Upcoming Events
UPCOMING SPEAKING EVENTS AND APPEARANCES
UPCOMING HERBAL WORKSHOPS
With Ellen Evert Hopman, Herbalist AHG
- April 19, 2019
New England Plant Medicine – a slide show and talk
6pm-8pm
The Boutique Easthampton
92 Cottage Street, Easthampton, Massachusetts 01027
theboutiqueeast@gmail.com - May 17/18/19
The Awareness Shop
180 Main St. New Paltz NY
12561 exit 18 off I-87
845 255 5756 cell 845 598 8444
Ellen Evert Hopman comes to visit The Awareness Shop in May 2019 - Ancient British Sacred Sites
Friday, May 17, 2019 6 PM – 9 PM
The Awareness Shop
180 Main St. New Paltz NY
A slide show and talk covering the South Eastern portion of Scotland with its carved Pictish stones, the major English monuments such as Stonehenge, Avebury, Silbury Hill, some Arthurian sites such as Tintagel, Glastonbury (Avalon), and Camelot, and the mysterious and wonderful Cornish sacred sites of the Michael/Mary Brighid/Lugh ley line. The talk lasts about two hours and is followed by a book signing. $30 per person. $10 Non Refundable Deposit is required as class size is limited. - Celtic Tree Medicine and Lore
Saturday, May 18, 2019 11am-5pm
The Awareness Shop
180 Main St. New Paltz NY
Tree Divination Using the Ancient Celtic Ogham Alphabet
The Irish Ogham tree alphabet pre-dates the Latin alphabet. Instead of letters like A-B-C-D the alphabet uses tree names like Birch, Rowan, Elder, Oak, etc. Each letter of the alphabet is couched in symbolism and lore. Ellen Evert Hopman is the author of A DRUID’S HERBAL OF SACRED TREE MEDICINE, TREE MEDICINE TREE MAGIC and other volumes that explore ancient Celtic tree lore and tree herbalism.
In this workshop you will learn a Druid tree meditation with live trees, the basics of the Ogham letters and the spiritual, medicinal and cultural lore around them, make a small divination deck, and practice using the trees to do readings for yourself and others. The class involves work outside in nature so wear good shoes and be prepared for the weather. $125 for the day – $25 Non Refundable Deposit required – class space is limited. Full day workshop 11am—5pm bag lunch included for those with no dietary restrictions. - The Nine Principles of Celtic Spirituality
Sunday, May 19, 2019 11am-1pm
The Awareness Shop
180 Main St. New Paltz NY
What are the basic principles of Celtic Spirituality? How do these principles apply to Celtic Christianity and Celtic Paganism? How is Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism different from more modern paths such as Wicca? In this class we will examine evidence from the historical Celts and their traditional practices, poetry, Celtic triads and aphorisms, and Brehon Law. $50 per person, $10 Non Refundable Deposit to hold your space. - Cosmology of the Ancient Celts
Sunday, May 19, 2019 2-4pm
The Awareness Shop – 180 Main St. New Paltz NY
Two Seasons, Three Worlds, Four Treasures, Five Directions: The Pillars of Druidism. $50 per person. $10 Non Refundable Deposit to reserve your space. 845-255-5756.
An exploration of the basic Cosmology of the ancient Celts and the most important symbols of Celtic and Druidic sacred mythology and religion. Learn why Celtic tales included recurring symbols such as magical swords, chalices, stones, water and fire. Discover the religion that was practiced by King Arthur and the Celts before the Christian missionaries arrived. - August 22-25, 2019
Harvest Gathering
Event page on Facebook
Camp Cedarcrest
886 Mapledale Rd, Orange, Connecticut 06477
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Ellen will speak on the following topics;
Intro to Druid Spiritual Path
Pillars of Druidism
Communicating with Trees - October 14, 2017 – April 2018Intro to Herbalism and Self Care~ A Six Month Intensive
With Ellen Evert Hopman M.Ed. ~ Registered Herbalist AHG
author of “Secret Medicines From Your Garden”, “Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore”, “A Druid’s Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year”,”A Druids Herbal – Of Sacred Tree Medicine”, “Secret Medicines of Your Kitchen” and other books and DVDs
October 14, 2017 – April, 2018
Two Saturdays a month, 1-5 PM near Amherst, MAWestern Materia Medica, Chinese 5 Element Theory, Flower Essence Counseling, Formula making, Hands on Herbalism, Case taking and more. To register please contact Ellen via this website (www.elleneverthopman.com)
- “Studying herbalism with Ellen Hopman provided an opportunity to connect in an intimate learning circle with one of the most learned, experienced and wise woman herbalists of the Pioneer Valley and beyond. I left this course with a strong foundation in herbal practice both in the realm of materia medica and in applying knowledge to clinical situations. The experience in practice and depth of wisdom offered by this teacher is profound and unique. I highly recommend her course.” A.Pyecroft
- Scottish Fairy Lore
Learn the basics of etiquette for contacting and communicating with Fairies.
