The Toltec Way: A Guide to Personal Transformation

Like Don Miquel Ruiz, author of the bestselling book The Four Agreements, author Susan Gregg teaches readers how the ancient Toltec tradition can apply to life in the 21st century. For those who haven't watched Oprah lately, the Toltecs were an ancient race of people who flourished in Southern Mexico around 800 AD. "They were also a secret society dedicated to preserving the knowledge of the 'ancient ones,' who were great spiritual masters," according to Gregg. Gregg explains that the Toltec tradition is a way of seeing beyond our perceived sense of reality and into an unlimited world of possibility.

Since Gregg is a dedicated teacher of this exciting (and yes, even faddish) Toltec tradition, she emphasizes basic tools and specific examples rather than obscure parables and philosophies. Chapter titles such as "Letting Go of the Past," "Finding a Happiness That Lasts," and "Where to Go for Support" sound more like self-help chapters than enticing discussions of mystical beliefs. But that's Gregg's point--why make this reality-blowing tradition obscure and inaccessible when its whole purpose is that of spiritual empowerment? As a push-up-your-sleeves-and-get-started primer, it can't be beat. But if you're looking for more lyrical or pensive prose, turn to Don Miquel or Don Juan. --Gail Hudson