An in-depth look at the history, herbal uses, and spiritual aspects of the sacred trees in the ancient Celtic Ogham Tree Alphabet
• Details the 20 trees of the ogham alphabet and their therapeutic and magical virtues
• Examines the Forest Druid practices associated with each tree as well as the traditional uses in Native American medicine
• Describes the Celtic Fire Festivals and how each tree is featured in these holy days
• By the author of A Druid’s Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year
The Druids used the ancient Ogham Tree Alphabet to work magic and honor the dead, surrounding each letter with medicinal and spiritual lore. Poets and bards created a secret sign language to describe the letters, each of which is named for a tree or a plant. For centuries this language was transmitted only orally in order to protect its secrets.
Combining her extensive herbal knowledge and keen poetic insight, Ellen Evert Hopman delves deeply into the historic allusions and associations of each of the 20 letters of the Ogham Tree Alphabet. She also examines Native American healing methods for possible clues to the way ancient Europeans may have used these trees as healing agents. Druidic spiritual practices, herbal healing remedies, and plant lore are included for each tree in the alphabet as well as how each is used in traditional rituals such as the Celtic Fire Festivals and other celebrations. Hopman also includes a pronunciation guide for the oghams and information on the divinatory meanings associated with each tree.
"Ellen Evert Hopman has put together a great resource for tree lore in A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine. Not only does this book offer an historical perspective on the culture and civilization of the Druids of Ireland, it provides a description of the herbal uses and spiritual aspects of each tree described by the Ogham Tree Alphabet." ( Kathryn Price, book editor, WomensRadio )
"Not only is Hopman a Druid priestess extraordinaire, but a master herbalist. . . . I would suggest this book to anyone interested in Celtic history, mythology, herbalism, and/or Pagan religious practices. In other words, most everyone." ( The Magical Buffet, Nov 2008 )
"This could be a reference to keep in your library, or used as a place to start an entirely new avenue of education and learning. The presentation is simple enough not to be intimidating, but the depth of information and the bibliography are quite impressive." ( D. Tigermoon, The Pagan Review, Nov 2008 )
" . . . this will not be a one-read through book, but a book you will return to again and again, making new discoveries each time." ( Christopher Blackwell, AREN Alternative Religions Education Network, Jul 2008 )
"Not only will you get a lesson in language, but also in the various uses available to anyone wishing to connect with the magic carried by each individual type of tree. The Gaelic pronunciation guide in the back of the book alone is worth the price of this book. There is a plethora of information jammed into this one and well worth the turning of the pages." ( Veritas Newsletter, Jul 2008 )
"Ellen Evert Hopman is a sister to Trees, and can hear their countless whispers and songs, which is what makes this book so magical." ( Crow Birchsong (Mabyn Wind), reviewer )
"This book is indispensable reading for anyone following the Druidic path and indeed anyone interested in the wider Pagan movement. But also, it has been expertly written in a way that any modern practitioner of traditional healing methods, or herbalist, will find a wealth of knowledge that will inspire and guide them to a much greater understanding of the use and history of each tree." ( Eolas, Wisdom of the Oaks, Feb 2009 )
"This is a great resource book for anyone looking to learn more about the herbal practices of the Druid's and to add working with herbs to their own practices. . . . This book also includes a pronunciation guide at the end that is really a nice added bonus." ( The Pagan Review, Mar 2009 )
"Hooray! A book that tells us how to pronounce a tongue-twisting Celtic phrase like Craobh a b'áirde de 'n abhall thu . . . the whole book is interesting to read, with its accounts of life and magic in Celtic Ireland." ( Barbara Ardinger, Pan Gaia, No. 50, Spring 2009 )
"The herbal remedies will be of great use to myself, and to anyone who decides to read the book. . . . this will be a cherished addition to any Neo-Druid's library." ( Druidic Dawn, June 2009 )
"As a guide for Celtic Reconstructionists, this book is invaluable. . . . Hopman's version of the Ogham meanings and use is just one of many; yet this book is so well researched and written that one cannot help but see the truth." (Eolas, Wisdom of the Oaks, Sept 2009 )
"Hopman is an incredible resource for all of us seeking to take our health, medicine, and spirituality into our own hands. A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine deserves a place on the shelf next to her other guides of magical and medicinal love." (Witches&pagans.com, September 2010 )
From the Back Cover
PAGANISM / HEALING
The Druids used the ancient Ogham Tree Alphabet to work magic and honor the dead, surrounding each letter with medicinal and spiritual lore. Poets and bards created a secret sign language to describe the letters, each of which is named for a tree or a plant. For centuries this language was only transmitted orally in order to protect its secrets.
