Inprint - New Books of interest by Jeanne Spiro

Secret Universe of Names: The Dynamic Interplay of Names and Destiny by Roy Feinson. (The Overlook Press, $29.95, Hardcover.)

Which names are the sexiest? The most powerful? How does your name or your child’s name determine destiny? It’s all here in Secret Universe of Names. Look up your own name or the names of friends, lovers, co-workers, and family members—or use this as a baby name resource. You’ll find a detailed description of the very specific personal characteristics associated with that name as well as an explanation of their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and much more.

Author Roy Feinson gathered his results by using data from over eighty million names provided by the U.S. Census Bureau; he then correlated the success rates of the initial letters in a number of different categories. Charisma, career success, love and friendship, power. How much of each starts with the sound of your name? Part scientific study, part baby name book, and part spiritual resource, this fascinating review has over 10,000 name-by-name examples representing how the sound of a name evokes basic, gut reactions and what this means for you and yours. Accompanying each of the more than 300 entries of sound groups is a short biography of a well-known personality who exemplifies the name attributes, with a rating of their charisma, power, sex appeal, and wealth potential.

Finding Deep Joy by Robert Ellwood. (Quest Books, $18.95, Paperback.)

In these troubled and anxious times, it may seem difficult to find the joy in our lives. In Finding Deep Joy, Robert Ellwood explains that joy is accessible to everyone at any time. Joy can ease the most adverse circumstances and enhance the happiest. It is our birthright and true nature, says Ellwood.

This former professor of religion invokes Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Sufi wisdom to affirm joy despite all conditions—rich or poor, sick or healthy. He then leads us to find deep joy for ourselves, not in some distant future, but right here and now, one moment at a time.

Originally published in 1984, this redesigned edition contains sidebar quotations from influential writers, thinkers, and mystics; real-life personal storeis; practical suggestions for accessing joy; and black and white photography throughout. Just in time for the holiday season, Finding Deep Joy makes a great gift for old friends, young people seeking vision, and any loved one in need.

Opening to Meditation by Diana Lang. (New World Library, $19.95, Hardcover with CD.)

Opening to Meditation is a simple, attractive, user-friendly book with CD that guides one, gently and easily, into meditation. For those new to meditation, this book explains what it is, how to establish and carry out a workable practice, and how to create sacred space. It also answers the most common questions.

Diana Lang’s encouraging and lighthearted approach to body/mind awareness allows for an authentic experience of real connection. She has developed simple and direct ways for people of all levels to achieve the wellbeing that the experience of spiritual awareness offers. She is able to demystify the spiritual process with practical tools and simple applications so that the new student can have a powerful experience, right away. She writes for people who live in the real world with conventional lifestyles who want a deeper spiritual connection.

Vegan World Fusion Cuisine: Healing Recipes and Timeless Wisdom From Our Hearts to Yours by Mark Reinfeld, Bo Rinaldi and the Chefs of The Blossoming Lotus. (Thousand Petals Publishing, $24.95, Hardcover.)

More and more people are affirming that through conscious and wise food choices we can heal our bodies and restore balance to our planet. Vegan World Fusion Cuisine serves as a manual for sustainable, nonviolent living by honoring the cuisine, art, music and spiritual traditions of the world’s cultures. Mark Reinfeld, founder and executive chef of the award-winning restaurant Blossoming Lotus in Kauai, Hawaii, with Bo Rinaldi shows a peaceful and loving approach to food preparation that unites these cooking traditions and brings them easily into our homes.

Acknowledging that most people are not able to make diet or lifestyle changes overnight, this book offers choices from 200 recipes along with wondrous photos of food and sacred sites, with timeless wisdom from healers, musicians, artists and philosophers from around the world.

Amulets: Sacred Charms of Power and Protection by Sheila Paine. (Inner Traditions, $29.95, Paperback.)

This is a comprehensive illustrated study of the use of amulets around the world and throughout history. It explores not only the substances and symbolism from which amulets derive, but also the people and objects they protect.

All over the world and from ancient times amulets have offered protection against negative forces. The power of amulets is based on the underlying, widespread belief that all things in the natural world have a spirit and power that links them together. Amulets come in an astonishing variety of guises: from stones, shells, and seeds, through animal tails, teeth, and claws, to beads, mirrors, needles and bells.

To unearth the mythology, traditional practices, symbolism, and modern uses of amulets—whether for health and safety or as channels for spiritual or magical powers—the author traveled to more than thirty countries around the world. She reveals her findings not only in unusual stories and commentary but also through more than 400 color photographs.

The Truth Fairy: The Enchanted Pendulum & Message Board Kit
by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber. (Thorsons Element, $26.95, Pendulum & Message Board Kit.)

Divination experts Amy Zerner and Monte Farber have created The Truth Fairy: The Enchanted Pendulum & Message Board Kit to help readers find the right direction in any area of their lives. Using twelve message boards and a pendulum necklace (all custom designed by Amy Zerner), this kit provides a unique way to develop intuitive powers, access the wisdom of Fairy Guides, and gain answers to life’s questions.

Using the 48-page instruction book, The Truth Fairy pendulum technique can be learned by anyone in a matter of minutes, allowing users of any age to tune in to the right course of action. Whether the decision involves love, money, creativity, work, travel or whatever, the Truth Fairy will help find the way.