Edge of the Sacred: Transformation in Australia

Tacey's book "Edge of the Sacred" is a brilliant assesment of Australia's spiritual future and the future of reconciliation with Australia's indigenous peoples. He recounts his experiences of living in Central Australia as especially "heavy", a spirituality unknown to many Australians who perch on the edge of the huge continent in an attempt to avoid the spiritual potency of the Australian landscape. Tacey uses his background in Jungian psychology to identify with both the Aboriginal religious tradition, and the difficulty with which non-indigenous Australians identify to country. He does this with insight and clarity, and is not afraid of speculation or going 'too deep' in his analysis. His treatment of Aboriginal conerns is sensitive and well-considered. Unlike other writings of this genre, Tacey does not encourage direct appropriation of the Aboriginal world-view (realising this would be both impossible and a sort of neo-colonial theft), but rather that Australians allow themselves to be inspired by the Dreamtime to forge a relationship with the Australian land. It is on this spiritual, land-based level that non-indigenous Australians will be able to reconcile completely with its original inhabitants. Tacey's book is a tight, compelling read. It is both realistic and hopeful, and cannot fail to set the reader thinking more deeply about soul, spirit, and the planet. A highly recommended read.