Rating: 
Summary: Finding the Archetypes
Review: The archetypes that Confused (MK from Tucson) couldn't find in the Appendix (Gallery of Archetypes) at the back of the book are actually there for the most part. As Myss plainly states in the intro to the gallery, because many archetypes overlap to some extent, she "included related archetypes in the heading of the dominant listing." And so with a little browsing you will find the Hermit, for example, under Mystic; Wizard is listed and described under Alchemist; and Sage is included under Guide (along with Guru, Wise Woman, Spiritual Master, etc.) To dismiss the entire book because a few of the archetypes require some browsing to find seems a bit extreme. Myss also says flatly that the list is necessarily incomplete, as there are hundreds of archetypes in the human unconscious, and she invites readers to consider ones that are not listed in the Gallery as well. This interactive aspect of the book, the invitation to expand on her own observations, is part of what makes it so appealing.
Rating: 
Summary: Confusing
Review: I found Ms. Myss' latest book confusing. She has an appendix in the back listing many the archetypes and descriptions of each. However, in the text of the book she refers to archetypes which aren't included in the appendix, i.e. hermit, dilettante, sage, wizard, etc. These seem to be plucked from nowhere, with no description as to attributes similar to the format in the appendix. Why aren't all the archetypes she discusses in the appendix? And since they aren't, the book failed for me. M. Koller, Tucson
Rating:
Summary: MYSS -- Rhymes With FACE
Review: Put a new face on your astrological chart with this fine workbook for assigning ancient archetypes to the twelve houses of your "being." MYSS (her name rhymes with "face") knows the language of the soul and she helps the reader step down "the meaning of life," by insisting that each of us incorporates 1/3 of our being from four particular archetypes: victim, prostitute, saboteur and child. You get to self-select 2/3 of your "self" from less daunting choices. I picked "knight," "student/teacher," "visionary," and five others. As it happened, "prostitute" came up in my HOUSE OF SELF. So...I had to accept that some felt I prostituted myself by giving "my best" to another's career for 19 years. Saboteur came up in my HOUSE OF INSTITUTIONS. I had to agree that my efforts to get women priests accepted by the Episcopal Church had appeared to sabotage the previous, sexist system. You will have just as much fun incorporating Myss' contractual information as I did. If you are "ready," she is a teacher who can "appear" and deliver. Happy growing.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: Sacred Contracts takes Jung's concept of archetypes beyond anything Jung himself might have imagined and brings the notion squarely into the 21st century. This is a genuinely transformative book...that is,when you read it, you change at the deepest levels and begin to understand why you're here. Don't even bother reading these reviews. Just go out and buy the book!
Trish MacGregor
Rating:
Summary: A point of view, authoritive
Review: Based on what we all have to ponder at least once in our lives, are we here for a mission or purpose? If so this author has a very authoritive stance at what we are and what we should do. Her opinion yes, but with an immense amount of research from various spiritual origins. There is absolutely no basis for evolution in this book. The info presented is not so biased as from the author, but from the belief of Sacred origins. With that this book has rigid guidelines and rigid classes of being, leaving the only weakness to this write, being restricted or less dimensional than real life actually unfolds. This is a complicated read at the same time, however leaves much room for simple universal expansion.
I strongly recommend a book that is easy reading, and does not limit our origins or options, SB 1 or God By Karl Mark Maddox.
Rating:
Summary: A Seekers Guide to the Soul
Review: "Sacred Contracts" is a textbook, a workbook, a seekers guide to the soul. Rich with stories and anecdotes, it moves easily from information to example. Questions are anticipated, answers are provided. Concepts move from the cosmic level to the practical; theory to practice. Information for today; guidance for tomorrow. Exercises for self-discovery are thorough; instructions clear and precise. On the subject of "Sacred Contracts," Dr. Myss' says "...my belief (is) that our life is laid out in steps and stages arranged in such a way that we always have the opportunity for spiritual transformation..." She goes on, "Your Sacred Contract allows you countless chances to grow and change, dependent only on your willingness to pick up subtle clues and cues that appear along the way." (p.39) After exploring all the components of a Sacred Contract, Dr. Myss provides a set of tools to uncover the "clues and cues" that lead us in the direction of our own Sacred Contract. She gives examples of how others have used these tools to gain a deeper appreciation of the meaning of their life, their Contract. Dr. Myss' even uses herself as an example, explaining both her Contract and how it plays out through various experiences of her life. "Sacred Contracts" is both the icing AND the cake. It is far more than I imagined.
Rating: 
Summary: dizzying
Review: I have been on a spiritual path for 20 years, and agree that a certain amount of self-discovery is necessary. However, this convoluted,complicated book encourages a level of introspection that can not be healthy. I can't imagine anyone taking this book seriously as coming away anything but self-absorbed, with no real interest in other people, as they have found themselves so archetypically interesting.
A great investment for true narcissists!
Rating:
Summary: Are you a Pioneer or a Saboteur?
Review: Wouldn't you just love to find out who you really are? Maybe you really are the Queen or Hero you always suspected yourself to be. I think many of us have wondered since childhood what great things we were going to accomplish and experience. Our games and role-playing maybe even brought us a glimpse of our archetypes. And then reality set in and we forgot about the greatness we had imagined. Now is the perfect time and this is the perfect book to take this self discovery journey and meet the stable of archetypes who inhabit your subconscious. I loved this book. I re-discovered parts of myself that had been programmed out of existence by a patriarchal church environment - priestess, pioneer, and artist re-introduced themselves. After claiming my 12 archetypes I placed their names around my studio and my creativity and self confidence soared. My spiritual journey has been empowered by discovering these elements of myself and I think this book is a powerful tool for every one to help map out their unique and personal evolution. This book is a commitment. It takes time and it's not a fast read and since all we really have is time, it's important to get value for time spent. This is one of the best values for my time spent in a long time. This book also is a life-long tool. I've used it several times over the past two years to get further insights and clarification into my archetypes and how they inspire me. So, who are you? Do you know? Elaine Maginn Sonne, Ph.D. Author of Legends of the Stones and other books on empowerment.
Rating:
Summary: For ROBERT TRUEX
Review: You mentioned that you are interested in other books on archetypes. I would recommend reading Carol Pearson, "The Hero Within" and her subsequent books. I loved the Hero Within and gained much from it.
I gave this book "one" star because I haven't read it yet. Just responding to Robert's request. :)
Rating: 
Summary: Beginning Self-Reflection...
Review: Sometimes life asks us: Why are we here? Who am I?
This wonderful book is a guide into self-examination. You will need to keep a journal and will need to set aside some time each day to complete the project. Myss combines many cultures into this spiritual journey into the divine within and assists in recognizing characteristics of the soul. Both positive and negative (shadow). Jungian in it's archetypical approach, it is through this journey that one may gain insight into what we enjoy doing and who we are. It helps you consider the possibility of changing negative behavior by recognizing the fears that trigger your actions.
I found the book overall to be a good read. Personal examples from Myss' workshops are given for guidance and insight, although later on in the book I began to have the impression that they may have been 'amended' to prove a point. However, that does not negate the practice of self-examination through building your own archetypical wheel. If you enjoy keeping a journal, then I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are seeking guidance. After all, it is within that we hold the key to who we are.
|
