Author: Galina Krasskova
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
ISBN: 1564147916
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 221
Book Description
Provides an overview of Heathenry, a modern polytheistic religious movement based on the ancient religion of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples.
Exploring the Northern Tradition
Author: Galina Krasskova
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
ISBN: 1564147916
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 221
Book Description
Provides an overview of Heathenry, a modern polytheistic religious movement based on the ancient religion of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples.
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
ISBN: 1564147916
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 221
Book Description
Provides an overview of Heathenry, a modern polytheistic religious movement based on the ancient religion of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples.
Exploring the Northern Tradition
Author: Galina Krasskova
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
ISBN: 1601636954
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 221
Book Description
Exploring the Northern Tradition is an introduction to the modern reconstruction of the ancient religion of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. This religion, called Heathenry, is one of the fastest growing polytheistic religious movements in the United States today. This book provides a thorough guide to the cosmology, values, ethics, and rituals practiced by modern Heathens. It crosses denominational lines, examining practices common to all branches of Heathenry in an easily accessible format. Readers will have the opportunity to explore the sacred stories of the various Heathen Gods, like Odin, Frigga, Freya, and Thor, and the devotional practices of modern votaries. The most common devotional rite--the faining or blot--is examined in rich detail, with examples given for personal use. Additionally, readers are introduced to the concept of wyrd or fate, so integral to the Heathen worldview. For those new to Heathenry, Pagans who wish to learn more about the Norse Deities, or those simply interested in learning about this unique religion, Exploring the Northern Tradition is the perfect introduction. Subjects covered include: -- The gods and goddesses -- Symbel -- The soul matrix -- Ethics and values of the modern heathen -- The history and evolution of modern Heathenry Unlike many books on Heathenry, Exploring the Northern Tradition is not denomination specific, nor does it seek to overwhelm the reader with unfamiliar Anglo-Saxon or Norse terminology. Every new concept covered is presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. Readers will come away from this book with a thorough knowledge of what the Heathen community is like and what newcomers to that community can expect. Experienced Heathens will find a wealth of lore and inter-denominational critique that will make this book an excellent addition to their libraries. The author, Galina Krasskova draws on her own 12 years of experience as a Heathen priest or weofodthignen. She is currently Aeweweard in Thaet Angelseaxisce Ealdriht and has studied interfaith ministry in NYC (where she is registered with the state as a minister). Drawing upon the foundation of her own experience as a Heathen, Rev. Krasskova provides a window into this faith that seeks to unite the wisdom of the past with the devotional inspiration of the present.
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
ISBN: 1601636954
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 221
Book Description
Exploring the Northern Tradition is an introduction to the modern reconstruction of the ancient religion of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. This religion, called Heathenry, is one of the fastest growing polytheistic religious movements in the United States today. This book provides a thorough guide to the cosmology, values, ethics, and rituals practiced by modern Heathens. It crosses denominational lines, examining practices common to all branches of Heathenry in an easily accessible format. Readers will have the opportunity to explore the sacred stories of the various Heathen Gods, like Odin, Frigga, Freya, and Thor, and the devotional practices of modern votaries. The most common devotional rite--the faining or blot--is examined in rich detail, with examples given for personal use. Additionally, readers are introduced to the concept of wyrd or fate, so integral to the Heathen worldview. For those new to Heathenry, Pagans who wish to learn more about the Norse Deities, or those simply interested in learning about this unique religion, Exploring the Northern Tradition is the perfect introduction. Subjects covered include: -- The gods and goddesses -- Symbel -- The soul matrix -- Ethics and values of the modern heathen -- The history and evolution of modern Heathenry Unlike many books on Heathenry, Exploring the Northern Tradition is not denomination specific, nor does it seek to overwhelm the reader with unfamiliar Anglo-Saxon or Norse terminology. Every new concept covered is presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. Readers will come away from this book with a thorough knowledge of what the Heathen community is like and what newcomers to that community can expect. Experienced Heathens will find a wealth of lore and inter-denominational critique that will make this book an excellent addition to their libraries. The author, Galina Krasskova draws on her own 12 years of experience as a Heathen priest or weofodthignen. She is currently Aeweweard in Thaet Angelseaxisce Ealdriht and has studied interfaith ministry in NYC (where she is registered with the state as a minister). Drawing upon the foundation of her own experience as a Heathen, Rev. Krasskova provides a window into this faith that seeks to unite the wisdom of the past with the devotional inspiration of the present.
