A bit more than twenty years ago, after my 30th birthday, I went away for a long weekend by myself. I rented a cabin in the woods, and spent a few days alone (other than my dogs) thinking and writing, doing some divination and meditation and ritual. No radio, no TV, no computer — and this was the days before smartphones. I came away with some insights worthy of the effort, but the most important insight was one I discovered... Read more
We might find each of these groups sympathetic. Artists, poets, nature lovers, advocates for alternative medicine, social reformers, naturalists, wanderers -- these are our people! They pushed for egalitarianism, creativity, and liberty. But these are not the only countercultures out there. Read more
This image brings to mind the way in which the solid, rational, straight-line world supports -- or is infiltrated by -- the growing, curling natural world. The natural world declines to be bound by the grid. Instead it grows around it, curls and bends through it, puts the grid to its own uses. Read more
Given the significance of Douglass to the abolition movement, this fight with Covey might fairly be called a turning point in American history -- and it was catalyzed by root magic. Read more
I seldom remember my dreams, but sometimes they are humdingers. From this one came a no-self revelation: given the transcendental truth that everyone I see is me, I'll get to do all the things! There is no "fear of missing out" because I -- ***I****, Big Cosmic I That Unifies All -- will do everything! Read more
She is the totem of the United States, and if her attributes seem contradictory and confusing perhaps that's best seen as a reflection of the animating contest of democracy. (Or maybe there's a little bit of my lady Eris in her makeup.) Read more
There is no avoiding the breaking, the cracking, the flaws. But it is up to us how we interpret them, whether we see the world as a disappointing fallen version of some perfect Platonic realm, or revel in the realness. Read more
Divine voices work mysteriously Read more
Fifty is a big landmark. And now that I've almost gotten there, in some ways it doesn't match what I dreamed about. So the question is, which story am I going to tell myself? The Most Interesting Man In The World contender, or the lonesome loser? Which is the answer to "Who am I?"? Or is perhaps neither the answer? Read more
but I am a magician, a poet in the realm of acts and what I see means what I say that it means Read more
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