Everyday Herbs in Spiritual Life
A Guide to Many Practices
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- $21.99
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- $21.99
Publisher Description
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 centring 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
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.
