Looking for resources for Gaianism/Pantheism/Earth Worship
Hello all! It's just what the thread title says: I'm on the lookout for books, articles, videos, anything that can teach me more about earth worship, particularly from any open practices and anything that discusses rituals in-depth.
Also, if this is better suited to another topic, like 'community space', by all means let me know: I'm new to 7 Cups and still getting used to how everything's oriented.
@Amachina have you considered exploring the Native American people. There are many texts on different tribes. He Hopi in the Sourhtwest US have very interesting perspectives.
The rituals of those living close to the Earth are designed for their culture. They hold secrets in them but so do other spiritual paths. What led you to this path? Knowing that it may be easier to provide information.
@soulsings
I see earth worship and Land Back/land stewardship/addressing climate crises/et cetera as interconnected. I'd like to be involved in a way that makes sense to me personally but also isn't appropriating, especially since I don't have the strongest ties to any of my ethnicities/cultures of origin. I'm hoping to see specifics on what others do to conduct rituals/offerings so I can get some ideas for how to build a practice myself. Does that help?
@Amachina I see the Earth as more than a thing to use. It is a precious home that is so rare in the known universe. I want to do all I can to protect it and treat it right.
I also feel that other beings on this Earth are worthy of respect and kindness.
I know that certain people had a deep respect finding comfort and solace in nature and reflected on their spiritual nature like Emerson https://emersoncentral.com/ebook/Nature.pdf
I think Thoreau saw nature as a path to self discovery. https://azeitao.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/walden.pdf
The Dalai Lama encourages people to stick with the religion they have and use resources to expand on that. Here is a talk he gave on Nature https://www.dalailama.com/messages/environment/buddhist-concept-of-nature
Hope some of that helps.
This is a bit of a long answer, but I hope it helps in some way.
Thank you for your careful and respectful approach to everyone's
cultures and for valuing land back in your quest. You have my respect
and appreciation! 😊
If you can trace your family history on
either side, either parent, to a place where once there was an
indigenous culture (which is true of everyone, once you trace back
far enough), there may be ways to reconstruct the language, culture,
and mythology through modern scholarship, as best as we can (if there
are no remaining existing peoples who have retained their culture and
understandings of the land, cosmology, and mythology in whole or in
part to reconnect to directly). There are many efforts around the
world to do just that, through comparative mythology, comparative
linguistics, historical texts, genetics, and material culture from
archaeological finds, and experimental archaeology sites (where
people try out reconstructions in real life).
Sometimes,
elements of current practices are drawn from erroneous romanticized
conclusions which aren't rooted in anything historical, upon
reflection. It's important to be careful where information is sourced
from, to avoid duplicitous and harmful pipelines which just lead to
more colonialism. It's a difficult journey to sort it all out,
especially if the culture itself was orally transmitted without
written language of their own to tell us in their own words what they
called themselves and how they viewed the world.
Often times,
we only have written records from the perspectives of the colonizers
who wiped out those indigenous cultures to go off of, which will have
plenty of (probably erroneous) propaganda baked into it, to justify
colonizing them.
If historical records allow you to trace both
parents' histories, you'll find a more comprehensive understanding of
where you're from and what indigenous cultures, rooted in animism and
nature worship, you could potentially reconstruct/ reconnect with
while ensuring you're not appropriating from other cultures in the
process.
If you're not currently on the land your ancestors
are from, then it would be good to still connect with the land you're
on and protect its biodiversity with native species and be careful
about propagating sacred plants from abroad without careful
consideration for how the plants grow (if they're invasive) and their
environmental impact.
Perhaps consider growing known or
potentially risky plants in a controlled environment to still have
access to whatever you might need if there are specific plants tied
to your ancestors' culture(s) you might want for ceremonial use or
whatever else. It may be possible to substitute similar plants which
are native to where you're at for such sustainable uses while still
retaining connection to your ancestors' cultures.
As a
creative idea, you may wish to embody the style of your ancestors'
traditional dress with sustainable substitute materials sourced from
where you are currently and have fun putting your own modern spin on
it, as well. After all, every indigenous culture survived by adapting
and caring for one another and the planet, not rigidly holding onto
the past and never changing.
