Not what I was expecting, but quirky and useful, 04 Jun 2008
I was expecting a huge tome full of Confuscian statements which are allegorical to warfare. What I received was a 69-page book of short instructions which are dirrectly about warfare, but in many cases allegorical to life.

Possibly they're all in some way applicable to the day-to-day, the fighting with fire section does seem a bit specialised, but doubtless the scales will fall from my eyes at some stage and I will be able to use its teachings in buying tangerines from waitrose.

The best thing about the book is the ability to spice up conversation. Never again will I use a hackneyed marketing phrase where something from Sun Tzu will work. Brilliant.

A must read book !, 25 Sep 2007
Short but Sweet !
Applicable theories even today !
Must Read, more than once !

Not what I was expecting, but quirky and useful, 04 Jun 2008
I was expecting a huge tome full of Confuscian statements which are allegorical to warfare. What I received was a 69-page book of short instructions which are dirrectly about warfare, but in many cases allegorical to life.

Possibly they're all in some way applicable to the day-to-day, the fighting with fire section does seem a bit specialised, but doubtless the scales will fall from my eyes at some stage and I will be able to use its teachings in buying tangerines from waitrose.

The best thing about the book is the ability to spice up conversation. Never again will I use a hackneyed marketing phrase where something from Sun Tzu will work. Brilliant.

A must read book !, 25 Sep 2007
Short but Sweet !
Applicable theories even today !
Must Read, more than once !


Thoughtful selection of Atheist, Agnostic and Rationalist writing from across the ages., 25 May 2008
This book is perhaps slightly undersold by it's title, it's a pretty solid tome, still portable I suppose but it must be a good 2 or 3 inches thick. The second part of the title is also a little misleading, the majority of the authors are indeed atheists, but not limited to the more militant kind one might expect Hitchens to choose. There's a broad spectrum of Humanist, Secularist and Rationalist writing spanning from Lucretius and Spinoza to Ibn Warraq and Sam Harris. The book progresses through these in a roughly chronological order charting the way human thought on the divine (or lack thereof) has changed and progressed.

The readings are well chosen and Hitchens provides a little introduction and context to each section (if I had one minor complaint it would be that these intros could have been even longer, they were fascinating in their own right). He also provides an overall intro to the book as a whole.

If I was to direct someone, atheist or theist, to a single book to explain non-theistic world views to them, it would have to be this.



Nourishment for the mind, 11 Mar 2008
An absolutely dazzling work. As a recovering Christian I am actively seeking out the thoughts of the great secularists down through the ages.
Particular highlights for me were the writings of Mark Twain on the Church's position on slavery, and also a remarkable deconstruction of every Christian argument regarding morality and God by Elizabet Anderson. Its one of those books that I'd love my wife and my Christian friends to read. Sadly, the bubble of false consolation and cognitive bias appears overwhelmingly strong. My experience tells me that the only evidence that Christians can cope with is Christian evidence. A truly impartial assesment of the available evidence from both sides seems a pose a real challenge to them.

A vital purchase, 13 Feb 2008
Here's a book that will expand your mind. And how could it not? Look at the contributors it boasts: Einstein, Darwin, Orwell, Larkin, Twain, McEwan, Rushdie, Hume, Shelley, Russell, Dawkins and many more. Plus you get a main introduction and author introductions from the erudite and savagely witty Hitchens.
A word of warning: the first 100 pages are a bit sticky to wade through. This is because the book's essays are arranged in chronological order so we start with some ancient texts where the English is very heavy and dozens of commas adorn each sentence. There are some wonderful points made of course, but extreme concentration is required to pick them all up.
Things brighten after that and the book becomes highly readable. The majority of the essays are informative, stimulating and beautifully written. Highlights for me included Dawkins (as ever), who once again comes over as the world's best science writer, Larkin's stirring poem Aubade, AC Grayling's succinct essay, Can An Atheist Be A Fundamentalist?, and Ibn Warraq's brilliant dismantling of Islamic beliefs. If only Muslims would read it - but if they did they'd likely just throw it on the nearest fire.
We have much work to do. It may be a thousand years before the awfulness of religion is eradicated from the world, but books like this help: they perpetuate the `drip-down' effect. In the West we were well on the way to eradicating it before several million Muslims came to live here. Personally I doubt that nothing but a devastating clash of civilizations can be the result (we have of course already seen such clashes). Reading this book underlined my belief that this will be the case.
In conclusion, this book is highly recommended. If you only buy one atheist book buy this one (although The God Delusion is also fantastic). In the end you must decide which version of man's evolution and the planet's creation you believe: the views of thousands of the world's greatest ever minds of the past few hundred years; or words written a long, long time ago by people who thought the earth was flat and that the sun went round it, as passed on to them by other people who could not read or write and had not travelled, in their whole lives, more than a few miles from their primitive, parochial townships. I know who I'd prefer to believe.
PS On reflection I'd give this five stars but Amazon don't appear to allow you to edit star ratings.

Excellent, 10 Feb 2008
The choice of writings contained within this anthology is wide and varied, and endlessly fascinating and intellectually stimulating. There is enough ammunition contained within its covers to keep the active atheist on the offensive through many a debate.

An interesting feature for me is just how many times in this volume I have come across paragraphs, just sentences even, that by themselves fatally undermine the entire 'logic' of organised religion. Example: the quote from Mill regarding the monstrous cruelty (and thus laughable improbability) of a supposedly merciful and loving supreme being who plainly (according to the good books, damned in their own words as ever) creates beings by his own hand solely to condemn them to hell fire and damnation. Do what? My other favourite is Ian MacEwan's comments on curiousity being one of the definitions of human freedom of thought, and how organised religions fear almost nothing more - see St Augustine on that one. It's true: the Western religions live in terror of truly free thought, yet without it the human race would still be living in caves. Humanity has advanced to attain astonishing levels of scientific knowledge, yet for centuries it has been a continual fight to achieve it against the squeals of thwarted God-botherers.

Outstanding.

Excellent, 18 Jan 2008
I found this interesting in that it provides a potted history of atheistic philosophy which could be useful to anyone introduced to the subject more recently (perhaps by Dawkins or Dennet). Some of the historical material can be a little hard to read (especially on a packed train) but I found it fascinating to see how the arguments against religion have developed over time. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's story is truly inspiring and is a fitting conclusion to the book. Hitchens' introductions to each chapter are fitting, and often show just how important the individual writers ideas are to the him. Highly recommended.

Not what I was expecting, but quirky and useful, 04 Jun 2008
I was expecting a huge tome full of Confuscian statements which are allegorical to warfare. What I received was a 69-page book of short instructions which are dirrectly about warfare, but in many cases allegorical to life.

Possibly they're all in some way applicable to the day-to-day, the fighting with fire section does seem a bit specialised, but doubtless the scales will fall from my eyes at some stage and I will be able to use its teachings in buying tangerines from waitrose.

The best thing about the book is the ability to spice up conversation. Never again will I use a hackneyed marketing phrase where something from Sun Tzu will work. Brilliant.

A must read book !, 25 Sep 2007
Short but Sweet !
Applicable theories even today !
Must Read, more than once !


Thoughtful selection of Atheist, Agnostic and Rationalist writing from across the ages., 25 May 2008
This book is perhaps slightly undersold by it's title, it's a pretty solid tome, still portable I suppose but it must be a good 2 or 3 inches thick. The second part of the title is also a little misleading, the majority of the authors are indeed atheists, but not limited to the more militant kind one might expect Hitchens to choose. There's a broad spectrum of Humanist, Secularist and Rationalist writing spanning from Lucretius and Spinoza to Ibn Warraq and Sam Harris. The book progresses through these in a roughly chronological order charting the way human thought on the divine (or lack thereof) has changed and progressed.

The readings are well chosen and Hitchens provides a little introduction and context to each section (if I had one minor complaint it would be that these intros could have been even longer, they were fascinating in their own right). He also provides an overall intro to the book as a whole.

If I was to direct someone, atheist or theist, to a single book to explain non-theistic world views to them, it would have to be this.



Nourishment for the mind, 11 Mar 2008
An absolutely dazzling work. As a recovering Christian I am actively seeking out the thoughts of the great secularists down through the ages.
Particular highlights for me were the writings of Mark Twain on the Church's position on slavery, and also a remarkable deconstruction of every Christian argument regarding morality and God by Elizabet Anderson. Its one of those books that I'd love my wife and my Christian friends to read. Sadly, the bubble of false consolation and cognitive bias appears overwhelmingly strong. My experience tells me that the only evidence that Christians can cope with is Christian evidence. A truly impartial assesment of the available evidence from both sides seems a pose a real challenge to them.

