Celestial bodies Quote by Bill Plotkin
““From the perspective and experience of the Wild Indigenous One, we are enchanted, and in two ways. First, the South Self is utterly moved by, deeply touched by, the things of this world — its creatures, greenery, landforms, weather, and celestial bodies — and recognizes that each thing has its own voice and presence. It’s as if we’re under a spell — enchanted — captured by the magic and utter mystery of each thing. And when we’re alive in our South facet, all that we do, even “work,” becomes play. The world fills us with wonder and awe. Sometimes we’re terrified by the deadly potential of terrestrial forms and forces such as tornadoes, grizzlies, and hornets, sometimes simply exhilarated, sometimes both at once. We’re also enchanted in a second, reciprocal sense: The things of the world are allured by us and to us! We ourselves, individually and as a species, are a magical power or presence in this world. The other-than-humans recognize in us a form of mystery no less stunning than their own. We, too, place other beings under a spell (including each other).””
About This Quote
Source Book: Soulcraft, 2009
The passage describes how humans are deeply enchanted by nature, feeling both awe and fear, and how we reciprocally enchant the world, turning work into play.
In simple terms: We are enchanted by nature and enchant nature in return, making life feel magical.
Cultivate reverence for the natural world.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- outdoor meditation
- creative work
- environmental activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance enchantment with responsibility?
- What practices deepen this reciprocal relationship?
May romanticize nature and ignore ecological crises.