Reviews

Positive Energy: Ten Extraordinary Prescriptions For Transforming Fatigue, Stress, and Fear Into Vibrance, Strength and Love by Judith Orloff, M.D. (April 2004, Harmony Books)

Reviewed by Joan Borysenko Phd author of Minding the Body, Minding the Mind, and Inner Peace For Busy People

This incredibly valuable book offers a lifeline to everyone who is exhausted or stressed out.

It helps you realize the energetic power that has always been within you. Dr. Judith Orloff is the real deal--a physician, an authentic human being, a skilled medical intuitive and teacher of energy medicine. In her book, she teaches you how to connect with the flow of positive energy within and around you, how to stop "energy vampires" from draining you, and how to lead a balanced life that brings happiness and inner peace.

POSITIVE ENERGY presents ten specific prescriptions for building energy, one per chapter. The prescriptions focus on essential topics such as creativity, sexuality, and spirituality. Throughout the book, Dr. Orloff uses case histories of patients she's worked with, offers wonderful exercises to boost vitality, and gives intimate examples from her own life, including lessons learned from her own energy crash. She describes her practice of Energy Psychiatry, a field Orloff has pioneered which incorporates intuition, the body's subtle energies (sometimes called chi), and traditional medicine to provide new kinds of solutions in areas from workaholism to rushing to feeling overwhelmed in crowds. Dr. Orloff also addresses what she has coined "technodespair," burnout from emails, beepers, faxes and phones. You learn that machines absorb your vibes just as you absorb their's—and that your emotional energy, especially anger and frustration, can disrupt technology and appliances. Dr. Orloff's passion in reaching out to readers is palpable, and she has accurately depicted the subtle energy fields that we encounter in life.

Particularly intriguing are Dr. Orloff's descriptions of "intuitive empaths" those people who, like herself, absorb other people's negative energy and are drained by it. Some empaths become obese to protect themselves from negative vibes; others panic in crowds from the energy overload; others develop chronic fatigue, depression, or physical symptoms and never figure out why. Empaths often run from doctor to doctor with "mystery complained" that are never explained. This book offers empaths real solutions. It gives numerous techniques which describe how to avoid absorbing negativity so we're not vulnerable to energy drain, a life-saving skill.

POSITIVE ENERGY's special format adds to the uniqueness of this book. Following each chapter are interviews that Dr.Orloff conducted with celebrities who offer their own insights about how to build energy. Naomi Judd tells how she healed from Hepatitis C; Quincy Jones reveals how his intuition opened up after brain surgery; Jamie Lee Curtis tells how she protects herself from energy vampires. These interviews are fun, revealing, and make you feel like you're sitting around a fire in your living room talking to friends.

If you're interested in the energetic aspects of health, healing, and relationships you must read this book. You can read it cover to cover or go specifically to chapters that speak to your immediate concerns. POSITIVE ENERGY fulfills its promise by teaching you how to "transform fatigue, stress, and fear, into vibrance, strength, and love." It will inspire you to take compassionate action in creating relationships and an entire life that nourishes your deepest energy preferences and needs.

For more information about Dr. Orloff's books and workshop schedule please visit www.drjudithorloff.com

Witching Stones ISBN 0-7387-0194-7 Llewellyn Worldwide

Reviewed by Jeni Mayer

If you have an interest in learning all about Wicca or Witchcraft in a fun and meaningful way, the "Witching Stones" kit is a perfect starting point. Written by M.A. Madigan and P.M. Richards and produced by Llewellyn's, this little "alter in your pocket," is a great learning tool.

Complete with an easy to read book called "Symbols of the Craft," these 35 witching stones will assist interested readers in divining their futures and casting spells. And best of all, readers get a comprehensive look at the Craft -- its basic tenets, spiritual and magical ideology and practices.

Unlike many divination tools, the Witching Stones are very accessible and simple to learn. Instead of complex explanations of each stone, the accompanying book gives clear, concise and enlightening meaning for the essential symbols of Witchcraft. And best of all, the accompanying book "Symbols of the Craft," never gets bogged down in historical references or tedious jargon. This is a simple, clean cut and beautiful kit that young readers will cherish as they learn the Craft, create wonderfully empowering spells and receive guidance for the future.

Witching Stones by M.A. Madigan and P.M. Richards is a one-of-a-kind learning tool for the Witch to be. It is also yet another shining jewel in Llewellyn's Publication's crown.