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Mystery Teachings from the Living Earth: An Introduction to Spiritual Ecology
The authentic teachings of the mystery schools offer a profoundly different way of making sense of the universe and our place in it. In "Mystery Teachings from the Living Earth," ecologist and Druid initiate John Michael Greer offers an introduction to the core teachings of the mysteries through the mirror of the natural world.
Using examples from nature as a touchstone, Greer takes readers on a journey into the seven laws of the mystery traditions:
the Law of Wholeness the Law of Flowthe Law of Balance the Law of Limitsthe Law of Cause and Effect the Law of Planes the Law of Evolution
Greer explains each law, offering meditation, an affirmation, and a theme for reflection, to show how the seven laws can bring meaning and power into our everyday lives.
"Mystery Teachings from the Living Earth" reveals one of the great secrets of the mysteries--that the laws of nature are also the laws of spirit.
Using examples from nature as a touchstone, Greer takes readers on a journey into the seven laws of the mystery traditions:
the Law of Wholeness the Law of Flowthe Law of Balance the Law of Limitsthe Law of Cause and Effect the Law of Planes the Law of Evolution
Greer explains each law, offering meditation, an affirmation, and a theme for reflection, to show how the seven laws can bring meaning and power into our everyday lives.
"Mystery Teachings from the Living Earth" reveals one of the great secrets of the mysteries--that the laws of nature are also the laws of spirit.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
22 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
John Michael Greer
212 books512 followersJohn Michael Greer is an author of over thirty books and the blogger behind The Archdruid Report. He served as Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America. His work addresses a range of subjects, including climate change, peak oil, the future of industrial society, and the occult. He also writes science fiction and fantasy. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 26, 2012
It’s rare that I’m this impressed, this enthused about a book. If you can only afford to buy one spiritually orientated book this year, make it this one. And that’s saying something, because I have 2 books out this year.
In part Mystery Teachings has evidently been written in response to the shortcomings of some aspects of New Age thinking. Anyone who has ever twitched about New Age stuff, is going to love what Greer has to say. Anyone interested in New Age material really should read this book as a counterpoint.
This is an overview of the kinds of thought forms that Mystery Schools teach. It’s presented, in keeping with the zeitgeist, in ecological terms. The result is a beautiful, rich, inspiring description of how reality works, and how to work with it. I had to read it slowly, because there was so much to take in, many sections I read twice. There is a generous stream of humour through the book as well, it’s full of things that made me laugh out loud, especially the deflation of the ridiculous. There are shades of the boy shouting ‘The Emperor’s got no clothes on’ here, which may make it uncomfortable reading for some, but it needs to be read.
For anyone interested in magic, or personal growth, or the inside of their own head, or how they interface with the rest of reality, this book has a wealth to offer. For anyone exploring mediation, there are some stunning meditation approaches suggested here, methods that will enrich life and awareness. Having read the book straight through for review purposes, I mean to go back and do it slowly, and actually do the work involved. I’ve lost count of how many courses I’ve read for review down the years, this is the first one that has actually inspired me to want to follow it.
Unusually, this is a book I think offers plenty to the newbie, and also has a lot to say to anyone who has been exploring their path for some time. It is, quite simply, a must have. I cannot recommend it enough.
In part Mystery Teachings has evidently been written in response to the shortcomings of some aspects of New Age thinking. Anyone who has ever twitched about New Age stuff, is going to love what Greer has to say. Anyone interested in New Age material really should read this book as a counterpoint.
This is an overview of the kinds of thought forms that Mystery Schools teach. It’s presented, in keeping with the zeitgeist, in ecological terms. The result is a beautiful, rich, inspiring description of how reality works, and how to work with it. I had to read it slowly, because there was so much to take in, many sections I read twice. There is a generous stream of humour through the book as well, it’s full of things that made me laugh out loud, especially the deflation of the ridiculous. There are shades of the boy shouting ‘The Emperor’s got no clothes on’ here, which may make it uncomfortable reading for some, but it needs to be read.
For anyone interested in magic, or personal growth, or the inside of their own head, or how they interface with the rest of reality, this book has a wealth to offer. For anyone exploring mediation, there are some stunning meditation approaches suggested here, methods that will enrich life and awareness. Having read the book straight through for review purposes, I mean to go back and do it slowly, and actually do the work involved. I’ve lost count of how many courses I’ve read for review down the years, this is the first one that has actually inspired me to want to follow it.
