Past Lives, Present Dreams

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, but incomplete, guide
Review: After reading dozens of books on reincarnation that merely describe the workings of karma or the successful regressions of other people, I found "Past Lives, Present Dreams" empowering. This book encourages everyone to be a Reincarnation Detective who actively searches the present for clues about the past--not just a passive patient dependent on a therapist or regressionist.

Denise Linn's Past Life Clues in Chapter IV alone can spark the beginning of the detective hunt. These include obvious ones such as food preferences, and surprising ones like pets and favorite animals. Chapter V is an entire section on interpreting dreams.

Of course, this book has its shortcomings. For one thing, it says very, very little about relationship and group karma. Also, Linn appears to be ministering mostly to an individual's subconscious. This could leave some readers with the impression that all it takes to balance karma is a few therapy sessions and a new (feel-good) philosophy. This may increase self-esteem, but it won't change anything unless the patient/detective does some extra, unglamorous work out in the real world.

In her book "Star Signs", astrologer Linda Goodman told of a friend of hers who had contracted a rare, crippling disease. This friend, who accepted the disease as his karma, did not do anything as plastic as attempting to heal his psyche with an unblocking exercise. Instead, he quit his well-paying job, took a new post at a hospital for crippled children, and performed some nasty janitorial tasks--balancing his karma not by ministering to himself, but by unselfishly serving others.

"Past Lives, Present Dreams" is a book I would recommend to both "neophytes" looking for answers and "veterans" looking for someone with a new point of view. Linn's writing is a unique blend of ancient wisdom and "Age of Aquarius" spirituality--but it may not be everyone's cup of tea. As this is far from being the _ultimate_ guide, I suggest balancing it with others (such as "Many Mansions" by Gina Cerminara), for a more comprehensive understanding of karma and reincarnation.

Rating:
Summary: I like Brian Weiss and now I like Denise Linn!
Review: I am really glad that I discovered Denise Linn! I have been reading alot about reincarnation/past life regression lately - it's something that makes so much sense to me! I have read all of Brian Weiss after seeing him on the Howie Mandell show! I really like his books and I got a tape of his also. He's a very good read as well. But I've read them all and I still need help!

Ms. Linn has a wonderfully different way to discribe her experiences and to suggest ways to relax and regress! I am a very hard nut to relax - I'm too "busy" and I need to get all the suggestions that I can! Ms. Linn has given me the "blue light" method which I think will help and she reaffirmed many others - in different words and emphases! I am not done yet with this book - but it's a fast read and I will be done soon so that I can try what she suggests and pass it on to my sister!

Rating:
Summary: Leave it to a Native American to show the way!!
Review: I have always had great respect for Native Americans with their high level of spirituality and closeless to the Earth. Denise Linn is an excellent example of this.

Her book was and is exactly what I needed to open doors in my life. Her exercises are excellent ways of not only finding out information about past lives but also, as the title suggests, finding out who you are in the present.

The best chapter in the book is "How To Recall A Past Life." You'll be surprised at what you find out.

Only a Native American could write a kick (butt) book like this. It is most definitely worth the read!!!

Rating:
Summary: Leave it to a Native American to show the way!!
Review: I have always had great respect for Native Americans with their high level of spirituality and closeless to the Earth. Denise Linn is an excellent example of this.

Her book was and is exactly what I needed to open doors in my life. Her exercises are excellent ways of not only finding out information about past lives but also, as the title suggests, finding out who you are in the present.

The best chapter in the book is "How To Recall A Past Life." You'll be surprised at what you find out.

Only a Native American could write a kick (butt) book like this. It is most definitely worth the read!!!

Rating:
Summary: I like Brian Weiss and now I like Denise Linn!
Review: This was the first book by Denise Linn I have read,it certainly will not be the last. She truly captures the essence of reincarnation in her writings. Her stories on Native Americans along with other case studies made for very interesting reading.