Michael J. Caduto
Foreword by Mary Gladstar
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
“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
“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
“Overflowing with history, gentle
wisdom, activities and inclusive truths ... encapsulates the
common ground of humanity.”
—Tina
Marie Wilcox, president,
International Herb Association
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.
