"Markawasi: Peru's Inexplicable Stone Forest" by Kathy Doore is an impressive compendium of more than four hundred full-color and informatively captioned photographs, illustrations and maps showcasing the 'sacred mountain' country of Peru. This unique photo guidebook is more than just a collection of interesting images as the author has arranged for an engaging and informative two-page Foreword by Peter E. Schneider, followed by an extended Preface, an Introduction, and historical background to Peru's Markawasi Stone Forest complete with a map and hiking routes. The rest of this elegant 176-page coffee table book is devoted to 'Temples of Light and Shadow' (showcasing specific elements of interest); then 'Superbatolite Circompacifigue'; 'Faces & Sculptures'; 'Sons of the Ray'; 'Fiesta del Agua'; 'How to Go!' (with festivals, village life and outfitting for the mesa); 'Nature's Gift' (medicinal plants of the mesa); and 'Voices of the Mesa'. Of special note is the bibliographic list of suggested reading for further study. Perfect as a preparational reading for onsite visitors and an ideal browse for armchair travelers with an interest in something 'off the beaten path', this superbly written, organized and presented compendium is very highly recommended for personal, academic, and community library collections. Midwest Book Review
"There is a lot of talk about sacred portals existing in Peru . But you don't have to go there - the book, Markawasi, is indeed such a doorway. Here is the mystery, magic and wonder bequeathed by the ancients. Reading this book was an entrance to a world of timelessness and great beauty! David Carson
"This is a beautful book. Brings alive the neglected mysteries of one of Peru's most enigmatic sites, placing them in their
context alongside the other rich traditions of South America and beyond.
A must have for any truth seeker's coffee table. Andrew Collins
"Kathy Doore’s magnificent testimony to the spirit of Markawasi is truly a labor of love. Through the eloquence of its simple reflection and observation, it reflects her ageless wisdom, her inner vision and a depth of knowledge that breaches, to be sure, many lifetimes, many journeys.
It is an honor and joy to be her friend and ancient sister.
Her book is something very special – pure in its intent, celebratory, sparkling in the light. Read it! You will come away filled with the magic of all that is embodied in the spirit of Gaia and your heart will yearn to be there – in Kathy’s beloved Peru, the high altar of Planet Earth.
Patricia Cori
"Thank you so much for the incredibly beautiful and well presented offering, Markawasi: Peru's Inexplicable Stone Forest. It is easy to understand how you fell in love with this breathtaking landscape!
Cody Johnson and Robin Haines Johnson
"Thank you for sending your new book on Markawasi. What you have created is astonishing! Really, to me it's as though the first archaeologist had discovered the Egyptian tombs and tried to decipher the hieroglyphs. Your research is groundbreaking and the book is...awesome! Sharon Spence Lieb
"This is one of those marvelous personal adventure compilations one can move through with gainful ease and childlike knowing. So much of what is available in the Markawasi Stone Forest is frame of reference dependent and yet Ms. Doore's account includes the many faces and forms that have long ignited and inflamed the mindfulness of those who venture upon the shoulder of that land.
Markawasi: Peru's Inexplicable Stone Forest is subtle in its energetic exchange and consciously impactful in lasting effect. As Ms. Doore eludes, what cannot be seen stirs the heart within the heart, mind within the mind.
The personal accounts by contributing writers put the story of this incredible place into much perspective. Well done!" Gary Bonnell
"I would love to go on one of your tours. Who knows what the future may bring."
"It's interesting to me that the National Geographic has not jumped all over "Peru's Inexplicable Stone Forest" as a place to chronicle. Maybe after looking at Kathy Doore's fabulous book,"Markawasi", they will! In the late 90's and in 2001, I was lucky enough to venture to Peru. It was fun for me to see pictures (p.161) of the "spheres of light" that I also encountered at the Urubamba River. The author has caught the magic of Peru and put it in book form. If you are hoping to visit Peru,then this book will give you plenty of ideas of where to go. OR if you've been and want to relive the incredible mystical land/people, this will take you there. The sharp color photos and accompanying excellent drawings clearly show the figures in the stones. I found the drawings quite helpful. "Markawasi" is a perfect gift for any Peru travellers' coffee table. It's a gem!"
