Enter Dona Soledad, La Gorda, Josefina, Lidia and Rosa. This is the first time that the 'sisters' and Pablito's mother have featured heavily in the series. Having been mentored by Don Juan and Genaro, they, along with Pablito, Nestor and Benigno (The Genaros) are all now ready to take things to an all new level with Carlos. Having had time to think about his teachings from Don Juan and read his copious amount of notes taken during his time with Don Juan, Carlos is now ready to take a leap of faith, not just into the abyss from the mountain top, but also with his own mind, his view of the world and the thought processes he uses to try and make sense of everything that happens to others and himself. Meeting Dona Soledad for the second time, he is taken aback by her appearance and the look in her eyes; she has used the powers of sorcery and the directions of the wind to transform herself. I would love right now to share with you the transformation, but for the sake of those who have not read the book, all I will say is, once we see the way others see us, and use the power of nature to heal us, amazing things can happen! Not to mention that if this book was more mainstream, the current programmes of weight watchers and slimmers world would certainly have a run for their money (from the more open minded ones amongst us that is!) This is the thing with Carlos' books, you HAVE to be open minded, you have to be willing to empty your mind of the things you already know to be true. This is why Carlos has had so many problems understanding the world of sorcery. He just couldn't let go of the barriers he had formed in his mind, as we all do, to things we cannot comprehend. We have to let go of our fears, our prejudices, our opinions and once we let go and come from nothing, anything is possible.In this book we learn about the 'direction' he faces and the impact that has on his life and his future; the winds and how they control the sense of being. We revisit luminosity and being whole, impeccability as a person and as a warrior. We learn more about the night Carlos, Pablito, Benigno and Nestor all jumped into the abyss from the top of the mountain, the effects it had on them and their journey into the deeper world sorcery.With an introduction on how each of the sisters, Dona Soledad and Genaros met Don Juan and Genaro, the way they were enticed into the world of sorcery, it is easier to picture them, making them more involved, whereas before, they were just names. This book brings together so many of the elements touched upon before and makes understanding the process more believable. La Gorda's explanations of the Don Juan's teachings, not only helps Carlos understand things in a clearer way, which in turn also helps the reader understand the teachings better; this is obviously the intention of the book and an important part of the journey for Carlos. Having had so many things become clearer, it helps Carlos make a choice about whether he is going to continue down the path of a warrior, an impeccable warrior or turn his back on this life for good. The experiences he has with the females in the group throughout this book, especially the final one, would make most run away screaming, so I find it impressive that Carlos decided to stay. But will he stay and complete his journey? Will he 'complete' himself? I don't know, but I cannot wait to read the next 'chapter' in this remarkable journey to find out!
The fifth book in the series and so far the least satifying. here's why.A well balanced Castaneda book has the following elements/styles1) Dialog and teachings about the Sorcerer's belief system (questioning also to refine understadning)2) Journeys / vision quests Travel to places for the purposes of exercising some of the teachings, preparation for the same3) Magic - Surreal expierences from other realities that are percieved through discipline or use of Power plants (although that seems to end in book two) often thrilling adventures!4) Caring (at times geuine warm relationship) between the Sorcerer and the apprentice (Castaneda)Reasons this book doesn't cut it in the series1. This book is 85% element/style 1). So it's the 'talkiest' book so far. Lots' of spliting hairs about the belief system very pedantic and at times quite boring2. The sorcerers (Not Don Juan, but Two male appretices and three female) have feelings of disdain bordering on hatred for one another and Castaneda3. There's very little magic and wonder (some but very little and not thrilling like Casaneda is at his best).I'm now in Book 6 "Eagles Gift". I do plan on finishing them allUp to now, my favorite is "Tales of Power" Just an incredible book it has the best balance of the element I described. Second place for me is "A Separate Reality" book 2
What do You think about Second Ring Of Power (1991)?
Unfinished. This is book 5 in a series. Had I been given the first in the series, my opinion may have been different. Carlos, (now deceased) should have been courteous enough to label his books instead of call his 5th book "The Second Ring of Power." I could have adapted to reading the second in a series or have gone to a used book store and bought book one, but I'm not going back FOUR books to read this one. Also, his character's narration seemed a little silly for me. I don't know, maybe it is just me---but when I was single, and a woman (older, yet attractive) showed me her breasts and told me to come to her bed, I wouldn't have run away thinking she was a witch. I'd have said, "Oh, look, it is my lucky day." I'd have hit that, no doubt. Then, when he finally settles down a little bit (page 40?), while she is still half dressed, he wants to talk about how nice the stone tiles are in her bedroom. Seriously? SERIOUSLY?
—Jake
June 2011Another box of books has been reopened for cleaning, sorting, and reevaluation and lo and behold, many of the collected works of Carlos Castaneda are part of the contents.Many years have gone but I remember this author and his works vividly. [Now don't get any ideas as to an allusion I may or may not be making] At some point I stopped purchasing more in the series and put them away. There's a 'blur' factor as I recall that happens with these stories of the metaphysical and magical journeys of learning (spelling of your choice for majic). Thus I finally put them down after a time. There's a new series of works by authors/students in the same genre. These are a continuation of the anthropological journey that Castaneda undertook to learn of his heritage and a way of life that existed if only in a shadow of the original form.This generic commentary is going to be applied to all the writings of CC as a review until a rereading decision is made. I don't own all the books by Castaneda though I've read all his books through the mid 1980's. A couple more I have copies of in this collection but I bet I never read them.Each of these books will have this introduction bracketed and italicized when I add a more specific commentary regarding the individual entry.An early footnote. Much of the fascination with fantastical dragon imagery is rooted in the first two or three of these works. Just thought you should know.
—CD
I read this book within two days because i couldn't put it down! In order to understand it, it's a must to read the last previous books or else you will be lost! It gets somewhat complicated, but if you've read the previous books you can comprehend it pretty well, this book also deserves at least two reads because you'll be able to find different answers all the time. Once you begin comprehending you will finally be addicted to the writings of Carlos, his descriptions are so thorough. It paints a most vivid picture of his details. The beginning of Carlos's first battle with Sorcery where he finds in-depth powers he never thought he can achieve.
—Anastasia
