​
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, as you assist me, for a time, in delving deeply into the soil of our psyches as they present to landscapes of place and consequence; to help in consciously (re-)aligning Self with our spiritual purposes in this incarnation. 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 work in a full-time capacity, replies are unlikely to be either long or detailed. What I do guarantee, however, is an introduction to a wide range of interesting, life-affirming writings to explore at one's own pace.
​
---
Mission
​
Attempting to navigate a world undergoing deep transformation is challenging on many levels, more so in isolation. Awakening to the enormity of our spiritual, ecological, societal, and personal crises can be overwhelming. However, the simple act of being in conversation with another who does not fit into categories of immediate friend or family has potential to be of great benefit.
​
When there is so much despair and pain in our world it is important not only to actively learn how to pacify suffering, but also to allow ourselves to open again to hospitality, 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
​
​
Over twenty years ago I was gifted a spontaneous dream vision which rudely expanded my conception of reality, resulting in an exploration into some pretty weird stuff. In seeking to make sense of this initial bursting forth of the unconscious, an ongoing study of world mystical traditions and daily spiritual practice has since manifested as a website for those who might be seeking friends on a similar trajectory. Exoterically, I have formally undertaken accredited courses in transpersonal psychology, having previously dabbled in academic philosophy, and currently work in the marketplace of life 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, the writings of C.G. Jung, and the little-known stream of Christian esotericism flowing through Valentin Tomberg.
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, to which I am most attracted, there are no 'teachers' as such, everyone on the path assists everybody else through their particular states and stages. For those who might prefer a more formal psychotherapeutic relationship, I shall be delighted to facilitate connection with a number of trusted friends who have extensive experience in this field.
I live in sight of Kanamaluka on unceded Palawa/Pakana 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/Pakana people.
​
The Palawa/Pakana people belong to the oldest continuing culture in the world. They cared for 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.
​
An Introduction to 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
​
Thy Kingdom Come
Valentin Tomberg
​
----
​
My work and studies presently centre upon integrating
1 John 4:16, which reads in part:
​
God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
​​​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
