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Journey Into Dreamtime
This book invites you to to step into the magical world of Aboriginal Dreamtime and to share in the world's oldest living culture - its ancient knowledge and spiritual wisdom. Inside are Dreamtime concepts that everyone can understand. Find out why the Rainbow Snake is called by that name and why it is deeply revered. What special role does it play in traditional healing? What are sacred sites and how do they empower you? What does it mean to have kangaroo or possum Dreaming? How can you discover your 'Dreaming' and what it can teach you? How does Dreaming help you cope with and master life? What are Dreaming Eyes and Dreaming Ears? What are Sorry Rocks? Come on a journey with Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Munya as she guides you in discovering your purpose in life and how to walk in the footsteps of our Ancestors. Learn what it means to truly belong and be family to ever y one and everything.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2020
47 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 23, 2022
3.5 ⭐
More like a quick stroll down the boulevard of Dreamtime than any sort of comprehensive Journey. I’m incredibly grateful for the information that Munya Andrews shares in ‘Journey into Dreamtime’ and this serves as a wonderful introduction to Australian Aboriginal culture and beliefs but ultimately, due to being completely out of touch with my spirituality, as well as strict restrictions amongst Aboriginal clans regarding Inside/outside knowledge, I’m walking away from this one feeling like I’ve merely dipped my toes in a fathomless Ocean of Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy and Mythology that I’ll never be given the chance to fully comprehend.
”Dreamtime is an Aboriginal English word used to describe the religion or spirituality of Aboriginal Australians. It is a philosophy, a cosmology, a worldview and a way of life that explains how the world was created and our relationship to each other.”
There are a so many incredibly interesting topics covered in minor detail throughout the book that left me wanting for more. Here’s a very brief overview of some of the key elements:
Dreaming can be compared to the Native American concept of totem. Everybody has a personal and a group dreaming. Your personal dreaming is designed to help you spiritually, “to develop a strong sense of self and well-being so that [you] can better contribute to society. I liken this to finding your “calling”. Clan dreaming gives a sense of connection to all things living and non-living and fosters “a strong sense of kinship and kindredness that serves to unite us”. Your group “totem” comes from the clan or family you are born into whereas your personal totem could be given to you by an observant elder or come to you in an epiphany. These dreamings are usually symbolised by one animal or another.
”Dreamtime teaches you are not alone in this world - that you are more connected than you realise. That you are related to every living being - animal, plant and object. That you are family and that you belong. How incredibly empowering this realisation is to the embattled and dispossessed, and to those who have lost hope?”
“Songlines or ‘Dreaming Tracks”… are energy lines that criss-cross the Australian continent. Together they form a net that holds everything together”. “[These] mark the routes followed by Dreaming Beings [Gods/Godesses] during the creative era of the Dreamtime as recorded in traditional dances, songs, stories and paintings”.
The Rainbow Snake is the most sacred of the ‘Dreaming beings’/ Ancestral creators and is highly venerated and respected amongst aboriginal people. It is arguably the oldest religious emblem in human history. It is neither he nor she but both. It is known both for its healing as well as creative and destructive powers. Bush Doctors/Healers are said to draw their powers directly from the snake. The Rainbow Snake and other Dreaming Beings are not considered Mythology in the usual sense but are said to be alive in the Spirit of Australian Aboriginals.
Singing the Land (Yorro yorro) and Love Magic (jardada) are both acts of manifestation through an altered state of consciousness achieved through song and dance. “Singing the land is about maintaining harmony and balance to ensure the fertility of the land so that it can feed and nourish us”. Love magic, on the other hand, aids fertility and the development of love relationships through creative visualisation. Love Magic is “Women’s business” and takes place in sacred fertility sites along the songlines of the goddesses Gudgeri and Gunabibi. “Nicole Kidman famously credited the fertility waters surrounding Kununurra in Australia’s north west for helping her conceive after years of desperately trying”.
Deep Listening (Dadirri) and Dreaming eye. “Dadirri is a meditation practice that teaches people how to connect with the land and each other through sacred breathing. The idea put forth here reminded me very much of the Tao way of thinking:
”Understanding the flow of life allows us to let go of expectations, accept the limitations over which we have no control, and move with this flow.”