Using offerings, plants and sacred woods, the Scots found simple and
effective ways to bond with the Spirits of the house and barn. - Blessings and Curses
Traditional Scottish beliefs and practices regarding healing wells, land and
house blessings and protective magic as well as the traditional methods of
cursing a person, place or thing. - Making Kitchen Medicines
A primer on the foods and spices found in the kitchen and how to use them to
make home remedies. In the current economy these time tested medicines that
were once common knowledge are needed once more. - The Nine Principles of Celtic Spirituality
What are the basic principles of Celtic Spirituality? How do these principles apply to Celtic Christianity and Celtic Paganism? How is Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism different from more modern paths such as Wicca? In this class we will examine evidence from the historical Celts and their traditional practices, poetry, Celtic triads and aphorisms, and Brehon Law. - Writing Your Soul’s Purpose – The Craft of the Written Word
Whether you are an experienced writer or have a longing to express yourself in print, there is a magical alchemy that takes place in a supportive group setting. This workshop explores the basics of effective written expression. Come prepared to participate in writing exercises and to share your ongoing or newest work with the group. - Thinking Outside the Box – Ancient European Ritual Forms
Many Earth centered folk have gotten used to the standard “Wiccan” ritual form, not realizing that “Wicca” was invented in the late 1930’s. This workshop explores what actual ancient European ritual practices were, using quotes from the church fathers who tried to suppress the practices and the evidence of history and archaeology. - Tree Medicine, Tree Magic
Generally a week end workshop. Friday night I do a slide show of some common North American trees illustrating their medicinal and magical properties. Saturday morning we learn a traditional Druid tree meditation and learn to listen to the trees. Saturday afternoon we gather tree medicines such as leaves, pine needles, flowers, barks, etc. Sunday we prepare medicines from the ingredients we have gathered and each student presents an oral report on the ethnobotanical and medicinal uses of one tree. A shorter version of the workshop involves a slide show and talk followed by a Ogham making project involving self hardening clay. Each student leaves with an Ogham divination kit. Materials fee; $10.00 per each ten students.
Materials needed ( per student ): 2 clean glass jelly jars with lids 1 quart olive oil Herb books bags for collecting, shears - Introduction To the Druid Spiritual Path
Also a weekend workshop. Friday night I present a slide show entitled Ancient Irish Sacred Sites which includes a view of Newgrange, the 3,500 B.C.E. solstice site in the Boyne Valley of Ireland, stone circles, holy wells, Brighid’s fire at Kildare, several dolmens and important cairns such as the cairn of Queen Maeve at Sligo, the Druidic center at Uisnach, the Turoe Stone and the Aran Islands. Early Christian settlements such as Glendaloch and Clonmacnoise are discussed as is a re-constructed model of an Iron-age lake village with it’s thatched huts, gardens, working areas and crafts. On Saturday we spend the day learning the standard Druid Tree Meditation and the basic Druid ritual form. On Sunday everyone dresses in their finest and we adjourn to the woods to perform a Druid ritual ( open to the public, workshop participants function as clergy ).
Materials Needed: Sponsor will supply 3 cast iron cauldrons (for water, earth, and incense ) two goblets/chalices, Mead or other spirits, and water. The rite traditionally takes place in the presence of an oak tree and with a fire nearby. - Who Were The Druids?
