Wisdom, Apples & Black Roses by Robert M. Thompson From a lifetime of his own experience, and from scores of interviews and conversations with people from all walks of life and from all over the world, Robert M. Thompson has distilled what he considers the essential principles of wisdom and how to attain them. Concise and pithy, Wisdom, Apples & Black Roses is a guide to the most basic questions of how a human being should think and live. A salient feature of Thompson’s presentation is the “anecdotes” he gives to illustrate and prove his points. These charming short stories add wit and color to his ideas and provide refreshment for his readers, and the sketch he offers of his own life grounds his thoughts in the reality of trials and tribulations we all share.

SHADOWS ACROSS THE EMPIRE. . . Every schoolboy knows the history: in the twelfth century, Mordred the Great defeated his father. King Arthur - known as "Arthur the Tyrant"¾and founded the Pendragon Empire. Now, half a millenium later, the Empire's flag flies over much of Europe, Asia, and the New World, ably defended by the knights of the Order of Crown, Shield, and Dragon, who carry swords, each containing the soul of someone of great power. These are no ordinary swords, for a single red sword can defeat an army or leave a city in flaming ruins. But now, as if manipulated by some unseen masterminds, supernatural menaces are threatening the empire. This time, even the knights and their swords of power may not be enough to hold back the forces of darkness. . . . At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management). ". . . the seafaring action is convincing and detailed, the characters are appealing. . . . [Readers] should be well satisfied with the promise of more tales to come." ¾Amazing Stories ". . . rousing . . . with derring do, fights, and high adventure The characters are likeable. . ." ¾Science Fiction Chronicle

A dramatic and lyrical coming-of-age novel about a young Blackfoot girl who grows up in the residential school system on the Canadian prairies. Torn from her home and delivered to St. Mark’s Residential School for Girls by government decree, young Rose Marie finds herself in an alien universe where nothing of her previous life is tolerated, not even her Blackfoot name. For she has entered into the world of the Sisters of Brotherly Love, an order of nuns dedicated to saving the Indigenous children from damnation. Life under the sharp eye of Mother Grace, the Mother General, becomes an endless series of torments, from daily recitations and obligations to chronic sickness and inedible food. And then there are the beatings. All the feisty Rose Marie wants to do is escape from St. Mark’s. How her imagination soars as she dreams about her lost family on the Reserve, finding in her visions a healing spirit that touches her heart. But all too soon she starts to see other shapes in her dreams as well, shapes that warn her of unspoken dangers and mysteries that threaten to engulf her. And she has seen the rows of plain wooden crosses behind the school, reminding her that many students have never left here alive. Set during the Second World War and the 1950s, Black Apple is an unforgettable, vividly rendered novel about two very different women whose worlds collide: an irrepressible young Blackfoot girl whose spirit cannot be destroyed, and an aging yet powerful nun who increasingly doubts the value of her life. It captures brilliantly the strange mix of cruelty and compassion in the residential schools, where young children are forbidden to speak their own languages and given Christian names. As Rose Marie matures, she finds increasingly that she knows only the life of the nuns, with its piety, hard work and self-denial. Why is it, then, that she is haunted by secret visions—of past crimes in the school that terrify her, of her dead mother, of the Indigenous life on the plains that has long vanished? Even the kind-hearted Sister Cilla is unable to calm her fears. And then, there is a miracle, or so Mother Grace says. Now Rose is thrust back into the outside world with only her wits to save her. With a poet’s eye, Joan Crate creates brilliantly the many shadings of this heartbreaking novel, rendering perfectly the inner voices of Rose Marie and Mother Grace, and exploring the larger themes of belief and belonging, of faith and forgiveness.

