Grounding Practice for the Revolution
For those who are returning from or going out into protest work or care work or whatever forms your activism is taking:
There are so many ways that we can and must contribute to collective movement and struggles for freedom and justice. I am continuing to find ways that I can show up for and with this moment in our world, as well as the long and ongoing work of liberation in the days ahead. One thing I can offer is magic and ritual for supporting revolutionary change. This is a 17-minute grounding ritual offered as magical support for the revolution, for the ongoing struggle of anti-racism, for the dismantling of white supremacy, and for the insistence that Black Lives Matter. It is a ritual for cultivating connection and grounding in the midst of struggle. This is a version of a practice that has been part of my own witchcraft for many years, that I first learned in Wiccan traditions, including both Reclaiming and the Ara Tradition. I’ve recorded it so that folks can access it whenever they need it, as many times as they need it.
This offering is free to everyone. I hope that it can support and sustain you.
Fannie Lou Hamer said that “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free,” and Angela Davis teaches us that “Freedom is a constant struggle.”
May this magic support you in continuing to struggle until every body is free.
Text by Michael J. Morris
Cello by Sam Johnson
There are so many ways that we can and must contribute to collective movement and struggles for freedom and justice. I am continuing to find ways that I can show up for and with this moment in our world, as well as the long and ongoing work of liberation in the days ahead. One thing I can offer is magic and ritual for supporting revolutionary change. This is a 17-minute grounding ritual offered as magical support for the revolution, for the ongoing struggle of anti-racism, for the dismantling of white supremacy, and for the insistence that Black Lives Matter. It is a ritual for cultivating connection and grounding in the midst of struggle. This is a version of a practice that has been part of my own witchcraft for many years, that I first learned in Wiccan traditions, including both Reclaiming and the Ara Tradition. I’ve recorded it so that folks can access it whenever they need it, as many times as they need it.
This offering is free to everyone. I hope that it can support and sustain you.
Fannie Lou Hamer said that “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free,” and Angela Davis teaches us that “Freedom is a constant struggle.”
May this magic support you in continuing to struggle until every body is free.
Text by Michael J. Morris
Cello by Sam Johnson
Recommended Reading List
I have a compiled a list of books and podcasts that I highly recommend, all of which have been life-changing for me in ways I do and likely do not fully recognize. Topics range from feminism, gender, philosophy, witchcraft, astrology, and tarot. This will be a living document where I will continue to share readings and podcasts that inspire me.
Podcasts
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I have had the delight to be in conversation with several really brilliant friends and colleagues on multiple podcasts, on which I discuss astrology, witchcraft, healing, feminist and queer theory, personal and collective liberation, the erotic, ecosexuality, the people who have inspired and guided my work, and more.
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Star Gays: The Queer Astrology Archives Podcast
Lou Sullivan's Astrology Hosted by Elly Higgins "Star Gays is ringing in a beautiful New Moon in Gemini with a very special episode - the one year anniversary of Star Gays. Astrologer Michael J Morris joins host Elly Higgins to discuss trans activist and writer Lou Sullivan. Sullivan is thought to be the first publicly identified gay transgender man and his work and advocacy has helped to define our current understandings of gender and sexuality, removed barriers in accessing transgender medical care, and laid the ground work for trans peer support groups to flourish. In this episode Michael and Elly discuss queer astrology, what it means to have a chosen family lineage, and then using Sullivan's diary as a guide, get into his Gemini Sun, Mercury, and Mars as indicators of the role of communication, writing, and mentorship in his life. Then Michael shares their research on the secondary progressed moon phases with Sullivan's chart!" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oeZnxaWBsQbmuRTzawtf0?si=afa430c410c246e1 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-gays-the-queer-astrology-archives-podcast/id1693523884?i=1000657947553 |
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Within Orb Podcast
Hosted by Jenn Zahrt I am so excited to share this episode of the Within Orb Podcast! It was such a gift to be in conversation with Jenn Zahrt, talking about astrology and books, feminist science studies, and more! Our chat that includes: feminist theories; exploring connections not always apparent; the concept of meaning-making; scientific objectivity; the interrelationship between epistemology, ontology, ethics, and politics; quantum physics; how the only lasting truth is change; and emergent strategy. We talk about books by Demetra George, Chani Nicholas, adrienne maree brown, Donna J. Haraway, and Karen Barad—with some additional wisdom from Angela Davis along the way. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BD2l0IHHXQOatNvKn2EFV?si=094f5aaba85946c0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/within-orb/id1689619010?i=1000646844854 The Within Orb Podcast is a production of the CAELI Institute and was produced by Jen Braun. |
