Feedback

Hi Willi, I've enjoyed some of your many posts to the eastbaypermaculture yahoo group. Thanks for your visionary and spiritual component to the permaculture perspective.
Amy C.

I'm loving all the interviews you're putting out; Willi, it's awesome! I so appreciate hearing (Linda's) thoughts/perspective and the career data at the end, as well. I'd like to be doing more of what she's doing, so it's inspirational for me professionally, too.
KB

Thanks for all the work you do spreading the word of Permaculture,
Jude Hobbs

Thanks for being in touch about (a possible interview). I would love to talk to you more, whether in an interview format or casually off-line. I am bringing a passion for needs and values consciousness (NVC). I think there is a place for that in the network that you're creating. Does that align with your sense of things? Enjoying your videos -- thanks for your contributions -- they give me hope for public dialogue. Judith Katz, judithkconsulting.com

Hi Willi, I have seen your website - it's great!! I am up to my eyeballs in PC work - taking on more and more interesting design and consulting work, as well as a position as the exec. dir. of a new non-profit education center outside Portland where we'll be offering classes in small farm business, permaculture, and artisan skills. I also have a steady stream of private client design work, and potentially another Seattle public lands PC design (more food forests in the city!!). How about you?
Jenny Pell Owner, Permaculture Now! Portland

Awesome Willi, thanx for the nice interview. I just posted it on my own blog and Facebook. Hopefully it pumps up more people to buy the book. All the best,
Chris Dyer

Nice metaphor with the ships, good video! Keep up the good work =) Honey. A permaculture conversation with Willi Paul & David Cody, San Francisco.
jeh0987

OMG that quote is amazing (from Charlotte Anthony's interview). I just posted it and the link to www.facebook.com/connectionaction. If you are on FB, I would love it if you would "like" that page, because I am wanting it to be a nexus for connectors.
Judith Katz

I love this quote, Willi. We are thinking along these lines regarding pruning. If we acknowledge our plants as fellow sentient beings, we begin to see rote pruning as a form of plant torture! And if we really do need to trim things back, perhaps we can ask permission and do so respectfully. I gather that folks like Sepp Holzer and the late Masanobu Fukuoka question the whole necessity for pruning. Maybe plants know exactly how and when they want to grow and fruit - if we stop trying to control everything?
Linda Buzzell

Nice article, Willi (Not greed and oil. Interview with Transition Albany (CA) Leader Catherine Sutton, http://planetshifter.com/node/1981).

In case people aren't familiar with Willi, he is an indefatigable blogger and writer about permaculture and Transition. He's done an interview with William Mutch of Transition Palo Alto.
http://www.planetshifter.com/node/1962

In the past, I've posted some of his things on the website I edit:

"On survival, survivalists and the New Community Cook-out"
http://energybulletin.net/stories/2010-09-13/survival-survivalists-and-n...

"McMansions and Chicken Coops"
http://www.energybulletin.net/stories/2010-08-30/mcmansions-and-chicken-...

As an editor the only problem I've had with Willi is an "abundance of riches" -- feeling overwhelmed by the number of his articles and websites, many of which are not relevant to me.

For all of us, there is a lesson in what my journalism teacher tried to drum into my head: the importance of targetting. Making sure the right message got to the right person at the right time.

If anyone is inspired to write about Transition, there are a number of good sites to submit to.

Transition Voice
http://transitionvoice.com/

Transition US
http://www.transitionus.org/

As always in freelance writing, the golden rule is "read the publication and study their submission guidelines".
Bart Anderson, tpa_chat @ yahoogroups.com

Transition and permaculture are 2 of my main interests! I have been trying to get a transition initiative to start up here... no luck thus far. Great interview!
templeilluminatus.com

Hi Willi, Happy 2012 to you! I admire the heroic and important work you are doing. It was interesting to see the open studio video with your visual breakdown on the common ground and differences b/w Permaculture, Transition and Occupy movements. The skyrocketing demand for myths at the movies is an ironic phenomenon in a digital age where instant gratification is the norm. Stories require us to sit and listen as they unfold at their own pace. The fact that we still have the patience to sit and listen reveals an enduring search in humanity for meaning, derived from myths both old and new. Apparently there is still hope for man.
Wendy Altshuler

thanks willi. really cool! - Community Alchemy OPENSTUDIO 7.
Genna Giacobassi

I have been reading about some of your ideas about people getting money for their permaculture work. This goal of this 10-12 acre food forest is to have a net profit after paying folks of 10-12,000 an acre. I believe that in order to offer a working agriculture model we have to have a way to make a living from doing permaculture.
Charlotte - Victory Gardens For All

I have to agree with Willi Paul on this one. We need to get the masses interested in permaculture, not just 1% of the people. Environmentalists have to get children who think animals are cute and fishermen on their side, as well as suburban dads who want to take their families camping. There is quite a bit of evidence that cooperative businesses are already thriving in ways that traditional ones aren't. We need to advocate for good food, sharing, compassion, and justice as being part of the pay for most people. I think we're going to have to settle for smaller amounts of pay but more overall benefit for society. This will gradually allow for more employment at a greater amount of satisfaction but at lower amounts of pay. We are going to need to get away from an extreme libertarian, money-oriented, isolated materialist world view. The planet can't support it.

I do think that if we are not at least tolerant of spirituality we are likely to drive many people away. Growing food plants can be a spiritual experience, as can growing berries that we eat but migratory birds eat, who then travel to other parts of the world. We are connected. Suburban parents like myself are much more likely to consider participating in something that is not hostile to spirituality. Of course, we don't want to aggressively tell people what religious beliefs they need to have. I think that sharing, justice, the environment, and connection to nature are a big part of spirituality for many people including myself. In order to pass laws that are tolerant of permaculture and sharing, we need to have a large tent.

If permaculture is just a narrow group of self-congratulatory hip people who don't garden but think they are better than everyone else, people will not respect us or listen to what we have to say. It will take time and cooperation to heal the planet. If we are open to including a broad group of people who might not think exactly like us, we can change the world.
John S, PDX OR

Dan, I strongly believe that spirituality must be integral to permaculture for maximum impact on our human-generated unsustainable practices. It is generally not a "force", as you mention precisely because it is often lacking an explicit spiritual dimension. We got into the mess we are in in large part from having separated the spiritual elements from the practices of agro & energy-production, distribution & development. Putting it back in is essential to health & wholeness. Spiritual practice in permaculture doesn't have to be done or look any particular way, just as there are various ways of doing raised beds or mixing compost-so still, each to his or her own as you say.
David

Hi Willi - I edit Communities magazine. Our current issue is on Permaculture and our next issue is on Spirituality. This posting struck me as relevant to both. We're also looking for some letters to fill out our Letters section in the coming issue. I'm wondering if you'd be willing for us to reprint a version of this in our Letters section? I'll paste below my proposed slightly-edited version. Please let me know ASAP if this would be OK--and if so, if there are any changes that you'd like made to what follows. We could send you a complimentary copy of the issue it's in, if you'd like.
Chris

Thank you for this, Willi.As a PDC/Transition (Albany) founder/Occupy supporter I am right behind you. I suggest the TimeBank as one alternative economic model for sharing permaculture design services and would definitely support the teaching of design incorporating Nature's strategies within Transition.
Catherine Sutton

You are missing the culture that already exists. Be an ethnographer not a social engineer.
Jordan

Hey Willi - Thank You for the ebook mate. Keep doing your brilliant work following your Hearts passion.
Michael Lamb

This is cool; I like reading your mythical imaginings/reflections.
Kristina Bennett

Thanks for all your posts you are keeping the site alive.
Nico

(Occupy Symbol) is pretty cool. it also suggests a shift toward balance and equality...
karen cusolito

We've talked about doing (PEx) at several teachers convergences in the PNW but as I'm finding out, there's nothing that a group of dedicated people cant talk about forever if they set their minds to it. Thanks for taking the initiative!~
Deston Denniston

Great (interview) WP! Does it seem to you that America might be waking up from it's long doze in front of the weapons of mass distraction ? Very busy now but i did get a chance to read one of your articles and found it really inspiring. Looking forward to reading more and further links.
permanent culture

