Embracing Animism's Animalism, Reincarnation, and Ancient Foodways with Harmony Cronin

Picture this: a serene waterfall cascading over rocks, a herd of buffalo roaming freely, and the profound beauty settling in the simple acts of giving without expectation. That's where Harmony begins our journey in this conversation, using these powerful symbols to set the stage for a deep exploration of connection, identity, and reciprocity.

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Harmony Cronin, our animalistic friend, shares her profound insights on death, gifts, and the metamorphosis of life reincarnate that bestows upon us Earth's gift of animacy.

We explore how the internet can bridge geographical gaps while also destroying the very essence of life. We navigate the knots of virtual communication, the discomfort of seeing oneself on screen, and the surprisingly beautiful connections forged through something as simple as a cold email.

As we venture further, we tackle the intricate dance of personal identity in the digital age. The anxiety of condensing multifaceted lives into bios, the disconnection it reveals, and the ancient wisdom that we've strayed from. We confront the societal expectations that force us into boxes, contrasting them with more holistic, kincentric views of identity. We also discuss how courses like Sacred Ecoliteracy can help us break free from these constraints and reconnect with our surroundings in a meaningful way.

Our conversation takes a profound turn as we reconnect with animals and nature, emphasizing respect, humility, and the deep-seated animism within us. We contemplate our perpetual indebtedness (a gift of debt) to the natural world, the philosophical recognition of animism.

The episode wraps up with reflections on simplicity, ancestral wisdom, and cultivating a responsible, appreciative way of living in harmony with all life. From the Buffalo Bridge project and cross-cultural connections to the importance of recreating ceremonies and honoring lost cultural legacies, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to embrace interconnectedness in every aspect of our lives.

Key takeaways:

1. The concept of animism challenges the dominant worldview that separates humans from the rest of the natural world.
2. Embracing animism can be a transformative experience that deepens our connection to earth: we are in and of her circle. 
3. The death process is metamorphosis. 
4. Reconciling with the death that feeds us is essential for the true integration of life.
5. Acknowledging and caring for all beings, including animals and plants, is crucial for a sustainable and inclusive way of living.
6. Dismantling colonial mindsets is crucial for developing a more holistic and reciprocal relationship with the natural world.
7. Participating in sacred and ceremonial practices and living in alignment with one's purpose brings a sense of wholeness and wellness.

Harmony Cronin is an Animistic Apocalyptic Viking Warrior princess dedicated to keeping Ancestral Traditions alive.  Shes a bit of an Elven Madmax biker butcher mystic and a believer in the Church of Roadkill. She’s an industrial age Magpie inspired Scavenger, a huntress who believes in taking care of the animals first and foremost, a recovering urban activist, and aspires to be a Mountain Peasant. She is a founding member of the Buffalo Bridge Project, hosts a Women’s Hunting Camp, and now runs a small folk school in Western Washington called Gathering Ways. She writes on Substack at The Raven’s Cottage.

Buy my latest book, Stagtine, HERE.