Scarlett Ross

Title:	Dreams of the Goddess
Author:	Scarlett Ross
Publisher:	New Page Books
ISBN:	1-56414-603-0
Original Copyright:	2002
Reviewer:	Mike Gleason
Contact Information:	gleason.mike@verizon.net
Category:	Dreams, Goddess Worship
Review:	First things first. I hadn't planned on reviewing this book, but I got a request from a reader of other reviews I have done to done to give my opinion on this work. Like many of the books I have read during the past few years, this is not a "story" book...this is a book about experiencing things. It doesn't "tell" you a lot, but it does help you to experience, and do, things. The author provides more than twenty pages for you to make your own notes, scattered throughout the book (a bit more than 10% of the total book), but personally, I would recommend getting a blank book (even better would be making one yourself, but few of us have the time and/or talent for that) or notebooks and using it for your dream journal. You certainly don't HAVE to, as Mr. Ross points out, but you will undoubtedly find it helpful. Perhaps the best advice Ms. Ross gives you in regard to your dream journal, and many other topics, is BE CREATIVE. There is no right or wrong way to keep a dram journal. Use the ideas you like, as you like, and dno't worry about it. Like many authors today, Ms. Ross apparently subscribes to the "universal worship of the Mother Goddess" idea. This may, in fact, be reality, but it is impossible for us to verify it. It remains, for all time, one possible interpretation of the "Goddess" figurines found around the world. Drawing definite meanings from archeological discoveries predating written history is dangerous ground. Meaning may be inferred based on cultural context, but images of a "goddess" found on their won without such context should not be given any definite interpretation. The image on page 38 may be interpreted in a number of ways, besides the one given by the author, to my way of thinking. Since I have no knowledge of "a Temple devoted to dreaming," I would have appreciated a few references I could have checked out for myself. Many of the authors I have read over the past several years (and indeed, most of those writing for New Page Books) make the point, repeatedly, that only the reader can decide what works. We are all individuals with different life experiences, differing expectations, and varied associations to common objects, etc. What works for the author, at the time the book is written, may not work for the reader (or even for the author at a different time, for that matter). I keep making this comment frequently while reviewing books from this publisher, but it bears repeating - the author keeps reminding us that the information provided is intended to serve as a starting point for our own explorations. We must find what works for us and not allow ourselves to be limited to what has worked for anyone else. Our differing life experiences will, most likely, produce different results. More and more of the books I have seen lately include information about the beliefs of followers of Santeria. Without going into detail, I must say that I have mixed feelings about this. By their own definition, followers of Santeria are NOT Pagan, and many resent being included among the Pagan population. Also, the religion of Santeria is highly structured and it is very easy for the casual observer to become confused. Certain aspects of the religion are very rigid, while others are as slippery as an eel. So, while I appreciate the fact that Ms. Ross has included some Santeria imagery, I feel compelled to caution the reader that all things may not be as cut-and-dried as they appear to be at times. On page 140 is a perfect example of how easy it is to make mistakes is reference to the Orisha of Santeria. Ms. Ross states that Oshun rules the seas and that "Her symbols include shells, blue and white, sea creatures and the moon, that control the tides." While that might make apparent sense (Oshun does sound close to "ocean"), in fact that is the description of Oshun's sister, Yemaya. Oshun's colors, symbols and rulerships are very different. One not of the Santeria who relied on Ms. Ross's information might be surprised by what comes forth as a result.
Review submitted:	5 July 2002