Pagan Magic of the Northern Tradition
Author: Nigel Pennick
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620553902
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 348
Book Description
A practical guide to the magical history, customs, and practices of pre-Christian Northern Europe • Details the everyday magic of the Northern Tradition, including household magic, protection spells, and the significance of the days of the week • Explores direct natural magic, such as shapeshifting and soul travel, and talismanic or sigil magic, including runes and rituals to unlock the power of crafted objects • Explains how many of these customs continue to the present day In the pre-Christian societies of Northern Europe, magic was embedded in the practical skills of everyday life. Everything in Nature was ensouled with an inner spirit, as was anything made by hand. People believed in magic because it worked and because it was part of the functionality of their day-to-day lives. Many of these practical observances and customs continue to the present day as rural traditions, folk customs, household magic, and celebrations of the high and holy days of the calendar. Exploring the magical pagan traditions of the people now called Celtic, Germanic, Scandinavian, Slavonic, and Baltic, Nigel Pennick examines the underlying principle of the Northern Tradition--the concept of Wyrd--and how it empowers the arts of operative magic, such as direct natural magic and talismanic or sigil magic. Through direct natural magic, individuals can shape shift, journey out of the body, or send one of their three souls (fylgia or “fetch”) ahead of them. Sigil magic involves the powers contained in objects, which can be channeled after the appropriate ritual. Runes are the most powerful sigils in the Northern Tradition and were used to ward off illness, danger, hostile magic, and malevolent spirits. Emphasizing the importance of the cycles of Nature to the tradition, Pennick explores the eightfold sun dials and the four ways the solar year is defined. He looks at the days of the week and their symbolic association with different deities as well as why particular acts are performed on certain days and what the customary lucky and unlucky days are. He also examines sacred spaces, household magic, protection spells, and the role of music in the Northern Tradition. Explaining all the traditional holidays and activities necessary to honor them, Pennick shows how anyone can participate authentically in the magic of the Northern Tradition if they take care to do things properly, with respect, and on the right day.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620553902
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 348
Book Description
A practical guide to the magical history, customs, and practices of pre-Christian Northern Europe • Details the everyday magic of the Northern Tradition, including household magic, protection spells, and the significance of the days of the week • Explores direct natural magic, such as shapeshifting and soul travel, and talismanic or sigil magic, including runes and rituals to unlock the power of crafted objects • Explains how many of these customs continue to the present day In the pre-Christian societies of Northern Europe, magic was embedded in the practical skills of everyday life. Everything in Nature was ensouled with an inner spirit, as was anything made by hand. People believed in magic because it worked and because it was part of the functionality of their day-to-day lives. Many of these practical observances and customs continue to the present day as rural traditions, folk customs, household magic, and celebrations of the high and holy days of the calendar. Exploring the magical pagan traditions of the people now called Celtic, Germanic, Scandinavian, Slavonic, and Baltic, Nigel Pennick examines the underlying principle of the Northern Tradition--the concept of Wyrd--and how it empowers the arts of operative magic, such as direct natural magic and talismanic or sigil magic. Through direct natural magic, individuals can shape shift, journey out of the body, or send one of their three souls (fylgia or “fetch”) ahead of them. Sigil magic involves the powers contained in objects, which can be channeled after the appropriate ritual. Runes are the most powerful sigils in the Northern Tradition and were used to ward off illness, danger, hostile magic, and malevolent spirits. Emphasizing the importance of the cycles of Nature to the tradition, Pennick explores the eightfold sun dials and the four ways the solar year is defined. He looks at the days of the week and their symbolic association with different deities as well as why particular acts are performed on certain days and what the customary lucky and unlucky days are. He also examines sacred spaces, household magic, protection spells, and the role of music in the Northern Tradition. Explaining all the traditional holidays and activities necessary to honor them, Pennick shows how anyone can participate authentically in the magic of the Northern Tradition if they take care to do things properly, with respect, and on the right day.
Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner
Author: Galina Krasskova
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
ISBN: 1601639546
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
An essential guide to expand your spiritual practices for followers of Norse Paganism, Heathenry, Asatru, and other Northern Traditions. Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner is a groundbreaking look at devotional work in religions from Theodism to Asatru to Norse Paganism, all of which comprise the umbrella of the Northern Tradition. Although interest in devotional and experiential work within these traditions has been growing rapidly in the past few years, this is the first book to show the diverse scope of such practices as a living, modern-day religion. It features an in-depth exploration of altar work, prayer, prayer beads, ritual work, sacred images, and lore, and a thorough examination of common cosmology that forms the foundation of belief for Northern Tradition communities and related Heathen practices. Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner is not denomination-specific: rather, it seeks to provide an entry into interior practice for anyone involved in a branch of this broad family of traditions of the ancient Norse, Germanic, and Saxon peoples, using material suitable for the solitary, independent practitioner. Those outside of the Northern Tradition who wish to deepen their own devotional practice will find this book helpful in their own work, as well.
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
ISBN: 1601639546
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
An essential guide to expand your spiritual practices for followers of Norse Paganism, Heathenry, Asatru, and other Northern Traditions. Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner is a groundbreaking look at devotional work in religions from Theodism to Asatru to Norse Paganism, all of which comprise the umbrella of the Northern Tradition. Although interest in devotional and experiential work within these traditions has been growing rapidly in the past few years, this is the first book to show the diverse scope of such practices as a living, modern-day religion. It features an in-depth exploration of altar work, prayer, prayer beads, ritual work, sacred images, and lore, and a thorough examination of common cosmology that forms the foundation of belief for Northern Tradition communities and related Heathen practices. Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner is not denomination-specific: rather, it seeks to provide an entry into interior practice for anyone involved in a branch of this broad family of traditions of the ancient Norse, Germanic, and Saxon peoples, using material suitable for the solitary, independent practitioner. Those outside of the Northern Tradition who wish to deepen their own devotional practice will find this book helpful in their own work, as well.
A Modern Guide to Heathenry
Author: Galina Krasskova
Publisher: Weiser Books
ISBN: 1578636787
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
Previously published in 2005 as Exploring the Northern Tradition.
Publisher: Weiser Books
ISBN: 1578636787
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
Previously published in 2005 as Exploring the Northern Tradition.
