During his travels, Alexander Carmichael spent hours with peasants in their huts in front of peat fires listening as they "intoned in a low, recitative manner" these poems and prayers. This unique collection of living spirituality drawn from the depths of Celtic Christianity, represents a hidden oral tradition of great power and beauty, handed down through countless generations of Hebridean peasants.Previously available only as a bilingual text in six volumes, this edition in English contributes to a broader awareness of Celtic literature in general. John MacInnes' introduction puts the poems in the context of the life and folklore of the Gaelic community.

    Along the way, he meets up with a flurry of fellow enthusiasts, from avalanche survivors and resort operators to climate scientists and champion skiers. English is obsessed with snow, and has collected for our enjoyment an amazing array of not-so-random facts about the hexagonal substance that fills the human imagination with wonder. In a section called the "Snow Handbook," he describes how snow is created, how to build an igloo, how avalanches occur, and (more importantly) how to survive an avalanche. His glossary is filled with snow terms that will delight, such as "couloir," "hoarfrost," "firn," and "sastrugi." Fresh and fun and infused with the adrenaline of adventure, The Snow Tourist is a fascinating account of one man's pilgrimage through the world's blanketed fields, ice-capped rooftops, cozy igloos, and snow-covered mountain peaks.

    This book describes the benefits to human beings of noticing their position in the Natural World.

    Berra, whose "Darwin: The Man" lectures are in high demand worldwide, tells the fascinating story of the person and the idea that changed everything. Berra discusses Darwin’s revolutionary scientific work, its impact on modern-day biological science, and the influence of Darwin’s evolutionary theory on Western thought. But Berra digs deeper to reveal Darwin the man by combining anecdotes with carefully selected illustrations and photographs.This small gem of a book includes 20 color plates and 60 black-and-white illustrations, along with an annotated list of Darwin’s publications and a chronology of his life.

    Science has only recently begun to unravel how these precious liquids, and the chemical compounds they contain, can work to affect the body and mind.This new full-color edition of the Reference Guide for Essential Oils brings the beauty of one of nature's most exquisite gifts, along with what recent scientific research has discovered about them, together in an exciting new format! This book's unique new color-coded system makes it simple for anyone to quickly find-and confidently use-recommended essential oils, oil blends, and essential oil-inspired supplements for hundreds of different health and wellness conditions.Additionally, hundreds of footnotes throughout this book lead to summaries and references for more than 300 published research studies on essential oils and essential oil constituents. These unique features-along with detailed information on over 100 essential oils and 150 commercially-available oil blends, supplements, and personal care products-made this the perfect book for both seasoned oilers and those just beginning their journey into the fascinating world of nature's essential oils!Size: 592 pages; 11" x 9" x 1" (with spiral binding).Published in 2013.

    Classics of the environmental imagination—the essays of Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, and John Burroughs; Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac; Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring—are set against the inspiring story of an emerging activist movement, as revealed by newly uncovered reports of pioneering campaigns for conservation, passages from landmark legal opinions and legislation, and searing protest speeches. Here are some of America’s greatest and most impassioned writers, taking a turn toward nature and recognizing the fragility of our situation on earth and the urgency of the search for a sustainable way of life. Thought-provoking essays on overpopulation, consumerism, energy policy, and the nature of “nature” join ecologists’ memoirs and intimate sketches of the habitats of endangered species. The anthology includes a detailed chronology of the environmental movement and American environmental history, as well as an 80-page color portfolio of illustrations.

    . . and never count calories again!If you are following a popular diet -- whether it is low-carb, low-fat, food combining or limited calories -- it is killing you. It is breaking down every component of your body, causing destruction of your healthy muscle tissue and aging everything from your brain cells to the skin on your face.But there is an alternative. You can have the body you want without dangerous diets, unproven supplements and punishing workouts. Dr. Schwarzbein's revolutionary program uses the body's metabolic system to help you postpone or reverse the degenerative effects of aging and lose weight for life by:Balancing carbohydrates and fat - without eliminating food groups or counting calories Managing stress and getting a great night's sleep Tapering off and reversing cravings such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and sugar Switching from strenuous cardio exercise to moderate resistance training and stretching Balancing your hormones with the right kind of hormone replacement therapy This is the book Dr. Schwarzbein's hundreds of thousands of fans have been waiting for -- a simple straightforward program that will finally break the cycle and give you longer life, permanent weight loss and increased energy . . . the healthy way."In the sea of diet/lifestyle books, The Schwarzbein Principle is one of the most balanced, sensible and effective programs . . . I applaud Dr. Schwarzbein's revolutionary yet realistic approach to food." - Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of The Wisdom of Menopause