A vital purchase, 13 Feb 2008
Here's a book that will expand your mind. And how could it not? Look at the contributors it boasts: Einstein, Darwin, Orwell, Larkin, Twain, McEwan, Rushdie, Hume, Shelley, Russell, Dawkins and many more. Plus you get a main introduction and author introductions from the erudite and savagely witty Hitchens.
A word of warning: the first 100 pages are a bit sticky to wade through. This is because the book's essays are arranged in chronological order so we start with some ancient texts where the English is very heavy and dozens of commas adorn each sentence. There are some wonderful points made of course, but extreme concentration is required to pick them all up.
Things brighten after that and the book becomes highly readable. The majority of the essays are informative, stimulating and beautifully written. Highlights for me included Dawkins (as ever), who once again comes over as the world's best science writer, Larkin's stirring poem Aubade, AC Grayling's succinct essay, Can An Atheist Be A Fundamentalist?, and Ibn Warraq's brilliant dismantling of Islamic beliefs. If only Muslims would read it - but if they did they'd likely just throw it on the nearest fire.
We have much work to do. It may be a thousand years before the awfulness of religion is eradicated from the world, but books like this help: they perpetuate the `drip-down' effect. In the West we were well on the way to eradicating it before several million Muslims came to live here. Personally I doubt that nothing but a devastating clash of civilizations can be the result (we have of course already seen such clashes). Reading this book underlined my belief that this will be the case.
In conclusion, this book is highly recommended. If you only buy one atheist book buy this one (although The God Delusion is also fantastic). In the end you must decide which version of man's evolution and the planet's creation you believe: the views of thousands of the world's greatest ever minds of the past few hundred years; or words written a long, long time ago by people who thought the earth was flat and that the sun went round it, as passed on to them by other people who could not read or write and had not travelled, in their whole lives, more than a few miles from their primitive, parochial townships. I know who I'd prefer to believe.
PS On reflection I'd give this five stars but Amazon don't appear to allow you to edit star ratings.

Excellent, 10 Feb 2008
The choice of writings contained within this anthology is wide and varied, and endlessly fascinating and intellectually stimulating. There is enough ammunition contained within its covers to keep the active atheist on the offensive through many a debate.

An interesting feature for me is just how many times in this volume I have come across paragraphs, just sentences even, that by themselves fatally undermine the entire 'logic' of organised religion. Example: the quote from Mill regarding the monstrous cruelty (and thus laughable improbability) of a supposedly merciful and loving supreme being who plainly (according to the good books, damned in their own words as ever) creates beings by his own hand solely to condemn them to hell fire and damnation. Do what? My other favourite is Ian MacEwan's comments on curiousity being one of the definitions of human freedom of thought, and how organised religions fear almost nothing more - see St Augustine on that one. It's true: the Western religions live in terror of truly free thought, yet without it the human race would still be living in caves. Humanity has advanced to attain astonishing levels of scientific knowledge, yet for centuries it has been a continual fight to achieve it against the squeals of thwarted God-botherers.

Outstanding.

Excellent, 18 Jan 2008
I found this interesting in that it provides a potted history of atheistic philosophy which could be useful to anyone introduced to the subject more recently (perhaps by Dawkins or Dennet). Some of the historical material can be a little hard to read (especially on a packed train) but I found it fascinating to see how the arguments against religion have developed over time. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's story is truly inspiring and is a fitting conclusion to the book. Hitchens' introductions to each chapter are fitting, and often show just how important the individual writers ideas are to the him. Highly recommended.

"Compassion is what connects all things", 17 Jun 2008
This is another of those books that needs to be read from beginning to end... diving in and looking at the "interesting bits" (using the index) will not do the book justice.

There is much in this world that we do not understand... and probably never will... but we are getting there.

Books such as "The Divine Matrix" and "Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer" lead us to understand that we are all connected (irrespective of religious or cultural background)... and that we have much to learn from each other.


excellent translator, 05 May 2008
Gregg Braden has the ability to translate new insights in science and quantum physics into a language which an ordianry person can understand. Not much in the book was that groundbrakeingly new to me, or represents his own research. I have come across most of it already, but he has the knack to make it readable and understandable. Reducing the language of pure science into the language of the normal man/woman.
Pure science often remains unattainable, because scientists do not know how to make their discoveries relevant to everyday life and situations, and without this connection, many of us are left behind, not even wondering what it is all about.
An absolute treasure trove of information, and inspiration to question everything, abolutely everything....


Bridging science and spirituality, 10 Apr 2008
This is an extraordinary book - one of the best I have read in years. Gregg Braden succeeds in bridging science and spirituality, and making it read like a best selling thriller. I am left convinced and inspired. The divine matrix is the scientific discovery of GOD!

Truly Divine, 23 Feb 2008
Excellent book, easy to read and digest.
This has helped me to understand the way we work and to understand myself.
It has really worked for me, I can't explain how much it has changed my thinking and my life!

Does Verify Quantum Science, 08 Oct 2007
"The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles and Belief" by Gregg Braden, is firstly about discovering the Divine Matrix and revealing the mystery that connects all life. Secondly, the book goes on to describe how the Divine Matrix works, and brings insight into bridging between imagination and reality. Finally The Divine Matrix explains how to successfully work with healing in Quantum Awareness, which includes insight and messages from the Divine Matrix.

Also, the Divine Matrix is scientifically verifiable in terms of the latest findings in Quantum Science...and interestingly the hologram is a perfect analogy to ideas presented in this book.

Most highly recommended.

If you like Divine Matrix then you'll be fascinated with a recent New Age novel I've discovered that is also about connectedness, spirituality, and life transformation:

Nexus: A Neo Novel

Not what I was expecting, but quirky and useful, 04 Jun 2008
I was expecting a huge tome full of Confuscian statements which are allegorical to warfare. What I received was a 69-page book of short instructions which are dirrectly about warfare, but in many cases allegorical to life.

Possibly they're all in some way applicable to the day-to-day, the fighting with fire section does seem a bit specialised, but doubtless the scales will fall from my eyes at some stage and I will be able to use its teachings in buying tangerines from waitrose.

The best thing about the book is the ability to spice up conversation. Never again will I use a hackneyed marketing phrase where something from Sun Tzu will work. Brilliant.

A must read book !, 25 Sep 2007
Short but Sweet !
Applicable theories even today !
Must Read, more than once !


Thoughtful selection of Atheist, Agnostic and Rationalist writing from across the ages., 25 May 2008
This book is perhaps slightly undersold by it's title, it's a pretty solid tome, still portable I suppose but it must be a good 2 or 3 inches thick. The second part of the title is also a little misleading, the majority of the authors are indeed atheists, but not limited to the more militant kind one might expect Hitchens to choose. There's a broad spectrum of Humanist, Secularist and Rationalist writing spanning from Lucretius and Spinoza to Ibn Warraq and Sam Harris. The book progresses through these in a roughly chronological order charting the way human thought on the divine (or lack thereof) has changed and progressed.

The readings are well chosen and Hitchens provides a little introduction and context to each section (if I had one minor complaint it would be that these intros could have been even longer, they were fascinating in their own right). He also provides an overall intro to the book as a whole.

If I was to direct someone, atheist or theist, to a single book to explain non-theistic world views to them, it would have to be this.



Nourishment for the mind, 11 Mar 2008
An absolutely dazzling work. As a recovering Christian I am actively seeking out the thoughts of the great secularists down through the ages.
Particular highlights for me were the writings of Mark Twain on the Church's position on slavery, and also a remarkable deconstruction of every Christian argument regarding morality and God by Elizabet Anderson. Its one of those books that I'd love my wife and my Christian friends to read. Sadly, the bubble of false consolation and cognitive bias appears overwhelmingly strong. My experience tells me that the only evidence that Christians can cope with is Christian evidence. A truly impartial assesment of the available evidence from both sides seems a pose a real challenge to them.

A vital purchase, 13 Feb 2008
Here's a book that will expand your mind. And how could it not? Look at the contributors it boasts: Einstein, Darwin, Orwell, Larkin, Twain, McEwan, Rushdie, Hume, Shelley, Russell, Dawkins and many more. Plus you get a main introduction and author introductions from the erudite and savagely witty Hitchens.
A word of warning: the first 100 pages are a bit sticky to wade through. This is because the book's essays are arranged in chronological order so we start with some ancient texts where the English is very heavy and dozens of commas adorn each sentence. There are some wonderful points made of course, but extreme concentration is required to pick them all up.
Things brighten after that and the book becomes highly readable. The majority of the essays are informative, stimulating and beautifully written. Highlights for me included Dawkins (as ever), who once again comes over as the world's best science writer, Larkin's stirring poem Aubade, AC Grayling's succinct essay, Can An Atheist Be A Fundamentalist?, and Ibn Warraq's brilliant dismantling of Islamic beliefs. If only Muslims would read it - but if they did they'd likely just throw it on the nearest fire.
We have much work to do. It may be a thousand years before the awfulness of religion is eradicated from the world, but books like this help: they perpetuate the `drip-down' effect. In the West we were well on the way to eradicating it before several million Muslims came to live here. Personally I doubt that nothing but a devastating clash of civilizations can be the result (we have of course already seen such clashes). Reading this book underlined my belief that this will be the case.
In conclusion, this book is highly recommended. If you only buy one atheist book buy this one (although The God Delusion is also fantastic). In the end you must decide which version of man's evolution and the planet's creation you believe: the views of thousands of the world's greatest ever minds of the past few hundred years; or words written a long, long time ago by people who thought the earth was flat and that the sun went round it, as passed on to them by other people who could not read or write and had not travelled, in their whole lives, more than a few miles from their primitive, parochial townships. I know who I'd prefer to believe.
PS On reflection I'd give this five stars but Amazon don't appear to allow you to edit star ratings.