I love what you're doing. Imagery is powerful and you are creating a forum that gives rise to suggestions/images/solutions. I would love to help create and promote this imagery with you or support you in what you are doing in some way. I haven't listened to your interview. I've read some bits and the headlines you've put on emails posted to EPG. What is striking to me about your approach is that you are creating a vision and packaging and marketing it in a way that is palatable to a wider audience - preaching beyond the choir? Also providing a more human and planet friendly alternative to what is in place currently; desperately needed and appropriately timed. I have a long and varied work history and can offer many skill sets. At my deepest core I am an artist and motivated by transformation. I have worked with a lot of different mediums to transform objects and people - trade show booth design and set up, landscape design and implementation, house remodels, animation, writing, yoga, massage, homeopathic medicine, painting, plant propagation, real estate sales (which transforms the lives of people in a different way). . . I will be receiving my permaculture design certificate this year. Creativity, transformation and BEING OF SERVICE are most important to me. I want to have a positive impact. I'm not sure how we might collaborate. Perhaps it wouldn't be anything more than giving you some encouragement. I did note your job posting on permaculture exchange web site. I will put in my application for that, but don't have a blog up and running currently. Thank you so much for writing back. You are doing something good with your work. Good job.
Jennifer Powell, Eugene

This (PEx) looks like a fantastic resource!
Susan Silber, Environmental Educator and Community Organizer

Hi Willi - Thank you for all theses well thought out visions for guilds and doing all the interviews. I have been involved building local guilds here in southern CA since 1997. The one point i really disagree with is "Completely free-of-charge" I feel that if we are not involved in building a local economy that includes money then we exclude the people who take a PDC and want to build a livelihood incorporating permaculture and are part of local guilds. I believe guilds should not be created to service one teacher in the region but create a level playing field for everyone, expert and novice to exist within the guild. Guilds decline usually around issues of personalities "people care" here in Southern CA. just a few observations, again thanks for doing this.
Wesley Roe and Santa Barbara Permaculture Network

Hi Willi, I don't think we've officially met, but I visited your website and I'm impressed with the work you are doing to create a difference. I was wondering what kind of interviews you do, and if you would consider interviewing me and my business partner as we launch a new transformational training course and website. We have tools that help people through transition and we are both Life Coaches. Best of luck to you and the huge difference you make on this planet at this explosive time.
Ananda

Hi Willi -- A very interesting article about Millison & OSU. I can tell you are extremely dedicated to making (permaculturexchange.com) a reality.
Nan Cowardin-Lee

Gaia Tasiri Foundation created a permaculture employment agency a while back so please feel free to advertize your work and any opportunities you identify on this site. I look forward to checking out your web empire ) and finding ways that we can co-operate to publicize and create more permacultural opportunities.
jon sheppard, permanent culture, UK

Good point Willi. One piece - relatively short term - make permaculture education and experience valued in a wide variety of existing jobs and livelihoods. As Holmgren has expressed it, we need more people in all walks of life who think and act permaculturally than we need "permaculturalists" per se. Longer term, we need to collaborate with a lot of other domains in moving beyond "job creation" as we know it. It's got to be designed to be more than a numbers game to look good when re-election comes around. Relevance, quality, sustainability and consequences of livelihoods need to be primary design parameters for "creating jobs."
John Schinnerer, Whole Systems Design

Thanks to Willi Paul for raising this important and neglected part of the work we need to do , if we're serious about designing for sustainability and for what looks like some excellent work on the west coast of the U.S. I'm not sure it's " baffling " that Pc has been slow to grasp the importance of getting seriously involved in enterprize culture , as the treatment of this area in the PDM is not extensive , but i would heartily agree with the sentiment that we really need to work more effectively in this area . If anyone has any further information , knowledge or links please let us know, because the time is surely ripe to get weaving on this.
Tomas Remiarz - GreenLand Services, Sustainable Solutions for Urban and Rural Communities, Permaculture Design, Teaching and Practice Ecological Restoration Projects

I'm so excited to hear about (PEx) this idea! Just visited your website and signed up - so just the Business Development piece is active, is that right? I look forward to hearing more and hopefully finding pathways to collaboration! Thank you so much for your work on this!
Kristina Bennett

Thanks for launching permaculturexchange.com - a solid open venture in this niche…lots of TEAM 'work' to be done on the ground right now!
Benjamin Brownell

Willi - Thanks for sharing the Permaculture Exchange org - it's a great way for us to walk our talk by using cooperative working models ourselves.
Chuck Estin

I don't have any problem with defining myth as a technology, though I'm not sure why we need to belabor that point.

Agree that we need new myths - though Hollywood has produced a few in recent generations. The Matrix is surely one of the most powerful myths of our times in terms of inspiring a generation or two to "unplug" from the corporate machine. Pandora touched people with a sentimental vision of ecotopia, though I thought it was pretty shallow as myths go, resorting to a militaristic solution to an ecological problem. One of my favorite modern myths, though not a huge part of pop culture, would be The Man Who Planted Trees.

The question is not how do we craft inspiring myths - but how do we craft myths that are compelling enough to translate into actual empowerment leading to meaningful change. There is hardly anyone who hasn't cheered for Skywalker and the rebellion - but that does not easily translate into daily life. As Joseph Campbell repeatedly pointed out, the return home and integration of the returned hero into society and daily life is arguably the hardest part of the hero's journey. In traditional society, myths lived within a cultural context. They were accompanied by rituals and a way of life. Today, myths are something that are consumed and thrown away. Perhaps what is needed is a social context where the power of myth can have a place to land and take root in a grounded way. Just blabbering here, at least I am amusing myself.
Yukkuri_Kame, PRI's Permaculture Forum

Cool. I like the simplicity of the donate-ware approach, the cleanliness of the look, and the subtle misspelling/"e"-collapse within the domain name. Is e-collapse a prophecy?
Cheth

I like Your projects! Permaculture Media Blog & Permaculture Directory.
Sophia Novack

Nice job (on the interview), mate! Thanks for all the good work you are doing!
Owen Hablutzel, Director, Permaculture Research Institute, USA

'Your interview with Jeanette Acosta is fresh and uncomplicated. I like it!'
Guy Gilleshammer aka Lone Eagle ThM

Most all of your subjects are a inspiration to my beliefs and creativity.
Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro.Brazil

PermacultrExhange.com: Brilliant and much needed Willi! I appreciate the patience and path of "expanding back outward". Design for Succession in true Permaculture fashion. Thanks for throwing cultural seed balls!
Chris Byrne

Thanks to my close friend Matt Haines in who told me about a book by David E Cowan here is a great interview. This is amazing and should be watched and listened to by anyone seeking the higher path to consciousness.
Composer Ken Davis, Sydney, Australia

Hi Willi! Video: yea to your connecting nature's creation & inner creative matrix to mythic space & imaginal life's activity or "work". I think your work dialogs nicely with the body of artisan-shamans @ mythsinger.net. bless.
steph @mythopoetry

Willi, what a pleasure it is to find you here! I've placed your ebook on my Kindle, and have been reading through it, bit by bit, over the last few months. How is sustainability different from your sound alchemy work? Is it something inherent in the concept of sound versus linguistic media?
Jonathan Cook, Forum, The Study of Myth

The Transmuting New Symbols is looking good.... You rock!
Bonnie Bright, Depth Insights

Willi, I am so inspired and impressed by you. I think you're amazing.
Leigh Melander, Ph.D., imaginalinstitute.com

Really enjoyed perusing your site and will certainly spend a lot more time there once I've gotten through my current workload!
Desiree Lourens, Cape Town

I really like this ("Permaculture Age Symbols 3: Colors, Archetypes & New Myths"). Some interesting stuff and wonderful pics. Thanks for posting it Willi.
Nigel Shabaneze Thomas, Temple Illuminatus

Hey Willi - I really enjoy your New Myths, they provide a great future-imagining process, thanks for adding them to the conversation. My gut feel is that the community simply needs stories at the moment – future dreaming myths like yours, project experiences, course learning’s, reports from guild meetings, the stuff of community sharing and belonging. I think discussions will eventually naturally flow when people are motivated by what they are doing, what others are doing around them, or what they dream of. For me, photos and videos of actual projects make a great start as they provide a strong visual inspiration (at least for me J) and potential conversation starter.
Jesse VW, Permaculture Hub

that music (on worms) is way out there bro, stratospheric, make more :D
CelestialElf

Funny, I was just writing about this in my discussion on Joseph Campbell...we arre struggling with rehashing old stories that only worked for ancestors and generations past...there are new myths to be made that convey the same great knowledge. Also...I am obsessed with the idea of the crysalis, since I found out about the disolve that happens inside before the rebirth. We must be dissolving now...I hope the emergence is better than I think it will be...
Amy Markham, Temple Illuminatus

