Taisha Abelar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Taisha Abelar
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|---|---|
| Born | Maryann Simko |
| Pen name | Anna Marie Carter (1974) |
| Occupation | Anthropologist, writer |
| Nationality | American |
| Period | 20th century |
| Subject | Shamanism |
| Notable works | The Sorcerer's Crossing: A Woman’s Journey |
Taisha Abelar, born Maryann Simko, was an American writer and anthropologist. She was known for her connection to the author Carlos Castaneda.
Contents
About Taisha Abelar
Taisha Abelar met Carlos Castaneda when she was 19 years old. At that time, she was a student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She later earned her master's degree and PhD in Anthropology from UCLA.
In 1973, Carlos Castaneda bought a house in Westwood, Los Angeles. Soon after, Maryann Simko (who would become Taisha Abelar) moved in. Two other women, Regine Thal and Kathleen Pohlman, also moved there. This group of women became known as "the witches" to some people.
In 1974, a magazine called Samurai published photos of Regine Thal doing karate. In that article, Taisha Abelar was called "Anna Marie Carter."
Changing Names and Secrecy
Carlos Castaneda believed in "erasing personal history." This meant keeping one's past a secret. Because of this, the women used many different names. They also tried not to be photographed.
Not long after moving into Castaneda's house, Maryann Simko changed her name to Taisha Abelar. Regine Thal changed her name to Florinda Donner. Kathleen Pohlman changed her name to Carol Tiggs.
Her Book and Teachings
Taisha Abelar said she was one of Don Juan's four students. Don Juan was a spiritual teacher in Castaneda's books. Abelar claimed she spent a year in Don Juan's "magical house" in Mexico.
In 1992, her book The Sorcerer's Crossing: A Woman’s Journey was published. This book shares her experiences and the training she received. It describes what she learned from the female members of Don Juan's group.
During the 1990s, Abelar and the other women started teaching workshops. These workshops focused on something called Tensegrity. Tensegrity involves special movements and exercises. These workshops were held for a company called Cleargreen Incorporated, which Castaneda had created.
Her Disappearance
In April 1998, Carlos Castaneda passed away. Shortly after his death, Taisha Abelar disappeared. Four other women who were close to Castaneda also disappeared. These women were Florinda Donner, Amalia Marquez, Kylie Lundahl, and Patricia Lee Partin.
Years later, in 2003, Patricia Lee Partin was found. However, no trace of the other four women, including Taisha Abelar, has ever been found.
See also
In Spanish: Taisha Abelar para niños
