The Earth Path: Grounding Your Spirit in the Rhythms of Nature

by Starhawk

America's most renowned witch and eco–feminist offers a sequel to her bestselling classic The Spiral Dance, weaving together the latest findings in environmental science with magical spells, chants, meditations and group exercises to create the ultimate primer on our relationship to the earth. From the earliest times, respecting our interdependent relationship with nature has been the first step toward spirituality. Earth, air, fire and water are the four elements worshiped in many indigenous cultures and celebrated in earth–based spiritualities such as Wicca. In The Earth Path, America's best–known witch offers readers a primer on how to open our eyes to the world around us, respect nature's delicate balance, and draw upon its tremendous powers. Filled with inspiring meditations, chants, and blessings, it offers healing for the spirit in a stressed world and helps readers find their own sources of strength and renewal. Will appeal to Starhawk's traditional Pagan, New Age, and feminist readership. Young women newly interested in magic and witchcraft. A new and growing generation of those involved in ecology

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Paganism, Witchcraft, Wicca, Religion, Nature

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2004

About the author

Starhawk is an author, activist, permaculture designer and teacher, and a prominent voice in modern Goddess religion and earth-based spirituality. She is the author or coauthor of thirteen books, including the classics The Spiral Dance and The Fifth Sacred Thing. Her latest is the newly published fiction novel City of Refuge, the long-awaited sequel to The Fifth Sacred Thing.

Starhawk directs Earth Activist Training, (www.earthactivisttraining.org), teaching permaculture design grounded in spirit and with a focus on organizing and activism. “Social permaculture”—the conscious design of regenerative human systems, is a particular focus of hers.

She lives on Golden Rabbit Ranch in Western Sonoma County, CA, where she is developing a model of carbon-sequestering land use incorporating food forests and savannahs, planned grazing, and regenerative forestry.

She travels internationally, lecturing and teaching on earth-based spirituality, permaculture, and the skills of activism. Her web site is www.starhawk.org.

Reviews

[Judie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I am not a pagan, I am Catholic. And I didn't read this book thoroughly, but rather skimmed it. Also, I am not familiar with the author or her previous books.

I picked this book up at the library because I am curious about earth-based spirituality.I find that I feel closest to God in nature, and wanted to read another's perspective on it. I find that a lot of the sentiments expressed in the book are not incompatible with my faith, if only expressed differently (i.e. instead of a "spell," a prayer, and instead of to nature itself, to God, in thanksgiving for nature). Not expecting anyone to agree or disagree with me... I looked at this book for personal reasons, and found much that was interesting and useful. The rest, I left. To Christians who think a Christian should not look at such a book, I say that anything good and true is of God, and with discernment, an intelligent adult can find the good without being influenced by what is contrary to their own beliefs. I think this book has much to recommend it.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book on Sunday, returned the copy to the library on Monday, and was at the book store Tuesday morning to buy my own copy.

I've been looking for this book for years, trying to force other books (most notably Natural Prayers and Becoming Animal ) to be what I wanted: the guidelines of a truly Earth-based spiritual practice. Why I resisted so long reading this book, which was/is clearly that book, I have no idea.

The book is filled with wonderful exercises, observations, and suggestions for making one's spirituality a reflection of and immersion in one's physical place in the world. This is something I've been doing, with varying degrees of success, for a few years, but Starhawk offers plenty of ideas I never would have thought of and ways to give individual practices a unity I've been missing. For that alone, this book is priceless.

I also appreciate that because Starhawk, although a "shining light" of American neo-Paganism, isn't a Pagan literalist, Earth Path eschews much of the white-light fairy woo-woo that makes me roll my eyes at so many other Pagan guidebooks. She feels we best engage the sacred by getting mud in our soles and dirt under our fingernails, a practical approach that resonates strongly for me.

It has its flaws, of course, as every book does. Starhawk draws strange lines in terms of personal obligation: it's OK, she says, if you can't plant a garden or put solar panels on your roof or set up a graywater system--but if you're not chaining yourself to buildings and sitting down in front of riot cops, you're not doing enough for Mama Earth. I understand how important direct political action is to Starhawk, but for some of us, it's just not the way, and her heavy-handed insistence on it (as well as the accompanying tirades on Everything That's Wrong with the World Today) jarred me deeply.

Still, I have my own copy now, so I can do the exercises, scribble in the margins, and sink my roots ever deeper.

[Caitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a cross between a spiritual guide and a permaculture guide and I didn't think it really did justice to either thing. I had been looking forward to reading this because I so enjoyed The Spiral Dance but this book was written about 30 years later and after Starhawk has achieved a great deal of acclaim. It wasn't a badly written book, but the writing style just rubbed me the wrong way. It felt like so many things were subtly prefaced or justified by the implication that "this is Starhawk talking. You know, Starhawk, the activist, the icon, the environmental and spiritual hero of modern Witchcraft." I felt a bit talked down to. The meditations didn't really speak to me, and honestly kind of bored me. Oh, and for some reason it also rubbed me the wrong way that all of her examples are from California. Like, yes, I get it, you live somewhere warm enough to grow nectarines, that must be lovely. It makes perfect sense for her to use her own garden as an example, but it just made my nose wrinkle every time she said something like "Of course, I'm using solar power and a compost toilet and a spring-fed water system for my couple acres of garden surrounded by my like-minded neighbors I trade seeds with, but of course if you're in an apartment you should just, like, grow a tomato or something." Cannot blame her and yet cannot get over my dislike.

If you are looking for books on spirituality and you can check this one out at the library like I did, then I say go for it. It's not a waste of time, it's got good stuff in it, but I'm glad I didn't spend money on it. And it very well might be many other people's cup of compost tea!

[Kelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I've been reading this book for a long time. Starhawk goes through the elements with all these awesome awareness practices, etc. It combines permaculture, wilderness awareness, and paganism in a super-nummy way. Just read the 'soil visualization' and you'll be in love!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meditations, mantras, activities, ritual and musings by Starhawk always will do the soul good. Healing and connecting with the Earth is the focus and the book is written in an incredibly accessible way. Funny to think permaculture was so cutting edge as how we understood earth systems even 15 years ago. For anyone open to witchy ideas who longs to move away from grieving the destruction of our home to a more mindful awareness and healing practice.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book educational, inspiring, compelling, and full of beautiful liturgy. The book starts with discussions of permaculture, earth-centered values, and the miracle and beauty of evolution. There are some basic practice exercises, and I found her discussion of observation and awareness (to listen to birds in the woods, to connect with a "home base" that you observe and relate to over time) to be especially insightful. She then discusses the five elements (air, fire, water, earth, and spirit or center) in great detail - what a healthy system looks like, why soil bacteria is important, the environmental impacts of human behavior, and what we can do to restore balance.

A spiritual perspective on the earth and how one can develop practices to connect with nature, and make a difference in the balance of things.

[Anissa Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard the name "Starhawk" for ages, but had never read anything by her. I was shocked to find, not a new-age spiritual handwaver, but a rooted wise woman with inspiring and intelligent things to say about nature and even activism. Color me impressed! I'll be reading a lot more of her work.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've come to feel that one aspect of our nature-based religion that too often gets neglected is our actual relationship with nature. To be a Witch, to practice magic, we can't simply honor nature's cycles in the abstract. We need to know them intimately and understand them in the physical as well as the psychic world."
"One of the most rewarding aspects of my own journey over the past decades has been a gradual process of deepening my aesthetic appreciation of nature into real knowledge and true understanding."
I love these quotes because I have noticed modern paganism focuses more on rituals like tarot and other aspects instead of the actual foundation, which is a close relationship to nature.
Pros: I love Starhawk's voice in her writing. She uses a rational, straight to the fact voice which I feel is needed when she is combining spiritual and political/environmental issues. A lot of people will struggle to understand the combination of a spiritual lens with science, so Starhawk is taking the right approach. Her writing here is enough to get her points and perspective taken seriously by those who do not understand the connection of spirituality with science. My favorite part of this book is Starhawk's passion about permaculture and that she spreads awareness of it.
Cons: I dislike the entire chapter devoted to Darwinian theory and why it is "important". I completely disagree. Darwin was a sexist/misogynist and a racist. I think Darwinian theory is completely wrong not only because of Darwin's morals but also because I do not think it is scientific nor true. I won't get more into it but will stop there as my personal critique with this book. Otherwise I loved this book.
"A real relationship with nature is vital for our magical and spiritual development, and our psychic and spiritual health. It is also a vital base for any work we do to heal the earth and transform the social and political systems that are assaulting her daily."

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's put my bias out front right away; I adore Starhawk's writing. There hasn't been a book of her's that I haven't enjoyed, yet. The focus on actively working with nature, with politics, with permaculture and with the Divine Feminine really works for me. The Earth Path was a fantastic read and holds up as well as the rest of Starhawk's writing.

This book weaves personal memories and journal entries with explanations about the natural world and concrete methods to connect with our world. The author provides insight into her own connection with the world and her activist work. These insights serve to enhance the reading experience and make what the author asks of readers seem more realistic and possible. Sometimes an author says "Take a walk every day" but gives no evidence of doing that themselves. Starhawk, on the other hand, points out where she succeeds and fails in following her own advice. It's refreshing but might be tedious for some readers.