Excellent, 10 Feb 2008
The choice of writings contained within this anthology is wide and varied, and endlessly fascinating and intellectually stimulating. There is enough ammunition contained within its covers to keep the active atheist on the offensive through many a debate.

An interesting feature for me is just how many times in this volume I have come across paragraphs, just sentences even, that by themselves fatally undermine the entire 'logic' of organised religion. Example: the quote from Mill regarding the monstrous cruelty (and thus laughable improbability) of a supposedly merciful and loving supreme being who plainly (according to the good books, damned in their own words as ever) creates beings by his own hand solely to condemn them to hell fire and damnation. Do what? My other favourite is Ian MacEwan's comments on curiousity being one of the definitions of human freedom of thought, and how organised religions fear almost nothing more - see St Augustine on that one. It's true: the Western religions live in terror of truly free thought, yet without it the human race would still be living in caves. Humanity has advanced to attain astonishing levels of scientific knowledge, yet for centuries it has been a continual fight to achieve it against the squeals of thwarted God-botherers.

Outstanding.

Excellent, 18 Jan 2008
I found this interesting in that it provides a potted history of atheistic philosophy which could be useful to anyone introduced to the subject more recently (perhaps by Dawkins or Dennet). Some of the historical material can be a little hard to read (especially on a packed train) but I found it fascinating to see how the arguments against religion have developed over time. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's story is truly inspiring and is a fitting conclusion to the book. Hitchens' introductions to each chapter are fitting, and often show just how important the individual writers ideas are to the him. Highly recommended.

"Compassion is what connects all things", 17 Jun 2008
This is another of those books that needs to be read from beginning to end... diving in and looking at the "interesting bits" (using the index) will not do the book justice.

There is much in this world that we do not understand... and probably never will... but we are getting there.

Books such as "The Divine Matrix" and "Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer" lead us to understand that we are all connected (irrespective of religious or cultural background)... and that we have much to learn from each other.


excellent translator, 05 May 2008
Gregg Braden has the ability to translate new insights in science and quantum physics into a language which an ordianry person can understand. Not much in the book was that groundbrakeingly new to me, or represents his own research. I have come across most of it already, but he has the knack to make it readable and understandable. Reducing the language of pure science into the language of the normal man/woman.
Pure science often remains unattainable, because scientists do not know how to make their discoveries relevant to everyday life and situations, and without this connection, many of us are left behind, not even wondering what it is all about.
An absolute treasure trove of information, and inspiration to question everything, abolutely everything....


Bridging science and spirituality, 10 Apr 2008
This is an extraordinary book - one of the best I have read in years. Gregg Braden succeeds in bridging science and spirituality, and making it read like a best selling thriller. I am left convinced and inspired. The divine matrix is the scientific discovery of GOD!

Truly Divine, 23 Feb 2008
Excellent book, easy to read and digest.
This has helped me to understand the way we work and to understand myself.
It has really worked for me, I can't explain how much it has changed my thinking and my life!

Does Verify Quantum Science, 08 Oct 2007
"The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles and Belief" by Gregg Braden, is firstly about discovering the Divine Matrix and revealing the mystery that connects all life. Secondly, the book goes on to describe how the Divine Matrix works, and brings insight into bridging between imagination and reality. Finally The Divine Matrix explains how to successfully work with healing in Quantum Awareness, which includes insight and messages from the Divine Matrix.

Also, the Divine Matrix is scientifically verifiable in terms of the latest findings in Quantum Science...and interestingly the hologram is a perfect analogy to ideas presented in this book.

Most highly recommended.

If you like Divine Matrix then you'll be fascinated with a recent New Age novel I've discovered that is also about connectedness, spirituality, and life transformation:

Nexus: A Neo Novel

What a delightful book, 09 Jan 2008
Written by a physicist and theologian, it follows their own extensive experiments in orb phenomena. Since they used two very different experimental approaches, this led to some similarities (and some differences) in their interpretation of their outcomes. And in some respects, they left more questions raised than answered, which is, I guess, one of the outcomes of fairly rigorous exploration of a field that exists beyond our physical senses.

Be warned, this is not a woo-woo New Age book. It does contain excellent information on how to photograph orbs, as well as how to recognize "fake" orbs (and when the photographer might have accidentally chosen a setting that would cause him/her to take fake shots). It also contains some very interesting theories about what these things are, and why they're here. in fact, Miceal Ledwith's groundbreaking discovery that orbs are captured on the camera not by reflected light but by what is know in physics as "fluorescence" opens the way for scientific tools towards an entirely new understanding both of what orbs are and the realms they inhabit.

I have only 2 complaints... wish the type on the footnotes were a slightly larger font, and I do wish Miceal Ledwith had delineated some of the yes/no questions (and answers he got) when he worked with the hexagonal orbs.

I can definitely recommend this if you're interested in the phenomena.
Pam Gotcher


Experiencing Outside The Box, 09 Jan 2008
The Orb Project is an outstanding look at a phenomenon that seems to be too far out of the reality box for Newtonian scientific understanding and therefore is criticized as such. For many people it is just too hard to believe that some sort of life form that is possibly conscious could exist outside the framework of scientific materialism. The Amazon.com review by A. Scientist, not willing to give his name, is an example of a limited perspective by a person who obviously didn't even bother to read the book. If he or she had read it they would find all of their arguments clearly refuted. Granted, if you shake a rug for dust or spritz the air with water when you digitally photograph you will get a photo of a cloud of dust or water, but the orbs of various colors and shapes will not be in the photo.

The forward was written by William A. Tiller, Ph.D., who is `a scientist' and professor emeritus from Stanford University. The book's authors are also highly credentialed, with Klaus Heinemann, Ph.D., holding his degree in experimental physics and who worked for many years at NASA, UCLA, and as a research professor at Stanford University. Miceal Ledwith, D.D., LL.D., was the president of Maynooth College in Ireland for ten years. These people know the difference between dust, moisture and lens flares from orbs.

When Drs. Tiller, Heinemann, and Ledwith presented their findings in 2007 at The Orbs Conference in Sedona, Arizona, they were greeted by over 300 delegates from around the world who had been photographing the orbs with infrared, video, 35mm, as well as digital cameras. Many of the pictures showed orbs at special gatherings such a christenings, weddings, various celebrations, and around animals and children. The delegates by and large understood the orbs to be benevolent and conscious.


Lenore Sweet, PhD, 09 Jan 2008
I devoured this book with glee and highly recommend it! I became obsessed with those big balls in the sky in 2001 and couldn't let loose of them until I wrote a book on the topic. It was a lonely row to hoe back then, so now when intelligent, serious researchers such as Drs. Ledwith and Heinemann catch the same bug and claim things like "we're surrounded by a crowd of witnesses," I take one more step towards trusting my own instincts. "Real" orbs cannot be ignored any longer.

Not what I was expecting, but quirky and useful, 04 Jun 2008
I was expecting a huge tome full of Confuscian statements which are allegorical to warfare. What I received was a 69-page book of short instructions which are dirrectly about warfare, but in many cases allegorical to life.

Possibly they're all in some way applicable to the day-to-day, the fighting with fire section does seem a bit specialised, but doubtless the scales will fall from my eyes at some stage and I will be able to use its teachings in buying tangerines from waitrose.

The best thing about the book is the ability to spice up conversation. Never again will I use a hackneyed marketing phrase where something from Sun Tzu will work. Brilliant.

A must read book !, 25 Sep 2007
Short but Sweet !
Applicable theories even today !
Must Read, more than once !


Thoughtful selection of Atheist, Agnostic and Rationalist writing from across the ages., 25 May 2008
This book is perhaps slightly undersold by it's title, it's a pretty solid tome, still portable I suppose but it must be a good 2 or 3 inches thick. The second part of the title is also a little misleading, the majority of the authors are indeed atheists, but not limited to the more militant kind one might expect Hitchens to choose. There's a broad spectrum of Humanist, Secularist and Rationalist writing spanning from Lucretius and Spinoza to Ibn Warraq and Sam Harris. The book progresses through these in a roughly chronological order charting the way human thought on the divine (or lack thereof) has changed and progressed.

