Essays, Articles, Poetry & Art by Pegi Eyers
Published in Print and Online Media
Decolonizing Environmental Education
A Beginner's Guide to Disrupting Colonial Practices in Environmental Education
Turtle icon by Zackary Cloe
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Pegi Eyers is pleased to contribute her work to the excellent zine Decolonizing Environmental Education by Olivia Balcos. Olivia worked at the Education Center in the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo during her second year at the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program, with the project of creating a zine on Decolonizing Environmental Education. She created this zine as a tool for herself and for anyone else in the environmental field to start a conversation about changing how we think about, and offer environmental educational spaces. While this zine was made with environmental educators in mind, we all have a responsibility to teach each other about the land and its' Indigenous peoples. This zine is made for anyone and everyone to aid in their journey to decolonize environmental education. Read online at Flipsnack, or download a complementary PDF >HERE<
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[Un]Conscious Colonialism – Why is “Native Spirituality” a Pagan Genre?
Pegi Eyers in Gods&Radicals
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In today’s hopeful climate of Turtle Island First Nations resurgence and healing, and in alignment with anti-racism, social justice and decolonization efforts everywhere, the interrogation of the “Native Spirituality” genre under the Pagan umbrella is long overdue.
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The diversity in Pagan Community in the Americas is astounding, and as a much-needed alternative to outdated religions in decline, an ongoing source of wonder for our collective re-enchantment and inspiration. Every conceivable genre of paganism is thriving, and this healthy diversity has meant the suspension of “togetherness” or “unity” narratives in recent times (which is probably a good thing). As with all human societies, the idea that we need to be homogenous or come to any kind of agreement as a movement or a subculture is not a realistic expectation. Yet there are some social dynamics that transcend mere “opinion” or “belief” such as the consequences we live with from historical actions, and the overarching truth of our own positionality. “Who am I? Why am I here? What do I remember? Where am I going?” These timeless questions continue to underscore our complex lives here in at the end of Empire, and we encounter a similar self-searching at the heart of Pagan Community. Read more >HERE<
[Un]Conscious Colonialism: Why is "Native Spirituality" a Pagan Genre?
by Pegi Eyers was published in the online 2018 edition of Gods&Radicals Press Read more >HERE< |
RIGHT RELATIONS
The Sacred Balance
New Essay by Pegi Eyers in Confluence Journal!
YOUTH PASSAGEWAYS EDITORIAL TEAM ~
The theme of Volume III dives headfirst into the depths of relationship, and our living and fallible attempts to navigate the foundational and gravitational forces of our inner and outer lives. The contributors hold true to one of Confluence's founding intentions - to approach the world with a sincere and buoyant curiosity, with a commitment to parse, connect, and bridge. It is through that commitment, to lean into what is authentically true, that this issue is our best yet, and within its pages, a great many bridges beckon. We are invited to consider seeing ourselves as a heterogeneous whole, made comprehensive because of our differences, and a whole that makes room for the connections as well as the expanses that exist among us, to go as kin, into the great unknown together. CONTRIBUTORS ~ Kendall Johnson, Pegi Eyers, Zachary Hoyt, Kayla Briët, Troy Payne, Kairon Yeng, Ruby Boddington, Fēnix Grace, Lesia Maruschak, Gerard Sarnat, Frederick Marx with Meredith Little, Gigi Coyle, and Emily Frost with Dane Zahorsky & Marisa Taborga Byrne ACCESS CONFLUENCE JOURNAL >HERE< |
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Kina gdi-gwendaagininaanig - To All Our Relatives
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Kina gdi-gwendaagininaanig - To All Our Relatives is a project that connects people with each other and the Earth in response to the climate crisis. First Nations have given us hope and the understanding to respect, share in reciprocity, and build caring relationships with Earth Community if our planet is to survive. A collaboration between the Sacred Water Circle (www.sacredwatercircle) and For Our Grand-children – Peterborough (www.4RG.org).
