Publisher's Synopsis
At the root of most spiritual traditions is the aspiration to realize one's birthright: the intimate connection with the land and the spiritual energies that inhabit it. This connection with the land and its spirits is perhaps nowhere more powerfully felt than in the various traditions of paganism and witchcraft. But the conditions of modern society strain that relationship, leaving us feeling disconnected to our craft and unable to feel that deep and vital connection. In ALIVE WITH SPIRITS, which is based on Althaea Sebastiani's popular online course, you'll discover a path to fully embrace a world filled with spirits, communion with the land, and a greater sense of belonging in the world-a worldview known as animism. You'll explore animism in a hands-on way that teaches through firsthand direct experiences. Through embodied exercises based in wholeness, you'll learn to see the world more fully for what it is and to better understand your place in it. You'll be invited to: · Learn the three general types of local spirits and the breadth of variety that exists among them · Explore the importance of relationships and what it means to be in community · Uncover the way that the wholeness of the world is reflected in the wholeness of the self · How to nurture right relationships with your local spirits ALIVE WITH SPIRITS will provide you with a firm foundation from which to transform your witchcraft practice, rooting it into the land and in strong, respectful relationships with the spirits around you. "A talented, accessible teacher and experienced witch, Althaea Sebastiani offers insight into what's missing from modern witchcraft, which has become so commercialized. Tying together the animist worldview with practices geared toward being in right relationship with spirits and the land, she addresses the philosophical, sociopolitical, and practical currents of witchcraft in a deeply satisfying way. As a worldview rather than a belief system, animism has many culturally specific iterations all over the globe, and Althaea's focus on local land and community connections prevents the umbrella of animism from becoming falsely universalizing. Reflecting what is so effective about the classes she teaches, Althaea's writing is straightforward, practical, and actionable, organized into discrete lessons with hands-on exercises. Regardless of one's specific beliefs about god(s) and/or goddess(es), Alive With Spirits is clarifying, grounding, and a breath of fresh air for magic practitioners at every level." -Lane Smith, author of Seventy-Eight Acts of Liberation "Whether you're just starting your journey or you've been on the path of the witch for many years, this book will change you. By taking us through the five traits of witchcraft and the seven skills that create a foundation for practicing witchcraft effectively, Althaea Sebastiani gives to us first a broad overview of what a witch can learn that will enhance their practice, before delving into lessons and exercises that lead to a stronger sense of self in who we are as witches. While I was reading, I realized I will be spending quite a bit of time on some of the lessons, due to the journal work and the exercises, which I can foresee becoming part of my practice. This is most definitely not a book to rush through. I know that it will change my worldview, a process which is never comfortable, but with a calm and gentle hand, Althaea takes us, step by step, through the lessons, which makes it easy to open our trust to her." -Christine Cunningham Ashworth, author of Scott Cunningham-The Path Taken "Truly a gift to witches everywhere, Althaea Sebastiani's Alive with Spirits is grounded firmly in lived experience. A wonderful and moving introduction to animism, as well as a fantastic introduction to witchcraft, even the seasoned practitioner will gain so much from reading Sebastiani's offering. Moving us away from a witchcraft rooted in materialism, individualism, and objectification, Alive with Spirits provides the tools and knowledge to pave a path which is instead rooted in true community with The Land. The many exercises and knowledge provided within these pages ask us to move away from ideas of ascension or moving beyond our bodies to instead relishing in the magic that can only be found in being entirely human and at one with our physicality. A book I will truly recommend to many for years to come! I am deeply thankful that this book exists." -Mhara Starling, author of Welsh Witchcraft
