Books published by Ronin Publishing

ENTHEOGENS, MYTH AND HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS is a much needed accessible exploration into the role of psychoactive sacraments - entheogens - in religion, mythology, and history, and also includes most treatments of the subject focus on modern scientific research, psychotherapy, are auto-bibliographic accounts, or are agenda-driven or otherwise naive and myopic.A great mystery of altered states of consciousness and species development is expanding with new archeological and anthropological discoveries. Religious story telling (myth) is a timeless journey. Surprisingly its not about truth. Its about finding ones self in the midst of the discovery of the Other. It is the story of what is separate and unknown that creates self-consciousness. Our entire life consists ultimately in the discovery of the Other, which gives meaning to the discovery of the self. The arts and language are the fossil remnants scattered on our path.ENTHEOGENS, MYTH AND HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS discusses the influence of psychoactive substances on consciousness, human evolution and mystical experiences. It explores how religion, mythology, art and culture stem from entheogenic consciousness and why it's important to us today."e;Entheogens, or psychoactive sacraments, have a long, storied history that has played an essential role in the evolution of consciousness, mythology, culture, religion, art - and even history and politics. ENTHEOGENS, MYTH AND HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS outlines this suppressed - yet seminal - undercurrent of history, giving examples of the role of entheogens from the primal shamanic religions through, the historical religions, esoteric mystical traditions including the Mystery Religions, alchemy and Freemasonry, and into contemporary expressions.Authors Ruck and Hoffman draw upon decades of research and personal experience in discussing the best documented examples of historically important entheogenic evidences, various ongoing threads of research and speculation to muse upon the 'meaning' of it all..."e; Our hominid ancestors experienced a spiritual wakening at the very dawn of consciousness that set them apart from the other creatures of our planet. It was a journey to another realm induced by a special food that belonged to the gods. This was a plant that was animate with the spirit of deity. It was an entheogen. It was the visionary vehicle for the trip of the first shaman.The story was told over and over again until it achieved the perfect form of a myth. The realm was imagined as a topographical place, the outer limit of the cosmos, the fiery empyrean, or its geocentric opposite, our own planet Gaia. Myths multiplied over time, but they always preserved this primordial truth.These myths provide a road map, a scenario, if you can read them, for whoever today wants to follow. However, it is not an easy journey, and it is also fraught with many dangers, of getting lost, of finding no return. Access to the entheogens is now largely prohibited or strictly licensed. The restrictions constitute an infringement of cognitive freedom, limiting the further evolution of human potential into productive creative imagination and experiences that lie beyond the normal, the traditional province of shamans, who can understand the speech of plants and animals, change shape at will, and journey, both physically and in the spirit, to distant exotic realms.In addition, religions have staked out territorial claims to this realm of spiritual consciousness. They have colonized it, identified it with their god, often reserving the access for their own elite. Similarly, trade in drugs, both medicinal and illegal, has colonized the etheogens, making them only chemicals, rationally depriving them of their spirit.ENTHEOGENS, MYTH AND HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS is a guide for the curious that provides a historical overview of the role that entheogens have played in the development of our unique supremacy as a species and offers also pathways and advice for reconnecting with the primordial sources of natures power.ENTHEOGENS, MYTH AND HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS investigates the role entheogens have played in the evolution of humankinds attempt to define reality in a context of metaphysical or theological dimensions. Although other botanical intoxicants will be considered (cannabis, daphne, opium, Syrian rue, datura, mandrake), none, with the possible exception of mandrake, seem to have lent themselves so readily to metaphoric personifications, which make this the subject for a course on mythology. The source of humankinds fascination and repulsion for fungi, indeed, leads to a fundamental consideration of the psychological nature of mankinds fascination or awareness of what in the categorization of religions is termed animism and rituals of ecstatic shamanism. In addition, the linking of bread and wine as sacramental foods is due to parallel concepts of controlled fungal growth as a simulacrum of the cosmos itself. The goal is not so much to acquire factual knowledge of this vast subject, but to open up pathways for reflection upon the basic nature of human existence and consciousness.The narrative is the awesome history of discovery and the findings of ancient rituals that meld into twentieth-century controversy and criticism of psychedelics. The future of humanity and the direction of twenty-first century brain science is challenged as well as our sense of social convention.Entheogens have been deemed be prohibited controlled substances and as such is an infringement of cognitive freedom. Whatever the danger of potential abuse, the substance is not the fault, but the user. The hammer is not guilty, but the carpenter who misuses it because of deficient training. In order to exonerate the executioner in Classical antiquity, the axe was brought to trial and found guilty. The prohibition has drastically retarded the investigation into the therapeutic potential of proscribed drugs, including their efficacy in curing addiction. Some of these substances also offer the potential for accessing levels of cognition and consciousness beyond the ordinary, the traditional provenance of mystics and shamans, like bilocation, clairvoyance, and zoomorphism.