Much of the book is focused on educating the Pagan reader with how our natural world actually works. There are bits about the science of seeds, evolution, and cycles. The science is well researched and references are provided. The left leaning bias is evident but the author makes no apologies for her politics. In fact, the author would rather like the reader to take a closer look at their own politics. The book makes it clear that readers should reflect on own our beliefs and their affect on our politics and actions. There are no couch Pagans here! Action, mess, and real work is called for. It reminds me a bit of the Ms. Frizzle saying "Take chances. Make mistakes. Get Messy."

If you are looking for a book to kick your practice into gear, this might be an excellent choice for you. You'll be encouraged to dig a little deeper and work for the change Pagans claim we want to see in the world.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't finish reading this. I really have liked many of starhawk's books, but i'm not so into the paganism. What i especially liked about this book was how it addresses the idea that the world would be better off without humans, which really is marginalizing to the native peoples of the earth's past and present. Gary Nabhan's book "Cultures of Habitat" also addresses this with more stats and such. They argue that we can live in on the earth without destroying living beings everyday, but we have to respect what's around us and change the way we interact with everything around us. Some of the exercises in the book were useful, but again, the paganism only does so much for me.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best Starhawk book I've read. It connects the dots between environmentalism and earth-based spirituality in a way that feels holistic and authentic. I guess in some ways, all spiritualities have an element of woo-woo/magic about them. What I liked about this book was that it seemed more practical and this magic than her others. Ritual was still there, but as a way of creating space for change. I feel like her own definition of what it means to be a witch has changed.

[Darceylaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starhawk does such a great job of speaking in the voice of the Northern California earth-centered cosmology I came to call home when we were living and studying there. It just feels comfortable and straight forward to me. I love that her magic is so practical- we learn from observation, we use what we have at hand. Common sense witchcraft and activism.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am deeply saddened when I read intelligent people using bad science (or none at all) to defend their views. It made it impossible for me to objectively enjoy the ritual and spiritual aspects of the book.

[Lien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, I read this book for a religion class. I myself am not religious, so I was able to read this book without feeling uncomfortable and argumentative at the points Starhawk was getting across.

It was really interesting to read Starhawk's perspective on nature. I feel like the education system shows us the "how" of nature/environmental science, but rarely pushes the "why," especially on why we should care. I enjoyed how the author pointed out lessons that we could learn from the elements, and consistently emphasized how we are a part of nature and that we should consider the effects of our actions in terms of looking at "the whole."

As a human rights student, I was particularly intrigued and surprised by her view on ethics/morality in the chapter titled "The Sacred." I personally don't view the world as a battle between metaphysical evil and good, and Starhawk simply changing evil and good to forces and counterforces changed my view on ethics in religion (and in general). Her bit about systems, changes in systems, and the act of changing systems were inspiring in context of the recent protests and the political tension in the US. For a book that was written over a decade ago, the issues presented in it are still extremely relevant.

Now, even though this book was informative, inspiring, and well-written, I'm giving this book three stars for a few reasons. This book did drag a bit. I didn't care for the journal entries that were included, though I understand why the author included them. Some areas felt like I was sitting through a science class, and those bits were informative, but I believe there are better ways to learn about science. Another reason why this book isn't getting a higher rating is because I wouldn't have picked up this book outside of class. I'm a bit unsure who this book is for. Those who don't care for the environment--those who need to change, are not likely to pick this up. Also, I'm a bit confused on what this book is? It's not exactly a textbook, not exactly an autobiography... It's like a self-help book but in addition to helping yourself, you're also helping the environment.

[Ani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starhawk eloquently explores what it means to be a witch today.

Using techniques to shift consciousness, the book includes guided mediations to explore the huge dynamic systems of the earth, the elements, the plants, and how they interconnect.

Starhawk makes an excellent case for being an environmentalist if you are a witch. The Earth is alive, she sustains us, and is worthy of our protection and our service. The Earth Path makes it clear that for those that chose to walk it, taking care of Earth is sacred work. Each choice we make in our days will affect the entire web of life because all things are connected. At times that gets down to the very tangible affects of energy use and climate change.

The Earth Path adds profound meaning to the question, "What does it mean to be a witch?" Beyond sparkly spells and sweet incense, there is deep power and wisdom contained within the living earth- to be a witch is to work with the earth in partnership and reverence, shifting consciousness as we need to gain greater insight.

[Lavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Earth Path" is such a well researched and in depth book and reference for pagans/spiritualists, but I must admit my young adolescent mind could not finish it. I wish I owned it to reference it further into my daily practice. Full of real-world examples, journal entries, scientific and personal experiences. How to help mother earth, Gaia, with a lot or little. I think it is essential in practice to acknowledge we cannot change the world. We must all do our part, no matter how big or small, to give back. I will definitely revisit this book in the future and add a personal copy to my library when I have the chance. Crazy how this was published in the early 2000s and still resonates with modern time 2020. A must-read for those looking for guidance and a little more information shows reality, not the fantasy of being a PWW.

rating: 4/5

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first of Starhawk's books that I've read (shallow as it is, I've long been put off by her name), and I doubt it will be the last. I loved the combination of low-input ritual, solid spiritual teaching, and environmental understanding in this book. At times, I felt that the authorial voice could get a bit wordy (but what pagan isn't when talking about nature?), but her tone was warm, firm, and just self-deprecating enough to be approachable. This is denser than most of the witchy 101 books available, but it's definitely a must-read for pagans who are looking to ground their practice in environmental science and Gaia theory.

