The Four Shields: The Initiatory Seasons of Human Nature

Rating:
Summary: A both poetical and scientific approach of human change
Review: Foster and Little combine modern psychological insight with indigenous native wisdom. Their approach is inspiring and yet down-to-earth.

Their image of the 4 seasons of nature is a metaphor for the seasons of human growth. Rites of passage are more important than focusing on the seasons themselves.

A helpful paradigm for healing and growth.

Rating:
Summary: Rites of Passage
Review: Many years ago, I took the trail to the top of Mt. Whitney. Leaving my older, less confident companions behind in the predawn hours at Whitney Portal, I moved quickly up the trail. By mid-morning I was cooling my heels at Trail Camp, a campground of sorts, in a barren glacial basin at 12,000 feet. With another 2500 feet of climbing ahead of me, the trail lead off into a steep jumble of cobbles and boulders. I could see a notch in the ridge above, where the trail was likely headed, but it was not at all obvious how it got there.

I had no guide, but from training as a scout, I knew how to evaluate subtle trail sign, and before long, I was nearing the top of the ridge. From there, the final leg to the top of the mountain was much easier to follow.

A surprise lay below me. Looking back down the slope that I had just climbed so tediously, the trail was laid out like a map. I could see every switchback and turn. Invisible from below, but completely obvious from above.

Human life is more than mirrored in mythology. Each individual's adventure has a potential of mythic intensity and proportion. Our personal experiences are greater and more mysterious than we can often bear, without overlaying those experiences on the framework of mythology. But by properly framing our life's journey, paths once invisible become remarkably clear.

Foster has chosen the cycle of the seasons, and the wealth of mythos surrounding this cycle, as a model for the human life experience. And he uses his model to assist others in making difficult but necessary life transitions. His model, much more so than how he uses it, is the basis for this book.

Looking back, it's as obvious as the back of your hand - or my trail up the mountain - the truth of this model. Yet modern, mechanistic humanity cannot easily envision this model, because so few of us have actually made the transitions. We as a society, with all our complex tinkertoys and petty battles, are a world of children. We have forgotten how to grow up. Those of us that do, have largely done so by ourselves unaided. But for most of us, our core personalities cannot mature in a world that offers us nothing but a cacophony of media mainlining and pseudo-cultural posturing. There's not much chance of escaping this chaotic nightmare.

The vision of the "Four Shields" offers some hope amidst all of this. In truth, this is more than just a book describing a philosophy. It is a way of life - Foster and Little have been living it for decades now - which finally has found its way to paper. Conceivably it could be a blueprint for expanded consciousness. It is highly likely that this book was written with no thought of financial recompense. It was written personally for you - and everyone. For now the only thing I can say is: this book must be purchased, read, and if at all possible, understood. It may not change the path you are on, but it will make that path much clearer.

Rating:
Summary: Rites of Passage
Review: Many years ago, I took the trail to the top of Mt. Whitney. Leaving my older, less confident companions behind in the predawn hours at Whitney Portal, I moved quickly up the trail. By mid-morning I was cooling my heels at Trail Camp, a campground of sorts, in a barren glacial basin at 12,000 feet. With another 2500 feet of climbing ahead of me, the trail lead off into a steep jumble of cobbles and boulders. I could see a notch in the ridge above, where the trail was likely headed, but it was not at all obvious how it got there.

I had no guide, but from training as a scout, I knew how to evaluate subtle trail sign, and before long, I was nearing the top of the ridge. From there, the final leg to the top of the mountain was much easier to follow.

A surprise lay below me. Looking back down the slope that I had just climbed so tediously, the trail was laid out like a map. I could see every switchback and turn. Invisible from below, but completely obvious from above.

Human life is more than mirrored in mythology. Each individual's adventure has a potential of mythic intensity and proportion. Our personal experiences are greater and more mysterious than we can often bear, without overlaying those experiences on the framework of mythology. But by properly framing our life's journey, paths once invisible become remarkably clear.

Foster has chosen the cycle of the seasons, and the wealth of mythos surrounding this cycle, as a model for the human life experience. And he uses his model to assist others in making difficult but necessary life transitions. His model, much more so than how he uses it, is the basis for this book.

Looking back, it's as obvious as the back of your hand - or my trail up the mountain - the truth of this model. Yet modern, mechanistic humanity cannot easily envision this model, because so few of us have actually made the transitions. We as a society, with all our complex tinkertoys and petty battles, are a world of children. We have forgotten how to grow up. Those of us that do, have largely done so by ourselves unaided. But for most of us, our core personalities cannot mature in a world that offers us nothing but a cacophony of media mainlining and pseudo-cultural posturing. There's not much chance of escaping this chaotic nightmare.

The vision of the "Four Shields" offers some hope amidst all of this. In truth, this is more than just a book describing a philosophy. It is a way of life - Foster and Little have been living it for decades now - which finally has found its way to paper. Conceivably it could be a blueprint for expanded consciousness. It is highly likely that this book was written with no thought of financial recompense. It was written personally for you - and everyone. For now the only thing I can say is: this book must be purchased, read, and if at all possible, understood. It may not change the path you are on, but it will make that path much clearer.