Everyday Herbs in Spiritual Life

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 SpiritFiddleheads, Lamb's Quarters, Nettles and Nuts: Wild Edible, Medicinal and Poisonous PlantsNative American Gardening: Planting Seeds of the FutureEarth Gardens and the Seasons of LifeA Harvest of Tales: Native Stories, Song, Dance and FoodClick 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.

• ForewordAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. Healing Herbals A Touch of ScentGrowing an Herbal HeartPurification and Protection: SmudgingPurification and Protection: Scents of ProtectionPurification and Protection: Garlic WreathCards for CelebrationCards for SolaceTreatments from TreesPillow of Peace and Protection2. Of Aesthetics, Spirit, and Virtue A Wreath of Pure BeautySachets of CourageBathing BalmSoap for the SpiritA Light of Life3. Feeding the Spirit, Giving Thanks Easter Carnival (Rustic) Pie and Pepper BiscuitsHerbal Easter EggsHerbal Easter BasketHerbal Christmas DecorationsHerbal Christmas Tree CenterpieceHerbs on a ConeHanukkah CandlesValentine's Day Heart for the HeartValentine's Day CardRamadan BeveragePots of HerbsInterfaith Manna from HeavenRitual Cleansing for MealsDaily Havdalah Spice BoxEgyptian-Style Thanksgiving GarlandPots of Potpourri4. Circle of Life Herbal Memorial: Lustral WaterHerbal Memorial: Egyptian Floral BouquetBereavement BouquetEgyptian Herbal OilMarriage Blessing: Marjoram Marriage GarlandsMarriage Blessing: Flower Blessing RingsEgyptian Wedding BouquetTea for TwoPromise of PomandersHerbal Newlywed BlessingsBaby Blessings and Milk Biscuits5. Cosmic Herbals A Cosmic Herbal GardenProtective Herbs for the Cosmic GardenHeaven and EarthCosmic LabyrinthCosmic Community CenterpiecesLavender Birds of Peace6. Reflection and Meditation Retreat, Respite, RoseHerbs of MeditationTotality TeaArt of Herbal Reflection: Driftwood HerbalsArt of Herbal Reflection: Herbal BallArt of Herbal Reflection: The Art of KnowingSeeds of SuccessMesopotamian Meditation Incense7. The Practical Realm Planning and Designing an Herb GardenChoosing and Obtaining Herbs for Your GardenPreparing the SoilCaring for PlantsHarvesting and Preserving HerbsAppendix: Sources for Herbs, Seeds, and Herbal SuppliesGlossary and Index of Herbs and FlowersIndex of ActivitiesCreditsLists of HerbsHerbs for HealingHerbs for Aesthetics, Spirit, and VirtueHerbs for Feeding the Spirit and Giving ThanksHerbs and Flowers for Circle of LifeCosmic Herbs, Flowers, and FruitsHerbs and Flowers for Reflection and Meditation

Everyday Herbs In Spiritual Life: A Guide To Many Practices by author, ecologist, educator and storyteller Michael Caduto is a practical and informative guide to incorporating herbs into a spiritual life through the use of rituals and ceremonies. Everyday Herbs In Spiritual Life provides descriptions of the herbs and their applications across many cultural traditions. Of special note is the advice on how to utilize these herbs for personal spiritual growth. For example, creating herbal art inspired by faith and the beauty of nature; crafting herbal wreaths, sachets, garlands, pillows and soaps; preparing herbal teas, infused oils and meals; making potpourri and candles infused with herbs; celebrating holidays, births, weddings and memorials with herbs; designing a simple herb garden of plants chosen from among different spiritual traditions; even how to construct spaces in which to use herbs for reflection and mediation. All this and more make Everyday Herbs In Spiritual Life an invaluable and very strongly recommended addition to personal and community library Metaphysical Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.