[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”1″ exclusions=”27,86,87,89,90″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails” override_thumbnail_settings=”0″ thumbnail_width=”120″ thumbnail_height=”90″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”50″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”1″ template=”default” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

Anima Mundi

For several years, I have been drawn to photograph manifestations of “Anima Mundi,” Latin for soul of the world. The concept of an ethereal spirit diffused throughout the world is pervasive in eastern philosophy, Gaia theorists, Plato, Carl Jung, folklore, and indigenous cultures. The idea is that this world is a living being, endowed with soul and intelligence which animates all matter, in the same sense in which the soul animates the human.

The Findhorn publications about Devas of plants being responsive to people, and the research of Dr. Masaru Emoto about the effect of human consciousness on the molecular structure of water, have influenced my awareness of spirit in the world and of appearances of soul expression. My meditation practice has guided a contemplative way of seeing and being mindful of life’s interconnectedness.

The spell of seeing, the call of wild images, the compelling poetry of light, these all lead me on my intuitive interpretations of “Anima Mundi.” Many a fascinating creature is waiting to be known among the chips and curls of peeling paint. In unexpected places I am greeted by emotionally expressive creatures, fantastic faces, cartoon characters and lyrical dancing figures.

I don’t construct any of the “Anima Mundi” pictures, but do edit them for printing and elucidating the spirit of the image. In photographing the “Anima Mundi” series, I am drawn to images that stimulate imagination; that are doorways from one mind to another: the space of us.