The readings are well chosen and Hitchens provides a little introduction and context to each section (if I had one minor complaint it would be that these intros could have been even longer, they were fascinating in their own right). He also provides an overall intro to the book as a whole.

If I was to direct someone, atheist or theist, to a single book to explain non-theistic world views to them, it would have to be this.



Nourishment for the mind, 11 Mar 2008
An absolutely dazzling work. As a recovering Christian I am actively seeking out the thoughts of the great secularists down through the ages.
Particular highlights for me were the writings of Mark Twain on the Church's position on slavery, and also a remarkable deconstruction of every Christian argument regarding morality and God by Elizabet Anderson. Its one of those books that I'd love my wife and my Christian friends to read. Sadly, the bubble of false consolation and cognitive bias appears overwhelmingly strong. My experience tells me that the only evidence that Christians can cope with is Christian evidence. A truly impartial assesment of the available evidence from both sides seems a pose a real challenge to them.

A vital purchase, 13 Feb 2008
Here's a book that will expand your mind. And how could it not? Look at the contributors it boasts: Einstein, Darwin, Orwell, Larkin, Twain, McEwan, Rushdie, Hume, Shelley, Russell, Dawkins and many more. Plus you get a main introduction and author introductions from the erudite and savagely witty Hitchens.
A word of warning: the first 100 pages are a bit sticky to wade through. This is because the book's essays are arranged in chronological order so we start with some ancient texts where the English is very heavy and dozens of commas adorn each sentence. There are some wonderful points made of course, but extreme concentration is required to pick them all up.
Things brighten after that and the book becomes highly readable. The majority of the essays are informative, stimulating and beautifully written. Highlights for me included Dawkins (as ever), who once again comes over as the world's best science writer, Larkin's stirring poem Aubade, AC Grayling's succinct essay, Can An Atheist Be A Fundamentalist?, and Ibn Warraq's brilliant dismantling of Islamic beliefs. If only Muslims would read it - but if they did they'd likely just throw it on the nearest fire.
We have much work to do. It may be a thousand years before the awfulness of religion is eradicated from the world, but books like this help: they perpetuate the `drip-down' effect. In the West we were well on the way to eradicating it before several million Muslims came to live here. Personally I doubt that nothing but a devastating clash of civilizations can be the result (we have of course already seen such clashes). Reading this book underlined my belief that this will be the case.
In conclusion, this book is highly recommended. If you only buy one atheist book buy this one (although The God Delusion is also fantastic). In the end you must decide which version of man's evolution and the planet's creation you believe: the views of thousands of the world's greatest ever minds of the past few hundred years; or words written a long, long time ago by people who thought the earth was flat and that the sun went round it, as passed on to them by other people who could not read or write and had not travelled, in their whole lives, more than a few miles from their primitive, parochial townships. I know who I'd prefer to believe.
PS On reflection I'd give this five stars but Amazon don't appear to allow you to edit star ratings.

Excellent, 10 Feb 2008
The choice of writings contained within this anthology is wide and varied, and endlessly fascinating and intellectually stimulating. There is enough ammunition contained within its covers to keep the active atheist on the offensive through many a debate.

An interesting feature for me is just how many times in this volume I have come across paragraphs, just sentences even, that by themselves fatally undermine the entire 'logic' of organised religion. Example: the quote from Mill regarding the monstrous cruelty (and thus laughable improbability) of a supposedly merciful and loving supreme being who plainly (according to the good books, damned in their own words as ever) creates beings by his own hand solely to condemn them to hell fire and damnation. Do what? My other favourite is Ian MacEwan's comments on curiousity being one of the definitions of human freedom of thought, and how organised religions fear almost nothing more - see St Augustine on that one. It's true: the Western religions live in terror of truly free thought, yet without it the human race would still be living in caves. Humanity has advanced to attain astonishing levels of scientific knowledge, yet for centuries it has been a continual fight to achieve it against the squeals of thwarted God-botherers.

Outstanding.

Excellent, 18 Jan 2008
I found this interesting in that it provides a potted history of atheistic philosophy which could be useful to anyone introduced to the subject more recently (perhaps by Dawkins or Dennet). Some of the historical material can be a little hard to read (especially on a packed train) but I found it fascinating to see how the arguments against religion have developed over time. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's story is truly inspiring and is a fitting conclusion to the book. Hitchens' introductions to each chapter are fitting, and often show just how important the individual writers ideas are to the him. Highly recommended.

"Compassion is what connects all things", 17 Jun 2008
This is another of those books that needs to be read from beginning to end... diving in and looking at the "interesting bits" (using the index) will not do the book justice.

There is much in this world that we do not understand... and probably never will... but we are getting there.

Books such as "The Divine Matrix" and "Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer" lead us to understand that we are all connected (irrespective of religious or cultural background)... and that we have much to learn from each other.


excellent translator, 05 May 2008
Gregg Braden has the ability to translate new insights in science and quantum physics into a language which an ordianry person can understand. Not much in the book was that groundbrakeingly new to me, or represents his own research. I have come across most of it already, but he has the knack to make it readable and understandable. Reducing the language of pure science into the language of the normal man/woman.
Pure science often remains unattainable, because scientists do not know how to make their discoveries relevant to everyday life and situations, and without this connection, many of us are left behind, not even wondering what it is all about.
An absolute treasure trove of information, and inspiration to question everything, abolutely everything....


Bridging science and spirituality, 10 Apr 2008
This is an extraordinary book - one of the best I have read in years. Gregg Braden succeeds in bridging science and spirituality, and making it read like a best selling thriller. I am left convinced and inspired. The divine matrix is the scientific discovery of GOD!

Truly Divine, 23 Feb 2008
Excellent book, easy to read and digest.
This has helped me to understand the way we work and to understand myself.
It has really worked for me, I can't explain how much it has changed my thinking and my life!

Does Verify Quantum Science, 08 Oct 2007
"The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles and Belief" by Gregg Braden, is firstly about discovering the Divine Matrix and revealing the mystery that connects all life. Secondly, the book goes on to describe how the Divine Matrix works, and brings insight into bridging between imagination and reality. Finally The Divine Matrix explains how to successfully work with healing in Quantum Awareness, which includes insight and messages from the Divine Matrix.

Also, the Divine Matrix is scientifically verifiable in terms of the latest findings in Quantum Science...and interestingly the hologram is a perfect analogy to ideas presented in this book.

Most highly recommended.

If you like Divine Matrix then you'll be fascinated with a recent New Age novel I've discovered that is also about connectedness, spirituality, and life transformation:

Nexus: A Neo Novel

What a delightful book, 09 Jan 2008
Written by a physicist and theologian, it follows their own extensive experiments in orb phenomena. Since they used two very different experimental approaches, this led to some similarities (and some differences) in their interpretation of their outcomes. And in some respects, they left more questions raised than answered, which is, I guess, one of the outcomes of fairly rigorous exploration of a field that exists beyond our physical senses.

Be warned, this is not a woo-woo New Age book. It does contain excellent information on how to photograph orbs, as well as how to recognize "fake" orbs (and when the photographer might have accidentally chosen a setting that would cause him/her to take fake shots). It also contains some very interesting theories about what these things are, and why they're here. in fact, Miceal Ledwith's groundbreaking discovery that orbs are captured on the camera not by reflected light but by what is know in physics as "fluorescence" opens the way for scientific tools towards an entirely new understanding both of what orbs are and the realms they inhabit.

I have only 2 complaints... wish the type on the footnotes were a slightly larger font, and I do wish Miceal Ledwith had delineated some of the yes/no questions (and answers he got) when he worked with the hexagonal orbs.

I can definitely recommend this if you're interested in the phenomena.
Pam Gotcher


Experiencing Outside The Box, 09 Jan 2008
The Orb Project is an outstanding look at a phenomenon that seems to be too far out of the reality box for Newtonian scientific understanding and therefore is criticized as such. For many people it is just too hard to believe that some sort of life form that is possibly conscious could exist outside the framework of scientific materialism. The Amazon.com review by A. Scientist, not willing to give his name, is an example of a limited perspective by a person who obviously didn't even bother to read the book. If he or she had read it they would find all of their arguments clearly refuted. Granted, if you shake a rug for dust or spritz the air with water when you digitally photograph you will get a photo of a cloud of dust or water, but the orbs of various colors and shapes will not be in the photo.

The forward was written by William A. Tiller, Ph.D., who is `a scientist' and professor emeritus from Stanford University. The book's authors are also highly credentialed, with Klaus Heinemann, Ph.D., holding his degree in experimental physics and who worked for many years at NASA, UCLA, and as a research professor at Stanford University. Miceal Ledwith, D.D., LL.D., was the president of Maynooth College in Ireland for ten years. These people know the difference between dust, moisture and lens flares from orbs.