The dreaming eye refers to our third eye and begins to delve into “the psychic realm of the Shaman or mabarn”. We, in Western societies would refer to this as extra sensory perception where Australian aboriginals see it as peering into the Spirit-world which is merely an extension of the material world. It is said that “with dreaming eyes, you begin to see human and animal faces in everything” and this “is acknowledging Spirit, our common heritage and destiny, our connection, our kindredness and our Oneness with all of nature”…. No, random redneck who thinks they saw Jesus on a pop-tart, I don’t think this includes you.
Bush Doctors are healers who have the “Sickness Dreaming”. Their abilities are, most commonly, passed down through their family dreaming. Their primary healing tool is the quartz crystal which is commonly ritually inserted inside their bodies during initiation, giving them “x-ray vision to diagnose illness, to see over vast distances, to see spirits, and travel to the underworld to commune with them”. Additional medicines include herbs and plants, powdered ochre, animal fats as balms and ointments and ti-tree and other oils. Make of this what you will but the fact is, the aboriginal people have a strong belief in this tradition and have presumably been practicing it for as long as 65,000 years with sound results.
”When culture is taken away from people or they are not allowed to practise it, it debilitates us and in extreme cases can break a person’s spirit. We only need to look at the downtrodden, the disenfranchised, those seeking comfort in alcohol and drug abuse as their souls are crying out for emotional support and spiritual sustenance. Dreamtime is a path to well-being and wholeness that works on a multitude of levels.”
Munya draws many comparisons to other religions, philosophies and mythologies.
She refers multiple times to similarities regarding Christianity and there are some principles which seem to mirror those of the Taoists, as mentioned earlier.
The Rainbow Snake, which Andrews explains is actually feathered can be compared to Quetzacotl of Aztec mythology or Kukulkan from Mayan. And we are reminded, by the healing powers of the serpent, of the medical symbol of two snakes winding around a winged staff, representing the staff of Hermes. Or Asclepius, whose rod features a single snake. I hadn’t really given this much thought and am always thrilled to discover “coincidental” likenesses in much-distanced Ancient mythologies.
The concept of inside vs outside knowledge is very understandable, but at the same time saddening to me. Sacred knowledge is heavily guarded within Aboriginal communities based on age, clan membership and gender. This is extended, obviously, to those of us that are not of a clan. Munya explains this as basically holding back the true depth of knowledge and insight contained in Aboriginal mythology/ancient teachings from those who are not “worthy” of it. Only children’s stories are shared with the Australian public and there are penalties for revealing more than one should to the outside world. I disappointed myself here. My first thought was that this comes across as elitism or even prejudice but, as Munya explains, it is purely born of high “regard for the wisdom of elders whose life experience is highly valued and respected” as well as a sense of self-preservation against the “misuse or abuse of spiritual knowledge and powers for personal gain for sinister reasons”.
While I feel this is absolutely justified and can’t fault the logic, I also can’t deny that it leaves me feeling out of the loop and really unable to fully comprehend or appreciate the nuances of the Aboriginal Australian’s deep spirituality. Despite this, I would still recommend this to those looking for an introduction to Dreamtime and, personally, I’ll be continuing my search for a more comprehensive work of Aboriginal Mythology. Perhaps, I’ll someday be lucky enough to attend one of Munya’s seminars to gain a greater understanding of the information she has shared in this book.
”Very often, gudia [white folk] are drawn to Aboriginal Dreamtime seeking a deeper connection to this land. I say to them, you need not look further if the bones of your ancestors (your loved ones) are buried in this land. We do not take that lightly. For us, it is a significant and holy occurrence, for the bones of our people lie together within the body of the Rainbow Snake (regardless of our race, religion or political differences). We all return to Her in the end.”
More like a quick stroll down the boulevard of Dreamtime than any sort of comprehensive Journey. I’m incredibly grateful for the information that Munya Andrews shares in ‘Journey into Dreamtime’ and this serves as a wonderful introduction to Australian Aboriginal culture and beliefs but ultimately, due to being completely out of touch with my spirituality, as well as strict restrictions amongst Aboriginal clans regarding Inside/outside knowledge, I’m walking away from this one feeling like I’ve merely dipped my toes in a fathomless Ocean of Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy and Mythology that I’ll never be given the chance to fully comprehend.
