Wetiko is an Algonquin word for a cannibalistic spirit or thought-form driven by greed, excess and selfish consumption. It deludes it host into believing that consuming the life force of others for self-aggrandizement or profit is a logical and morally upright way to live.
Wetiko hides in darkness. Conscious awareness brings it into the light. Once we see it, in ourselves and the world around us we can know it, and tame it. Here, artists, writers, film makers, poets and performers from around the world are seeing wetiko in their lives.
All over the world, there is a feeling that something is deeply wrong. It is often felt more than seen, an unnamed darkness that keeps millions (even billions) of people disconnected from the reality of authentic life-affirming experience. Too many of our so-called leaders are asleep at the wheel—they talk about economic growth-at-all-costs as the only viable solution to mass poverty, wealth inequality, the climate crisis, and other planetary-scale crises humanity must confront in the 21st Century.
Those with a spiritual bend might say that a shadowy presence has shrouded much of the Earth. People are sleeping through the same nightmare, unable to awaken within the dream.
Every time someone is seen justifying the destruction of life for profit—it is wetiko
Every time compassion is vitally missing during a time of suffering—it is wetiko.
Every time a privileged person uses another as a “throw away” toy—it is wetiko.
Every time, in every way a community or country is impoverished so that others can be rich – it is wetiko.