18. "Child of Satan, Child of God" by Susan Atkins

Around this time, via a variety of methods and means, and via a lot of helpful emails, I became aware of a lot of books in which Krishna Venta and the Fountain of the World were mentioned. One such book was Child of Satan, Child of God written by convicted murderess and former Manson Family member Susan Atkins. The book was co-written by Bob Slosser.

Now I have a lot of problems with this book, namely, since it may as well have also been titled "Suitable for Parole," Atkins spins a lot of recorded history in such a manner as to show herself in the best light possible. Given her circumstances, I can understand her motives.

That aside, one passage from her book which I know to be true is found on page 110. It addresses the birth of her son and how, "Five days later, the women [in the Manson Family] arranged for me to move with the baby to a nearby religious mission and retreat house called the Fountain, where some of the girls had stayed occasionally, hoping to obtain it someday for the use of the people [Manson Family members] at Spahn's. I was granted permission to stay there as long as I would help with the work."

Afterthought: earlier this year (2008), Atkins was diagnosed with cancer and given but a few months to live. The reader may recall that efforts were undertaken to secure her "compassionate release" in order that she not die in prison. These motions were denied. As of this writing, Atkins is still alive and/or dying with cancer, whatever the case might be.