By Sharon Paice MacLeod
illustration © Christian Schloe
Drawing upon cultural studies and aspects of contemporary social justice, Ancient Spirit Rising is a unique contribution to the ever-expanding library of books of interest to modern Pagans, and goes into more depth than most. Eyers explores the loss of vital ethnocultural connections to tribe and place, undoubtedly a major factor in the collective soul loss and environmental crises we currently experience. The book is dense and informative, and contains much food for thought: it is best read through slowly and contemplatively.
Ancient Spirit Rising contains two main sections, “Stolen Treasure“ and “Authentic Treasure.” In Part One, the author discusses cultural appropriation, colonialism, race and racism in spiritual and cultural contexts, as well as thought-provoking discussions of Neo-Pagan and New Age “theft” of aspects of
native spiritualities. Pagans “not of ancestral origin” who live in North America, Australia, and other countries are faced with the baffling conundrum of how to walk respectfully on an earth-honoring path without harming those whose land it is. As a result, the book may be of special service to leaders of Neo-Pagan traditions, as they contemplate the ways in which they incorporate various elements into their practices. Eyers presents many interesting quotes and useful endnotes from a wide variety of academic and indigenous sources, and her passion for respecting native cultures is evident throughout.
Ancient Spirit Rising contains two main sections, “Stolen Treasure“ and “Authentic Treasure.” In Part One, the author discusses cultural appropriation, colonialism, race and racism in spiritual and cultural contexts, as well as thought-provoking discussions of Neo-Pagan and New Age “theft” of aspects of
native spiritualities. Pagans “not of ancestral origin” who live in North America, Australia, and other countries are faced with the baffling conundrum of how to walk respectfully on an earth-honoring path without harming those whose land it is. As a result, the book may be of special service to leaders of Neo-Pagan traditions, as they contemplate the ways in which they incorporate various elements into their practices. Eyers presents many interesting quotes and useful endnotes from a wide variety of academic and indigenous sources, and her passion for respecting native cultures is evident throughout.
The Equinox Stone, The Hags Cairn at Loughcrew Co Meath, (c) Anthony Murphy
In Part Two, readers are presented with a wide diversity of ideas and suggestions on how to connect deeply with the land, and ultimately with pathways of ancestral origin. She discusses tracing one’s ancestry, and writes lovingly about such topics as “Earthing,” “Animism,” “Ecomysticism,” “Earth Love” and “Rewilding.” The author treads fearlessly where others may fear to tread, and suggests that instead of co-opting the ancestral wisdom of other cultures, pagans of European origin may consider finding their way back to their own ancestral traditions as sources of deep connection. Overall, Ancient Spirit Rising provides many evocative suggestions for connecting with the land, the spirits of nature, and one's inner wildness.
Sharon Paice MacLeod, or Sharynne MacLeod NicMhacha is a Celticist, Grant-funded Researcher, Teacher, Gaelic Singer & Professional Musician, Ban-fili and author of Celtic Myth and Religion: A Study of Traditional Belief, The Divine Feminine in Ancient Europe, and Queen of the Night: Rediscovering the Celtic Moon Goddess.
 | Ancient Spirit Rising: Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community is an award-winning book that explores strategies for uncolonization, social justice, ethno- cultural identity, building land-emergent community and resilience in times of massive change. PURCHASE LINKS ~ Stone Circle Press Amazon |
