The sixth sense is our birthright, according to historian and professional psychic Sarvananda Bluestone. In this fascinating paperback he presents 75 exercises for finding signs and omens in the everyday world. Of course, for centuries diviners, seers, shamans, and medicine men have been reading bones, tea leaves, runes, mirrors, clouds, and other wonders of creation. Bluestone has a light touch that makes these exercises pleasant and playful. He begins by quoting children's author Maurice Sendak: "Let the rumpus begin!"

One of the first games is to describe the weather inside you. For those who might consider this far-fetched, we'll share the story of an Antiguan youth we knew who worked on a boat. Asked "How are you?" he replied, "Partly cloudly, chance of rain." Sensing our internal weather is a good practice, and one that challenges us to use our imaginations.

Bluestone notes that Native Americans believed that stones were alive. They were seen as a tribe unto themselves — the record keepers. He suggests that you when you choose a stone as a personal ally, you should pay careful attention to its shape, coloring, and markings. Ask the stone what message it has for you. You'll be in good company — aboriginal people have been honoring stones for centuries.

Bluestone's exercises are helpful, provoking us to read the world around us. Check out pieces on water spirits, animal totems, roots and branches, holding hands, taking the pulse of the land, and reading a person's life through photographs of them. Meaning often sneaks up on us from some tricky hiding places. Bluestone helps us engage her in a long game of hide-and-seek.