I have had numerous requests recently for this book and I deeply apologise I haven't managed my deadline. I am currently working on this manuscript and excited about it! Please email me still if you are interested... and I will contact you when it is available.

The Dreaming is not a static space in time, but a continuous thread through time.

In 1997 "Oracle of the Dreamtime" was released worldwide, translated 4 times. Tens of thousands (yes I lost count after 20) copies have have been printed.

With my first royalties I self-published "Native Symbols." 300 copies and 11 years later I still receive more requests and comments about this publication than the Oracle!

The natural world speaks in the language of archetypes, a symbolic language which resonates within the unconscious, beyond words. This language speaks to all people, regardless of skin colour or culture.

The Australian Aboriginal people traditionally regarded their environment as a living oracle. If a bird or animal behaved strangely, or looked one directly in the eye, then there was a special message forthcoming. If a creature appeared in one's dreams, it too symbolised an aspect of the Great Spirit.

This book is a handy Australian dream or encounter guide. The interpretations for each symbols draws on each one's unique characteristics and the messages contained within its Aboriginal Dreaming. This book also includes many creatures that are global, such as ant, eagle, seal; and some that fit a like mold, like cockatoo for parrot and kangaroo for buffalo.

Through nature and the animal world, we can become more aware of our own personal traits, our own strengths and qualities as well as our connection in the web of life. Over100 creatures are described in the new edition.

"Native Symbols - A Guide to the Energies of the Australian Bush" was the first publication of its kind released in Australia. The shamanic tradition encompasses indigenous cultures globally, and "Native Symbols" specifically addresses our unique Australian creatures and life forms though their Aboriginal Dreamings and innate characteristics and traits.

From "Native Symbols":

Important Notice

The Dreamings in Native Symbols are the result of years of research which began, (before this book was conceived and I started referencing everything), in 1990. In writing it, I have drawn on information I learnt experientially and from observation; as well as from the vast array of books and multi-media productions and publications available on the subject of Aboriginal culture, gleaned through meeting people, over the years, as an agent o for an Aboriginal storyteller and artist and performing troupe, and via Aboriginal friends and acquaintances. At (rare) times in this book, my information is relying on fallible memory.

I remember a conversation I had with the late Burnum Burnum, a couple of days before he died. We were discussing his controversial endorsement of the book “Mutant Messages Down Under[1]” which gave some incorrect information on Aboriginal culture, creating quite a furor here in some Aboriginal groups who were incensed at this misrepresentation. Burnum Burnum stated that his endorsement was not for the correctness of the information contained within the text, but that he was, in fact, endorsing the ‘inner journey’ or experience that this book was about. Burnum Burnum’s focus was the message, rather than the outward form of details, political correctness, etc.

In writing Native Symbols, I have endeavored to confirm the Dreamings through references; however this has not always been possible because no documented reference could be found. In the case that I may have misinterpreted any information, I ask that you look at the message and the timeless wisdom which they share. If I have mis-told anything, or perhaps omitted any important details, I would like to state that I do not wish in any way to offend anyone or portray Aboriginal culture incorrectly, and I did my best to get my facts right.

Oracle of the Dreamtime it was specially blessed by the approval and involvement of three (now late) prominent individuals of notable achievements. Two were ‘stolen children’ raised by whites (White Australia Policy) but felt more drawn to their indigenous cultural roots. These two remarkable people, both activists in their own unique ways, were Burnum Burnum and Pauline McLeod. Oracle of the Dreamtime was also read and approved of by the late Neville Bonner, shortly before he died.

I do realize, with Oracle of the Dreamtime and Native Symbols I am ‘treading on sacred ground’[2] and that I am aware of the sacredness, or spirituality, of the Dreamings and information I have learnt. I cannot conceptually know this ‘stuff’ in an original tribal way, against the background of the earth before white man… that doesn’t mean I can’t know it on my own terms from an experiential subjective level. I have received, over the years, dozens of letters and emails of gratitude from people from all walks of life and countries, including contemporary (urbanized) Aboriginal people who appreciate the modern slant to presenting the lore through this medium of writing on indigenous themes from a symbolic, archetypal and contemporary point of view. It is these letters, the voices of indigenous modern day people, which makes the publishing of these two books worth the potential ‘knockers’.

Oracle of the Dreamtime has been used in a group social work context, with government funding. These books do good. I owe it to the “native symbols” around me to listen to their voices in these wonderful contacts from people that continue to ask for more copies.

[1] “Mutant Messages Down Under” by Marlo Morgan was a best-selling book about an American woman’s supposed journey with an Aboriginal tribe across Australia. The main focus here in Australia has been about the authenticity of the book, (whether it really happened), and the incorrect facts about Aboriginal culture. One example of this, in the book a man knew sacred details about women’s business, thus insulting some Aboriginal people with this incorrect view of traditional culture.

[2] Solid Rock, Goanna (song)

Native Symbols - A Guide to the Energies of the Australian Bush

by Donni Hakanson

Important Notice