Summary
Highlights
Ely Wells introduces Evo Dominguez Jr., a veteran witch with over 50 years of practice. They discuss the re-release of Evo's book, "Spirit Speak," and the challenges and considerations of publishing in the current economic climate. Evo shares how the new edition is 12,000 words longer, including updated content, expanded explanations, and a new chapter, to address questions and evolving contemporary interests. He also announces the upcoming audiobook version.
Evo explains that spirits of place were the first spirits he communicated with, often through time spent in nature as a child. He believes that sustained presence in an outdoor space allows these spirits to reveal themselves. He differentiates between nature spirits and spirits of place, noting that human attention and energy can enliven specific natural features, creating a bridge for communication. These spirits communicate not through human language but through 'form language,' which includes vibrations and the inherent consciousness of physical forms.
Evo expands on the idea that spirits of place are composed of nature spirits and elementals, forming a variable and temporary identity that becomes distinct when humans interact with them. He likens spirits of place to organs within a larger body, representing the spirit of an entire watershed or ecosystem. He also explores the concept of lay lines as underground rivers of life force, connecting all physical and metaphysical aspects of the Earth, including the subtle 'tide of stone' caused by the moon's gravitational pull on the Earth's magma.
Ely and Evo discuss the significance of silence in connecting with land spirits, linking it to the 'witch's pyramid' and the power of the element of Earth. Silence allows access to deeper instincts and the 'form language' of nature spirits, where the physical form itself is the language. Evo views science as an explanation of magic and emphasizes that both scientific and magical perspectives contribute to a holistic understanding of the world, highlighting the 'as above, so below' principle in geology.
Evo recounts how he and his family found their current property, waiting for the land to signal its welcome. They established sacred boundaries by embedding charged crystals in trees (with the trees' permission) and designated a specific tree for offerings from their garden. He stresses the importance of respecting areas where the land spirits do not welcome human presence. He also advises being mindful of emotional outbursts in natural spaces, as magical practitioners can unintentionally affect the environment with their intense energy. He encourages introducing oneself to the spirits of a place before conducting rituals, especially in public or frequently used spaces.
Evo concludes by emphasizing the urgent need to partner with beings of place due to the ecological crisis. He highlights that while the planet will recover from climate change, humanity is most at risk. He urges listeners to listen to land spirits for warnings and guidance, fostering allyship with the land. He also encourages supporting independent bookstores for purchasing "Spirit Speak" to help keep the book in print, as these sales contribute to its long-term availability.