    Aspirin, the world's most widely used drug, is based on compounds originally extracted from the bark of a willow tree, and more than a quarter of medicines found on pharmacy shelves contain plant compounds. Now Western medicine, faced with health crises such as AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer, has begun to look to the healing plants used by indigenous peoples to develop powerful new medicines. Nowhere is the search more promising than in the Amazon, the world's largest tropical forest, home to a quarter of all botanical species on this planet—as well as hundreds of Indian tribes whose medicinal plants have never been studied by Western scientists. In Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice, ethnobotanist Mark J. Plotkin recounts his travels and studies with some of the most powerful Amazonian shamans, who taught him the plant lore their tribes have spent thousands of years gleaning from the rain forest.For more than a decade, Dr. Plotkin has raced against time to harvest and record new plants before the rain forests' fragile ecosystems succumb to overdevelopment—and before the Indians abandon their own culture and learning for the seductive appeal of Western material culture. Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice relates nine of the author's quests, taking the reader along on a wild odyssey as he participates in healing rituals; discovers the secret of curare, the lethal arrow poison that kills in minutes; tries the hallucinogenic snuff epena that enables the Indians to speak with their spirit world; and earns the respect and fellowship of the mysterious shamans as he proves that he shares both their endurance and their reverence for the rain forest. Mark Plotkin combines the Darwinian spirit of the great writer-explorers of the nineteenth century—curious, discursive, and rigorously scientific—with a very modern concern for the erosion of our environment and the vanishing culture of native peoples.

    Boorstin explores the development of artistic innovation over 3,000 years. A hugely ambitious chronicle of the arts that Boorstin delivers with the scope that made his Discoverers a national bestseller.

    Their comprehensive collection, with illustrations selected from rare sources, extends from the image of a pomegranate, the Chinese symbol of fertility, to a basket of flowers in a nineteenth-century Valentine silhouette. A profusion of bouquets, wreaths, flowers of the months, and other floral designs are also included.In examining the symbolism of flora, the authors consider the religious, magical, and legendary significance of plants such as the mandrake, used as an opiate and love potion; the lotus, revered by the Egyptians and the Mayas of Central America; the mistletoe, a plant believed by the ancients to be capable of raising people from the dead; as well as the Bo tree, sunflower, dragon tree, ice plant, and many other botanical specimens. The development of horticultural images in heraldic devices, emblems, and symbols is also discussed, and a concluding section displays a table summarizing the symbolic meanings of every known species of flora — from absinthe to zinnia.A visual treat for flower lovers, this volume of royalty-free illustrations is an essential sourcebook for artists and designers. Of value to botanical experts and gardening specialists, it will also appeal to folklore enthusiasts.

    Now, with this beautifully illustrated book, Cadfael fans can spend a typical year with their favorite monk, following him on his rounds as Shrewsbury's apothecary and healer, visiting his garden', and learning more about hundreds of herbs -- many of which are still cultivated today. Here is a succinct history of herbal remedies and monastic herb gardens like Cadfael's, as well as a complete A-to-Z guide to the medical uses for every herb and plant mentioned in the Ellis Peters books. For anyone intrigued by Brother Cadfael's medieval universe -- or interested in the recent boom in herbal remedies -- Brother Cadfael's Herb Garden is a marvelous guide to greater knowledge.

    In The Violinist's Thumb, he explores the wonders of the magical building block of life: DNA.There are genes to explain crazy cat ladies, why other people have no fingerprints, and why some people survive nuclear bombs. Genes illuminate everything from JFK's bronze skin (it wasn't a tan) to Einstein's genius. They prove that Neanderthals and humans bred thousands of years more recently than any of us would feel comfortable thinking. They can even allow some people, because of the exceptional flexibility of their thumbs and fingers, to become truly singular violinists. Kean's vibrant storytelling makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy while showing how DNA will influence our species' future.

    With flowers as your allies, your dreams really can come true, and you’ll see that nature truly has the ability to heal!      In this book, Doreen Virtue and Robert Reeves give in-depth information about 88 common flowers, illustrated with gorgeous, full-color photographs. You’ll find out about the flowers’ energetic and healing properties, discover which angels are connected to each one, and learn to associate different species with the various chakras (beyond simply categorizing them by color). In addition, there’s a loving, channeled message of guidance and support directly from each flower’s energy.      Doreen and Robert also share with you new and exciting ways to work with Flower Therapy: Create custom bouquets for dear friends. Gather wildflowers to heal and deepen your spirituality. Or choose the perfect blooms for your garden to enhance your connection to the angels. They discuss flower essences, picking fresh blossoms, and purchasing floral arrangements. You’ll even be guided through energetic clearing methods and receive detailed instructions about how to perform a Flower Therapy reading.      While flowers have an energy that must be experienced, it’s not necessary for you to gather any in order to do so. The photos inside, which have been infused with healing energy, are all you need to begin your journey. So, whether you have a green thumb or not, Flower Therapy can start making a difference in your day . . . and bring blessings into your life!

     Use these powerful recipes to create powdered blends which can enhance your love or financial life, promote peace and good health, or increase creativity. Magical powders have many useful applications in your work. You can use these powders in your home, your business, on your ritual tools or spell parchments, and on yourself. A hyperlinked table of contents makes it easy to navigate between recipes.

    This legendary underground classic contains absolutely everything worth knowing about absolutely anything. Discordianism is the religion for these screwed-up times, and Principia Discordia reveals it here for your enlightenment, confusion and entertainment.