Customer Reviews

Your Unseen Power: Real Training in Western Magic

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Ms. Ashcroft-Nowicki is an accomplished occultist, a person of world fame in her own area of expertise, which I would rather call "sacred science." I come from a conservative and traditional Christian background (not "born again" in the narrow sense). I began reading and listening to this material with some worries that it might be contrary to Christian dogma or doctrine. On investigation, I find that it need not be so at all. The material presented here is not at all what it might seem to be.

The topic of these teachings is rightly called "The Western Mysteries." As the author distinguishes it, Eastern and Western traditions arose out of quite different needs. In the East, the environment was not terribly harsh and food was relatively available. This made possible (and even attractive) styles of spirituality that are compatible with a passive, restful state. So, Eastern meditations tend toward "emptying the mind." That is natural and easy for people who live in a somewhat more comfortable environment, with available food. It leads to very great access to spiritual levels, but has, in actual fact, ended up neglecting the physical dimension in many ways.

In contrast, people in the West lived in areas where food was less available and winters were much more harsh, on the average. People had to be working and planning and scheming all the time, just to stay alive. For such people, emptying the mind is not so easy. It feels dangerous to them, and they prefer to be thinking of something. They LIKE planning and scheming because they do it all the time.

As a result, the basic or core meditative practice---the basic "prayer" practice, if you like---in the western tradition is much more active. Ms. Ashcroft-Nowicki calls it "pathworking." It was wholly unfamiliar to me. It does involve significant mental imagery during the meditative session. This may appear, to a new reader, as a useless act of imagination. We might suppose that, since it is all imagination, it also has no content. We could imagine anything we like, and so, it is all "playing dress up" or "a children's game." I thought so, but it proves to be untrue. The mental context of the pathworkings is not one that we can change as we want to suit the whim of the moment. There are mental contexts in which this is possible, of course. Pathworking is not one of them. It is not just "anything you want," but does have content.

Pathworking is actually work. It takes focus, concentration, and perception. So, it isn't terribly easy. I find that I have to be somewhat energetic or focused to do it. It isn't easy to get started, or, at least, I don't find it easy to get started.

Early pathworkings in this sequence of exercises image interesting and admirable people of the past, like Basilides, an archivist of the great library at Alexandria. Basilides isn't a false god. He's a person, and there is, I think, no particular danger in thinking about him for a little while. I did that exercise and found it very vivid and interesting.

When I went to do pathworking on my own, I prefer to try to image Jesus Christ (very safe). In doing that, I found a key fact. The key fact is that it isn't so easy. It isn't terribly easy to do. This brings us to the core interesting fact---whether you like the fact or not.

Ms. Ashcroft-Nowicki can facilitate and teach with some clarity and some power because she and her school are "contacted." That means that they have established a relationship with persons of the spiritual realm, and they can teach from "both sides," if you like. Some people will not wish to associate with a "contacted" group. Others will think it a great advantage. You can choose what you like.

The culmination of the session is an experience called "practicing the Presence." It is a very unexpected pathworking indeed. Whether or not you wish to pursue this way of prayer, that one experience shows without any doubt at all that the author has an extremely powerful way of prayer, and that it is directed toward valid contact with the Divine, and not to some foul end. I don't know whether this teaching is for me, but I think it is clear from experience that it has great integrity and is worth genuine respect. Even if you dismiss the author as "just a witch" or something like that, any shred of humility would require respect for her enormous accomplishment and for the generosity of spirit she has in sharing it with so many people.

This training is a wonderful way to grow spiritually. The book gives a very good guide and the CD's are such a great way to hear Ms. Ashcroft-Nowicki's wisdom shared directly from her to students. I've had the honor of attending workshops with her before and this is the next best thing. Her humor, wisdom and strength as a teacher shine through.

Ms. Ashcroft-Nowicki presents a well-rounded and strong beginner's course and shows how we can use ancient spiritual principles to grow and heal our lives.

Hello All,

If you study the Western Tradition or Magic, then you really need to get "Your Unseen Power". It is amazing! Are you tired of studying alone or not fortunate or lucky enough to be in a school with a teacher or supervisor, then this is your ticket. It is like having a mentor right there in your own home teaching only you, one on one. It's wonderful! Her voice is soothing and inviting. The course is set up in a healthy and logical way to lead you on a path to self discovery. It contains 9 Cd's, a workbook and two sets of large cards that contain information that you would be searching for in many different books, and all put together in one easy place. Again, wonderful!

So, if you are interested in studying and practicing the Western way of magic, do yourself a BIG favor, buy "Your Unseen Power". Believe me, you won't regret it. Good luck on your journey!!

Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki has found a great way to share several topics dealing with the Western Mysteries in one place. This home study course touches on: the Kabbalah, altar & temple creation, the Tree of Life, pathworking, and much more. Sounds True still needs to get a few of the study/meditation cards corrected but all-in-all a great mix of audio, cards, and a workbook.

This audio course published by the only contemporay expert in this field is nothing short of wonderful! Covering topics I have never understood until now, it is clear and easy to grasp for beginners and skilled students alike. The Western Mysteries have always seemed either too intellectual, boring or frightening at times. Not so with this excellent production.

Covering everything from various mythologies, western style meditation, the cabala, to pathworking it is all spoken to you with a voice that is confident, comforting, and masterful. Humorous, warm and insightful, this teacher is superb and thorough. My favorite part is the guided meditations she introduces us to historic individuals from the past. This is the real deal and not some "made-up" fiction that present Western mysticism as a fools path. I thank her for this bold and powerful effort. Who knows, maybe if destiny has it, we shall meet one day.

In my opinion, this is the most beautiful work Sounds True has ever produced. "Museum quality," are the words that come to mind. Provides a lifetime of study, with something for everyone who values wisdom, growth, integrity and light. Well worth the price. Sets new standards for books and audio materials in terms of impeccability and beauty. Thank you, Ms. Ashcroft-Nowicki, for sharing this material.

This package is really well put together. Everything about it is beautifully presented, from the CD presentation, to the workbook and cards. The intent of the package is to offer an insight into the experience of becoming an initiate in the Western Mystery Tradition. Dolores speaks with the clear voice of authority and her sense of humour and loving compassion are audible throughout.

Highly recommended.

When I received this training course I was disappointed. Inside the box was a note telling me that the some cards inside were printed incorrectly. I send it back for a refund. Why are they allow to sell a product if there something wrong with it! They should fix it first then present it to the public.

It is like sitting by the fire with an old wise woman. She takes you by the hand and firmly guides you through the mysteries. It is an incredible experience.

Well, I ordered this product used and it came missing the
cds's so I really can't give a full review.