Customer Reviews

Astrotheology and Shamanism: Unveiling the Law of Duality in Christianity and other Religions

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"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty." William Blake would most certainly appreciate the artful expression and delectable composition that this work represents... It's Our New Favorite Book. Here's Why:

What do Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sun Worship, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny have in Common with Terrence McKenna's elves, John Allegro's Dead Sea Scroll translations, Manly P. Hall's Secret Teachings of All Ages , Dr. Rick Strassman's (DMT) Spirit Molecule research, Gordon Wasson's Soma, and Michael Talbot's Holographic Universe? This book. However, it's not just a book- it's a paradigm-amending exploration superimposed over our perceptions of everyday reality.

When you pick up this book and peruse its novel content, you will inevitably draw your own unique value; as the data assembled within its pages has universal and timeless appeal.

Whether you are still searching for the answers to the questions you had back in Sunday School, or you are a fellow Traveler seeking the lesser-known tethers that bring these Beautiful Minds and their life works together into a simple yet infinitely detailed line of thought- Astrotheology and Shamanism is Your guide on the path to attaining the quintessential transcendental understanding, which we all innately seek.

In two words- "Thought Provoking". In three words- "Lubrication for Thought". It's what we always hope for and this book delivered. If you're still only considering this book; you happen to be looking at one of the most comprehensive, novel, and expertly organized resources on the planet- the details bring to life Life itself.

"If the Truth can be told so as to be Understood, it will be Believed." When Terence McKenna spoke those words, he possibly had a book like this in mind, as Astrotheology and Shamanism is the definitive contemporary standard; intermeshing some of the most interestingly novel and (until now) misunderstood information about our world and the origins of our belief systems.

If consumed with an open mind and allowed to marinate in the correlations; consumption of this body of work will lead any reader to the answers they seek in life, and ultimately, after life.

Having studied many of the same sources listed in Astrotheology and Shamanism in our own research and archival efforts, this book offers a refreshingly real and honest look from a perspective which allows the reader to see all sides at once; it's akin to the "Teacher's Edition" for Life and all of the minutia and ideology that we swim in everyday.

In brief, Irvin and Rutajit have managed to locate, verify, document, organize, articulate, publish and distribute a message that has been lost in translation and categorically suppressed for some 2000 years; perhaps the return of this suppressed information to the Public Mind will create an environment where our common ancient pasts provide us with the understanding necessary to unify seemingly diverse and irreconcilable belief systems. Some scholars understand that the return of this information to the Public Mind is the fulfillment of the allegorical Christ returning as promised.

(Temet Nosce- to know thyself) Irvin and Rutajit have climbed the ladder to stand on the shoulders of giants to present this Chief Cornerstone of Anthropological Research. It's inspiring to see a team of writers collaborating with such a level-headed and genuine respect for assembling and sharing this information. The aggregated potential of this concise and proficiently explained introduction, and the exceedingly documented window it provides into our shared experience (oroborotically connecting the origins and the futures of humankind), in terms of relative global causality, is nothing short of tectonic.

The Authors' distill these ideas and concepts without losing the essence or compromising the integrity of the sacramental expressions, all while confined to the 26 letters in the English language; in our reading, no author or team of authors has presented information of this ilk with such gravitas and ease while maintaining the respect for the topics and the beliefs of the diverse backgrounds of the international explorers who are reading this book.

We've been anticipating the release of A&S since September 2004; after studying Irvin and Rutajit's potent and informative video on GnosticMedia.com, "The Pharmacratic Inquisition", as well as the SWR mp3 Archives at Hemperor.net. [Both are cavernous adjacent resources, the content of which provided fundamental ideas in the context of comprehensible and consumable media, which ultimately led to our interest in Astrotheology and Shamanism.] That being said, the aforementioned resources (Hemperor.net, etc.) are excellent peripheral and contextual background tools with which to engage this book; though it is certainly not mandatory, it is recommended to anyone who would like to further season their palate beyond the breadth of this innovative text.

Based on fundamental objectivism through Experience, it sincerely appears that these two young authors have put in the blood, sweat, and tears necessary to create a living work of literary art; truly a guiding light for anyone who seeks to understand (who we are, where we come from, and where we're all going)- not by isolated and untested theory, but by all-out fearless explorations via personal experience; in both the material and spiritual world. If you're looking for a single book which brings together the loose ends and omitted truths covering the realms of consciousness, quantum physics, religion, symbolism, politics, metaphysics, philosophy, philology- and the correlations they offer throughout the combined enthobotanical and anthropological realms- you won't be disappointed. You'll see connections and re-member relationships between topics that you (prior to your perusal) might never have imagined; and it will change how you perceive the world around you in a way that is sublime and refreshingly surreal.