The Simple Pleasures of Life: How to Tune Into the Moment to Enjoy NOWwas derived from Sir John Lubbocks endearing classic, The Pleasures of Life completely rewritten and abridged by Beverly Potter, PhD.Principles of living in the moment are woven into Lubbocks appealing descriptions of simple pleasures and around usif only we looked when we, too often, overlook. Lubbocks robust but sensitive descriptions of nature, money, friends, home help readers get out of their minds to experience moments of NOW and living more fully in the presentthe secret of a happy life.The Simple Pleasures of Life: How to Tune Into the Moment to Enjoy NOW guides readers to be more conscious of how their thoughts and emotions get in the way of living in genuine peace and happiness. Have more joy right nowjust stop and smell the flowers, a simple pleasure.Frantic enlightenment seekers with lives packed schedules and busyness with especially love this friendly, loving little book.

As a group, baby boomers are heading rapidly into their "golden years," and there's little doubt that they won't go lightly. But is the process really irrevocable and irreversible? With more financial resources than any other demographic, and the knowledge gained simply by living, boomers are in the best position to at least delay the aging process. This practical guide offers a wealth of ways to do that. Dr. Beverly Potter, who has written numerous books on enhancing one's lifestyle, includes but goes beyond anti-aging and life extension. Youthfulness, she says, is characterized by vigor, flexibility, bounciness, good health, physical shapeliness, beauty, curiosity, and mental acuity -- all of which can be achieved through the regimens the book describes. Potter takes a multifaceted approach, incorporating both current science and proven techniques into a program that stresses vitamins, nutrients, healthful foods, and supplements; activities and lifestyles; ways of thinking; sexual techniques; brain fitness training; and more.

For those who telecommute, work from home, do "brain work," and those who must continually acquire new skills to keep up with today's changing workplace, knowing how to self-motivate and self-manage is a requisite for success in the 21st century. Unfortunately, most people have poor self-management skills. In a quest for excellence, some set unattainable standards and fall victim to nitpicking and criticism. Others procrastinate until their anxiety levels are so high that only fear propels them to perform. These methods are not only suboptimal, they're self-defeating. In this book, Dr. Beverly Potter offers tools and techniques for becoming a better self-manager. Readers learn how to overcome negative thinking and redefine problems as challenges, how to set compelling goals, how to make action plans with "doing" steps, and how to maintain high motivation with self-rewards. Both empowering and informative, "Managing Yourself for Excellence" helps readers put an end to self-derailment and get back on the track to success.

Timothy Leary is the visionary Harvard psychologist who became a guru of the 1960s counterculture, and is remembered as a pioneer of research and experimentation into psychedelic substances. Here, he offers first-hand accounts of his transformation from Bohemian professor to avatar of the New Age.

Unveiling the secret at the heart of marijuana's medicinal power, this book explains how cannabis alleviates pain, soothes discomfort, and can interfere with the biological progression of certain diseases.

A guide to cooking with cannabis. It demonstrates how to calculate potency-per-portion and how to prepare cooking-quality extracts from different grades of marijuana and takes the reader step-by-step through how to use these aromatic, potent extracts in snacks, sweets, entrees, sauces and more.

All-new editions of four popular guides to altering consciousness-- These underground classics from the 1970s have been rewritten and repackaged with new illustrations and photos, and designed for easy readingMarijuana has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years, and more than 30 million people in the U.S. currently smoke it on a regular basis.

Hallucinogenic and Poisonous Mushrooms Field Guide tells how to find wild mushrooms in America. It is a hip-pocket field guide that presents 24 hallucinogenic mushrooms that grow in the USA and 8 poisonous species that they are confused with. A reliable reference for beginners, the Field Guide opens up the world of mycology in a clear and precise way. A compact course in mycology as well as a handy tool for the professional.Features: How to collect, identify and dry, useful keys and charts, Chemical qualities, genus and species information, over 30 color photos and 50 line drawings, taxonomy, and glossaries: Latin terms, macroscopic and microscopic characteristics.

The Pleasures of Cocaine conveys the impartial facts of the uses and abuses of cocaine. Without bias, many different aspects are covered: History, effects, uses, pleasures, dangersAvoiding abusive side effectsDetermining qualitySubstances used to cut coke and thier effectsTesting for purity and removing impuritiesImproving appearanceInside look at dealingCultivation of coca plantsCoca leaf botany

This presents effective techniques for resolving disputes. This excellent source can serve as a basic training manual for you who are involved in mediating disputes. The extensive array of real-life examples of typical scripts that may play out in situations that will help you clarify these ideas. These are powerful tools for anyone caught in the middle of other people's disputes. It shows how effective mediators can pull people together to produce creative solutions. With hands-on methods and realistic scenarios and techniques. It shows how conflict can be an opportunity to control disputants and avoid outbursts, set a problem solving tone, uncover the nature and scope of the dispute, interview angry people and keep them on track. A Dewey Decimal Number has been added for easy library filing.

