Amazon amazon.com Category:  Health/Wellness Publisher: Lawrence Hill Books ISBN-10:  2008052195 Copyright: August 1, 2009 ISBN-13: 9781556527647 The topics Bird covers are as diverse as a wood should be, including everything from hunting, gathering, and processing to natural divination, omens, signs, and forest medicine for wellness and beauty. Reclaiming traditions based on plants and herbs has never been more important than it is today. Widespread use of chemicals, hormones, and additives introduce unknown substances into our bodies. On a larger scale, our future on the planet depends on our ability and willingness to incorporate earth-friendly practices into daily life. Where better to look for natural remedies and soothing rituals than Africa? It is, after all, the Mother Continent, the birthplace of the entire human race, and the keeper of ancient earth knowledge. No newcomer to these traditions, Stephanie Rose Bird explores the practical, spiritual, and historical aspects of trees in the heritage of African Americans and describes how we can adapt traditional practices to enrich our lives.  Excerpt Lesson of the Trees Clearly, in both Africa and the New World, trees are commanding cultural reservoirs. The "first-born tree" is the seat of the community. The community grows and thrives along with that first-born tree. Its roots feed on spiritual strength and traditional values. Not only of spiritual value, sacred groves are a traditional African way of instilling and sustaining biodiversity. For example, baobab is a gathering place and shield, supplying food and water. Individual trees and groves are sacred because of their ability to shield a community from invaders while germinating medicinal seeds, pods, mosses, ferns, bark, and fungi. Sacred wood is home to insects, birds, reptiles, and other animals as well as to divine spirits and ancestors. Angel Oak, Igboru-Egun, kaya, and numerous other woods have ecological as well as social and religious functions in community health that cannot be underestimated. Encouraging, honoring, respecting, and protecting healing groves is both African custom and collective responsibility.

Malidoma P. Some, Elder, diviner, author of
It is a rare gift to understand and relay the messages offered in the language of trees; this book contains primal language, originating in Africa, brought to us by this emissary of nature's spoken word.

Sandra Kynes, author of
A unique exploration of the forest that deepens our cultural awareness and enriches our connection with the green world. This important reference work belongs on the bookshelf of anyone serious about natural healing.

Foreword by Judika Illes, author of
The highest praise that I can give a book is to say that I wish I'd written it; "A Healing Grove: African Tree Remedies and Rituals for the Body and Spirit" is one such book. Stephanie Rose Bird--visual artist, educator, brilliant herbalist, evocative writer--has crafted a crucial and important book, sharing valuable rare information that has never been more needed and relevant than it is today.