In response to some of the questions that have been posted regarding the
Earth-Spirit list, first, I need to say that I am NOT an organizer of the
list, merely a subscriber. I joined because of the general aims of the
list, in my interpretation, an opportunity to foster discussion on the
spiritual aspects of environmental activism. I joined for personal and
"academic" reasons. After being on the list for a week or so, I discovered
that most of the active participants are pagans/wiccans. There are a few of
us who are part of more "orthodox" religious organizations, and probably
several who don't subscribe to any particular belief system.
My reason for wanting to let Native-L subscribers know about the list was
to broaden the diversity of the participants. I am getting a bit tired of
being flooded with the jargon of the pagans and wiccas on a list that
professes to cater to people of diverse spiritual/religious worldviews.
I've attempted, with little success, to broaden the discussion to encourage
others to participate. The list is rather inactive at the moment and I
will not again expend energy to revive a discussion that only one other
person participates in; however, I will remain subscribed for the time
being in hopes that there can be fostered a more diverse group. So, in
answer to Lyn's very valid questions:
> Are there any "new age" connections with this group?
If pagan/wicca are "new age," the answer is yes, if only on an individual
basis. As far as I can tell from what E-S participants say, these groups
aren't organized on more than a local basis. They are trying to get a more
national network going, but like many anarchic organizations (if that isn't
an oxymoron), they've had little success.
> ... Is it mostly Native American or mostly "anglo"?
Since it's a brand new list (began May 1, 1995), I guess that depends on
the diversity of the subscribers. At this point, it is probably better
characterized as a diverse group that is currently overpopulated by
subscribers to a particular belief system. Apparently (I found this out
when I did an archive search for my research), the list was created from a
situation on ECOFEM in which those wishing to discuss matters spiritual
were "silenced" by those on ECOFEM not wanting to have that kind of
discussion on that list. Joy somebody took the initiative to start her own
list and Earth-Spirit was born.
> My other question is if anyone knows about the elder
> leading this "trek" ... William Commanda, "holder of the
> Seven Fires Prophesy 'wampum belt'." What tribe is he?
This is one reason I forwarded the post. I figured if anyone can verify if
this organization is legit, NativeNetters can.
> My other reason for concern about the Earth Spirit "group" is the fact
> that they chose the "HIDDEN" option, rather than showing up in
> listings .... though that could go either way, I guess ... certainly
> if I were "starting" up a Native Spirituality "list", I wouldn't
> want it listed at all, believing that unlisted is safer for
> screening out the "insincere element".
Well, since it isn't a "native spirituality" list in an exclusive sense, I
think any "hiddenness" in its presentation is merely due to the fact that
it is only one month old. They are posting to usenet groups and I have
encouraged them to try to attract as broad a diversity of participants as
possible. I think the list is in desperate need of some "enlightenment."
If it doesn't start reflecting the vision of its stated mandate soon, I'll
be bowing out. As I said, I'm getting a little tired of the jargon.
Thank you to Lyn for asking these questions and giving me an opportunity to
explain this matter a little more fully. Even if you don't choose to
subscribe, you can certainly browse the archives to get a sense of the
conversations to date. If nothing else, you'll see why I'm trying to
broaden the discussion to be more inclusive.
Peace and love to all,
Roxanne
[ I received a personal message from Jennifer Norris on this subject this
morning which sheds a bit more light on the matter. In that message,
Jennifer said that I have her permission to pass on all or part of the
message, which I plan to do later today. I hope to be able to announce
the availability of a file containing the information from the Sunbow 5
Web site which I mentioned in my article earlier today. --Gary ]