[Review] The Way of the Lover: Sufism, Shamanism and the Spiritual Art of Love by Ross Heaven

Title: The Way of the Lover: Sufism, Shamanism and the Spiritual Art of Love
Author: Ross Heaven
Publisher: Moon Books
Pages: 225
Publication Date: September 29th, 2017

The latest from the Moon Books Classic series, The Way of The Lover combines medicine wheel teachings of ‘The Path of The Heart’, with the poetry and hidden teachings of illumination within the words of the great Sufi love poet, Rumi. It explores the questions that concern every man and woman: What is True love? How can I be more loving in my relationships? Why do I find it so hard to give, forgive, or receive love? How do I know that my relationship is taking me where I want to go? Can I learn from my experiences of love? How do I deal with the pain of a broken heart? Can love help me grow and find greater happiness and satisfaction in life? Who am I, really, and what do I mean when I say that I want love?

A big thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I'm always so thankful to have these opportunities! 

I started this book with only very basic understandings of Islam and Sufism. I have to say this was a hugely compelling read! The cover didn't hold too much promises for me, if I am honest. I thought it would be another new age book, but I was pleasantly proven wrong. 

The history at the beginning of this book - and the background bio of Rumi was so compelling I was sucked into the book. Ross Heaven had a way with words, and I think if you read this you'll also notice the same. There is passion, and a conversational tone that makes this a pleasurable, quick read.

Although this book was published in 2017, I really believe that it would be helpful for folks to read it now, during/after the COVID-19 pandemic. I think learning more about the Self and what is truly important is a theme that has been prevalent during these times and this book will help even more with that discovery journey of Self. 

Moving through the elements, the Medicine wheel we have several pages of correspondence that I believe will be helpful for those who are looking to deepening their spiritual journey with Love as the center.  

If you like self-help books that take you on a journey with "lesson" type materials, and want to learn more about Self in the context of Love as Archetype then this is definitely the book for you! 

About the Author

Ross Heaven was a shaman, psychologist, author, therapist, TV, radio and magazine contributor, workshop facilitator, and presenter. He wrote numerous articles and nearly 20 books on psychology, shamanism, plant medicines, love and relationships, and indigenous healing traditions. He also contributed to newspapers, magazines, and radio and television programmes in America, Europe and the UK, including The Guardian, The Observer, Cosmopolitan, Maxim, Kindred Spirit, Spirit & Destiny, The Terry Wogan & Gabby Roslin Show, Jane Goldman Investigates, The Richard & Judy Show, This Morning, and The BBC World Service.

Ross ran workshops on the themes of his books and trips overseas to work with shamans and visionaries from many different spiritual traditions. He was also a frequent guest at high-profile events such as The Prophets Conference, The MBS Show, The Pagan Federation Conference, etc.

Ross sadly passed away in early 2018.