Online Teaching:
MICROANIMISM II: APPROXIMATION
Microbiological Dark Matter
This course leverages skill developed and information gathered in ‘Thinking Like a Plague’ to examine the edges of the microbial world that are currently inaccessible to measurement by the scientific method. For example, where TLAP defined the biological purpose and process of decomposition, MDM discusses what we can truly hope to understand regarding the epistemology of decay. Where TLAP describes how deep-sea microbes thrive, and how the smalls respond to the non-consensual messes produced by human activity, MDM discusses the implications of a human/microbial relationship driven by the dogma of capitalism. Where TLAP explains the microbiological nature of the foundations for biological life, MDM embraces the power of rarity and the subtle/not-subtle influence of the communities of smalls that exist on the boundaries of our understanding. Throughout, we continue our ritual practice in observing, honoring, and building relationship with the invisible ancient ones.
More info and register here.
Scheduling soon:
MICROANIMISM 202: And So, Ad Infinitum
MICROANIMISM I: FOUNDATIONS
Thinking Like a Plague
Learn the absolute basics of a sustainable and ethical practice in Microanimism. 8 pre-recorded classes, additional resources and access to our online community discussions.
More info and register here.
Private students: If you are interested in private online training with Siv, you can apply here.
Support Microanimism
During our semester I am usually too caught up with teaching my CC classes in microbiology and anatomy and physiology to offer Microanimism classes. However, I do try to publish frequently over on Substack. I’d love for you to subscribe.
I am a proudly working-class and unionized educator. Microanimism has been my labor of love since 2016. If you have enjoyed or learned from my work and would like to tip me or donate, it would have a very noticeable impact on my ability to keep producing materials for Microanimism.
IN-PERSON TEACHING: the only in-person workshops I have planned this year are on equine science/relationship. More info.
Past and Upcoming
The King of Sunset
Humans and SARS-CoV-2
TKOS is a series of 3 seminars which I recorded in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. These seminars have not been updates since then, and so contain out of date information. For access, I’m asking for a donation of what you can afford. Please clearly describe that you are donating for access to TKOS, and I will send you the link (this might take me a little while, I’m a one-person operation and I don’t have automated systems in place). Cheers.
10 cells
10 cells is a chapbook of Microanimism themed poetry and artwork that I am currently pulling together. It’ll be available…one day.
"I loved this course. It gave me a totally new way of thinking about everything. It had an unexpected and profound impact. The course material is rich. I have not even skimmed the surface. Siv is generous, engaging, clear, compelling."
— Previous course participant, Thinking Like a Plague
"I unabashedly loved this course. The course really delivered on content - we covered the kinds of science topics I’d thought we’d get into, in more detail than I’d imagined. In terms of the practical animism, it was a gentle but solid introduction that left a lot of room for personal exploration. As a dedicated Buddhist, I was expecting it to be more of an odd fit, but it turned out to offer a lot of enrichment for my existing practice. The moderate, considered pacing allowed me the space to figure out how to best navigate that. Also, Siv is fucking cool."
— Previous course participant, Thinking Like a Plague
"Dr. Watkins is a person of high integrity, genuine humility, depth of knowledge, and a cultivated sense of sarcasm. Her wisdom and embodied understanding of the smalls as they relate to human culture and life on Earth are highly recommended."
— Dr. Daniel Foor, Ancestral Medicine