Full Description
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 centring
§ 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
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
