“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll still get run over if you just sit there.” ~ Will Rogers
Move Over, Oprah
Whether you are sitting on the subway on your way to work, or sitting on the beach during your summer vacation, chances are you are looking for a good book to read (after you’ve finished reading your Feng Shui By Fishgirl Blog, of course!). I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked what Feng Shui books I would recommend. Much like Oprah and her Book Club, I have my personal favorites which are subject to my whim (and whimsy).
So here it is: Fishgirl’s summer reading book list. I’ve limited the list to nine, instead of the usual ‘top ten’, because nine represents a very auspicious number within the context of Feng Shui. They are not given in order of preference, just in order of there being something for everybody and reflect my interests in things other than Feng Shui (Psychology, Dreaming, Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry…so many books, so little time!).
Fishgirl’s Book List
[1] The Western Guide to Feng Shui
Terah Kathryn Collins; Hay House Inc., paperback.
This slim paperback is the book I highly recommend to people wanting a simple overview of Black Hat Sect Feng Shui. The writing is clear and the information is not overwhelming to the lay person. No book should or can be substituted for the knowledge, years of training and experience of a Feng Shui practitioner.That being said, this book helps you to understand what your Feng Shui consultant suggested you do.
[2] Rogue’s Gallery, Michael Gross, hardcover.
This is a must read account of the movers and shakers (he calls them moguls) behind the scenes at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. As with “740 Park”, “Model”, “Ralph”, and other tomes he’s written, Gross unearths all the skeletons and reveals a fascinating cast of characters who live among us in the upper echelons of society. Great beach read!
[3]Conscious Dreaming; A spiritual path for everyday life Robert Moss, Three Rivers Press, paperback.
What could be a more fascinating book to daydream on the beach by? Robert Moss’s techniques for dreaming bring new meaning and richness to everyday life. You’ll become aware of synchronicity that ties together waking and dreaming worlds. Before I read this book, my dreams did not make any sense, especially since they did not conform to any of the explanations found in the myriad of “dream dictionaries” on the market. Now, not only do I understand my dreams, I am frequently given guidance to Feng Shui situations for myself and clients through dreams.
[4] The Alchemist, A fable about following your dream
Paul Coelho, Harper Flamingo Publishers, available in illustrated hard cover version or plain paperback.
Speaking of synchronicity and dreaming, this piece of timeless fiction is a delight to read. Like Ste Exupery’s “The Little Prince”, it may at first glance be mistaken for a children’s book. Although older children will probably enjoy the story, too, it is a magical tale for adults in need of some inspiration. I LOVE this book! Thank you to my nephew and his lovely bride for introducing me to this book (they quoted a passage from it in their wedding ceremony).
[5] Dreams Are Letters From the Soul, Connie Kaplan, paperback.
This book opened up another way of dreaming for me. Reading Connie’s personal journey–and later being part of her dream circle in Santa Monica and now online at www.turtledreamers.com–has highly influenced my own spiritual path.
[6]When The Drummers Were Women, A spiritual history of rhythm Layne Redmond, Three Rivers Press, paperback.
A dear friend gave me this book for my birthday. Although painstakingly researched, what might have become rather dry material in less skillful hands is presented in a very enjoyable way with lots of illustrations to back up the facts. Layne Redmond, a huge musical talent as well as author, brings out information about the historical legacy of women that has been suppressed for eons by the patriarchal clergy, politicians, and sadly, even archeologists. Once upon a time, almost all drumming was done by women…
[7] Mutant Message Down Under Marlo Morgan, Harper Perennial, paperback.
This book has had people wondering ever since it came out over ten years ago: is it true or is it fiction? It’s an incredible adventure story either way and has a lot of wisdom and insight to impart. The story is about a middle aged woman who is invited to join an aboriginal tribe on a “walkabout” in the Australian outback. This book tends to want to go on a walkabout itself- it somehow always walks off my bookshelf with someone who sees it there and I’ve had to replace it four times. I suggest reading it on the beach or back porch, preferably with a haunting didjireedo CD playing in the background.
[8]House as a Mirror of Self; Exploring the deeper meaning of home Clare Cooper Marcus , Conari Press, paperback.
Clare Cooper Marcus has based this book on over a decade of personal and professional research into how we feel about home and why we feel the way we do. Her expertise is founded on psychology and the viewpoint of this book is to help us understand how early emotional experiences affects our decisions about where and how we live as adults. This is a must read for every Feng Shui practitioner, as well as fascinating reading for anyone trying to find their own personal style. Filled with illustrations and individual case studies. A tad laborious in the beginning, stick with it and you will be glad you did.
[9] The Enlightened Heart, An anthology of sacred poetry Edited by Stephen Mitchell, Harper & Row, hardcover.
A wonderful selection of sacred texts from all religious beliefs. Many of these poems serve equally well as love songs. Guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings…your enlightened heartstrings, that is!
What books are on YOUR summer reading list? Do tell!
Feng Shui By Fishgirl 