"In this stunning book, Kathy Doore has put together a gift fit for everyone. If your interest is photography, graphics, sculpture, painting, anthropology, history, mysticism, story telling, South America, Peru, geology, hiking, traveling or book collecting I am sure that you will love this book. There's even a travel guide on how to get to this far-out sculpture garden up in the Andes. It's one of the coolest and hippest books I've seen in a long time. The reading material is super interesting. If you prefer, you can just flip through the pages full of awesome pictures and beautiful illustrations. I highly recommend it!" Roberto Perera
"I am always delighted to read a book that brings me joy and educates me, leaving me on a greater note of happiness, and often questioning conventional knowledge. The readers who choose to journey through Kathy Doore's Markawasi will be absorbed by her tremendous ability to ascertain truths and speak frankly about her observations, and at the same time, include other views that may disagree with hers.
Dr. Robert M. Schoch brilliantly introduces Markawasi, conveying the site's innermost qualities, as well as its geological and historical significance, while blessing it with its own soul. He draws the reader in, and compels a desire to view this most spectacular destination in an intimate way. Daniel Ruzo's work and theory concerning Markawasi are carefully presented by Ms. Doore, including the myths and legends that surround it. Kathy proceeds to take ownership of the place, and with soft, tender words that also inform, made me long to return to Markawasi with her.
Through Doore's systematic direction, Markawasi not only reveals her insights on the mesa, but that of her contributors', and we are the beneficiaries of their knowledge. Lisa Rome takes us on a "fantastic discovery" - a journey that is as enriching and controversial as Ruzo's theories on the mesa, when he presented them in the 1950s. Javier Ruzo, in his contribution, "Expression of the Sacred Earth", aids the reader in gaining an improved understanding of the place and the peoples that might have inhabited it. They possessed "the ancient custom of transmitting information by way of stone and the management of sacred space, recognized precession and the use of solstice markers to specify their rites of passage." The significance of the various anthropomorphic figures is thoroughly examined in succeeding chapters.
One does not need to be a philosopher, professing intelligent, spiritual techniques to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the secrets that the mesa conceals in its monumental carvings. Kathy Doore, as a spiritual guide, thoughtfully and creatively writes of an ancient way of life and beliefs grounded in the enchantment and beauty of Markawasi, a most sacred place."
"Kathy Doore is an exceptional human being who has lived years beyond her age. The book is truly a legacy and affirmation of the depth of her perception about the light and energy of Markawasi and Peru in general.
We are blessed to have Kathy living in this time warp. I am delighted that I own being one of her best friends. To know her is to understand her genius and dedication...
May we all be blessed by this profound work of brilliance and love for a country that owns our soul."
"... not only for the fantastic pictures, but for the complete description of the surrounding area and what it would take should anyone want to make that journey.
I have been a fan of Dr. Robert Schoch since seeing a television program on the Great Sphinx, where Dr. Schoch had refuted the traditional viewpoint of the Sphinx's age by studying the weathering effects on the sandstone rock itself. I have since purchased a few of Dr. Schoch's books, and was looking for more information, when, by searching through various associated websites, I came upon yours.
After reading through your site my curiousity was arroused, and I wanted to find out more about these rock formations and their origins, so I purchased your book. Now that I've finished, I realize that it is less important who or what created them, than coming to understand the overall importance of the region, and the powerful influence that these stone structures have in transforming a person's vision and way of relating to the world and the cosmos.
Most likely I will never be able to go to Markawasi during my lifetime, but when dealing with day-to-day life, which consists of worrying about the high price of food and fuel, facing daily rush hour traffic jams, having to deal with unreasonable co-workers, family members, etc., it's psychologically refreshing to know that there are places on this planet like Markawasi still in existence, and that they are there to remind us of our higher and better natures.
Best of luck on your future journeys and endeavors!"
"A powerful journey into the Andean mysteries, full of stunning visuals and laden with facts, this book opens a door and sheds new light on the ancient legends, history, and mysticism surrounding the sacred mountain, Markawasi. With a depth of insight from first-hand, personal experience gained from her 17 years traveling throughout Peru, the author skillfully guides the reader through the many facets and extraordinary evidences of Peru's most ancient and mysterious Stone Forest. Elegantly compiled and sensitively presented, this book is a 'must-have' and should be required reading for students of Andean mysticism, as well as for those who have embarked upon their own cosmic voyage of discovery. Well done!"
