Chakras and Chakra therapy, activation and manipulation have become something of a buzzword in todays New Age movement. Whilst there are many good books out there on the subject none have impressed me quite so much as Discover Your Master Chakra by Stephanie S Larsen. (And I have read more than a few!)

Here the author's approach differs from most other writers in that she offers a technique by which the reader can pinpoint their exact karmic path as it specifically expresses itself through just one of your energy centres - your Master Chakra.

This does not mean that all other chakras are without merit but, as the author points out, by working with the specific dynamic that underpins your primary centre so you can greatly enhance your spiritual life experience.

With solid practical advice, deeply insightful esoteric wisdom and specific guidelines for identifying and working with your core dynamic this is a book that delivers the goods page after page.

Its not often you come across a classic piece of esoteric teaching but I think this book is destined to be seen in that sort of light.

Often a belief is held that what is "simple" must be merely worthless in quality or substance. Therefore we tend to make "complex" that which should be simple and make simple what otherwise should be complex. Stephanie Larsen has written a "simple," easy-to-read book that will provide you with detailed information about your body's energy centers. No matter if you are just curious or searching for your Master Chakra, the book provides you with an analysis of each color and a workbook to better help you develop your abilities and not fall into your "traps." So many of us find confusion and complexity in that which we do not understand, choosing to avoid or mock it rather than address it. Reading this text will give you insight not only about your dominate chakra color, but on other people, helping you to work with their gifts and around their traps. Too many of us also may feel superior to others for one reason or another, but Stephanie helps you see how working in balance with your other chakras and those people around you can bring you much understanding. You can find an interview with Stephanie on my long running radio program by searching for The Secret Teachings Ryan Gable online.

The past couple of years have been intensely difficult in nearly every facet of my life. I wouldn't quite call myself a soul seeker or spiritual really but I've found that many beliefs considered new age or pagan allow me to tap into something that has been a much needed succor. Among these things I found many discussions of chakras that were engrossing, thought-provoking, and ultimately, something I wanted to learn more about.

Though I'm quite new to the study of chakras this book offered something I hadn't considered before to what I had learned. I was quite surprised to find that my own master chakra was not at all the one I thought it might be. Further, as I delved into the workbook for my master chakra I quickly discovered just how accurately the information fit. It gave me some food for thought and some practices to implement as I work on personal growth.

While my initial read through focused on finding my own master chakra and learning more about it I will most definitely dive back in at a later date to learn about how to cultivate other chakras. If you've wanted to see chakras in a new way or simply are looking for a new spiritual tool for personal growth, I think this book is a resource worth adding to your library.

Spiritualist teacher Larsen (founder, ­AwakenedbyStephanie.com) holds that each of the seven colored chakras (the centers of spiritual power in the human body) serve to structure an individual’s life purpose. Therefore, to discover one’s chakra is to focus one’s attributes. Following a self-quiz offered at the beginning of the book, Larsen describes the gifts of the chakras in detail (e.g., reds are leaders, greens are fixers), then provides exercises for each soul-ray color. Readers will likely use the information to strengthen their natural talents while working to correct any “traps” or weaknesses. Each personality (chakra) type is given questions for reflection and methods for interacting with those of other soul-ray colors. VERDICT Anyone wanting to understand themselves better will find that Larsen’s work offers a clear-cut, alternate point of view.