Book Review: How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell

I didn’t expect much from this book and was delightfully surprised by its immense depth and foresight. ‘How to Do Nothing’ is a profound and glittering jewel about the big topics of politics, internet culture, consumerism, capitalism and consciousness. It takes well-worn assumptions about how you spend your time and the tyrannical monopoly of banal “stuff” on your attention – and then rearranges your brain forever!

Book Review: 2024 Lunar and Seasonal Diary by Stacey Demarco

A practical and full colour diary with regular weekly prompts for star-gazing and constellations, as well as fortuitous times of the pagan year. Designed for pagans dwelling in the southern hemisphere, with calendar timings and celebrations that we make, which are the direct opposite to the traditional Celtic/European traditions.

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”

Ancient Word of the Day: Adsum

From Latin: “Adsum” – be here now

The life, in a form, that we all live. Adsum abandons hopelessness and blind hope and even rational hope.

Hope is that virtue by which we take responsibility for the future and a quality that gives our actions special urgency.

Dolphins as Taniwha in New Zealand

Dolphins are mystical beings full of intelligence, compassion and consciousness. For different Māori iwi, dolphins hold sacred significance and they are known as  taniwha. They are considered tapu (sacred) and possessing a powerful mauri (lifeforce). What are Taniwha? Taniwha (pron. tan-ee-far) are mysterious creatures that dwell in the sea, rivers, lakes or in caves. TheyContinue reading “Dolphins as Taniwha in New Zealand”

If you had a freeway billboard what would it say? Knowledge is Power

If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say? Knowledge is Power So gather together the glass beads of your curiosity and inner light and pursue knowledge relentlessly until you’ve managed to understand all that has been hidden from you through the guile adults and those more powerful than you, poverty, a difficult childhoodContinue reading “If you had a freeway billboard what would it say? Knowledge is Power”

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”

Tea for Peace in Shibuya farmers market

On November 1st 2023, PB and I went to Tea for Peace in Shibuya. At UNU towards the back of the weekly farmer’s market, was a showcase of dozens of passionate tea makers from across Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea. Each tea producer was friendly and eager to tell the story of their teas andContinue reading “Tea for Peace in Shibuya farmers market”

Short Story: Awhiina finds her orb

In the heart of the Pacific, there lies an island so remote it is whispered about like a myth. This island, cloaked in lush greenery and bordered by the endless blue, is home to Awhiina, a woman of quiet strength and profound connection to the natural world around her. Awhiina lived in a small village,Continue reading “Short Story: Awhiina finds her orb”

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”