Sacred Rituals: Creating Labyrinths, Sand Paintings, and Other Traditional Arts

by Belinda Recio, Eileen London

The authors of Box of Dreams use art to connect numerous spiritual traditions together, focusing on Roman Catholic Labyrinth walking, Buddhist altar building, Tibetan sand painting, and Native American doll making, among other traditional art forms that share common themes and techniques.

200 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2004

About the author

Belinda Recio is a recipient of the Humane Society’s Award for Innovation in the Study of Animals and Society, and a contributing editor for Organic Spa Magazine, where she writes the “State of the Ark” column on animals. She has developed science curricula for educational television, museums, and publishers; and has authored books on a variety of subjects, ranging from animals and nature to sacred arts and symbolism. You can keep up with her reporting on animal behavior on her blog, Animal Hearts and Minds: http://www.animalheartsandminds.com

In addition to writing about animals, Belinda runs True North Gallery, where she exhibits art that connects people with animals and nature: https://truenorthgallery.net

Reviews

[Nea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. Designing prayer flags, mandalas, labyrinths, Andean despacho, folding cranes, sand painting. Most of these sacred rituals require a lot more artistic talent than I have. They aren't extremely complicated but I just happen to be very right-brain deficient.

This book also includes a basic introduction to drumming, smudging, ritual or aromatic baths and creating sacred space with altars. It's a good read for someone seeking alternatives to their current spiritual practice.

[Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What was nice about this book was the fact that I read it over the course of a month. Each chapter was a little book unto itself and allowed the reader to discover another was to interface with spirituality. Different religious and cultural methods were mixed delightfully leaving the reader well rounded and eager to learn more.

[Gayle Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, which I picked up a library sale, addresses the ever present, persistent need humans seem to have to both find and create meaning. If offers a broad array of accessible approaches to accomplishing that. And most seekers will find some ideas and something of value.