Willi - wonderful piece at jcf.org, yes, absolutely. The internet needs a mythos that embraces consensus, shared risk/responsibility and that decentralizes the hero role. I believe that archetypal energy is already there, and like a sculptor - one can observe and create a form from within the energy being exchanged already. I'd be happy to develop curriculum with you. Let me know your thoughts and format/site and we can evolve something.
Leslie Whitcomb

Great to see you on here. Appreciate having learned from you, incl. indirectly through our LI connections. You seem someone who knows how to get things accomplished. I'd be grateful to better support one another, by linking here.
Sincerely, (Rabbi) Russell Fox

Thanks Willi. We really enjoyed being part of your show. Looking forward to seeing you in October.
Joshua Fouts, Executive Director, Science House Foundation

Thank you! The video conversation with Rita & Joshua is great. Just posted it on the Bioneers Facebook page.
Aaron Leventman, PR, bioneers.org

Thanks for that link to your 10 new myths – really interesting. I’ve added a link to our twitter page (which gets copied onto our homepage: resurgence.org/)
Angie Burke, Website Editor, Resurgence magazine

arrow bullseye! thanks so for reaching out... i am honored by the recognition. i would love to speak with you more deeply...
eve@ladyapples.com

I had a look at your website, its very interesting, i agree, without the sacred, we don't have a direction as a civilization... it really shows. thanks for your work.
Jan Spencer, NW Convergence 2011 program coordinator

Wow! I'm going to have to devote an entire day to reading everything you've got linked on here. Great resources! First of all, thank you for your question and thank you for taking an interest in me. I believe that when like-minds collaborate together, any number of wonderful things can happen. I've been reading through your website all morning and I'm incredibly impressed by the number of articles you have that are insightful and thought provoking. I'm definitely going to be a repeat customer.

To touch upon your question to me - do I create myths, the answer would be yes. You see, I gave my webcomic the name of Asatru, which is modeled after the main character in my comic who also bears that name. When I first came up with the story and plotlines for what I wanted to write and draw, I wanted something that was its own separate universe, but at the same time, grounded and tied in with ancient lore so it would have familiar territory to those who study theology and history.

Asatru itself is a very old religion. It's actually one of the oldest documented ones (if not the oldest, arguable by some). And it still has very firm roots in all of Scandinavia, and even here in the US. While I personally don't practice the Asatru religion, I respect freedom of choice and those that do, and find it a very fascinating thing to study, with infinite paths and trails and variations based on the individuals who follow it and mold it to what resonates within them.

In my story, I do feature a lot of Tributes to the Asatru religion, even though the comic itself doesn't follow its exact history. I've got some characters based off the gods and goddsesses therein, but I also deviate heavily and draw influences from Greek lore as well, Roman, and I include high fantasy things such as elves and drow. So really, the entire story is a hodge podge of many things that intrigue me.

Would I say this is creating my own myth? Certainly. After all, the myths that we read back to our children today, such as stories that feature old lore like Baba Yaga, the Swan brothers, etc, are stories that were told so many times, there's countless variations. Who knows where the original truth lays, and how different cultures and people adapted the tales to fit a model of understanding that best pertained to them. The way the stories are framed change, but the heart of them contain the same seeds that capture your attention and make you wonder if they did truly exist at one point.

And I think ultimately that is where the true beauty of storytelling lays. When you can suspend your disbelief and for a brief, shining moment, escape the mundane 9-5 world that we live in and believe with childlike innocence that these tales were once a different reality in the same world we live in now.. That, is when the real magic happens.

Thanks for your time, and if I can answer any other question or provide anything else, let me know
-Sharra, @AsatruComic

Pretty sweet! I work at a daycare/pre-school and try to incorporate nature into all of our lessons. A teaching tool (the Ritualizer) to help them write their own stories, especially about permaculture, is going to be an amazing addition to our curriculum!
Angela Lopez

Great! This book / web site project sounds really exciting.
Arrowyn Craban, hexmagazine.com

Just a quick look at the Center of the Cloud diagram; wouldn't the realm of the sacred occupy center space, where everything else overlaps?
Erik Van Lennep

This is Ashley here! Without having talked to Lauren about what your classes are about, I checked out your website and it looks amazing! I would love to talk to you about what your ideas are for hosting classes in this space. I wondered if you look at already created myths and then people write and draw there own? I am personally interested in mythology creation and have written a story of my own mythic character, as well as painted myself as that character on a 6 ft by 9ft canvas!
Ashley Weiss, PLACE, Oakland

Current materialistic science denies the existence of Spirit. Some of us in the permaculture movement believe that there are intelligences in Nature that we can communicate with to help create and manifest our permaculture systems. Love, intuition, empathy, sensitivity, meditations, dowsing, and so forth can help inform our permaculture relationships with the natural world and within human society. Indigenous peoples, spiritual traditions and Biodynamics all speak of other levels of reality. What are these? How do we tap into them? How can we use them in our permaculture systems and in our human relations? The sacred permaculture track will explore this theme.
Michael Pilarski, NW Convergence

Your Permaculture Age Global Translator website/online interactive multi- & social media project is very rich & inspiring!
Juliette Abernethy

hi will - I am working to coordinate the northwest permaculture convergence, around the weekend of Oct 15. we will have a track that involves sacred permaculture. we will have another name. i am trying to find references to living within the ecosystem, something stated by thomas berry, communing directly with nature, observing from the heart brain, do you have any such ideas developed and or written about that I could look at.
Charlotte, Victory Gardens For All

I'm taking a look at Vision 1.0 for a Sacred Permaculture Age now! Way to go blazing those trails! The rub is finding that balance between being open-minded enough to accept radical new ideas but not so open-minded that your brains fall out.
Leslie Landberg

I like your premise and share your belief in the inherent connections between myth, alchemy and permaculture, so your call for a new paradigm makes sense in the context of cultures that are rapidly losing touch with their mythic roots. I wanted to get a quick response off to you but look forward to spending more time reviewing your materials this weekend. Jung would say that myth springs from the unconscious despite our efforts to mask it, so I'm less clear on how to go about "generating myths for the age of sustainability". Is it new symbols we need? Greater awareness of the role and function of myth in the human psyche? Or is it simply a matter of updating existing tales to resonate with our times? Humans do love stories; perhaps we're all just too busy to invest the time it takes to bring old ones to life in our own souls. Permaculture and dark green thought have great potential to re-integrate science and spirit, and I like to remind myself that their separation is only a millennium old (at least in Western thought). As a result we are still surrounded with touchstones - linguistic, visual, ritual - that enrich and support the permaculture model and should lend themselves well to the functioning of a mythic search engine. This is big stuff to contemplate and I apologize for the light once-over. Feel free to suggest directions you are interested in and I'll have a bigger go at it. If you're looking for text that will fulfill a certain function, let me know what that is. Though I have my own thoughts on this vast and fascinating subject I am quite capable of putting them aside to articulate your ideas.
Timothy Lydgate

It is a common belief that if we can change people's religious beliefs, we can change their actions...perhaps even bend their actions to what we see as the common good. Faith is a big part of culture, so it is a part of PC. My concern is that if we align with the NewAge religion so entirely, we lose the opportunity to present PC to people who are otherwise predisposed to the concepts but have espoused another faith. Fransiscans, Quakers, Buddhists, Sufis, many Atheists and others have a high regard for nature. Other mainstream individuals, those who have been burned by spiritual movements in the past, or folks who have a general aversion to the NewAge, will still find plenty to offer in PC. I am working through my own journey, religiously speaking. I appreciate input from people like Willi. I take pieces that seem right to me. I leave bits that don't. I simply feel that for the time being, we should be VERY CAUTIOUS to make statements that intrinsically tie a specific faith perspective to PC.
Sam Cobb, LI

Your sites are so informative and engaging. Thanks!
Wendy Faith

Permaculture is not just another form of agriculture. It is a way of life. Taking the old path with a new vision to a future destination.
Ramana Kumar Kandula, LI

I love the work you're doing.
Adriana Attento, Pacifica Graduate Institute

Will and Melissa, thanks for creating sacredpermaculture.net. I think it is important. The cloud video is a great introduction to what you're sharing. So I really think it deserves that you take time to write it out better and explain each thing and their interconnectedness. I wouldn't make any jabs at others, because I think it devalues its power, it speaks for itself, it doesn't need to attack, I find it self evident. And then when you've honed it, do a good video of it using a tripod. If you lived near me I'd offer to do that for you while you did the voice over. I know you might have the, "Hey, man this is spontaneous, you know," kind of reaction, but this explains your landscape so well, and it deserves better. peace and blessings.
Anthony Buck