It was not uncommon for
indigenous groups throughout history around the world to experiment
with ways of living, to change with the seasons, and to do their own
thing as a local group while still confederating with other groups to
solve the bigger issues collectively - demonstrating a respect for
both diversity and unity at the same time, and a balance for the
broad cultural ties which bind alongside local understandings and
local patron deities of local natural features, and that of their
neighbours' understandings (and beyond), knowing they all come from
the respective land of each group.
There's a balance which can
be struck between what we can know about the past, and what we'd like
to see in the world as caring and creative beings, so long as we
clearly communicate which is which, when necessary. Perhaps we will
see a rebirth of indigenous understandings and cultures the world
over, spreading life where colonization would ultimately fail to
control it and snuff it out. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see the
world's biodiversity flourish as we all remember how to be good
stewards again? 🌎🌱🌎
If you choose to take on the task of trying to
understand how your ancestors lived and related to the world and
people around them, please know you're not alone. 😊
I hope this
helps and I wish you all the best! 💖
@Zeraphim this is an amazing analysis of the situation. You demonstrate very competent skills of articulation and analysis. I am truly impressed.
@Amachina From what I've heard in my travels, Pagans in general tend to regard the Earth with reverence at least. A percentage of those who follow British or Western paths in Paganism see the Earth as "the great mother", as the planet provides resources for all living beings. It certainly lends itself to an environmental sensibility.
Hi @Amachina,
Hear me out logic at the end and beliefs
Thoughts on earth worship note the Bible references the Earth suggesting from a reading due to mankind disobeying God sin entered the world and due to sin or transgressions against others entered Death. Adam was actually of earth. From the understanding, when earth was cursed likely then set a course for death, So earth was set to get destroyed after a time directly after the first sin where the Earth was cursed and death mentioned. From Genesis the story of the garden of Eden Adam & Eve.
Revelation think there's a reference about the modern earth we maintain getting destroyed ultimately w event proceeding 7 seals 7 bowls 7 trumpets where events occurred. And even a verse about the think the sky or heavens rolling up like a scroll and stars falling like figs.
Think there's a new earth created during Revelation.
The thought from a Christian view that the earth was a tool that God used but not ultimately what would save us. From the a view of logic on earth, bad things have occurred so would one want it around forever as a reminder or to get a brand new earth that everyone could enjoy that was whole and not tainted by transgressions against others?
So create new earth.
Why death? From understanding, To atone for wrongs done against others. But God who was holy and had no transgression made a home for spotless of no transgression. So wasn't needed a spotless atonement to balance or account for sins or wrongs done against us ⚖️?
Bad evil things have occurred but where was yet atonement. So doesn't a balance have to get given to account for wrongs? So need a atonement that would ultimately surpass Death.
The only atonement accepted for evils a holy atonement. so Jesus' who was not of Adam but supernaturally born and lived a sinless life was accepted when he choose to sacrifice his life for anyone willing to turn against a lifestyle of transgressions against others and follow Him acknowledging His sacrifice and leadership. Seems he rose from the dead since he was holy and Death had no right to keep him since sinless and sinful can't share same space. A truth and a lie cannot share same space. Then he covers us to make our sins hidden when we choose his lordship which required us to no longer sin or transgressions against others.
Do believe Jesus only way to heaven since he was only atonement. Do believe His Father the sole God since Jesus acknowledged Him seems during dying on the cross referencing the said Jealous God who didnt want His followers to make or follow other gods. From a logical standpoint like having a child who you threw a party but they thank another for the party to an extent. One pastor says not to make Jesus a sidechick saviour suggesting to avoid treating Jesus as not the only way. Maybe the reference gives a suggestion almost spiritual cheating when not acknowledging God as the only God and Jesus as our only Saviour to give us Salvation and who could get us to Heaven. For self Do not worship Earth for these and like reasons.
Do believe in the Trinity.
For whether who live awfully feel God accounts for do think God still since a God of balance and likely makes account during or after life and finds ways to account from own belief. One pastor thinks the similar where not worse agony caused to others set to appear for ones life that transgressed against another. Thought on balance since God a God of Justice & Judgement ⚖️ (measure) The title Mom tells of God.
@Amachina
Quite a different topic btw & a quite a Q. ⚡💛🧡🤍
My sister runs a channel where she discussed different beliefs and either addresses beliefs on the beliefs or just discussed events. Ex "Death Cults"
Used to study religion but focused on Christianity to build belief foundation and philosophy and would often listen to others who were established in ministry.