Rating: 
Summary: Lots of guess work....
Review: While I can appreciate the risks Myss takes with this book, and her highly creative mind I do have a some serious concerns with some of the underlying assumptions. They are these........1. First, how do we know for certain that we make Sacred Contracts before we are born? This seems to be highly speculative. I mean, it could be, but how do we know for sure? Also, what objective criteria would one use in discovering the content of the contract? Is it just intuitive? There's a lot of guesswork here -- to be sure. It gets fuzzy right from the start. 2. With whom is the contract made, and what are the consequences if one does not fulfill the contract? Are their negative consequences for breaking one's vow? Is the vow made with God? I'm still not clear on this. 3. Myss is specific on the classification of archetypes, but admits there may be dozens or hundreds more. How does she know that these are all legitimate archetypes? This is a very different view from Plato's understanding of eternal forms. Plato believed the forms are universal, perfect, incorruptible, and all participate in the ultimate form of the good. Jung takes the forms re-works them, and ends up with a rather splintered and fragmented view. (the archetypes seem to be persons or spirits as Jung presents them.) Then Myss gets takes Jung's archetypes, splinters them further, and adds a dark twist -- confusing more than clarifying. I wonder where all of this is going to end? 4. I think Myss is correct with her diagnosis of a metaphysical disease which effects all people and expresses itself through depression, anxiety, fatigue, and physical illness. Humans are ill. However, her prescription for curing that disease (being one's own spiritual doctor) is unconvincing. If the source of the disease is external then why is an external cure not needed? What I mean is, if we are truly ill, why is that not a result of our failure to keep our contract? If it is, should we not seek the forgiveness of the One we have broken the contract with? Myss seems to say, 'no - we just try harder.' 5. If Myss wants to promote her view over other metaphysical views, it would may be best for her to explain why the other views are wrong. Either we have entered into sacred contracts in a pre-existence or we have not. Since so many other worldviews don't acknowledge this belief, I don't find it very compelling. If Myss is right, then so many others are wrong, as many religions deny a pre-existent state. Yes, she presents some similar views found in other religions, but these are obscure and an extreme minority. In short, Myss's ideas are interesting, but I believe this book ends up being more fictional. If it is fiction I begin to wonder if it is leading people from the truth instead of towards it.
Rating:
Summary: book too mixed up
Review: I found this book mixed up in its presentation. The matter was not presented clearly in a logical sequence, it jumped here and there. I had to flip back and forth. The archetypes should have been listed in the chapter that pertained to them, instead of being stuck in the back of the book. Some of this book is divination, and I won't participate in it. I bought this book because someone saw it on Oprah and told me about it. I thought that it would help me. I did learn of the different archetypes that I am, and that helped me some to identify the things that I do. It was even painful to read about the archetypes and realize which ones that I was. I would have finished the book, but I won't participate in divination, as the exercise at the end is compared to the Tarot, or I Ching.
Rating: 
Summary: Sacred Contracts
Review: "Sacred Contracts" is a strong book dealing with medical intuition and offers advice dealing with metaphysical disease. I think the archetypes would be even more effective if they were leaning towards using terminology about the diseases and their links with medical intuition. If you loved the part about archetypes and astrology, you definitely want to purchase the book "Discoverning Your Soul Mission" by Linda Brady and Evan St. Lifer. An excellent book using karmic astrology to create the life you want! Linda Brady's classess has certainly helped me find my "Soul's Mission!" Dr. Marilyn R. Lee
Rating: 
Summary: Who and who and who am I?
Review: After scanning the book (which I plan to purchase used) and Myss's website, I found that a lot of her philosophies fit in very well with my own belief system. Myss purports that, whatever god(dess), myth, tenet, fate or degree of freewill you believe in, every single person has a sacred contract between his/herself and that higher power which sets said individual on a path/lesson to be learned this lifetime. Everyone, according to Myss, has 12 different archetypes (strong characters) that define/determine one's path. The book describes dozens of these archetypes and gives guidance in picking those that are applicable to oneself. There are also questions suggested to be used in interviewing the archetype/self. Both the book and the website detail how to cast your individual archetypical wheel. Similar to an astrological wheel, there are segments that represent different areas of life (ie. house of personality/ego, house of creativity, house of relationships, etc.). During the casting process, one assigns one's archetypes to the different houses. Again, introspective questions are suggested to examine how one's archetypes relate to these aspects of one's life. I was amazed at how accurately my casting was in relation to my life and being. Although I personally ignored many of the religious analogies and personal testimonies within the book, I found the self-interrogation process to be highly worthwhile and enjoyed Myss's guidance.
Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking
Review: I just completed the audiotapes of the book yesterday. This was my first experience with any of Carolyn's work. Her spoken words were thought provoking and in many ways motivating. I feel that I learned a few new pieces of information which complement my existing beliefs. I was however disappointed that the publishers??? chose not to include a small booklet with the archetypes etc. One feels forced to purchase the book in order to complete the exercises which are discussed on the tapes. I resent this sort of marketing and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth! On the lighter side however, I would recommend the audio tapes for anyone who seeks a thought provoking discussion of the seemingly "passing" relationships and chaos of daily life. I have gained new awareness as a result of listening to the tapes and that is, in and of itself, noteworthy to any future buyers.
Rating: 
Summary: Theology, not spirituality
Review: I saw the interview that the auther did on Oprah, which inspired me to purchase this book. Unfortunately, the book had little to do with the archetypes that were discussed during the interview and very much to do with the divine. This book should really be categorized as religion. The author makes use of this book to pedantically express her theological point of view. Sadly, it is little more than religious propaganda.
Rating:
Summary: CD needs small booklet of archetypes
Review: What propmpted me to buy the book was seeing Carolyn on Oprah. I received the book, and it was too much information to get thru for me, so I returned it. I then, ordered the CD version and enjoyed it very much, until the 4th CD suggests you need the book to determine what archetypes you are. Seems to me the CD should have a mini booklet on archetypes to accompany it. I am so disappointed now, I'm returning the CD too. I don't think I should have to buy the book and CD to understand something simple like this.
Rating:
Summary: Best to read book AND listen to CD/Tape
Review: This book is a great book, but it is no light-read.
It is not just your average self-help book. After reading these reviews, I think it works best if you know about Caroline and understand her teachings. She knows about labeling, and understands the mysterious paradox between divine guidance and free-will...
If you are interested in pinpointing all the different "roles" you play in your life in order to discover more about yourself, this is the right book. It is a lot like the process of reading and understanding your astrological chart. It will not help you find a perfect job but it will help you discover why you are here. She explains the difference. I bought the book and the book-on-tape/cd because I like to listen to her tapes. She explains some things a little better on a tape than in a book because she is such a great speaker. On the other hand, the list of many common, but by no means all of the archetypes are listed in the book along with stories about people, and visuals of the wheels including her own.
This book is great but it is actually some work (although it is fun work) so if you're not ready its likely to sit on your shelf. I also recommend Caroline's tape Spirtual Madness, which is NOT a book as well.
Rating:
Summary: so far...
Review: I like the tape so far, but she takes a bit long to explain the concepts and I feel like saying 'get to the point, already'...but her information is interesting, and it was a subject I have been looking for more information on. I think though it is going to get better farther on.
Rating:
Summary: Sacred Contracts
Review: Disappointment describes my feeling about this book. The first four chapters are interesting for their historical and biblical context, but it was all downhill from there. The book lacked focus. The author restated religious and mythological ideas, presenting the ideas as something new and different. It wasn't. I bought this book after seeing the author on Oprah's show and now I wonder if anyone on staff had read the book before scheduling her appearance.
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