By Michael J. Caduto. Woodstock, Vermont: SkyLight Paths, 2007. 176 pages, 5.5x8.5, 20 b/w illustrations, activities, glossary of herbs and their uses. Ages 13 and up. Available May 2007.
An introduction to using herbs for spiritual practices that anyone can do—a book that is fun, informative, unique and spiritually enriching. No other book focuses on these sacred plants as a blessing from God and as a way to remain in harmony with Spirit. Readers will be delighted by the history of the religious and spiritual use of herbs in many faith traditions and the inspirational quotes from sacred books, saints and healers such as Hildegard of Bingen. This hands-on guide to incorporating special herbs into our spiritual lives contains rituals, ceremonies, poems, songs and meals (many newly created for the book), descriptions of herbs and their uses across many traditions and engaging information on how herbs are used for healing our physical—and spiritual—selves.
In addition to learning about the different herbs used in religious ceremonies (for instance, the bitter herbs for the Jewish Passover Seder), the reader will find creative ideas on adapting biblical gardens for small plots and pots on porches, and for using herbs to make labyrinths, candles, soaps, teas, wreaths, tinctures and myriad other creations for spiritual intent. A resource section gives tips on how to dry herbs and where to get them if you don’t grow them yourself. Gardeners, herbalists and anyone interested in a fresh (and aromatic) approach to spiritual growth will enjoy this journey through the ancient and modern world of sacred herbs