3min chapter

The Emerald cover image

Universe, Adorned: Ornament in Culture, Cosmos, and Consciousness

The Emerald

CHAPTER

We Are Attracted to the Shine

We are drawn to shine because the natural world which birthed us shines. To be drawn towards a luminous focal point is to be drawn towards what Jacob Baum called the secret heart of nature. There is a reason the mead of poets is described as perlescent and the nectar of trance shines like light through honey. In those states of heightened consciousness, that which shines takes on special meaning. It imprints, it leads us, it invites us into its patterned heart. So gems and shells and pearls and things that shine seem to be a bridge from a mundane world to a deeper world.

00:00

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode