Our books
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ATTENTION: The shipping costs for books to Switzerland are too high and involve complicated customs procedures. Please arrange Swiss orders through your local bookseller.
NEUZ: Completely revised and expanded edition!
In the land of the soul
19 Grimm fairy tales retold as Europe's indigenous heritage
The 19 Grimm fairy tales retold in the first part have been slightly revised in the new version. Fear-free fairy tales to read aloud - for adults and children.
In the new, 50-page second part, Ursula Seghezzi uncovers the hidden symbolism. Fairy tales preserve the memory of a natural, matriarchal and communal world. In times of upheaval, this European cultural memory, which has been brought to the fore, provides rootedness, orientation and hope.
In the land of the soul 19 Grim tales retold as Europe's indigenous heritage
Ursula Seghezzi
uma Verlag, 2026, completely revised and expanded edition (first edition 2015)
ISBN: 978-3-912033-05-2
€ 32.00 / CHF 38.00 (plus shipping costs)
Part One - The Fairy Tales: 19 well-known fairy tales retold without fear. For children and adults to read aloud.
Part Two - The Roots: The symbolism of initiation and closeness to nature hidden in the fairy tales is analysed and made accessible as European cultural heritage for today's orientation and rootedness.
„When we know where we come from, we recognise who we are.
And we are more than we think.”
Beneath the surface of our enlightened world sleeps an ancient knowledge - of earth and stars, of initiation and transformation, of the wild certainty of being integrated into the living fabric of existence. Ursula Seghezzi follows the traces of the initiation, nature and myth culture of Central Europe and unearths the buried treasure of the indigenous European soul layer - a return to our natural humanity.
In the first part, nineteen Grimm fairy tales are retold. A bear woman guides a young woman with the stories across the threshold into adult, shamanic work. Fear-free fairy tales to read aloud - for adults and children.
In the second part, the author uncovers the hidden symbolism. The fairy tales preserve the memory of a natural, matriarchal and communal world. This European cultural memory provides rootedness, orientation and hope in times of upheaval.
On the magic of nature mysticism and the urgency to serve life
David and Ursula Seghezzi
uma Verlag, 2017, 2nd edition
ISBN 978-3-905881-53-0
€ 44.00 / CHF 49.80 (plus postage)
The foundational work on a political and life-affirming nature mysticism rooted in connection with nature and the more-than-human world. With a practical section on nature coaching and nature rituals.
How can we overcome our (Western) cultural conditioning that we are separate from nature? That our freedom lies in exploiting it? Nature coaching and nature rituals create spaces for reconnecting with nature. But here too, we run the risk of just using nature – this time for personal self-fulfilment.
Ursula and David Seghezzi take readers on a journey of transformation. The starting point and Part I of the book is a reflection on our cultural history – how did this alienation from nature and from the soulful aspect of nature come about? In Part II, they embark on an imaginary journey into the forest. Along the way, they explore the understanding of nature in quantum physics and new biology, delve into fairy tales and nature myths, and enter a space beyond words where integration into a greater whole no longer represents a sacrifice. In Part III, they report on their many years of practice in nature coaching and nature rituals, constantly questioning where the pitfalls of doing and wanting lie in working with nature. Inspiration for walks in nature and reports from participants invite readers to venture out themselves and explore a new kind of freedom in connection.
Nature mysticism is a radical form of transformation because it is guided by a natural dimension beyond culture. This involves the dying of previous beliefs in favour of a new openness to perception. In this sense, nature mysticism is radically uncomfortable, radically independent, and ultimately, radically political. And yes, radically sensual and alive.
WaldZeit – Vision Quest in the European Tradition
David and Ursula Seghezzi
uma Verlag, 2019, 2nd edition
ISBN 978-3-9058801-61-5
€ 23.80 / CHF 24.80 (plus postage)
A book about the historical roots and modern form of an ancient nature ritual, and about its political and culture-changing dimension today.
Four days and nights alone in the woods
During the 12-day WaldZeit Vision Quest ritual, people of all ages, after a few preparatory days, spend a period of openness alone and fasting in the forest.
The book vividly recounts the longing, fears, and joys associated with this adventure, but above all, the deep re-connection with one’s own soul and the soul of nature. The book reveals the European tradition of this ritual, to which our fairy tales allude symbolically. The author couple answers all practical questions about the process of a ForestTime and connects the nature-mystical experiences of ForestTime with their reflections on our nature-alienated culture. Nature mysticism thus becomes a mandate for a life suitable for earthly existence and gains political relevance. The dream of a world in which we humans fit into the great web of life in connection and love can become reality because connection and love are inherently part of our human nature. The forest is capable of awakening both...
uma Verlag, 2015, 5th edition
In the land of the soul
Ursula Seghezzi
ISBN 978-3-905881-41-7
€ 23.80 / CHF 24.80 (plus postage)
19 Grimm's fairy tales retold according to the original structure of the initiation journey. Embedded in a narrative by the Bear Woman about our cultural history, the origin of fairy tales and the changing worldviews.
