Contents
Toltecs of the New Millennium
by Victor Sanchez
If you are new to the writings of Victor Sanchez, or the writings, techniques and legacy of Carlos Castaneda, then this is an ideal place to start
Although the second book by Victor, following on from The Teachings of Don Carlos, it gives background and spirit to where Victor experienced and learned what he teaches, and therefore this provides an ideal starting place where you can get a sense of the mood and ethos behind the techniques and tools of the first book.
While the largest portion of the book is Victor's personal story of journeying to Humun' Kulluaby and the ascent of and ritual on La' Unarre, there are many snippets of insights and a couple of related conversations and stories regarding various things including the views of the Wirrarika on missionaries who have tried to 'convert' and 'save' them, through to some views on 'anti-anthropology' and explanations of what indigenous cultures, such as the Wirrarika, actually believe regarding multiple Gods and the Great Spirit.
The comments Victor makes about Western culture "putting ourselves at the center of everything" and viewing the "worship of nature" as primitive are I feel important concepts to reflect on (for those of us with a Western heritage) as it is indeed arrogance of this kind which I believe is a limiting factor for us in our own personal evolution.
A fragment of a conversation between Victor and a Wirrarika marakame relating a conversation he had with a pastor who insisted that the tales of Christ and the bible 'made sense' compared with the very organic beliefs of the Indians, to me sums up their wisdom. "But nobody tells me about Tatei Urianaka (the Earth), I see her every day! And every day I receive her fruits, corn, water, and beans. I can touch, walk, and live on her! And Tau (the Sun). Daily I receive his heat and his nierika (light, knowledge, vision, teaching). I don't have to do anything but look up and there he is." This, to me, is the beauty of a system that embraces the natural world (rather than 'separating' it). Learning is direct and experiential, through observation and interaction. From an occult point of view "that which is without is like that which is within" so any outward exploration, observation and journey can also be viewed as an expression of internal conditions.
Overall this is a powerful and moving tale of a magical journey. Reading of Victor Sanchez's experiences provides inspiration for anyone who truly wants to discover and follow their own magical path. Finally, I will leave you with a snippet from a section entitled "The Light of the World":
"Finally I understand it! I finally end up understanding the mission of the marakames on the Earth: to illuminate the world! That old legend of the warriors who merged in the task of the Sun was not just a metaphor after all. It was there in front of my own eyes. I give thanks with all my being to the Spirit for not having abandoned us on the Earth. I give thanks that there exist beings like these to remind us of our true nature - we are luminous beings, little suns! I give thanks, and as I do, I promise to fight with all my being in order to not forget. To not forget and to live accordingly."
- page 174, Toltecs of the New Millennium by Victor Sanchez
Related Pages:
- The Teachings of Don Carlos by Victor Sanchez (book review)
Related Links:
- The
Art of Living Purposefully
Victor Sanchez's Homepage, El Arte de Vivir a Propósito, featuring both Spanish and English language sections. - Victor
Sanchez Interview, Part I
An interview with Victor Sanchez from September 17, 1998, conducted by Jordan Gruber for for GNOSIS Magazine. - The
Carlos Castaneda - Victor Sanchez Connection
A two part article written by written by Jon Guzman.
Review Date: 9th October 2004
Back to Book & Video Reviews - Magical Path
contact: email Magical Path -