Dear Mr. Paul, I came across your listing on craigslist the other day and have had several windows open in my browser to your websites and videos ever since. To be honest with you, I'm somewhat dumbfounded by the degrees of resonance between your work and my own interests. I am a writer/editor/publisher by profession and work out of my home in west Sonoma county. The primary subject matter of my work is health and healing, particularly energy medicine and psychology, but what drives me personally in intellectual, creative, and spiritual pursuits is story. More specifically, I am compelled by the power of new myth to transform and to heal, to allow us to articulate and transmit new identities and ways of relating even in the face of opposing dominant narratives. I have long conceptualized this as a form of alchemy on both the mundane level and in the deeper, spiritual sense.
Courtney Arnold

Willi, I like it. I think you are really on to something. My one reaction that comes up is about the word sacred. Sacred is an adjective, used to describe things which are nouns. How can a descriptive word have form in your diagram? Governance and commerce are processes, new myth is a set of stories, alchemy is a process, community building is a process, Permaculture is a way of designing life, tools and design sciences are tangible things or intellectual constructs, but sacred is something that describes the sanctity of something else. Sanctity may take it's form as myths and alchemy, but I think having it as an independent form is like comparing apples and oranges a bit. Sacredness is a quality that describes a thing, place, belief, or element. Do you see it differently? How do you define sacred in the context of this diagram? Where does sacred start and stop, in the circle here but out of it there?
Andrew Millison

Willi, here are some visuals that are from the Ecovillage Design Education series of workshops put on by the Global Ecovillate Network (GEN) pretty good things to think about, down the same lines with what you are working with. I like your ideas, but I still tend to be more of the opinion that permaculture is a design science that is one of the tools in my toolbelt of life. I choose from those different tools and lenses (often wearing multiple lenses at once) to complete the tasks (or experience the moment) most fully and appropriately. I like permaculture as one of my tools, but not sure I am ready to say I live within permaculture. I'm sure I am telling you the same angle you hear a lot from many permaculture people, so sorry if it is old news! I really do appreciate what you are doing, as the sacred is such an important part of living fulfilled lives, and I believe that ultimately, that is what permaculture is after as well! One of the tools we can use (along with gratitude, meditation, relationship, excercise, love, prayer, service, deep communication etc) that can help up to achieve that truly fulfilled life. Lots of love and peace to you. I hope the attached materials are helpful to you.
Christian Shearer

hi willi: after visiting two of your websites, reading your article on the joseph campbell foundation website, watching your lake merritt power point and a youtube video, i am interested in learning more about your need for a seasoned editor for your "myth, sacred, permaculture, future project." the thesis is fascinating -- joseph campbell's power of myth is one of my guide books. i, too, believe there is a critical need for new mythology that is harmonic, respectful and life sustaining.
arabella

Ritualizer looks like a great resource for Life Coaches. Is this tool complete or still in the development stage? I like the list of life cycles. Each one of course reverts back to stage one at some point. OK, sound does come in later on. Now it makes more sense. You might want to find a group of kids - Waldorf school or similar arena. Let them find the tool and see what they do with it.
Dale Stubbart

Just saw your YouTube and other sites, and am so awed by your empathic and insightful vision. Humbled, to be precise.
Carol Tyler, Ph.D.

Willi, I just wanted to say thanks for the work you are doing. I've been watching all your interviews and have really been enjoying the depth and insight there. Let me know if I can help you in any other way.
Take care, Andrew Millison

Your website, and sacred community concept are very beautiful.
Thank you. God Bless. Julie Davis

Thank you for offering sacredpermaculture.net. I have barely any permaculture training, but feel that it offers the finest path to survivability and return to the All-One consciousness humanity needs.
Jackson W Barnett

I don't think Willi's stuff is anywhere near an organized religion, a dogma, etc. They are just stories, and stories are a fundamental way that humans make sense of the world. They will be around as long as humans or any of the other creatures capable of metaphoric/abstract thought are around. I have noticed that oddly enough it does seem that those most vocally opposed to dogma and religion on this thread are the ones pushing their dogma the hardest. I think your point is made. Don't pollute permaculture theory, turn it into a some strange or rigid religion, or infuse it with endless woo woo touchy feelly concepts that distract from it's main point - which is, if I may be so bold to say, strongly about sustainable human habitat design. I couldn't agree more, and I'm pretty sure Willi's gotten the message. The theory, practice, and empirical heart of permaculture is very useful and very important. In fact me, this is my main focus, while my intuitive connection with life is the motivation and an avenue to deeper understanding of the principals of permaculture. There is a difference between personal spirituality and codified religion. There is also an art to permaculture that extends beyond the purvue of science - at least science as generally practiced/understood. Creating a few stories and offering them to the community, and inviting the community to add/change/modify those stories by adding their own to the "openmyth" community does not constitute a religion. It constitutes a contribution to humanity discovering itself in this present age. This is my take on the conversation and ideas here, for what it's worth. I'm open to other interpretations of course. I will say, from the standpoint of effective dialogue that vague statements like Dave's about the ants do not clarify discussion, they confuse. Some might feel them condescending as well. I think Erik van Lennep has a very helpful comment about all this. I also, in the end, think we truly do need new stories to replace some of the old ones. Nobody should own these stories, they are the community's to hold or throw away, add, or change. Right now society has stories such as "my personal image is improved by consumption,"we cannot live a good life without oil and energy waste," "it's ok to destroy the land for short term gains," and "a good life is defined by consumption." Stories that challenge these thought models are more than welcome in my book, and they create motivation for people to learn the science, and art, of permaculture.
Jeremiah PodleskiLI

Super page and very pertinent to what is going on.
Geo-Scientist

I've taken a look at your seven myths. The first one was v. helpful to me for understanding your overall project. You're using myths, or creating new stories, to effect a shift human relationship with the natural world. My own focus, as we touched in on the interview, is to help individual's navigate processes of psychospiritual transformation, and thus come into relationship with the nature within (using, as a guide, cosmological patterns formed by the planets). Your approach emphasizes more the sociocultural and cosmological functions of myth--pertaining to the new global tecnological community and our place within the natural order. I liked the way you have used the natural world as the basis for your myths/stories. This reflects the shift towards an increasing concern with the immanent divinity of the natural world, a corrective to the orthodox Christian emphasis on the heavenly afterlife and a focus on the wholly transcendent nature of the divine.

Had I read your myths earlier, I could have talked you through the astrological factors evident in the BP oil disaster, for instance. We're all living under a three-planet alignment of Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto. I've attached an article discussing the dynamics of this alignment during 2008-2010.

It seems to me that you're tapping into the idea that the planet itself is telling us its own story, and we are all, of course, part of that mythic narrative. You seem to be issuing something like a call to adventure to rally young people (especially) to the cause. Thanks again, and my best wishes to you and your important project.
Keiron Le Grice

Warmest Greetings Wox! i for one welcome more spirituality and i welcome you ...my view on spirituality is an honest and open connection with the source of life...i believe that a better understanding of nature improves our chances of continued existence as well as those of our fellow beings... sacred means different things to different people however...for example, while some (me included) consider the Earth to be sacred, others consider the Earth to be a bombastic playground in which everything exists for human profit... a planetary shift towards realizing the sacred nature of this Earth is necessary...and so i urge you not to censor your creativity in that expression...let it flow!
Peace, AJ

Love your work .... lets do something later down the track when I have more juice for your Website and it's viewers. I liked your comment on the sacredness of Permaculture. I think for me that nature is the very source of spirit. Have you ever walked through the crop circles? Kind Regards,
Susan Marler

This is a lovely idea and article! So fine to see people with such high aspirations to live. I am in North eastern PA, USA and live in a fast paced culture. However, being a flower grower grounds me into living with the earth and honoring the magic of it. I don't know if you have to go full tilt to gain the incredible benefits of working in and with nature. In current conditions I doubt I will ever take it to the level of this wonderful Shambala. I do however live in accordance with sacred honor of the earth, her gifts and use my land not only for growing but for empowerment education: yoga, Aharata, drum circles, nutrition, self awareness and sacred feminine essence teachings. We celebrate the moons as well and try to bring the easterners back in contact with the land and learning in the natural environment where the subtle vibrations can impact them. I always enjoy learning of folks who go for these grand ideals in living and it inspires me to be a bridge to bring others to this thinking gradually whom seem to have no earth connection in their awareness. It takes all of us to be part of this great pattern and bring it to be in whatever form suits our individuality and circumstance. I will have to visit it one day and feel the deep authenticity of such a life. For now I will do my work as best I can to bring others to great thinking.
Lyn Hicks