[Betsy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starhawk is a Wiccan (Pagan) leader whose work I have been familiar with for a long time. In this book, she talks mostly about living on the land, and the way to heal a rural bit of the planet, but with quite a bit of discussion of wider issues in living in harmony with Nature. She gradually portrays this spiritual path as consisting of observing and meditating on the piece of ground you inhabit, however small, or one very nearby, and thus learning this living in harmony, so necessary to slow our destruction of our precious planet.
She provides many meditations for this purpose.

[Ceren Hic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly transformative, healing book. Makes all the connections necessary for you to start connecting with yourself, with nature and with others.the patterns of nature is alive in everyone as we are part of nature as humans. To bridge these gaps to be more joyful to arrive into a connected consciousness read it. So precious, invaluable book and Starhawk is very generous in sharing her journal, her practices and rituals and humor with a critical eye. Amazing, so grateful for this book and Starhawk. Thanks Elana Meta for sharing it! Blessed be.

[Emily O. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps it is because I am less familiar with paganism, but I did not resonate much with Starhawk's spiritual approach to the natural world. This may have largely been due to verbiage, though most of the reflective practices did not particularly strike me, either. Nonetheless, I did appreciate her explicit invitations for the reader to pause and engage with the world around them. Rather than pulling you solely into a book-world, this book endeavored, through the inclusion of various reflective exercises, to pull me deeper into the world around me.

[Sukie Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book refreshing as a morning read and meditation. I plan on buying a copy as many of the exercises/rituals she provides are a great resource for working with communities of all different backgrounds and faiths. What I appreciate most about Starhawk is that she is someone actively doing the messy work of community building with diverse community, and this aspect of actually being in the world and doing the work (rather than isolationism that many spiritual practices and faith tout as being holy) comes through in the pages.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was chilling to read about Starhawk's concerns about forestry mismanagement and resulting forest fires, written 20 years ago, while California burns today.

I appreciated her consideration and knowledge about indigenous ecological practices without an over-identification with or appropriation of them.

This was more philosophical than I'm used to in books about pagan spirituality or witchcraft. Once I realized that her heavy reliance on the lessons of permaculture wasn't going to require me to practice permaculture I was able to relax into it.

[Teri Stich · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a mix of interesting, educational and yet tedious. Her views on how to change the world through environmental concern were appealing but the practicality of a lot of it in everyday not likely. I do like that she gives so much scientific info and at the same time my eyes glazed over often. Bottom line if we all do as we can to be better stewards of the land it would be a better place to live. Worth at least perusing and getting what you can out of it.

[Maeve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starhawk illustrates how one could foster a more intimate connection with the natural world. She includes personal journal entries, awareness exercises, and meditation.

The focus is definitely on ecological conservation/permaculture, when I was expecting more about earth-centered spirituality. I think it would have been better for Starhawk to focus on one of these aspects (probably ecological conservation, since she has already written on earth-centered spirituality) instead of both.

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I've read this year. Starhawk blends spiritual practice/meditation/deep questions with her love of permaculture. This book addresses natural rhythms of nature and how seasons and literal groundedness affect social justice work and relationships. Really can't say enough about this. Highly recommended.

[Nic Ristevski · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is confused about what it wants to be, and the author is a hypocrite. Environmentalism and eating meat cannot coexist, and the author's justifications for doing so are without any proof or are honestly offensive. The diary entries don't add any value and the exercises are shallow. Don't bother with this one.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. Something about the writing style or format were difficult for me to feel really engaged. Perhaps all the practices were disruptive. Great topic though. Note I'd tried to read this previously and also struggled and ultimately started over since so much time had passed.

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book combines serval ideas of how we can be apart of nature through excerises, observations and different suggestions. Starhawk also brings in some different idea with philosophy and politics using permaculture and wilderness awareness. Book is structured with chapters looks at the elements. The only thing I think I could have done without is her personal journal entries.

[natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spiritually pretty underwhelming but overall well-written. Found it a bit difficult to read at first and actually didn't finish it at first having to revisit and was bit dull in places. Struggled to get enthusiastic about the subject through this author's language and writing style, seeming a bit pretentious and condescending in some places.

[Leah Beechy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was my first Starhawk book and I would definitely read more. I liked the way the chapters were split into various categories and elements. Additionally, the real-life experiences of people in the book and the call to action were inspiring. I will definitely recommend this to people.