"This beautifully-bound pictorial guide carries you on an amazing trek to a timeless wonder, where speculation surrenders to ancient Peruvian history, tempting theories, local legends, unusual phenomena, and aligns itself with cultural connections to other continents, and, perhaps, to other worlds. The stunning photography and brilliant illustrations brought Markawasi to life, providing startling panoramas for the mind's eye, and revelations for the spirit, fueling a desire to perhaps, one day, make a personal journey. Highly recommeded!"
"I just purchased and read with awe and wonder, your extraordinary book "Markawasi". What a beautiful book! With absolutely breath taking pictures, well-written narratives and insightful personal stories, you captured the magical, mystical experience on two dimensional paper. The book sings! Well done."
"Kathy Doore leads us on an adventurous journey to a place of great antiquity and even greater mystery. The reader is given scientific fact and conclusions to peak the curiousity. She then gifts us with the personal experiences of some of the fortunate few to have spent time there. Visually this book is profoundly beautiful. Literally it is deeply moving and thought provoking. A must have for collectors of beautiful and mysterious treasures!"
"I found Markawasi to be completely inspiring. A must read for any seasoned traveler, or dreamer who has yet to embark upon a journey of discovery. This book combines both an impressive expanse of research as well as another element, missing in so many guidebooks: the human element. The author combines a notable array of research, practical traveler's advice, as well as a richly woven tapestry of human experience and personal revelation. This book encourages not just a physical trek to this spot, but also a spiritual quest in order to explore the mysteries of this ancient culture. Complete with amazing photography, colorful descriptions of life in San Pedro de Casta, and inspiring stories of personal growth, the author allows a glimpse into her own connection to this place of profound depth. The author's own revelations provide a token of authenticity, we as readers, can begin to unravel and understand why this place holds such importance to so many, and this helps to break down the barrier between author and audience. Overall, an incredibly well thought out creation. Be prepared for an experience in reading this book. Definitely a testament to the transformative power of travel and exploration!"
"This book is a gift to all who venture into the mystic. A chance for those of us who have not walked among one of the most amazing places I have ever heard of. The book takes you there with visuals not only in picture form but with Kathy's powerful gift of guidance and knowledge of this most sacred place with pen and ink. It is surely one of those places that should be placed on everyones list of places to see."
"Imagine my delight to find that the subject matter of Ancient Ones and Travel Galore are the real IMPORTANCE of this must read, and the photography and verbage only help to enhance the enjoyment of this magnificent READ. I highly recommend this book for inquisitive minds, those who want more knowledge of spiritual experiences, and everyone who knows that there is another realm to our universe that we only hope to ever understand."
"Kathy Doore's passion to reveal the mysteries of this ancient site and its significance to humanity, emanates from each description and piece of history detailed in the book. The stone monuments are beautifully captured in photographs and illustrations, taking the reader on a mini-tour of the mesa, and sparking the imagination. At the end of the book are personal stories of visits to this incredible site, that bring the mystery of Markawasi to life. The firsthand experiences they share speak of life-changing encounters, in what Kathy Doore describes as our extraordinary journey of remembrance. This book has succeeded in igniting the flame within me to experience Markawasi for myself."
"While reading this amazing guide and visualizing the plateau, I was drawn into the energy of these powerful, sculpted heads, and heard their heart-centered message, 'come and touch us - be healed'. Congratulations on a job well done!"
I eagerly awaited the delivery of Kathy Doore's new book; Markawasi: Peru's Inexplicable Stone Forest and was delighted the day it arrived. The book's cover is a stunning glossy black. It features a photograph of a native woman, San Pedro de Casta resident Brigaida Bautista Medina, in traditional regalia. Her profile is juxtaposed with a profile of the "Monument to Humanity," the gateway to Markawasi's Stone Forest. The gargantuan boulder looks remarkably like the woman even down to the shadow cast by the sun onto their faces. The photograph is an excellent foretaste of the images yet to be revealed.
