Ritual Animism: Indigenous Performances, Interbeings Ceremonies and Alternative Spiritualities in the Global Rights of Nature Networks

Abstract

AbstractMany ceremonies take place within the movement for the rights of nature, led by representatives of indigenous peoples and by non-indigenous ceremonialists that draw inspiration from them. The description of these ceremonies of (re)connection to non-human entities, water in particular, help understand better the mechanisms of ritual innovation and hybridization at work, as well as the processes of legitimation. What is defined in this chapter as ritual animism is understood as a tentative to overcome the cerebral bias that leads towards the naturalistic separation of nature and culture, body and mind. Such ritual animism aims to develop and facilitate a direct, incorporated relationship, with these more-than-humans. But it fails to foster an “ontology of dwelling” and these ceremonies are rather used to promote a holistic and monistic worldview that is shared with the broader alternative spiritualities milieu.