Read the entry by Pegi Eyers, and add your letters, photos and videos >here< Be a part of living history - share your voice! |
Rise of the Goddess: From Ancient Mythos to Modern Feminine
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New essay by Pegi Eyers
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Reclaiming the “We” from Ancient Wisdom
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New essay by Pegi Eyers in Communities Magazine!
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"Reclaiming the 'We' from Ancient Wisdom" was published in the Fall 2018 "Networking Communities" issue of Communities: Life in Cooperative Culture! You can find it on newsstands everywhere or by digital download (with donation) >here< Essay and illustrations by Pegi Eyers, plus so much more - inspired content for clusters, alliances, networks, gatherings, cooperatives, intentional communities, co-housing and eco-villages. The economic model of unlimited growth on a finite planet isn’t working, and in the face of potential climate disaster we have been busy creating resilient communities, and finding our kindred spirits in the process. At this point with the stakes so high, we are fulfilling the directive to shift the paradigm, and replace it with more ethical and sustainable ways of being. Intentionally or not, in our rapid coming-together we have drawn on ancient models of tribal and village life, from eras that pre-date colonialization both in Europe and here on Turtle Island. Yet how much do we truly remember?
Read the latest issue of Communities here. |
Climate Minds with Ancient Spirit Rising!
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Including work by Pegi Eyers, Unpsychology Issue 4: the Climate Minds Anthology is a great collection of imaginative and creative responses to the climate crisis from a host of writers, artists, activists and "unpsychologists." Events and gatherings related to Unpsychology 4 are happening worldwide, and conversations on Climate Minds are sure to continue in the future. Available as a FREE download, The essays, stories, poetry and art in the Climate Minds Anthology are located in our everyday reality, as well as imaginary, spiritual and ecological worlds key to psychological wellbeing. How can human beings live their lives in times to come? Explore how the climate crisis is reflected in our psychology, and our cultural assumptions and behaviours.
ESSAYS "Faltering" by Emma Palmer, "Lamant for a Giant's Sigh" by Toby Chown, "Neurodecolonization (or, Riding the Waves of Change)" by Pegi Eyers,"Taking the Climate Crisis Personally" by Zhiwa Woodbury, "Climate Stressors & Climate Resilience" by Vanessa Thevathasan, "Nature Dreaming" by Fiona Brannigan, "The Vow 2 Act" by Meg Hollingsworth, "Reaching for the Climate Mind" by Irv Beiman, and "Climate Mind, Climate Madness" by Julia Macintosh. EDITORIAL Steve Thorp & Julia Macintosh with editorial dialogues that set context and provide reference points. PROSE Monica Dragotz, Jane Glenzinska and Margot Lasher.FICTION C. G. Frederick, Alex Lockwood, Sarah Mahoudh and Steve Thorp. POETRY Helen May Williams, Zara Mhofu, Jenny Arran, Becca Warner, Rachael Clyne, Janet Lees, Rachel MacDonald, Irv Beiman, Meg Hollingsworth, Sarah Wint and Steve Thorp. BOOK REVIEW Elizabeth Cotton. ILLUSTRATIONS AND ARTWORK Jenny Arran, Ruth Thorp, Fiona Brannigan, Carissa Tanton, Jean Thomas and Janet Lees.
ESSAYS "Faltering" by Emma Palmer, "Lamant for a Giant's Sigh" by Toby Chown, "Neurodecolonization (or, Riding the Waves of Change)" by Pegi Eyers,"Taking the Climate Crisis Personally" by Zhiwa Woodbury, "Climate Stressors & Climate Resilience" by Vanessa Thevathasan, "Nature Dreaming" by Fiona Brannigan, "The Vow 2 Act" by Meg Hollingsworth, "Reaching for the Climate Mind" by Irv Beiman, and "Climate Mind, Climate Madness" by Julia Macintosh. EDITORIAL Steve Thorp & Julia Macintosh with editorial dialogues that set context and provide reference points. PROSE Monica Dragotz, Jane Glenzinska and Margot Lasher.FICTION C. G. Frederick, Alex Lockwood, Sarah Mahoudh and Steve Thorp. POETRY Helen May Williams, Zara Mhofu, Jenny Arran, Becca Warner, Rachael Clyne, Janet Lees, Rachel MacDonald, Irv Beiman, Meg Hollingsworth, Sarah Wint and Steve Thorp. BOOK REVIEW Elizabeth Cotton. ILLUSTRATIONS AND ARTWORK Jenny Arran, Ruth Thorp, Fiona Brannigan, Carissa Tanton, Jean Thomas and Janet Lees.
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CLIMATE MINDS ANTHOLOGY
Sign up for Unpsychology Magazine and download your own copy. Please support the Crowdfunder campaign to support the next phase of the project, and ongoing Climate Minds conversations built on the foundation of the anthology. On Medium! Unpsychology: Stories and Ideas to Make Soul in Troubled Times. Unpsychology on Facebook |
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The Diviner's Handbook:
Writings on Ancient and Modern Divination Practices
Divination has ancient roots, but is very much alive in modern times. The new anthology The Diviner’s Handbook includes a "first look" at Earth Oracle, a set of interpretive cards by Pegi Eyers! Published by Bibliotheca Alexandrina, editor Robert Scott has compiled a wonderful collection of essays, prayers, artwork and poetry that engage with both ancient and modern divination practices, techniques, systems and beliefs.
Earth Oracle: a Set of Interpretive Cards
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The challenge we face today is how to shift away from western thinking to a pre-colonial worldview. To address this dilemma, author Pegi Eyers has designed a brand-new 72-card deck Earth Oracle, that provides “primal storytelling” prompts for both individuals and group gatherings. In animist societies, telling stories is a sacred act linking us to our Ancestors and the ecology of the wild. The intention with the Earth Oracle is to gather out on the land and pass the prompt cards around the circle. Participants create and share stories that relate to the cards they have been given or selected. Often taking the form of a poem, song or chant, the storyteller’s imagination stimulates the participants to visualize the tale, each in their own unique way. As an old, widespread and much-loved practice, the narrative art of storytelling is being restored today, and tools like Earth Oracle are part of that revival!
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The Diviner’s Handbook is not a typical how-to manual. Instead of focusing on how to be a diviner, it is a collection of prayers for guidance, poems for inspiration, warnings as reminders of our responsibilities, and meditations on the oracular arts. Drawing on techniques as varied as augury, bone casting, cartomancy, ogam and runelore, there is something here for everyone. It is the publisher's hope that The Diviner’s Handbook will become a trusted companion for oracular work of all kinds. And may that work be insightful, inspirational, and full of hope!
SPACE BETWEEN NATIONS
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"Colonial Rescue" by Pegi Eyers is a gripping personal narrative for the Contact No Contact project supervised by Randy Fred, the founder of Theytus Books (the first First Nations book publisher in Canada), and the Geist Foundation, the publisher of Geist magazine. A gathering of personal contact narratives created by writers and storytellers, Contact No Contact welcomes Canadians into a conversation on the subject of contact - how contact appears in our lives and our memories, and how we encounter our own culture as well as the culture of others. “Contact” is a term used to indicate initial encounters of Aboriginal peoples with non-Aboriginals, and carries a special charge in accounts of Aboriginal history.
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We Are all Ancestors of the Future by Pegi Eyers is a thoughtful response to the question "What Kind of Ancestor Do You Want to Be?" posed by the Center for Humans and Nature: Expanding Our Natural and Civic Imagination. In the face of challenge and struggle, how can we draw on our Ancestors for knowledge, resilience, and hope? As we look to the future, what will we offer to our descendants to draw upon in their own challenging times? What are the stories we will tell today, and how will we enact those stories? Engage with the diverse perspectives the contributors bring to this topic, and add your own reflections!
