That’s the name of the book I’ve been writing since last summer!
Here’s the subtitle: Ways to Become Wiser, Happier and More Useful to the Sacred Land.
In these times when it’s hard to know how to even face what’s happening on our planet—much less have any faith that we can really help—this book offers a unique and optimistic perspective.
It’s partly a compendium of the basics of Earth-Centered Spirituality, based on my decades of study of both Native American and Celtic/Western practices; partly a primer on Deep Ecology, the contemporary discipline that challenges us humans to change ourselves rather than “fix” outer things, by, first, recognizing the inherent value of all living beings and ecosystems; partly a Memoir of my profound, illuminating, sometimes delightfully shocking encounters with the more-than-human world and its inhabitants; and partly a no-punches-pulled Critique of the modern world’s catastrophically destructive, human-centered, patriarchal beliefs, values and actions.
The “Magic” of the title refers to lively descriptions of simple yet powerful ways we can connect and partner with non-human beings and realms, in order to benefit the web of life. So, it is also partly a Workbook.
In the book, I often use the term “Gaia”—by which, as my esteemed readers already know, I mean the physical-plus-spiritual manifestation of the Earth’s purposive, intelligent, ever-evolving being; and the totality of Her multitudes of material and spiritual inhabitants, all of us living and creating together within Gaia’s vast, vibrant reality.
I also frequently refer to the Green World and the Sacred Land. These phrases point to the entirety of our planet’s physical and spiritual worlds, explicitly including the non-material but very real beings of Nature. Over the millennia, they have been named Faeries, Fauns, Orishas, Kachinas, and Jinns—but, whatever term is used, these powerful Nature beings were familiar to and revered by our ancestors, and are crucial participants in the Earth-honoring alliances that we are called to form today.
Did you notice that word “optimistic” up there? Here’s what that’s about. Of course things are terrible in our world right now; I cry regularly about one tragedy or another. Even setting aside the injustices, deprivation and violence being inflicted on human beings practically everywhere, we can’t go a day without reading about how climate disruption, pollution and extinctions are worsening; huge forest fires, hurricanes and floods are becoming ever more calamitous; interspersed with innumerable, more specific tragedies like whale strikes in shipping lanes, and raptors poisoned by indiscriminate use of rodenticides. It certainly seems that there’s not much to feel hopeful about.
But through this book, we can learn and start to practice effective ways to link up more fully with the natural world—Gaia’s world. And what is Gaia’s hallmark? Her persistent, unstoppable urge toward transformation and regeneration. Regeneration is the most tenaciously optimistic force there is. It rests on the deep impulse within our planet toward change, renewal and rebirth. When we can attune with this sacred force and support Gaia’s regenerative momentum, we are truly fulfilling our destiny!
Finally, my book is centered around the heart. Our hearts are our primary organs of harmony, caring, generosity and reciprocity. The vast majority of human beings today don’t come close to fully expressing their infinite heart-capacities. Love not only encompasses one’s human family and friends, or even just humanity alone, but all beings, human and non-human, material and spiritual, and all the places where they live. Our hearts are bereft when they can’t exist within their innate, expansive love for the green earth, our home. Throughout this book I praise the heart and offer many ways for us to deepen and strengthen it, and thereby wake up to all the possibilities within us for blessing and healing, for connection, compassion and love.
So I hope you follow the progress of this book with interest! I’ve almost finished the first draft, and plan to start the final revision process by next fall. So if you’re interested in reviewing the manuscript at some point, or being part of the publicity process—particularly if you know any earth-centered agents, editors or publishers—please let me know. And stay tuned!