Since I wrote this book, there has been a complete modification of what I call the world horoscope and the planets governing each field of living within this horoscope. Thus, for example, it is not Saturn that governs physical health in the world horoscope but the Sun. See "The Lives of Great Nations" link at our web-site for a complete description of the updated and revised world blueprint.

I wish to give my heartfelt thanks to Bernadette Cardinale, teacher of The Art of Multi-Dimensional LivingÒ , for her invaluable assistance in editing this work.

Increasing numbers of Westerners are exploring non-traditional options for self-development. In some parts of the U.S., such as Boulder, Santa Fe, and many cities in California, a large portion of the population is involved in "alternative" programs for mental, physical, or spiritual enhancement.

Enterprising promoters offer self-improvement programs in slick and sometimes expensive packages. The result is a proliferation of choices in an increasingly commercial market for self-development programs. At the same time the lines between spiritual, religious, psychological and physical programs are becoming increasingly blurred.

Many books purport to offer guidance through the myriad options in the self-development marketplace. Throughout this work I will demonstrate how such books differ substantially from my own.

The explosion of popular options might lead one to believe that we are in a true renaissance of knowledge, both spiritual and applied, but this is not actually the case. When we pick up a magazine or turn on a television show, we often find fundamental values and issues being discussed in an overly generalized way, or in a simplistic "either-or" model where those holding the conservative position confront the liberal camp or vice-versa. The debates moderated by William F. Buckley are classic examples of this latter simplistic dynamic.

People of sensitivity and intelligence are increasingly frustrated by this superficial treatment of the issues, and wish they had an opportunity to watch or participate in more meaningful discussions, debates and other forums where a greater range of viewpoints could flower and be discussed more deeply.

Deep discussion and debate are particularly discouraged in the field of spirituality and religion. As one American TV commentator expressed it, "There's one subject you don't scrutinize too closely -- people's religious beliefs."

Since the mass media are most interested in large-scale, observable trends and unusual outer behavior, they often overlook the millions of seekers quietly exploring inner spirituality and esoteric knowledge. Media coverage tends to over-emphasize channeling, UFO's, and other catchy subjects, while under-emphasizing subtler trends, such as the proliferation of meditation practices.

One of the most important trends is a polarization between monolithic and pluralistic religions. In the first category are the organized, mainstream, exoteric Judeo-Christian churches and synagogues which have dominated Western history. The second category, religious and spiritual pluralism, is characterized by a de-centralized, individualistic approach that ignores orthodoxy and dogma. Why these contrary trends (pluralistic and monolithic) coexist, and why neither satisfies our deepest yearnings for truth, is one of the major focal points of this book.

The distinctions between "spiritual" and "religious" and between "esoteric" and "exoteric" also need clarification. I hope to do that in the first chapter.

Now I would like to turn to matters of process and style. How can I best express this knowledge of the alternative roadmaps to reality? I feel that the ideal way is through non-partisan discussions and debates which are so rare today -- forums where many different views are warmly welcomed. A Socrates-like moderator ensures continuity and focus. More importantly, he points to certain higher truths which can only be hinted at.

Since the backgrounds of many of the participants will be unknown to most readers, Appendix A sets forth certain pertinent information about each participant and the group or system of knowledge he represents. We suggest that you read the relevant section of this appendix whenever a new participant enters a dialogue.

Appendix B gives key principles for understanding the lives of famous people mentioned in the dialogues.

There may be some overlap between the two appendices, since some famous persons are connected to a system of knowledge represented in our dialogues.

What qualifies me as the Socratic figure? Briefly expressed, I can only state that I have intuitively come upon an ancient body of knowledge which I call the "Astrology of the Eight Fields of Living" (TM). Another name we use is the "Art of Multi-Dimensional Living" (TM), because, as you will see, it extends far beyond the realm of astrology. In fact, it encompasses all aspects of life, both subjective and objective. However, the methodology is primarily subjective, in contrast with the objective approach of modern science. The Art of Multi-Dimensional LivingÒ serves as a blueprint for all knowledge, in particular, the knowledge of the spiritual labyrinth and the roadmaps through it. Its main principles are presented in this book.

My only hesitation in using the Socratic format that Plato used is that it can leave a wrong impression -- that of a great authority lecturing the ignorant masses. No such condescending attitude is intended. Yet, I feel that the gift I have received offers such unique and holistic perspectives to modern problems that it justifies my role as a Socratic figure in these dialogues.

Think and feel yourself as beginning to take part in a great drama. Don't be attached to any particular role -- enjoy them all. This will create the right mood for receiving one of the great teachings of this book: all perspectives are partial; only the screen on which these perspectives appear is full and complete. This teaching is not new, but it is re-enlivened in a new and powerful way through The Astrology of the Eight Fields of Living.

Without this true science of the stars to guide us we keep falling into the same error -- giving out the same spiritual advice and techniques to everyone, even though their strengths of personality may be very different. This mistake was never made by the ancient teachers of higher knowledge.

One note on the characters: They are meant to be mostly laypersons of above-average intelligence, not professional spokespersons. I have tried to convey the emotional factors behind their beliefs, and have therefore painted some of them as less restrained than many of their real-world counterparts. No offense is intended toward any group, as they all could be represented by more articulate and mature spokespersons. However, to do so would hide the characters' emotions behind a veil of words; sophisticated arguments are all too often no more than a smokescreen to protect the ego's cherished beliefs.

With regard to gender, the English language is in an awkward stage of development, where "he" is taken as sexist when it refers to both sexes, and "he or she" is too clumsy for frequent use. So we use both "he" and "she" to refer to both sexes, unless speaking of a particular person whose gender is clear.

(All agree.)