”Dreamtime is an Aboriginal English word used to describe the religion or spirituality of Aboriginal Australians. It is a philosophy, a cosmology, a worldview and a way of life that explains how the world was created and our relationship to each other.”
There are a so many incredibly interesting topics covered in minor detail throughout the book that left me wanting for more. Here’s a very brief overview of some of the key elements:
Dreaming can be compared to the Native American concept of totem. Everybody has a personal and a group dreaming. Your personal dreaming is designed to help you spiritually, “to develop a strong sense of self and well-being so that [you] can better contribute to society. I liken this to finding your “calling”. Clan dreaming gives a sense of connection to all things living and non-living and fosters “a strong sense of kinship and kindredness that serves to unite us”. Your group “totem” comes from the clan or family you are born into whereas your personal totem could be given to you by an observant elder or come to you in an epiphany. These dreamings are usually symbolised by one animal or another.
”Dreamtime teaches you are not alone in this world - that you are more connected than you realise. That you are related to every living being - animal, plant and object. That you are family and that you belong. How incredibly empowering this realisation is to the embattled and dispossessed, and to those who have lost hope?”
“Songlines or ‘Dreaming Tracks”… are energy lines that criss-cross the Australian continent. Together they form a net that holds everything together”. “[These] mark the routes followed by Dreaming Beings [Gods/Godesses] during the creative era of the Dreamtime as recorded in traditional dances, songs, stories and paintings”.
The Rainbow Snake is the most sacred of the ‘Dreaming beings’/ Ancestral creators and is highly venerated and respected amongst aboriginal people. It is arguably the oldest religious emblem in human history. It is neither he nor she but both. It is known both for its healing as well as creative and destructive powers. Bush Doctors/Healers are said to draw their powers directly from the snake. The Rainbow Snake and other Dreaming Beings are not considered Mythology in the usual sense but are said to be alive in the Spirit of Australian Aboriginals.
Singing the Land (Yorro yorro) and Love Magic (jardada) are both acts of manifestation through an altered state of consciousness achieved through song and dance. “Singing the land is about maintaining harmony and balance to ensure the fertility of the land so that it can feed and nourish us”. Love magic, on the other hand, aids fertility and the development of love relationships through creative visualisation. Love Magic is “Women’s business” and takes place in sacred fertility sites along the songlines of the goddesses Gudgeri and Gunabibi. “Nicole Kidman famously credited the fertility waters surrounding Kununurra in Australia’s north west for helping her conceive after years of desperately trying”.
Deep Listening (Dadirri) and Dreaming eye. “Dadirri is a meditation practice that teaches people how to connect with the land and each other through sacred breathing. The idea put forth here reminded me very much of the Tao way of thinking:
”Understanding the flow of life allows us to let go of expectations, accept the limitations over which we have no control, and move with this flow.”
The dreaming eye refers to our third eye and begins to delve into “the psychic realm of the Shaman or mabarn”. We, in Western societies would refer to this as extra sensory perception where Australian aboriginals see it as peering into the Spirit-world which is merely an extension of the material world. It is said that “with dreaming eyes, you begin to see human and animal faces in everything” and this “is acknowledging Spirit, our common heritage and destiny, our connection, our kindredness and our Oneness with all of nature”…. No, random redneck who thinks they saw Jesus on a pop-tart, I don’t think this includes you.
Bush Doctors are healers who have the “Sickness Dreaming”. Their abilities are, most commonly, passed down through their family dreaming. Their primary healing tool is the quartz crystal which is commonly ritually inserted inside their bodies during initiation, giving them “x-ray vision to diagnose illness, to see over vast distances, to see spirits, and travel to the underworld to commune with them”. Additional medicines include herbs and plants, powdered ochre, animal fats as balms and ointments and ti-tree and other oils. Make of this what you will but the fact is, the aboriginal people have a strong belief in this tradition and have presumably been practicing it for as long as 65,000 years with sound results.
”When culture is taken away from people or they are not allowed to practise it, it debilitates us and in extreme cases can break a person’s spirit. We only need to look at the downtrodden, the disenfranchised, those seeking comfort in alcohol and drug abuse as their souls are crying out for emotional support and spiritual sustenance. Dreamtime is a path to well-being and wholeness that works on a multitude of levels.”