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Conversations with a Wounded Healer
Hosted by Sarah Buino "It’s a difficult time to identify as a fiercely open-hearted, optimistic human. That’s especially true for folks embodying marginalized identities. And yet, somehow, Michael J. Morris finds ways to lead with love. They’re a powerhouse multi-hyphenated talent committed to personal and collective healing and liberation through their work as an astrologer, tarot reader, artist, writer, teacher, facilitator, and witch. Michael deepened their knowledge of witchcraft under elders of the Ara tradition and studied astrology with Demetra George and Chani Nicholas while also pursuing their Ph.D. in Dance Movement. Their professional endeavors are, as a result, incredibly diverse: tarot consultations, reiki, astrological readings, ritual facilitation, teaching… Ultimately, Michael helps folks find the tools they need to create a more meaningful life." Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/55qswMedKi01MfVJ6ZQkbI?si=4a8e4db464634fed Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-with-a-wounded-healer/id1356225272?i=1000641139013 |
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How to Survive the End of the World
Witch School Chapter 11: Michael J. Morris How to Survive the End of the World—co-hosted by Autumn Brown and adrienne maree brown—has been my favorite podcast for so many years. It has been a lifeline throughout time of immense personal, collective, political, and global crisis and uncertainty. This year, adrienne is creating an entire season dedicated to witches and witchcraft. I was so delighted when she invited me to be a part of this season, and I am ecstatic that our conversation is now out in the world. We talk about the changing seasons, witchcraft, astrology, slowness, embodiment, whiteness, and more. I hope you listen wherever you listen to podcasts, or here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/71yAKkeHa8Sw5TxmQkscNx?si=85b498fa08ee41d3 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-survive-the-end-of-the-world/id1309300649?i=1000630640701 |
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August 2023 Astrology Forecast on The Astrology Podcast
"In episode 411 astrologers Chris Brennan, Austin Coppock, and Michael J. Morris look ahead at the astrological forecast for August 2023! This month sees the continuation of the early and middle phases of the Venus retrograde in Leo, with the Sun-Venus conjunction happening mid-month, while later in the month Mercury slows down and goes retrograde in Virgo. In the first hour of the episode we discuss the astrology of some recent stories in the news, such as the Barbie movie being released the day Venus stationed retrograde, and then in the second hour of the show we get into the forecast for August." Episode page: https://theastrologypodcast.com/2023/07/30/astrology-forecast-for-august-2023/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2RZ5A5w7H4 |
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Astro All-Starz Podcast: Michael J. Morris, Ecosexuality/sensuality & Taurus
I am so proud of this episode of the Astro All-Starz Podcast with Vanessa Montgomery, where we talk through ecosexuality and astrology, ecofeminism, queerness, the parts of ourselves that exceed systems of categorization, domination, and control—and then do some chart work looking at the chart for the Love Art Laboratory’s Green Wedding to the Earth, produced by Beth Stephens and Annie Sprinkle in 2008. It was such a joy to be able to weave all these topics together with Vanessa, and I hope you enjoy our conversation! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5naIuZ2SvuAaahLDi7BkrZ?si=05be83322b104d49 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/astro-all-starz-podcast/id1529850432?i=1000610552275 |
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In Search of Tarot Podcast: Searching for Questions with Michael J. Morris
I was delighted to be in this rich and thoughtful conversation with Nick about tarot, astrology, queerness, dance and movement rituals, being with our questions, and searching for presence. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/06r4cUAbTpqoH0UweEJzmK?si=4fd4b2c149214114 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-tarot/id1504132385?i=1000609759478 |
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Dan Talks: Astrology and Queerness with Michael J. Morris
It was so much fun to be in conversation with Dan Van Note on his Dan talks podcast! We talk about the December solstice, astrology, the near enemy of common humanity, my departure from academia, and moving well with the currents moving through our lives. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/04aA19W8F7IdatVAGlouPc?si=ZyGsCEuKQyenEK8kuVMfsw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/astrology-and-queerness-with-michael-j-morris/id1448179543?i=1000591371609 |
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Exploring the Dark Houses: The 6th House with Michael J. Morris on the home—body podcast
I was so delighted to be a guest on the home—body podcast with Mary Grace Allerdice to talk about the 6th House in astrology. We talk about the 6th House as a lens through which we can ask difficult questions about slavery, disability, illness + work, and look at some 6th House placements in the charts of Ava DuVernay and Frida Kahlo. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/103xCPEcsz3wj3u0hpNRvv?si=25d3973bca5f4af3 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2UHihE2iRc |
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Transgender Day of Remembrance 2022
