Angels, Crystals, and Chakras...Oh My!

[tc33]

As a lifelong pragmatist, I have historically categorized these new-age mystic beliefs as entirely fictitious and those that believe in them as delusional. However, in my quest for personal growth, I have come to realize that many of my previous perceptions turned out to be inaccurate. Perhaps my opinion of new age topics is wrong as well.

Can anyone recommend a good book that will help 'bridge the gap' between my pragmatic nature and these new-age topics? I give credibility to books that have a basis in reality; not to those whose foundation is built on 'you just gotta believe' or assume you already believe in their philosophy. Alternatively, perhaps I am incorrect in assuming these topics have a solid basis in reality (i.e. they can't be empirically proven)...? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Tom

[Antarananda]

While it doesn't discuss New-age beliefs such as angels, I think a really great place to start exploring mysteries of consciousness described in clear and simple terms by someone with actual experience, is Autobiography of a Yogi.

[skydust]

if you want to learn about crystals The crystal Bible is a must! it has wonderful pictures of over 200 crystals and describes their properties from a 'spiritual' perspective.

[tc33]

Antarananda, skydust, thanks for the responses.

I looked through the first five chapters of Autobiography of a Yogi, but wasn't able to find what I'm looking for.

Perhaps I wasn't clear in my original post. What I'm looking for is a non-believer's guide to new age topics. Basically, I currently think this new age stuff is a bunch of crap, but I am looking for an authoritative reference to tell me otherwise.

Surely, you did not just wake up one day and suddenly believe in astral projection and the healing power of crystals, did you? You couldn't have just "known" that these things were possible...so how did you learn about them originally? I am at block one, step one of this whole new age thing, so don't feel bad in recommending a 'New Age for Dummies' book or the like.

Thanks!

Tom

[Erki]

What is the Crystal? I've never even heard of it..

[Erin Pavlina]

Here is one I recommend:

Amazon.com: Exploring the Fourth Dimension: Secrets of the Paranormal: Books: John D. Ralphs

It does an excellent job of explaining how paranormal things are possible from a physics standpoint and it's really easy to understand.

[tc33]

Thanks Erin! It's on its way to my door. Can't beat the 99 cent price tag either.

What does Steve think about all of this new age stuff you're in to? He doesn't appear to have 'gone off the deep end', but perhaps that is part of his marketing strategy. After all, I would have written him off as a quack long ago had he started telling people to burn incense and harness the power of crystals as a means of personal development. Not that he'd be wrong, but there was no way I would have believed in that method of PD at the level of consciousness I was at. I guess his strategy is working after all!

- Tom

[Erin Pavlina]

Actually, I never burn incense or harness the power of crystals.

But I get your point. Steve is open minded. When he began experiencing for himself things that others consider paranormal he began exploring his experiences to learn more about them. All he really did was apply the personal development strategy to his experiences to discern what they were all about. Since they help his growth, he continues to explore them. They can be useful tools. Seeing the future or knowing what someone is thinking or feeling are useful tools, wouldn't you say?

[tc33]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

Seeing the future or knowing what someone is thinking or feeling are useful tools, wouldn't you say?

Well, I suppose reading minds or seeing into the future could be useful once in a while. In fact, I feel a vision coming to me right now...hold on there...I see...ummm...yes, yes...a book on the paranormal...arriving at my house...within 3-7 business days!!! WOW!!!



Ahhhh...I crack myself up. Thanks for your help Erin!

- Tom