Understanding Animism: Ways of Seeing, Being and Belonging

Online class with Jonathan Weeks, founder of Spiritual Rewilding

Animism is often misunderstood, as if it were some archaic belief that people once held about “spirits in things,” that some are dragging into the modern world. In truth, it is far more than a belief: it is a way of seeing, being, and belonging as part of a living world.

In this class, Jonathan Weeks will introduce animism as a practice and a pathway, an approach to life that invites us to enter into relationship with the land around us, with the rivers, stones, winds, and creatures as fellow members of a shared community. We will explore this in historical and cross-cultural context, as well as looking at what it means to live animistically today.

We will look at common misconceptions about animism that still hold us back from fully embracing it, and discover how this way of knowing offers a profound grounding for spiritual practice, ecological awareness, and everyday connection. You will be guided through reflections and practices to begin cultivating a more animistic way of life, learning to engage with the world not as an object to be used, but as a living community to which we belong.

All those enrolled will receive the Zoom link for joining the live class. A recording will also be available afterwards for anyone who cannot attend in real time, along with handouts and practice notes to support you in continuing the work beyond the session.