When we live our lives consciously, universal motifs, archetypes, and timeless patterns emerge through which we discover not only who we are but also why we are deeply connected to all others. This is life's greatest adventure; it is thoroughly described in the world's wisdom traditions. *Mystic Journey* uses a multi-faith approach to reveal the path of the soul; this not a solitary quest but rather a superhighway meant for everyone. As we explore the deeper story of our soul, we also discover that we are living a lifelong process of soul-making, leading us ultimately to personal and collective transformation. Getting to the heart of your soul's story is soul-making. *Mystic Journey* guides readers to: Use their life stories to help solidify their identities, Live with an eternal perspective in mind, and Reclaim their common spiritual heritage. "This is a reminder of Keats' immortal perception that 'the world is a vale of soul making' and that the uses of psychology have to do with understanding the soul in transformation." -Stephen Larsen, Ph.D., author of *The Mythic Imagination* and *A Fire in the Mind* "Robert Atkinson's new book offers us a thoughtful and thorough guide to a new kind of heroics... This is a rich read." -Gregg Levoy, author of *Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life*

This edition, which offers a bilingual selection of poetry and selected prose translated into English by the nun-author Cecilia del Nacimiento (1570-1646), increases contemporary scholars' access to, and therefore understanding of, the Spanish early modern religious and intellectual milieu. A significant, rarely-studied mystic and poet, and member of the Discalced Carmelite Order in the years after St. Teresa of Avila's death, Cecilia del Nacimiento exemplifies the range of possibilities used by women writers who worked within the conventions of hegemonic discourses, while creating a unique literary voice. --Stacey Schlau Professor, Department of Languages and Culture and the Women's Studies Program West Chester University, Pennsylvania

We all tell stories about who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. These personal myths in turn shape who we become and what we believe—as individuals, families, and nations. This book offers readers the tools to detect the story line in their own lives and to write and tell it to others, opening up a hidden world of self-discovery and meaning. The numerous accessible exercises are followed by examples of personal stories and inspiring quotes to stimulate the journey to the center of one's purpose. "By the art of fantasy and imagination, story and image, these authors map the ways personal stories deepen into transpersonal mythic journeys." —David Miller, Ph.D., Watson-Ledden Professor of Religion, Syracuse University

As the inward-winding labyrinth, it constitutes the hero's journey to the still center where the secret of life is found. As the spherical vortex, spiraling through its own center, it combines the inward and outward directions of movement. In this original and engrossing book, Jill Purce traces the significance of one man's central symbols from the double spirals of Stone Age art and the interlocking spirals of the Chinese Yin Yang symbol to the whorls of Celtic crosses, Maori tattoos and the Islamic arabesque. Many of the superb images here were intended as objects of contemplation; for the spiral is a cosmic symbol. Art and Imagination series: These large-format, gloriously-illustrated paperbacks cover Eastern and Western religion and philosophy, including myth and magic, alchemy and astrology. The distinguished authors bring a wealth of knowledge, visionary thinking and accessible writing to each intriguing subject.

The author recounts his boyhood friendship with Gurdjieff, shares his impressions of the philosopher, and attempts to depict his complex personality

"William Johnston, product of the rigorous formation of the Irish Jesuits, faced a spiritual turning point with his initial assignment to Japan in 1951. There, his exposure to Asian culture and Zen practice revolutionized his understanding of the mystical traditions of Christianity, transforming his spiritual practice. His story is enlivened by his encounters with such figures as Thomas Merton, Pedro Arrupe, the saintly Jesuit Superior General, novelist Shusaku Endo, Takashi Nagai, the mystic of Nagasaki, and the Dalai Lama." "The ways in which East and West have come together in Johnston's many writings have influenced and inspired countless readers. Now, they can explore his experience more directly in Mystical Journey."--BOOK JACKET.

This book tells of the pony ride to an awakening and other stories of the Spirit. Encounters of an otherworldly kind happen to many people. My efforts are to describe some of the spiritual experiences that we may encounter from early childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, and then maturity, retirement unto renunciation, and then consciousness beyond death. We are closest to the Spirit at the beginning of our life, just entering incarnation from the Spirit, and at the end of our life, as we prepare to return to the Spirit. Sharing some of my psychic experiences and a few stories of my friends and family may serve as a guide for you in finding some similarities in these with your own experiences to reinforce the trust in these experiences as real and not imagined. We come from the Spirit and will return to the Spirit. There is nothing to fear from our teachers and ancestors in communicating with the Spirit to give us guidance, wisdom, and vision in this oftentimes difficult earthly life experience or to answer our questions. As we unfold our development going forward with open eyes and mind, we find that the truth unfolds and becomes more refined, like a lotus flower.