Unusually, this is a book I think offers plenty to the newbie, and also has a lot to say to anyone who has been exploring their path for some time. It is, quite simply, a must have. I cannot recommend it enough.
August 27, 2018
This is the book my soul was longing for, the book that set the dim notions in my heart into a coherent, sturdy framework of belief I could build on.
Recommended for all "nature lovers" who are searching for more.
Recommended for all "nature lovers" who are searching for more.
July 19, 2017
I follow John Michael Greer's blogs online. The current one is Ecosophia. This book is being discussed, so I bought it to follow along. John's writing speaks to me. I like his clear presentation of ideas which others can make fraught with drama or negative mysteriousness. His definition of magic is my favorite.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
April 26, 2013
In general I got much more out of this book than I expected. The author is clear, the explorations generally coincide with my experience and there were points he made that were new to me and valuable. The seven laws are fascinating because there are so many natural connections between spirituality and the environment. This book does a great job making those connections deeply and in a thought provoking way. For these reasons it gets 4 stars.
However, I need to dock a point for three reasons. First, full deviation from the topic at hand. The deviation happens when he is pretty much finished explaining the 7 laws, thank goodness, when he launches into an explanation about magic. He writes convincingly throughout, but not in this part as it seemed forced and off topic. It was certainly interesting, but it didn't fit with the general theme.
Second, for using the wishy washy term "mystery teachings" throughout the book. If there is a good reason for not identifying what those mystery teaching come under, what the groups that study them call themselves, then it is not explained here. How does this all relate to the great religious traditions? Why wouldn't he even mention them in his explorations?
Lastly, the author explained every single law (at least it seemed that way) by using money as an example. I know money is important, and that misunderstandings abound around this topic. However, this is a book about the environment and how it relates to spirituality and money doesn't fit into either of these categories. The author needs to write another book about money (or maybe he already has) in which he focuses on how to approach money and happiness using the 7 laws as a foundation.
However, I need to dock a point for three reasons. First, full deviation from the topic at hand. The deviation happens when he is pretty much finished explaining the 7 laws, thank goodness, when he launches into an explanation about magic. He writes convincingly throughout, but not in this part as it seemed forced and off topic. It was certainly interesting, but it didn't fit with the general theme.
Second, for using the wishy washy term "mystery teachings" throughout the book. If there is a good reason for not identifying what those mystery teaching come under, what the groups that study them call themselves, then it is not explained here. How does this all relate to the great religious traditions? Why wouldn't he even mention them in his explorations?
Lastly, the author explained every single law (at least it seemed that way) by using money as an example. I know money is important, and that misunderstandings abound around this topic. However, this is a book about the environment and how it relates to spirituality and money doesn't fit into either of these categories. The author needs to write another book about money (or maybe he already has) in which he focuses on how to approach money and happiness using the 7 laws as a foundation.
February 19, 2017
This book contains what I sense is impeccable wisdom and deep truth, written clearly and succinctly. I admire the authors eloquence and humility; he obviously walks his talk.
September 23, 2019
To date, this might be my favorite book by JMG. It tackles similar themes as others, but from an original stance grounded in systems-theory and ecology. This secular stance is perfectly accessible to atheists or "spiritual" people alike, and may provide new perspectives to both.
The systems-theory point of view is perfect for engineers, economists, physicists, biologists, and other science. I appreciate that it can accomplish the application of this typically quantitative paradigm in a more "fluid" direction toward each of our own life-experiences.
The systems-theory point of view is perfect for engineers, economists, physicists, biologists, and other science. I appreciate that it can accomplish the application of this typically quantitative paradigm in a more "fluid" direction toward each of our own life-experiences.
December 23, 2018
A short but great read - finished it all in one sitting. I've never been much interested in magic or matters spiritual, but this book made something click. Now I'm excited to learn more.
August 1, 2019
use this book to think about your relation to things
July 15, 2022
Great read!
October 5, 2012
I really enjoyed Greer’s book. While the “laws” should be commonsense, I needed someone to say stop and reflect on life. It’s far too easy, in this modern world, to ignore what is really important in life and important about life.
I think the quote that most stood out to me was, “Any organization that demands substantial sums for teaching and initiation is engaging in the business of making money, not in the work of the mysteries.” I couldn’t help but think of several organizations that fit that description.
