Product Description

Enhance and enrich your spiritual journey with the power of herbs. Herbs have been essential to spiritual beliefs and practices throughout time and history. From Christian Scripture to Hindu observances, Jewish ritual to early Islamic literature, Native American traditions to Buddhist symbolism, plants are seen as a blessing from God and a way to remain in harmony with Spirit. In this fun, informative and engaging guide, you will be delighted by the history of the religious and spiritual use of herbs in many faith traditions and inspired by creative ideas on how to use herbs for spiritual growth. Unique and soul-strengthening activities can teach you how to: • Create herbal art inspired by your faith • Craft herbal wreaths, pillows and soaps from herbs selected for their spiritual qualities • Prepare herbal teas, infused oils, meals and condiments with herbs chosen for their ability to nurture, strengthen and heal • Make candles infused with herbs that promote balance and centering • Nourish the soul with herbal sachets and potpourri • Use incense and smudge sticks to imbue clarity and purity • Design a simple herb garden of plants chosen from among different spiritual traditions • Construct spaces in which to use herbs for reflection and meditation. Michael J. Caduto is a renowned author, ecologist, educator and storyteller who has written and coauthored sixteen books, including Native American Gardening, the Keepers of the Earth series, In the Beginning: The Story of Genesis and Earth Activities for Children, and Abraham’s Bind & Other Bible Tales of Trickery, Folly, Mercy and Love (SkyLight Paths). His articles have appeared in many magazines, including Organic Gardening, Sanctuary, Nature Study and Instructor. In 1984 he founded a service called P.E.A.C.E.—Programs for Environmental Awareness and Cultural Exchange—which promotes understanding, awareness, appreciation and stewardship as the foundation for building a harmonious, sustainable relationship between people and Earth, and among the cultures of the world. His website is www.p-e-a-c-e.net.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1278769 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Caduto, a storyteller, accomplished author and Aesop Prize winner, reminds readers that Eastern and Western medicine grew in large part out of a relationship to healing properties found in the natural world, and he offers this book to help us remember this powerful spiritual connection to a gift from the Creator. Caduto's passion for the power of herbs is brightly reflected in his thorough, well-researched, engaging multicultural volume. In seven chapters exploring healing, aesthetics and virtue, meals and rituals, the balance of life, the sacred cosmos, meditation, and practical tips, Caduto explores practically every pistil, stem, blossom and more of the herbal world. Arcane facts about Egyptian embalming rest comfortably alongside advice on growing and harvesting herbs. Herbal experts will treasure the extensive spiritual application contexts, and beginners will find comfort in the cultivation basics. Especially soothing and bonding are the Islamic connections summoning the exquisite, sumptuous gardens of the Middle East. Each chapter has more than a handful of activities, ceremonies and projects. Some, such as Bathing Balms and Valentine's Day Cards seem overly simplistic, but all recall the sweet elemental connection among aspects of the living world. (Aug.)
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