"In Tarot Shadow Work, Christine Jette bravely takes the practice of tarot readings to new depths and places many people fear to go. She shows us how we can use the cards to trigger awareness in ourselves of troubling aspects of our lives and histories, and then go beyond discovery to use the cards as tools for healing. This is part of the work that needs to be done with tarot in this new century." --Rachel Pollack, author of 78 Degrees of Wisdom and the forthcoming Shining Tribe Tarot Deep within our psyches, the unconscious holds our forbidden feelings, secret wishes, and creative urges. Over time, these "dark forces" take on a life of their own and form the shadow--a powerful force of unresolved inner conflicts and unexpressed emotions that defies our efforts to control it. The shadow takes its shape from a menagerie of archetypes, each recognizable throughout time and around the world--troubling characters who thrive within our persona. The shadow is sabateur, martyr, victim, addict, sadist, masochist, or tyrant; all the dark figures that prey on the lighter qualities of the human personality. The shadow also represents those latent talents and positive traits that were banished from us at some time along our life path: artistic, musical, athletic, or creative talents. An undeveloped ability, a dream that has gone unexpressed, a fantasy of what might have been--these too make up the personal shadow, the lost parts of ourselves. Tarot Shadow Work shows you how to free yourself from the shackles of the shadow's power. Through tarot work, journaling, meditation, creative visualization, and dream work, you will bring the shadow into the light. This book is ideal for those who are in recovery from a serious addiction or illness, as well as any person seeking a deeper understanding of his or her true self. By exploring the dark and uncharted territory of the unconscious mind, you will work towards understanding and integrating the shadow. No prior knowledge of the tarot is required. You will learn to use the cards as a tool to help you break free from negative patterns and self-destructive behavior. Once we realize that we are made of both light and darkness, life will start to make sense. When we accept our dual natures, we stop sabotaging our own efforts and learn to be compassionate with others and with ourselves.

The profound and revered religious and spiritual pathways of Judaism, Buddhism, Tantra, and Vedanta all grace the pages of this issue of Nectar of Nondual Truth with their simultaneously sententious yet congenial teachings, revealing anew and for our highest benefit the time-honored principle of Universalism. As my own guru has stated via powerful discourse, also contained within these pages: “The harmony of religions cannot be preached by any teacher who is exclusive, who is dualistic in frame of mind and in philosophy of life.” Therefore, with the advent of Advaita Vedanta in the West, mainly due to the work and presence of beings like Swami Vivekananda, it is time for the message of Universalism to be proposed, accepted, practiced, and realized on a wider scale so that true Peace will descend and enter the hearts and minds of living beings. Solace and Samadhi will be the welcome outcomes. Nectar of Nondual Truth leans decidedly towards a religious pluralism free of both the hypocritical sense of superiority and the problem of a complacent religious discernment. That is, equality based upon nonduality, combined with a tenacious scrutiny and inspection of all wisdom teachings, will ensure the vision and purity of the allimportant spiritual realm. Thus, the peoples of the world will forthwith be able to steer clear of the mistakes of the past springing from a lack of, distortion of, or misunderstanding of essential and eternal spiritual principles.

Infuse magic into self-care with restorative spells and remedies Prepare to intertwine the vital energy of witchcraft with the healing power of self-care. This collection of spells and remedies lights the way, designed to nourish the mind and body every day. With each ritual, anyone can build an empowered self-care system anchored in the practice of magic. Discover the ultimate witches' self-care book with: Witchcraft for the whole self—Each daily ritual focuses on a different facet of life, from romantic relationships to professional success, and explores how witchcraft inspires reflection, creativity, and mindfulness. 90 enchanting rituals—Try out a Fluorite Crystal Meditation that clears the mind, a Detoxifying Body Brew that banishes energy blockages, a Happy Home Mist that invites good vibes into any living space, and more. Inclusive guidance—Whether this book is the first foray into magic or just part of an existing practice, any witch can learn to tap into their power and master self-care. Build a magical care routine and live a more balanced life with Witchcraft for Daily Self-Care.

In this fascinating book, wildlife expert and enthusiast Warner Shedd refutes popular animal myths like squirrels remembering where they bury nuts, wolves howling at the moon, and oppossums "playing dead." Have you ever seen a flying squirrel flapping through the air, watched a beaver carrying a load of mud on its tail, or ducked when a porcupine started throwing its quills? Probably not, says Shedd, former regional executive for the National Wildlife Federation. Offering scientific evidence that refutes many of the most tenacious and persevering folklore about wild animals, Owls Aren't Wise & Bats Aren't Blind will captivate you with fascinating facts and humorous anecdotes about more than thirty North American species-- some as familiar as the common toad, and others as elusive as the lynx. Owls Aren't Wise & Bats Aren't Blind is an entertaining dose of scientific reality for any nature enthusiast or armchair adventurer.