Everyday Herbs in Spiritual Life: A Guide to Many Practices

by Micheal J. Caduto, Rosemary Gladstar (Foreword by)

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594734595
Publisher:	Turner Publishing Company
Publication date:	06/28/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction

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

• Herbs for Healing
• Herbs for Aesthetics, Spirit, and Virtue
• Herbs for Feeding the Spirit and Giving Thanks
• Herbs and Flowers for Circle of Life
• Cosmic Herbs, Flowers, and Fruits
• Herbs and Flowers for Reflection and Meditation

Editorial Reviews

ECOLOGIST-STORYTELLER & 'KEEPERS OF THE EARTH' series author Michael J. Caduto writes and illustrates the SkyLight Paths August 2007 $16.99 spiritual gardening, EVERYDAY HERBS IN SPIRITUAL LIFE: A Guide to Many Practices (978-1-59473-174-7), nonfiction trade paperback for adults, B&W illustrated. Founder of PEACE (Programs for Environmental Awareness and Cultural Exchange), Caduto also wrote Native American Gardening among 16 titles. This title is in SkyLight Paths’ "The Art of Spiritual Living Series." Foreword is by Rosemary Gladstar, cofounder of Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary.

International spiritual and religious traditions are drawn upon in this presentation of rituals, ceremonies and celebrations and instruction in craft, mixtures and gardening. Large plant lists introduce each major chapter including herbs associated with healing, spirit, thankfulness, circle of life, cosmos, medita tion. The glossary-index is followed by an index of herb-related activities; suppliers are listed. Praised by National Catholic Rural Life Conference executive director Brother David Andrews; and minister Donna Schaper (Labyrinths from the Outside In). Today’s Books / Bookweek puts Everyday Herbs in Spiritual Life on “The A-List.” Caduto’s website is p-e-a-c-e.net. (Publicity: Kate Treworgy, [e-mail], 802-457- 4000; media kit includes press release.) SkyLight Paths’ website is skylightspaths.com

Book Register

Michael J. Caduto is the author of many books and founder of 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. In this volume in "The Art of Spiritual Living" series of Skylight Paths, he states:

"Herbs are a joy and a blessing. Walk the pathways of these pages and experience the fun and mystery of herbs. Allow herbs to teach you and to reveal their beauty and sensory delights. Share in the creative power of herbs. Invite herbs into the rhythms of your spiritual life, and allow them to enrich and heal your inner being. Truly, herbs are a gift from the Creator."

Caduto explores the healing qualities of herbs for all aspects of body, mind, and spirit; looks at beauty and the relationship between aesthetics and virtue; provides meal rituals and ceremonies centered around the use of herbs; looks into the heart of the Circle of Life; surveys sacred herb gardens; examines the reflective and centering use of herbs for meditation, inner journeys, and artistic expression; and provides practical tips for designing and growing an herb garden. There are many insightful passages in this paperback about the uses of mint, sage, lavender, and other herbs along with salutes to the ancient of wisdom of indigenous peoples.

Spirituality & Practice - Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

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 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 multi-cultural volume. In seven chapters exploring healing; aesthetics and virtue; meals and rituals; the balance of life; the sacred cosmos; meditation; and practical tips, Caduto seemingly explores 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 ultimately they recall the sweet elemental connection among aspects of the living world. (Aug.)

PW Religion Bookline

"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."

Midwest Book Review

"Brings awareness to everyday experiences with plants and helps us realize the intricate symbolic relationship we have with them. A valuable guide for anyone and essential for those who simply treat with reverence their daily experience."
—James Mattioda, PhD, founder, Arcana Herbal and Nutritional Pharmacy, La Jolla, California

“Healing, sensory satisfaction, peace and harmony ... these are among the meaningful messages derived from reading this book. Let it speak to your spirit.”
—Brother David Andrews, CSC, executive director, National Catholic Rural Life Conference

“Overflowing with history, gentle wisdom, activities and inclusive truths ... encapsulates the common ground of humanity.”
—Tina Marie Wilcox, president, International Herb Association

“Will amuse your senses and engage you in a practical exploration of the use of herbs to flavor and fill your life. Sensual, sophisticated, smart and very practical …gives both spirituality and herbs a good name. Enjoy.”
—Rev. Donna Schaper, coauthor, Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight

“A powerful tool for awakening from the nightmare of otherness, and reclaiming the unity that is so central to our true identity.”
—Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author, The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice

From the Publisher