Andrew (Orion) Marks's Page

Hometown:

Avoca Beach

Relationship Status:

Married

About Me:

Andrew (Orion) Marks

During the course of my life I have trodden four distinct paths.

Initially in adult life I graduated as an officer in the Australian Army, where I served as a Combat Engineer, which included three years in command of a counter terrorism unit. Since then I have had a shift in consciousness. Knowing more than most about (real) weapons of mass destruction, I am appalled at the actions of “the coalition of the willing”, the blood for oil war and specifically the state of danger that John Howard has placed Australia in. I am proud to have marched in protest against this current war.

Another path that I have trodden is that I consider my self to be a bushman. I have around thirty five years of bush experience, and for the past seven years I have been taking people out bush through my company Hike for Life Pty Ltd www.hikeforlife.com Also in this time I have been an environmental activist in producing a free email service about issues affecting the planet, I support both Greenpeace and the Australian Conservation Foundation. I am passionate about the bush and will do what ever I can to save it from exploitation. During the time I have developed a close relationship with indigenous cultures which have included the Pitjantjatjara of Central Australia and the Ute and Lakota of North America. I have come to see the world through their eyes, which is not a pleasant experience.

The third path is that of a proud father of four wonderful children. I uphold very strong family values and despair at how we have got lost in consumerism and the resultant break down of family values and structure. We outsource our children and our elders and in doing so sever the artery to rich family life. Born a Roman Catholic, I now have Pantheist beliefs ie the belief that everything is Spirit, and that Spirit is everything and everyone.

The last path has been as a teacher. For the past four years I have been successfully teaching an emotional intelligence course for men, which has resulted in the formation of a men’s group which meets each month. I also work as a facilitator in the Pathways to Manhood Foundation www.pathwaysfoundation.com.au doing work with men and boys. I have recently completed a two year Diploma in Shamanic Practice at the College of Complementary Medicine www.complementary.com.au

Finally, I believe in Ecological Sustainability; Social and Economic Justice; Grassroots Democracy; Peace, Nonviolence and Disarmament.

Website 1:

http://www.hikeforlife.com

Website 2:

http://www.betterman.com.au

Favorite Music:

All music. Fire Prayer - Denean

Favorite Books:

All things Spiritual

Favorite Movies:

Phenomenon, Michael, What Dreams May Come, Life of Brian, Clint Eastward movies

Favorite TV Shows:

Sci Fi - Star Trek, Mysterious Ways, Medium, Farscape

What do you do to make a living?

Run Emotional Intelligence Course for Men, Leadership Courses, Shamanic Practice

What kind of hobbies do you have?

Native gardening

In a world where you were pursuing your deepest, most heartfelt callings, what would you be doing?

What I am doing now

What is the most important thing you have learned in your life?

That we are spirit beings having a human experience.

Describe a belief that you previously held and then subsequently changed. What caused you to change your mind?

Raised as a Roman Catholic, I was sexually abused by a Priest. Tried to be an athiest but could not. Found peace in my own Spirituality.

Who do you admire most in the world (past and/or present) and why?

Gandhi - change through non violence

At this turbulent moment in history, what do you think is the most important thing a person can do to help humankind (and the rest of the planet) survive the many dangers that confront us?

Live a life in balance with the Earth Mother

What are your answers to the big questions: Who are we? Where are we from? Why are we here? Where are we headed?

We are Spirit beings having a human experience. We are here to experience and find out who we are and then become the person we choose to be. Humanity will polarise into two groups one based on spirit and earth based community and others that will seek to continue with dominion overall.

Why did you decide to join this community?

It is time to become more involved with the global family.