The Teachings of Don Juan #5

The Second Ring of Power

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Carlos Castaneda takes the reader into the very heart of sorcery, challenging both imagination and reason, shaking the very foundations of our belief in what is "natural" and "logical."

Back from the abyss, Castaneda encounter his greatest test on the journey towards impeccability and to outwit and overpower the sorcery of Doña Soledad, herself transformed from a defeated and meaningless life to a warrior, a hunter and a "stalker of power."

Now the combat will begin. Now the journey will continue. Till the last danger is faced...the final paradox embraced.

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1977

About the author

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Carlos Castaneda was an Latin-American author.
Starting with The Teachings of Don Juan in 1968, Castaneda wrote a series of books that describe his training in shamanism, particularly with a group whose lineage descended from the Toltecs.
The books, narrated in the first person, relate his experiences under the tutelage of a man that Castaneda claimed was a Yaqui "Man of Knowledge" named don Juan Matus. His 12 books have sold more than 28 million copies in 17 languages.
Critics have suggested that they are works of fiction; supporters claim the books are either true or at least valuable works of philosophy.

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 79 votes)
5 stars
32(41%)
4 stars
24(30%)
3 stars
23(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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79 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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A mysterious and powerful sorceress appears before Carlos, ready to test his knowledge of the Yaqui Way.

Carlos, nervous yet determined, stands his ground. The sorceress begins to ask him a series of questions about the ancient teachings, the rituals, and the spiritual beliefs of the Yaqui people.

Carlos tries his best to recall all that he has learned, but he realizes that his understanding may not be as deep as he thought. The sorceress is not easily satisfied and continues to probe, challenging his assumptions and pushing him to think beyond what he already knows.

As the test progresses, Carlos feels a growing sense of respect for the sorceress and her vast knowledge. He realizes that there is still much to learn and that the Yaqui Way is a path that requires constant exploration and growth.

In the end, the sorceress smiles and tells Carlos that he has passed the test, but only just. She encourages him to continue his studies and to always keep an open mind. Carlos leaves the encounter with a newfound sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the Yaqui Way.
July 15,2025
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I am going to bestow the same review upon all the Carlos Castaneda books that I have perused within that series. The reason is simply that they are all truly outstanding.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have encountered Castaneda at a very early stage of my magickal journey. My spells and rituals have always been reliant on the power of intent. And I have discovered that there is no superior education regarding how to focus one's intent than what is presented in this series of books.

Back in 1994, they were classified as nonfiction. However, lately, it is claimed that they are fiction. All that I know for certain is that a great deal of what is contained within these books actually works.

Having been a Wiccan Faery Witch for 13 years now, I am well aware that much of what is real to us is regarded as fiction by those who are not traversing a magickal path. These are books that have the potential to change one's life and will never be forgotten. Their teachings continue to exert an influence on my life even today. It simply doesn't get any better than that!
July 15,2025
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Drawing the threads closer from all the previous books and stepping up into his role as the Nagual, Carlos has truly outdone himself. I remember that I couldn't read this book for a while some time ago. However, the other day, I was suddenly able to pick it up and start reading through it with great enthusiasm. It's truly amazing. The rhythm of questioning is now more obvious to me, and the pace of the skeptic/apprentice/intuitive sorcerer's questioning is even clearer. It's a great read that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The way Carlos weaves together the different elements and ideas is masterful, and it makes you think deeply about the nature of reality and our place in it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring the mysteries of the spiritual world and expanding their consciousness.

July 15,2025
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This book is not my favorite among his works.


Carlos returns to Mexico some time after his apprenticeship concludes and discovers that Don Juan has left behind other apprentices about whom he seemingly knows nothing.


His interactions with his cohorts constantly irritate me. Nevertheless, it remains entertaining and worthy of being read, despite the fact that it disrupts the entire 'world vision' he had constructed in his previous books.


The unexpected revelation about the other apprentices adds a new layer of complexity to the story. It makes me question the authenticity and comprehensiveness of the world that Carlos had presented before.


Although the annoyance factor exists, the overall entertainment value and the thought-provoking nature of the book still make it a worthwhile read.


I am curious to see how this new development will impact the future installments of the series and how Carlos will navigate this newfound knowledge.


July 15,2025
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I truly love my adventures with Carlito.

Each and every one of them is like a precious gem that I cherish deeply.

The excitement, the thrills, and the unexpected twists and turns always keep me on the edge of my seat.

I can't wait for the next adventure to cross my path.

It's almost as if these books have a way of finding me at just the right time, without me even looking for them.

It's like fate is guiding me towards these wonderful stories that transport me to another world.

With Carlito by my side, I feel like I can conquer anything and go on the most amazing quests.

These adventures have become an important part of my life, and I look forward to many more to come.
July 15,2025
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If it has one star, I liked it a lot. It might have had some interesting aspects that caught my attention and made it an enjoyable read or experience.


If it has two stars, I not only liked it a lot but would also recommend it. This indicates that it had more to offer, perhaps better writing, a more engaging story, or unique features that made it stand out.


If it has three stars, I really really liked it a lot. It means that it was truly excellent, with few flaws and many great qualities. It could have been a page-turner or something that left a lasting impression on me.


If it has four stars, I insist you read it. This is a high recommendation, suggesting that it is a must-read. It might have had a profound impact on me, or it could be a work of great literary value or practical importance.


If it has five stars, it was life changing. This implies that it was truly exceptional and had a significant impact on my life. It could have changed my perspective, inspired me, or taught me something valuable that I will never forget.

July 15,2025
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I found this book to be somewhat lacking in certain aspects that were prominent in his previous works.

Perhaps it was the absence of Don Juan, whose explanations had a unique charm that always managed to fascinate me in a way that Castaneda's more academic perspective simply couldn't.

The book was a relatively quick read, in part because of the writing style that had a knack for drawing me in and keeping my attention.

It seemed as if the author was trying to convey a certain message or idea, but something was missing that would have made the book truly outstanding.

Despite this, I still found the book to be an interesting read and it did offer some valuable insights into the subject matter.

However, I couldn't help but compare it to his previous accounts and feel a bit disappointed that it didn't quite measure up.

Overall, it was an okay read, but not one that I would highly recommend.
July 15,2025
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"Spannend ist es nicht" means "It is not exciting" in German. Here is an expanded English version:

Life can sometimes be rather uneventful. The daily routine often lacks that spark of excitement. There are days when nothing seems to stand out or bring that rush of anticipation. It can feel like we are going through the motions, with no real adventure or thrill on the horizon.

However, it's important to remember that excitement doesn't always have to come in the form of grand gestures or extreme experiences. Sometimes, it can be found in the simplest of things. A new book that captures our imagination, a beautiful sunset that takes our breath away, or a random act of kindness from a stranger.

We just need to open our eyes and look for those small moments of excitement that can add color and flavor to our otherwise ordinary lives. Because even in the midst of the mundane, there is always the potential for something wonderful to happen.

So, while it may be true that "it is not exciting" at times, let's not give up hope. Instead, let's actively seek out those opportunities for excitement and make the most of every moment.
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