Author: Gem

Plants of the Gods

Read free. “The intimate relationship between the human and plant world is easily discerned, but the production of substances profoundly affecting the mind and spirit is often not so easily recognized. These are the plants that make up the substance of Plants of the Gods, focusing attention on the origin of their use and the effect that they have had on man’s development. Plants that alter the normal functions of the mind and body have always been considered by peoples in non- industrial societies as sacred, and the hallucinogens have been ‘plants of the gods’ par excellence.”

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Man and nature or, Physical geography as modified by human action

Read free. “The object of the present volume is: to indicate the character and, approximately, the extent of the changes produced by human action in the physical conditions of the globe we inhabit; to point out the dangers of imprudence and the necessity of caution in all operations which, on a large scale, interfere with the spontaneous arrangements of the organic or the inorganic world; to suggest the possibility and the importance of the restoration of disturbed harmonies and the material improvement of waste and exhausted regions; and, incidentally, to illustrate the doctrine, that man is, in both kind and degree, a power of a higher order than any of the other forms of animated life, which, like him, are nourished at the table of bounteous nature.”

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The Path of Action

Read free. “Do I ascribe to any one philosophy? Yes. It is the philosophy of eternal life to be lived by yourself, the realization that you yourself pave the road by which you reach this state of consciousness. All the philosophies of the world are merely signs to let you know of the many crossroads and side roads. But you create your path and set the pace by which you follow it.”

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60 Seconds to Mind Expansion

Read free. “Most people would like to develop keener sensory response and expand their range of conscious awareness, but they think they don’t have the time. Once they realize that waiting time is really available time, that obstacle disappears. Other people are hesitant to explode their inner lives and perceptions because they believe it requires embracing some ideological or philosophical doctrine. Quite the contrary is true. Long periods of special training are not necessary, nor is involvement with an ideology or philosophy a requirement. Without drugs, without dogma, without magic or mysticism, we can discover and get in touch with a world of experience that will enrich our lives. The purpose of this book is to make that world accessible.”

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Magnifeco : your head-to-toe guide to ethical fashion and non-toxic beauty

Read free. “Even though fashion and beauty are now regularly prefixed with words like “green,” “natural,” “environmentally friendly,” “eco,” “healthy” and “sustainable,” the industry is not as healthy as it should be. There are still dark sides to both industries: dangerous chemicals in everyday personal care products, deadly pesticides used to grow cotton, child labor in gold mining and stone cutting, deforestation to make fashion, and toxic leather facilities. Consumers have the power to change these situations, if only they knew. Many of those issues could be easily avoided and then eradicated.”

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Play, Naturally

Read free. “One of this book’s fundamental messages is the value and importance of nearby nature, for children’s play in particular and for human health and well-being in general. Therefore we need to ensure that our human environments allow the natural habitats of children to survive and thrive. Indeed, the very survival of natural spaces in the future may well depend on providing children with opportunities to play naturally today.”

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Sustainable Communities

Read free. “My hope is that this book encourages deeper understanding of the nature of local community, and helps to revitalize and legitimize the principles of neighbourhood planning as a means of achieving sustainable development.”

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EcoVillage at Ithaca

Read free. A history of the EcoVillage at Ithaca, by one of its founders. “Rather than pull apart in destructive conflict, the human community could choose to pull together in cooperation and work collaboratively to create a sustainable future. I am heartened by research that indicates public attitudes and behaviors seem to be shifting in favor of more sustainable ways of living.”

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Creating a Life Together

Read free. “A residential or land-based intentional community is a group of people who have chosen to live with or near enough to each other to carry out their shared lifestyle or common purpose together. Families living in a cohousing communities in the city, students living in student housing cooperatives near universities, and sustainability advocates living in rural back-to-the-land homesteads are all members of intentional communities. Community is not just about living together, but about the reasons for doing so. ‘A group of people who have chosen to live together with a common purpose, working cooperatively to create a lifestyle that reflects their shared core values,’ is one way the non-profit Fellowship for Intentional Community describes it.”

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Nuclear War Survival Skills

Read free. “In the first chapter the myths and facts about the consequences of a massive nuclear attack are discussed. As devastating as such an attack would be, with adequate civil defense preparations and timely warning much of the population could survive. The information and instructions given in subsequent chapters tell the average citizen how to improve his and his family’s chances of surviving a nuclear attack by working together to build expedient shelters and homemade life-support equipment. The reader is urged to make at least some of these low-cost preparations before a crisis arises. The main emphasis, however, is on survival preparations that could be made in the last few days of a worsening crisis.”

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Weather As A Force Multiplier

Read free. “The purpose of this paper is to outline a strategy for the use of a future weather modification system to achieve military objectives rather than to provide a detailed technical road map.”

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The Ultimate Bushcraft Survival Manual

Read free. “If our ancestors didn’t succeed at the task of surviving in the wilderness, we wouldn’t be here talking about it—but it’s never been easy. It takes knowledge, skill, and talent to live off the land. This is a book about that kind of survival, but it’s also a blend of history and philosophy. Here you’ll learn about primitive survival techniques for their historical value and as a set of last-ditch plans for survival when your gear is gone. And we’ll explore the philosophy of the bushcraft movement. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, don’t worry. It’s not witchcraft or “arts and crafts.” Bushcraft is all about thriving in your native environment: the great outdoors.”

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Helping Nature Heal

Read free. “Righting wrongs is inherently ennobling, and in the process, these restorationists are discovering how to live lives that are more connected and rewarding. Their stories display the sense of accomplishment that can come when we align our actions with forces larger than ourselves. I hope their examples serve as an invitation for you to join in and get your own hands dirty.”

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Maker Projects for Kids Who Love…

Read free. Four Maker Projects books for kids by Megan Kopp. “A maker is someone who questions. Makers are creative. Makers are builders. They look for ways to improve existing things or develop totally new things. A makerspace is a place where makers can come together to share ideas, learn, and create. Many communities have makerspaces in libraries, schools, and museums.”

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