Exploring the Spiritual Wisdom of Japanese Wildlife: A Journey Through Shinto and Zen Buddhism

The fauna of Japan, rich in diversity, is intricately woven into the tapestry of Shinto and Zen Buddhist traditions. Each animal is not just a part of the ecosystem but a bearer of profound spiritual messages and teachings. This article delves deeply into the shamanic symbolism of eight Japanese animals, revealing their roles in folklore,Continue reading “Exploring the Spiritual Wisdom of Japanese Wildlife: A Journey Through Shinto and Zen Buddhism”

What is your favourite animal? Crows and ravens

What is your favorite animal? Their iridescent black and purple feathers are like midnight sky cloaks given by impatient gods. Their glances from electrifying ice blue eyes that cut like a knife through my soul. I pay tribute in the form of grapes and old bread and they grace me with their presence and it’sContinue reading “What is your favourite animal? Crows and ravens”

Embracing the Shamanic Spirit of Australian Wildlife: A Journey Through Australian Power Animals of Land, Sky, and Sea

Australia’s diverse wildlife offers a rich tapestry of shamanic wisdom, insight and power, with each animal embodying unique spiritual teachings. Recognising these creatures as sentient beings of unique intelligences and lives quite apart from our own, in this article we will explore the profound spiritual symbolism and strengths of eight iconic Australian animals. These representContinue reading “Embracing the Shamanic Spirit of Australian Wildlife: A Journey Through Australian Power Animals of Land, Sky, and Sea”

Jumbo 2023 Christmas Edition of Cool and Kooky Things I Found On the Internet

2023 has been a strange year with a lot of unexpected events in our world. I hope that wherever you are that these oddball and quirky Yuletide tidbits give you a giggle, a jolt and some pause for thought while you enjoy your Christmas celebrations. I hope you get some much needed rest. Right now, some big warm hugs are being sent on digital packets from my heart to yours. Much love, your friend, CC.

Short Story: Bunjil’s Blessing on Summer Solstice Eve

On the eve of the Summer Solstice, as the sun dipped low over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the sands, the beach was alive with anticipation. Families, friends, and solitary wanderers alike had gathered, drawn by the promise of the longest day, and the magic that it held. Among them was a youngContinue reading “Short Story: Bunjil’s Blessing on Summer Solstice Eve”

Book Review: The Porpoise by Mark Haddon

This is my historical fiction pick of the year. The Porpoise is an exhilarating. There are lightning quick gear changes from one time period to another and one mood to another. Yet the cohesive whole of the novel never felt confusing, forced or contrived

Book Review – Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

A mind-bending and time-melting story by the master of surreal storytelling Haruki Murakami. The first strand is the 15 year old Kafka Tamura, a teen runaway who takes refuge in a remote town. The second strand begins with mysterious celestial phenomena in the Shikoku mountains, possibly involving a UFO and a group of kids losing consciousness.

Ancient Fable: St. Francis of Assisi and the injured wolf

13th century Italian saint, St Francis of Assisi never understood earth as being a garden of resources over which we have dominion. Instead, he saw the earth as a mother or a sister who governs us.

Book Review: Auspicious Animals, The Art of Good Omens by Jun’ichi Uchiyama

If you have ever looked at a Japanese silk screen print or sculpture and wondered what the cranes, monkeys or bears mean…this book is for you! I found this beautiful book in an art gallery and decided that, despite the hefty price-tag, I simply had to own it! This elegant coffee table book charts the artistic symbolism of animals in northern Asia with a particular focus on Japan and China. Each page is translated and in both Japanese and English.

10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet #67

Roll-up, roll-up for another big top edition of 10 Interesting Things I Found, edition number 67, it’s a strange world we live in filled with strange, half-human half-creature beings that inhabit positions of power. Needless to say all we can do is escape into a world of our own making, so here it is… ElegantContinue reading “10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet #67”