May 11 2016

Visionary Tale of Nazis, Templars, and the Holy Grail

Visionary Fiction is a rising genre of our times. This new novel from Victor E. Smith blends two harsh, but fascinating, time periods with the ever-intriguing search for the Holy Grail.

Even death cannot stop two hearts that beat as one.

In May 1939, German newspapers announced the untimely death of 35-year-old author Otto Rahn, applauding him as “comrade, decent SS-man and creator of outstanding historical-scholarly works.” But his Swiss lover Raymond knew that Otto had neither died accidentally nor as a member of the infamous SS.

Before the Nazis, Rahn had researched the medieval French Cathars, a heretical sect exterminated by war and the Inquisition, and he published his account of this tragedy as Crusade against the Grail. His book fascinated Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, an occult fanatic, who then enticed Otto into the SS as a historical researcher. Gambling that Otto’s psychic talents might lead to the recovery of the coveted Holy Grail for the Nazis, Himmler coddled the writer, even condoning his illegal homosexuality. Then Rahn came to discover that the SS and its operations were far from benign.

After Otto’s demise, Raymond knew that his partner’s work deserved recognition, but as a genuine Grail bearer and not as a member of the SS. To do this, Raymond had to recover his own unique gift: a phenomenal memory that took him back to the Cathar era where the men’s mutual mission, which could only be carried out with them riding two to a horse in the way of the Knights Templar, was first entrusted to them.

Channel of the Grail is a visionary novel, historically based on the medieval Cathar persecutions and the 20th century life and times of Otto Rahn.

Available at Amazon

Victor E. Smith

About the Author

Victor E. Smith became a generalist, as opposed to a specialist, seemingly by fate. From childhood on a Pennsylvania communal farm, to adolescence in a Catholic seminary, then into adulthood with occupations that ranged from counselor and teacher to printing entrepreneur and corporate computer trainer, all while parenting three children, Vic remains astounded, often stunned, by the variety, both wonderful and terrible, inherent in human life. Such awe has always compelled him to write. From his first “book” of poems as a teenager; through experimental plays, poetry, and short stories in his twenties; with volumes of educational and technical writing throughout his work career, he finally settled on the novel as his writing mode of choice.

A lifelong proponent of the human urge for spiritual evolution, he has focused on phenomena “just over the edge”: reincarnation, the paranormal, parapsychology, and alternative history, especially in the spiritual/religious sphere. Gnostic (based on direct perception rather than authority) in his approach, he aims to live an idea first and then write from personal experience. A tall order for someone supposedly writing fiction. Traveling to the places he writes about, developing relationships with those intimate with his subject, and “grokking the fullness” of his material through reflection and extensive personal journalling are to his research what clues are to a detective. THE ANATHEMAS, a Novel of Reincarnation and Restitution, ripened over decades, was his first novel. His second, THE PERFECT, about the medieval Cathars of southern France and Nazi interest in their obscure religion, is scheduled for publication in 2013.

For more information or to follow his blog, go to http://www.victoresmith.com

Jan 25 2016

Women’s Fiction with Spiritual Flair

Finding mainstream novels with a spiritual component is rare. I know, there are thousands of books from Christian publishers, but, personally I often find them restrictive. They stay too safely in “the box” for my taste. Here are two novels from authors I’ve followed through the years who don’t stay in “the box.” Back in the day when I was on Internet radio, I enjoyed interviewing them.

Barbara O’Neal is a prolific award winning author (aka “Barbara Samuel” and “Ruth Wind”). Rising through the ranks of romance writing into women’s fiction, she creates complex characters that tug at your heart and also make you think. The Garden of Happy Endings features a unitarian female pastor, Reverend Elsa Montgomery, caught in the grips of personal and spiritual crisis. After many years as a successful minister in Seattle, a tragedy in the congregation unmoors her so much, the church leadership insists she take a sabbatical. The bulk of the story takes place in her hometown of Pueblo, Colorado. There she must deal with the man she gave to God, plus her sister is also in the midst of crisis. Healing for all is centered on the community garden, where Elsa pours her ministerial energies. As always, I enjoyed O’Neal’s unfolding story and relationships, but really relished inclusion of ministerial people working for God, but confronted with all-too-human emotions. As a bonus, there are even some mystical moments to satisfy supernal appetites. And as the title implies, there’s a happy ending.