Your head is in the earth, and your feet are in the sky. Nice.
Ironic, for an earth-man to be a skywalker :)
Sabreu

I see your bringing a voice to the movement, I appreciate the eloquence (as someone who doesn't always have such a way with words); your site really resonates with me, thank you!
Good vibes, Sarah J. Kelsen, EIT

I think that it's a really interesting avenue you've decided to traverse, a road less trodden by many in the Permaculture world, but definitely one worth further exploration and discussion. Oftentimes, the mere mention of sacredness or suchlike can create a disproportionately adverse reaction in Permaculture circles, with terms such as "woo woo" being bandied about by some who are perhaps perturbed by progressive concepts beyond the bounds of soil and swales. That being said, it's always wise to remember that Permaculture is in its essence a secular earth science. In that regard, there is still more work to be done than any of us might fulfill in our lifetimes. If we could at least begin to reverse our suicidal tendancies to destroy the planet, one would hope that we may in the future find more time for matters of the spirit. Let us all aspire to be the new myth makers, the future needs us.
Jordan & the Permaculture Planet Team

Thanks for continuing to spread the goodness. peace,
Simon Haiduk

I look forward to reading more of the links and seeing sacredpermaculture.com. Very exciting! Do you know about ringingcedars.com? The English editor of the series Dr. Leonid Sharashkin is the only person I know of who talks about spiritual permaculture in the U.S.
Aireen Joven

i LOVE THIS! Brilliant. "one un-top-down, un-intentional but good intentioned retro-technology community of former bankers, BMW drivers and green tea parties" - How do they deal w/ the issue of marauding groups who didn't prepare, can't get their own sh*t together, so... out of fear of lack of resources... make their new living feeding off the work of others (there are always people who go that route, for various reasons, rather than recognizing cooperation is the only way to go)?
Melissa Miles

This is just a quick email to let you know that we've linked to your site. Our goal is to help people connect with permaculture schools, communities and resources all over the world and we think that Planet Shifter, being one of the only publications that blends permaculture and mysticism, fills a unique spot on our list.
Jeff Faye, ourgreenedge.com

I totally agree that the masses are being led astray and into mindless consumption by the brainwashing of corporations, and that the earth is being desecrated as a consequence of this ignorance. However, I have faith in the accuracy of my own perception that humanity is evolving past this sort of negligent exchange of power. But we'll need to work very harder to bring about this shift. Who's ready?
NoSoundMind, YouTube

I enjoyed your JCF article, especially this paragraph: "So now I hope to build upon the powerful ideas of Joseph Campbell with the following "myth development" process that allows us to create and share new potential myths to serve as vision maps - stories that help us find our place in the world we are creating. Think initiation, journey maps, heroes, green technologies and permaculture in your backyard, neighborhood and community!" ...and the mythology generator model, good stuff! Let's keep practicing and preaching.
Benjamin Brownell

I just finished watching the video. Very well presented! What kind of responses have you gotten from that subject/question from your viewers? It gives us all something to ponder. My opinion: It is common for us to define sacred as a religious concept, and yet religious beliefs my or may not have anything to do with the concept. For instance, 'Sacred Space' might be a small meditation corner in one's living space, a garden, or natural place we visit to get away from the stresses of daily life, a quiet place in which to contemplate spiritual concepts and/or to think, create art, play music, etc. Something that on a personal level is significant, important, or pure.
Wynne Hanner

I think this JUST the type of thing the PC movement has been lacking. Are you familiar w/ "Integral Permaculture"? Essentially, bringing the "whole" into to movement in order to create more balance... INDIVIDUAL INTERIOR - the subjective reality; INDIVIDUAL EXTERIOR - the objective reality; COLLECTIVE INTERIOR - its social relations; COLLECTIVE EXTERIOR - the human-environment system. I think your work is doing much the same thing.
Mellisa Miles

Love that link -- Especially seeing the names "Mollison" and "Jung" on the same page! The alchemical "elements" and the labyrinth... the idea of symbolic language map: "Permagram", nice.
freethought01 at mac.com

Considering what's been happening on the planet of late (especially in light of the irradiated agricultural products in Japan), you have important information to share. Thanks for all you are doing, Willi!
Blissings, Stephen Gerringer, Joseph Campbell Foundation

Interesting...the question of spiritual connection with Gaia, manifesting through permaculture, is now a reality for me.
Bealtaine Cottage, @PermaGoddess, West of Ireland

Hi Willi! You intrigue me. Your question of what is sacred was so refreshing, that I went to Planetshifter to read more. I opened an interview and I've got to tell you, it struck me how technically and scientifically over my head (hate to admit it) it was. I will go back again, because although I am hardly scientific, like i said, i am intrigue, and i think i will have some questions for you. Okay, got to get off the net, i need to get back to work on my latest painting, also sacred.
Lisa O'Donnell, LI

Willi, you are a lightening rod and a leader. Thanks for the follow.
Linda C. Thomas, Twitter

What is SACRED to You? Tell Us What you Think / Feel?
The draw of the moon, the stillness of the forest, the wonder of animals, the feel of the power of the wind, the magnificense of a good thunderstorm. My sacred, my "church" is nature, the divine lies in love, in my soul. I feel no need to create modern myth. Myth lies in the ancient past. The mysteries of ancient earth based religions were founded on the forces of nature, and the respect for the earth and sky that named goddesses and gods. The myths of Christianity use natural (the great flood), and human (the crucifiction) to portray the result of humanities inhumanity to itself. I don't see the human made natural disasters of today (the Exxon Valdez, BP in the gulf) as the myths of the future, i see them as purely the result of corporate greed ans human disregard of the earth, taking advantage and showing total disregard of our place within nature, within the sacred, mysterious world that sustains our bodies and our souls, because modern mankind has seemed to have lost its soul, and the sacred that lies within.
Lisa O'Donnell, LI

What is SACRED to You? Tell Us What you Think / Feel?
Listening…seeing….. experiencing nature’s magnificent beauty; from hearing the call of a loon to observing the tender interaction of a cow and calf moose or reflecting on the muted simplicity of the forest, our natural world needs us and we need it. Mother Nature is sacred and nourishes us with her breathtaking magnificence and inspiration every day. In this day and age, we need to remember that progress means having the courage, acumen and selflessness to preserve those things that don’t need improved; the things that are sacred……nature, wildlife and earth itself.
Thomas Szelog, LI

Yo willi. I love how much you are taking up the permi way. It’s great. One thing to consider is languaging around crash. While I am friends with and a great supporter of Mike Ruppert and folks who really frame things as collapse, crash etc., I think this is something you want to be really mindful of if it is how you want to frame things. It’s not the Daily Acts languaging, but I do recognize that you tend towards stirring things up. It’s also not to say that we can’t strongly speak to what is coming undone and the challenges a foot. Whatever the choice, it’s good to be just really clear on the intention of how we want to impact peeps and what our desired response is. That’s my two cents. Rock on brother.
Trathen Heckman, Daily Acts

My initial thoughts on what I've seen: I would make a pyramid with permaculture and science being two different things. I think permaculture can inform how we do science, alchemy and make myth, in order to bring us to a new spiritual understanding of our place in the universe.
Milton Dixon

Thanks for your ongoing work to bring Permaculture material to a wider audience, Mr. Paul.
Owen Hablutzel, Permaculture Research Institute USA

Wow fabulous! Yes Sacred Nature is one of the keys. Acknowledging, connecting with, and embodying our love for our mother is reestablishing the reciprocal flow of loving energy between us and our divine mother, gaia. It is a powerful awakening, and I believe it is also quite necessary if we are ever to reclaim our sense of power, purpose, and joy within ourselves for all that it. How can one flourish when they have cut themselves off from their mother's love?
Elizabeth Slate-Rutledge

Loved reading this! I love all mythology and am especially into the less celebrated ones like Vietnamese deities, Navajo, Bunyoro, Korean, Shinto, Korean as a subset of Polynesian myth, etc. Looking forward to reading more!
Balladeer's Blog

Being a (Sustainable) Dreamer I can relate very well with the both of you. For me the sky is not the limit.To me it is clear that our consciousness is not limited by the end of our skull. It stretches out in endless possibilities that go far beyond our imagination. This means I like the wicky wacky stuff of Willi very much. You can call it Alchemy or deep ecology or what ever. It doesn't matter how you call it. The question is are you willing and able to see life in all his wonderful possibilities and expressions (energies; Deva's and so?) so you can co-create with beings from the ethereal realm?
Belinda van der Pool (LI)

This video is useful and relevant. I will circulate it.

