Comments on: Geological Totems

By: therioshamanism

therioshamanism — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 08:44:14 +0000

There’s a lot of good info, too, in the Sacred in Suburbia column at No Unsacred Place, too!

By: Wormwood Crow

Wormwood Crow — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 07:34:41 +0000

When you first broached spiritual geography in “The Death of the Place That Raised Me” it brought to mind Kaldera & Schwartzstein’s “The Urban Primitive”, the first source I had seen addressing the issue of spirituality in The Concrete Jungle that validated much of what I had experienced. Your continued work with regional energies is so fundamental for the shaman, urban as well as country, and I really appreciate that you share you thoughts about totems one can’t buy on eBay, so might be more difficult for the average traveler to understand. Your essays are revealing, poignant and much needed.

By: Virginia Carper

Virginia Carper — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:23:08 +0000

Amongst Romans, the geography became Gods – the River Tiber is a God. I address all the rivers in my area by Father and their name. To me they are male. There are also Goddesses of hills. I have a relationship of the local Hill Goddesses. I do not think of Them as totems as much as Lars (spirits) and Gods. You might want to see what ancient peoples addressed geography in your work.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:05:54 +0000

Wonderful post Lupa! This seems a broadening of the definition of what I have heard others (be they Druid, Pagan, Shaman or otherwise) as “Spirit of Place” – when I envisioned what they spoke of, it seems a smaller area, whereas your definition I believe could encompass quite a large area, providing it is the same bioregion/ecosystem – very interesting! Didn’t think of these as totems until you mentioned it! Thanks!

By: therioshamanism

therioshamanism — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:26:48 +0000

I’m glad you enjoyed it and that it got your mind going more on these things; I hope it continues to spark good things for you!

By: therioshamanism

therioshamanism — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:25:59 +0000

Thank you! this is truly one of the most geologically interesting areas in the world, and I’m very lucky to be here. The waters are very deep, spiritually speaking, as well, with many stories to tell, and I’m looking forward to sharing them.

By: therioshamanism

therioshamanism — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:22:33 +0000

I’m glad it spoke to you!

By: Hazel

Hazel — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:46:28 +0000

What an interesting post. That sounds like faint praise, but I mean it; I’m really interested now in learning about the geological history of my locality. I know the land, but I don’t know that aspect of it and learning about it would definitely deepen my relationship with it within the shamanic/hedgewitchy/animism context, and it gives me lot to think about now.

By: Matt Gerlach

Matt Gerlach — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:46:25 +0000

It’s fascinating reading about your relationships with your Land out on the other side of the continent. I live in Ohio where the glaciers came down and met the Appalachian mountains. Layers of various geological activities, but none of it volcanic, violent or sudden. I’m looking forward to reading what you have to say on water totems, since rivers and lakes are the most prominent spirits in the area.

By: SpiderGoddes

SpiderGoddes — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:42:55 +0000

You have given words to something that I have felt for a long while, but did not realize.