New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| Terroir (pronounced tehr-WAH) is a French word referencing the natural environment in which a thing takes root. Organic farmers, vintners, hop growers, and other agriculturists believe that terroir imparts a certain flavor or character to the crop-hence the unique depth of flavor in a small-batch beer or a local wine vintage. We humans respond to terroir as well-we're shaped and "flavored" by the places in which we live our lives. Yet even as many of us honor our ancestors and partrons, we often neglect to pay homage to our ancestral lands.
Set up a terroir altar. Include photos-or even map sections-of the lands that contributed to your character. Add statues or representations of trees, or, if possible, include stones, sticks, bits of earth, or even vials of water from the actual locations. Honor your own terroir as you honor your human ancestors, and be thankful for these precious gifts. |