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ASKING QUESTIONS ~ INSPIRING CHANGE
The Center for Humans and Nature partners with bright minds to explore human responsibilities to each other and the more-than-human world. We bring together philosophers, ecologists, artists, political scientists, anthropologists, poets and economists to think creatively about a resilient future for the whole community of life.
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"The Cultural Appropriation Learning Curve" a new essay by Pegi Eyers
appears in the Summer 2017 issue of the online journal Isis-Seshat!
~ Traditions Thriving at the Cross-Currents of Global Paganism ~
Access this timely and important collection of perspectives >here<
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Whether you are still wondering about the difference between cultural exchange and cultural appropriation, or have been “called out” in person or online, or have read about cultural appropriation in articles and blogs, there is one simple rule to follow....... >more< The Cultural Appropriation Learning Curve
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Access "Rejecting Empire 1" and "Rejecting Empire 2"
by Pegi Eyers on the Academia.edu platform >link<
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Love From the Earth by Pegi Eyers is an impassioned blend of creative non-fiction and shape poetry published in Confluence: Youth Passageways Journal Volume II, Issue 1, Spring/Summer 2017. Read more >here<
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The Myth of the Pagan Passcard by Pegi Eyers was published in the online edition of Gods&Radicals, December, 2016. Read this notable essay >here<
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On The Myth of the Pagan Passcard ~ "Pegi Eyers doing the deep work." Natán Rebelde of Unsettling America
"A loving and hard-hitting critique on Pagan Community." byron, host of To Know the Land CFRU 93.3 FM Guelph
"A loving and hard-hitting critique on Pagan Community." byron, host of To Know the Land CFRU 93.3 FM Guelph
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Pegi Eyers is the Book Reviewer for the regional publication "The Link" www.the-link.ca. If you are an author and would like your book reviewed in an upcoming issue, please contact Pegi Eyers >here<
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"Seeking Settler Re-landing" by Pegi Eyers was published in Unsettling America: Decolonization in Theory & Practice on March 30, 2016
We as Settlers have abandoned the land. We have successfully walled ourselves off. The wind is something that howls outside, the rain bangs on the roof, the snow is an inconvenience that needs to be shoveled away.......read more |
“The Earth” (Zemliia)
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"From Colonial Rescue to Cultural Genocide" by Pegi Eyers was published in Unsettling America: Decolonization in Theory & Practice on March 7, 2018
When our Ancestors arrived on the shores of Turtle Island, they brought their cultural beliefs and social mores with them. They were looking for a “fresh start,” but instead of taking their cues from the indigenous civilizations already thriving in the “new world” they replicated the familiar lifeways of home. Honoring natural law and living in balance with Earth Community had been outdated concepts for centuries, in the European lands from which they sprang........read more |
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Unsettling America is an emerging decentralized network of autonomous groups and individuals dedicated to mental and territorial decolonization throughout Turtle Island and the “Americas.” https://unsettlingamerica.wordpress.com
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Say No! Rejecting Empire an essay by Pegi Eyers currently appears in Whirlwind #10, "Empire," Winter 2017. Whirlwind's 10th issue features poetry from around the world, bearing witness to the injustices of Empire. In print and online, Whirlwind is an independent literary journal founded in 2014 in Philadelphia PA, by publisher Lamont Steptoe and editor Sean Lynch. |
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Re-centering the Indigenous Wisdom of Ethnocultural Recovery an essay by Pegi Eyers was published in Whirlwind #7, "Indigenous Peoples of the Americas," Winter 2016. Whirlwind Magazine publishes literature and art that bears witness to issues of social justice around the world. In print and online, Whirlwind is an independent literary journal founded in 2014 in Philadelphia PA, by publisher Lamont Steptoe and editor Sean Lynch. |
Speak Out! Dangerous White Woman
BY PEGI EYERS
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For one year (March 2016 to March 2017) the Dangerous Women Project was hosted by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh. In response to the question "what does it mean to be a dangerous woman?" an essay by Pegi Eyers was selected for publication. Read Speak Out! Dangerous White Woman >here<
"What it meant to me."