Lightbringers of the North
Author: Perttu Häkkinen
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 164411464X
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 616
Book Description
• Examines the significant figures and groups of Finland’s occult world, including their esoteric practices and the secret societies to which they were connected • Investigates the relationship of nationalism and esotericism in Finland as well as the history of Finnish parapsychology and the Finnish UFO craze • Looks at the unique evolution of Freemasonry in Finland, showing how, when Finland was still part of Russia and the Masonic order was banned, adherents created a number of other secret societies Finland has long been viewed as the land of sorcerers and shamans. Exploring the rich history of Finnish occultism, Perttu Häkkinen and Vesa Iitti examine the significant figures and groups of Finland’s occult world from the late 19th century to the present day. They begin with Pekka Ervast, known as the Rudolf Steiner of the North, who was a major figure in Theosophy before starting a Rosicrucian group called Ruusu-Risti, and they look at the Finnish disciples of G. I. Gurdjieff and the grim case of the cult of Tattarisuo. Investigating the relationship of nationalism and esotericism in Finland, the authors tell the stories of Sigurd Wettenhovi-Aspa, who thought that Finns were the root of all Western civilization, and of Yrjö von Grönhagen, who became a close friend of Heinrich Himmler and Karl Maria Wiligut. They also explore the history of Finnish parapsychology, the Finnish UFO craze, and the unique evolution of Freemasonry in Finland, showing how, when the Masonic order was banned, adherents created a number of other secret societies, such as the Carpenter’s Order, the Hypotenuse Order, and the Brotherhood of February 17--which later became hubs for the OTO and AMORC. Unveiling both the light and dark sides of modern esotericism in Finland, the authors show how, because of its unique position as partially European and partially Russian, Finland’s occult influence extends into the very heart of left-hand and right-hand occult groups and secret societies around the world.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 164411464X
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 616
Book Description
• Examines the significant figures and groups of Finland’s occult world, including their esoteric practices and the secret societies to which they were connected • Investigates the relationship of nationalism and esotericism in Finland as well as the history of Finnish parapsychology and the Finnish UFO craze • Looks at the unique evolution of Freemasonry in Finland, showing how, when Finland was still part of Russia and the Masonic order was banned, adherents created a number of other secret societies Finland has long been viewed as the land of sorcerers and shamans. Exploring the rich history of Finnish occultism, Perttu Häkkinen and Vesa Iitti examine the significant figures and groups of Finland’s occult world from the late 19th century to the present day. They begin with Pekka Ervast, known as the Rudolf Steiner of the North, who was a major figure in Theosophy before starting a Rosicrucian group called Ruusu-Risti, and they look at the Finnish disciples of G. I. Gurdjieff and the grim case of the cult of Tattarisuo. Investigating the relationship of nationalism and esotericism in Finland, the authors tell the stories of Sigurd Wettenhovi-Aspa, who thought that Finns were the root of all Western civilization, and of Yrjö von Grönhagen, who became a close friend of Heinrich Himmler and Karl Maria Wiligut. They also explore the history of Finnish parapsychology, the Finnish UFO craze, and the unique evolution of Freemasonry in Finland, showing how, when the Masonic order was banned, adherents created a number of other secret societies, such as the Carpenter’s Order, the Hypotenuse Order, and the Brotherhood of February 17--which later became hubs for the OTO and AMORC. Unveiling both the light and dark sides of modern esotericism in Finland, the authors show how, because of its unique position as partially European and partially Russian, Finland’s occult influence extends into the very heart of left-hand and right-hand occult groups and secret societies around the world.
Essential Asatru
Author: Diana L. Paxson
Publisher: Citadel Press
ISBN: 080654113X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
