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9 Life Altering Lessons: Secrets of the Mystery Schools Unveiled

Kala Ambrose
Reality Press (2007)
ISBN 9781934588031
Reviewed by Jolie Breeden for RebeccasReads (8/08)

This book offers lessons to be learned – many more than the promised nine – to anyone traveling a path to spiritual well being. Whether those lessons are truly “life altering” will depend on the reader’s path and how long they’ve traveled, but even the most road weary will find something of use in this unassuming primer.

The nine lessons touted in the title are simple concepts, attributable to many major religions, but most recently aggregated under the umbrella of the “new age” movement. In the book’s introduction, Everything Old is “New Age” Again, author Kala Ambrose tells readers it’s not her intention to teach them anything new but to remind them what’s been taught for years and what they already know on a soul level. The lesson’s that follow – universal magic, thought creation and manifestation, oneness, the soul beyond the self, existing in the now, and absence of evil – aren’t groundbreaking, but instead deliver a certain type of clarity that’s usually attained by being deftly reminded of something you already knew.

Those exploring what’s commonly referred to as new age thought – which Ambrose calls esoteric teachings and points out are actually very old – for the first time will find “Nine Life Altering Lessons” an easy, accessible entry into alternative belief. The simplicity of the structure, the language and the teachings themselves are easy to read and understand. Those already familiar with the basic concepts might find this a useful book to help remind them of truths that are easily forgotten in modern society. Either group can glean insight from Ambrose’s words, either by reading the book end-to-end or in random bursts.

The guide, however, isn’t without its drawbacks, one of which is Ambrose’s constant reminders that, as a newcomer to this school of thought or a “Neophyte,” as she calls it, the reader cannot possibly hope to obtain the full benefit of the teachings. Those reminders, coupled with equally plentiful caveats that the full-strength versions of the lessons can’t be committed to paper, might leave the readers – especially those doubtful at the outset -- feeling as if excuses are being made should they fail to actualize the teachings in their own life.

Not that Ambrose is wrong to note that salvation – despite the overblown life-altering promise of the title – cannot be found in a book. Always, she makes it clear that she’s written the guide as an entry into spiritual exploration and not complete encapsulation of what needs to be known. So even when that cautionary language verges on condescension, those searching for meaning could do worse than to pick up “Nine Life Altering Lessons.” If nothing else, they will alter their outlook on ideology.

  

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