When Drs. Tiller, Heinemann, and Ledwith presented their findings in 2007 at The Orbs Conference in Sedona, Arizona, they were greeted by over 300 delegates from around the world who had been photographing the orbs with infrared, video, 35mm, as well as digital cameras. Many of the pictures showed orbs at special gatherings such a christenings, weddings, various celebrations, and around animals and children. The delegates by and large understood the orbs to be benevolent and conscious.


Lenore Sweet, PhD, 09 Jan 2008
I devoured this book with glee and highly recommend it! I became obsessed with those big balls in the sky in 2001 and couldn't let loose of them until I wrote a book on the topic. It was a lonely row to hoe back then, so now when intelligent, serious researchers such as Drs. Ledwith and Heinemann catch the same bug and claim things like "we're surrounded by a crowd of witnesses," I take one more step towards trusting my own instincts. "Real" orbs cannot be ignored any longer.

Beautiful Angels, 15 Jul 2008
These are my first Doreen Virtue purchase. I needed something to help me SLOW the pace of life and take stock of things. I got these cards a week ago and I have found them to be really precise and accurate. The first time I used them I asked for help with a situation and the card I chose was totally relevant and I kept it with me all day and I followed the advice. I think they have helped me and now I use them before I go to work and It is something I look forward to. I like to look at the illustrations which are are beautiful. Plus the cards are a lovely size. All in all I am very happy with my purchase.

Amazing!, 22 Mar 2008
Wow! I'd like to say unbelieveable, except I do believe! These cards are so fabulous and absolutely accurate. What a bonus that they are beautiful and a pleasure to own and use. I would highly recommend buing these especially if you are just starting out with help from the angels, you won't be disappointed.

fantastic,beautful, 02 Feb 2008
i love these cards they are accurate easy to use and just wonderful, 100% recommend them

Beautiful, easy to use and accurate!, 27 May 2007
A gorgeous deck (almost prestigious looking)! This is my second Doreen's deck and is absolutely beautiful. Most of the time, I use it in conjunction with her Messages from the angels card. Together, they provide me with a fuller picture and enhance the accuracy. When use alone, this deck is also highly accurate. I always get very to-the-point messages or daily guidance. The booklet that comes with the deck is very detailed and helpful as well.

On the whole, it is a very versatile deck that can provide clear, soothing and helpful guidance, perfect for anyone who needs some reassurance, encouragements or simply a pat on the shoulder.

Accurate, honest and beautiful, 29 Mar 2007
This is now the 3rd set of Angel Cards by Doreen Virtue that I have purchased and I can honestly say that they are fast becoming my favourite set. What amazes me with these cards is that you do not have to be a psychic, medium or at all experienced in spiritual matters to be able to use these cards accurately. All you need is a genuine intention. You can use these cards in many ways: (1) use daily to gain a bit of advice from your Angels to carry with you for that day; (2) obtain advice on a specific matter (by asking a question or requesting help with a certain thing); (3) to ask for any information that your angels think you should know; (4) use in conjunction with the Angel Guidance Oracle Board to enhance the answers you get through the board. There are probably many other things you can do with them I am just listing some of the ways that I have used them. Because you are using them to connect with the angels, your Guardian Angel and your spirit guides, you are safe and protected (unlike the Tarot deck which has a link wiht the occult). I have always had really accurate readings from these cards (and from my other sets). Just remember that angels and spirit guides will always answer with the truth NOT with waht you want to hear but try to remember that when one door closes, another opens. There is nothing negative about these cards - warnings are always given lovingly and with advice on how best to deal wih teh situation (we are not talking death here, i am thinking more on the lines of job/career changes, ends of relationships or a warning not to embark on something). Here is a live example for you - I was thinking about getting into a relationship with someone but kept picking the same card - one warning me that caution was warranted and that i would nto find the happiness i sought from this situation. I ignored this advice and went into the relationship regardless. For months the relationship was fine and I didnt understand why the cards had warned me off. Several months in, and i realised why i had been warned. The relationship was a complete disaster and made me unbelievably unhappy. I was also trapped in it for a long time. On a brighter note, i have also had lots of unexpected, brilliant things happen - although we all get the same cards in the sets, you'll only ever receive a message taht is relevant to you. I would definitely recommend these to anyone interested in communing iwth angels. It will change your life, really it will. I also suggest using these with the Angel Guidance Oracle Board. Have a look at the reviews there too.

Not what I was expecting, but quirky and useful, 04 Jun 2008
I was expecting a huge tome full of Confuscian statements which are allegorical to warfare. What I received was a 69-page book of short instructions which are dirrectly about warfare, but in many cases allegorical to life.

Possibly they're all in some way applicable to the day-to-day, the fighting with fire section does seem a bit specialised, but doubtless the scales will fall from my eyes at some stage and I will be able to use its teachings in buying tangerines from waitrose.

The best thing about the book is the ability to spice up conversation. Never again will I use a hackneyed marketing phrase where something from Sun Tzu will work. Brilliant.

A must read book !, 25 Sep 2007
Short but Sweet !
Applicable theories even today !
Must Read, more than once !


Thoughtful selection of Atheist, Agnostic and Rationalist writing from across the ages., 25 May 2008
This book is perhaps slightly undersold by it's title, it's a pretty solid tome, still portable I suppose but it must be a good 2 or 3 inches thick. The second part of the title is also a little misleading, the majority of the authors are indeed atheists, but not limited to the more militant kind one might expect Hitchens to choose. There's a broad spectrum of Humanist, Secularist and Rationalist writing spanning from Lucretius and Spinoza to Ibn Warraq and Sam Harris. The book progresses through these in a roughly chronological order charting the way human thought on the divine (or lack thereof) has changed and progressed.

The readings are well chosen and Hitchens provides a little introduction and context to each section (if I had one minor complaint it would be that these intros could have been even longer, they were fascinating in their own right). He also provides an overall intro to the book as a whole.

If I was to direct someone, atheist or theist, to a single book to explain non-theistic world views to them, it would have to be this.



Nourishment for the mind, 11 Mar 2008
An absolutely dazzling work. As a recovering Christian I am actively seeking out the thoughts of the great secularists down through the ages.
Particular highlights for me were the writings of Mark Twain on the Church's position on slavery, and also a remarkable deconstruction of every Christian argument regarding morality and God by Elizabet Anderson. Its one of those books that I'd love my wife and my Christian friends to read. Sadly, the bubble of false consolation and cognitive bias appears overwhelmingly strong. My experience tells me that the only evidence that Christians can cope with is Christian evidence. A truly impartial assesment of the available evidence from both sides seems a pose a real challenge to them.

A vital purchase, 13 Feb 2008
Here's a book that will expand your mind. And how could it not? Look at the contributors it boasts: Einstein, Darwin, Orwell, Larkin, Twain, McEwan, Rushdie, Hume, Shelley, Russell, Dawkins and many more. Plus you get a main introduction and author introductions from the erudite and savagely witty Hitchens.
A word of warning: the first 100 pages are a bit sticky to wade through. This is because the book's essays are arranged in chronological order so we start with some ancient texts where the English is very heavy and dozens of commas adorn each sentence. There are some wonderful points made of course, but extreme concentration is required to pick them all up.
Things brighten after that and the book becomes highly readable. The majority of the essays are informative, stimulating and beautifully written. Highlights for me included Dawkins (as ever), who once again comes over as the world's best science writer, Larkin's stirring poem Aubade, AC Grayling's succinct essay, Can An Atheist Be A Fundamentalist?, and Ibn Warraq's brilliant dismantling of Islamic beliefs. If only Muslims would read it - but if they did they'd likely just throw it on the nearest fire.
We have much work to do. It may be a thousand years before the awfulness of religion is eradicated from the world, but books like this help: they perpetuate the `drip-down' effect. In the West we were well on the way to eradicating it before several million Muslims came to live here. Personally I doubt that nothing but a devastating clash of civilizations can be the result (we have of course already seen such clashes). Reading this book underlined my belief that this will be the case.
In conclusion, this book is highly recommended. If you only buy one atheist book buy this one (although The God Delusion is also fantastic). In the end you must decide which version of man's evolution and the planet's creation you believe: the views of thousands of the world's greatest ever minds of the past few hundred years; or words written a long, long time ago by people who thought the earth was flat and that the sun went round it, as passed on to them by other people who could not read or write and had not travelled, in their whole lives, more than a few miles from their primitive, parochial townships. I know who I'd prefer to believe.
PS On reflection I'd give this five stars but Amazon don't appear to allow you to edit star ratings.

Excellent, 10 Feb 2008
The choice of writings contained within this anthology is wide and varied, and endlessly fascinating and intellectually stimulating. There is enough ammunition contained within its covers to keep the active atheist on the offensive through many a debate.

