Book excerpt: This book is an invitation for us to take the next step in our personal and collective evolution, weaving together the mandala-like 3-D multiple exposure photographs of trees by internationally-exhibited fine-art photographer Ryan J. Bush, along with the story of the ancient Greek Eleusinian Mysteries (which were effective for thousands of years at introducing people to the mysteries of our true nature), and our modern effort to reconnect with consciousness and soul.The exhibition progresses from black-and-white photographs of bare trees in winter, representing the state of 'Wandering' (the ordinary consciousness of our ego, monkey mind, grasping mind, or the lower level of functioning when we're in the grip of strong emotions, suffering or dysfunction), to color photographs of trees in spring, representing the state of Illumination or awakening. Just as Persephone was taken away to the underworld, and Demeter wandered the Earth looking for her daughter everywhere, we face a similar loss of soul today on both the personal and collective levels. Our world is very much lost and wandering, with all the mass shootings, corporate greed running amok, infatuation with strongmen, etc.Fortunately, if we realize that we're Wandering, it really is possible to wake up. It's time for us to drop the veil that has kept these mysteries hidden in esoteric symbolism, locked behind the doors of monasteries, and only taught to the chosen few. The Postscript of this book outlines twelve techniques that can help on our journey, including how to ground, center, balance, and tune ourselves. Together, these tools can help facilitate not just Illumination, but living as skillfully as possible in our challenging world.If we don't want to keep Wandering, we have all the tools we need to wake up.