I was honored to speak as part of the vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance on Sunday, November 20, held in person at King Avenue United Methodist Church. This is an annual event memorializing transgender people who have been murdered each year. The number of homicides of transgender people nearly doubled from 2017-2021, according to an Everytown for Gun Safety report released in October. 2022 has already seen at least 32 transgender people killed in the U.S.—and that number only includes those who have been reported. The ongoing violence against transgender people shows that we still have so much work to do in order to make a world in which trans folks are no longer in danger—in which trans folks are accepted, respected, celebrated, and loved. |
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Astrology & Personhood on Energetic Principles Podcast
I was absolutely delighted to return to the Energetic Principles Podcast hosted by Melissa LaFara to discuss Astrology & Personhood! We start from the premise that astrology as a system and a tradition offers several important possibilities for how we might understand the nature of personhood, in ways that I think significantly challenge the pervasive hyper-individualism and reductionism that is so common throughout our society. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZHcch05jPQ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/34o68itUJ1vr4g7Te2eX6H?si=3e80c0af778e4522 |
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Cultural Competency & Cultural Humility with Michael J. Morris & Mallory Hasty
I was honored to be in conversation with Mallory Hasty on the topics of cultural competency and cultural humility in astrology, as part of an archive of educational resources produced by the International Association of Ethics in Astrology. I hope this can be a resource for consulting astrologers and researchers in our field, and also support us in more dialogue about how to relate well with one another and our clients. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UumLxsEJOxQ |
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The Cosmic Eye Monthly Forecast: Pisces Season
I was very excited to be invited as a guest co-host with Vanessa Montgomery for The Cosmic Eye Monthly Forecast on the Astrology University Podcast. We chat about all things Pisces, classic Pisces folks Kate Bornstein, Amanda Gorman, and Simone Biles, PLUS the new and full Moon, the Venus/Mars marathon conjunction, Venus enclosed by Mars and Saturn, Jupiter in Pisces, and this month’s cosmic movements so you can plan your month ahead in alignment with the energies unfolding. We also talk about TGIJP—the Transgender, Gender-Variant & Intersex Justice Project—as this month’s featured nonprofit. TGIJP is an advocacy and support organization for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated transgender, gender-variant, and intersex people. Learn more and donate to their work today at http://www.tgijp.org/about-us.html You can listen to the podcast here or wherever you listen to podcasts. |
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Erotic Ecologies + Embodiment: Maps for Making + Revelation
A Threshold Event hosted by home—body I was delighted to be part of this public conversation “Erotic Ecologies + Embodiments” at 1:30pm eastern on February 13, 2022. This event was hosted by Mary Grace Allerdice with guests Alkistis Dimech, Anicka Austin, and myself. We explore connections between the erotic and creative embodiment, the erotic as a way of seeing and knowing the world(s) of which we are a part, the power of the erotic, and more. |
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The Strology Show: Earth Signs
Hosted by Kirah Tabourn I’m so excited to share this episode of The Strology Show hosted by Kirah Tabourn with guests Mo Olufemi, Jason Kei, and me discussing the earth signs—Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo—in astrology! This was such a rich and satisfying conversation, and it was an honor to be talking with such brilliant and thoughtful colleagues. Whether you have significant placements in one of these signs—like your Ascendant, ruler of your Ascendant, Sun, or Moon—or you are a student or practitioner of astrology interested in hearing some old and new perspectives of these signs, I hope you give it a listen. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRlxjs6Hve4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GER5V9U1slcv06MEYAsWQ?si=7a1a859be2274f4d |
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The Sun & the Ascendant with Michael J. Morris
Hosted by Kelly Surtees of Kelly's Astrology "Kelly and Michael discuss their mutual love of sharing Astrology with others in multiple ways. They give us glimpses into their own stories but also dig into the differences between the story the Sun tells in a birth chart and the ones told by the Ascendant and the ascendant’s ruling planet. They explore the spirituality and philosophy of the Sun, the ascendant, and the visible planets. They discuss the beauty of and the connections between ancient and modern astrological perspectives. They reflect on the question: 'How central a position does the Sun take in your chart?' Join them in this engaging exploration of astrology as a support system to understand our full selves, our potential, and our world." |
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Livable Futures Season 1, Episode 4: Interview w/ Michael J. Morris
