3.5
A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine
ByPublisher Description
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.
• 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.
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3.5

Lacy
Created 11 months agoShare
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“Hopman's books are exactly the kind of magical reference books every Druid or Witch needs on their bookshelf. The information is concise, clear, but most of all magical. Every page provides insight to the magical practitioner in both practice and lore/background. I have an immense Ovate crush on her! A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine by Ellen Evert Hopman continue's her fantastic work with a brilliant focus on the trees of the Ogham.
I've read a handful of books that deal with Ogham and working with healing and/or magical trees. Hopman's book on these trees stands out because of the research and practical solutions offered. Each tree has its own section which begins with the Ogham symbol, its English common name, and the Gaelic word for the Ogham. Readers will enjoy reading about the history and lore of each tree. There was a surprising amount about how the trees were used in the ancient laws, too. The Herbal Use part gives information about healing properties based on Celtic herbalism. It also includes information about how the different First Nations in the United States have traditionally used the plant. There is so much to work with in this part! Warnings about different reactions and harm for each plant is clearly made to the reader, but the suggestions are easy to keep within the realm of safety. Finally, each tree receives a part dedicated to the spiritual aspect. All the information seems well researched and practical. This is impressive considering how easy and engaging it was while I was reading.
The second half of the book dives into the magical uses of the trees and tools of a Druidic path. I learned a great deal in this section and had some other personal experiences confirmed. The only downside was the time spent on the seasonal festivals. I feel like this is covered in so many other titles (including some of Hopman's) that it was unnecessary for this book. The final chapters on divination and the summary for each Ogham, made up for any redundancy found on the wheel of the year chapter.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to any magical practitioner. This would be an excellent companion during a Druid's Ovate studies!”

Cat Treadwell
Created almost 8 years agoShare
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Lunaazul63
Created about 9 years agoShare
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About Ellen Evert Hopman
Ellen Evert Hopman has been a teacher of herbalism since 1983 and is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. A member of the Grey Council of Mages and Sages and a former professor at the Grey School of Wizardry, she has presented at schools and workshops across the United States and Europe. A Druidic initiate since 1984, she is the current Archdruid of Tribe of the Oak (Tuatha na Dara), an international Druid Order, a founding member of The Order of the White Oak (Ord Na Darach Gile), a Bard of the Gorsedd of Caer Abiri, and a Druidess of the Druid Clan of Dana. A former vice president of The Henge of Keltria, she is the author of The Sacred Herbs of Spring; The Sacred Herbs of Samhain; Secret Medicines from Your Garden; The Real Witches of New England; Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore; A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine; A Druid’s Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year; Walking the World in Wonder – a Children’s Herbal; Being a Pagan; Tree Medicine, Tree Magic; and the Druid trilogy of novels: Priestess of the Forest, The Druid Isle and Priestess of the Fire Temple. She lives in Massachusetts.
Other books by Ellen Evert Hopman
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