The design and layout of the book is exquisite. The use of color-coded backgrounds by section, and the more than four hundred brilliant photographs and illustrations contribute to a dazzling visual experience. There is no doubt that the horizontal format was selected to convey the grandeur of this stone forest by using twenty-two inch panoramic sized images stretched across the pages. Without reading a word, I was already captivated by the unique wonders of Markawasi: Peru's Inexplicable Stone Forest.
Markawasi is a travel guide, personal journey and catalyst for awakening others to the healing powers that lie deep within the Earth. It is also the story of how these powers are manifested in the mysterious and mystical images revealed in the rock faces of the Markawasi Stone Forest. The "Temples of Light and Shadow" that make up the Stone Forest are mapped with geographic coordinates (GPS) to facilitate viewing each stone sculpture from the optimal vantage point. Each sculpture is presented on a separate page with photographs and illustrations. For example, the Woman with Child sculpture on pages 56-57 is illustrated by a photo insert of a native woman carrying her child tied to her back in a rebozo (manta) along with a drawing to help the reader "see" the features of the sculpture. Much of the commentary is from the archives of Daniel Ruzo, who originally observed and catalogued the major sites of Markawasi over a nine-year period in the mid- 20th Century.
The key to understanding Markawasi and its profound beauty lies in your point-of-view, a theme that permeates the book. In fact, Ms. Doore's presentation is very comprehensive and covers not only the typical guide-book information you would expect. But, more importantly, she explains what cannot be seen, the mythology and legend surrounding the origin and meaning of the site as well as the culture of the people of San Pedro de Casta, the caretakers of Markawasi.
Ms. Doore artfully prepares the reader for the impact of the mystical experiences recounted by the Markawasi contributing authors. First, she introduces the geological theories of the origin of the Stone Forest and the opinion of some that the sculptures are simply "simulacra", natural objects that in the mind's eye take the shape of human faces and animals. She then places the Markawasi site in the context of other archeological sites in Peru such as Machu Picchu, The Sacred Valley of the Incas, as well as sacred sites around the world that are linked by the similarity of the symbols discovered at the sites. Add to this milieu, the mystery surrounding the interpretation of the Nazca Lines and the discovery of "gliptoliths" in the Ocucaje Desert purported to document the origin and evolution of humankind. And finally, the archeological history of the site is presented along with the sacred symbols, myths and legends of the site's proto-historical origin. It is through this prism that the author reveals the true mind-bending nature of the site and the reader's point-of-view of Markawasi is altered.
It is in this context that Ms. Doore's personal experiences and those of her contributors are accepted by the reader as, "the ineffable aspect of the plateau." The experiences described range from tingling sensations to awareness of electrical humming sounds and newfound personal insights to encounters with "OVNI's" (UFO's), "Xendras" (orbs of intense light) and "Apu" (spirit guides). Each commentary illuminates another aspect of the unique Markawasi experience that is best described as "a cosmic doorway that opens occasionally, allowing exploration of other realms beyond our own". It is apparent that the whole of the book merely scratches the surface of the wonders and mysteries of Markawasi: Peru's Inexplicable Stone Forest.
Contributors include Dr. Robert M. Schoch, Ph.D., a geologist best known for re-dating the Great Sphinx in Egypt that was documented in the Emmy award-winning film, The Mystery of the Sphinx. Photographers Sean Adair and Peter E. Schneider; Journalist, Lisa Rome; Artist, Javier Ruzo, the grandson of the late Daniel Ruzo who until his death in 1991 was the sole authority on the historical legacy of Markawasi. Dr. Marino Sanchez, Ph.D., an anthropologist and expert in archaeological and ethnological investigations of the ancient cultures of his Peruvian homeland; Lydia Colon, artist and world-traveler; Pablo Chong, seeker & Inn-keeper; Erik Mendoza, Peru Tour Guide; Stephanie Phelps, Medium; and Annette Everitt, fellow-traveler.
Reviewed by: Marcia Corenman, San Diego, CA
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Hardcover by Kathy Doore
176-Page
Photo Travel Journal
Available in Bookstores
April 2008
$29.95
ISBN 978-0979171352
Distributed by IPG
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