Munya draws many comparisons to other religions, philosophies and mythologies.
She refers multiple times to similarities regarding Christianity and there are some principles which seem to mirror those of the Taoists, as mentioned earlier.
The Rainbow Snake, which Andrews explains is actually feathered can be compared to Quetzacotl of Aztec mythology or Kukulkan from Mayan. And we are reminded, by the healing powers of the serpent, of the medical symbol of two snakes winding around a winged staff, representing the staff of Hermes. Or Asclepius, whose rod features a single snake. I hadn’t really given this much thought and am always thrilled to discover “coincidental” likenesses in much-distanced Ancient mythologies.
The concept of inside vs outside knowledge is very understandable, but at the same time saddening to me. Sacred knowledge is heavily guarded within Aboriginal communities based on age, clan membership and gender. This is extended, obviously, to those of us that are not of a clan. Munya explains this as basically holding back the true depth of knowledge and insight contained in Aboriginal mythology/ancient teachings from those who are not “worthy” of it. Only children’s stories are shared with the Australian public and there are penalties for revealing more than one should to the outside world. I disappointed myself here. My first thought was that this comes across as elitism or even prejudice but, as Munya explains, it is purely born of high “regard for the wisdom of elders whose life experience is highly valued and respected” as well as a sense of self-preservation against the “misuse or abuse of spiritual knowledge and powers for personal gain for sinister reasons”.
While I feel this is absolutely justified and can’t fault the logic, I also can’t deny that it leaves me feeling out of the loop and really unable to fully comprehend or appreciate the nuances of the Aboriginal Australian’s deep spirituality. Despite this, I would still recommend this to those looking for an introduction to Dreamtime and, personally, I’ll be continuing my search for a more comprehensive work of Aboriginal Mythology. Perhaps, I’ll someday be lucky enough to attend one of Munya’s seminars to gain a greater understanding of the information she has shared in this book.
”Very often, gudia [white folk] are drawn to Aboriginal Dreamtime seeking a deeper connection to this land. I say to them, you need not look further if the bones of your ancestors (your loved ones) are buried in this land. We do not take that lightly. For us, it is a significant and holy occurrence, for the bones of our people lie together within the body of the Rainbow Snake (regardless of our race, religion or political differences). We all return to Her in the end.”
August 5, 2025
I learned quite a bit about Aboriginal culture from this - many interesting detailed tidbits as well as the big picture. I also enjoyed the many asides on Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, etc. It also left me very reflective about what it means for a culture to thrive when another culture tries to dominate or brush it aside.
September 22, 2020
I knew next to nothing about Aboriginal Dreamtime before I read this book. I found it after I read the book Mythopedia by Good Wives and Warriors, about various mythical creatures from around the world, and I loved the story of the Rainbow Snake’s creation of the world depicted in that book so I wanted to know more and stumbled across this book.
It is so fascinating, and I love the way it is written, I feel like the author’s gentleness and respect for all things really comes through. It is written for non-Aboriginals like me who want to know more, but is in no way purely dry and factual - you get to learn certain terms, and “laws” and practices etc along the way and she offers comparisons now and then with other religions and cultures, giving her explanations wider context that deepens your understanding.
She also poses questions for you to think about at the end of each chapter, related to your own life & understanding , as well as testing your understanding which was lovely.
I want to know more, and I also hope to find similar books about other indigenous cultures. I’m also really interested in the connections between the underlying spiritual principles here and that of paganism (which came later I think?) let alone the similarities between indigenous cultures and beliefs in different parts of the world (she often mentions similarities with Native American beliefs).
In conclusion, this is a little gem of a book.
It is so fascinating, and I love the way it is written, I feel like the author’s gentleness and respect for all things really comes through. It is written for non-Aboriginals like me who want to know more, but is in no way purely dry and factual - you get to learn certain terms, and “laws” and practices etc along the way and she offers comparisons now and then with other religions and cultures, giving her explanations wider context that deepens your understanding.
She also poses questions for you to think about at the end of each chapter, related to your own life & understanding , as well as testing your understanding which was lovely.