As is my usual habit, I flipped to the back of the book and noticed that Greer has a nice index page. I began with the “Afterword” (yes, I know I’m odd), and as I read through his suggestion for “mystery school” books, I must have sounded like a little boy with trading cards — got it — got it — need it — need it — got it. It is an awesome and well thought-out list of esoteric titles.
This is a must-have for your esoteric home library and I highly recommend it.
“The initiates of the mysteries practice the art of living deliberately.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Weiser Books.
I think the quote that most stood out to me was, “Any organization that demands substantial sums for teaching and initiation is engaging in the business of making money, not in the work of the mysteries.” I couldn’t help but think of several organizations that fit that description.
As is my usual habit, I flipped to the back of the book and noticed that Greer has a nice index page. I began with the “Afterword” (yes, I know I’m odd), and as I read through his suggestion for “mystery school” books, I must have sounded like a little boy with trading cards — got it — got it — need it — need it — got it. It is an awesome and well thought-out list of esoteric titles.
This is a must-have for your esoteric home library and I highly recommend it.
“The initiates of the mysteries practice the art of living deliberately.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Weiser Books.
May 16, 2012
Got Questions? START HERE.
This is an excellent presentation of the 7 spiritual laws told sans sachhrine and with JMG's trademark wry wit, exhaustive research background and shrewd eye to the future.
If you think you have a spiritual calling of some kind, if you have a yearning inside you for some bigger answers, if you don't know what is the right path for you but you'd appreciate an overview - this is the book that you want. This is the book I wish I could have gotten my hands on 25 years ago when these questions forst started haunting me.
Should you already be well down a path you may still enjoy this book for the ability to cross boundaries and see the essence of a thing that JMG encourages.
Based on the number of page markers left in my copy after finishing, this book will stand up to re-reading and as usual with spiritual queries I expect I will get a completely different set of insights from it on the next pass.
Broadly and unreservedly recommended to the curious, the aspirant and the novice.
This is an excellent presentation of the 7 spiritual laws told sans sachhrine and with JMG's trademark wry wit, exhaustive research background and shrewd eye to the future.
If you think you have a spiritual calling of some kind, if you have a yearning inside you for some bigger answers, if you don't know what is the right path for you but you'd appreciate an overview - this is the book that you want. This is the book I wish I could have gotten my hands on 25 years ago when these questions forst started haunting me.
Should you already be well down a path you may still enjoy this book for the ability to cross boundaries and see the essence of a thing that JMG encourages.
Based on the number of page markers left in my copy after finishing, this book will stand up to re-reading and as usual with spiritual queries I expect I will get a completely different set of insights from it on the next pass.
Broadly and unreservedly recommended to the curious, the aspirant and the novice.
June 28, 2013
In this book John Michael Greer undertakes the task of redefining and restating the Western Mystery Tradition using the principles of ecology, thus doing for that discipline what the anonymous author(s) of The Kybalion did for psychology. Along the way he explains why harming other people to one's own benefit eventually produces harm to oneself, why perpetual growth without decline is impossible, and how to distinguish a true Mystery School from an organization that just wants your money. Greer also provides experiential exercises that get the reader out of the chair and out of doors, observing and contemplating nature. As with almost everything this man writes--he is one of the clearest, most lucid occult writers in the business--I recommend it highly.
December 16, 2020
A book of spirituality/philosophy couched in the language of biological systems. I'm going to call it 4 and 1/2 stars. The strong points, which are the central focus of the book are strong. He spends a little too much time, for me, critiquing the prosperity gospel/law of attraction and the currents of pop spirituality. But the strengths of the book shine well beyond that small flaw.
And on re reading, not even the flaw I thought it was. Like many of JMG's works, continues to rewards re-reading and contemplation.
And on re reading, not even the flaw I thought it was. Like many of JMG's works, continues to rewards re-reading and contemplation.
February 23, 2014
Greer is no B.S. If you're interested in any sort of spirituality, ANY sort, this should be your primer. It's fast, incredibly concise. It comes from a guy with a goofy title, but a long track record of being a top thinker in the worlds of peak oil, occultism, paganism, etc. And yet he consistently manages to sharply cut through all the B.S. that comes with those realms. I can't recommend this enough. Magic from limitations.
November 5, 2012
The most lucid writer of hermetic, eco-technic, magickal and sane philosophy of this age.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews