Permaculture: A Spiritual Approach, Paperback

Permaculture design as divine creative activity.

Permaculture looks for the patterns embedded in our natural world as inspirations for designing solutions to the many challenges we are presented with today. It is a philosophical, spiritual and practical approach to the use of the land, integrating microclimate, functional plants, animals, soils, water management and human needs into intricately connected, highly productive systems. In essence, permaculture uses observation as basis for creating sustainable and effective human settlements. The authors discuss the components Earthshare, Fairshare and Peoplecare, with a specific emphasis on the spiritual aspects of the design process. Topics range from soil and plants, energy sources and house design to alternative economics, group process, governance, and spiritual nurturing and enquiry. Examples of existing permaculture structures from around the world, most notably from the Findhorn Community Eco-Village, bring the concepts to life. First-hand accounts of how people got started on their permaculture project lend a personal touch. The first book to look at the spiritual aspects as well as the practical implementation of permaculture design.

Craig Gibsone has lived at the Findhorn Ecovillage since the early days of the community, witnessing many organic developments in this place. He is a permaculture and ecovillage designer and educator as well as a potter and much involved in community life. Jan Martin Bang was born in Oslo, Norway, and grew up in England. In 1984 he moved to Israel where he was a co-founder of the Israeli Permaculture Association. In 2000 he moved to Camphill Solborg in Norway. Jan has a diploma in Permaculture and is an active member of the Norwegian Permaculture Association. He is also chairperson of the Norwegian Ecovillage Association (N F) and has written several books about environment and community. Since 2008, Jan has been a freelance Permaculture Designer, teacher and author.