The Map: Finding the Magic and Meaning in the Story of Your Life

by Colette Baron-Reid

Intuitive counselor Colette Baron-Reid is renowned for helping people create the purposeful and authentic lives they desire. In this fascinating book, Colette hands you the “magic wand” of your own awareness so that you can begin to perceive your life as a wonderful adventure, and see yourself as an enchanted mapmaker. Enter a deep journey into your inner landscape and meet the imaginary beings that hold the keys to the wisdom hidden in your the Wizard of Awareness, the Gentle Gardener, the Bone Collector, and the spirits of the psychological terrain you traverse, who know where to find the treasure in each experience. Discover how to tame the mischievous trickster Goblin, who locks you into old habits. Each of these aspects of your psyche has lessons for you, and each responds to your directions, for you are in charge of your own map. You don’t have to feel lost or disoriented in this time of global transformation, or be at the mercy of the winds of change. The Map invites you to boldly claim your power to direct your journey so that you may find meaning, purpose, and joy. Step into the magic, and harness the extraordinary power within you to shape your destiny.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Personal Development, Metaphysics

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2010

About the author

Colette Baron-Reid is an internationally renowned intuitive counselor, educator and best selling Hay House author who helps others recognize and connect with their own intuition, potential and purpose. Powerful motivational speaker, charismatic broadcast personality, and acclaimed performer, storyteller and recording artist, Colette uses her extraordinary spiritual gifts to empower her clients to live a life that is ‘awake and authentic’ and to create a reality that is spiritual, deliberate and meaningful.

Reviews

[Literarischunterwegs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aufmerksam wurde ich durch eine Freundin auf die Weisheitskarten von Colette Baron - Reid: "The Map - Weisheitskarten der Seele", die ich schon öfter in Händen hielt, aber nie gekauft habe, da ich im Grunde bereits das Legen von Karten hinter mir gelassen hatte. Sie beschrieb die Karten und deren Nutzung aber so plastisch, dass auch ich mir die Karten zulegte. Bereits in den Beschreibungen der einzelnen Karten sah ich, dass es sich hier um etwas anderes als die üblichen Orakelkarten handelte. Sie gingen tiefer, sie befassten sich mit tief im Nutzer befindlichen Gedanken und Emotionen. Meine Neugier war geweckt und als ich sah, dass die Autorin auch ein Buch zu dieser Thematik verfasst hatte, entschied ich mich sofort zum Kauf des Buches, welches nicht zwingend zu lesen ist, wenn man die Karten nutzen möchte. Aber ich war so neugierig geworden und spürte, dass ich das Buch lesen möchte. Beim Lesen erkannte ich sofort, dass dadurch ein tiefer Einblick in die Entstehungszusammenhänge und die Bedeutungszusammenhänger, auch der Karten, geschaffen wird.

Vorweg: Das Buch hat nichts mit esoterischer Abgehobenheit oder spirituellen Himmelsflügen zu tun. Es ist sehr bodenständig und ruft in einer sehr transparenten und bildhaften Weise das innere Seelenleben des jeweiligen Lesers wach. Vieles erläutert und beschreibt sie auch auf der Basis ihres eigenen tragischen und schmerzvollen Lebenswegs.

Geschrieben ist das Buch fast wie ein Fantasie - Roman, wobei ich direkt sagen muss, dass das Genre. Fantasie gar nicht mein Genre ist. Aber Colette Baron - Reid schafft es durch die Art ihres Schreibens auch nicht Fantasieleser so in ihren Bann zuziehen, dass man das Buch nicht mehr aus den Händen legen möchte. Sie entrollt Stück für eine vor dem inneren Auge entstehende Landkarte des Seelenlebens/ des Lebenswegs, den man bisher beschritten hat. Die Bilder und Orte, die sie beschreibt sind dabei so angelegt, dass jeder Leser, seine eigene Landschaft entwickeln kann, die dann am Ende, Aufschluss über die eigenen Befindlichkeiten und Lebensgeschehnisse und deren Bedeutung erhält.

Während des Lesens wächst zunehmend der Wunsch, sich hinzusetzten und die eigene Karte physisch zu malen und die eigenen Ort und Personen darin festzuhalten. Zumindest war dies bei mir so.

Für mich wurde das Buch zum "magischen Kartenverwandler" (all die Personen, Dinge und Ereignisse im Leben, die den persönlichen Lebensweg/ die seelische Entwicklung nachhaltig beeinflussen oder nachhaltige Erkenntnisse offenbaren, seien sie nun positiv oder negativ.