Irvin and Rutajit have managed to take raw omitted information (which can be easily misconstrued, and therefore abrasive to some) through the process of refining the data into a meaningful communication, masterfully crafting a literary exploration and simultaneously creating a work of art which may explain how mankind evolved by the very methodologies and practices that ultimately led You here to consume this pre-sacrament of Gnosticism (knowing that We do not Know).

If Communication-Union (commonly abbreviated as Communion) with your Creator is essential to Life, then exploring the compilation and enlightened commentary encapsulated in Astrotheology and Shamanism may act as the catalyst one seek's to spark one's own freedom of Self; a guide to help articulate experiences too few times offered openly and with such reverence for the people who devoted and gave their lives to eventually have this information assembled for public consumption.

Irvin and Rutajit's comprehension and discipline in these matters are evident throughout this balanced mosaic of archives, bodies of work, and artifacts brought forth by some of the most brilliant explorers that have ever walked the earth. This book is a blessing to anyone who has interests in these realms of consciousness; with a perspective and attitude that does justice to and honors what many of us do for a living.

It indelibly links the reader's mind not with "how it is", but rather the detailed concepts that comprise the fabric of our realities and perspectives- in other words, it provides meaningful data for you to form your own ideas, conclusions, and informed decisions about your Life; forever unlocking the symbolism of a multi-faceted world in which we all exist, but too few of us personally explore.

Eric Andrew Blair
8thestate
"The state of divinity that is the state of infinity"

This is an ideal book for anyone wanting to 'deprogram themselves' of the illusions of a passing age. There is so much fascinating information provided and explained (and meticulously footnoted) in this book that I really don't know how to sum it up.

The information pointed to in this book serves to decode our modern society and the customs and belief systems it's built on. The knowledge pointed to in this book is immediately applicable to all of modern society's ills, which makes for an exciting read (despite its somewhat dry nature).

Odds are you won't agree with everything the authors say. I sure didn't. But that doesn't matter, for the bodies of knowledge introduced and explored are utterly profound and surprisingly relevant, anyway you look at it. This book is much much more than an intellectual excercise. This book serves as an excellent re-introduction to ourselves, through explaining what was conviniently left out of our 'public education'. This is the kind of knowledge that helps one decode history and culture, and help shed the old paradigm. Learn about the oppressive mindsets, rulers and 'leaders' that make up our history, and learn not just how, but WHAT THEY ARE OPPRESSING AND WHY.

The authors cover a LOT of ground. They deliver an excellent crash course in the origins of our culture, symbolism, and tradition. They do this through explaining how the masses have been CONSCIOUSLY MANIPULATED by governing bodies throughout the ages. As a rule, governing bodies and the elite in the 'background' have expertly exploited our lower nature, cultivating a violent, fearful mindset. Not anymore. Not with knowledge like this at our fingertips.

The authors explore The Pharmacratic Inquisition, the origin of our languages and calendars and bizzare unexplained customs and symbols so prevalent, yet so uninspected, in our society; these strange habits that so many of us have mindlessly engaged in since birth are all finally being confronted. We have out-grown the Status Quo. Something new and beautiful is around the corner.

The authors, Jan Irvin and Andrew Rutajit, have put together a grand overview of world religion, and that which lies at the heart of the secret teachings. With thorough research and extensive resources, the authors have put together an amazing introduction, and review, to the secret teachings of all the ages. The book is as visual as it is informative, filled with symbols and artwork as examples in their writing.

The heart of John Allegro's work has been vindicated through the efforts of the authors. They have brought together Sumerian philologists and scholars confirming Allegro's findings, as well as having author, and Allegro's daughter, Judith Anne Brown, greatly involved in the book. "Indeed, Allegro re-discovered entheogens in the Bible" and the authors have helped prove it.

The information in this book covers highly sensitive and very important issues. The extent to which these subjects affect each and every one of us can not be overlooked. Human history, consciousness, religion, and those groups in which have held this knowledge and used it for control for thousands of years are all touched upon. The mythology and symbolism of the world's religions are deeply exposed in this work, accompanied by a wonderful overview of the leading researchers and theories in this field. The book's bibliography and references alone are amazing, offering a staggering amount of research for the reader to continue with.

