Julian Vayne and Gordon 'The Creeping Toad' on Sacred Animals - In Conversation

Sacred animals appear in many cultures, taking on various roles as guides, spiritist antagonists, and more. They are a well-known concept, but perhaps for this reason one that is often taken for granted. What if the value of animals (and plants and wider landscapes) was to be considered in their own right, rather than purely as ciphers or stereotypes with set meanings and significances, as described in many magical traditions? Can a deeper meaning be found in sacred animals in their independence (and that of other spirits), and the nature of humanity's relationships with them?

This conversation strives to examine where these ideas came from, and is less of a 'skip through flower-filled meadows with butterflies' but more a cheerful but challenging 'running across thin ice with tigers'. This in-depth conversation will touch on the successes and failures of the current conservation movement and the importance of recognising a spiritual component in modern environmental work. The conversation is followed by time for Q&A. 

Gordon is an animist pagan, working closely with a mixture of faith and nature groups to promote deeper awareness of the spiritual importance of recognising the power of the living world. He is an Honorary Life Member of the Pagan Federation and has been an active member of the wider pagan community for many years. A coordinator of events and creator of celebrations, Gordon’s own practice is more shamanic than anything else, deeply involved with the spirits of landscapes, wildlife and the faerie realms Blog: creepingtoad.blogspot.com

Julian Vayne is an occultist with over 35 years’ experience. His work is informed by chaos magic, and by lineages in Wicca and Tantra. He is a regular workshop leader and speaker, and co-organiser of the psychedelic conference Breaking Convention. He has contributed to The Wanton Green: Contemporary Pagan Writings on Place, 2012 which was edited by Gordon. His books, essays and articles are published in both the academic and esoteric press. Site: julianvayne.com