to understand what this precious resource means to us.
4157880
This is a breath of the freshness of a golden pond on a cool evening with virtue and grace and only just enough adventure, suspense, and conflict to maintain interest. If you want a relaxing dose of gentle endorphins along with your temporary escape from the tempests of your world, open this volume of TWELVE wonderful long stories. Highly recommended.
3600603
My husband has studied eastern teachings for years and suggested I read more about the Kama Sutra and tantric massage.  What fun!  The philosophy behind the teachings is quite beautiful.  Brings together the beauty of the physical, mental and most importantly, spiritual parts of a person and lovers.  I love the depth of the connection that is discussed in the book, and of course the depth that a couple can achieve together.  It isn't just about orgasm but is instead about reaching a higher level of ecstasy with your lover.
1773108
Captivating to watch the mist rise and swirl in the bowl of my fountain.  The water falls between the faces of my grandchildren and the mist and light glow, reflection on the youthful faces forever echoed in the ceramic bronze faces.

Even my grandchild recognized her fathers face and loves to fan the mist around his likeness and the others.

Love it!
82807
Marjorie Ryerson has orchestrated a symphony of color and meaning on every page of her book Water Music. Her fusion of prose, poetry, music from others with her own photography makes the book a full sensual, nearly audible, experience even though it is in fact a printed piece. For all those who know that water is truly one of the most sacred parts of our existence, this book celebrates that concept and reminds us of how varied and beautiful this life-giving gift is. With proceeds going to a United Nations fund to support clean water for families and to preserve natural water environments, your purchase of this book is not only a pleasure for your own senses, but a courageous effort to protect a resource that too many of us, at our peril, take for granted.
1128606
Rapids is an extraordinary work. It matches images from everyday life, with quotes from one of the world's leading experts on articulating embodied experience. It's also beautiful, meditative and would be a great gift to someone studying yoga, bodywork, dance, or any pathway of embodied perception.
2430664
If you are a dreamer, poet, artist, painter, photograher you will love this book.  Photographs that capture
the imagination and mystery of one of the most fecund periods in the history of art.  Here, it is Art revealed through Life.  And the life here is what still captivates....it is abundant, joyous, flowing energy.
2277434
So when I saw the title for this, at first I thought it might be a merman tale. I was pleasantly surprised when it turns out that the water witch really is a witch, a practitioner of water magic complete with all the rituals and belief systems of Wicca. The other water connection in this story comes in the form of Salil, a Fae of both water and Earth. Amelia weaves a tale of destiny and family and love that binds these two together.  The main character, Vincenzo, has a bit of fire despite his affinity for water, but theres depth there as well. Salis as the Fae was wonderfully sexy and mysterious.

I really liked all the details of the Fae and the Wiccan community, as well as the magic (or some might call it psychic) talents of the main character and his loved ones. There were a few twists and turns as well, which kept the plot moving. Amelia also used water magic rather ingeniously in the bedroom, lol.

For readers of fantasy and paranormal m/m, Id definitely give this one a try.

I was provided with a copy of the book for review purposes.
4714277
I enjoyed the journey Tom Mach provided for me with his poems. His words often evoked memories that sent me down my own private voyage. I can see me revisiting Machs poems as a way to boost inspiration and also foster a closeness to God.
 The books cover set the mood for a lovely adventure that is at times swift and at other times gentle and soothing. As I progressed through the poems I could see the power of water revealed both physically and spiritually.
  I was given a copy by the author and was so impressed I have purchased another copy to give to a poet friend. I recommend this book for poets and non-poets alike.
3320201
Beautiful photos and wonderful creativity are at the core of Magic Wool Mermaids, Fairies, and Nymphs.  Suitable for beginners but interesting enough for those who are advanced.  I recommend this book.
1180676
Awesome! shows diversity connected to water. Beautiful photographs.  This book is a beautiful book to give as a gift.
274135
In looking through this pictorial compilation, I have been reminded of how the intermingling of humanity and nature create the fine art of reality.  Some of these pictures are naturally beautiful and cause reflection on the miracle of creation.  Some man-made items in these pictures cause speculative thoughts regarding the stories of former owners. and how nature become commingled.
1955580
This is an Aladdin's cave of treasures, a comprehensive anthology covering material from numerous spiritual traditions and magical systems.

It is best used as a source book where you can dip in and out, I found the articles excellent and well researched.

