The Soul's Book of Answers

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing Answers for Your Soul
Review: Carol Bolt's books are not only intriguing; they have beautiful covers that capture your attention. They can be left on a coffee table and will definitely get the conversation going at parties. This cover has a blue suede feel and a swirl of navy blue that reminds me of a ribbon. The picture here at Amazon does not do this book justice. This book feels good in your hands and would capture any bibliomaniacs interest.

The first time I saw one of Carol's books I was instantly intrigued. I was one of the last people to a book signing party. They were just putting the books away, when I walked over and found the last Autographed copy... as if it was waiting for me.

When I picked up the book I had no idea how to use it. Of course, I'm not known for reading instructions. However, once you realize you are playing a game, it becomes an enjoyable treat.

As soon as I figured out what this book was all about, I was laughing out loud. Carol explained that it has the intrigue of a magic eight ball, but unlike the magic ball, this book has so many more answers. The instructions are on the back cover on a removable sticker and are also in the front of the book.

First you ask an open-ended question while holding the book and concentrating on your question for a few seconds. Concentrate on our question or say the question out loud.

Then, riffle the pages from back to front with your thumb. When you feel the time is right, stop and open the book. The page you see will contain your answer.

I tend to ask very specific questions and get quite a few good answers. You have to be serious about what you are doing. When you really concentrate, it seems to have conversations with you. Which can, by the way, produce some chills up your spine!

"The Soul's Book of Answers" contains a collection of wisdom from many spiritual traditions, so I knew this would be an enlightening experience.

So, I ask the book: "What will the year 2004 bring in regards to my spiritual growth?" Answer: "The only limitations you have are the ones that you accept."

Since I was a bit curious about this mysterious quote, I asked: "How will I free myself from limitations?"
Answer: "Many things which cannot be overcome when they are together, yield themselves when taken little by little."

Again, I ask: "How will I know what I need to overcome?" Answer: "Wait for what your soul shall see in sleep."

I love Carol's books because they really work for me. She produced the original Book of Answers in 1998 and the book was then published commercially later that same year. It went on to become a bestseller.

Other answers include:

"When you seek to know it, you cannot see it. When you are silent, it speaks."

"Out of clutter, find simplicity; from discord, find harmony; in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

"A wise soul hears one word and understands two."

"The Soul's Book of Answers" is a mysterious little book to intrigue the mind and is the most spiritual of the "Book of Answers" series. Just be very careful what you ask. You might just get the right answer.
Rating:
Summary: Ok for novelty. Divining is another story...
Review: The book has beautiful binding and is very nice for show and handling. I own many books of this type used for divination through bibliomancy and practice this magick daily.

I can see how the book would be fun for parties and get togethers or used for simple novelty. The book contains basic wisdom with depth that barely breaks the surface. I can easily compare it to the Magic 8 Ball toy.

For practitioners of divination using bibliomancy, the book is difficult to communicate with. Where, in my experience, you would normally open a book to it's page and it will speak it's wisdom to you, you have to "speak" to this one first, making the results often incomprehensive, nonsensical, or whimsical.

The method of operating with this book for serious diviners seems to work backwards and unnaturally.
At the risk of sounding silly, I've made several attempts to create a relationship with this book to no avail.

My experience with the book thus far; it is a beautiful book. I recommend it for novelty. The dollar value is mostly related to it's velvety cover. I would certainly recommend this book as a gift for teenagers or perhaps someone unfamiliar with this form of divining to get a general understanding of how it works, and not for someone who practices this often as the depth of the quotes in the book are not as meaty or hearty as I am accustomed to.

For divination and seeking wisdom and answers with far greater depth and dimension, I recommend the Susan Hayward collection. (Bag of Jewels, Guide for the Advanced Soul, etc.)

Rating:
Summary: Common wisdom, prayers, and more inspirational thoughts
Review: The Soul's Book Of Answers by Carol Bolt is a unique work not meant to be read in the traditional manner. It is comprised of aphorisms, quotes from famous figures, common wisdom, prayers, and more inspirational thoughts that touch upon all aspects of life. To use it, one meditates upon a question, opens the book to a page that feels appropriate, and reads the thought on that page, which can be applied as one's answer. One would be surprised how relevant general advice such as "Do not be overly concerned to change [others'] opinion[s]" can be to a given problem of the heart. Also very highly recommended is Carol Bolt's previous work - Love's Book Of Answers.