Sacred Land
by Clea Danaan
Llewellyn, 2007, £11.99
review by Susan Warren
Sacred Land by Clea Danaan is an inspired gardening book. The writing is sound, with foundations in organic gardening and ethical living steeped in relationship with the land. In fact, one of the first things that struck me about this book was the author's recognition of (as well as encouragement to the reader to see) a garden as a co-creation between oneself and the land. And this theme resonates throughout the book, with a strong theme of relationship with the land creating beauty and life as a part of gardening, rather than something one forces on the land.
The book looks at the act of sacred gardening in four chapters, one for each element (earth, air, fire and water.) Within these chapters are bite size articles on a variety of subjects such as:* Goddess archetypes present within the garden, from a multitude of; pantheons. * Activities that actually create relationship (getting your hands in the soil, being conscious of the feelings and experience as well as the soil itself * Meditations, such as finding your passion in the garden in the Fire chapter * Creature Allies which through their very nature, can teach valuable lesson * There are also very practical elements to the book, from soil structure and improvement to water usage and conservation. * Each chapter ends with a useful list of resources.
The only drawback is that the book is geared towards an US audience, especially the resource sections at the end of each chapter. Some of the animals are specific to Northern America which is of little use to readers outside North America.
This said, Sacred Land is an inspiring and lovely book. A great option for someone looking to find ways to connect with their garden or or someone starting a new garden who wishes to do some in a conscious and respectful manner.