This latest offering by Twin Serpents Ltd has something for everyone:

*The primordial tradition(Philosophy)
*Does practice make one perfected: The role of gTum mo in the six yogas of Naropa (Buddhist Tantra)
*Clarifying the clear light (Buddhist Tantra)
*Mara and the vinaya: A comparison of references to Mara in the Mahavagga and the Mahavastu(Buddhist)
*Monks and magic - The use of magic by the sangha in Thailand (Buddhist)
*Divine mortality: Nataraja, Sankara, and higher consciousness in the imagery of Shiva (Hindu)
*Seats of power: How does the body of Sati relate to the geographic locations of Sakta pithas? (Tantra)
*The lord of Kasi (Hindu)
*Draupadi and Kali in the Mahabharata (Hindu)
*Aesthetics of the divine in Hinduism (Hindu)
*Tantra: Fifth Veda or anti-Veda - Part I (Tantra)
*Tantra: Fifth Veda or anti-Veda - Part II (Tantra)
*Invincible sun: The cult of Mithras(Middle Eastern)
*Islamic tradition and the Muslim Hadith (Middle Eastern)
*The Yezidis: Angel or devil worshipers of the near east? (Middle Eastern)
*Dyadic approaches to the divine: Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, religion, and gender (Philosophy)
*Mayan ceremonial astrology (South American)
*The Black Sun: Dionysus in the Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and Greek Myth (Ancient Greek)
*Of wolves and men: The berserker and the vratya (Hindu/Teutonic)*Contemporary shamanism(Asatru/Shamanism)
*Knowledge is power: Rune magic in Germanic culture(Asatru)
*Ancient goddess or political goddess? (Wicca)
*Athena (Poem)
*Raising Apollonius (Occult/Esoteric)
*Cchulainn, the wolfhound of Culann (Celtic)
*Communing with the dead in ancient Greece(Ancient Greek)
*Dead but dreaming: Oneiromancy and dream incubation (Ancient Greek/European)
*The sacred state: The traditional doctrine of state legitimacy(Traditionalist)
*Tempora mutantor: The deterioration of men and the aristocratic principle (Traditionalist)
*Ars regia: The royal art revisited (Alchemy/Tantra)
*Son of the sun (Poem)
*The age of darkness: prophecies of the Kali Yuga (Hindu/Traditionalist)
*Mercury rising: The life and times of Julius Evola (Traditionalist)
668392
The author uses a simple narrative style to share the history, geography, topography, and mythology of the San Francisco Bay.  Despite the wealth of information provided, the book has the comfortable feel of stories being told rather than seeming academic.  I've lived in the Bay Area for over thirty years and was still impressed by some of what I learned.  (16 feet?  Really?)  The books contains a beautiful mix of contemporary and historic photographs and charts.  Sprinkled throughout, the reader encounters the author's subtle sense of humor which just adds to the pleasant feel of the stories.  I'll be referring to this book often as I seek out some of the places I hadn't been aware of (the Wave Organ, for example).  Highly recommended!
2396096
This book is a must for every woman who's wondered why being near water feels so good to them.
I loved it & the shift it made in my mind & spirit. Exploring the various Goddess archetypes around the
world & each one's water connection & how Eila Carrico grew to understand her own path & life
through these explorations are a true gift for any woman searching for her own path & connection
to the Great Mother.
3426618
Some books beg for space on the coffee table. It's the usual place snobby friends file away their copies of "Archetectural Digest", or "Forbes", hoping you'll never notice that the adress labels printed on them are marked out with felt-tip pen. If you hold them to the light, you can just make out that they were sent originally to the office of their dermatologist. In the case of "Furo, the Japanese Trendy Bath Life", this tome is most enjoyable read in its' natural environment. In my case the bathroom is definately the least trendy room in my apartment. Fortunately with the addition of this book, i can see my "sitting room" become a little trendier, perhaps. The photographs of various dauntingly expensive bathrooms are expansive, and beautiful. It definately takes my mind away from the fact that I'm usually reading it on a "throne" that wobbles, thanks to an iffy wax seal, and bolts that I can't be bothered to tighten. Tsumura can be given to some overly flowery writing at times. An example of this can be found on page 30. "Mrs. Ukita's neat white bathroom on the sea-side of Mediterranean Sea is a shining example of her family's happiness." "The hero and heroine of this script, Mr. and Mrs. Ukita, always smile softly as though they were characters in a film." This sort of prose, might tempt some to lunge at the Ukitas with a small hand axe. Those violent thoughts, however would probably be put to rest after a vigourous soak in their luxurious bathtub. As a final thought to lurkers, expecting a voyeuristic view of total strangers sitting naked in exotic pools of fragrantly scented water. You will be extremely dissappointed. For anyone interested in stunning portraits of lavish bathrooms, and their accoutriments, this just may be the book You've searched for all Your life.