Don Juan and the Art of Sexual Energy: The Rainbow Serpent of the Toltecs [Paperback]

Merilyn Tunneshende (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2001

• The secret sexual energy practices of Toltec-Mayan shamans revealed at last.

• The author studied with don Juan Matus and the same circle of Nagual sorcerers who taught Carlos Castenada.

• Offers specific step-by-step instructions for mastering the ancient sexual techniques that lead to spiritual transformation.

Readers of Carlos Casteneda have often complained that his work in ancient Meso-american shamanism never covered sexual practices beyond celibacy. With his death in 1998 it seemed that these practices might never be revealed, but fortunately Merilyn Tunneshende has stepped in. Set against the backdrop of the golden deserts of Sonora, Mexico, Don Juan and the Art of Sexual Energy recounts Tunneshende's initiation into the ancient sexual energy practices of the Toltec-Mayan tradition. Under the tutelage of don Juan Matus, Chon Yakil (whom Castenada referred to as Don Genaro), and dona Celestina de la Soledad, she learns to reclaim her feminine power and balance the masculine and feminine forces within herself.

At the heart of the book is the mythical Rainbow Serpent: the phallic energy within women, the creative power within men. Each chapter focuses on a particular technique for awakening the serpent and connecting with its energy. Twenty-two sequential practices are covered, providing a powerful program for serious spiritual transformation.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A title such as Don Juan and the Art of Sexual Energy can be misleading. Those expecting a smooth manual that reads like a Joy to Toltec Sex will be sorely disappointed. On the other hand, those hoping for an ambitious discussion of the shape shifting, trances, energy scanning, and archetypal imagery that characterize Toltec sexuality will be deeply gratified. Like the famous writer Carlos Castaneda, who introduced Toltec teachings to the greater world, Merilyn Tunneshende often shifts into dream-like narratives. For example, in a passage where she discusses the sensual power of nature, Tunneshende recounts a trance under the guidance of her shaman and teacher. Lying beneath a mesquite tree, she has a vision that she is "moving through the interior of the plant, much like a whole egg moves through the body of a snake when swallowed." When she arrived at the base of the plant, "a trumpeting white flower sprouted from my head and my ovaries turned in on themselves...." Fortunately, the closing of every chapter is grounded with concise, easy-to-follow exercises, such as how to draw upon and release sexual energy in nature or how to perform "fire breath" to raise sexual energy in the body. --Gail Hudson

Review

"This is a uniquely powerful and magical book. . . . especially inspiring to women. Refreshing. "
(Sara Ling, Magical Blend, Issue #76 )

"It is a masterfully written account of numerous initiations in the use of sexual energy for balance and empowerment as facilitated for Tunneshende by Don Juan. . . . This is not only a good read, it's also a useful guide."
(Chiwah, The Light Connection, February 2002 )

"A splendid work that successfully brings the beauty of practice and the wisdom of consciousness into our very personal lives."
(The Book Reader, Fall/Winter 2001-2002 )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Bear & Company (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879181630
• ISBN-13: 978-1879181632
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #508,655 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable tool and enjoyable reading, November 10, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Don Juan and the Art of Sexual Energy: The Rainbow Serpent of the Toltecs (Paperback)

As a longtime student of Carlos Castaneda's books, I will always be grateful to him for introducing me to the possibilities of a different perception. However, Merilyn's book fills in many of the gaps missing from Carlos' teachings. I had a profound near death experience before ever hearing about Castaneda, an explanation for which I have been seeking for years for in his books, and failed to find. Merilyn was able to address it. The writing may appear deceptively simple, but in her preface, she states that it is written for "big children", as we are children when it comes to the potential of our sexual energy. I found this book to be fulfilling and thoroughly worthwhile reading. My deepest thanks to you, Merilyn.

15 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Valuable Collection of Spiritual Practices, April 24, 2002

By 

"seegolden" (www.resonateview.org) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don Juan and the Art of Sexual Energy: The Rainbow Serpent of the Toltecs (Paperback)

This excellent book weaves together a description of basic Mesoamerican spiritual practices with the highlights of MT's training. The story also gives pointers to women on why and how not to become prey to the sexual desires of male gurus--a topic too long ignored.

Although we are no longer associated, I worked with her in the past and I promise you that whether or not you believe her teacher's were Don Juan and Don Genaro from the Castenada books (I personally believe she is Carol Tiggs from his books), MT is definitely a trained sorceress in that tradition. Although she can pin you to the wall with vicious rantings, she gave me the most valuable practice I have ever received from my 25 years experience in multiple mystical traditions. I can't express how thankful I am for receiving the gift of the method to create "the pearl" from MT. This high level women's practice "worked" for me in about two weeks of practice and I continue to carry the precious beauty of that energy which has opened the door to a much more magical world for me.

MT once gave me the task of finding her and Dona Celestina Soledad in Yuma. After a cursory look around, I decided I would rather not risk being eaten alive and left. Perhaps she did not forgive me for that. But if you have been meditating for years with no noticeable effect and you want practices that work, try these...

14 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Plummed Serpent, September 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Don Juan and the Art of Sexual Energy: The Rainbow Serpent of the Toltecs (Paperback)

This book is not for the novice or those who are not already warriors on the Toltec path. To be a warrior one has to have stored personal power and moved and even shifted their assemblage point. If one isn't already proficient in stalking and dreaming then they are not serious enough to handle let alone impliment the practices in this book. Sexual energy is another form of empowerment for the impeccable warrior. This book really opens up don Juans teachings for the serious warriors.