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.
Michael J. Caduto is available to speak on the following topics:
Nurturing Herbs for Body, Mind and Spirit
Fiddleheads, Lamb's Quarters, Nettles and Nuts: Wild Edible, Medicinal and Poisonous Plants
Native American Gardening: Planting Seeds of the Future
Earth Gardens and the Seasons of Life
A Harvest of Tales: Native Stories, Song, Dance and Food
Click here to contact the author.
Rosemary Gladstar has been a practicing herbalist for thirty years. She cofounded Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary, and is a founding member of the Northeast Herb Association. She is the codirector of the New England Women's Herbal Conference and author of several books, including Herbal Healing for Women and Gladstar Family Herbal.
1. Healing Herbals A Touch of Scent Growing an Herbal Heart Purification and Protection: Smudging Purification and Protection: Scents of Protection Purification and Protection: Garlic Wreath Cards for Celebration Cards for Solace Treatments from Trees Pillow of Peace and Protection
2. Of Aesthetics, Spirit, and Virtue A Wreath of Pure Beauty Sachets of Courage Bathing Balm Soap for the Spirit A Light of Life
3. Feeding the Spirit, Giving Thanks Easter Carnival (Rustic) Pie and Pepper Biscuits Herbal Easter Eggs Herbal Easter Basket Herbal Christmas Decorations Herbal Christmas Tree Centerpiece Herbs on a Cone Hanukkah Candles Valentine's Day Heart for the Heart Valentine's Day Card Ramadan Beverage Pots of Herbs Interfaith Manna from Heaven Ritual Cleansing for Meals Daily Havdalah Spice Box Egyptian-Style Thanksgiving Garland Pots of Potpourri
4. Circle of Life Herbal Memorial: Lustral Water Herbal Memorial: Egyptian Floral Bouquet Bereavement Bouquet Egyptian Herbal Oil Marriage Blessing: Marjoram Marriage Garlands Marriage Blessing: Flower Blessing Rings Egyptian Wedding Bouquet Tea for Two Promise of Pomanders Herbal Newlywed Blessings Baby Blessings and Milk Biscuits
5. Cosmic Herbals A Cosmic Herbal Garden Protective Herbs for the Cosmic Garden Heaven and Earth Cosmic Labyrinth Cosmic Community Centerpieces Lavender Birds of Peace
6. Reflection and Meditation Retreat, Respite, Rose Herbs of Meditation Totality Tea Art of Herbal Reflection: Driftwood Herbals Art of Herbal Reflection: Herbal Ball Art of Herbal Reflection: The Art of Knowing Seeds of Success Mesopotamian Meditation Incense
7. The Practical Realm Planning and Designing an Herb Garden Choosing and Obtaining Herbs for Your Garden Preparing the Soil Caring for Plants Harvesting and Preserving Herbs
Appendix: Sources for Herbs, Seeds, and Herbal Supplies Glossary and Index of Herbs and Flowers Index of Activities Credits Lists of Herbs