Anmerkung: Ich habe das Buch als eBook gekauft und gelesen. Es ist das erste Buch, welches ich mir nun im Nachgang auch physisch zulegen werde, da ich es immer wieder zur Hand nehmen und gezielt damit arbeiten möchte. Beides ist auf dem eReader nicht so gut möglich.

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the cleaver way Colette explains how we travel through different times in our lives as pathways and the naming of these times such as the Bone Collector and so forth and so on. She is a fabulous teacher and author, easy to read and understand.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone going into or out of therapy, anyone who has any unhelpful habit they would like to break, and for anyone not sure of what to do with their life. If you're not into airy-fairy language about inner energy and poetic language that can be heavily metaphoric, you may find this book ridiculous because it is full of it. But, this metaphoric language can be incredibly helpful if the memories or experiences you are relating the principles too are too traumatic or difficult to relive in real talk. I hope to reread this book in a couple of years to see what my thoughts are then, and I have filled this book with my own citations and messages as it is full of interactive exercises and questions for you to learn from as you read along.

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice book to begin with if you are not familiar with archetypes and visualization but for those who have read other books like 'Woman who runs with the Wolves' or the archetypes book written by Jung, you will be disappointed... there are a couple of archetypes and landscapes described in the book, again... and again, and again. Some exercises are even repeated too. Also, Colette is very self-centered... in every chapter you will read more about her (past) alcohol problem or self-promotion. What she have written in this book she could easy put together in 2 chapters if she didn't repeat so many stuff. So, 2 stars for the 2 chapters.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having worked with Collette's as a teacher for a while, I have nothing but the greatest admiration for her work. Her mission is to assist anyone willing to walk a path of truth with their journey. Her stories are wonderful illustrations to her teachings and make the book come alive. I was fascinated with the way out of overanalysis that she came up with as a prelude to a wonderful technique called the Invision Process, which can help many people on emotional overload. Life presents us with challenges, and Collette Baron-Reid helps people find a way to navigate them.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting re-interpretation of Jung's archetypes but I preferred 'Women Who Run With the Wolves' written in the 1990's. Colette's character/archetypes are a more modern take on the themes but I found that she had do too much explaining to make it work. There are moments of brilliance in the book so I gave it a good rating.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good start to a self help book and premise. The ideas offered are a new take, something to incorporate into the daily grind. The idea of the Goblin and other personalities within was fun. Giving different aspects names and titles makes our experiences and how we approach them all the more real.

[Susan Leutheuser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful insights to our personal hidden realm. The archetypes represented in the world of the subconscious are personified through memorable beings who you meet along the journey of your inner Map. Written in language that is evocative and understandable. Highly recommend this book. I’m a fan of Collette Barron-Reid.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Map is amazing! Colette has the ability to transform complex psychological principles into digestible, magical, components that can aid anyone in the journey that we call life.

To read an interview with Colette, see the interviews section on my blog:

http://kellylydick.wordpress.com

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really wanted to read this as I've taken Colette's Invision mini-course, and the concepts in the book are what Invision is based on. I really enjoyed it and thought it really helped me to understand the course I took even more. I loved the exercises that we did as well.

[Erin Lawwill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. It is a good starter book if you are just getting into the power of intention. With that being said her meditations are a little long for a beginner. Overall, though, I liked the book.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great starter read it was insightful and intriguing.

[H. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get through it!

I tried for MONTHS to get through this book. I love her other Oracle cards. I thought instead of just getting the cards I'd get the book. Mistake. Most people might be able to read her style of writing but I found it long winded convoluted and just hard to understand. I'm going to just buy the cards. She talks about coming up with your own name for places but she clearly has all the places named already like in her deck. Its to hard to make your own names for where you are on 'YOUR' map if she keeps contradicting you. Ill just buy the deck.

[Reanin Mcroberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Colette Baron-Reid for a while and really enjoy her stuff, so when i saw her books were on sale i picked up a few. i read a lot of books like this and of course they share similar messages but this was super fresh beyond my expectations. Her perspective and tone were so fun and inviting. She was honest about her own field of poppies and rock bottom, without superiority, and her techniques are so unique compared to typical self-growth exercises. Not only did I enjoy it, but it really helped me think about how i react to circumstances. ❤️❤️❤️

[Trine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't finished this yet, but I am finding it difficult to fully focus on the content. I was quite put off by Baron-Reid's self-plugging in the beginning. If I like an author, I will go search out his/her other works; I don't need to be told that, by the way, they've also written this book and that book, and published this CD, and started up this company, which you might want to check out if you want to get the full value of what you're reading now. It feels a bit like shameless self-promotion, and I'm not keen on it.

