The Common Wild Tongue

In her post “The Common Wild Tongue,” Rachel Fleming reflects on the deep, often unspoken connection between humans and the natural world. She shares a formative experience from her childhood, where a mountain seemed to communicate with her, igniting a lifelong quest to understand the “language of place.” Rachel introduces the concept of the “Common Wild Tongue,” a universal, non-verbal communication that transcends human language, encompassing the voices of landscapes, animals, and the elements. This language, she suggests, holds the wisdom and lore necessary for living in harmony with the earth. As a scientist and animist, Rachel seeks to rediscover this ancient mode of connection, inviting others to listen and respond to the subtle cues of the world around them. Her writing serves as an invitation to reconnect with the sacredness of the land and to honor the stories it holds. Read more …