The fifth book in the series is, so far, the least satisfying. Here's the reason why.

A well-balanced Castaneda book typically encompasses the following elements/styles.

1) Dialog and teachings regarding the Sorcerer's belief system, which also includes questioning to refine understanding.

2) Journeys or vision quests, where travels to different places are undertaken for the purpose of exercising some of the teachings and for preparation.

3) Magic - Surreal experiences from other realities that are perceived through discipline or the use of power plants (although this seems to end in book two), often resulting in thrilling adventures!

4) A caring (at times, a truly warm relationship) between the sorcerer and the apprentice (Castaneda).

Reasons why this book doesn't measure up in the series are as follows.

1. This book consists of 85% of element/style 1). Thus, it is the most verbose book to date. There is a lot of nitpicking about the belief system, which is very pedantic and, at times, quite boring.

2. The sorcerers (not Don Juan, but two male apprentices and three female) have feelings of disdain bordering on hatred for one another and for Castaneda.

3. There is very little magic and wonder (some, but very little and not as thrilling as when Castaneda is at his best).

I am now in Book 6, "Eagles Gift". I do plan on finishing them all. Up to now, my favorite is "Tales of Power". It is just an incredible book as it has the best balance of the elements I described. Second place for me goes to "A Separate Reality", book 2.

Whoa! Uh, wow! These are the exclamations that might escape our lips when we encounter something truly astonishing or remarkable. Life is full of such moments that leave us in awe. It could be witnessing a breathtaking natural景观, like a majestic mountain range at dawn or a vibrant sunset over the ocean. Or perhaps it's experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime event, such as a live performance by a world-renowned artist or achieving a personal goal that seemed almost impossible. These moments of wonder have the power to inspire us, to make us believe in the extraordinary, and to remind us of the beauty and mystery that surrounds us. They add color and excitement to our lives, and make us appreciate the little things that we often take for granted. So, the next time you find yourself saying "whoa uh wow," take a moment to soak in the wonder and let it fill you with joy and gratitude.

Pred dobrimi 30 leti sem prebrala njegovo knjigo Bitka za neznano. V času tistega, nisem bila prepričana, če mi bo zdaj spet všeč. Vendar pa sem bila presenečena, ko sem ponovno začela branje. Prav uživala sem vstopiti v svet učencev Don Juana. Ta svet je tako živ in napreden, da me je že od začetka privzel. Vsebuje veliko zanimivih zgodb in karakterov, ki me privabijo in jih ne morem pustiti. Čeprav sem že prej branila to knjigo, sem zdaj videla veliko novega in zanimivega. To mi je pokazalo, da je knjiga resnično vredna večkratnega branja. Zdi se mi, da je ta knjiga nekaj posebnega, kar me bo vedno privlačilo nazaj.

I began reading the Carlos Casteneda books during my early teenage years. I devoured all of them, with the exception of this final one. And then, after a span of 30 years, I finally completed it. It almost feels fitting that I waited, as it allowed me to fully understand Casteneda's remarkable journey through other worlds that coexist simultaneously with our own.

As a young person, this book was like a key that unlocked all the doors to a realm of possibilities far beyond the scope of our ordinary daily lives. It introduced me to a whole new way of thinking and perceiving the world around me.

Even after all these years, the impact of Casteneda's words still lingers. His descriptions of alternate realities and his exploration of the human psyche continue to fascinate and inspire.

Reading this book again has been a truly enlightening experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have revisited it after such a long time.

This statement seems a bit one-sided. While it's true that the book might have a significant focus on la Gorda, it doesn't mean that Don Juan is completely absent.

Perhaps the author intended to explore different aspects of the story through la Gorda's perspective. Maybe her experiences and growth are intertwined with those of Don Juan in ways that aren't immediately obvious.

It's also possible that the reader's perception of the book being too advanced could be due to a lack of familiarity with the subject matter or the writing style. Sometimes, a deeper understanding can be gained through multiple readings and further exploration of the concepts presented.

In conclusion, it's important to approach a book with an open mind and not dismiss it based on initial impressions. By taking the time to engage with the text and consider different viewpoints, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the story and its characters.

Unfinished. This is book 5 in a series. Had I been given the first in the series, my opinion may have been different.

Carlos, (now deceased) should have been more courteous and labeled his books properly instead of naming his 5th book "The Second Ring of Power." I could have managed to read the second in the series or gone to a used book store and purchased book one. However, I'm not willing to go back four books just to read this one.

Also, his character's narration seemed rather silly to me. I'm not sure, maybe it's just my perception---but when I was single, and a woman (older, yet attractive) showed me her breasts and invited me to her bed, I wouldn't have fled thinking she was a witch. Instead, I would have said, "Oh, look, it's my lucky day." I would have definitely taken advantage of the situation, no doubt. Then, when he finally calms down a little bit (around page 40?), while she is still half dressed, he wants to discuss how nice the stone tiles are in her bedroom.