And for your further spiritual reading enjoyment, take a trip to Pie Town with author, Lynne Hinton. My radio interview with Hinton especially sticks in my mind because at the time she was pastoring a church in a small rural community. We discussed her personal journey from North Carolina, to a Masters in Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California to ministering in the Southwest. Pie Town takes place in New Mexico, a place of lost hopes and dreams, looking for inspiration. A new, fresh-out-of seminary priest is assigned to the small Catholic Church, and soon realizes he is unprepared for the cultural mixture of Hispanics, Anglos, and Native Americans all struggling to make a living. And when he brings a pregnant hitch-hiker into town, he unwittingly creates more drama. Hinton’s personal experience dealing with all the personalities that make up a congregation shines through the piece. Pie Town offers an entertaining slice of life with spiritual underpinnings.

Both of these authors spin compelling tales that entertain and lift your spirits. Check out all their work:

Barbara O’ Neal

Lynne Hinton

Happy Reading!

Dana Taylor

Also visit Dana Taylor Books and Bio

Jul 17 2015

Soul Snacks ~ Free July 17 – 19

Free in the Kindle Store Three Days Only!

Looking for a little mental and spiritual refreshment during your hectic day? Soul Snacks: Fast Food for the Spirit brings you a variety of short stories, articles, reviews, and excerpts to give you a lift.

Many pieces are taken from blog posts here at Supernal Living where I explore “healing energy, spirituality, and wonder.”

Part One, Supernal Tales, offers four short stories with a mystical touch.

The word “Supernal” is defined as “being or coming from on high,” Heavenly or Ethereal.

You’ll enjoy four fictional stories of people who have their lives touched by supernal forces.

House Call—inspired by my work as a Reiki therapist. A chronically ill woman spends the day with a unique therapist.

Detour—A grieving young mother takes a drive that changes her life.

The Lamp—Could it be a sign to this widower?

Shiny Green Shoes—Life was hard on old Route 66 in Luther, Oklahoma during the Great Depression. A town down on its luck is given hope through the unlikely friendship of an aging actress and a poor child of the South.

Part Two, Definitely Dana, includes popular blog posts from my personal experiences.
Part Three, Reiki Healing Energy presents an introduction to the healing technique from Japan.
Part Four, Supernal Book Reviews, are reviews of some of my favorite spiritual books.
Part Five, Supernal Excerpts, gives you samples of some of my full-length fictional tales.

Soul Snacks is available through the Kindle Store at Amazon. It is FREE for Kindle Unlimited Subscribers.

Jun 26 2015

Waking Maya, A Visionary Tale

Taking subjects like remote viewing, quantum physics, and vortices and weaving them into a cohesive piece of fiction requires an author of finesse and skill. Warren Goldie married his strong writing background and his interest in spirituality and metaphysics to create an engaging tale in Waking Maya.

The story begins with 20-year-old Maya digging a grave for her beloved cat under a tree in her backyard. Her shovel hits a metal box. The message she finds inside sets her off on a life-changing adventure–the search for her long-lost father.

Ben Ambrose, man of mystery. Psychic. Visionary. Spy? Maya finds herself caught between government forces and a secret society, wondering who is friend and who is foe. And of course, the future of the world is at stake.

What makes this tale so fun are the metaphysical elements threaded throughout the story, even as we come to care for Maya, her father, and assorted well-developed characters. If you’re looking for an enjoyable piece of visionary fiction, download Waking Maya by Warren Goldie.

