Chapter 1, The Transformation of Doña Soledad Summary

Carlos Castaneda searches for Don Juan in a "particular town" before driving to where Pablito lives with his mother and four sisters. Doña Soledad runs out, too nimbly for an old woman. Her forwardness is discomforting. She is alone but "the Nagual" (Don Juan) has told to help Carlos. She says that they are "the same," grows angry that he is not "impeccable" (beyond suspicion, flawless), drops her skirt, and says that they must mix.

At Carlos' car, Soledad says that she has waited years to fulfill her promise to help Carlos. A silvery paw makes Carlos run for it, but Soledad is faster and rolls him onto the ground. When the dog attacks her, Carlos flees indoors, trapping himself. Through the door, Soledad explains that Don Juan has ordered...