An interesting feature for me is just how many times in this volume I have come across paragraphs, just sentences even, that by themselves fatally undermine the entire 'logic' of organised religion. Example: the quote from Mill regarding the monstrous cruelty (and thus laughable improbability) of a supposedly merciful and loving supreme being who plainly (according to the good books, damned in their own words as ever) creates beings by his own hand solely to condemn them to hell fire and damnation. Do what? My other favourite is Ian MacEwan's comments on curiousity being one of the definitions of human freedom of thought, and how organised religions fear almost nothing more - see St Augustine on that one. It's true: the Western religions live in terror of truly free thought, yet without it the human race would still be living in caves. Humanity has advanced to attain astonishing levels of scientific knowledge, yet for centuries it has been a continual fight to achieve it against the squeals of thwarted God-botherers.

Outstanding.

Excellent, 18 Jan 2008
I found this interesting in that it provides a potted history of atheistic philosophy which could be useful to anyone introduced to the subject more recently (perhaps by Dawkins or Dennet). Some of the historical material can be a little hard to read (especially on a packed train) but I found it fascinating to see how the arguments against religion have developed over time. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's story is truly inspiring and is a fitting conclusion to the book. Hitchens' introductions to each chapter are fitting, and often show just how important the individual writers ideas are to the him. Highly recommended.

"Compassion is what connects all things", 17 Jun 2008
This is another of those books that needs to be read from beginning to end... diving in and looking at the "interesting bits" (using the index) will not do the book justice.

There is much in this world that we do not understand... and probably never will... but we are getting there.

Books such as "The Divine Matrix" and "Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer" lead us to understand that we are all connected (irrespective of religious or cultural background)... and that we have much to learn from each other.


excellent translator, 05 May 2008
Gregg Braden has the ability to translate new insights in science and quantum physics into a language which an ordianry person can understand. Not much in the book was that groundbrakeingly new to me, or represents his own research. I have come across most of it already, but he has the knack to make it readable and understandable. Reducing the language of pure science into the language of the normal man/woman.
Pure science often remains unattainable, because scientists do not know how to make their discoveries relevant to everyday life and situations, and without this connection, many of us are left behind, not even wondering what it is all about.
An absolute treasure trove of information, and inspiration to question everything, abolutely everything....


Bridging science and spirituality, 10 Apr 2008
This is an extraordinary book - one of the best I have read in years. Gregg Braden succeeds in bridging science and spirituality, and making it read like a best selling thriller. I am left convinced and inspired. The divine matrix is the scientific discovery of GOD!

Truly Divine, 23 Feb 2008
Excellent book, easy to read and digest.
This has helped me to understand the way we work and to understand myself.
It has really worked for me, I can't explain how much it has changed my thinking and my life!

Does Verify Quantum Science, 08 Oct 2007
"The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles and Belief" by Gregg Braden, is firstly about discovering the Divine Matrix and revealing the mystery that connects all life. Secondly, the book goes on to describe how the Divine Matrix works, and brings insight into bridging between imagination and reality. Finally The Divine Matrix explains how to successfully work with healing in Quantum Awareness, which includes insight and messages from the Divine Matrix.

Also, the Divine Matrix is scientifically verifiable in terms of the latest findings in Quantum Science...and interestingly the hologram is a perfect analogy to ideas presented in this book.

Most highly recommended.

If you like Divine Matrix then you'll be fascinated with a recent New Age novel I've discovered that is also about connectedness, spirituality, and life transformation:

Nexus: A Neo Novel

What a delightful book, 09 Jan 2008
Written by a physicist and theologian, it follows their own extensive experiments in orb phenomena. Since they used two very different experimental approaches, this led to some similarities (and some differences) in their interpretation of their outcomes. And in some respects, they left more questions raised than answered, which is, I guess, one of the outcomes of fairly rigorous exploration of a field that exists beyond our physical senses.

Be warned, this is not a woo-woo New Age book. It does contain excellent information on how to photograph orbs, as well as how to recognize "fake" orbs (and when the photographer might have accidentally chosen a setting that would cause him/her to take fake shots). It also contains some very interesting theories about what these things are, and why they're here. in fact, Miceal Ledwith's groundbreaking discovery that orbs are captured on the camera not by reflected light but by what is know in physics as "fluorescence" opens the way for scientific tools towards an entirely new understanding both of what orbs are and the realms they inhabit.

I have only 2 complaints... wish the type on the footnotes were a slightly larger font, and I do wish Miceal Ledwith had delineated some of the yes/no questions (and answers he got) when he worked with the hexagonal orbs.

I can definitely recommend this if you're interested in the phenomena.
Pam Gotcher


Experiencing Outside The Box, 09 Jan 2008
The Orb Project is an outstanding look at a phenomenon that seems to be too far out of the reality box for Newtonian scientific understanding and therefore is criticized as such. For many people it is just too hard to believe that some sort of life form that is possibly conscious could exist outside the framework of scientific materialism. The Amazon.com review by A. Scientist, not willing to give his name, is an example of a limited perspective by a person who obviously didn't even bother to read the book. If he or she had read it they would find all of their arguments clearly refuted. Granted, if you shake a rug for dust or spritz the air with water when you digitally photograph you will get a photo of a cloud of dust or water, but the orbs of various colors and shapes will not be in the photo.

The forward was written by William A. Tiller, Ph.D., who is `a scientist' and professor emeritus from Stanford University. The book's authors are also highly credentialed, with Klaus Heinemann, Ph.D., holding his degree in experimental physics and who worked for many years at NASA, UCLA, and as a research professor at Stanford University. Miceal Ledwith, D.D., LL.D., was the president of Maynooth College in Ireland for ten years. These people know the difference between dust, moisture and lens flares from orbs.

When Drs. Tiller, Heinemann, and Ledwith presented their findings in 2007 at The Orbs Conference in Sedona, Arizona, they were greeted by over 300 delegates from around the world who had been photographing the orbs with infrared, video, 35mm, as well as digital cameras. Many of the pictures showed orbs at special gatherings such a christenings, weddings, various celebrations, and around animals and children. The delegates by and large understood the orbs to be benevolent and conscious.


Lenore Sweet, PhD, 09 Jan 2008
I devoured this book with glee and highly recommend it! I became obsessed with those big balls in the sky in 2001 and couldn't let loose of them until I wrote a book on the topic. It was a lonely row to hoe back then, so now when intelligent, serious researchers such as Drs. Ledwith and Heinemann catch the same bug and claim things like "we're surrounded by a crowd of witnesses," I take one more step towards trusting my own instincts. "Real" orbs cannot be ignored any longer.

Beautiful Angels, 15 Jul 2008
These are my first Doreen Virtue purchase. I needed something to help me SLOW the pace of life and take stock of things. I got these cards a week ago and I have found them to be really precise and accurate. The first time I used them I asked for help with a situation and the card I chose was totally relevant and I kept it with me all day and I followed the advice. I think they have helped me and now I use them before I go to work and It is something I look forward to. I like to look at the illustrations which are are beautiful. Plus the cards are a lovely size. All in all I am very happy with my purchase.

Amazing!, 22 Mar 2008
Wow! I'd like to say unbelieveable, except I do believe! These cards are so fabulous and absolutely accurate. What a bonus that they are beautiful and a pleasure to own and use. I would highly recommend buing these especially if you are just starting out with help from the angels, you won't be disappointed.

fantastic,beautful, 02 Feb 2008
i love these cards they are accurate easy to use and just wonderful, 100% recommend them

Beautiful, easy to use and accurate!, 27 May 2007
A gorgeous deck (almost prestigious looking)! This is my second Doreen's deck and is absolutely beautiful. Most of the time, I use it in conjunction with her Messages from the angels card. Together, they provide me with a fuller picture and enhance the accuracy. When use alone, this deck is also highly accurate. I always get very to-the-point messages or daily guidance. The booklet that comes with the deck is very detailed and helpful as well.

On the whole, it is a very versatile deck that can provide clear, soothing and helpful guidance, perfect for anyone who needs some reassurance, encouragements or simply a pat on the shoulder.