Seriously? SERIOUSLY? It just doesn't seem believable or engaging to me.

**How Mouse Groups Are Formed**

Mice are social animals, and they often form groups for various reasons.

One way mouse groups are formed is through reproduction. Female mice give birth to litters, and the offspring usually stay together with their mother for a period of time. As they grow, they may start to explore their surroundings and interact with other mice in the area.

Another factor that can contribute to the formation of mouse groups is food availability. If there is a plentiful supply of food in a particular area, mice may be more likely to gather there and form a group. This allows them to share resources and increase their chances of survival.

Social behavior also plays an important role in the formation of mouse groups. Mice communicate with each other through a variety of means, such as vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. These interactions help them to establish social hierarchies and determine which mice will be part of the group.

In conclusion, the formation of mouse groups is a complex process that is influenced by multiple factors, including reproduction, food availability, and social behavior. Understanding how mouse groups are formed can provide valuable insights into the behavior and ecology of these fascinating animals.

The text seems rather fragmented and cryptic, but I'll do my best to rewrite and expand it.

In 1977, Carlos Castaneda presented "The Second Ring of Power." The idea of being impeccable warriors is emphasized. It is stated that if others are not impeccable, it becomes one's duty to be so oneself and remain silent. Only a sorcerer who can see and is formless can afford to help anyone. The opposite of this is likened to the blind leading the blind. There are several unanswered questions, perhaps suggesting a need for further exploration and understanding.

The concepts presented here seem to be profound and thought-provoking. They challenge us to examine our own behavior and the role we play in helping others. Are we truly being impeccable in our actions and words? Can we afford to help others without being in a certain state of awareness? These are the kinds of questions that come to mind when reading this text.

It makes us wonder about the nature of power, responsibility, and the relationship between seeing and helping. Do we have the ability to see beyond the surface and truly understand the needs of others? And if so, are we willing to take on the responsibility of being impeccable and offering our help?

Overall, this text offers a fascinating glimpse into the ideas of Carlos Castaneda and invites us to engage in a deeper exploration of our own selves and our place in the world.

This one is rather stupid, yet it clarifies certain earlier matters.

It might seem simple-minded at first glance, but upon closer examination, it serves an important purpose.

By presenting things in a straightforward manner, it helps to eliminate any confusion or ambiguity that may have arisen previously.

Although it may not be the most intellectually stimulating piece, it gets the job done in terms of providing clarity.

Sometimes, simplicity is key, and this article demonstrates that.

It reminds us that even the most basic explanations can have value in ensuring understanding.

So, while it may not win any awards for brilliance, it does have its place in the grand scheme of things.

This book was significantly more peculiar than the previous four.

Firstly, with the absence of Don Xuan and Xenaro, the storyline and narrative underwent a transformation. I must admit that I derived enjoyment from this book, although at times it was terrifying or extremely strange.

It gave the impression that the events within the book occurred in three to four distinct locations, as opposed to the initial books where it seemed as if Carlos and Don Xuan journeyed across all of Mexica. This installment was more localized and more tangible.

I truly relished how the powers and the character of Carlos evolved throughout this book. It remains an excellent and highly recommendable read.

Overall, despite the changes and the occasional strangeness, this book manages to maintain its allure and engage the reader from start to finish.

It offers a unique perspective and a fresh take on the story, making it a worthy addition to the series.

Whether you are a long-time fan or a new reader, this book is sure to capture your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat.

So, if you are looking for a thrilling and captivating read, look no further than this book.

Solid read is an important activity that can bring many benefits. It allows us to immerse ourselves in the world of knowledge and ideas, expanding our horizons and enhancing our understanding of various subjects.

When we engage in solid read, we focus our attention on the text, carefully analyzing and reflecting on the content. This helps us to improve our reading comprehension skills and develop critical thinking abilities.

Moreover, solid read can also be a great source of entertainment and relaxation. We can escape from the stress and distractions of daily life and lose ourselves in a good book or article.

In addition, reading regularly can have a positive impact on our mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve our overall well-being.

To get the most out of solid read, it is important to choose materials that interest us and to set aside dedicated time for reading. We can also join a book club or discussion group to share our thoughts and ideas with others and gain new perspectives.

In conclusion, solid read is a valuable activity that we should all make time for in our busy lives. It can enrich our minds, improve our skills, and enhance our quality of life.

I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

I thought maybe there was something truly remarkable that I was missing.

However, after delving into it, I still don't get what all the fuss is about!

Damn you hippies! Everything I read from the recommendations of your kind just doesn't click with me.

It's like I'm trying to understand a foreign language that makes no sense.

I'll go watch Altered States again any day rather than reading more Castaneda.

Maybe I'm just not the right audience for this kind of stuff.

But seriously, what is it that others see in it that I'm completely oblivious to?

I guess I'll just have to stick with my own preferences and leave the hippie-recommended books alone.