I want to know more, and I also hope to find similar books about other indigenous cultures. I’m also really interested in the connections between the underlying spiritual principles here and that of paganism (which came later I think?) let alone the similarities between indigenous cultures and beliefs in different parts of the world (she often mentions similarities with Native American beliefs).
In conclusion, this is a little gem of a book.
Read
April 18, 2023Journey into Dreamtime is a very informative and engaging book. Australian Aboriginal culture, developed over tens of thousands of years, has much to offer to people who have been only exposed to the much younger western culture and concepts.
Dreamtime is not about ordinary dreams, instead it provides a spiritual guidebook of the deep connection everyone has, not only with other people but also with the natural world surrounding us. The stories of Dreamtime mentor people, explaining how to identify the individual requirements each needs to master on our own journey through life. All of us, not just the indigenous people, can develop Dreaming Ears and Dreaming Eyes, which provide tools to help us cope with life. We learn that we are not alone in this world, instead are part of one big family.
I was fascinated to read about the Aboriginal concept of time, in that it does not have a linear flow, as it is treated in western culture. In brief in Aboriginal time, events of the past, the present and future are one. This conception that time does not have a linear flow is the same as for time in Einsteinian relativity. In Einstein’s block universe, all the events of the past, present and future are ‘now’ in a spatial dimension. There is no flow from past to future, everything just is. How fascinating that the Indigenous came to this realisation thousands of years before Einstein!
I did not realise that there are two types of knowledge in Dreamtime, called inside and outside knowledge. Outside knowledge is like children’s stories, stories that non-Indigenous people can hear, while inside knowledge is only for selected adult Indigenous people. Dreamtime unites the outside and inside worlds and takes a person to a profound understanding of who they are. With this knowledge, you emerge as a spiritual warrior, afraid of nothing.
Journey into Dreamtime provides information about many Aboriginal matters, including Songlines (virtual maps that provide a real world navigational tool); the deep significance of trees; Sacred Sites (better regarded as places of special power); Rainbow Snake, the most sacred of the ancestral creators in Aboriginal Australia; bush medicine; Sickness Country in which people can psychically sense whether they are safe, or not, when passing through places; and ‘Skin’, the connection that everyone has with other people.
In summary, read this book! It would be great if it was a reading text for all high-school students because applying the insights in the book would surely make the world a better place. We have an obligation to leave the world in a better place for our descendants. Dreamtime is an ethics code that teaches respect for all things and to be mindful of the consequences of our actions. Are you ready to open your mind?
Dreamtime is not about ordinary dreams, instead it provides a spiritual guidebook of the deep connection everyone has, not only with other people but also with the natural world surrounding us. The stories of Dreamtime mentor people, explaining how to identify the individual requirements each needs to master on our own journey through life. All of us, not just the indigenous people, can develop Dreaming Ears and Dreaming Eyes, which provide tools to help us cope with life. We learn that we are not alone in this world, instead are part of one big family.
I was fascinated to read about the Aboriginal concept of time, in that it does not have a linear flow, as it is treated in western culture. In brief in Aboriginal time, events of the past, the present and future are one. This conception that time does not have a linear flow is the same as for time in Einsteinian relativity. In Einstein’s block universe, all the events of the past, present and future are ‘now’ in a spatial dimension. There is no flow from past to future, everything just is. How fascinating that the Indigenous came to this realisation thousands of years before Einstein!
I did not realise that there are two types of knowledge in Dreamtime, called inside and outside knowledge. Outside knowledge is like children’s stories, stories that non-Indigenous people can hear, while inside knowledge is only for selected adult Indigenous people. Dreamtime unites the outside and inside worlds and takes a person to a profound understanding of who they are. With this knowledge, you emerge as a spiritual warrior, afraid of nothing.
Journey into Dreamtime provides information about many Aboriginal matters, including Songlines (virtual maps that provide a real world navigational tool); the deep significance of trees; Sacred Sites (better regarded as places of special power); Rainbow Snake, the most sacred of the ancestral creators in Aboriginal Australia; bush medicine; Sickness Country in which people can psychically sense whether they are safe, or not, when passing through places; and ‘Skin’, the connection that everyone has with other people.
In summary, read this book! It would be great if it was a reading text for all high-school students because applying the insights in the book would surely make the world a better place. We have an obligation to leave the world in a better place for our descendants. Dreamtime is an ethics code that teaches respect for all things and to be mindful of the consequences of our actions. Are you ready to open your mind?