„Where can I learn about life?“ I ask. The she-bear replies, „With me in the land of the soul, my dear daughter. I will tell you the stories of your ancestors from ancient times.“ „Do the fairy tales reach back to the natives of Europe?“ I ask, astonished. The she-bear nods, „If you know where you come from, you will recognise who you are. And you are more than you think.“
Nineteen Grimm fairy tales retold based on the original initiatory structure. The symbolic motifs of death and rebirth, and initiation into love and sexuality, refer to the ancient shamanic approach to life.
In her search for knowledge, a young woman ends up in the forest. There she meets Bear Woman, who introduces her to the history of mankind through fairy tale after fairy tale. The fairy tale symbolism reflects the originally polygamous way of life and the closeness to nature of our early European ancestors. Bärenfrau explains why, in the course of history, fairy tales have contained more and more violence and at the same time have been trivialised into children's tales. She tells the original initiation stories from a deep connection to nature, leaving behind the terrain of lordly separateness and creating a new, more connected reality with the images from the land of the soul. With her new versions of nineteen fairy tales, the author joins the living storytelling tradition and, like the Brothers Grimm in each of their modified editions, conveys the wisdom of fairy tales in the spirit of their time - healing, touching, empowering and challenging us to realise our full potential.
The book description of „In the Land of the Soul“ as a video!
The author Ursula Seghezzi introduces herself and her book „Im Land der Seele“ (In the Land of the Soul).
She talks about what inspired her to write and gives a personal reading from her book.
Here you will find the book review for “Im Land der Seele” by Matthias Fersterer.,
published in the journal “OYA” 37/2016.
Now newly released, the Croatian translation of „In the Land of the Soul“!
Orders direct to ursula@umainstitut.net.
Does History Make Sense? What Central European Myths, Legends and Customs Tell Us About Our Future
Ursula Seghezzi (currently out of print, expected to be reprinted in Autumn 2025)
Book 1 of the trilogy „Consciousness“, 2nd revised and corrected edition
uma Publishing, 2012, 4th edition
ISBN 978-3-905881-18-9
€ 44.00 / CHF 49.80 (plus postage)
A book that spans from the world experience of our Paleolithic ancestors to the big questions of our time. And a treasure trove for anyone who wants to work with Central European fairy tales, myths, and customs.
Do you also enjoy pondering God and the world, life and what it means to be human? Do you also look with concern towards the future and ask yourself what of what has gone before makes sense and whether it is even suitable for overcoming today's challenges?
Ursula Seghezzi is not just a storyteller – she is a teller of histories. An archaeologist of consciousness, she unearths the worldviews of our ancestors layer by layer, asking how they still shape us today. She tells the story of the indigenous people of Europe, pushed into the Alpine valleys, and their customs; the story of the lower classes and their legends; and the story of women and their household fairy tales. She speaks of the violent overlay by the Celts and Alemanni, and the introduction of guilt and sin in the course of Christianisation.
When the mechanisms of power and oppression are seen through at the end of this special history book, and the powerful images are revealed, history suddenly makes sense. Then the way opens to a “future fit for grandchildren”.
Compass of Life – A Journey Through Human Nature
Ursula Seghezzi
Volume 2 of the „Consciousness“ trilogy“
uma Verlag, 2013, 4th edition
ISBN 978-3-905881-19-6
€ 37.00 / CHF 39.80 (plus postage)
The book about the life compass, formulated by Ursula Seghezzi based on myth and fairy tale research, presents the European Wheel of Life. A spiritual map for a life journey that is in tune with natural cycles and grounded.
The book is a creative approach and a very personal contribution to overcoming today's existential crisis and lack of direction. Because when the previous worldview collapses, what then gives us stability?
What are we realigning our thinking and actions to?
In times of upheaval, Ursula Seghezzi formulates a modern European wheel of life and medicine with the "Lebenskompass" (Life Compass). In it, she connects nature and culture, personal and societal processes of change, past and future, the external and internal. The Lebenskompass reveals natural laws: they are the basis of the seasons, are told in ancient myths, are staged in customs, and appear in every personal and collective developmental process. Those who know these laws become calmer, more conscious, and more capable of action.
