Toward 2012: Perspectives on the Next Age (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. In his introduction to this wide-ranging collection, author and "psychonaut" Pinchbeck (2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl) reaffirms his hypothesis that, based on Mayan predictions, "December 12, 2012 may usher in a new world age" necessitating a "rapid evolution of collective intelligence" in order to avoid cataclysm. A year ago, Pinchbeck and collaborator Jordan (an "online pioneer") launched the web journal Reality Sandwich to bring together the diverse range of voices exploring "current processes of spirtual and material transformation... usually outside the mainstream." This anthology culls 36 wide-ranging essays from the site covering everything from metaphics to geopolitics in sections on Community, Art, Sex and the Shamanic. Alberto Villodo describes the healing practices of "jaguar medicine"; John Major Jenkins looks at how hallucinogens explain Mayan astronomical discoveries; ST Frequency dresses down "pseudo-shaman" Carlos Castaneda, whose drug tourism threatens indigenous Mexican cultures. Closer to home, a writer who goes by Homegrown Evolution gives tips on how to grow guerilla gardens on vacant lots, and Ken Jordan writes an appreciation of Abbie Hoffman, the '60s activist who brought the NYSE to a halt by showering money on the "suits." Not every essay will connect, but anyone interested in the future or the fringe should find some thought-provoking reading among them.
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Product Description

An informed, challenging, and engaging collection of essays on the new choices in lifestyles and community as we begin the countdown toward the year 2012.

This fresh and thought-provoking anthology draws together some of today’s most celebrated visionaries, thinkers, and pioneers in the field of evolving consciousness— exploring topics from shamanism to urban homesteading, the legacy of Carlos Castaneda to Mayan predictions for the year 2012, and new paths in direct political action and human sexuality.

Toward 2012 highlights some of the most challenging, intelligent pieces published on the acclaimed website Reality Sandwich. It is coedited by Daniel Pinchbeck, the preeminent voice on 2012, and online pioneer Ken Jordan, and features original works from Stanislav Grof, John Major Jenkins, and Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky); interviews with Abbie Hoffman and artist Alex Grey; and a new introduction by Pinchbeck.

Here are ideas that trace the arc of our evolution in consciousness, lifestyles, and communities as we draw closer to a moment in time that portends ways of living that are different from anything we have expected or experienced.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Tarcher (December 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585427004
• ISBN-13: 978-1585427000
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #164,820 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice find!, January 16, 2009

By	OUChris (Dallas) - See all my reviews

I saw this book in the "new non-fiction" section at Borders. With all the hoopla lately surrounding 2012, I figured I'd pick this up. Now, I knew about Dec. 21 2012 and the end of the Mayan calendar before this, but had only seen video and snippets online (i.e. David Wilcock's Enigma 2012 which is pretty fascinating)

First, let me say this book will NOT be sufficient for information specifically on 2012 and what may or may not happen (depending on who/what you read/see). It isn't designed to be. The second part of the title says it all: Perspectives on the next age.

I've found there are pretty much two categories of 2012 believers: That the world is going to end (in some type of apocalypse) or that there will be a massive cosmic awakening of consciousness. If you fall in the latter, this book is for you.

In other words, it discusses many ideas for those WANTING to change consciously/spiritually. 2012 in my opinion can be used like any religion, as a placebo. A placebo to change who you want to be hopefully for the better. So, for example, if you've never heard of Abbie Hoffman (like me) you'll be introduced to him and what he and others did in the 60's and 70's as kind of a mini-revolution of the mind through action. As well, it talks about all of the "typical" subjects that would be associated with 2012 like meditation, yogi's, dreams, shamanism, psychadelics, etc.

I have a philosophy to "be open". This book is perfect for that type of philosophy. Just the right mix of "say what?" with "now that makes sense!"

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a hint for readers..., February 20, 2009

By	Adam C. Weaver "somacub" (Macon, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For those who aren't quite satisfied with the content of the book, I must encourage any readers to visit the Reality Sandwich website. Most of the articles in the book appeared there first, and there are, in some cases, very long and interesting discussion threads accompanying each article - often involving the author of the piece. I personally enjoyed the book as is, but after going to the website and delving more into each article, I found that I was much more satisfied with the overall experience.

Here's hoping that there will be more books from Daniel and his editorial team...it's refreshing to see so many viewpoints, and no one claiming that "this is the only true way!"

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Toward 2012: Perspectives on the Next Age , January 26, 2009

By	Edward Wirth "Wobloska" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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Very interesting set of essays from Reality Sandwich. Thought provoking. Found it less interesting than Pinchbeck's other books, but alot of data for accessing many websites. A good read.