See below for details of an exciting book project:
Greening the Paranormal: Anomalistics and Ecology
Edited by Jack Hunter
Abstract:
This edited collection will explore the many threads interconnecting the seemingly unrelated fields of anomalistics (the study of the paranormal in all of its guises), and ecology (the study of the relationships between organisms in living systems).
We are now beginning to comprehend the psycho-biological correlates of anomalous experiences (trances, altered states of consciousness, the effects of psychoactive substances), the socio-cultural factors involved in the production of the paranormal (the role of belief, expectation and culture in modulating – but not creating – paranormal experiences), and the role of participation and social interaction in the manifestation of other-than-human persons.
The next sensible step would seem to be to further contextualise the paranormal in the wider perspective of ecological systems. This book, then, will examine parallels between anomalistics (in the broadest sense) and ecology.
Approaches emerging from the study of the supernatural may ultimately help us to re-connect with the natural and tackle the eco-crisis – one of the biggest challenges facing contemporary societies.
The book will be both an overview and exploration of the intersections between anomalistics and ecology, and a call to for paranormal researchers, enthusiasts and experiencers to re-think its relationship with ecology and the environment.
Call for Chapters:
In addition to a number of invited chapters, this volume will also benefit from a public call for chapters to attract other researchers and scholars to contribute.
Currents and Themes:
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Eco-Crisis – climate change, species loss, wrong relationship etc.
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Communication – Inter-species ethnography, biodiversity.
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Window areas and 'thin places.'
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Paranormal and Religious Experiences in Nature.
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Deep Ecology, Spiritual Ecology, Transpersonal Ecosophy.
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Animism, shamanism, other-than-human persons.
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Contactees, UFOs, Channelers, Messengers.
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Bigfoot, Magical Creatures, Fairies.
- Nature mysticism, the numinous, magic.
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Gaia Theory, Systems Thinking, Dark Green Religion.
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Conservation, Ecological regeneration, Re-wilding, permaculture.
Deadline for submissions of abstracts/expressions of interest 30th June 2018, please get in touch if you would like to discuss an idea.
Individual chapters will be approximately 6,000 words, and the finished book will feature around 13 chapters.
Deadline for finished draft chapters 24th December 2018 (or thereabouts).
Please submit abstract to: discarnates@ googlemail.com
I look forward to receiving submissions!