Category: Nature

• Ancestors In Conflict

  The other day I found myself in renewed conversation with a few Native friends, discussing the presence of the Ancestors in our everyday lives. There was shared agreement that the Ancestors are often close at hand, offering perspective and advice, although the frequency and immediacy of contact was wildly variable amongst those present. All of…

  Michael Watson PhD

  February 23, 2015

  First Nations, Nature, Shamanism, Teaching

  ancestors, conflict, psychotherapy, Shamanism, trauma

• What Coyote Might Teach Us

  Yesterday we took down most of our Christmas decorations, including the small Nativity set which consists mostly of an array of animals, both wild and domestic, that surround a manger and child. The idea behind the tableau is the ancient circumpolar Indigenous knowing that the animals welcome us at birth, and support us throughout our…

  Michael Watson PhD

  January 5, 2015

  Climate Change, First Nations, Stories, Teaching

  coyote, Native American, Shamanism, Winter Solstice

• Dreaming

  The weather has turned damp and chilly, with the temperature only in the mid-fifties. A couple of days ago the first Titmouse of the season landed on the garden fence and looked into our window with that classic  “Why is the feeder empty?” look. Fall has certainly arrived! A few nights ago I dreamt about…

  Michael Watson PhD

  September 14, 2014

  Climate Change, First Nations, Healing, Shamanism

  autumn, climate change, Dreaming, Shamanism

• The Spirit of South Wind

  Yesterday, Grandfather South Wind blew strongly for much of the day. In the evening Jennie and I packed a picnic and headed for the lake. Jennie had noted that we would not have many more opportunities for our beloved picnics this year, so off we went. When we arrived at the lake the South Wind…

  Michael Watson PhD

  September 10, 2014

  Nature, Shamanism, Teaching

  autumn, South Wind, spirits