A lecture exploring the roots of Druidism, it’s origins in the ancient proto-Indo-European homeland of the Black Sea area, it’s full blossoming in the Celtic cultures of Europe, it’s demise and rebirth in the 17th century Romantic Celtic revival period of England and France, and it’s establishment in the United States as a vibrant neo-Pagan religion of the present. - Ancient Irish Sacred Sites One
A slide show and talk covering dolmens, cairns, holy wells, early Christian churches and monastic communities, Iron Age villages, the Winter Solstice temple called ” Newgrange “, stone circles, carved standing stones, Ogham stones and more. The talk generally lasts about 1 1/2 hours and is followed by a book signing. - Ancient Irish Sacred Sites Two
A slide show and lecture that covers Lough Gur, the largest stone circle in Ireland, the ring forts and standing stones of Kerry’s Iveragh and Dingle penninsulas, early Christian beehive structures and oratories, ancient sundials and Ogham stones, a Tinker community in Cork and the Proleek Dolmen in Louth. Several sites in Ulster; Emain Macha, the “Druids Chair” at Altanadevan and the Cookstown stone circles, historical recreations of Bronze Age huts, Celtic settlements and an Early Christian community. The talk lasts about 1 1/2 hours and is followed by a book signing. - Ancient British Sacred Sites
A slide show and talk covering the South Eastern portion of Scotland with it’s carved Pictish stones, the major English monuments such as Stonehenge, Avebury, Silbury Hill, some Arthurian sites such as Tintagel, Glastonbury ( Avalon ), and Camelot, and the mysterious and wonderful Cornish sacred sites of the Michael/Mary Brighid/Lugh ley line. The talk lasts about two hours and is followed by a book signing. - Flower Essence Counseling
Again a Friday night slide show of flowers used in this counseling technique. On Saturday morning we gather flowers and prepare essences ( weather permitting ). Saturday afternoon we learn some basic counseling techniques and practice on each other. Spiritual affirmations are a vital part of this healing modality.
Materials needed: Sponsor will provide a few crystal bowls and a bottle of natural brandy students will bring 2 or 3 clean glass jelly jars with lids - Medicinal Herbs
A Friday night slide show of some common medicinals found in North America. Saturday morning and afternoon we spend roaming the countryside looking at trees and herbs and identifying them. Sunday we make simple preparations such as tinctures and salves and poultices. Students bring herb books and other data bases from which they prepare a report to present to the class.
Materials needed: 4 clean glass jelly jars with lids, 1 quart olive oil, 1 pint vodka, Herb books, collecting bags or baskets, shears - Medicinal Herbs Slide Show
A lecture and slide show of common medicinal plants, their uses and preparation. - Endangered Medicinal Plants Slide Show
A lecture and slide show listing endangered species of the East coast, the Midwest and the West coast. - Tree Medicine – Tree Magic
A slide show of trees that are easily found in North America, and a discussion of their medicinal uses, mythology and spiritual significance. - The Druidic Wheel Of The Year
A lecture on the eight Celtic festivals of the Sacred Earth Year, Solstices, Equinoxes and Cross Quarters ( Samhain, Imbolc, Beltaine, Lughnasad ) with their attendant Deities and herbal and agricultural associations. This workshop typically lasts about two hours and is usually followed by a book signing and a question and answer period. - Celtic Gods and Goddesses
An evening lecture describing some of the major Celtic Deities, their appearance, attributes, spheres of influence, and archetypal powers. As true polytheists the ancient Celts had different Deities to cover different areas of life; childbirth, crafts, music and poetry, healing, warfare, holy wells, and fire are just some of their domains. Important for our own culture and times is the gender balanced aspect of these Gods and Goddesses, reflecting a time when men and women enjoyed relatively equal status. This workshop lasts about two hours and can include a short ritual to honor the Gods (requiring a bit more time). - Introduction to Homeopathy
An introductory lecture on the history of Homeopathy. What is it? How was it developed? A look at some common Homeopathic first aid remedies followed by a slide show of plants used in Homeopathic medicines. This is a one day workshop. - The Metamorphic Technique
A Hands on massage technique developed out of reflexology by Robert St.John. This is a 2 1/2 hour workshop that covers the theory after which students take turns working on each others heads, feet and hands. The book Metamorphic Technique, Principle and Practices is available from Element Books and will provide an excellent introduction to how this technique sets free the healing processes of the Mind, Body, and Spirit. - Introduction To Chinese Five Element Theory
