In Pagan Metaphysics 101, author Springwolf tells us early on that the information in this book is meant to "empower YOU ... to help you learn how to go within, connect with your own Divine Spirit, communicate with the greater Divine Consciousness, and bring a sense of spiritual wholeness to your being." Through this process, she hopes readers will "walk through every moment of the day with a sense of higher purposes, greater connection to their spiritual mission, and with insight to meet their personal and spiritual goals." In this mission, she greatly succeeds.

The author begins by asking us to define our beliefs, and she gives a solid definition of the origins of metaphysics, or "first cause principles," dating back to the time of Plato and Aristotle.

However, she also gives us detailed descriptions of the Soul Groups, Root Races and the influence of Atlantis on ancient civilizations, and tells us that this knowledge has "come to be known...." Known by whom? And how? This bothers me because it is stated as fact, when it isn't necessarily so. Although her bibliography is extensive, I would have appreciated a few footnotes.

Also, I need more than the channeled and researched information of just two individuals to convince me of the reality of Atlantis. (I know, I know, I watch Discovery and H2 too, but the author wasn't any more successful in convincing me of its reality than they were.) However, while she was over my head a few times, her prose still remains accessible and conversational. I cannot fault the author for including theories just because I have not heard of them before, but still, they are the opinions of some, not necessarily all (and not necessarily fact).

She comes down to earth a bit when discussing the similarities between different spiritual beliefs. "We are all trying to advance the human soul toward enlightenment," she explains, and defines how enlightened beings choose to come to earth as Master Teachers, citing Jesus, Buddha and Billy Graham as examples. She parallels pagan beliefs with the Christian concept of Heaven and Hell, defining them as "Spiritual, Ethereal Realms," which she believes coincide with the existence of multiple universes that science believes it has proven to exist.

Springwolf has done some interesting chakra work, some of which was new to me. Here, she provides the first of several impressive meditations intended to help the reader absorb her convictions. In the second half of the book, she writes with strong conviction about many different concepts. She describes the "conscious minds," splitting the soul and spirit into two different entities, a concept which was also new to me, and I wasn't sure I could quite get my mind around it. Again, the author doesn't just explain a possibility, but provides a hands-on meditation to help the reader incorporate the possibility into his or her life. The meditation helped me envision it.

There are also extensive sections on karma, the effect of free will on the spiritual blueprint, the Akashic Records, ghosts, spirits and finding your "spiritual sanctuary," where another impressive meditation is provided to help you get there. Not in a million years did I think that would work for me, but I actually got a glimpse of the place, and it was nothing like what I was expecting.

Springwolf makes clear that part of her goal in writing this book was to "fill some gaps or open new avenues of thought that you may not have thought of before." She certainly did for me. You will need an open mind and be willing to work with some new ideas to use this book successfully. An explanation of the roots of every idea mentioned here is not the purpose of this book. Working with the knowledge she imparts is what she tries to do, and does successfully. She balances known theories with original thought well. Springwolf has promised a series on this subject. Based upon book one, I will definitely be back for more.