- Q: What does spiritual botany mean?
A: In the context of this magazine, we propose that spiritual botany is defined as the study of plant environment interactions in exploration of human consciousness, spirituality, and health. In other words, Spiritual botany is an amalgamation of disciplines in order to better understand the interconnectedness between plants, spirituality, and human health (see image below).
The illustration above is not meant to be comprehensive. Rather it serves to illustrate the complexity and richness underlying the use of this term. As such we hope in issues to come that readers will enter respectfully into discourse on topics pertaining to spiritual botany and that the magazine will serve as place to express concepts, ideas and opinions, while also raising awareness towards areas of research which are often under-represented in the literature.
- Q: Who is the editor of Spiritual Botany Magazine?
A: Dr. Praveen Saxena is the editor-in-chief for Spiritual Botany Magazine. He is currently a Professor of Plant Biology at the University of Guelph, Canada and is also Director of the Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP). His research investigates how plants grow, reproduce, and adapt to environmental stresses, and how we can help them to survive in changing climates. His journey from plant biology to spiritual botany began fifteen years ago, when he was asked to teach a course on the topic of Science, Religion and Environment. Since this time, he has been fascinated with the interconnectedness between the plant world with human consciousness, behavior and spirituality. He is particularly interested in exploring the role of plants in human beliefs, rituals, and spirituality in different faiths and cultures, and how they serve as a medium to envision the world of spirituality and to improve one’s physical/mental health. His interest led him to recently develop a new undergraduate course on medicinal plants as well as Spiritual Botany Magazine – an interdisciplinary platform for sharing love, passion, and respect for plants, spirituality and human health.
- Q: What is the Gosling Foundation and GRIPP
A: The Gosling Foundation is a registered private Canadian Foundation. Its interests include environmental education with particular emphasis in developing appreciation and awareness of nature to prompt its protection, and protection of ecologically significant land through a variety of means including acquisition. Furthering its support of the appreciation and protection of plant biodiversity, the Foundation prompted and provided support for the establishment of the Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP) in 2012.
- Q: Do I have to pay a fee in order to publish my article?
A: No. Spiritual Botany is supported by the Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP). The Magazine was created in order to further its mandate for promotion of environmental stewardship amongst members of the public.
- Q: Are articles peer reviewed before posting?
A: Yes. Spiritual Botany is in the process of putting together an editorial board, if you would like to contribute to the magazine through reviewing articles or be a member of the editorial board, please contact the editor Dr. Praveen Saxena (psaxena@spiritualbotany.com).
- Q: I am not an academic, can I be a member of the editorial board?
A: Yes. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the magazine, Spiritual Botany Magazine welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise to oversee or review submissions.
- Q: Can I submit an excerpt or photo from a work that was previously been published?
A: Maybe. Authors must obtain permission from the copyright holder (usually the original publisher) for both the print and online format for any material such as text passages, figures, or tables reproduced from the work of others. Please enclose the signed permission with the manuscript. The source must be acknowledged in the legend or table heading.
