Kindred Spirits: Sacred Earth Wisdom

by Jesse Wolf Hardin

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Columbus, NC: Swan Raven 2001 229pp $20

Jesse Wolf Hardin presents an outstanding description of inner guidance through animal guides, with awarenesses of oneness with all of creation through Native American traditions. His style is cogent, clear, and redolent with imagery from nature. Poems and quotes introduce each section and counterpoint portions of the text.

Hardin suggests that we, as humans, have forgotten that we are part of the animal world. All living things participate in the collective consciousness that interacts on this planet as a unity that is one with Gaia, our planet.

The animals are reaching out to us, if we but listen for their messages.

They're seeking us out, offering themselves up as role models, promising to lead us through dreams and visions back to our true selves. And something deep within us - something deeper than our fears, far deeper than our disbelief, as deep as out bones - likewise draws them unto us.

They are not of our species. They are the terrestrial "others," spirits of the winged and the furred, bearers of talon and claw. They've served humanity for millennia as personal totems, teachers and allies. They're our kindred spirits, fellow dancers in a choreographed universe, coparticipants in the unfolding of magic and miracle, sister manifestations of an indivisible living Earth. They're playful creature reminders of our own innate animalness, our suppressed instincts and as yet unlived dreams. By embracing rather than denying our animus, every sense is heightened, every skill sharpened, every act empowered with the strength and grace of our particular totem spirits. (p. 10)

He points out that our current despoiling of nature cannot continue without dire consequences.

Without a doubt, we ignore the attentions of the animal world at our own peril. One by one the shrinking ponds cease to ring out with the glad-croaking songs. One by one they are hushed by the weight of our presence - and by what we, as lovers of this Earth - have yet failed to do. The moonless nights may soon be as still as stone. In the face of such a final silence, we should be "all ears:" attentive, concerned, and vigorously responsive. (p. 33)

A mountain without eagles is discounted, cheapened, thinned. A desert is incomplete without cactus, even though we must reconcile ourselves to the presence of their prickly spines. Bear country without the big bruins is no longer truly wilderness. Coming to terms with the bear implies recognition of our potential as food as well as food-gatherer. With this primary understanding comes a humility that could - combined with love - redeem us, restore us to our natural and joyous place within this wonderful biomass: Earth. (p. 175)

By reconnecting with our awareness of nature we may be able to avert the inevitable apocalypse of overpopulation by the "two legged" - should we continue to ignore the clear and present danger signals of depleted animal and plant resources due to lack of conservation, extinction of numerous species, and unregulated pollution.

Through Native American traditions of the medicine wheel we may understand our personality and the challenges we face in dealing with our strengths and weaknesses. Through our animal guides we may find inspiration and direction in our lives.

Highly recommended for novice and experienced seekers on spiritual paths.

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