Earth Energy Meditations: Awaken Your Root Chakra—The Foundation of Well-Being

Meditation teacher Shumsky (Exploring Meditation) presents meditations meant to cultivate “an open, clear, and healthy root chakra” in this welcoming guide. Meditations, visualizations, prayers, and affirmations for protection, spiritual guidance, and boosting energy make up the bulk of the book. While many of the discussions center on Hindu and Buddhist traditions—specifically the root chakra—Shumsky incorporates a wide array of spiritual concepts, including references to the Bible, the astral plane, possession and exorcism, Judaism, and Native American culture. For example, a mantra to the Hindu god Ganesh is recommended for breaking through obstacles, while a prayer to the Great Spirit of the Lakota is utilized for humility and appreciation of the “divine order.” This creates a diverse well of information and rituals, though Shumsky’s cursory explanations of the cultures and religions that inspire her rituals will strike some readers as undercooked. Shumsky’s accessible exercises to “speed up your spiritual evolution and expand your awareness” will be of aid to beginners and seasoned meditation practitioners alike. (Jan.)