æversion
'Love is the destruction and dissolving of ego.'
Peter Kingsley
On æversion
Æversion symbolises the interiorisation of reality; an attempt at initiation into realms of Mystery and sanity in insane, apocalyptic times. It has been dreamed up to provide a temporal space without judgement or taboo wherein unknown friends can share in the ever unfolding of soul (epektasis) through mediums of, but not limited to, dialogue and independent study. As depth (and height) explorers of the imaginal we commit to the reading and contemplation of MAPPs (Maya Altering Poetry and Prose) in cultivating an awareness of panempatheia ('empathy for all'). I aim to fail well in assisting you, for a time, in delving deeply into the soil of your psyche as it presents to landscapes of place and consequence; to help in consciously (re-)aligning your self with your spiritual purpose in this incarnation, paradoxical, even maddening, as it might appear. As we explore terrains, both above and below, within and without, we will learn how to create a kintsugi-esque container by which to hold our hermetic musings in a spirit of embodied, communitarian service.
Real inner work requires patience and perseverance; only those who are truly committed will continue to walk along the hard and stony path without experiencing obvious results.
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, The Return of the Feminine and the Soul of the World
Email: ian.a.neilson@gmail.com
Correspondence by email preferred at present.
No charges or fees apply.
Why no monetary fee?
I have a full-time job, replies are likely to be short and of the 'here's-a-book-recommendation' type thing. That's probably not worthy of payment, so let's not bother. What I do guarantee, however, is an introduction to a wide range of interesting, life-changing works dependant on what you ask.
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Mission: The Serious(-ish) Bit
Attempting to navigate a world undergoing apocalyptic transformation is deeply challenging, more so in isolation. Awakening to the enormity of our spiritual, ecological, societal, and personal crises is quite often overwhelming. However, the simple act of being in conversation with another who does not fit into categories of friend or family can be greatly beneficial.
When there is so much despair and pain in our world it is important not only to pacify suffering, but also to allow ourselves to learn again how to give hospitality to joy, beauty, and, above all, love. And, of course, a healthy sense of humour helps too! In fact, if all of this feels a tad too serious step outside and listen to the birds. Or fart in the bath...whatever makes you smile.
As Gary Lachman writes, '... serious things must be taken in a humorous way.' (Maurice Nicoll: Forgotten Teacher of the Fourth Way).
ABOUT
A little over twenty years ago I was gifted a spontaneous dream vision which expanded - and subsequently shattered - my conception of reality, resulting in a two decade (and counting) exploration into some pretty weird erosteric stuff. In seeking to make sense of this bursting forth of the unconscious, an ongoing study of transpersonal psychology, world mystical traditions, and daily spiritual practice has since manifested as aeversion.com. I have bumbled into holding a Diploma in Counselling through the Pathways Psychology Institute, NSW, Australia (which emphasises Arnold and Amy Mindell's Process-Oriented Psychology), a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, and currently work in the marketplace of life as a retail store manager overseeing around 40 volunteers for a State-based charitable NGO. I continue to gain rich nourishment through engagement with the panentheistic Psychosynthesis of Roberto Assagioli, Advaita Vedanta, Sufism, Christian mysticism, and the writings of C.G. Jung. Please note, however, that I do not offer my services as a professional counsellor, but as a fellow wayfarer and spiritual companion. Rather than engage in a client/therapist or teacher/student relationship it is better perhaps to consider any exchanges as a living expression of what John O'Donohue described as the 'conversational nature of reality.' In the Christian Hermetic tradition there are no 'teachers' as such, everyone on the path assists everybody else blossom through their particular states and stages. For those who might prefer a more formal psychotherapeutic relationship (which is really what you should be doing to begin with), I shall be delighted to provide recommendations for some genuinely top-notch, lovely people.
I live in sight of kanamaluka on palawa Country in lutruwita (Tasmania) with my wife and two tabby cats.
What myth do you live?
What myth lives you?
Do you suffer the labour pains
of a world seeking
to be reborn?
John Moriarty, Dreamtime
Acknowledgement of Country
I acknowledge, with deep respect the traditional owners of this land, the palawa people.
The palawa people belong to the oldest continuing culture in the world. They cared and protected Country for thousands of years. They knew this land, they lived on the land and they died on these lands. I honour them.
I pay my respects to elders past and present and to the many Aboriginal people that did not make elder status and to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community that continue to care for Country.
Æversic readings ...
Catafalque
Peter Kingsley
Love's Oneing
Kerrie Hide
The Return of the Feminine
and the World Soul
and
The Circle of Love
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee
The Dream of the Cosmos
Anne Baring
The Matter with Things
Iain McGilchrist
Happiness and the Art of Being
Michael James
Come of Age
Stephen Jenkinson
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'To live with a vision is difficult, but to live without one is worse.'
Artist, Cecil Collins
