Wakeful World, The – Animism, Mind and the Self in Nature

Emma Restall Orr (aka Bobcat) is one of the most well-known Druids worldwide. She worked for the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids, was Joint Chief of the British Druid Order for nearly ten years, and in 2002 created the international Druid Network. She is a practising priest and teacher, celebrated for her uncompromising views on ethics, environmentalism and personal responsibility. She regularly lectures at universities and within the Pagan community, and works as a media spokesperson for Druidry. Listen to Emma's answers to BBC's The Big Questions: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00kc2l1/The_Big_Questions_Series_2_Episode_16/

This original and lively book brings back animism - a most useful range of ideas which reductivists have somewhat wildly abandoned during the last century - into focus once more just when it is badly needed to cure current confusions about mind and body. Dr Mary Midgley, Moral Philosopher Emma Restall Orr has accomplished a most difficult task: combining academic-quality research with an accessible and compelling narrative. The concepts of animism, panpsychism, and mind in nature are all explored with great dexterity and insight. The Wakeful World offers a fascinating and powerful vision of animism for the present day - a vision that promises to reconnect us to the living Earth. David Skrbina PhD, Author, Panpsychism in the West New science and ancient philosophy contribute to her careful and grounded consideration of the value of being a thoughtful animist today. Graham Harvey, Reader in Religious Studies, The Open University, Author of Animism: Respecting the Living World