I am preparing for several presentations this year based on my writings, "Living in CouncilShip: The Alchemy of Synthesis and Distinction". Let's talk in the near future about some of your ideas. I would like to include them as an example of how we are living in a turned on world and how it is showing up in the world. I see you as a shining example of someone paying attention and discovering where the new ground of being is expressing itself. I am specifically interested in your original ideas around the Triangle and Circle and the attributes you have assigned to each station: Alchemy, Mythic, Permaculture and in the center the New Sacred. Your list on the forms of alchemy you see is useful as well.
Myra Jackson

Thank you for seeking us out and seeing something of use in having this conversation with us!
Killian O'Brien

Interested in what you have to say about the new alchemies. I only know the Jung/Hillman Psychological approach to alchemy.
Janet Kane

(We share) an urgent need to wake up humans to face the reality that we are in serious trouble as a species! I do agree with you that radical transformation of our way of being in the world is essential. I’m delighted that you are on the path to support a new alchemy of existence through deep connection in Nature and seeking clarity about how to do this.
Bud Wilson

I am very interested in what you do and would like to connect. I am develloping an Earth Wizzard Project based on Tribal & Permaculture Livng design for people of differnt ages.
Belinda van der Pool

So grateful for the work you are doing in the world.
Bonnie Bright

Hi Willi - Just watched your youtube lecture. You have a good balance between authority and empowerment with the students. I rarely meet others that combine the subjects you addressed in an ecology of design and transformation. Your presentation up all kinds of things for me to share, suggest, question, ask, build on, and inquire more upon with you. Seems we are of the same thought vibration in some ways. Let’s find a time to connect. You and I may be able to help each other, to help others, to grok this rather monumental work before us.
VicDesotelle@gmail.com

I found interesting about one of your videos is this attempt of yourself to rethink or reinvigorate the method of story telling to kind of re-frame or share the "sacred" knowledge of our elders, and selves that are also not so elder, with our community and peers. I find this fascinating in a sense because I have not really considered myself a good story teller in the Academic sense, (I am not an English Major) but sharing the sacred via mythology and storytelling and art really is not about being an English Major or an Academic and storytelling in modern times is done more by advertising agencies on cable TV networks and I feel that we have in a sense lost touch with the sacredness that comes from having storytelling and Mythology.

That being said I have for some time been trying to use storytelling as a method to share Environmental Education with my students and I find it an amazing and a new way to look at what I do if I can say that I am not just story telling but creating new mythologies, or how can I help students create new mythologies and help them create their own new stories about this Place where I work and they live so that I can combine their natural creativity with learning and science to create a meaningful educational experience that has the potential for creating magic or a sense of sacredness at the same time.
Ernest Rando (LI)

Looks like our aboriginal food network on Vancouver Island with its focus on reviving wild foods is on the same wave.
Robin June Hood, aboriginal food network, Vancouver Island

I watched your lecture. Good work, Willi.
Lowell K Downey

I definitely think you should come back again soon. More folks need to be in the loop on your philosophy b/c these issues you are addressing impacts us all! We had a small discussion after you left the lecture and folks were so engaged...
Carlina Williams

Hi, great re u building home 4myth in sustainability age, im representing ancient songs and stories in machinima form 2 awaken hearts. The Planet Shifter is a very timely and new shamanic type website & inspirational video, great movement, the future starts here!
celestialelf.blogspot.com/

You mention a very important subject in the sustainability discussion. Something which is mostly forgotten. Reconnecting with nature and our inner self is needed to built a sustainable future. The collective awareness is missing in todays society and the individual has become too important. At the moment I am in Marakesh so I have to make this short, look forward connecting with you on this topic.
Ticia Verveer

Great video which certainly deserves many more viewers. I will use my social media in order to try and reach this.
Herman de Roos

I would be honored to talk with you about how to create a larger community around your work. I watched your Mythic Mandate Webinar video and was inspired. As a way to learn about me, I find the sacred in Caroline Myss' work on archetypes. I identify with the Entreprenuer, Lover, Mother, Rebel, Artist, Advocate, Networker, Visionary as my core archetypes.
CJ Lucke

I love what you do!
Peter Asmus

I've been watching your LinkedIn posts with growing fascination. Your topics are so timely and progressive that they need to be more accessible to the general public.
Stacie Dagres

Thanks for sharing your cyber work with us. We liked the cartoon of yourself as well as your interview of Catherine Walker. Look forward to hearing more about mythology, alchemy and the sacred on Sunday.
Phil & Sandy

Thanks for this posting - Marilyn has touched upon the key ingredients necessary to transform the direction or our global civilization. Accessing the inner landscape through mindfulness and awareness will be a necessary component to this process. We believe the other significant ingredient that is missing in the sustainability movement is a direct and authentic connection to Nature. We invite your participation in our World Nature Quest event this Spring.
Bud Wilson

Thinking about the "new mythology" and how mired we can become in the tools of the old and wanting of course to do it better -- here's for hoping that the new mythology includes true accountability, forgiveness and moving forward.
Rachel Kaplan

Thanks for doing the important work you are doing and inviting me to participate in it.
Sajed Kamal

Thanks for tuning in! I am grateful that our paths have crossed.
@GaianCollective

Interview looks great Willi! Thanks for all your time, creative attention, and dedication to the shifting art/writing/scared communities.
Peter Ciccariello

Hi Willi Paul : It was very interesting to hear about your inner and outer system of the sacred.
globalfilmlinks.com

spirals of geronimo lovelight unfolding in your direction!
Elizabeth Slate-Rutledge

Appreciate greatly your efforts to weave all this into a functional society Willi, awesome concept.
Tom Mallard (LI)

I strongly believe that to develop a new relationship with our environment we need to do it at a spiritual level. Establishing new ritual taking in the old and the new I feel is a great way to connect both at individual level and at community level. I would like to see community creating their own ritual at the start of spring for example to honor the renewal of nature. Do any of you know of new nature ritual perform at community level? I will follow your Planetshifter. All the best.
ANNE GENEVIEVE HANWAY, Ireland (LI)

I very much like PlanetShifter's blend of ecology, politics, and spirituality. I'd be glad to do an interview.
William Hathaway, author: Conscious Peace: World Peace Depends upon Our Collective Consciousness

I agree Willi, we need more people involved. This is wonderful!
Gina @ Beaubourg268

Hi Willi Paul, nice to meet you - your myth-project looks very interesting - very open to collaborate.
@ShuemSoulExp

I really appreciate being asked what I think, and having your venue, and via the web, frequent repeatability opportunities, to get these thoughts out there. Thank you!
Sue Lebeck, innovatingsmart.org

Your website certainly dwells on the edge which, according to systems theory, is where all new energy enters into a system. It is good to see. May your work continue to be blessed and may it feed all that gives life.
Warren Brush, Quail Springs Learning Oasis, Trees for Children
Mentoring for Peace

I love what you’re doing - we so need some positive visions and myths of the future!
Starhawk

I have looked at your website with great interest and appreciation. All the best with the important work you are doing!
Sajed Kamal, brandeis.edu

That was time well spent (in the Mythic Mandate Online Workshop). Your format was filled with rich images and each person's contribution was juicy. Catherine's presentation was strong. However, I missed hearing your Myth. Let's do it again.
Myra Jackson

Hi Willi & David, Thx for following me, nice to meet you here! I love what you're doing and hope we can stay in touch.
@janlgordon.

It's hard to think on topics that are truly broad in scope and provide some tangible output. Willi pulls this off, he's innovating in ways that are hard to understand, but def worth a little look see imho.
SWAiL, Zouch Magazine

Your website looks fascinating.
Carin Bolles, Communications Department
Findhorn Foundation

Interview looks great. Will spread the word through all the channels!
Anthony Lawlor

Willi - nice perspective on transmutation, one to which I relate very heavily since my own work has been in this area for many years. I used to record as PGR and many of my early work was directly addressing alchemical concepts or certain phases of internal work. I lost the focus for a while but feel a new energy which is informing new work of mine. Nice post. :)
Anechoic, The Art of Transformations

Thank you for the interview. What a great site you have. I appreciate your generosity of spirit for giving life to our words.
Tara Timmers

TaraI perused both listed websites and found them to be very much aligned with my interests and would love to be a part of what you are building.
STORM, SF

Hi Willi, I love what you are doing with the Open Myth Source.
Eris Klein

Your work is really interesting to me and I'm sure our readers at Zouch would like to hear more about it.
SWAiL

I have explored Planetshifter and Open Myth Source, and found (both) to be very wonderful, engaging, and informative web sites.
Wynne Hanner

What most attracted me to (your web sites) was your passion for sustainability and innovation! Listening to you speak and the overall message of your business drew me towards becoming apart of your establishment.
Carlina Williams, SF Art Institute

Awesome interview with Alysa Braceau on your website....
Jenniffer Claroscura

I took a few days to sit inside the circle inside the triangle above. What I found there was Black Earth. Black Earth is the matter that nourishes:

* spirit/new alchemy (as prima materia);
* story/new mythology (as Gaia’s body); and
* science/permaculture (as sustainably designed ecosystems).

