cover image Voices of the Earth: The Path of Green Spirituality

Voices of the Earth: The Path of Green Spirituality

Clea Danaan, . . Llewellyn, $15.95 (179pp) ISBN 978-0-7387-1465-3

Danaan, environmental activist and author of Sacred Land , invites readers to cultivate an awareness of the natural world and become an “earth ally.” Individual chapters describe the author's experiences of discovering harmony between body and Earth, the sacredness of land, controlled use of psychotropic plants and a sense of belonging in nature. Each chapter also devotes considerable space to directed meditation and practical exercises so that readers can gain such insights themselves. A “nature intuitive,” Danaan writes of her ability to talk to nonhuman natural items, animals and elements, and coaxes readers to learn to do the same. In the process, she assures readers that they will enjoy the comfort of connection, a keener sense of vitality and supportive collaboration from a totem animal. Danaan notes that results benefit the earth, too, and contribute to its healing. This book isn't for hardened skeptics. But the author's gentle optimism about human relationship to the Earth and earnest care for the planet in all its particularity is a welcome contribution to environmental advocacy. (Mar.)