Being-In-Dreaming by florinda donner

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I am firmly convinced that everything described in this so-called memoir is fabricated, which in itself is quite interesting.

It is rather strange that Donner, who is ostensibly an anthropologist, presents an account of folk "sorcery" that has absolutely nothing to do with genuine indigenous Mexican magic. Moreover, after reading this, I discovered that Donner and three other followers of Castaneda vanished in 1998, reportedly driving into the desert and abandoning their vehicle. The remains of one of the other women were unearthed in 2003, yet Donner and her companions have still never been located.

In this context, "Being-in-Dreaming" has an overheated fantasy quality that is captivating, regardless of any claim to authenticity. Donner's admittedly clumsy and repetitive writing reveals several fixed themes that recur obsessively. Most notably, the other "sorcerers" constantly desert her, leaving her lonely and frightened. They reproach her for her dependence on them, as apparently this is a spiritual defect that hinders her growth as a sorceress.

Could this story actually be Donner's portrayal of the mysterious way in which powerful, confident individuals have entered and exited her life? Her passionate and enduring attachment to Castaneda, and her disappearance (perhaps a suicide pact) after his death, seem characteristic of an individual in need of an attachment that transcends the possibility of separation.

0 0 Reply

Wintermute12

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I found this book extremely frustrating to read.

On the one hand, it presents itself as being empowering to women, yet all the women seem to follow a male leader. This contradiction really bothered me.

Moreover, the behavior of the main character was so immature and aggressive that it was very difficult to establish any sort of connection with her.

However, for the rest of the book, it was truly fascinating and original. The story had some unique elements and perspectives that kept me engaged despite my initial frustrations.

I just wish that the aspects that I found so off-putting could have been handled differently to make the overall reading experience more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Maybe with some tweaks and improvements, this book could have been a really great and empowering read for women.

As it stands now, it has its flaws but still has some redeeming qualities that make it worth considering.

0 0 Reply

meima

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

A book that seemed lost and lonely, standing out of place among the others, sat in a reduced box, which made me look again.

It piqued my interest because of the Carlos Castaneda recommendation. Anyone who has read his books would surely be intrigued, so naturally, I bought it.

Just like Castaneda's books, it is captivating and surreal. You find yourself wondering if this is truly a real physical journey or perhaps one of the spirit wandering without the body, and to what extent it is due to the effects of peyote.

However, it does make you pose that very question. It is an ancient magic, and for most of us, a journey we wouldn't willingly choose to undertake.

Nevertheless, it is worth a read. And if you haven't read Castaneda, you should, especially those who enjoy exercising their imagination.

It offers a unique perspective and takes you on a journey that blurs the lines between the physical and the spiritual.

Whether you believe in the power of peyote or not, the book challenges your perception and makes you think about the nature of reality.

It is a thought-provoking read that will leave you with much to ponder.

0 0 Reply

fillyy

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Just finished reading "Being in Dreaming" by Florinda Donner Grau.

It was truly an interesting experience delving into the female perspective presented in Carlos Castaneda's books.

Florinda's account offers a unique and refreshing take on the spiritual and esoteric teachings that Castaneda is known for.

Her writing style is engaging and easy to follow, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in her world of dreams and shamanic experiences.

Through her eyes, we get a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that come with exploring the inner self and the mysteries of the universe.

"Being in Dreaming" is not just a book about spiritual growth, but also a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the intersection of spirituality, feminism, and personal growth.

It is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of dreams and the importance of following your intuition.

0 0 Reply

Sereshay

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I found this book a little fuzzy.

It seems to offer only a sneak peek into the sorcerers' world, yet without revealing too much.

After reading Taisha Abelar's 'The Sorcerers Crossing', I was left with a strong craving for more knowledge about this mysterious realm.

So, I decided to pick up this book in the hope of satisfying that longing.

However, to my disappointment, it hasn't really provided me with many profound insights.

It's as if the author is deliberately holding back, teasing the reader with snippets of information but never fully opening the door to the secrets of the sorcerers.

Perhaps this is a strategy to build anticipation and keep the reader engaged, but for now, I'm left feeling a bit unsatisfied.

I'll have to keep looking for other sources that can offer a more in-depth exploration of the sorcerers' world.

Hopefully, I'll come across a book that can truly quench my thirst for knowledge in this fascinating area.

Until then, I'll continue to be intrigued by the idea of sorcerers and their hidden powers.

0 0 Reply

Kurahma

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I found it extremely challenging to read this book. Perhaps it was due to the English translation.

The writing style seemed choppy, and the author jumped around too much, which made it hard for me to follow.

She dedicated a significant amount of time to describing the characters and places in great detail. However, I felt that she should have spent more time concentrating on the ideas and concepts presented in the book.

The concept of the book is truly fascinating and had a lot of potential. Nevertheless, it just didn't meet my expectations.

Overall, I was disappointed with my reading experience of this book.

0 0 Reply

MurasakiNoTsuki

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Ahh, to drive under a canopy of stars in the desert, to mingle with sorcerers and witches alike and to spend but moments under their tutelage — losing all sense of time yet being-in-dreaming in heightened awareness.

I found this to be an extremely fascinating read. It was filled with mystical aspects that I long to experience personally. This being said, Being-In-Dreaming was a first-hand account of Florinda Donner as she endeavored to be initiated into the sorcerers’ world and its affiliates. It delved into topics such as sex, womanhood, the subjugation of women, death, dreams, and of worlds beyond one’s perceptions. It was superbly captivating. However, I have not encountered a more petulant character (almost bordering on a vexing, temperamental manner) that somewhat dampened the otherwise languid sequence of events in this account.

In conclusion, I rate this book 3 stars. *

0 0 Reply

MemeShowEnjoyer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Absolutely fascinating and helpful too.

It was truly a delight to witness another aspect of Carlos. Instead of the perpetual complaining that characterized most of his books, which I adored nonetheless, here he was masterful and playful.

The way Florinda, or the author, portrays her adventures is extremely captivating. She is quite a character, and I could very well identify with her temperament.

Her vivid descriptions of the house in Mexico, the colorful costumes, the delicious food, and so on, added a rich human dimension to the extensive body of Castaneda's work.

I'm pretty certain that she must have located him after the book came to a conclusion. This story not only provides an interesting perspective on Carlos but also enriches the overall narrative with its detailed accounts of various elements. It makes one wonder about the true nature of their relationship and what might have happened next.

Overall, it's a captivating read that leaves the reader with a lot to think about and imagine.

0 0 Reply

Leave a Review

You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.

Being-In-Dreaming

florinda donner

This edition

More editions

About the author

florinda donner

Readers also enjoyed

Community Reviews