"A necessary and needed character on our human journey is the ally, the reliable companion, the assisting force. In every heroic journey story the hero or heroine requires a trustworthy companion to fulfill his/her/their destiny. The assisting force is often depicted as a sidekick, an aide, a wise advisor, a spirit guide. In stories an assisting force can also be an elixir, a magic form of help, an animal, a wish-fulfilling gem. Some of the assisting forces in our lives are visible and some are invisible. Some are with us for life; some come and go. Examples of spiritual assisting forces are bodhisattvas and saints. Partners in a relationship that works are allies to one another. Carl Jung said that we cannot individuate on Everest, that is, alone. The archetype of the ally is necessary if we are ever to be fully who we are. Martin Buber beautifully describes this: "A person wishes to be confirmed in his being by another person. . . . It is from one human being to another that the heavenly bread of self-being is passed." This book shows us how assisting forces are in and around us, how we can be assisting forces to one another, and presents spiritual practices that can help all this happen"--