How ti take the lead and find satisfaction in your work projects. Learn why you're more likely to experience bliss while at work than in leisure, and specific things you can do to increase your potential for achieving it.

The essential connoisseur's guide to herbs and potions traditonally associated with enhanced sensual pleasure. Throughout history men and women have sought to increase their sexual pleasure through the use of a variety of substances. SEX DRUGS AND APHRODISIACS chronicles the results of this eternal quest.Includes discussions of yohimbe, fugu, absinthe, yage and other exotic specialties and includes a comprehensive history of sources, preparations, uses and effects.Finally this hard to obtain cult classic is available again.

SMART WAYS TO STAY YOUNG & HEALTHY discusses aerobics, power naps, back care, nutrition, immunizations, the Heimlich maneuver, cholesterol, finding a good doctor, breast exams, first aid, accidents, safe sex, substance abuse, smoking, stress, cancer, strokes, friendships, hobbies, meditation, affirmations, visualization, loving your work, and more.

Healing Hormones tackles a huge, attention-getting subject. TV and radio shows, websites telling people to take it easy, slow down, de-stress to feel better, live longer, be a better parent and more loving mate. But how? The prescriptions are disappointing: Yoga? Time-consuming and difficult for many. Prescription drugs? Costly, subject to abuse and may not be helpful. Naturopathic remedies? Unproven, untested and often ineffective.Healing Hormones has a better answer: show readers how to harness their own bodies' heal producing chemicals to improve their lives. Healing Hormones takes the take-care-of-yourself trend a step beyond where it has been before. Author Mark J. Estren, Ph.D., investigates five body-produced hormones that counter the stress response to make life better, calmer and more relaxed. The five healing hormones are dopamine, nitric oxide, endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin.Healing Hormones will be readers' top choice to learn the pluses and minuses of the remarkable hormones that drive their health and happiness or undercut it. Estrenwho has more than 20 years of experience writing about medical issues and research for patients and their familiesexplains how to harness the power of these healing hormones in clear, easily understandable language.

Out-of-print for years, and impossible to find Psychedelic Chemistry includes Marijuana THC and analogs, magic Mushrooms and other indole trips, mescaline and friends,harmaline and other beta-carbolines, muscimole and other isoxazoles, LSD, Cocaine, miscellaneous psychedelics, literature and chemical information, miscellany on underground laboratories, role of the DEA labs in drug busts . . . and more! Psychedelic Chemistry is the biggest, best and most complete book every written on how to make psychedelic drugs. The most complete book ever written on how to manufacture psychedelic drugs. Requires thorough knowledge of lab techniques in organic chemistry.

As disdain grows for the workings of Washington, patriots across the country have gathered in "e;tea parties,"e; harkening back to the nations roots in 1773 when "e;No taxation without representation"e; was the motto. Americans again feel overly taxed by rulers who dont listen, and the tea parties have grown into a movement comprised of deeply concerned Americans who have never previously participated in any demonstration. With this comes a renewed interest in our unique history as a nation, and Patriots Handbook offers just that. For those interested in actually reading the founding documents and learning about what the Founding Fathers had to say, Patriots Handbook offers our nations founding documents, along with inspiring quotes and excerpts about the glorious history of our great nation.

The history of ecstasy, its discovery and use and social implications.

GROWING MARIJUANA HYDROPONICALLY shows how to grow marijuana indoors utilizing the Sea of Green Perpetual Harvest process adapted by Hans into a "e;cottage"e; approach.The Sea of Green Perpetual Harvest is the simplest, quickest method for hydroponic marijuana cultivation. The time required to produce perpetual buds of marijuana is reduced dramatically because the process eliminates the need to grow an entire plant. Instead only amazing mega-buds are grownperpetually.GROWING MARIJUANA HYDROPONICALLY includes a day-to-day, week-by-week description of the Hans "e;cottage"e; hydroponic gardening techniquein non-technical language.IncludesGrow room set-upAir circulationSeed germinationNutrientsWater healthCloningEdd and flowFilm/flowWickDetermining genderBlooming and harvestand more . . .Hydroponic cultivation is especially good for growing marijuana for medical use because it produces a harvest of organic chemical-free marijuana with sweet-tasting smoke.

Describes the psychoactive constituents of cannabis and the effects on potency of growth conditions, genetics, harvesting techniques, and processing. Includes variations in THC and CBD content, species differentiation, seeds, grafting, cloning, bonsai marijuana, growing techniques, extraction of THC, preparation of hashish and hash oil, smoking vs eating, testing for THC and CBD, as well as legal concerns. Illustrated.

Traces the history of the use of hallucinogenic drugs and discusses the psychological and physical effects of LSD, marijuana, mescaline, and other drugs.