In Essential Asatru, renowned author and priestess Diana Paxson demystifies an ancient, rich, and often misunderstood religion, and offers a practical guide for its modern followers. A Journey to Fulfillment and Renewal Filled with clear, concise instructions on living Asatru every day, this truly accessible guide takes you on a journey from Asatru’s origins in Scandinavian and German paganism to its recognition as an official religion in the 1970s and its widespread acceptance today. Essential Asatru also includes: · A complete history of Asatru gods and goddesses, including Odin, Thor, and Ostara · The life values, such as honor, truth, fidelity, and hospitality, that shape Asatru’s tenets · Indispensable information on rituals, rune casting, ethics, and divination Essential Asatru is an elegant and splendid introduction to a centuries-old religion that continues to enrich and fascinate its followers today. Praise for Essential Asatru “This mainstreamed book on Asatru offers a thorough grounding in both history and the present and shows how those values—the true heart of any religion—are expressed in the lives of its faithful. This book is recommended for personal education, library shelves, and world religion classes.” —Facing North “A solid and thorough yet concise introduction to the religion, its history, the gods and goddesses, and the basics of modern practice.” —Idunna
Publisher: Citadel Press
ISBN: 080654113X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
In Essential Asatru, renowned author and priestess Diana Paxson demystifies an ancient, rich, and often misunderstood religion, and offers a practical guide for its modern followers. A Journey to Fulfillment and Renewal Filled with clear, concise instructions on living Asatru every day, this truly accessible guide takes you on a journey from Asatru’s origins in Scandinavian and German paganism to its recognition as an official religion in the 1970s and its widespread acceptance today. Essential Asatru also includes: · A complete history of Asatru gods and goddesses, including Odin, Thor, and Ostara · The life values, such as honor, truth, fidelity, and hospitality, that shape Asatru’s tenets · Indispensable information on rituals, rune casting, ethics, and divination Essential Asatru is an elegant and splendid introduction to a centuries-old religion that continues to enrich and fascinate its followers today. Praise for Essential Asatru “This mainstreamed book on Asatru offers a thorough grounding in both history and the present and shows how those values—the true heart of any religion—are expressed in the lives of its faithful. This book is recommended for personal education, library shelves, and world religion classes.” —Facing North “A solid and thorough yet concise introduction to the religion, its history, the gods and goddesses, and the basics of modern practice.” —Idunna
The Jotunbok: Working with the Giants of the Northern Tradition
Author: Raven Kaldera
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781847287298
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 556
Book Description
The Gods of the Northern Tradition--the religion of the ancient Norse/Germanic/Anglo-Saxon peoples--have been rediscovered in growing numbers in the past years, as have the elves and dwarves that inhabit the Nine Worlds of the Cosmic Tree along with them. However, few have written about the Giants of those worlds and the Gods who number among them--Loki, Hela, Fenris, the World Serpent, and others--until now. The Jotunbok--the first book in the Northern-Tradition Shamanism series--is a collection of the wisdom, ways and tales of the Giants and their Gods, told by those who revere and work with them.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781847287298
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 556
Book Description
The Gods of the Northern Tradition--the religion of the ancient Norse/Germanic/Anglo-Saxon peoples--have been rediscovered in growing numbers in the past years, as have the elves and dwarves that inhabit the Nine Worlds of the Cosmic Tree along with them. However, few have written about the Giants of those worlds and the Gods who number among them--Loki, Hela, Fenris, the World Serpent, and others--until now. The Jotunbok--the first book in the Northern-Tradition Shamanism series--is a collection of the wisdom, ways and tales of the Giants and their Gods, told by those who revere and work with them.
Day Star and Whirling Wheel
Author: Galina Krasskova
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780982579800
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 120
Book Description
In the Northern Tradition, the Sun is represented by the Goddess Sunna, and the Moon by her divine brother Mani. They give their names to two of the days of the week, and their rays shine down upon us, giving life and inspiration. This devotional is dedicated to them, and to their family. They are more than mere personifications; they bring joy and peace to every day of our lives. We saw them first in the sky as children, and now we can understand and reverence them even more fully with the help of this book.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780982579800
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 120
Book Description
In the Northern Tradition, the Sun is represented by the Goddess Sunna, and the Moon by her divine brother Mani. They give their names to two of the days of the week, and their rays shine down upon us, giving life and inspiration. This devotional is dedicated to them, and to their family. They are more than mere personifications; they bring joy and peace to every day of our lives. We saw them first in the sky as children, and now we can understand and reverence them even more fully with the help of this book.
