Everyday Herbs in Spiritual Life: A Guide to Many Practices

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.