Combining her extensive herbal knowledge and keen poetic insight, Ellen Evert Hopman delves deeply into the historic allusions and associations of each of the twenty letters of the Ogham Tree Alphabet. She also examines Native American healing methods for possible clues to the way ancient Europeans may have used these trees as healing agents. Druidic spiritual practices, herbal healing remedies, and plant lore are included for each tree in the alphabet as well as how each is used in traditional rituals such as the Celtic Fire Festivals and other celebrations. Hopman also includes a pronunciation guide for the oghams and information on the divinatory meanings associated with each tree.
ELLEN EVERT HOPMAN is a Druid priestess, master herbalist, and lay homeopath who holds an M.Ed. in mental health counseling. She is a founding member and co-chief of the Order of the White Oak (Ord na Darach Gile), serves on the Grey Council of Mages and Sages, and is a professor of Wortcunning at the Grey School of Wizardry. She is the author of A Druid’s Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year; Walking the World in Wonder; Tree Medicine, Tree Magic; and Priestess of the Forest. She lives in Massachusetts.
Ellen Evert Hopman is a Master Herbalist and lay Homeopath who holds an M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling.
Ellen Evert Hopman is the author of a growing number of books. Her newest offering is Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore (Pendraig Publishing, 2011), a study of the folk magic and healing plants of the Highlands and islands of Scotland.
Her first novel, Priestess of the Forest: A Druid Journey (Llewellyn, February 2008), was an exciting new project for her, combining a heart-warming fictional romance with practical Druid rites and rituals. The sequel is called The Druid Isle (Llewellyn, April 2010). The third book in the series is Priestess of the Fire Temple: A Druid's Tale (Llewellyn) which will be released in March of 2012
Her newest book on tree medicine and tree lore is A Druid's Herbal for Sacred Tree Medicine (Inner Traditions - Bear and Company, June 2008) Other books include Being a Pagan: Druids, Wiccans, and Witches Today (Destiny Books, 2001), People of the Earth: The New Pagans Speak Out (Inner Traditions, 1995), Walking the World in Wonder - A Children's Herbal (Healing Arts Press, 2000), A Druid's Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year (Destiny Books, 1994) , and Tree Medicine -Tree Magic (Phoenix Publishing, Inc.,1992, currently out of print).
Hopman is a founding member of The Order of the White Oak (Ord Na Darach Gile, www.whiteoakdruids.org) and its former Co-Chief, a Bard of the Gorsedd of Caer Abiri, and a Druidess of the Druid Clan of Dana. She was Vice President of The Henge of Keltria, an international Druid Fellowship, for nine years. She has also been at times a member of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids and of ADF, A Druid Fellowship. She is the co-creator of the Virtual Shrine of the Goddess Brighid (http://shrineofbrighid.com/)
Hopman has been a teacher of Herbalism since 1983 and of Druidism since 1990. She is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. Hopman is a member of the Grey Council of Mages and Sages and has been a professor at the Grey School of Wizardry.
Hopman has presented on Druidism, herbal lore, tree lore, Paganism, and magic at conferences, festivals, and events in Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and the United States. She has participated in numerous radio and television programs including National Public Radio's "Vox Pop" and the Gary Null show in New York. She presented a weekly "herb report" for WRSI radio out of Greenfield, MA for over a year and was a featured subject in a documentary about Druids on A&E Television's "The Unexplained" (Sacred Societies, February 1999).
She has also released video tapes and DVDs on the subjects covered in her books through Sawmill River Productions. See clips at: http://vimeo.com/user2687064/videos Purchase the DVDs for $20.00 plus $4.00 from Ellen at POB 219, Amherst, MA 01004
She has been a teacher of Herbalism since 1983 and of Druidism since 1990 and co-leads tours to Celtic and Neolithic sites in Europe. She was the founder of The New England Druid Summit, a yearly gathering of Druids in New England.
She has participated in numerous radio and television programs including the Gary Null show in New York, and presented a weekly "herb report" for WRSI radio, out of Greenfield, MA for two years. She was a featured subject in a February, 1999 documentary on Druids on A&E Television's "The Unexplained". She has been on the staff of Keltria: Journal of Druidism and Celtic Magick and has been a contributing author to many New Age and Pagan journals.
Visit www.elleneverthopman.com to read Ellen's monthly blog.
Praise for Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore;
Many of the herbal and magical practices of the Scots are echoed in traditional Norwegian folk medicine and magic. This is a valuable resource book not only for the serious folklorist, but also for a wider audience interested in a deeper look at rural Scottish practices. Ms. Hopman has done an amazing amount of research, and her Scottish herbalism section is far more detailed than I've seen elsewhere. A "must have" for the northern European folklorist's library. Jane T. Sibley, Ph.D., author of "The Hammer of the Smith" and "The Divine Thunderbolt: Missile of the Gods".
