"Ars Understanding the Alchemical Mystery in the Age of Aquarius" heralds a new age of consciousness for mankind. Using the alchemical paradigm as its basis, "Ars Nova" explores a burgeoning consciousness that has become available to today's man or woman. No longer does one require a retort, base metals or a fluency in obscure Latin words. With Carl Jung's incredible articulation of unconscious processes, each man and woman today can explore the precise mysteries of the old alchemists' world.
"Ars Nova" is about a new stage of conscious individuation known as the verido. This new consciousness is heralded by the Age of Aquarius, the next zodiacal millennium our earth is moving into. Using alchemy, dreams, synchronicity and mystery this new consciousness can be accessed by all of us today, rather than the exceptionally elite of the middle ages. All that is required of today's alchemist is an understanding and appreciation for the experiential mysteries of the unconscious.
By finding one's aesthetic It, developing It, honing It, and living one's aesthetic, today's alchemist can partake in the grandeur of the Philosopher's Stone. It is this unique alchemical gold that the philosophers of yore so desperately sought. By finding one's true aesthetic and following It throughout one's life, a remarkable door opens to the verido of the other side. Once this door is open, a deeply meaningful experience of confirmation is attained. This affirmation from the verido within is completely independent of collective approbation, sanction or judgement. This remarkable experience is difficult to articulate in words. Suffice it to say that the adept will know, without question. The latter day alchemist will be quite satisfied by the meaning of the journey and its ability to enhance the quality of life itself.
This book is written by my therapist, Bob Mannis. The stories and concepts Bob interweaves in Ars Nova - New Art, allow me to feel like I am in the sacred space of his office and entering the unconscious. His writing touches my conscious and unconscious selves. After reading it I had a very peaceful dream, awaking to a serene feeling as if the inner and outer realms had come together. Scholarliness in some chapters and friendly fables in others welcome the reader to enjoy the alchemical journey of life. I'm very grateful to you , Bob for your wisdom, kindness and very present self.
First and foremost I want to express my sincere gratitude to Robert Mannis and L. Bosco for embarking on the long journey of collaboration in assembling a lifetime of lived experience, knowledge, love and wisdom into such a masterful work of art and power. I just finished the final page and I’m left speechlessly wanting more… wishing I could get back on the ride.
To you the, future reader - if you read the synopsis and feel even the slighted sparkle of wonderment, deep within your being, this book is for you. The way Bob weaves back and forth from a beautiful tale of how he came to know ‘The Titans’, Bosco and Moriah and then traverses back into the depths of his Neo-Jungian mind-scape expressed very intelligently, and often quite deep, like Mariana Trench, deep… is alluring at every transition. (Yes, like the other reviewer, Dr. Bob is also my therapist, so I can call him Bob.)
Ars Nova is a holy text with pages of mystery and transcendent power that will emanate into your soul leaving you forever changed (if you are open and ready).