In one of the first of its kind, this book explores the duality of astrotheology and shamanism. The ancient philosophy of "as above, so below" is shown in fascinating detail, the sun god in the sky and the savior down below. Exploring the missing links that connect the vast complexity of mankind's superstitions and beliefs, the authors take the reader on a wonderful trip through the world of astrotheology and entheogens and their vital role in human history. The reader is shown a key to the true light behind religion's shadow; offering insight into both where human consciousness has been, and where it may be headed. As the authors ask, "will humankind finally discover the totality of its collective self?"

Go back to your religious roots for some of that old-time religion. "How?" you say. Read ASTROTHEOLOGY & SHAMANISM for the unvarnished truth about the origins of modern-day religions, their symbols, commonalities, and their great losses. Tremendous original research went into this book. The quoted resources alone are worth the price you pay. Much of the content is revolutionary in thought and concept. Fantastic job on all counts. One hell of an eye-opener.

Who notices the mushroom decorations on Christmas stuff? I never did until this information was made more public by these authors. This is well researched material that makes more sense than the stories I got from my church. Apparently actual knowledge is concealed habitually by the powers that be. I expect some sharp criticism to this book. It reveals how many 'occult' symbols surround us today and why they are there at all. It offers real proof in the human reaction to entheogens. This work can be verified finally when research is allowed. Common sense tells me it's true.

If you're at all interested in learning about the hidden symbolism and suppressed knowledge in world religions and cultural traditions, you really must read this book.

Have you ever wondered how traditions like Santa Clause and Christmas trees began? This book will explain this and much more.

The author's Jan Irvin and Andrew Rutajit have thoroughly provided all the sources needed to back up their work with copious footnotes, images and quotes.

To quote Morpheus from 'The Matrix'...
"After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes."

This book is your red pill

I have read most of the books cited and refered to in this work, and as a student of theological pharmacology, I eagerly recomend this book across the board. Out of the known libraries of similar study, this stands out as a focused and wonderfully exhillirating read. Seriously, I am gratefull to the authors for being so unappologetic and cohesive in bringing forth their research.
Bullseye!

You'll never look at religion or the stars the same way ever again.

Copiously footnoted, the writers have thoroughly and tirelessly provided all the sources needed to back up their work. They point the reader to many sources for further research.

It's pleasing to see John Marco Allegro finally getting some of the recognition he and his work richly deserves.

This book is a mind opening experience that I could not set down, and a great resource of information for Da Vinci Code believers, Christians, and anyone interested in theology. After watching the author's 3.5 hour-long video, which is also a necessary watch, I had to purchase the book. I am a college student who often studies religion, and found the book a great source for new perspectives and discussions not covered in other books. This book changed my life, and opened me spiritually. I recommend it to anybody wanting to know the truth about the foundation of Christianity and other religions.

I have been eagerly waiting for this book for more than a year. My wait has been well worth it.

In this book, Jan Irvin and Andrew Rutajit unravel the mystery and symbolism found within Christianity. Where it starts, goes and leads is an adventure that will open your eyes.

Beginning with man's early worship of Nature, the movement of the Sun, Moon and Stars, the authors make a solid case for the origins of Christianity. Drawing on the work of many who came before them, and giving credit where credit is due, the authors construct a compelling case for the REAL origins of modern day religion.

And while this is a serious subject, there is of "fun" information. What in the world does a Christmas tree have to do with Jesus? Why does Santa have black boots? What's the meaning of the staff with two snakes that all doctors use (The Caduceus)? What did DaVinci know and reveal in his painting of the last supper?

Although this book draws on many arenas, and is not a simple read, it is easy to read, as each chapter pulls you along to the next. I found myself struggling to stay awake to complete just one more chapter, and finished my first reading within two days.

I will 100% disagree with the first reviewer when it comes to the psychedelic experience. I am very familiar with alternative techniques such as Holotropic Breathwork (Stanislov Grof) and drumming to achieve an Other State Of Consciousness (Michael Harner). The direct experience that one receives from Entheogenic plants is much more powerful than any technique I've come across. It is my opinion that the first reviewer has never had a full-blown psychedelic experience. And for that reason, I believe that the authors know very, very well of what they speak.

Buy this book, read it, and share with others. May you never view the world in the same way again.