The Life Compass describes the phases of a human life and turbulent life transitions. Here, the author particularly acknowledges adolescents who face growing uncertainty about the future/adulthood and can no longer rely on time-tested rites of passage as in former times. She also pays special attention to the midlife crisis as a transition into the mature period of later life. Furthermore, the Life Compass shows the fundamental qualities of mature adults who strive for a life in balance and fulfillment. Examples illustrate how the Life Compass can be used in supporting individuals and groups, for (self-)healing and in creating rituals. Nature tasks invite the reader to embark on their own journey into nature and spark curiosity for self-discovery!
The Knowledge of Change – The Natural Structure of Effective Transformation Processes
Ursula Seghezzi
Book 3 of the „Consciousness“ trilogy“
uma Publishing Autumn 2014
ISBN 978-3-905881-25-7
€ 44.00 / CHF 49.80 (plus postage)
The book on modern vision quests and the laws of transformation processes. With many personal accounts from vision quest participants.
The book is currently out of print! The essential content (the transformation wheel) is laid out in the Natural Mysticism book.
Crisis, transformation, and potential development are buzzwords of our time. But what does change really mean? What distinguishes transformation from purely cosmetic adjustments? How can a crisis be used for potential development?
In this book, Ursula Seghezzi formulates the lawful structure and criteria for sustainable transformation processes and highlights indicators by which effective change can be recognised. The simple yet profound „map of change“ she presents offers guidance in personal crises, in supporting group processes, and in co-creating societal transformation processes.
Seghezzi draws on two central sources: nature and culture. In nature, we experience the laws of change every year – harvest, fallow, new growth, blossom. From the reservoir of his own culture, Seghezzi examines European household fairy tales. Hansel and Gretel, Iron John, Snow White & Co., as original initiation tales, reveal the structure of the hero's journey – call, departure, surrender, unio, gift, return, vocation. Testimonials from the modern natural ritual of the vision quest make this natural structure of change and potential development tangible and build a bridge between then and now, between outer and inner nature.
All books in the „Consciousness“ trilogy (Power History Sense / Compass of Life / Knowledge of Change) can also be ordered as ebooks for CHF 27.00 from www.ciando.com.
Little Red Riding Hood on Wolf's Journey – A Tale of the Bear Woman
Retold by Ursula Seghezzi, with illustrations by Christa Unzner
uma Verlag, 2017
ISBN 978-3-905881-66-0
£ 15.89 / CHF 19.80 (plus shipping costs)
The well-known fairy tale retold using the ancient initiation structure and beautifully illustrated – without scaremongering or oppressive distortions.
The story of Little Red Riding Hood is familiar to us all. But there is no evil wolf in this fairy tale. Instead, a she-wolf accompanies Little Red Riding Hood to her grandmother's house by the three oak trees. When the grandmother places the magical red cap on her granddaughter's head, something wonderful happens…
The narrative and illustrations take the children on a thrilling journey into the woods, free from fear.
Each era colours fairy tales in its own way. In the 19th century, the Brothers Grimm wove diminutives, bourgeois morality, the gender roles of the time, and fear-based education into the old fairy tale material. Ursula Seghezzi returns to the original meaning of fairy tales: young adults learn «magic» in the forest. They expand their consciousness, can speak with plants and empathise with animals, see into the future, learn about their own gifts, and learn about death and rebirth from Grandmother Earth. They return as adults who can serve life through deep connection to nature – abilities that are necessary to overcome the challenges of our current era!
Christa Unzner's illustrations appear light and cheerful. They help to reveal new symbolism within the familiar.
Mother Hulda and the Golden Daughter – A Bear Woman's Fairy Tale
Retold by Ursula Seghezzi, with illustrations by Christa Unzner
uma Verlag, 2021
ISBN 978-3-905881-68-4
£ 15.89 / CHF 19.80 (plus shipping costs)
The most famous Grimm fairytale reimagined and beautifully illustrated – the wicked stepmother becomes a loving mother who still knows about the initiation rite with Mother Hulda.
The story of Mother Hulda is one of the best-known Grimm fairy tales. Here it is told differently for a change: it is not the wicked stepmother who banishes her child, but a loving mother who sends her daughter on the great journey to Mother Hulda. There, the golden daughter learns to live in rhythm with the seasons – which brings happiness. Whoever does not adhere to this life wisdom will be forever haunted by bad luck.
This poetic, profound book takes children and adults on a fearless and loving journey into Frau Holle's realm.