As the Dangerous Women Project came to a close in March 2017, a number of reflections were chosen for publication, and a statement by Pegi Eyers was included in the mix! You can read these fascinating and diverse responses >here<
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As a contributor to Whatever Works, my essay "Our Struggles Are Not The Same: Inspired Solidarity with Turtle Island First Nations Women" is a discussion on the interface between those of us in the Settler Society and First Nations women, the original Earthkeepers of Turtle Island. "Speaking truth to power," I examine how our privilege as white feminists has blinded us to the ways First Nations women continue to be marginalized and oppressed by our colonial "habits" of cultural appropriation, knowledge domination, implicit racism, and assuming we are all on the same page in our feminist liberation strategies. In the so-called inclusive spaces we create, the tokenistic, objectifying, or voyeuristic presence of women of colour is just as disempowering as exclusion.
As white women we need to do much much better, to set aside our "white gaze," and embrace social justice work in order to reverse the habitual power relationships. Luckily for us, we have models to follow through solidarity and the Allyship Framework, and it is only by placing ourselves behind the most oppressed and moving them forward will true progress be made. Dismantling the white superiority construct and the intersectional oppressions will allow the sovereignty of the original Earthkeepers of Turtle Island to be reclaimed. Relinquishing our privilege is not such a difficult thing, and our own liberation cannot be achieved without the liberation of all.
Whatever Works is a great collaboration of diverse, multicultural and multifaith women. From the powerhouse editing team of Trista Hendren and Pat Daly (The Girl God) The authors, activists, scholars, academics, mystics, artists, practitioners and priestesses in this anthology speak out on issues that matter, and their "risky conversations" break new ground for feminists and all those empowered by the rise of the Divine Feminine today. With personal narratives that reject the patriarchy of religion, explore individual experiences of the Sacred and the nature of spiritual life, the unpacking of toxic ideologies, and the important analysis of new directions in Goddess Spirituality, Whatever Works is an invaluable guide to the ongoing healing and empowerment of women.
As white women we need to do much much better, to set aside our "white gaze," and embrace social justice work in order to reverse the habitual power relationships. Luckily for us, we have models to follow through solidarity and the Allyship Framework, and it is only by placing ourselves behind the most oppressed and moving them forward will true progress be made. Dismantling the white superiority construct and the intersectional oppressions will allow the sovereignty of the original Earthkeepers of Turtle Island to be reclaimed. Relinquishing our privilege is not such a difficult thing, and our own liberation cannot be achieved without the liberation of all.
Whatever Works is a great collaboration of diverse, multicultural and multifaith women. From the powerhouse editing team of Trista Hendren and Pat Daly (The Girl God) The authors, activists, scholars, academics, mystics, artists, practitioners and priestesses in this anthology speak out on issues that matter, and their "risky conversations" break new ground for feminists and all those empowered by the rise of the Divine Feminine today. With personal narratives that reject the patriarchy of religion, explore individual experiences of the Sacred and the nature of spiritual life, the unpacking of toxic ideologies, and the important analysis of new directions in Goddess Spirituality, Whatever Works is an invaluable guide to the ongoing healing and empowerment of women.
From the editing team of Trista Hendren and Pat Daly, Whatever Works is a great anthology of women's voices on diverse spiritual paths from major religions, paganism and other traditions. Including an essay by Pegi Eyers ~ "Our Struggles Are Not The Same: Inspired Solidarity with Turtle Island First Nations Women."
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Conversations are finally happening on white dominance and racism in Pagan Community (!) and Pegi Eyers was selected as a contributor to Bringing Race to the Table: Exploring Racism in the Pagan Community. Adding to the dialogue on cultural appropriation, her essay "Beyond the Pale: Lifting IK* and Inventing Identity" traces the misguided assumption of native identity by non-natives, and the appropriation of First Nations cultural and spiritual property as an ongoing practice in Pagan and New Age Community.
