A Druid’s Web Log – Samhain (Halloween) 2019 – drizzle, crows and change are in the air

This week has been drizzly and misty here on the mountain, perfect Halloween weather as we slide into the dark of the year. The flaming reds, golds, greens and yellows have faded on the leaves and what are left are the rust colored Oak leaves, and the browns and pinks on other foliage. I was missing the flock of crows that used to frequent my garden. Yesterday I laid out a scattering of corn tortillas and the crows returned. For me crows are always a symbol of prosperity and good luck. I hope they will stick around as the weather sinks into winter’s chill.

I have newly cracked acorns leaching in the refrigerator. I lightly grind the nuts and then soak them in water and change the water every day for two weeks before making flour. Acorn cake is the next project (find the recipe in my books “Secret Medicines from Your Garden” and “The Sacred Herbs of Samhain” which you can purchase from my website www.elleneverthopman.com ). The refrigerator is filled with Horse Chestnuts. Cedar, Mugwort and Comfrey are also tucked away in the freezer for winter salve making.

For Samhain (Halloween) I will be dining with friends and enjoying the kiddos who come to the door in their costumes. A more devotional rite happens later, this weekend, with my Druid Grove. The old date of Samhain is November 11 and I will also leave out food and drink on that night for the heroic and beloved dead….

HALLOWEEN 2019

Witches ride again (on paddleboards)

BOOK NEWS

Latest reviews of “The Sacred Herbs of Samhain”;

“The Sacred Herbs of Samhain” is a good pick for those interested in plants and herbs, but it is an absolute must for those interested in integrating those plants and herbs into their Samhain observances.”

Foreword Reviews

“The book features botanical illustrations and intriguing recipes, such as the star anise added to Dia de los Muertos’s Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead), or the ground acorns for Acorn Flour Cake, also made with cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, and applesauce.

The Sacred Herbs of Samhain concludes with detailed instructions on how to hold a Samhain “Dumb Supper”—a gathering of the living with an open invitation to those who have passed away. Foods are prepared, the table decorated and set, candles are lit, and silence is mandatory throughout the meal.”

Herbalism and Ancient Celtic Samhain

“A serious herbalist is your guide and isn’t likely to leave out details about how herbs can be optimized. How-tos, cautions, anecdotes—all the things you might want to know upon first encountering a celebration with herbs are included. And, because you’ll be hungry during the celebrations, there are recipes and suggestions for supper and offerings you leave for your guests.”

Book of Interest—The Sacred Herbs of Samhain
“Beginners will find many entry points that make this work accessible to them. Experienced practitioners will find interesting details and insights throughout that will pique their interest. Whether you regularly speak with the discarnate (as I do) or have a garden that seems to be bustling with life forms you can’t quite bring into focus, this is a reference book that you will find helpful over and over again.”

A podcast about Samhain and the book

Another podcast! Druids, herbs and Samhain….

AND NOW FOR THE NEXT BOOK!

The Sacred Herbs of Beltaine can already be pre-ordered (pub date is April 2020)

“Today’s Druids, Pagans and Witches have a vast array of materials at hand to feed the mind and inform their practices. Occasionally there comes along a work whose treatment of a specific topic is not only comprehensive but thoroughly engaging. In “The Sacred Herbs of Beltaine”, Ellen Evert Hopman has brought to bear her ability to enliven a topic that is beyond most authors. Her encyclopedic store of knowledge provides detail, not simply the herbs associated with Beltaine. Rather, she gives us an in-depth treatment of the lore, mythology and culinary traditions of both east and west. This is a book that is meant to be worn through use over the years and should be at hand each year when the green first appears on the trees.”

Andrew Theitic, Editor/Publisher “The Witches’ Almanac”

*Reminder – you can order signed copies of all my books from this site Yule is coming! *

DRUID NEWS

Tribe of the Oak now has a Flame Tenders group in honor of the Goddess Brighid. “Garrán na Brighid – Cill na Teine” is the sacred gathering of Druids and aspiring Druids dedicated to the Goddess Brighid and the Celtic traditions as taught by the Tribe of the Oak.

“How does the Flame Tending work? It is the act of keeping a candle which is dedicated to Brighid alight on your altar, shrine or hearth in rotating vigils which last 24 hours, starting at sunset on the date listed for each vigil shift and completing the vigil at sunset the following evening. Your name will be added to the vigil roster when you join us and we will assign you to a regular shift.”

You need to be a member of Tribe of the Oak to participate.

Below you will find the past Moonths gleaning from the media; Archaeology, Herbs, Climate, Health, Nature, Celts, Druids, Art news, Ethics and more. Enjoy the read!