The Book of Sacred Stones: Fact and Fallacy in the Crystal World

Thanks for the "closit shaman" review. I would have passed on the book after reading the reviews about her efforts to debunk the higher spiritual properties of stones. As it is, I probably will now purchase a copy. Her view as expressed in you review reminds me of modern science in that they obviously have a great deal of information to offer but are still tied into the delusion of finite reality. I would probably call her a latent New Ager in this midsts of over kill. This personality sort are usually the first ones to step into the otherside and when they get there (suddenly open to the infinite universe) think that they have gone insane. Given that she hanngs out with a massive amount of crystal stones, when this one goes, she is going to go hard and heavy. I hope she has earned the priviledge of having good guides to help her out.

This is definitely one of the best books I've read on the subject. Over the past few years my interest in gemstones has increased, leading me to further investigate the subject by purchasing various "New Age" books. I'm impressed by Ms. Walker's technical knowledge and clarification of the healing properties associated with individual stones. I also enjoyed reading about stones which are usually not even referred to in other books, such as labradorite, cinnabar, etc. The photographs are beautiful, which only enhance her work. I believe this book is an asset to anyone's collection who is genuinely interested in a truly fascinating topic.

This reader friendly book is a well researched and documented source for reliable gemological and mineralogical information, with an anthropological bent. It traces the relationship between mankind and gemstones. This passionate relationship is as old as the species itself. Barbara Walker chronicles many of the current metaphysical associations and claims attributed to stones that are supported with irresponsible New Age pseudoscience. She correctly explains many terms and concepts that have been misused and/or misstated in recent New Age literature. I found the book compelling!