Medicine Grove is a comprehensive herbal, with listings for every common herb and many wild plants of North America. It includes descriptions of the part of the plant used, notes on preparation, lists of symptoms alleviated by the herb, and common effects. But
Medicine Grove goes further, with chapters on gathering and growing wild herbs, using herbs in shamanic ceremonies or as plant allies in the wilderness, and birth, death, and dreaming herbs. Cruden combines her own first-hand experiences with a profound knowledge of indigenous traditions, enabling the reader to bring herbal lore into his or her own practice. She explains which herbs are best for seasonal ceremonies, smudging, and making offerings, and tells how to purify a sacred space. She covers topics such as vision quests, consciousness-altering, and the special connections between certain herbs and totem animals.
Medicine Grove brings the concept of an herbal into sacred territory, offering guidelines for incorporating herbs into one's spiritual life, based on the author's lifetime of work with Native American practices.
SHAMANISM / HERBALISM Medicine Grove offers guidelines for incorporating herbs into one's spiritual life. A comprehensive herbal, listing common herbs as well as wild plants of North America, it is based on Loren Cruden's lifetime of work with Earth-based spiritual practices. Medicine Grove includes chapters on gathering wild herbs, finding plant allies in the wilderness, and using herbs in shamanic ceremonies. A complete materia medica provides practical information for all herbs discussed. Cruden combines her own firsthand experiences with a profound knowledge of indigenous traditions. She explains which herbs are best for seasonal ceremonies, smudging, and making offerings, and tells how to purify a sacred space. Covering topics such as vision quests, consciousness-altering, and the special connections between certain herbs and totem animals, Medicine Grove brings the herbal into sacred territory. LOREN CRUDEN leads shamanic workshops and sweat lodge ceremonies throughout the Northwest. She is the author of The Spirit of Place, Coyote's Council Fire, and Compass of the Heart. She lives on First Thought Mountain in Washington State.
"This well-written and inspiring book goes a long way towards reawakening our ancient connection with the magical Green World."