Accurate, honest and beautiful, 29 Mar 2007
This is now the 3rd set of Angel Cards by Doreen Virtue that I have purchased and I can honestly say that they are fast becoming my favourite set. What amazes me with these cards is that you do not have to be a psychic, medium or at all experienced in spiritual matters to be able to use these cards accurately. All you need is a genuine intention. You can use these cards in many ways: (1) use daily to gain a bit of advice from your Angels to carry with you for that day; (2) obtain advice on a specific matter (by asking a question or requesting help with a certain thing); (3) to ask for any information that your angels think you should know; (4) use in conjunction with the Angel Guidance Oracle Board to enhance the answers you get through the board. There are probably many other things you can do with them I am just listing some of the ways that I have used them. Because you are using them to connect with the angels, your Guardian Angel and your spirit guides, you are safe and protected (unlike the Tarot deck which has a link wiht the occult). I have always had really accurate readings from these cards (and from my other sets). Just remember that angels and spirit guides will always answer with the truth NOT with waht you want to hear but try to remember that when one door closes, another opens. There is nothing negative about these cards - warnings are always given lovingly and with advice on how best to deal wih teh situation (we are not talking death here, i am thinking more on the lines of job/career changes, ends of relationships or a warning not to embark on something). Here is a live example for you - I was thinking about getting into a relationship with someone but kept picking the same card - one warning me that caution was warranted and that i would nto find the happiness i sought from this situation. I ignored this advice and went into the relationship regardless. For months the relationship was fine and I didnt understand why the cards had warned me off. Several months in, and i realised why i had been warned. The relationship was a complete disaster and made me unbelievably unhappy. I was also trapped in it for a long time. On a brighter note, i have also had lots of unexpected, brilliant things happen - although we all get the same cards in the sets, you'll only ever receive a message taht is relevant to you. I would definitely recommend these to anyone interested in communing iwth angels. It will change your life, really it will. I also suggest using these with the Angel Guidance Oracle Board. Have a look at the reviews there too.

spot on, 23 Jul 2008
Llewellyn's 2009 Witches' Datebook
This is the first time I have purchased a witches datebook. Absolutelly great. An informative diary, I will be purchasing many more of these.

Not what I was expecting, but quirky and useful, 04 Jun 2008
I was expecting a huge tome full of Confuscian statements which are allegorical to warfare. What I received was a 69-page book of short instructions which are dirrectly about warfare, but in many cases allegorical to life.

Possibly they're all in some way applicable to the day-to-day, the fighting with fire section does seem a bit specialised, but doubtless the scales will fall from my eyes at some stage and I will be able to use its teachings in buying tangerines from waitrose.

The best thing about the book is the ability to spice up conversation. Never again will I use a hackneyed marketing phrase where something from Sun Tzu will work. Brilliant.

A must read book !, 25 Sep 2007
Short but Sweet !
Applicable theories even today !
Must Read, more than once !


Thoughtful selection of Atheist, Agnostic and Rationalist writing from across the ages., 25 May 2008
This book is perhaps slightly undersold by it's title, it's a pretty solid tome, still portable I suppose but it must be a good 2 or 3 inches thick. The second part of the title is also a little misleading, the majority of the authors are indeed atheists, but not limited to the more militant kind one might expect Hitchens to choose. There's a broad spectrum of Humanist, Secularist and Rationalist writing spanning from Lucretius and Spinoza to Ibn Warraq and Sam Harris. The book progresses through these in a roughly chronological order charting the way human thought on the divine (or lack thereof) has changed and progressed.

The readings are well chosen and Hitchens provides a little introduction and context to each section (if I had one minor complaint it would be that these intros could have been even longer, they were fascinating in their own right). He also provides an overall intro to the book as a whole.

If I was to direct someone, atheist or theist, to a single book to explain non-theistic world views to them, it would have to be this.



Nourishment for the mind, 11 Mar 2008
An absolutely dazzling work. As a recovering Christian I am actively seeking out the thoughts of the great secularists down through the ages.
Particular highlights for me were the writings of Mark Twain on the Church's position on slavery, and also a remarkable deconstruction of every Christian argument regarding morality and God by Elizabet Anderson. Its one of those books that I'd love my wife and my Christian friends to read. Sadly, the bubble of false consolation and cognitive bias appears overwhelmingly strong. My experience tells me that the only evidence that Christians can cope with is Christian evidence. A truly impartial assesment of the available evidence from both sides seems a pose a real challenge to them.

A vital purchase, 13 Feb 2008
Here's a book that will expand your mind. And how could it not? Look at the contributors it boasts: Einstein, Darwin, Orwell, Larkin, Twain, McEwan, Rushdie, Hume, Shelley, Russell, Dawkins and many more. Plus you get a main introduction and author introductions from the erudite and savagely witty Hitchens.
A word of warning: the first 100 pages are a bit sticky to wade through. This is because the book's essays are arranged in chronological order so we start with some ancient texts where the English is very heavy and dozens of commas adorn each sentence. There are some wonderful points made of course, but extreme concentration is required to pick them all up.
Things brighten after that and the book becomes highly readable. The majority of the essays are informative, stimulating and beautifully written. Highlights for me included Dawkins (as ever), who once again comes over as the world's best science writer, Larkin's stirring poem Aubade, AC Grayling's succinct essay, Can An Atheist Be A Fundamentalist?, and Ibn Warraq's brilliant dismantling of Islamic beliefs. If only Muslims would read it - but if they did they'd likely just throw it on the nearest fire.
We have much work to do. It may be a thousand years before the awfulness of religion is eradicated from the world, but books like this help: they perpetuate the `drip-down' effect. In the West we were well on the way to eradicating it before several million Muslims came to live here. Personally I doubt that nothing but a devastating clash of civilizations can be the result (we have of course already seen such clashes). Reading this book underlined my belief that this will be the case.
In conclusion, this book is highly recommended. If you only buy one atheist book buy this one (although The God Delusion is also fantastic). In the end you must decide which version of man's evolution and the planet's creation you believe: the views of thousands of the world's greatest ever minds of the past few hundred years; or words written a long, long time ago by people who thought the earth was flat and that the sun went round it, as passed on to them by other people who could not read or write and had not travelled, in their whole lives, more than a few miles from their primitive, parochial townships. I know who I'd prefer to believe.
PS On reflection I'd give this five stars but Amazon don't appear to allow you to edit star ratings.

Excellent, 10 Feb 2008
The choice of writings contained within this anthology is wide and varied, and endlessly fascinating and intellectually stimulating. There is enough ammunition contained within its covers to keep the active atheist on the offensive through many a debate.

An interesting feature for me is just how many times in this volume I have come across paragraphs, just sentences even, that by themselves fatally undermine the entire 'logic' of organised religion. Example: the quote from Mill regarding the monstrous cruelty (and thus laughable improbability) of a supposedly merciful and loving supreme being who plainly (according to the good books, damned in their own words as ever) creates beings by his own hand solely to condemn them to hell fire and damnation. Do what? My other favourite is Ian MacEwan's comments on curiousity being one of the definitions of human freedom of thought, and how organised religions fear almost nothing more - see St Augustine on that one. It's true: the Western religions live in terror of truly free thought, yet without it the human race would still be living in caves. Humanity has advanced to attain astonishing levels of scientific knowledge, yet for centuries it has been a continual fight to achieve it against the squeals of thwarted God-botherers.

Outstanding.

Excellent, 18 Jan 2008
I found this interesting in that it provides a potted history of atheistic philosophy which could be useful to anyone introduced to the subject more recently (perhaps by Dawkins or Dennet). Some of the historical material can be a little hard to read (especially on a packed train) but I found it fascinating to see how the arguments against religion have developed over time. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's story is truly inspiring and is a fitting conclusion to the book. Hitchens' introductions to each chapter are fitting, and often show just how important the individual writers ideas are to the him. Highly recommended.

"Compassion is what connects all things", 17 Jun 2008
This is another of those books that needs to be read from beginning to end... diving in and looking at the "interesting bits" (using the index) will not do the book justice.

There is much in this world that we do not understand... and probably never will... but we are getting there.

Books such as "The Divine Matrix" and "Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer" lead us to understand that we are all connected (irrespective of religious or cultural background)... and that we have much to learn from each other.


excellent translator, 05 May 2008
Gregg Braden has the ability to translate new insights in science and quantum physics into a language which an ordianry person can understand. Not much in the book was that groundbrakeingly new to me, or represents his own research. I have come across most of it already, but he has the knack to make it readable and understandable. Reducing the language of pure science into the language of the normal man/woman.
Pure science often remains unattainable, because scientists do not know how to make their discoveries relevant to everyday life and situations, and without this connection, many of us are left behind, not even wondering what it is all about.
An absolute treasure trove of information, and inspiration to question everything, abolutely everything....


Bridging science and spirituality, 10 Apr 2008
This is an extraordinary book - one of the best I have read in years. Gregg Braden succeeds in bridging science and spirituality, and making it read like a best selling thriller. I am left convinced and inspired. The divine matrix is the scientific discovery of GOD!

Truly Divine, 23 Feb 2008
Excellent book, easy to read and digest.
This has helped me to understand the way we work and to understand myself.
It has really worked for me, I can't explain how much it has changed my thinking and my life!

Does Verify Quantum Science, 08 Oct 2007
"The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles and Belief" by Gregg Braden, is firstly about discovering the Divine Matrix and revealing the mystery that connects all life. Secondly, the book goes on to describe how the Divine Matrix works, and brings insight into bridging between imagination and reality. Finally The Divine Matrix explains how to successfully work with healing in Quantum Awareness, which includes insight and messages from the Divine Matrix.

Also, the Divine Matrix is scientifically verifiable in terms of the latest findings in Quantum Science...and interestingly the hologram is a perfect analogy to ideas presented in this book.

Most highly recommended.

