The Oz series has captured the hearts of children and adults alike over the past century. In The Wisdom of Oz, Gita Morena explores her personal connection to Dorothy and uses theories of psychoanalysis and meditation as passageways into the psychological healing central to the story's themes. The book is divided into three sections, weaving the significance of Oz together with Morena's embodiment of Dorothy. "Enchantment of Oz" lays out the history of Oz and tales of the man who created it. "The Journey Through Oz" explores the archetypes and the symbology of Oz, with an emphasis on sandplay therapy and case studies. "Follow Your Own Yellow Brick Road" sets the reader on a journey of self-exploration and self-discovery.

This is an exciting time for Oz lovers with the re-release of The Wizard of Oz movie and the 100 year anniversary of the book's publication. Coinciding with the renewed interest in Oz, L. Frank Baum's great-granddaughter, Dr. Gita Dorothy Morena, has recently published a new book, "The Wisdom of Oz". Not only does she embody the Oz heroine with her given name Dorothy, she sheds light on her great grandfather's beloved tale with her years of experience as a psychotherapist and meditation leader. She offers a unique and personal way to explore the fairy tale by encouraging Oz lovers to explore the twists and turns of their own "yellow brick roads."

"The Wisdom of Oz" shows how Baum's fairy tale is a powerful metaphor for psychological healing and spiritual transformation. Not only does it stimulate Oz lovers to explore their fascination with the story, it also examines how a feminine heroine heals wounded aspects of the psyche, and sheds light on how Dorothy's image contributes to the emergence of feminine values in the culture. Personal examples reveal how the symbolic images and lessons in the story manifest in a person's life. In a recent TV Guide interview, Oprah Winfrey spoke about her interest in Oz with great conviction: "Although I meditate every day and I pray every night and I read spiritual material, my greatest spiritual teaching is "The Wizard of Oz." 'You've always had the power, my dear. You've always had the power.' That Good Witch, she's my girl!"

Fast paced living and the rapid development of technology have left many people questioning their values and lifestyles. During such stressful times, literature and mythology often become beacons for clarification and guidance. In the symbolic language of fairy tale, L. Frank Baum's classic, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" addresses an underlying uneasiness that was just beginning to permeate the culture when it was written one hundred years ago. With the help of "The Wisdom of Oz", people can see from its imagery how to navigate successfully through a variety of disturbing situations to fine the way home. It appears at an auspicious time, heralding our entrance into a new millennium.

 

John Algeo, National President, The Theosophical Society of America:
"Because The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is grounded in a timeless wisdom, it speaks to its readers and viewers on both a universal and a personal level. Dr. Morena shows the story to be what Baum could hardly have imagined it becoming: a guidebook to our inner journey through the enchanted Land of Oz and home again." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Kay Bradway, PhD, Jungian analyst and Founding Member of C.G.Jung Institute of San Francisco;
"The Wisdom of Oz is making a valuable contribution not only to L. Frank Baum's classic fairy tale, but also to the field of psychology."

Maurice Friedman, PhD:
"What makes "The Wisdom of Oz" particularly powerful is the clarity and beauty of the style, and the honest and moving revelation throughout the book of Gita Dorothy Morena's own struggles and progress on the "yellow brick road."

Nicolee Miller-McMahon, Zen meditation teach and Marriage, Family and Child Counselor:
"The Wisdom of Oz invites one to explore the inner journey, invoking questions about one's personal experience as well as cultural and mythic themes that are unfolding in our time"

Michael Patrick Hearn
"In this highly personal journey down the Yellow Brick Road, Dr. Gita Morena reveals Oz, both the Great and Terrible, in a remarkable new way. Her great-granddad would have been proud!".
(Reviews courtesy of Amazon.com)