Abstract

This essay explores Dionysian Naturalism as a form of "Godless Paganism," combining a scientific worldview with the ecstatic spirituality associated with the ancient Greek god Dionysus. Rooted in the author’s personal journey and informed by traditions from the Western Mystery Traditions and Religious Naturalism, this work highlights the importance of embodied ecstatic practices for transforming consciousness, fostering deeper connections to nature, and addressing ecological and existential crises in the Anthropocene. The essay examines the "Sacred Journey" as a central element of spiritual transformation, emphasizing altered states of consciousness and the dissolution of ego as pathways to greater harmony with the natural world. Drawing on the author’s experiences with Pagan communities, addiction recovery, and Unitarian Universalism, it advocates for reclaiming ecstatic rituals and integrating them into a nature-centered spirituality that is free from supernaturalism. Ultimately, Dancing with Dionysus argues for a paradigm shift toward an "enchanted naturalism" that recognizes the natural world as a sacred, living system. By merging the rational insights of science with the awe and reverence of spiritual traditions, this framework offers a holistic and transformative path for reconnecting with the Earth and fostering a sustainable global ethic.