newsletter
ancestors to elements
Over 16,000 people subscribe to my moonly newsletter, Ancestors to Elements.
Why ancestors and elements? Elements and ancestors are ancient & expansive metaphors and practices that seem to exist in every culture throughout time. I use them here to emphasize how human survival rests on a key paradox: you are absolutely interconnected with everything (elements) and you are also a uniquely independent being (ancestors). This newsletter is part of my attempt to communicate the truth and miracle of our sacred belonging.
On new 🌑 and full 🌕 moons I send an original essay.
Four times a year, I send my “advice column” In My Experience...
Every new and full moon newsletter, I include a unique collage (made by me), an audio version (read aloud by me) and image descriptions for any visuals.
On the last-quarter-moon, I send 🌗 Last Quarter List — a list of what I’m enjoying (reading/seeing/hearing/experiencing).
On the first-quarter-moon, I post the 🌓 First Quarter Chat in the Substack Chat.
What People Say
“Sebene's writing has opened my eyes to new ways of experiencing the world. She brilliantly combines the immanent and the transcendent to realize a profound this-worldliness.”
—Tara MacMullin, What Works
“Sebene Selassie is a wonderful writer and a treasured source of wisdom on spirit and belonging.”
— Maud Newton, Ancestor Trouble
“Thank you for this, you have no idea how validating it feels to read the words I have been searching for in all the wrong places. I'm grateful the world has brought your message to me.”
“Your newsletters are such an inspiration as they are open, honest and real life. Why is it that our trials are what reach others so deeply? It is a daunting task you have taken on as there is incredible suffering in this world.”
“Your words touch me so deeply, in a place that needs to be touched with gentleness and with encouragement. I truly cannot thank you enough Sebene for sharing yourself in this way. You have made a profound difference in the way I am building a relationship with myself and I am incredibly grateful.”
“I so appreciate the contemplative, honest, deep, vulnerable and kindred quality of your writing.”