I celebrate Black Earth for carrying me from chaos to groundedness. I celebrate you, Willi, for this simple and elegant model that helped me see that.
Erika Harris, The Art of Transformations Study Group

great work on your site...
naya at silverspiral.org

The greatest resources we have for creating the change we want is community and communication. I feel your publication is a wonderful vehicle for expanding both of these and facilitating a planetary shift.
Christopher Wojtylko, EyeQFilms.com

Thank You so very much, Willi for Connecting...as We Meld together as One...
Pat Timmermans

I love the encompassing nature of your magazine and a great title.
Carol Sanford (LI)

Have a good Year Willi….truly respect your Endeavour.
Harry Makris (LI)

Yes, I would love to do an event like this with you guys (in 2011)!
Dennis Hauck

Thanks. It was thought provoking and challenging.
tgieseke at agresourcestrategies.com

Your work is exciting! I have perused ... your website site. The sites bring me back to vinyl; thought provoking and a great read.
Patrick A. Brinkerhoff
Resource Collaborative LLC

Great platform Willi. You are evolving with the status quo or should I say Leading! You have my number; reach out to brainstorm .... We would be honored with your direct involvement. (LI)
CSea Perkins, Eco Director
Daytona Beach

This came in at the right time... This is exactly what I needed to read right now to remind me that I AM & KNOW that I am on the right path 4 me. : )
Sandra Arseo, OMS Reservoir

I have checked out your websites and they look great. Thanks for the work you're doing... we're all in it together:))
anahatafoundation.com

Thank you for all the effort, the unique effort, and helping us heal and live most fully and in synch… @ OMS.
Ecology-of-Mind and Evolutionary-Technologies

Willi....do not stop posting these things...I love it!!
Regien Slotema

I personally loved your interview, I found it inspiring and thought provoking.
Samantha C. McCoy, just4theplanet.com

Very synchronistic indeed! Great material!
maja@godismyboyfriend.com

The synchronicity is sweet as displayed on both your sites.
Nice to discover your work.
Myra Jackson

Thank you for your valuable input to awake the people around the world.
Rogé Pathuis, LinkedIn

I am very happy to publish in your beautiful magazine.
Alysa Braceau, Dreamshield

@planetshifter and the wonderment sea....
@Jyotee, Read and learn at the website. I think its marvelous.
LinkedIn Group: from heart to heart; Posted by Herman de Roos

Thanks a lot. I am ever grateful to you. With kind regards.
Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman

openmythsource: a participatory community with organic growth in mind...
The Phoenix Codex
phoenixrising.org newsletter 12/10

I am following your comments on other LinkedIn groups, thank you very much for sharing your expertise with us. I would like to connect you to my network.
Global Hydrogen Ambassadors Network
Arno A. Evers, Starnberg,Germany

[ openmythsource.com ] The brainchild of Willi Paul and David Metcalfe – exploring “creativity, mythology and sustainability” – I can’t say enough nice things about these guys!
Lisa Trudeau, weiserbooksblog.com

Very wonderful! So glad to see that people are aware and involved in alchemy.
Gina Christine, Unsichtbar Birnbaum Exploratory, SF

Dennis Hauck said to tell you he is a big fan of the Open Myth Source Project and has recommended it to others.
Emma Zybowski, Alchemy Guild

You have a great website and I have been reading more of it as the night progresses. Keep up the great work.
Bill at clemensmediagroup.com

Willi, your emphasis in the webinar on how social media elements are supported through traditional and electronic tools was fantastic and very inspiring.
Beth Offenbacker, publicdecisions.com

... just perusing your fabulous site!
Carrie Armitage, Village Works Canada

Thank you for your interest and your interesting questions, gave me much to consider.
Victoria Macleod, Painter, UK

You Rock!
bigbendhotsprings.org

Thanks so much for your interest in our work and in
providing us with the opportunity to share. How much fun! Great
questions by the way.
Elizabeth Slate-Rutledge, Representative
Alchemical Enterprises / The Alchemical Nursery
Syracuse, NY

I am so stoked that you have put so much into PlanetShifter. The depth of content is really hard to believe.
Eric Needle
Longbow Strategic Group

I would be honored to take part in what you have in mind, though it is the first time i have ever attempted such a thing. Your work appears incredible.
Rob Callahan
beyondthetrees.com

Glad the PR is moving quickly. Could this be a sign that new mythology is starting to gain popularity? I think so!
Sally A. Dehm
PR Consultant for PlanetShifter.com Magazine
Austin, TX

Thanks for the interview. It looks really good and the artwork is brilliant. Thanks also to David for such a thoughtful introduction and kind words. I am thrilled and so pleased it all came together so well.
Mike Williams
PrehistoricShamanism.com

Impressive series of interviews.
Project Green Search; Big Igloo; Rock The Reactors:
campaign to shut down the Indian Point nuclear power plant with LEDs
Remy Chevalier
Environmental Library Fund

Right on, Willi Paul. I like The Permaculture King myth!
Thanks, Miguel Elliott
Living Earth Structures, Petaluma

Fascinating work Willi, The question of music and mythography is close to my heart and has (somewhat accidently) become a big part of my life.
John C. McCall
cabaretdecadance.com

Willi Paul…..I like planetshifter. Creative heads need to accept that their Time is All Time - when everyone seems to be is in our Past….
Harry Makris
The Academy Planet, Australia

Willi, I just spent some time on PlanetShifter. Way cool.
Lowell Downey
ArtfulRelations, Napa

I am intrigued by your link between mythology and sustainability. Few people engaged in sustainable development follow this route. For me, it is possibly the only way to reconcile the perceptual realities which govern and guide human actions.
Heather Vallance
LinkedIn; Toronto

I like your web site. Great stuff!
Stephen Linsteadt
Global Alchemy

The site is impressive! I'm thrilled to share my research in with you & your site's audience.
Michelle R. Silva, Ph.D.
UM-Flint

An excellent article and interview. I agree with a lot of what Juluri says.
Mahesh Mohan

The work you do is really cool and it’ll be great to share it with folks on the APA - International Development site.
Beth Offenbacker
publicdecisions.com

Really appreciate the opportunity to talk here this way.... looking forward to some hopefully future collaborations.
Terry Hahin, Designer and Editor
terryhahin.com

I appreciate your work, and your efforts on behalf of Trathen. Am looking forward to reading more of your writing, in particular your mythology emphasis and the music connection.
Pride Wright

Your group really wants to hit goliath square in the head and knock it on its ass. One question...ready.....is the planetshifter magazine going to be the next holy book? Keep up the bad ass interviews like mine and hold off on the galactic Darth Vader nightmares ...! You may scare a child!
Patric Roberts
The Order of Earth

Hey Willi, you are rocking man! I am really into your posts here and would love to be able to stay up to date by having you on my network! Thanks,
Oliver Mitevski
Berlin

Thanks Willi! Great questions. Far outside the norm. Norm: "What are your main influences" vs. (Willi) "Tell us about sonic initiation, alchemy and the metaphor."
Steve Tibbetts, ECM Recording Artist

Gracias for the opportunity to "express myself" in support of Daily Acts and a renewed world!
Rachel Kaplan, Petaluma

willi, i like your planet shift and how it connects people.
Mark T. Filippo
zoohausfilms.com

Cool beans, indeed!
Co-founder & President Raven Gray
Transitions US

PlanetShifter.com - Very cool!
Tina Pelikan, ECM Records Publicity
NYC

Hi Willi, Thanks for getting in touch. I just had a look at PlanetShifter.com and the good work that you are doing there.
Dustin Kahn
Studio Blue Designs

Good site, Willi..... Food for creative thought. I've bookmarked it!
Anthony Bloch

Keep sparking the thinking of our humanity!
Lyn Hicks

Hello! I am humbled by the information you are presenting on the planetshifter.com website.
Kathie Collins
d3, inc.

Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity to interview you. I appreciate your time and wealth of knowledge that you so eagerly share with the world. Thank you for allowing me to be one of the vehicles for spreading this information.
Amalia Maloney
Amalia Link, LLC

I reviewed your information and it is very impressive. I like what you are doing.
Robert Linton
Green Numbers Radio

Thanks, the interview is great! It was my pleasure and I feel honored by your invitation to appear on PlanetShifter.com.
Amanda Fetterly
Manager of Communications and Marketing
UBC Sustainability Office

Cool green beans Willi! Thanks for the interview.
John Foster
Maestro Group

Impressive Profile.
Selva Kumar
balanceco2.com

Keep up the good fight.
:o) clm
People For Puget Sound

I like your website & work on PlanetShifter! May God bless your efforts!
Rianne C. ten Veen

Great speaking with you. Your experience is impressive, but PS is something else! Wow! I've not run across a website so robust as yours, and it does seem like a natural fit.
Mark Perlin, Owner
SolarSipper.com

Thank you! This looks awesome!
Kristina Hahn
Architects & Planners, LA

I'm pleased to join you in your network. You are doing work in which I have an intense interest and I'd like to stay in touch.
John Drew

Thanks for this experience, Willi. You are bringing consciousness into the world to meet itself in its myriad forms.
With love, Catherine Walker

“PlanetShifter.com is a great motivator for this unifying trend. Bringing together so many voices, from different industries, interests, focal points, letting people speak about their experiences and guiding it under the auspice of sustainability does a great service to global transformation. Here you’ve got business leaders interacting with artists, you’ve got the fringe meeting the core, with one common goal: moving into the future with a responsibility to the environment, society and each other.”
David Metcalfe

Great networks are forming and your participation and contribution would be most welcome and needed.
Cosmologist Rohaan Solare
EmergentCulture.com

Thanks, Willi! Keep up the good work of spreading the word about planet-shifting things we all can do!
Jan Steinman, Director
EcoReality.org

Great questions!
Vinit Allen, ED
Sustainable World Coalition

You appear to be great at ciber networking, blogging, and connecting with people. I'm glad that someone with your abilities is promoting sustainability and green causes.
Kristina Hestenes Stimson

Interview, yes! You certainly have some great things going on!
best Wendy Brawer
Green Map System, NYC

I've been impressed with your interviews... Would you be interested in talking about Sustainable Values - what they are and why they are important?
Kathryn Alexander
Enlightened Business on Blogtalkradio

You are the man behind the lens willi!
Trathen Heckman, Director
DailyActs.org

willi i love it, i mentioned it on comments section of my blog
its very very nicely done
Steve Kilbey, The Church

Hi Willi, how are you? You are brilliant with all your blogs. I am going to try to do my bit for cooltribe but cant do interviews like you.
Anita Singh, CoolTribe.com

Wow! It sounds as if I were actually flowing along the same wavelength as PlanetShifter.com and for sure I'm always open to chat with people who are on the same wavelength. I'm starting to read your Survival Guide to 2010. Great work.
Lao Dan

Willi, Great job. Congratulations.
Ashfaq Ishaq, Chairman
International Child Art Foundation

Love your work.
Trey Farmer

A big thank you for keeping the blog section going I am ever so grateful. Your interviews are fab!
Hessia at cooltribe.com

Enjoying your PlanetShifter - recommended!"
Wout-Jan Koridon
Four Years. Go.

Geez Louise that was fast! Very nice piece, Willi. Thanks.
Stop by anytime to catch up on things.
Gary Barker, President/CEO
GREENHEART GLOBAL

Thank you for your encouragement and passion.
David Dobbs

Thanks for the Linked In submission, I'm in awe of how awesome you are.
Peace, Lie - Creator: WasteNot app
Kismet World Wide Consulting LLC

What you're doing is pretty cool!
Steven Zuckerman, Executive Producer
www.next-gen-expo.com

I just come up with the words. I need people to help me get them out there. You have an invaluable thing going on here.
Marc Stoiber, Maddock Douglas

"I feel the love with you Willi. You're brilliant!"
susie Ch, CoolTribe.com

You are too anti-establishment to be boring!
Malou

I was recently elected as Public Relations and Communications Chair of the non-profit environmental advocacy group, Rock the Earth. I am not sure if you heard about us? rocktheearth.org. Anyhow, thought you are a pretty neat guy for what you do, and wondering if we might be able to collaborate somehow.
Deb Shufelt

A Passion for Change...
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Willi over the past several months. He is a terrific writer, interviewer and advocate for the green/sustainability space. His concept of "Planet Shifting" is dead on and I hope that others will want to learn from him as I have.
- Rajeev Kapur, CEO
Greenwala.com

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. Just when I thought I knew a lot about sustainability, alt. energy, etc... here comes Willi!!! Appreciate all you are doing and I look forward to your blogs.
- Tamra Fakhoorian
LinkedIn.com

Thanks Willi!
Keep up the fine work you are doing with Planet Shifter!
- Tim Grant, Co-editor
Green Teacher

Dear Mr. Paul,
(Our interview) is fantastic. Thank you.
- Sreenivas Ghatty, Founder CEO
Tree Oils India Ltd.,
Melbourne

Any assistance within your arena would be greatly appreciated. I see your title is Art and Sustainability Consultant. I spoke of this merger to a group of artists just this past Friday night. Great symmetry.
- Michael Kalet, President
Central New York Agri-Business Park, LLC

I find great merit in what you're doing and would be open to finding common topical interests….
- Theresa Krebs

Hi Will, I always read your blogs when I am on Cooltribe.com and generally they are upbeat with interesting interviews. However, this last blog was sad. Yes, greenies have got a hard time at the moment but we need to keep up the hard work. Come on Will, continue your good work.
-Sam

In reading your profile I'm glad you wanted to connect. We have a lot in common. I'm taking over tonight as president of Sustainable Novato and we are working in our community on many of the same projects you have worked on as well. I will keep up with your blog and keep current with what you are doing. Thanks for being a resource. I'm very interested in your ideas on changing behaviors for our survival.
- Larry Tackett

Thanks for the link to your site. Thanks for your raw, human honesty, and call for action and being.
- Tantra Bensko

I received LinkedIn Enviu newsletter, linked to your 'Trickle Down ...' article. Can relate to that. Not that I've been there but, but the scene you described is familiar to me. Einstein -> old ways of thinking/doing. So, old systems dying down. And this is why I felt the urge to email you: First: I feel connected: you're engaged in social innovation, sustainability and shifts as well. Second: you making 'art' as essential factor of change explicit. Always felt that art and (independent) press are missing element in many types of social systems (especially for-profit companies). Third: your references to Wilber (whose Integral Theory, and with a.o. Don Beck Spiral Dynamics Integral is one of my sources of knowledge, inspiration and tools) and Goldsworthy (together with Vigeland my poignant sculpture artists). A part Goldworthy's snow sculpture is my logo. To me, it capture so many ideas, principles, phenomena, processes.
- Wout-Jan Koridon (Synnexus)

I find hope in the indomitable spirit within all of us. Some expressing that more than others, to be sure, but there are so many amazing and talented people coming forth at this time who are interested in the greater good, in shifting mass consciousness, environmental awareness, and so forth. I checked out your web site, it looks like this is what it is all about. I am a creative/design professional and my only comment would be that when I land there, I am not sure what the main objective is. Most people will leave within 4 seconds, so it's important to get your reason for being across asap.
- Constance Rose

Willi, Hi. I am really enjoying all the great interviews and beautiful art on your website. Are you interested being invited to a community discussion on sustainability or in pulling together an audience to have this discussion?
- Tina King Neuhausel
Outreach Director, Sustainable San Mateo County
Board Chair, Sustainable Contra Costa

Reading your thread comments as they come in. Whew what a Pandora's box you opened. You are a very brave man! ;-D lol (I love it!)
- Katherine Rupp

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. You are definitely a "Thought Leader" in Sustainability, and hopefully able to balance public & private interests.
- Rob Bremault

Good for you, good for Burlingame!
Cheers!
- Ian

"Hey Willi, I like your new picture by the way. I love your interviews, they are so much better than the ones Cooltribe.com posts (don’t tell them). Why don’t you merge Cooltribe.com and planetshifter? Will save me going from one website to the other"
- Catherine Esther

I’m impressed with all you have done. Great work! Thank you from the planet.
- Mark Gamba