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Art Of Conversation With The Genius Loci by Barry Patterson
The Art of Conversation With the Genius Loci looks at the relationship between our spiritual path and our immediate environment. The mystery of place - finding our place and developing a relationship with it - are a powerful, if simple, magic and are also an ideal reference point from which to examine broader issues. As a society we are insulated and alienated from nature and tend to look at it from an idealistic or political viewpoint. The problem of our loss of integration with the environment isn't just a physical one about pollution or an ecological one about our present lifestyle not being sustainable, it is also at the heart of the spiritual crisis which our culture has created for itself. This book is aimed not only at modern pagans who are already engaged with these ideas, but also at people who have a more general interest in ecology and spirituality. In a down-to-earth and practical way it suggests ways for people to explore, find and make deeper contact with their own special places. There is also a very personal journey through the inner landscape of the mind and the book deals with various methods of dealing with the issues that outdoor meditation and magic are likely to bring up, including privacy, safety and protection for both the place and the person. Barry Patterson has been inspired by the natural world, whether wilderness or puddle, all his life. He works as a freelance educational performer and teacher specialising in science and natural history.
Mass Market Paperback
First published September 29, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 12, 2013
I don't know why it took me so long to finish this book. I do know that my bookmark kept falling out, which meant I often re-read whole sections with a very deep sense of déjà vu, which was frustrating.
I liked this book - a lot. Its a great introduction to connecting with the world around us on a more profound level. The author includes several exercises, in the form of guided meditations, and these should be helpful to anyone starting out in magic or broader pagan practices. The author states he is buddhist, and although I did not agree with a small number of his views, overall I liked (and understood) his reasoning for behind the ideals he put forward; agreeing with him far more often than not.
The content of the book clearly demonstrates that Mr Patterson practices that about which he writes. He often includes personal anecdotes to illustrate a point. This is not someone trying to set themself up as a master (and he states this himself), but rather provide clear guidelines for those just starting out. In fact, this book excels in that regard and, in future, I will not hesitate to put in on recommended reading lists for those new to the pagan or witchcraft worlds.
Mr Patterson writes so that his ideas are easily absorbed and he also provides an extensive set of appendices including list of various organisations and a bibliography for further information. He has also taken the time to incorporate some of his prose and poetry, which is helpful in understanding the concepts discussed.
I have to say it is one the most sensible books I've read about outdoor practices in a very long time. He talks of not taking anything from sites but memories and what constitutes a suitable offering (as opposed to crystals blasted from mines, etc.). Barry is a breath of fresh air in the beginner's guides, IMO.
It was a unique read for me in that some of the places explored are quite near to my own place of residence and it was interesting to hear the insights of another who had visited those areas. Having an experience of the same locations made for interesting connections whilst reading the book. I was able to put myself in the author's shoes on occasion and this was somehow comforting.
I have to admit my favourite chapter was the first where we learn of his experiences on a solo trip in the Outer Hebrides. Having visited the area, I immediately understood the nature of his experience. Even so, the rest of the book is a joy, and a must to read. I certainly learned a few things, and there are a few people out there I believe need to read this book and should read this book.
The book loses a tenth of a point in ratings solely because of the extra blank pages disrupting some of the chapters. A fault with the publishers I feel.
Barry Patterson does have his own website at: Red Sandstone Hill if you wish to learn more about the man behind the book.
I liked this book - a lot. Its a great introduction to connecting with the world around us on a more profound level. The author includes several exercises, in the form of guided meditations, and these should be helpful to anyone starting out in magic or broader pagan practices. The author states he is buddhist, and although I did not agree with a small number of his views, overall I liked (and understood) his reasoning for behind the ideals he put forward; agreeing with him far more often than not.
The content of the book clearly demonstrates that Mr Patterson practices that about which he writes. He often includes personal anecdotes to illustrate a point. This is not someone trying to set themself up as a master (and he states this himself), but rather provide clear guidelines for those just starting out. In fact, this book excels in that regard and, in future, I will not hesitate to put in on recommended reading lists for those new to the pagan or witchcraft worlds.
Mr Patterson writes so that his ideas are easily absorbed and he also provides an extensive set of appendices including list of various organisations and a bibliography for further information. He has also taken the time to incorporate some of his prose and poetry, which is helpful in understanding the concepts discussed.
I have to say it is one the most sensible books I've read about outdoor practices in a very long time. He talks of not taking anything from sites but memories and what constitutes a suitable offering (as opposed to crystals blasted from mines, etc.). Barry is a breath of fresh air in the beginner's guides, IMO.
It was a unique read for me in that some of the places explored are quite near to my own place of residence and it was interesting to hear the insights of another who had visited those areas. Having an experience of the same locations made for interesting connections whilst reading the book. I was able to put myself in the author's shoes on occasion and this was somehow comforting.
I have to admit my favourite chapter was the first where we learn of his experiences on a solo trip in the Outer Hebrides. Having visited the area, I immediately understood the nature of his experience. Even so, the rest of the book is a joy, and a must to read. I certainly learned a few things, and there are a few people out there I believe need to read this book and should read this book.