Hosted by Norah Zuniga Shaw This episode was recorded on August 30, 2019, and recently made its way into the world. We start with a grounding practice then move into discussions of the practices that sustain us, qualities of deep time, Black feminism, astrology, tactics for creating change, co-creating communities of practice, making dance that is also ritual and magic, collaborations with Kelly Klein and Keith Hennessy, staying with the trouble, coming into right-relationship with the earth, and more. Even though we recorded this many months before the onset of the global pandemic, it still feels very timely now. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2C4sGfIs8H4oQ0SsBDONx6?si=521e8923de4045a4 Note: In the flurry of references I made during this episode, I misattributed this definition of magic: "Magic is the art of changing consciousness at will." This definition was originally offered by Dion Fortune and popularized by Starhawk. In the episode, I attributed it to Doreen Valiente, another important practitioner of magic and writer about witchcraft but not the source of this definition. |
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The Strology Show
Season 2 Episode 9: Asteroids On this epsiode, Kirah Tabourn and I discuss the asteroids in astrology, including the asteroid goddesses—Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta—as well as the use of minor asteroids from philosophical, mythological, technical, and practical perspectives. Working with the asteroids has become one of my favorite parts of my astrological practice. While my training and consultation work with clients is built primarily on a foundation of Hellenistic astrology, the asteroids have been present in my practice almost since the beginning. They offer incredible nuance, specificity, detail, and story to a chart, and I find that they are often some of the most meaningful parts of the astrology I create with clients. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmmTf6a4YLU Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JrqYDGDk34vSAkcLP593G?si=fR7O1Sp3SdaefHpnqSTf0A Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/asteroids-with-michael-j-morris/id1527840344?i=1000518639874 |
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The Astrology Podcast Episode 279
Hosted by Chris Brennan "In episode 279 astrologer Michael J. Morris joins the show to talk about using astrology within the context of the lives of transgender people. We spend the first part of the episode talking about some basic things that astrologers should know in terms of cultural competence in order to work well in consultations with transgender clients In the second half of the episode we get into more of a technical discussion about how different placements in the birth chart can manifest in the lives of transgender people, eventually going through each of the twelve houses and talking about different possible manifestations. We also tried to ground the discussion by using several example charts of notable transgender public figures." |
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Energetic Principles Episode #95: Astrology & Feminist Praxis
Hosted by Melissa LaFara "Welcome to this week’s EP podcast on “Astrology & Feminist Praxis” - where Columbus, Ohio astrologer, tarot reader, and witch Michael J. Morris joins me to discuss the multitude of layers that live behind the term feminism and how this concept can be interconnected within the astrological practice. Michael unpacks the definition behind feminism, stemming from their educational background based on Black feminist perspectives, and highlighting the need to have an intersectional approach and awareness of this topic. We dive into ways to cultivate connection through thinking things together that appear to be separate, making this a rich talk for practicing astrologers and dabblers alike. One of my favorite talks so far, I do hope you enjoy!" |
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homebody podcast: Episode 40 x Michael J. Morris
Hosted by Mary Grace Allerdice In this episode, Michael J Morris returns to the podcast, and we talk eclipses (what are they, what do they mean, are they a good time for magic) and standing with #blacklivesmatter We discuss:
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The Magic of the Spheres Podcast: Episode 58
Ecosexuality, Connection & Liberation Hosted by Sabrina Monarch "This episode is a deeper invitation into sensing and perceiving the interconnectedness of all things - from the connection between celestial and earthly events, from ecology and sexuality, between our lives and the evolution of the cosmos. I interviewed Michael J. Morris, and we discussed astrology, ecosexuality, Black Lives Matter and liberation. I said it a few times in the episode but the conversation was literally psychedelic in feeling to me. Michael speaks to us of *connection* and is themselves, such a connector and I am really excited to bring you this conversation. Michael J. Morris is a writer, an educator, a facilitator, an artist, a witch, an astrologer, and a tarot reader who supports folks in making meaning of their lives as a practice of personal and collective healing and liberation. They have a consulting practice called Co Witchcraft Offerings, and they are also a Visiting Assistant Professor at Denison University where they teach in Women’s and Gender Studies, Queer Studies, and Environmental Studies. They hold a PhD in Dance Studies from The Ohio State University, and they bring decades of experience in movement and somatic practices, feminist and queer theory, and critical theories of embodiment to their work in astrology, tarot, and ritual. They are a practitioner of yoga, butoh, and reiki, all of which inform their approaches to healing and liberation." |
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homebody podcast: Episode 10 x Michael J. Morris
Hosted by Mary Grace Allerdice "This episode is dense, beautiful and waxes eloquent on the revolutionary ; and I'm so excited to share it with you. We discuss:
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homebody podcast: Episode 18 x Michael J. Morris
Hosted by Mary Grace Allerdice "In this episode, Michael offers context and perspective on the practices of astrology; they also share with us some of the overarching themes and framework for this upcoming 2020 year. We discuss:
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homebody podcast: Episode 32 x Michael J. Morris
Hosted by Mary Grace Allerdice "In this episode, Michael J. Morris and I conjure up the dancestors for wisdom and body magic. We discuss:
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Queer Skies Episode 4: Michael J. Morris
Hosted by Daniel Bernal and Drew Levanti "Feminist Theory, Queer Theory, & Cross-Pollination with Astrology: Guest Michael J. Morris of Co Witchcraft Offerings joins the podcast for a discussion on the complexities of working as a practicing astrologer, the connections with the astrological community, and cross-pollination with/into other practices." Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feminist-theory-queer-theory-cross-pollination-astrology/id1474572934?i=1000454266257 |
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Queer Skies Episode 7: Astrology of 2020 Year Ahead Forecast with Michael J. Morris
Hosted by Daniel Bernal and Drew Levanti "In this episode, we invite the extraordinary Michael J. Morris back as a guest to help us explore the astrological terrain of 2020! We talk about Saturn & Jupiter’s meetings with Pluto and the ways power structures and cancel culture might change. We talk about Mercury’s carbonated retrogrades powered by Uranus. We talk about the Venus and Mars retrogrades this year, what lessons they bring for us in terms of survival and resistance, and we talk big picture about what Aquarius has in store for us as our attention shifts." Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/astrology-of-december-2019-queer-skies-ep-6/id1474572934?i=1000458903467 |
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Queer Skies Episode 5: November 2019 Forecast with Michael J. Morris
Hosted by Daniel Bernal and Drew Levanti "Guest Michael J. Morris of Co Witchcraft Offerings joins the podcast again, this time to break down the astrology of November 2019. We discuss the various dances occurring between Mercury & Saturn, Mars & Uranus, Venus & Jupiter. Take a look at what is in the stars this month!" Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/astrology-november-2019-michael-j-morris-queer-skies/id1474572934?i=1000455736790 |
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The Astrology of Artist Meredith Monk
Several months ago, I had the opportunity to discuss one of my all-time favorite artists, Meredith Monk, through the lens of her natal chart with astrologers, colleagues, and friends Drew Levanti and Òscar Moisés Díaz. You can listen to our whole conversation on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G43kSBGrtA4 |
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Bone cycles
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Ecosexuality in unbound ZINE: awakening“What I hope is becoming clear is that sex and sexuality, even in their most mundane forms, involve our already more-than-human bodies mediating more-than-human sexual partners, incorporating more-than-human technologies with consequential entanglements with a much larger world that is far more than human. ‘Ecosexuality’ is a term for these and many other entanglements of human sexuality with the nonhuman world. Broadly speaking, ecosexuality directs attention toward various ways in which sexuality is already ecological, and the ways in which ecology might be understood as sexual or erotic. This term has come to be used by artists, academics, activists, environmentalists, people working in sex industries, and others. Its dimensions can be practical, material, biological, metaphorical, representational, conceptual, and philosophical.”
-Excerpt from “Ecosexuality: Toward Pleasurable Relationality With the More-Than-Human World,” a short piece I published in UnBound Zine Issue 9: “Awakening." Many thanks to executive director Lashonda Love for inviting me to contribute. I wrote my doctoral dissertation on ecosexualities in performance, and this piece summarizes some of the important ideas that have continued with me from that work. I write about how I understand ecosexuality, the work of Beth Stephens and Annie Sprinkle who first introduced me to ecosexuality, the ways ecosexuality can disrupt human exceptionalism and anthropocentrism, and awakening to the deep pleasure of belonging with-and-in this world. The full issue is available online here. |
Planetary Magic Guides
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Below you will find links to a series of blog posts I wrote about simple practices for working with planetary magic, for tuning in to the subtle, felt experience of each of the planetary energies, as well a rituals you might consider using to support yourself in develop more sensitivity to feeling astrology in an embodied way.
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Planetary Magic Practices: Sun
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Planetary Magic Practices: Moon
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Planetary Magic Practices: Mars
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Planetary Magic Practices: Mercury
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Planetary Magic Practices: Jupiter
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Planetary Magic Practices: Venus
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Planetary Magic Practices: Saturn
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