Picture an American polymath weaving ancient Druidic wisdom with warnings of a post-industrial future—meet John Michael Greer! Born in 1962, this prolific author, former Grand Archdruid, and visionary thinker has penned over 70 books, blending occultism, environmentalism, and science fiction into a tapestry of thought-provoking ideas. From his mystical rituals to his stark visions of societal collapse, Greer invites readers to rethink the world with curiosity and courage.
With a mind steeped in forgotten traditions and a heart tuned to nature, Greer’s work spans esoteric spirituality, ecological economics, and fantastical narratives. His unique ability to bridge the mystical and the practical has earned him a devoted following among Druids, environmentalists, and sci-fi fans alike. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this modern-day sage.
The Making of John Michael Greer
Born in Bremerton, Washington, and raised in the Seattle suburbs, John Michael Greer was a bookish child with a penchant for the occult. While his peers played video games, teenage Greer pored over library tomes on Hermetic philosophy and ritual magic. His fascination with hidden knowledge led him to Freemasonry, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and, by 1995, the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Writing came early—he claims he started scribbling stories as soon as he could hold a pencil. After years of dead-end jobs, his 1996 book, Paths of Wisdom, marked his debut, launching a career that would blend scholarship, spirituality, and storytelling.
Greer’s Druidic journey deepened when he joined the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), serving as Grand Archdruid from 2003 to 2015. His leadership and writings, like The Druidry Handbook, helped revive Celtic nature spirituality in a tech-driven world. This blend of ancient wisdom and modern critique became his hallmark, setting the stage for his diverse oeuvre.
John Michael Greer’s Unforgettable Works
Greer’s bibliography is a treasure trove of over 70 titles, spanning nonfiction and fiction with equal flair. His nonfiction shines in works like The New Encyclopedia of the Occult (2003), a meticulously researched guide to Western esotericism praised for its depth and clarity. The Long Descent (2008) offers a sobering yet hopeful vision of a post-industrial future, arguing that civilizations decline gradually through ‘catabolic collapse’—a theory lauded by scholars like Jerome Ravetz. The Druidry Handbook (2006) remains a cornerstone for modern Druids, blending rituals, philosophy, and ecological awareness.
In fiction, Greer’s imagination soars. His eleven-book series The Weird of Hali reimagines H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos with a subversive twist, casting cosmic horrors as misunderstood forces. His deindustrial sci-fi, like Star’s Reach, paints gritty, hopeful futures where humanity rebuilds after collapse. Greer’s style is accessible yet profound, weaving scholarly insight with narrative drive. Whether exploring geomancy or peak oil, his works challenge readers to question progress and embrace resilience.
His blog, The Archdruid Report, ran for over a decade, offering weekly musings on politics, magic, and sustainability. Its witty, incisive commentary cemented Greer’s reputation as a cultural critic, influencing thinkers in the sustainability and occult communities.
Why John Michael Greer Matters
John Michael Greer’s impact lies in his ability to connect disparate worlds—ancient spirituality with modern crises, mysticism with pragmatism. His environmental writings, like The Ecotechnic Future, have inspired the appropriate technology movement, urging sustainable living in an age of ecological overshoot. His occult works have revitalized Druidry and Hermeticism, offering spiritual seekers a grounded alternative to New Age fluff. In fiction, his stories challenge the myth of endless progress, inviting readers to imagine resilient futures.
Greer’s legacy is his call to action: to learn from the past, live lightly on the Earth, and embrace the mysteries of existence. His influence spans subcultures, from eco-activists to occult scholars, making him a vital voice in a world at a crossroads.
- Born: 1962, Bremerton, Washington
- Key Works: The New Encyclopedia of the Occult, The Long Descent, The Druidry Handbook, The Weird of Hali
- Awards: Mount Haemus Award (2003) from the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids
- Role: Grand Archdruid, Ancient Order of Druids in America (2003–2015)
Snag The Druidry Handbook or dive into The Weird of Hali to explore John Michael Greer’s brilliant blend of wisdom and wonder!