Taking the Waters: Spirit, Art, Sensuality

Ms Croutier gives a well researched and thorough perspective on the human history and adoration for our "Noblest Element", water. The focus of this book is spas, health retreats, baths and drinking water- and that's great, but there is so much more! The many posters, photos, renown paintings and drawings are well chosen and beautiful and makes this book a beautiful table top addition. Ms Croutier states that "...I was born under the sign of Aquarius-the Water Bearer-in a house facing the sea... and now living in a house facing another sea". No wonder she shows such remarkable sensitivity to the subject. All through the book are quotes, lines and poetry from notables throughout history regarding their observations on the value and dynamics of water. In the Preface for instance, there is: ["As Benjamin Franklin's `Poor Richard's Almanac' observes: "When the well's dry, we know the worth of water".] and in Ms Croutier's own words: "Water has it's own language. I believe that by observing the ways that people have danced with it throughout history, we can gain a deeper awareness of this most precious element. A responsible appreciation of water is fundamental to our ecological, environmental, and spiritual values." Well put and what a "dance" she portrays! From Hegel: "Water is the element of selfless contrast, it passively exists for others... water's existence is thus an existing-for-others... Its fate is to be something not yet specialized... and therefore it soon came to be called `the mother of all that is special'." (p 13) On page 14 in "Myths of Creation" is: "Among ancient civilizations, water was sanctified as the source of life, the seminal fluid, the juice of the earth's womb. It formed a common thread in their creation myths. The act of creation was perceived by the primitives as the catharsis of a dance that the great deities performed. These deities were the elements, inseparable and interdependent systems orchestrating the cycles of nature, the seasons, and the sustenance of all beings. Water could not exist without earth, fire, or air." From the Kogi Indians (spelled Cogui in this book), who live in the Columbian mountains, comes an admonition to the world about the abuse of water and environmental degradation: ["What is water?" Water is life itself.] To the Kogi, the word for water and spirit are the same. ("The Prophecy of Water"- p 183) At the end of the book is a resource guide to famous spas/health resorts from all over the world. After reading this book, one will no doubt have a more profound respect for the awesome medium that makes spas and health retreats so refreshing, rejuvenating and enjoyable!

TAKING THE WATERS is just a warm-up for Alev Lytle Croutier. Her previous book, HAREM, was a blockbuster breakthrough in nonfiction, selected by independent book clubs all over the world. Ms Croutier will soon be the author of remarkable fictional works that will stun many readers with their profound sensitivity. I predict a sensation.