Conscious Conception: Elemental Journey Through the Labyrinth of Sexuality [Paperback]

Central to the book are the Bakers' dialogue and questions about every aspect of welcoming a "pre-baby" into a family, with corresponding articles by many different contributors. The book is arranged in thematic sections symbolized by the elements - earth, water, fire, air, and ether - each section opening with a metaphoric fragment of Greek mythology. What follow are incredibly rich pieces covering everything from optimal pre-conception nutrition, to men and women's physical and celestial rhythms, beautiful rituals for enhancing creativity, fertility and conception, healing ceremonies for abortion, dreamwork, etc.

While borrowing examples and guidelines from a panorama of references and cultural backgrounds, such as the Vedic scriptures, naturopathy, Chinese medicine, feminist literature, ancient healing arts, Jungian psychology, tarot, astrology, anthroposophy and other esoteric arts, it never stays stuck in one optic. Instead, it suggests how we can use all of these tools to forge our own path. By embracing a broad vision, it transcends the usual do's and don'ts of accepted traditions, and joyfully shows how uniting to co-create new life can be a truly spiritual and full path towards enlightenment. It celebrates love, life, and family in all their beauty and freedom.

What makes the book so special is that despite the intense debates and meticulous articles, it never takes itself seriously, and always reaches out to include the reader, while remaining light and fun in the process. It is a book you'll find yourself underlining and dog-earing throughout, reading and re-reading, at once lending out to all your friends and wishing you had it back.

Conscious Conception offers the eye-opening and optimistic message that conception is not a random act. It is a sacred celebration to be carefully planned, as it holds the potential not only for a more fulfilling family life and caring society, but an opportunity to grow, to heal ourselves, indeed, to "heal the earth by healing birth."

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In 1987while pregnant with my forth child, I read Conscious Conception. This book confirmed for me the sanctity I felt growing richly in my belly. As my body became a mobile-home for my son, my heart stormed about so many questions. This book fed my mind, and soothed my heart.

Later when I lived in Bali, Indonesia, as a midwife... I used Conscious Conception as tool when working with couples who were trying to achieve pregnancy. The words and concepts of communication with pre-babies, I would translate. The many pictures and images needed no translation.

Now in the year 2000, I endeavored to re-read Conscious Conception. this time as a mother, as a midwife and as a grandmother. Inside these pages I have unearthed even more treasures, than in my first two readings of the book.

As a master teacher of the Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning, I highly recommend Conscious Conception. I am grateful to find in Jeannine and Frederick's writing kindred souls, willing to acknowledge the potent "response-ability" of sexuality.

Be you man or woman, ask yourself; "Do I consider my fertility a blessing or a curse?" And then ask; "What cultural and societal influences have determined how I feel about having babies?" As you delve into this dialog with yourself and those you love... Conscious Conception will serve as an enlightened textbook. You'll find it is divided into chapters by the elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Within each element the word-meals are served up in delectable portions, which will at once leave one hungering for the next course, while fully satisfying.

Those interested in Natural Family Planning will wish to visit the Family of the Americas web site, for practical instruction and guidance.

We all arrived on Earth as the result of two people making love. Perhaps that is why sex is unquestionably the red hot tile in the mosaic of life. I urge folks on this Earthly journey to pack Conscious Conception. May your medicine bag to be full of what you really need.

Robin Lim Certified Professional Midwife END

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