The book loses a tenth of a point in ratings solely because of the extra blank pages disrupting some of the chapters. A fault with the publishers I feel.
Barry Patterson does have his own website at: Red Sandstone Hill if you wish to learn more about the man behind the book.
April 1, 2009
First of all, let me preface this with the fact that the author has been trancing a very long time, if he is to be believed. And I believe him. I can tell by his diction. I don't think I've heard the term 'rapping' in a LONG time. Took me awhile to figure out what the HECK he meant! And I was alive when people were still using that term. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Patterson's trancing abilities, I really do, I know he's been doing it a long time, even without his diction.
I was very excited when I read the first chapter, I thought that I had just invested in one of the best books I could find.... and then fizzle.
90% of the rest of the book is involved in teaching beginning environmentalism. I am sure it's needed as a preface to speaking with the genius loci, I don't know, I learned it in the 60's and 70's. I then say, I am sure he didn't know he was preaching to the choir, yet why would you be interested in communing with the genius loci if you weren't already somewhat versed in earth mysteries and how could you be versed in earth mysteries without at least a rudimentary understanding of environmentalism? Hence, I think that the book should have been named The Very Beginning Introduction to Conversation with the Genius Loci. After I was nearly bored out of my skull, I finally decided to skip to the little bit where he goes back to discussing the actual talking with Genius Loci near the end of the book.
Then to top it off, he has had so much of a different experience with the Spirits of Place than I have. It's like he's speaking a different language. I don't know if it's because he's a different person or if he's been at it for so much longer than me or what? He has actual conversations with the G.L. I can't even really describe my experiences. They show up in my mind like a blip on a radar, then I hone in and then I get very slow messages as if I am running on 75rpm and the GL's have been slowed down to below 35rpm or lower. Sometimes not even that... I just get a pounding in the head. And they can pound my head... "I AM HERE...ERE...ERE...RE...R" and that's it. The author's term of 'rapping' is so far out of my experience I can't comprehend. Not only mine, I have had discussions with others who do the same and though different from my experiences, they are worlds away from Patterson's. Yet I believe him, I can't help but respect him... I wouldn't have even written this review if I didn't, I would have barely held in my vitriol. It's just like he's in a different world where a Genius Loci is a cartoon character that you can have heart to heart conversations with if you just alter your consciousness. In MY world, I am not quite even sure if Genius Loci's can really sense human beings or interact with us in a way we can understand.
So, I was disappointed. Maybe if he hadn't felt the need for a 101 education on environmentalism, he could have written more for the likes of me. Or maybe it's me, I just don't have a New Agey outlook on life and it colors my view and interaction with the Genius Loci. Either way, I was hugely disappointed.
I was very excited when I read the first chapter, I thought that I had just invested in one of the best books I could find.... and then fizzle.
90% of the rest of the book is involved in teaching beginning environmentalism. I am sure it's needed as a preface to speaking with the genius loci, I don't know, I learned it in the 60's and 70's. I then say, I am sure he didn't know he was preaching to the choir, yet why would you be interested in communing with the genius loci if you weren't already somewhat versed in earth mysteries and how could you be versed in earth mysteries without at least a rudimentary understanding of environmentalism? Hence, I think that the book should have been named The Very Beginning Introduction to Conversation with the Genius Loci. After I was nearly bored out of my skull, I finally decided to skip to the little bit where he goes back to discussing the actual talking with Genius Loci near the end of the book.
Then to top it off, he has had so much of a different experience with the Spirits of Place than I have. It's like he's speaking a different language. I don't know if it's because he's a different person or if he's been at it for so much longer than me or what? He has actual conversations with the G.L. I can't even really describe my experiences. They show up in my mind like a blip on a radar, then I hone in and then I get very slow messages as if I am running on 75rpm and the GL's have been slowed down to below 35rpm or lower. Sometimes not even that... I just get a pounding in the head. And they can pound my head... "I AM HERE...ERE...ERE...RE...R" and that's it. The author's term of 'rapping' is so far out of my experience I can't comprehend. Not only mine, I have had discussions with others who do the same and though different from my experiences, they are worlds away from Patterson's. Yet I believe him, I can't help but respect him... I wouldn't have even written this review if I didn't, I would have barely held in my vitriol. It's just like he's in a different world where a Genius Loci is a cartoon character that you can have heart to heart conversations with if you just alter your consciousness. In MY world, I am not quite even sure if Genius Loci's can really sense human beings or interact with us in a way we can understand.
So, I was disappointed. Maybe if he hadn't felt the need for a 101 education on environmentalism, he could have written more for the likes of me. Or maybe it's me, I just don't have a New Agey outlook on life and it colors my view and interaction with the Genius Loci. Either way, I was hugely disappointed.
April 26, 2016
This is one of the best books on Paganism I have ever read. I have often said to people that if they only ever read one book on Paganism, it should be this one. It is all about how to engage with the landscape you live in, and how to connect with the spirits of place. It offers practical suggestions for deepening your connection with nature. It has reflections on place and spirit of place. Life seen from the perspective of a mouse. How to relate to your local geology, history, and landscape.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews