[.ca] Don Juan And The Art Of Sexual Energy P (ISBN 1879181630)

From Amazon.com:
A title such as Don Juan and the Art of Sexual Energy can be misleading. Those expecting a smooth manual that reads like a Joy to Toltec Sex will be sorely disappointed. On the other hand, those hoping for an ambitious discussion of the shape shifting, trances, energy scanning, and archetypal imagery that characterize Toltec sexuality will be deeply gratified. Like the famous writer Carlos Castaneda, who introduced Toltec teachings to the greater world, Merilyn Tunneshende often shifts into dream-like narratives. For example, in a passage where she discusses the sensual power of nature, Tunneshende recounts a trance under the guidance of her shaman and teacher. Lying beneath a mesquite tree, she has a vision that she is "moving through the interior of the plant, much like a whole egg moves through the body of a snake when swallowed." When she arrived at the base of the plant, "a trumpeting white flower sprouted from my head and my ovaries turned in on themselves...." Fortunately, the closing of every chapter is grounded with concise, easy-to-follow exercises, such as how to draw upon and release sexual energy in nature or how to perform "fire breath" to raise sexual energy in the body. --Gail Hudson

This book empowers women:
I found this book to be greatly empowering for women. Reading it was like finding an oasis in the mists of life in a very male dominated culture. It was refreshing to read about sexuality in terms that weren't specifically about sex but rather about how to use your sexual energy for positive things in your life. Too often a woman's sexuality is used in a negative way such as solely to please men. The author, Merilyn, discusses very concrete ways to enhance your sexual energy and channel it toward the positive. It should also be noted that while the book has a very feminine slant it also has tips for men as well and she talks about balancing the male and female sexual energy that both men and women have. She mentions that many men have lost their feminine energy and many women have lost their masculine energy and she discusses ways to get back in balance. It is a beautifully written book with many humorous stories intertwined within it. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an open mind and a willingness to explore their sensuality.

Rejuvenating and Empowering Sexual Practice:
Yes, I liked this book. I particularly appreciate that after each chapter there is an explanation of appropriate exercises for practice. As I was reading this book, the sexual exercises in this book have very much reminded me of the Taoist Practices which I have been doing for years and those who are interested in more in-depth explanation than could fit into this book, may be interested to check out books (Healing Love Through Tao: Cultivating Female Sexual Energy and Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy) and videos (Healing Love: Taoist Sexual Energy Cultivation) by Mantak Chia.

Extremely Valuable Collection of Spiritual Practices:
This excellent book weaves together a description of basic Mesoamerican spiritual practices with the highlights of MT's training. The story also gives pointers to women on why and how not to become prey to the sexual desires of male gurus--a topic too long ignored. Although we are no longer associated, I worked with her in the past and I promise you that whether or not you believe her teacher's were Don Juan and Don Genaro from the Castenada books (I personally believe she is Carol Tiggs from his books), MT is definitely a trained sorceress in that tradition. Although she can pin you to the wall with vicious rantings, she gave me the most valuable practice I have ever received from my 25 years experience in multiple mystical traditions. I can't express how thankful I am for receiving the gift of the method to create "the pearl" from MT. This high level women's practice "worked" for me in about two weeks of practice and I continue to carry the precious beauty of that energy which has opened the door to a much more magical world for me. MT once gave me the task of finding her and Dona Celestina Soledad in Yuma. After a cursory look around, I decided I would rather not risk being eaten alive and left. Perhaps she did not forgive me for that. But if you have been meditating for years with no noticeable effect and you want practices that work, try these...

Don't waste your money:
This book was an utter waste of money and time, that is unless you enjoy writing that is both wordy and obtuse. It clarifies nothing, and you have to suspend an enormous amount of disbelief to not only digest what she is saying, but also to practice the exercises she suggests. This seems more like a novel about female empowerment than anything else. She has some nerve using Don Juan's name, as a feeble effort in name dropping to show she has some connection to the fantastic Castaneda series. Bottom line = this book is utter garbage and offers nothing to the reader except a headache

A valuable tool and enjoyable reading:
As a longtime student of Carlos Castaneda's books, I will always be grateful to him for introducing me to the possibilities of a different perception. However, Merilyn's book fills in many of the gaps missing from Carlos' teachings. I had a profound near death experience before ever hearing about Castaneda, an explanation for which I have been seeking for years for in his books, and failed to find. Merilyn was able to address it. The writing may appear deceptively simple, but in her preface, she states that it is written for "big children", as we are children when it comes to the potential of our sexual energy. I found this book to be fulfilling and thoroughly worthwhile reading. My deepest thanks to you, Merilyn.