I'm reading the book in Danish, which might explain why I am less than thrilled by the style of writing, though I can't say if it's not similar in English. That said I think the topic of the book in general is intersting. I like the fairy-tale aspect; the idea of being a hero making a magical map of your life. But I feel a few of the techniques used are poorly explained (it assumes you know how to meditate and visualize, for one), and the "white light" approach ("God/dess loves you") is a bit off-putting to someone who doesn't believe in an all-benevolent being. As another commenter mentioned, there isn't really much new under the sun here, but it's a different approach to self-discovery which might be beneficial to those who like to learn through stories.

I am going to give a few more chapters a go and see if I change my mind.

--- 3 months later I haven't been able to pick it back up. The concept intrigues me, but the author and her style of writing does not. Which is a shame, but there are other books I'd rather be reading. I hope others will find value in this book.

[Jennifer Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like some other reviewers, I have yet to finish reading this and I started it last summer. After following Colette for over a year now, I've realized a couple things. I love her Oracle decks and have two including the ones that go with this book. I also enjoy her weekly Oracle readings on her YouTube channel. Something I noticed is her blog posts are written in the same convoluted manner as The Map. I am not sure if it is a bit stream of consciousness or what exactly, but her writing style doesn't jive with my reading style. I may never finish this book, but I will continue to watch Colette's weekly readings and listen to her Hay House radio show. Great content, difficult narrative style.

[Chaundra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book because I have the oracle deck that goes with it and wanted a bit more background than the “little white book” that came with the deck. I find her perspective useful but not revolutionary- anyone who’s done any work on observing their feelings and reactions and learning to self regulate will recognise the techniques. This system would suit anyone who is struggling to connect to a sense of spirit/the divine/something bigger and wants to use that as a way of shaping their meta cognitive practices and has a penchant for the cute.

[Mignon Supnet · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good

It’s self help book, but because the analogy is to a magical map it did feel a little fantastical in a great way. There were times I let my imagination go and I could see the landscapes and creatures the author described in my head.

I think the method of self analysis used in this book is a good way to get you outside of yourself and look at your life in an objective, non judgy way.

[Lynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The core of the book was something I understand, but giving names to past hurts would only make me relive it-I don't want to do that:) Her suggestion to use the magical allies that lay within myself seems to me to then be putting something or someone between God and myself. Again, I do not want to do that. She is passionate about her work and that comes through in the book.

[Johanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't quite appreciate all the effort that Colette put into describing everything. It would probably have been given a higher grade from me if the focus had been on the principle of reaching into oneself rather than spending most of the time describing characters. However, what I really liked, was the idea of writing "off" and doing this in a storytelling manner.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book because I'm into reading tarot and oracle. I enjoyed this book. However, I'm not sure I would have if I wasn't into the oracle decks, especially Colette's.
It's a book I see myself coming back to. I underlined and highlighted a lot. There are a lot of exercises that I will re-visit.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

A different kind of self help book. I would have liked the list of places first, since they are referred to as if you knew them. But, I like the idea of connecting to fantasy terms in order to find the tools to heal.

[Michelle (TwilightCougar) Tompkins]

Just received in the mail...

[Laura]

Colette hands you the "magic wand" of your own awareness so that you can begin to perceive your life as a wonderful adventure, and see yourself as a powerful mapmaker. Recommended by Dr. Wayne Dyer

[Rob Buckel · Rating 2 out of 5]

No real new information. Some creative ways to express it, but more often than not it seems forced.

[Velinda Peyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and was very motivated by it. She has a unique way of writing and unique descriptions.

[Sheena Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because of the way she describes the adventure of life. She has wonderful analogies and suggestions to help the reader understand and improve ones thoughts and path of life.

[Bernard Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A creative take on my current spiritual journey. Very visual based so great for the creative type. Easy to understand so decent for the beginner or advanced in a new age lifestyle.

[Bernard Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A creative take on my current spiritual journey. Very visual based so great for the creative type. Easy to understand so decent for the beginner or advanced in a new age lifestyle.

[Star · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to read it. Skimmed through most of it. Good detail with archetypes. I was more than impatient as it felt repetitive.