If you like Divine Matrix then you'll be fascinated with a recent New Age novel I've discovered that is also about connectedness, spirituality, and life transformation:

Nexus: A Neo Novel

What a delightful book, 09 Jan 2008
Written by a physicist and theologian, it follows their own extensive experiments in orb phenomena. Since they used two very different experimental approaches, this led to some similarities (and some differences) in their interpretation of their outcomes. And in some respects, they left more questions raised than answered, which is, I guess, one of the outcomes of fairly rigorous exploration of a field that exists beyond our physical senses.

Be warned, this is not a woo-woo New Age book. It does contain excellent information on how to photograph orbs, as well as how to recognize "fake" orbs (and when the photographer might have accidentally chosen a setting that would cause him/her to take fake shots). It also contains some very interesting theories about what these things are, and why they're here. in fact, Miceal Ledwith's groundbreaking discovery that orbs are captured on the camera not by reflected light but by what is know in physics as "fluorescence" opens the way for scientific tools towards an entirely new understanding both of what orbs are and the realms they inhabit.

I have only 2 complaints... wish the type on the footnotes were a slightly larger font, and I do wish Miceal Ledwith had delineated some of the yes/no questions (and answers he got) when he worked with the hexagonal orbs.

I can definitely recommend this if you're interested in the phenomena.
Pam Gotcher


Experiencing Outside The Box, 09 Jan 2008
The Orb Project is an outstanding look at a phenomenon that seems to be too far out of the reality box for Newtonian scientific understanding and therefore is criticized as such. For many people it is just too hard to believe that some sort of life form that is possibly conscious could exist outside the framework of scientific materialism. The Amazon.com review by A. Scientist, not willing to give his name, is an example of a limited perspective by a person who obviously didn't even bother to read the book. If he or she had read it they would find all of their arguments clearly refuted. Granted, if you shake a rug for dust or spritz the air with water when you digitally photograph you will get a photo of a cloud of dust or water, but the orbs of various colors and shapes will not be in the photo.

The forward was written by William A. Tiller, Ph.D., who is `a scientist' and professor emeritus from Stanford University. The book's authors are also highly credentialed, with Klaus Heinemann, Ph.D., holding his degree in experimental physics and who worked for many years at NASA, UCLA, and as a research professor at Stanford University. Miceal Ledwith, D.D., LL.D., was the president of Maynooth College in Ireland for ten years. These people know the difference between dust, moisture and lens flares from orbs.

When Drs. Tiller, Heinemann, and Ledwith presented their findings in 2007 at The Orbs Conference in Sedona, Arizona, they were greeted by over 300 delegates from around the world who had been photographing the orbs with infrared, video, 35mm, as well as digital cameras. Many of the pictures showed orbs at special gatherings such a christenings, weddings, various celebrations, and around animals and children. The delegates by and large understood the orbs to be benevolent and conscious.


Lenore Sweet, PhD, 09 Jan 2008
I devoured this book with glee and highly recommend it! I became obsessed with those big balls in the sky in 2001 and couldn't let loose of them until I wrote a book on the topic. It was a lonely row to hoe back then, so now when intelligent, serious researchers such as Drs. Ledwith and Heinemann catch the same bug and claim things like "we're surrounded by a crowd of witnesses," I take one more step towards trusting my own instincts. "Real" orbs cannot be ignored any longer.

Beautiful Angels, 15 Jul 2008
These are my first Doreen Virtue purchase. I needed something to help me SLOW the pace of life and take stock of things. I got these cards a week ago and I have found them to be really precise and accurate. The first time I used them I asked for help with a situation and the card I chose was totally relevant and I kept it with me all day and I followed the advice. I think they have helped me and now I use them before I go to work and It is something I look forward to. I like to look at the illustrations which are are beautiful. Plus the cards are a lovely size. All in all I am very happy with my purchase.

Amazing!, 22 Mar 2008
Wow! I'd like to say unbelieveable, except I do believe! These cards are so fabulous and absolutely accurate. What a bonus that they are beautiful and a pleasure to own and use. I would highly recommend buing these especially if you are just starting out with help from the angels, you won't be disappointed.

fantastic,beautful, 02 Feb 2008
i love these cards they are accurate easy to use and just wonderful, 100% recommend them

Beautiful, easy to use and accurate!, 27 May 2007
A gorgeous deck (almost prestigious looking)! This is my second Doreen's deck and is absolutely beautiful. Most of the time, I use it in conjunction with her Messages from the angels card. Together, they provide me with a fuller picture and enhance the accuracy. When use alone, this deck is also highly accurate. I always get very to-the-point messages or daily guidance. The booklet that comes with the deck is very detailed and helpful as well.

On the whole, it is a very versatile deck that can provide clear, soothing and helpful guidance, perfect for anyone who needs some reassurance, encouragements or simply a pat on the shoulder.

Accurate, honest and beautiful, 29 Mar 2007
This is now the 3rd set of Angel Cards by Doreen Virtue that I have purchased and I can honestly say that they are fast becoming my favourite set. What amazes me with these cards is that you do not have to be a psychic, medium or at all experienced in spiritual matters to be able to use these cards accurately. All you need is a genuine intention. You can use these cards in many ways: (1) use daily to gain a bit of advice from your Angels to carry with you for that day; (2) obtain advice on a specific matter (by asking a question or requesting help with a certain thing); (3) to ask for any information that your angels think you should know; (4) use in conjunction with the Angel Guidance Oracle Board to enhance the answers you get through the board. There are probably many other things you can do with them I am just listing some of the ways that I have used them. Because you are using them to connect with the angels, your Guardian Angel and your spirit guides, you are safe and protected (unlike the Tarot deck which has a link wiht the occult). I have always had really accurate readings from these cards (and from my other sets). Just remember that angels and spirit guides will always answer with the truth NOT with waht you want to hear but try to remember that when one door closes, another opens. There is nothing negative about these cards - warnings are always given lovingly and with advice on how best to deal wih teh situation (we are not talking death here, i am thinking more on the lines of job/career changes, ends of relationships or a warning not to embark on something). Here is a live example for you - I was thinking about getting into a relationship with someone but kept picking the same card - one warning me that caution was warranted and that i would nto find the happiness i sought from this situation. I ignored this advice and went into the relationship regardless. For months the relationship was fine and I didnt understand why the cards had warned me off. Several months in, and i realised why i had been warned. The relationship was a complete disaster and made me unbelievably unhappy. I was also trapped in it for a long time. On a brighter note, i have also had lots of unexpected, brilliant things happen - although we all get the same cards in the sets, you'll only ever receive a message taht is relevant to you. I would definitely recommend these to anyone interested in communing iwth angels. It will change your life, really it will. I also suggest using these with the Angel Guidance Oracle Board. Have a look at the reviews there too.

spot on, 23 Jul 2008
Llewellyn's 2009 Witches' Datebook
This is the first time I have purchased a witches datebook. Absolutelly great. An informative diary, I will be purchasing many more of these.

We are their heaven, 13 Mar 2008
I bought this for my wife, we are both interested in this kind of thing but my wife has read book after book about afterlife and angels etc since our daughter died 2 years ago. she couldn't put Allison's book down, she cried reading the parts about children, (obviously) but the way Allison writes in a very gentle and calming way, it put my wife's mind at a bit more ease that Caitlin is still around us, she even began to feel her presance when she knew what signs to look for after reading this fantastic volume. I've since bought her all of Allison's books.

Soft pillow for the soul and quite helpful for interpreting given signs, 04 Nov 2007
Like it's previous book it's reassuring and quite the eye opener. Allison DuBois and some of her sitters let us in on some of her readings and everyday signs of those that have passed away but still send many signs to their living loves. What I found most interesting about this book was the ability it gave me as a reader to better understand many of the signs shown/felt, to better acknowledge them and interpret them. It's an eye opener for the little things and a small push into trying to figure out more of what's being shown around ourselves.

she knows her stuff, 15 Apr 2007
this does help you understand there is no death easy to read and will give comfort to those who have loved ones in the spirit world,allison is a gifted lady, another book i could not put down a spiritual and easy to read book which will help and guide you is the calling of your true self,elizabeth anne bell, both mediums come out with a lot the same which will make you think

Great follow up to "Don't kiss Them Goodbye.", 10 Jan 2007
This book is more for people from all walks of life who have suffered the death of a loved one in a particular way. For example, the death of a child, the death of parents, death from suicide, illness etc.... I found this book very reassuring, especially when it laid the myth to rest that suicides go to hell! Can't wait fror her next book.....

Amazing., 29 Oct 2006
In this book Allison DuBois deals with helping those who have experienced the loss of a loved one by sharing the experiences and stories of those she has read. It is a huge comfort to those who are suffering and to those around them, especially when you are looking for validation that your loved one still 'exists'. It is a great follow up to her first book with added info on her own life that makes the book more heartfelt.