cover image EVERYDAY KARMA: A Renowned Psychic Shows You How to Change Your Life by Changing Your Karma

EVERYDAY KARMA: A Renowned Psychic Shows You How to Change Your Life by Changing Your Karma

Carmen Harra, . . Ballantine, $23.95 (240pp) ISBN 978-0-345-45511-6

Telling readers to "forget everything you think you know about psychics," self-described "metaphysical intuitive" Harra combines her gift to communicate with the "Invisible World" (honed after nearly drowning in a Romanian river at age five) with lessons she's gleaned as a licensed hypnotherapist, astrologist, numerologist and Kabbalah expert. Juxtaposing her casual, friendly writing style and positive tone against a highly structured framework, Harra, who's consulted with presidents, Hollywood celebrities and European royalty, provides thorough explanations on the levels of karma (past, present and accumulated), types of karma (individual, family and group) and a 10-step Karmic Resolution Method meant to develop the self-awareness needed to "project your own happy future." The tips on communicating with one's spirit guide, rules for a happy marriage and exercises meant to clarify one's true purpose, attract a soul mate and eliminate addictive patterns from one's life do lend an interactive feeling. However, Harra's heavy reliance on anecdotal evidence and her predictions section (where she shows that, for example, she knew "Clinton would almost be ousted from office" and later "disappear into civilian life") come off as self-congratulatory and may leave skeptics wondering if she's only the latest to capitalize on the ever-growing American appetite for occultism. Agent, Janis Vallely. (On sale Oct. 29)

Forecast:Praise for Harra from Elle magazine's fashion director and Hillary Clinton's campaign adviser, a blurb from Candice Bergen, a six-city author tour, features on women's interest and yoga Web sites and advertising in spirituality publications will attract browsers.