Animism and Ai: Spirit in Stone, Spring, and Silicon
From the spirit-haunted caves of Homo habilis to the glowing circuits of techno-mystics, this groundbreaking work traces the evolving relationship between humanity and the unseen forces that animate our world. Drawing from a lifetime of mythic living and academic inquiry, shaped by the teachings of Anthropologist Bruce Grindal, the magical theories of Real Magic author Isaac Bonewits, and workshops attended with psychedelic visionaries Timothy Leary and Terence McKenna, author Thomas Baurley delves deep into the forgotten, the forbidden, and the freshly reawakened.
Licton Spring, Seattle: An American Holy Well
Nestled in North Seattle, Licton Spring stands out as a rare survivor among American holy wells and sacred springs. It's not necessarily a "holy well" in the traditional sense, as defined by the phenomena around Europe known as "holy wells", but rather a magical spring that was frequented by Native American tribes, who sourced spiritual and magical essences.
Incredible Socks for Archaeological Surveys
I was turned on to these cool socks from Rock Porch at the Travel Con 2025 conference in Tucson. I finally got to try them out. End result: Very satisfied! Choosing the right gear can make or break your outdoor adventures. Whether you're hitting the trails for a day hike or tackling a mountain biking challenge, the Men's Sumter Lightweight Crew Hiking Socks is an exceptional choice. Designed for comfort, performance, and durability, these socks ensure your feet remain supported and dry—no matter the terrain you face.
Navajo Spring (Manitou Springs, CO)
a natural soda spring comes out of the wall in a decorated font. It is one of eight famous natural springs that put this town on the map. The spring was initially visited by Native American Indians who sought their healing and spiritual powers, which some believed were gifted by the great spirit called Manitou.
Stratton Spring (Manitou Springs, CO)
Stratton Spring was drilled in 1936 by the Myron Stratton Foundation., The soda-type spring has a controlled flow of two gallons per minute and is drilled to a depth of 167 feet. This site was the junction of early Indian trails and several major mineral springs. Later it became the major access to the Mount Manitou Incline and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and was the loop were Stratton's Trolley Line reversed to return to Colorado Springs.
The Magic and Minerals of Manitou Springs
The little touristy village of Manitou Springs is most famous for its mineral springs, which well up through eight fonts (previously ten fonts, upwards of 50 springs) peppered throughout the town. These springs are free to visit, and each holds its own variation of minerals, magic, folklore, and healing properties that visitors have sought throughout the ages. Each has its unique flavor, natural carbonation, and effervescence.
Lithia / Twin Springs (Manitou Springs, Co)
This is one of the more popular springs along Ruxton Avenue due to its high Lithium content. Two springs combine into one, pouring through this font. The water is very sweet, high in lithium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and a top-rated water source for making sweet carbonated lemonade water. Others describe the taste as sweet, tangy, and minerally. Of all the Manitou Springs, it has the highest concentration of magnesium. The font is located outside a storefront entrance.
Seven Minute Spring (Manitou Springs, CO)
The Seven Minute Spring was man-made and drilled in 1909 near the former Manitou House Hotel. The drilling hit a limestone cavity of ancient carbonated waters that created a geyser that would erupt every 7 minutes giving a label to its current name.
Old Ute Chief Spring (Manitou Springs, Co)
One of Manitou's former famous springs now closed off to the public and no longer running. It was famous back then and was one of the sources for the "Ute Chief Mineral Water" and Manitou Springs bottling company. While it is no longer on the Springs trails given out by the Chamber of Commerce, its font still stands even though shut off.
Iron Spring (Manitou Springs, Colorado)
Way up towards the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad and Dinner Theater is the historic "Iron Springs" or "Iron Springs Geyser." Originally a natural spring drilled deeper, making it an active geyser, it has played a vital role in Manitou's history.