January 26, 2022
A very simplistic and basic introduction to Aboriginal spirituality and way of life. An excellent summary for anyone who wants a quick walk through on these matters - such as Dreamtime. The understanding that is fundamental to Dreamtime is a non-dual reality, a placeless place, from that which all arises and to that which all returns. Very similar to the core concept of various major religions, but told through the use of different stories, mythologies, metaphors, and symbols. To me, Dreamtime, seems to resonate well with Taoism. The message is basically that we all share our existence with everyone and everything. We are not seperate from the process, but are part of it. More accurately we ARE the process.
December 14, 2024
Auntie Munya Andrews is an elder and barrister from the Kimberley region. With this book she invites us all into learning about the Dreamtime knowledges and how we can apply them to our lives and our world.
Start learning about the Dreamtime; the Rainbow Serpent; the law and the lore; sorry rocks; tribes, clans, moieties and skins; and more. Walk in the footsteps of the Ancestors and share in the world's oldest living culture - its ancient knowledge and spiritual wisdom.
I found this an absolutely fascinating listen which left me wanting more. My only complaint is that it was not long enough.
Highly recommended. 4.5 stars
Start learning about the Dreamtime; the Rainbow Serpent; the law and the lore; sorry rocks; tribes, clans, moieties and skins; and more. Walk in the footsteps of the Ancestors and share in the world's oldest living culture - its ancient knowledge and spiritual wisdom.
I found this an absolutely fascinating listen which left me wanting more. My only complaint is that it was not long enough.
Highly recommended. 4.5 stars
July 23, 2025
A wonderful insight to a number of different topics - Dreamtime, lore/law, Songlines, sacred sites, bush doctors and bus medicine, kinship and skin groups - written in an easy to understand format.
“Australian Aboriginal culture and spirituality has much to offer humanity. Dreamtime is an ethics code that teaches respect for all things and being mindful of the consequences of our actions and behaviour on those we share our planet with - the creatures, rocks, rivers, trees and mountains. This world is not just ours to possess and do with as we please. We share it with other beings and have an obligation to look after it and leave it a better place for you and me.”
“Australian Aboriginal culture and spirituality has much to offer humanity. Dreamtime is an ethics code that teaches respect for all things and being mindful of the consequences of our actions and behaviour on those we share our planet with - the creatures, rocks, rivers, trees and mountains. This world is not just ours to possess and do with as we please. We share it with other beings and have an obligation to look after it and leave it a better place for you and me.”
April 9, 2020
I am so grateful to have found this book via the connections that brought me to it. It has such a clear and concise description of concepts vital to Aboriginal peoples of Australia, and welcomes us with a warm heart to learn and grow from the experience. So much in this book is vital, but will require us reaching out further to fully learn and experience what is described within.
Munya Andrews has given us a blessing with this book.
Munya Andrews has given us a blessing with this book.
May 23, 2025
This book is tip of the iceberg with what dreamtime represents, however, it’s an enchanting yet still logical glimpse in the broader esoteric meaning and reality of what is dreamtime. It was mentioned in the book that most public stories of dreamtime is the kid’s stuff and this puts into perspective how much amazing, deep and spiritual knowledge that is still within this culture that is only reserved for those truly seeking it.
June 7, 2020
An insightful look into Aboriginal culture and the magical world of Aboriginal Dreamtime. This book is concise and engaging. An informative account of a topic I’d like to learn more about. You may even learn how Nicole Kidman finally got pregnant !
October 11, 2022
Really interesting book, fascinating insight into one of the world's oldest indiginous populations, definitely recommend.
December 30, 2022
I love this book so much, thank you Aunty Munya Andrews<3
August 2, 2024
Simply and clearly explained.
November 1, 2025
Amazing, insightful, spiritually moving. Thoroughly enjoyed reading and appreciated the questions at the end of each chapter.
Can't wait to read more about dreamtime.
Can't wait to read more about dreamtime.
