Western Animism Quotes

“In Zen philosophy there are seven aesthetic principles for achieving wabi-sabi that we can easily learn to incorporate into our Western pagan idealism: • Fukinsei: asymmetry, irregularity; • Kanso: simplicity; • Koko: basic, weathered; • Shizen: without pretence, natural; • Yugen: subtly profound grace, not obvious; • Datsuzoku: unbounded by convention, free; • Seijaku: tranquillity.”
― Melusine Draco, Western Animism: Zen & The Art Of Positive Paganism

“All Japanese art forms, such as chado (the tea-ceremony), ikebana (flower arranging), shodo (calligraphy) and even martial arts are greatly influenced by the unique Zen philosophy, while the art forms themselves were transformed by Zen into a spiritual discipline focused on calmness, simplicity, and self-growth. In Japan, there is a tradition of studying art not only for art’s sake but also for spiritual purposes and when this is practised with Zen principles in mind, art can be a peaceful journey and a way of self-cultivation – leading to calmness, serenity and concentration.”
― Melusine Draco, Western Animism: Zen & The Art Of Positive Paganism

“Or as Sei Shonogon recorded in her Pillow Book all those centuries ago: It was a clear, moonlit night a little after the tenth of the Eight Month, Her Majesty, who was residing in the Empress’s Office, sat by the edge of the veranda while Ukon no Naishi played the flute for her. The other ladies in attendance sat together, talking and laughing; but I stayed by myself, leaning against one of the pillars between the main hall and the veranda. ‘Why so silent?’ said Her Majesty. ‘Say something. It is sad when you do not speak.’ ‘I am gazing at the autumn moon,’ I replied. ‘Ah yes,’ she remarked, ‘that is just what you should have said.”
― Melusine Draco, Western Animism: Zen & The Art Of Positive Paganism

“The Morioka region of northern Japan is famous for its horses and this festival was originally conceived by horse breeders who wished to pray for long and happy lives for their animals. It now features a parade of colourfully dressed horses ridden by local children with round 80–100 horses usually taking part dressed in konida costumes (worn by the horses of daimyo – feudal lords – in the Edo Period). The name of the festival comes from the noise made by the bells (chagu chagu) on the horses’ harnesses (umakko) and the event is designated as a national intangible folklore cultural asset. At the end of the parade, prayers are offered for a bountiful rice harvest and thanks are given to the horses.”
― Melusine Draco, Western Animism: Zen & The Art Of Positive Paganism

“The custom was originally limited to the elite of the Imperial Court, but soon spread to samurai society and, by the Edo period, to the common people as well. Traditionally, poems would be written praising the delicate flowers, which were seen as a metaphor for life itself, luminous and beautiful yet fleeting and ephemeral.”
― Melusine Draco, Western Animism: Zen & The Art Of Positive Paganism

“bearing in mind that although Japan is in the southern hemisphere the emphasis on the agrarian calendar nevertheless gels with Western (northern hemisphere) pagan traditions.”
― Melusine Draco, Western Animism: Zen & The Art Of Positive Paganism