Through her books, Ellen Evert Hopman lifts the veil between worlds of the present and the past. She guides the reader on a fascinating journey to our ancient Celtic history, simultaneously restoring lost knowledge and entertaining the reader. Be prepared to be educated and delighted. Wendy Farley, Clan McKleod
"The first things is WOW! Ellen Hopman has given us a volume that belongs in Harry Potter's library. This wonderful collection of enchantments, faery lore and herbal potions, is presented by a practicing herbalist and (I suspect) magician. It is a useful manual of magic, an unusual tourist guide to Scotland, certainly a delightful read, and at the very least, a comprehensive and thoroughly footnoted collection of folk lore for humorless librarians and scholars." Matthew Wood MS (Scottish School of Herbal Medicine) Registered Herbalist (American Herbalists Guild)
Every now and again, a book emerges from the waves of occult and magical authorship that delves into the deep and ancestral waters of old magic! This book is one of those rare occasions. From the lore of herbs to the blessing of stones; from avioding the elf-blast to healing through Faerie blessing - Ellen guides the reader through ancient groves of oral lore to discover a power and spirit that connects the reader to the oldest of magics, the earth and her elements. I am confident that the Scottish Ancestral Wise Ones, are renewed through this book and the old ways live once again! Orion Foxwood
Ellen Evert Hopman takes us deep into a world where folk magic and herbal medicine are part and parcel of a daily life guided by the cycles of the sun and the moon and the land. She strikes a perfect balance, combining rigorous scholarship, deep understanding of the Scottish worldview, and clear and accessible writing with just the right measure of the mystical and poetic. At once a rich and detailed study of traditional Scottish ways and a practical manual for bringing healing and magic into your own life. A truly masterful work. Sean Donahue, Traditional Herbalist http://www.brighidswellherbs.com
Like a wee bairn sitting on grandma's lap absorbing legend, lore and instruction from the talk around the hearth, you will learn from and delight in this richly accomplished book. Take a sip or a long draught, you will be nourished deeply. Susn S. Weed author of the Wise Woman Herbal series.
Woven into this well-researched and beautifully presented book is a magical thread. This thread forms a path and this path winds its way into the very marrow of the old and forgotten ways of Scotland. Throughout these pages Ellen lavishes the reader with a body of knowledge that she means to be used in direct participation with Nature. The message is clear: The old Wisdom endures and is more vital to us than ever before. Michael Dunning - Scottish shaman, writer, artist and teacher.
A recent review of A Druids Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine;
SageWoman BBI Media, Inc. www.witchesandpagans.com
REVIEW:
As a practicing herbalist, I am always on the lookout for books rich with herbal lore. The problem is that most books are either medicinal or magical, and when they're both, the information therein is not always especially helpful. Enter Ellen Evert Hopman, whose book, however, is a thorough and complete look at both. Hopman is not only an herbalist but a Druid priestess, as well and she obviously has a keen intuitive sense of tree medicine that she couples this with Druid lore (as well as Native American lore). Sacred Tree Medicine traces through the Druid Ogham Tree alphabet, giving the symbolic, liturgical, poetic, medicinal, and spiritual aspects of each sacred tree.
Though there is focus on herb lore, the Goddess is given plenty of attention, too. Hopman teaches her reader how each sacred tree assists in spiritual practice and which face of the Goddess it represents. I had the most fun taking this book to the forests by my home, identifying trees and sampling their offerings. The book closes with a section on the Druidic arts including magic, tools, festivals, and divinations. This gives the reader the opportunity to put her newfound knowledge of trees and magic to practical use.
Hopman is an incredible resource for all of us seeking to take our health, medicine, and spirituality into our own hands. Sacred Tree Medicine deserves a place on the shelf next to her other guides of magical and medicinal lore.
This review is from: A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine (Paperback)
As someone who has studied Celtic herbalism with Master Herbalists -- and as a practising Druid, I can attest that the herbal constituents, effects, and uses described in this book are spot on. In addition, the author provides little-known folkloric information and background, as well as anecdotal information on how these herbs are used by her own Tradition of Druidism today. Along with her book on Tree Medicine, Ms. Hopman provides information vital not only for Druids, but for herbalists and traditional healers everywhere.
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This review is from: A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine (Paperback)
This was such an interesting read. I may never indulge in tree medicine but the history of the druids was very intriguing and enlightening. I would suggest it for anyone that wants to know more about our ancient trees and if your interesting in druid knowledge and ways. I rented it from the library and couldn't take enough notes to satisfy my curiosity, so I ended up buying it from Amazon. Best to read in the spring as many of the tinctures and poltices use spring time bark. After reading this book I wanted to identify all my neighborhood trees and really enjoy what we take for granted every day. Hope you enjoy the read too.
The only disadvantage to the book is knowing where to cut the bark and how to really prepare the medicines in the book. I would like to engage but the directions are not in print.
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This review is from: A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine (Paperback)
If you are a tree lover, natural medicine lover or have the previews book, you will want this book. It completes the other part adding some new stuff you will enjoy lots.
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