September 21, 2021
This is a fairly short and comprehensive presentation of Australian Aboriginal culture. It is well written and beautifully argued. Munya has clearly succeeded in presenting Aboriginal values and ideals to a western reader. It is the first time that I read about Aboriginal Dreamtime as a religion or spirituality of Aboriginal Australians. Munya calls it a philosophy, cosmology, a worldview that shows connections between everything in the world. Munya skilfully compares Aboriginal Dreamtime with the works of Carl Jung and shows crossovers between Dreamtime and perspectives of other religions and philosophies across the world. Her references are very useful, and I am planning to read some of them soon.
The author shows us the beauty, power and wisdom of Dreaming and Totems. They are not just abstract concepts, but a philosophy of living and a perspective on the world. Munya says that her Totems enable her to see the world from a different perspective, to think outside the box. She argues that Dreaming and Totems can help you discover your purpose in life and cope with challenges we face every day.
We are one with nature and the universe. The Dreamtime teaches us that we are all intimately connected, we are family with all living beings in the world. Thus, we need to be mindful and respectful to the gifts of nature and we should be kind to each other. This attitude will enable us to feel a sense of community and connection. Dreamtime teaches us the importance of deep listening, deep observations and respect towards all living beings on our planet and mother earth.
I really enjoyed reading about bush medicine and Aboriginal approach to healing. I somehow always believed in a holistic approach to medicine and was delighted to read about bush doctors and bush medicines in Aboriginal culture. This approach includes herbs, plants, smoking, dance, meditation, breathing techniques, chants, songs. Cultural immersion plays a great role in healing. Diseases are not seen as a battle to be fought but as a friend that brings you important spiritual message.
I believe that given all the stress, loneliness and anxiety that many people face these days, we need to learn more from Aboriginal culture. Capitalistic approach to nature is harmful from my point of view. It is heartbreaking to see how the Great Barrier Reef is being destroyed and some plants and animals become extinct due to human greed.
Overall, it is such an insightful and thought-provoking book. Highly recommend.
The author shows us the beauty, power and wisdom of Dreaming and Totems. They are not just abstract concepts, but a philosophy of living and a perspective on the world. Munya says that her Totems enable her to see the world from a different perspective, to think outside the box. She argues that Dreaming and Totems can help you discover your purpose in life and cope with challenges we face every day.
We are one with nature and the universe. The Dreamtime teaches us that we are all intimately connected, we are family with all living beings in the world. Thus, we need to be mindful and respectful to the gifts of nature and we should be kind to each other. This attitude will enable us to feel a sense of community and connection. Dreamtime teaches us the importance of deep listening, deep observations and respect towards all living beings on our planet and mother earth.
I really enjoyed reading about bush medicine and Aboriginal approach to healing. I somehow always believed in a holistic approach to medicine and was delighted to read about bush doctors and bush medicines in Aboriginal culture. This approach includes herbs, plants, smoking, dance, meditation, breathing techniques, chants, songs. Cultural immersion plays a great role in healing. Diseases are not seen as a battle to be fought but as a friend that brings you important spiritual message.
I believe that given all the stress, loneliness and anxiety that many people face these days, we need to learn more from Aboriginal culture. Capitalistic approach to nature is harmful from my point of view. It is heartbreaking to see how the Great Barrier Reef is being destroyed and some plants and animals become extinct due to human greed.
Overall, it is such an insightful and thought-provoking book. Highly recommend.
November 14, 2019
There was so much in this book that I didn't know about Australian Aboriginal culture and the Dreamtime. So much I wished I'd known for many years. Munya's writing is indeed magical and wise. It has positively added to my understanding of spirituality and being; and is worthy of more than one reading.
October 18, 2021
Aunty Munya literally jumps from the pages with her spirit, compassion and intelligence in this zesty introduction to Dreamtime. There are so many things to discover about this ancient, spiritual way of thinking and being, which touches on all aspects of human lives - I'm definitely going deeper into this rabbit hole. And now I don't feel so silly for talking to my plants ;)
October 6, 2021
After watching "First Footprints: The Original Pioneers of All Humankind" I have become fascinated with the concept of Dreamtime, Songlines and more. This book is a great introduction to the culture of the First Peoples of Australia.
September 19, 2024
This book taught me so much about Aboriginal culture and traditions. Their connection to Country (land, water, sky) and all the animals that live in it is just next level. 100% recommend if you would like to delve more into Australia’s First Nation history.
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