Trined in Twilight

On her newest foray into metaphysics, Rain, author of 21 spirituality books, offers a useful corrective to popular psychology's fixation with the inner child. We each have an inner child, Rain suggests, but we also harbor a wise grandparent who requires as much attention as the latent youth. The significance of the title (a trine is a group of three) is explained in this extended metaphysical parable as Mary's Little Self (or inner child) visits her Granny (or Crone). Middle-aged writer Mary does not appear herself during the visit, but her presence is felt by constant references to ""the Mother."" The visit takes place in 2040, and Little Self is surprised at some of the changes--the fax machine and computer are gone, and the lilac trees that Little Self remembers as young saplings have grown. Granny and Little Self share many touching moments. When Little Self realizes she is terrified that Granny/the mother will die, Granny comforts her. Little Self gradually understands that she and Granny are different aspects of the same being: as soon as she asks if Granny loves the fall, Little Self realizes that ""of course"" she does. ""We always did, didn't we?... All three of us."" Granny also teaches Little Self a few lessons, reminding Little Self that sometimes she, the inner child, ""break[s] through the Mother's consciousness at inappropriate times."" Fans of visionary fiction will be inspired by this spiritual encounter. (July)