***

Charmin’ Warrior ~ A witty visionary tale of adventure and romance

Jun 11 2015

A Spiritual Himalayan Adventure

Book Review by Dana Taylor

Into The Land of Snows by Ellis Nelson

This YA novel centers on sixteen-year-old Blake, a typical American kid dealing with his parents’ recent divorce with minor rebellion and simmering resentment. His Dad, a doctor and adventurer, has just landed an assignment working as a physician at the base camp on Mt. Everest. When Blake’s Mom declares him out of control, Blake finds himself dispatched to spend the summer with Dad in the Himalayas. Blake’s hopes of finally having time with his Dad are soon dashed when an avalanche makes the area too dangerous for Blake to remain. Instead, he finds himself on a cross country journey with a wise Sherpa named Ang, destination Katmandu. Soon Blake finds himself a stranger in a strange land of monks, yetis, mountain animals, and blizzards. All his concepts of reality and illusion are challenged with each step on the twisting paths.

Ellis Nelson weaves a well-crafted coming-of-age tale, making the cultures and mountainous setting come alive in the reader’s mind. Recommended for the YA audience and beyond.

Ellis Nelson

Ellis Nelson has served as an Air Force officer, government contractor, and teacher. She has had an interest in Buddhism since childhood. Currently, she lives in Colorado Springs, CO with her husband.

From the author: How This Book Came Into the World

Several years ago I had a particularly bad year. My father died, my son was hospitalized, and I came face to face with my own health crisis. All in one year. My illness effectively took me out of the world and focused my attention inward. I returned to basics and found my interest in Buddhism waiting for me. Silent, I think, since at least my teenage years.

I began taking classes offered in faraway Dharamsala, India. Thanks to the internet, I was able to study with a master who had fled Chinese-occupied Tibet to follow His Holiness, the Dalai Lama into exile in 1959. Listening to Geshe Sonam Rinchen’s patient lectures aided my understanding of Tibetan Buddhism. That along with my friendship with a young monk in India helped me to process and write, Into the Land of Snows. The novel explores many of the themes I was exposed to as I learned Eastern concepts.

The process of the inward journey continues for me. Living in the material world is not easy. I know the majority of readers will read the book as an adventure in a foreign land, but I hope the book finds a few fellow spiritual travelers.

Visit EllisNelson.com

BUY FROM B&N BUY FROM AMAZON

Dec 31 2014

It Will All Make Sense When You’re Dead, etc.

Book Reviews by Dana Taylor

If you’re interested in exploring the realm of spirit communication, It Will All Make Sense When You’re Dead by psychic medium Priscilla Keresey is a good place to begin.

In a matter-of-fact tone, she explains how she developed as a medium and many of the things she has learned. While she offers some examples of client communications with loved ones, she also does of good job of presenting how spirit communicators function. From exploring the various “clairs”—clairvoyant, clairsentient, clairaudient—to explaining common symbols utilized by mediums, she takes a lot of the mystery out of the process. Like many other things, spirit communication begins with a talent and grows into a skill through practice and application.

She also answers commonly asked questions and demonstrates how communication with spirit people can offer healing to those on the earthly realm. Far from being a book of ghost tales, this is a handbook for spirit communication and sheds light on the interplay between dimensions of realities.

Definitely for the Supernal Adventurer!

Amazon

Finding Home by Melanie Rose

This novel turned out to be a real surprise. I picked it up at the library and I’m not exactly sure why (unless my “team” picked it for me). Anyway, it turned out to be a very interesting blend of mystery with past-life recall thrown into the mix.

The story begins with a woman driving into a storm and getting lost on a country road. The car slides into a tree and the woman attempts to walk out. She soon faints and is picked up by a man and carried to a nearby country cottage. She awakens not knowing who she is, but everything feels strangely familiar. The story develops with many well-drawn characters, a sick little girl, her father, the housekeeper and her psychiatrist brother, the farmer and his family up the road. The woman, who takes on the name “Kate,” agrees to be hypnotized in hopes of remembering her identity. Instead, she recalls a life as “Kitty” from the late 1800’s. Increasingly, the past seems to be affecting the present. The author does a good job of tying all the story lines together.

Reincarnation, mystery, a dash of romance—what more could any Supernal reader want?