Sacred Land: Intuitive Gardening for Person, Political & Environmental Change by Clea Danaan. © 2007 Llewellyn Publications. ISBN 978-0-7387-1146-1. Paperback. 266 pages. $15.95 US. [ Purchase ]

Because of the horrible drought and intense heat wave the south has been through (and is still experiencing), gardening is the farthest thing from my mind at the moment. I was intrigued to be able to review this book though, as I was curious as to how gardening could possibly cause a political change. I understand the personal and environmental.

The author has divided the book into chapters based on each of the four Greek elements, supplying not only spiritual and organic ways of gardening, but also shares with us goddesses of nature and sacred sisters in the world who have used their love of the earth and gardening to make a change in their lives and in the lives of those around them. The political aspect was then made clear to me. We are also generously supplied with room at the end of each chapter for personal notes and thoughts; of which I had many.

The way Clea draws connections from gardening into the spiritual lives of Wiccans and Witches is fantastically brilliant. She has thoughtfully poured her heart and soul onto these pages and it’s unmistakable when reading it. This is a wonderful read and powerful journey. Be prepared for a change if you choose to read this (which I suggest). If you are drawn to gardening and have an affinity to authors like Ellen Dugan and Ann Moura, this is the perfect book for your collection.

The Virtuous Consumer: Your Essential Shopping Guide for a Better, Kinder and Healthier World by Leslie Garrett. © 2007 New World Library. ISBN 1-930722-74-5. Paperback. $15.95 US. [ Purchase ]

Leslie Garrett brings to the forefront some of the main concerns of our ailing planet and ways we can help without preaching and fundamentalism. No matter how busy you are, this book gives you no reason not to take your stand in the healing of Mother Earth. There are simple techniques, lists of resources and ideas and so much more. This is a book that everyone in the USA, if not world, should own. Blessings to Leslie for writing such a persuasive and sensible guide!

Be the Change You Want to See in the World by Julie Fisher-McGarry. © 2006 Conari Press. ISBN 1-57324-297-7. Paperback. $14.95 US. [ Purchase ]

With the environment the way it is today, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with worrying about what other people do. In steps, Julie Fisher-McGarry and her new book. This fabulous book is set up in a daily devotional style, one tip per day for 365 days to help you take the step to controlling how you, yourself, use the environment. Julie evens provides yummy recipes to help you start using your local farmer’s market in season produce instead of buying it from a corporate super chain. This is a wonderful book for those who want to take that leap into living organically and for the planet.