The Norse Shaman
Author: Evelyn C. Rysdyk
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620555948
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 227
Book Description
An experiential guide to the wisdom preserved in Europe’s far north • Includes shamanic journeys to connect with deities and your ancestral shamans • Provides step-by-step instructions to prepare for and conduct a seiðr ceremony • Draws on archaeological evidence and surviving written records from Iceland • Reveals the long tradition of female shamans in northern European shamanism Shamanism is humanity’s oldest spiritual tradition. In much of the Western world, the indigenous pre-Christian spiritual practices have been lost. Yet at the northern fringes of Europe, Christianity did not displace the original shamanic practices until the end of the Viking age. Remnants of Norse shamanic spirituality have survived in myths, folk traditions, and written records from Iceland, providing many clues about the ancient European shaman’s world, especially when examined in conjunction with other shamanic cultures in northern Eurasia, such as the Sami and the tribes of Siberia. Reconstructing the shamanic practices of the hunter-gatherers of Scandinavia, Evelyn Rysdyk explores the evolution of Norse shamanism from its earliest female roots to the pre-Christian Viking Age. She explains how to enter Yggdrasil, the World Tree, to travel to other realms and provides shamanic journeys to connect with the ancestral shamans of your family tree, including the Norse goddess Freyja, the very first shaman. She offers exercises to connect with the ancient goddesses of fate, the Norns, and introduces the overnight wilderness quest of útiseta for reconnecting with the powers of nature. She explains the key concepts of Ørlög and Wyrd--the two most powerful forces that shape human lives--and provides exercises for letting go of harmful behavior patterns and transforming simple knowledge into profound wisdom by connecting with Óðinn. Thoroughly examining the shamanic rituals of seiðr, the oracular magic of the Nordic cultures, the author provides step-by-step instructions to prepare for and conduct a seiðr ceremony, including creating your own seiðr staff and hood, and explores the ancestral use of shamanic songs or varðlokur to accompany the ceremony. Woven throughout these exercises, Rysdyk provides archaeological evidence from Neolithic sites supporting the long tradition of venerating wise women, grandmothers, and mothers in ancient cultures and the important role of female shamans at the heart of northern European shamanism. Providing an accessible guide for anyone trying to fulfill their shamanic callings, these powerful rituals can provide personal healing and a clear path for finding our way into a harmonious relationship with the natural world.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620555948
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 227
Book Description
An experiential guide to the wisdom preserved in Europe’s far north • Includes shamanic journeys to connect with deities and your ancestral shamans • Provides step-by-step instructions to prepare for and conduct a seiðr ceremony • Draws on archaeological evidence and surviving written records from Iceland • Reveals the long tradition of female shamans in northern European shamanism Shamanism is humanity’s oldest spiritual tradition. In much of the Western world, the indigenous pre-Christian spiritual practices have been lost. Yet at the northern fringes of Europe, Christianity did not displace the original shamanic practices until the end of the Viking age. Remnants of Norse shamanic spirituality have survived in myths, folk traditions, and written records from Iceland, providing many clues about the ancient European shaman’s world, especially when examined in conjunction with other shamanic cultures in northern Eurasia, such as the Sami and the tribes of Siberia. Reconstructing the shamanic practices of the hunter-gatherers of Scandinavia, Evelyn Rysdyk explores the evolution of Norse shamanism from its earliest female roots to the pre-Christian Viking Age. She explains how to enter Yggdrasil, the World Tree, to travel to other realms and provides shamanic journeys to connect with the ancestral shamans of your family tree, including the Norse goddess Freyja, the very first shaman. She offers exercises to connect with the ancient goddesses of fate, the Norns, and introduces the overnight wilderness quest of útiseta for reconnecting with the powers of nature. She explains the key concepts of Ørlög and Wyrd--the two most powerful forces that shape human lives--and provides exercises for letting go of harmful behavior patterns and transforming simple knowledge into profound wisdom by connecting with Óðinn. Thoroughly examining the shamanic rituals of seiðr, the oracular magic of the Nordic cultures, the author provides step-by-step instructions to prepare for and conduct a seiðr ceremony, including creating your own seiðr staff and hood, and explores the ancestral use of shamanic songs or varðlokur to accompany the ceremony. Woven throughout these exercises, Rysdyk provides archaeological evidence from Neolithic sites supporting the long tradition of venerating wise women, grandmothers, and mothers in ancient cultures and the important role of female shamans at the heart of northern European shamanism. Providing an accessible guide for anyone trying to fulfill their shamanic callings, these powerful rituals can provide personal healing and a clear path for finding our way into a harmonious relationship with the natural world.