Mark Bockley: Animism in the West & The Importance of Divination Practices

In this episode of the Healers of the World podcast, host Robyn On Earth speaks with Mark Buckley, a practitioner of Dagara medicine. Mark shares his journey into the Dagara tradition, the significance of animism in Western spirituality, and the importance of divination practices. He discusses his experiences with Dagara diviners, the role of ancestors in healing, and the challenges of practicing African medicine in America. The conversation also touches on the current state of the world, the importance of ancestral relationships, and the need for a deeper connection with nature.About our guest Mark BockleyMark is a very well respected Dagara Diviner and leader in his community. He has spearheaded and developed a thriving Dagara medicine community in the West, and have initiated almost 150 practitioners here in the US and many also in parts of Europe. He is fluent in French, Spanish and fairly literate in Dioula -  a ‘market language’ covering much of French West Africa. He has worked extensively with Malidoma Some and Martine Some, beginning in the late 90’s and has traveled to Burkina Faso on numerous occasions for many years. During these years he was initiated on three separate occasions into unique Dagara divination practices. His book “Awakening Animism in the West’ was recently picked up by Inner Traditions for publishing. About Your Host RobynRobyn is a teacher and guide who serves as a spiritual and life mentor and using depth psychology; breath-work and ritual to support her clients in unblocking limiting belief systems; in moving through fear and in gaining clarity. She does 1:1 sessions, holds online classes and in person retreats.Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/robyn_on_earth)Website (www.robynonearth.com)Chapters00:00Introduction to the Healers of the World Podcast02:32Mark Buckley's Journey into Dagara Medicine08:41The Role of Animism in Western Spirituality15:49Bridging African and American Spiritual Practices20:59Initiation into Dagara Medicine27:52Navigating Jealousy and Psychic Attacks in Healing30:01Tending to Our Ancestors31:37The Importance of Lineage33:42Understanding Our Ancestral Projects34:47The Balance of Light and Shadow36:48Connecting with Ancestors39:06The Currency of Matter40:27The Role of Ancestors in Our Lives43:55The Current State of the World46:11The Role of Autistic Children49:00Indigenous Perspectives on Our Times52:09Building Relationships with Nature