Product Description

The secret sexual energy practices of Toltec-Mayan shamans revealed at last. * The author studied with don Juan Matus and the same circle of Nagual sorcerers who taught Carlos Castenada. * Offers specific step-by-step instructions for mastering the ancient sexual techniques that lead to spiritual transformation.

Readers of Carlos Casteneda have often complained that his work in ancient Meso-american shamanism never covered sexual practices beyond celibacy. With his death in 1998 it seemed that these practices might never be revealed, but fortunately Merilyn Tunneshende has stepped in. Set against the backdrop of the golden deserts of Sonora, Mexico, Don Juan and the Art of Sexual Energy recounts Tunneshende's initiation into the ancient sexual energy practices of the Toltec-Mayan tradition. Under the tutelage of don Juan Matus, Chon Yakil (whom Castenada referred to as Don Genaro), and dona Celestina de la Soledad, she learns to reclaim her feminine power and balance the masculine and feminine forces within herself.

At the heart of the book is the mythical Rainbow Serpent: the phallic energy within women, the creative power within men. Each chapter focuses on a particular technique for awakening the serpent and connecting with its energy. Twenty-two sequential practices are covered, providing a powerful program for serious spiritual transformation.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #355375 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

From Amazon.com
A title such as Don Juan and the Art of Sexual Energy can be misleading. Those expecting a smooth manual that reads like a Joy to Toltec Sex will be sorely disappointed. On the other hand, those hoping for an ambitious discussion of the shape shifting, trances, energy scanning, and archetypal imagery that characterize Toltec sexuality will be deeply gratified. Like the famous writer Carlos Castaneda, who introduced Toltec teachings to the greater world, Merilyn Tunneshende often shifts into dream-like narratives. For example, in a passage where she discusses the sensual power of nature, Tunneshende recounts a trance under the guidance of her shaman and teacher. Lying beneath a mesquite tree, she has a vision that she is "moving through the interior of the plant, much like a whole egg moves through the body of a snake when swallowed." When she arrived at the base of the plant, "a trumpeting white flower sprouted from my head and my ovaries turned in on themselves...." Fortunately, the closing of every chapter is grounded with concise, easy-to-follow exercises, such as how to draw upon and release sexual energy in nature or how to perform "fire breath" to raise sexual energy in the body. --Gail Hudson

Sara Ling, Magical Blend, Issue #76
This is a uniquely powerful and magical book. . . . especially inspiring to women. Refreshing.

The Book Reader, Fall/Winter 2001-2002
A splendid work that successfully brings the beauty of practice and the wisdom of consciousness into our very personal lives.

Customer Reviews

Don't waste your money
This book was an utter waste of money and time, that is unless you enjoy writing that is both wordy and obtuse. It clarifies nothing, and you have to suspend an enormous amount of disbelief to not only digest what she is saying, but also to practice the exercises she suggests. This seems more like a novel about female empowerment than anything else. She has some nerve using Don Juan's name, as a feeble effort in name dropping to show she has some connection to the fantastic Castaneda series.

Bottom line = this book is utter garbage and offers nothing to the reader except a headache

Rejuvenating and Empowering Sexual Practice
Yes, I liked this book. I particularly appreciate that after each chapter there is an explanation of appropriate exercises for practice.

As I was reading this book, the sexual exercises in this book have very much reminded me of the Taoist Practices which I have been doing for years and those who are interested in more in-depth explanation than could fit into this book, may be interested to check out books (Healing Love Through Tao: Cultivating Female Sexual Energy and Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy) and videos (Healing Love: Taoist Sexual Energy Cultivation) by Mantak Chia.

This book empowers women
I found this book to be greatly empowering for women. Reading it was like finding an oasis in the mists of life in a very male dominated culture. It was refreshing to read about sexuality in terms that weren't specifically about sex but rather about how to use your sexual energy for positive things in your life. Too often a woman's sexuality is used in a negative way such as solely to please men. The author, Merilyn, discusses very concrete ways to enhance your sexual energy and channel it toward the positive. It should also be noted that while the book has a very feminine slant it also has tips for men as well and she talks about balancing the male and female sexual energy that both men and women have. She mentions that many men have lost their feminine energy and many women have lost their masculine energy and she discusses ways to get back in balance. It is a beautifully written book with many humorous stories intertwined within it. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an open mind and a willingness to explore their sensuality.