Seeker's School of Mystery

The Works of John Michael Greer

Written by

Stephen Reza

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Introduction
John Michael Greer (b. 1962) is an American author, blogger, and scholar whose prolific body of work spans environmentalism, peak oil, Druidry, occultism, and speculative fiction. A former Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), Greer’s writings blend rigorous analysis of industrial civilization’s decline with practical spirituality and imaginative storytelling. His interdisciplinary approach offers a unique perspective on sustainability, cultural transformation, and the human relationship with the sacred.

Environmentalism and the “Long Descent”

Greer is best known for his critique of industrial society’s unsustainable trajectory. Rejecting apocalyptic narratives, he proposes the concept of “The Long Descent” (2008), arguing that civilization is undergoing a gradual decline marked by resource depletion, economic instability, and ecological upheaval. Key works in this vein include:

  • The Long Descent: A User’s Guide to the End of the Industrial Age (2008): Introduces “catabolic collapse,” a cyclical process where societies consume their own infrastructure, leading to incremental decline rather than sudden collapse.
  • The Ecotechnic Future: Envisioning a Post-Peak World (2009): Advocates for adaptive strategies like organic farming, renewable energy, and decentralized communities to navigate a post-industrial future.
  • The Archdruid Report (2006–2017): His influential blog dissected energy economics, climate policy, and cultural inertia, emphasizing resilience over techno-optimism.

Druidry and Earth-Centered Spirituality

As a prominent figure in modern Druidry, Greer reinterprets Celtic traditions for contemporary ecological and spiritual challenges:

  • The Druidry Handbook (2006): A guide to Druidic practice, emphasizing nature reverence, seasonal rituals, and meditative techniques.
  • The Druid Garden (2017): Explores sustainable gardening as a spiritual discipline, aligning horticulture with Druidic ethics.
    Greer frames Druidry as a path of “green spirituality,” integrating environmental stewardship with personal transformation.

Occultism and Esoteric Philosophy

Greer’s occult works bridge ceremonial magic, Hermeticism, and historical scholarship:

  • Circles of Power: Ritual Magic in the Western Tradition (1997): A practical manual on ritual construction and magical theory.
  • The Occult Philosophy Handbook (2020): Examines the metaphysical foundations of magic, drawing from Renaissance esotericism and Qabalah.
  • Monsters: An Investigator’s Guide to Magical Beings (2001): A bestiary blending folklore, mythology, and occult lore.
    His writings demystify Western esotericism while emphasizing ethical practice and intellectual rigour.

Fiction: Myth, Mystery, and the Weird

Greer’s novels weave ecological and occult themes into speculative fiction:

  • The Weird of Hali series (2016–2022): A Lovecraftian epic reimagining the Cthulhu Mythos through an ecological lens, critiquing humanity’s exploitation of nature.
  • The Feline Wizard series (2020–2021): A fantasy saga exploring power, ethics, and interspecies communication themes.
    His fiction reflects his non-fiction concerns, using narrative to interrogate hubris and cultural decay.

Critique of Progress and Techno-Optimism

Central to Greer’s philosophy is rejecting “the religion of progress,” the belief in perpetual technological and economic growth. In After Progress: Reason and Religion at the End of the Industrial Age (2015), he argues that modernity’s faith in progress is a historical anomaly, urging a return to cyclical views of time and resource limits.

Legacy and Influence

Greer’s interdisciplinary approach has left a lasting mark:

  • Environmental Thought: His “Long Descent” model informs resilience planning and degrowth movements.
  • Modern Druidry: His leadership in AODA revitalized Druidry as a relevant ecological spirituality.
  • Occult Revival: His scholarly yet accessible works have reintroduced ceremonial magic to new generations.

Conclusion
John Michael Greer’s oeuvre defies easy categorization, uniting stark ecological realism with mystical inquiry and imaginative storytelling. By envisioning a future where humanity reconnects with natural cycles and sacred wisdom, he challenges readers to embrace humility, adaptability, and reverence for life’s interconnectedness. Whether dissecting energy decline, crafting rituals, or spinning tales of cosmic horror, Greer’s work invites us to confront the end of an era—and the beginnings of deeper understanding.

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