Each era colours fairy tales in its own way. In the 19th century, the Brothers Grimm wove idealisation, bourgeois morality, contemporary role models, and education through fear into the old fairy tale material. Ursula Seghezzi returns to the original meaning of fairy tales: young adults learn «magic» in the forest. They expand their consciousness, can talk to plants and empathise with animals, see into the future, learn about their own gifts, and learn from Mother Earth what it means to live in rhythm with the seasons. They return as adults who, through a deep connection with nature, can serve life – skills that are necessary to overcome the challenges of our current era!
Christa Unzner's illustrations appear light and cheerful. They help to reveal new symbolism within the familiar.
In the land of the soul
Ursula Seghezzi
uma Verlag, 2015, 5th edition
ISBN 978-3-905881-41-7
€ 23.80 / CHF 24.80 (plus postage)
19 Grimm's fairy tales retold according to the original structure of the initiation journey. Embedded in a narrative by the Bear Woman about our cultural history, the origin of fairy tales and the changing worldviews.
„Where can I learn about life?“ I ask. The she-bear replies, „With me in the land of the soul, my dear daughter. I will tell you the stories of your ancestors from ancient times.“ „Do the fairy tales reach back to the natives of Europe?“ I ask, astonished. The she-bear nods, „If you know where you come from, you will recognise who you are. And you are more than you think.“
Nineteen Grimm fairy tales retold based on the original initiatory structure. The symbolic motifs of death and rebirth, and initiation into love and sexuality, refer to the ancient shamanic approach to life.
In her search for knowledge, a young woman ends up in the forest. There she meets Bear Woman, who introduces her to the history of mankind through fairy tale after fairy tale. The fairy tale symbolism reflects the originally polygamous way of life and the closeness to nature of our early European ancestors. Bärenfrau explains why, in the course of history, fairy tales have contained more and more violence and at the same time have been trivialised into children's tales. She tells the original initiation stories from a deep connection to nature, leaving behind the terrain of lordly separateness and creating a new, more connected reality with the images from the land of the soul. With her new versions of nineteen fairy tales, the author joins the living storytelling tradition and, like the Brothers Grimm in each of their modified editions, conveys the wisdom of fairy tales in the spirit of their time - healing, touching, empowering and challenging us to realise our full potential.
The book description of „In the Land of the Soul“ as a video!
The author Ursula Seghezzi introduces herself and her book „Im Land der Seele“ (In the Land of the Soul).
She talks about what inspired her to write and gives a personal reading from her book.
Here you will find the book review for “Im Land der Seele” by Matthias Fersterer.,
published in the journal “OYA” 37/2016.
Now newly released, the Croatian translation of „In the Land of the Soul“!
Orders direct to ursula@umainstitut.net.
Films and audio dramas
walkAway – Young People Report on Growing Up
Documentary film approx. 23 minutes (DVD)
Swiss German original version, German and English subtitles, DVD PAL region-free
Production: uma institut and Klaus Fromherz
Directed by: Klaus Formherz, Switzerland, 2008.
£18.00 (incl. postage)
The film interviews six young people about their experiences during and after their rites of passage. Moving statements from teenagers between hip-hop clothing, video games, fasting and conversations with trees. Young people and their parents talk about fears, insights and self-discovery. Ursula Seghezzi, who accompanied the young people as a ritual leader on their walkAway ritual, guides us through the film. The film provides an insight into the process and effectiveness of the walkAway for 13-16 year old adolescents.
Midsummer Night's Dream. An epic journey through the realm of Mother Hulda.
Audio drama approx. 45 minutes (CD)
Text & Speaker: Zoltán Jákli
Music: Raphael Kempermann, Germany, 2014.
£18.00. (incl. postage and packing)
Inspired by the seasonal ritual „24 Hours with Frau Holle“ by Ursula and David Seghezzi in August 2013, Zoltan Jakli penned a magnificent epic. In wonderful language, he recounts the journey through the stages of life's unfolding, from Frau Holle's soul-land through birth, initiation, adulthood with dancing and harvesting, to the return to the underworld. A radio play for immersing oneself in the wisdom of life and the mythological world of Central Europe. A delight!
Further publications
A Leadership Programme (Leadership and Life Compass)
Robert Bögle and Gesa Heiten (Eds)
Please order through the bookshop
Article A Leadership Programme (Leadership and Life Compass)
Wagner David / Seghezzi Ursula: A Leadership Programme (Leadership and Life Compass), in Bögle/Heiten (Eds.): Wheels of Life. Orientation for Deep Transformation, Drachen Verlag, 2014
Toolbox Leadership for Global Responsibility
Wagner David, et al.: Toolbox Leadership for Global Responsibility. Publications on International Human Resource Development, Volume 3. Academy for International Cooperation (AIZ), Bad Honnef 2013
German 
English