Reviews
Since it's founding in the 1960's the Scottish community of Findhorn has always been ahead of its time. It's widely believed that the 'green movement' has it roots in Findhorn's Community Eco-Village. In Permaculture: A Spiritual Approach. Craig Gibsone and Jan Martin Ban, who lives in Eco-villages like Findhorn, take an in depth look at the development of agricultural eco-systems through natural and edible landscaping. The focus specifically on the permaculture components of Earthshare, Fairshare and Peoplecare and on the spiritual aspects of permaculture design as a divine creative activity. The book is a philosophical spiritual and practical approach to integrating microclimate, functional plants, animals, soils, water managements and human needs into the intricately connected, highly productive systems of permaculture. The authors also look for the patterns embedded in our natural world as inspirations for designing solutions to the many challenges of creating sustainable architecture. The book covers a range of permaculture issues from soil conditions and plant choices, energy sources and house design to alternative economics, managing group process and governance. Spiritual nurturing and enquiry are also central to the authors' point of view and they point to the Findhorn Community Eco-village as an example of how many of these issues can be addressed and solved. They include personal examples and accounts of how they and others got started on permaculture projects and focus on the most effective and spiritual approaches to creating sustainable and effective human settlements.
