Each week, I share three things with you, usually media from others that informs and inspires my spirituality and writing. I hope it helps you grow and learn with me!
Intersectional Environmentalism
If you’ve done any reading about race and feminism, you should already be at least familiar with the term intersectionality. I recently learned about Black activist and environmentalist, Leah Thomas. She’s founded the group Intersectional Environmentalism.
This is an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet. It identifies the ways in which injustices happening to marginalized communities and the earth are interconnected. It brings injustices done to the most vulnerable communities, and the earth, to the forefront and does not minimize or silence social inequality. Intersectional environmentalism advocates for justice for people + the planet.
– Leah Thomas
If you’re like me, you came to Druidry or Paganism in general out of a genuine love and concern for the Earth. Just as we consider how we’re including and elevating BIPOC in our Pagan communities, we need to consider it in our work to protect the environment, too. Since there is overlap between Pagans and environmentalists, I highly encourage you to read her recent Vogue article and check out the important work that Thomas is doing. This could help inform and prepare your circle for community service, planning Pagan Pride events, and wider activism.
The Tigers of Scotland
Longtime readers probably noticed that I enjoy watching documentaries. Lately, I’ve been watching things on Netflix while I do dishes or prepare dinner. I recently enjoyed The Tigers of Scotland, a documentary about the natural history and push to conserve Scottish wildcats.
I first learned about these amazing creatures as a teenager reading the Redwall books by Brian Jacques. As I grew into a Pagan who found meaning in the lore and ecology of Europe, I continued to appreciate the wildcat. The documentary actually discusses one theory connecting this creature with the cat sidhe of legend. If you’re looking to learn more about the lore and ecology from Scotland, I think you would enjoy this film.
It’s Camp NANOWRIMO time again! Unlike the bigger event that happens each November, Camp isn’t limited to writing a novel of a specific word count. Many writers come up with personalized goals. I participated in the April Camp to give myself a strong start writing the sequel to River Magic. I met my goal of 20,000 words and continued over the next few months. I finished the first draft at the very end of June! Perfect timing, because now I really need to focus on the first round of River Magic edits from my publisher! Once I’m done with that, it’s back to revising the sequel.
I really appreciate the community and focus NANOWRIMO provides me. I actually started River Magic during a past NANOWRIMO. I did it unofficially, but enjoyed feeding off the momentum. If you have a story in you that’s ready to come out, I suggest you look into Camp NANO. It may be just what you need!
Author M. A. Phillips 