Nod’s Way

Robert Stikmanz
Dalton Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780974070391
Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (1/08)

“Nod’s Way” is the second book in the “Lands of Nod” series.  This innovative addition is not so much a sequel to “Prelude to a Change of Mind” but rather a supplementary book of Dvarshian wisdom.  “The I Ching of an ancient race co-existing in space-time with myriad consensa, the oracular tool offers deep insight into the Moment of Moments.”

The “Nod’s Way” set includes a book which relays the history of Nod’s Way or Hidden Dragon (as it is also referred to), how this translation to human tongue became, instructions on how to consult the oracle, as well as the Table of Combinations and associated insights.  The set also includes three dice, two if which are eight-sided, reproducing the moon and star symbols from the Nod’s Way book, and a third which is a cube with symbols on opposing sides.  Lastly, the set contains a journal to “note queries and casts, further enhancing the ritual’s potency. 

To test the ancient wisdom I decided to check and see what the New Year had in store for me.  Three casts are recommended, with each cast shedding separate insights which, when combined with your instincts, produce the wisdom you are seeking.  While my subject matter was a little broader than recommended, the results were intriguing none the less…

“Comment relevant to what my new year holds.”

(The first cast resonates with how an issue manifests in the world; in other words, how it appears or seems.) 

Return.  “When darkness recedes, Nod culls what is worn and ponders the new.  Return may light possibility and challenge, but also distraction and stress.  Having strayed, Nod returns to Hidden Dragon.”

“Returning too often to the well drains the source.  What you need is here already.”

(The second cast resonates with deep structures of the question or what is intrinsic but not necessarily apparent about the subject.)

Folly.  “Nod steps into the world with eyes tightly shut and meets the Great Teacher.  A confident fool fails in diligence.  A careless fool thinks falling is flight.  A deliberate fool may be Hidden Dragon at its best.”

(The third cast suggests inherent possibility.)

The Sky.  “Daystar and its cousins of the Starry Night.  The province of Sky.  Sky is the realm of unrestricted movement.  In the province of Sky, Nod finds access to every dimension.  Undertakings that give life to Hidden Dragon bring great benefit if pursued to the end.”

For all who are eagerly anticipating the next installment of “The Lands of Nod” series, “Nod’s Way” is certainly a satisfying distraction.  This set will intrigue all who have interest in the “ancient tools of power and wisdom.” 

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