As Homer resident Steve Johnson notes in this second edition of his guide to Alaskan Essences, "We are living in one of the most exciting times this planet has ever known. As the energy of change accelerates on the Earth, we are individually and collectively being asked to go through a level of personal transformation never encountered before by the human race."

As exciting as the times may be, the journey of transformation is equally full of challenge. How we relate to our challenges determines not only our course but also our level of clarity and perspective. In this sense, deep healing is a matter of reconnecting -- of revisioning, remembering and remaining true to the deepest inner processes that guide us all. This is no small feat, and the task can seem overwhelming at times. Still, there is an abundance of help and support available all around us. As all forms of nature generate healing energy, one excellent method of "retuning" ourselves is through the aid of the plant, mineral and elemental kingdoms.

Early in his work with essences, Johnson discovered that each kingdom possesses distinct qualities of vibrational energy. By absorbing particular vibrational essences, we may begin to retune ourselves in a variety of ways -- from releasing old obstacles to meeting those parts of ourselves that require further integration -- and thus continue to meet our unique life challenges in ever more conscious ways.

As with the first edition, this book covers the indications and healing qualities of all the Alaskan essences. Information on using essences with animals and plants is included, and a handy cross-reference section matches qualities to corresponding essences. The expanded edition includes some new information and the very welcome addition of Johnson's beautifully vibrant, close-up color photos of Alaskan flowers and environments along with affirmations for each.

Well structured and easy to follow, this is both an aesthetically pleasing book and a valuable resource. Steve Johnson has done a superb job of presenting discerning, grounded information about the potentials for healing and forming deeper connections with the natural world that so readily supports us all. For more information, see www.alaskanessences.com

Healing Dreams:
Exploring the Dreams That Can Transform Your Life
By Marc Ian Barasch (Riverhead Books, 2000, hardcover $26.95)

In ancient Greece, healing dreams were thought to be divinely inspired. Presenting visions of unmistakable meaning, the healing dream was believed so potent that an ill person blessed with such imagery could wake up completely cured.

Marc Barasch's latest book explores this imaginal world -- the place where physiology meets spirituality. Barasch surveys the history of dreaming (from the Ancient Greeks to modern day) and presents surprising bits of new information (for example, recent studies reveal that dreaming and REM sleep may be controlled by different brain mechanisms and are not synonymous, as formerly believed). He also offers a magnificent feast of dreams and dream images. From the dream writ large (Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" or Mahatma Gandhi's famous dream that unified warring factions of India) to the dream writ small (dreams of prophecy, insight or personal calling), the inner theatre of the mind has an awesome capacity to transform a scrimmage of images into something deep, profound and innately healing.

Betwixt dreams of the body and dreams of the spirit, Barasch explores the paradox of time and space, of how it is that these elegant movies we create for ourselves have such power and incisive advise. By sharing dreams, we may touch the lives of others, and by working with dreams we may come to better know ourselves. As Barasch notes, "A dream, once loosed, becomes a living presence with unpredictable effects upon the destinies of all whom it touches."

This is a fascinating book and definite must-read for those who work with dreams. Barasch's observations are insightful and penetrating, yet his presence in this book is unassuming. He is clearly a man who respects and honors the shadow, and the world is richer for this perceptive dreamworker sharing his tale. Diligently lifting the veil from the slumbering dragon's lair, Barasch encourages us all to accept the deep wealth and wisdom we so willingly offer up to ourselves in the warm embrace of sleep.

For more information, see www.healingdreams.com

The Call of the Elves is an engaging adventure into the elfin kingdom. The tone and structure of the music ranges widely -- from bubbling, playful, childlike energies that float melodiously to sounds of soothing transcendence to bass, powerful tones that are deeply grounding, encouraging us to move in alignment with the more primal forces present in the mysteries of nature. As the sixteen songs resonate with different aspects of the elfin world, listeners may journey through deep layers of consciousness, perhaps experiencing that uncanny sensation of hearing something familiar though not fully remembered. That something sings to us, calls to us just below consciousness. In this sense, the Call of the Elves is a call to remembering.

Singing in the language of the elves, Acrisa Laughing Wolf also incorporates a variety of instruments, including flutes, bells, rattles, dulcimer and harp synthesizer. Expansive, processional, uplifting and deepening, the music moves in intriguing directions. Indeed, there is a magical, transformative and deeply healing quality to this music. Also enchanting is the lively cover (which also graces the cover of this Alaska Wellness issue).

Appropriate for children as well as adults, Call of the Elves brings forth a deeper appreciation of the earth energies that support us, whether we see them or not. It is interesting to note that 'elves' is contained within 'ourselves' and, in many ways, this music is a call to awakening ourselves. Acrisa Laughing Wolf has done a lovely job of linking the beautiful, playful and majestic qualities of the elfin world to our own.

For more information, see acrisalaughingwolf.iuma.com

Do you have a book to recommend? Would you like to write a guest book review? Please call or e-mail Dawn Brunke at (907) 373-4667 or brunke@matnet.com.