With contributors from every corner of the Pagan world, Bringing Race to the Table is an anthology that explores how racism appears and what we can do about it. Section 1, POC Experiences with Racism shares candid stories of how people of color have experienced racism in both subtle and overt forms. Section 2, Historical/Mythological Racism focuses on how racism has appeared in historical contexts, as well as how it continues to show up in subcultures today. The final section, Being an Ally focuses on shared suggestions and ideas on how white people can be better allies to people of color, and how to be more aware of racism in both the Pagan and mainstream communities. Bringing Race to the Table is a step in the right direction for creating the equity that will lead to equality in our time. Available from the publisher Immanion Press >here< and from Amazon >here< * IK - Indigenous Knowledge |
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She Rises Volume 3 published by MAGO Books and edited by Deanne Quarrie, Christine Hirsch and Helen Hye-Sook Hwang asks the question, What… Goddess Feminism, Activism and Spirituality? A collective of authors, artists and visionaries respond with insights, experiences, research articles, poems, artworks, rituals, plays and creative activities across disciplinary boundaries. She Rises 3 takes the Goddess movement to a whole new horizon, and creativity and connectivity are the hallmarks of this volume, including a portfolio of womancentric art by Pegi Eyers. Goddess feminist activism addresses the urgency of the current global crises that affect all beings within the eco-system. Amazon link >HERE<
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As a member of the Editorial Collective for the GREENZINE, the official magazine of Transition Town Peterborough, Pegi Eyers contributed articles, book reviews, community outreach, graphic design and editing services.
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BY PEGI EYERS
GREENZINE Summer 2015
"Re-landing in the Kawarthas Part 1: Restoring Our Connection to Place"
"Canada's Greenest Home!"
GREENZINE Fall/ 2015
"Re-landing in the Kawarthas Part 2: Biophilia and Seeking the Commons"
"Dreams of Beans"
GREENZINE Winter 2016
"Re-landing in the Kawarthas Part 3: On the Treaties and Our Responsibility to First Nations"
"What Does it Mean to Rewild?"
Cover Design by Pegi Eyers
GREENZINE Spring 2016
"Rewilding in the Kawarthas"
GREENZINE Summer 2016
"Re-Igniting the Sacred Power of Creation"
"The Art of the Leaf"
GREENZINE Summer 2015
"Re-landing in the Kawarthas Part 1: Restoring Our Connection to Place"
"Canada's Greenest Home!"
GREENZINE Fall/ 2015
"Re-landing in the Kawarthas Part 2: Biophilia and Seeking the Commons"
"Dreams of Beans"
GREENZINE Winter 2016
"Re-landing in the Kawarthas Part 3: On the Treaties and Our Responsibility to First Nations"
"What Does it Mean to Rewild?"
Cover Design by Pegi Eyers
GREENZINE Spring 2016
"Rewilding in the Kawarthas"
GREENZINE Summer 2016
"Re-Igniting the Sacred Power of Creation"
"The Art of the Leaf"
BLUEDANDELIONBLOG
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poetry by Pegi Eyers published in Blue Dandelion Blog
curated by Daniel Miess >Apocalyptic Dream #9< by Pegi Eyers |
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Pegi Eyers is a contributing author to She Rises with her essay "The Tenets of Goddess Spirituality (and a Cautionary Tale)." This anthology charts the rise of Goddess Spirituality and Matriarchal Studies in our time, and although the tenets for Goddess Spirituality are not universal, there are common beliefs and values. The women's empowerment movement is not without challenges, and this essay addresses the very real problem of cultural appropriation. Read an excerpt >here< Mago Books
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Pegi Eyers is a contributing artist to Garland of the Goddess: Tales and Poems of the Feminine Divine, a gorgeous 2016 anthology from Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The mixed-media "Natura Rising" and "Great Mother" are womancentric art creations by Pegi Eyers. "Goddesses were, and still are, widely worshipped. People today sing to the Goddesses, pray to them, dance for them, create offerings - and write for them." From the introduction by Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Buchanan.
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