Books by Peter Damian

';Alas, it is shameful to speak of it! It is shameful to relate such a disgusting scandal to sacred ears! But if the doctor fears the virus of the plague, who will apply the cauterization? If he is nauseated by those whom he is to cure, who will lead sick souls back to the state of health?'With these words, St. Peter Damian introduces the Book of Gomorrah, undoubtedly the most stirringly eloquent and impassioned denunciation of sexual perversion ever penned by a Catholic saint. Although it was written almost a thousand years ago, the Book of Gomorrah in many ways seems addressed to our own times, associating the phenomena of clerical homosexual behavior and pederasty, and endorsing the imprisonment of clergy who are a danger to youth.The Book of Gomorrah offers a scathing analysis of the evil of sodomy, while also expressing compassion for those who have fallen into such vice and the possibility of their redemption by the aid of divine grace. It explains the devastating effects of the vice both spiritually and psychologically, and warns that such behavior, particularly among the clergy, will bring down the wrath of God. It also urges the permanent defrocking of clerics who are habituated to homosexual behavior and endorses the permanent confinement those guilty of child sex abuse.This new translation by Matthew Cullinan Hoffman is the most accurate and faithful available in English, and carries a foreword by Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iiguez, Archbishop Emeritus of Guadalajara. It also includes a 10,000-word biographical introduction recounting Damian's struggle against corruption in the Catholic Church, and a translator's preface that breaks new scholarly ground and resolves old controversies about the text.

AROMATHERAPY / HOLISTIC HEALTH Aromatic oils have been used for thousands of years not only for their fragrance but for culinary, therapeutic, ritual, and spiritual purposes. Drawing on research, clinical studies, and their own professional experience, Peter and Kate Damian explore aromatherapy and reveal how it can be used to enhance almost every aspect of our lives--from aromatic lavender massage and tea tree oil baths to the treatment of high blood pressure and depression with ylang ylang. The only sense extending directly into the brain, smell is an essential component of our mood, memory, and appetite, and a key to understanding sexual compatibility and the child protection instinct of a new mother. But which specific scents are effective in therapeutic and ritual settings? How do men and women differ in their responses to odors? What is the relationship between plant essences and the human aura? With a thorough exposition of the ancient practice of aromatics in China, India, Persia, and Egypt and a modern scientific understanding of the psychology of scent, Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche is the perfect guide to mastering the use of essential oils. Included are profiles for forty-four essential oils and specific instructions for creating essential oil blends. PETER and KATE DAMIAN are the founders of Windrose Aromatics, Inc., a supplier of pure essential oils and aromatic body care products. Together they conduct Windrose Workshops, offering training in practical and theoretical applications of essential oils, and they are charter members of the American Society for Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy, International. Peter Damian is the author of The Twelve Healers of the Zodiac: The Astrology Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies. Kate Damian travels internationally as a professional aromatherapist and massage practitioner.