Book Reviews

In this section, we have three  reviews. The first is a five star independent review from Oregon, WI. The second one is also an independent review of this book.  Lastly, we have an article in a local magazine, The BUGEL, printed on March 3, 2010.

#1 Customer Reviews:

A read that should not be missed   April 10, 2010
Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
Humanity in its most base form has not changed much in the tens of thousands of years in its existence. “Ancient Wisdoms: Exploring the Mysteries and Connections” looks at the ancient history of mankind and how it has led up to what we are today. Spiritual, profound with plenty of interesting topics in history discussed, Gayle Redfern does well in presenting a thought provoking read, making “Ancient Wisdoms” a read that should not be missed

 

#2 Ancient Wisdoms: Exploring the Mysteries and Connections

By Gayle Redfern,  Published by AuthorHouse (2009)

ISBN 9781449057602

The author, Gayle Redfern, felt guided by her spiritual connections to write a book about the teachings and guidelines of the indigenous world. In doing so, she wrote “Ancient Wisdoms: Exploring the Mysteries and Connections.” She recognizes that much of our modern society has forgotten the teachings of the past. She tells us, “Following the lessons of the Ancients helps us understand the present.”

Covering every end of the globe, Ms. Redfern discusses aspects of a multitude of ancient cultures.

Some of these cultures still exist today, some have vanished, and others have evolved to enmesh themselves in the modern times. Obviously having done extensive research, much of which is referenced, the author takes us on a fascinating journey around the world to explore the beliefs of these people. She points out both the similarities and the differences among these peoples. I found this incredibly fascinating because some of these ancient cultures developed on opposite sides of the world from each other, yet share many similarities.

Using fifteen of the main groups of indigenous people, we are given a list of some excerpts or direct quotes that reflect their main beliefs. This is where the similarities and differences among the peoples are especially revealed. I found this area to be particularly fascinating because it is so evident that we still need to apply many of these philosophies to our lives today. Much of them have to do with respecting life, the earth and the people that we encounter on it.

I truly enjoyed reading “Ancient Wisdoms: Exploring the Mysteries and Connections” by Gayle Redfern. In addition to gaining a great deal of fascinating information about the ancient cultures that have preceded ours, I also learned about theories that pertain to their existence. The biggest gift of all in reading this book was learning about the philosophies of the ancients. There are so many here that I need to apply to my life today. Actually, we all need to apply these to all of our lives. In doing so, we will be able to live a more peaceful, less materialist existence, and allow the earth to heal from the devastation that modern society has inflicted upon her.

#3 World will not end in 2012

Pitt author, Gayle Redfern says Mayan prophecy misinterpreted

by rebecca stiles

 

It might be upsetting for some people to learn the Mayan calendar has predicted December 21, 2012 as the end of time as we know it. This “Armageddon” type theory has many planning for the end of the world, but Pitt Meadows author Gayle Redfern thinks it’s something different all together. Gayle’s new book addresses the Mayan predictions and calls upon readers to reevaluate their approach to life. “Ancient Wisdoms” is her latest of four published books and Gayle looks to past civilizations to demonstrate where humanity has drifted away from lifestyles which promote balance and peace. “This book is calling on people to wake up, and start respecting all the people of this planet, our environment and ourselves,” says Gayle.

“Ancient cultures were well beyond our modern societies, with a very high standard of values.” Gayle believes that the world will not end in 2012, but there will be a massive shift in energy and she is hopeful that people are beginning to show more concern for people in need and the earth. Some have also suggested the shift will be polar, knocking the earth off its axis, but Gayle believes the 2012 reference is more about the nature of energy and she actually thinks it will take place in 2011. She suggests a different interpretation of the Mayan calendar has led many to believe the critical date is in 2012. “The Mayan calendar is very complex and is based largely on the planetary systems, the sun and the moon,” Gayle notes. “It can be interpreted in many different ways.” Gayle’s research for “Ancient Wisdom” was done locally but references come from many corners of the globe. The foundations of this book came from her contact with Mayan people when she traveled to Yucatan, Mexico several years back. Gayle tells us that the title of the book came to her first, and so she began researching ancient cultures about 10 years ago. Her spirit guides helped her to hone the idea, she says, and she hopes her book might influence people to better honour the earth and our ancestors. When asked how those who don’t share her heightened level of spirituality can relate to this, Gayle responds that there are definitely physical elements in this equation. In the modern world, people can see suffering in a tangible way, due to technology advancements, and there seems to be a global movement to alleviate some of that suffering. She says that is an example of a shift in energy. “There are electrical and magnetic energies of the earth,” says Gayle. “Ancient cultures understood and respected that, but modern cultures seem to ignore the need for balance of the two. The book is trying to demonstrate the commonalities amongst ancient civilizations, all of which allowed that balance to exist.” Gayle says she is very affected by the energy emitted from random individuals with whom she comes into contact. She wears a smoky quartz around her neck to repel negative energy and seems to look forward to the “end of the Mayan calendar, when she hopes to see a lot of that negative energy removed from humanity. Gayle’s lifelong interest in spirituality and degrees in psychology and holistic health, led to her publishing her first book, “Inner Bridges” in January 2002. “Ayerveda Demystified” and “Within & Beyond” followed, and ultimately led to the publication of “Ancient Wisdoms” in 2009.”

 

Printed in Maple Ridge -Pitt Meadows Bugel

March 3, 2010