A two hour workshop that covers the five elements with their associated times of year, tastes, emotions, body parts, smells, colors, and tones of voice. This theory can be applied to herbal case taking as well as to counseling and psychology, analysis of communities and groups, historical epochs, and spiritual paths. The workshop can be expanded to a day long class that covers facial diagnosis and the diagnosis of warts, lines, pimples and the tongue. A poster is available for $15.00 that shows the facial types. - Introduction To Herbal Healing And Self Care
A six month intensive offered one weekend a month. Covers Western herbal Materia Medica, formula making, case taking, Chinese Five Element Theory, Homeopathic First Aid, Flower Essence Counseling, plant identification, ethnobotany, and hands on herbal techniques such as poultices, tinctures, salves etc. Over 400 pages of handouts are included with the course. A certificate of completion is offered at the end. Cost is $200.00 per weekend. Sponsor attends for free and must cover transportation costs, advertising, and provide room and board for Ellen for each weekend. Students are expected to attend every class and a minimum of 15 students is required.
The proceeds from this class are not split 50/50 as in the other classes and arrangements must be made on a case by case basis. - Pre-Christian Celtic Beliefs and Ethics
Using texts such as the Audacht Morainn and the Colloquy of the Two Sages we will examine the ethical beliefs of the pre-Christain Celts. Copies of excerpts from the texts will be provided for group discussion and meditation. - Bardic Poetry Workshop
This is a weekend poetry class. On Saturday and Sunday students hike out into the forest and meditate on the elements of earth, fire, water, and air, as well as the sacred animals, the sacred plants and the sacred human beings. After each meditation a poem is presented to the group. Some ancient meters and rhyme schemes will be explored. - Celtic Goddesses
A weekend workshop. The Celtic Goddesses cover many spheres; warrioress, mistress of crafts, healer, mother, shape shifter, sorceress, river spirit, guardian of the land, dryad, huntress, and lover are just some of their aspects. Participants will use poetry, guided meditation, drawing and music to enliven a particular Goddess archetype which they feel called to explore. The basics of Druid ritual form will be taught and the experience will culminate in a formal Druid ceremony honoring the Goddesses we have worked with. Participants should bring ritual or celebratory robes, musical instruments, tools and materials of their chosen craft if they have one, notebooks, blankets to sit on out of doors, and offerings for the Goddesses (flowers, fruit, songs, poetry, etc.) - Paganism as a Path of Service
When traditional faith communities established themselves in the New World the first things they did were to build houses of worship, establish cemetaries and schools and set up charities. What are the natural directions for Pagan charity to flow? The environment? Humanitarian causes? How can we help? This workshop offers suggestions for specific environmental and humanitarian charities and ideas for service for Covens and Groves.
Video Presentations
- Pagans
A showing of the video and a discussion about the Pagan wheel of the year. This video was designed as a teaching tool for schools, libraries, and public education. Filmed entirely in beautiful rural New England, the video shows Pagans as we really are, without hype or theatrics. Original music from Paddy Keenan of The Bothy Band, poetry and song round out the presentation. - Gifts From the Healing Earth – Volume I
Filmed in rural New England the video takes the viewer to field and forest gathering plants which are then brought into the kitchen to be made into remedies. Covers the basics of hands-on herbalism. Original music from Dr. James Duke, noted botanist. (This video is offered for sale in both English and Spanish versions) - Gifts From the Healing Earth – Volume II
Ellen interviews holistic nurses on the topics of Medical Herbalism, Reiki, Guided Imagery and Therapeutic Touch with a special emphasis on their application in the hospital setting. Addresses and other information are provided for those who wish to pursue education in these healing paths. Harp music by Christopher LaFond.
For more information, scheduling and costs, contact Ellen. Please put the title of the workshop or lecture of interest in the subject line of your mail. Transportation costs and advertising are covered by the sponsor.