Whether we live in the city or in the country, we depend on the Earth in all kinds of ways: we need to use its materials for shelter and for clothes: we must have clean water to drink; and we rely on successful harvests to eat. We may sometimes think of ourselves as separate from nature, but in fact the cycle of our lives is completely interwoven with the cycles of the natural world.
Traditionally, people have lived very close to nature, enjoying the gifts she has to offer and being respectful in turn. The stories from these cultures reflect this: the oldest tales tell of Earth Mothers and World Trees, Ancient Oceans and Heavenly Gardens. They tell of wonderful spirits and talking animals. Many religions and faiths teach that the heavenly reveals itself through nature. All over the world, songs and stories express a deep understanding of the Earth as sacred.
Sadly, this respect for nature is not as strong as it was even a hundred years ago. Recently, many people and institutions have begun to take a more selfish approach to the natural world - as something to use and make money out of, without caring about the damage that their actions may cause.
Now, at a time when we are again becoming aware that we need to live in balance with our planet, these ancient stories offer an important message. I have chosen a selection of tales that both celebrate our connection with nature and remind us how important it is to look after this Earth, our home. There are myths to renew our understanding of the land, stories that celebrate the glory and beauty of the natural world, and wisdom tales about how to care for the Earth. Listening to these ancient stories today and acting on their advice helps us to move forward, as the caretakers of tomorrow.Dawn Casey, Author
