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.
Available from Amazon.co.uk
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