Section 1, Nature Magic – transformation through study
Why important
Observational skills
Connection to energy/sacredness that permeates our world
Learning about a sense of physical place and belonging
Connection to nature helps mental and physical health (‘grounding’)
Merging Spirt Magic with Nature Magic
Mindfulness nature study/practices
Outdoor meditation/contemplation
Communicating with trees & plants
Identifying spirit animals/plants
Further Nature Magic
Animal tracking
Medicinal plants
Harvesting/living from the land
Section 2, Intro to Transcendentalism
What it is: the idea that humans have [faculties/abilities] above and beyond the senses – these can “transform” the senses and sensory experience and bring about a larger spiritual awareness [in all things], and its relationship and impact on UU magic
How Transcendentalists see the natural world
The inherent magic in transcendentalism
Idea that spirit or divine energy is infused in humans and the natural world – bees and butterflies are just as sacred as conscrecated/holy objects in other religions; all life and natural objects have magical energy flowing through them
How we can follow and explore this practice here and at home
Spending time in nature just to be and observe
Contemplation (similar to meditation)
Reading for personal growth
Writing in journal or diary – or other way of recording reflective work
Discussion (can be debriefing in classes or prompts for home)
Taking social justice action in our communities
Section 3, Introduction to Humanism
Basic concepts, as with Transcendentalism
Similarities & differences between Humanism and Transcendentalism
How Humanists see the natural world
The inherent magic in Humanism
Practicing Humanist teachings
Section 4, Introduction to Neo-Paganism
Basic concepts of Paganism
Similarites and differences between Paganism, Humanism and Transcendentalism