The festival of Lughnasad (also known as Lammas) is upon us. Here is a lovely account of how modern Pagans celebrate, written by my friend Morgan Daimler.

The old name for this festival “Sorrow of the Earth” speaks to me of the sacrifice the Earth Mother makes so her children can live – grain cut down, vegetables dug, and ultimately herds that are culled to feed the people. For Druids the major focus at this time of year is giving thanks for the many gifts bestowed upon us by the Earth and her creatures. Pour some milk on a standing stone, or leave it in a cup for the fairies, make an offering of the first fruits of your garden harvest and leave it out for the animals and Land Spirits. Make a cake or bread from the new grain and share it with the people you love and with the creatures of the Earth. Above all take time to feast on the berries that are ripe just now!
Regarding the lion Cecil who was killed by an American dentist – there is a bit of good news. It appears Cecil’s brother is now guarding Cecil’s cubs.
This Moonth has seen the passing of one of our Pagan elders – Deborah Ann Light – who was a gentle, graceful and powerful presence in many lives.
My book BEING A PAGAN got a mention in this article, I interviewed Deborah in 2000 and corresponded with her for years afterwards.
A little bit of advanced publicity for my new book A LEGACY OF DRUIDS (should be out late this year from Moon Books)
Brighid invocation from PRIESTESS OF THE FIRE TEMPLE – A DRUID’S TALE makes it to Tumblr

UPCOMING CLASSES WITH ELLEN

FORMULA MAKING AND CASE TAKING
September 25-26-27, Philo, California (near Mendocino)
Advanced case taking and formula making class with Ellen Evert Hopman, Herbalist AHG
A Friday night lecture on the Doctrine of Signatures.
On Saturday and Sunday you will learn basic Chinese Five Element Theory; seasons, flavors, taste, voice tone, emotions and the fundamentals of Facial Diagnosis; lines, colors, moles, blemishes
You will also learn an advanced formula making technique to design individually crafted remedies for individuals
In-between we will walk outside and meet some of the plants and trees in the garden.
The Philo School of Herbal Energetics website has information on directions & lodging. $150 for the weekend; register here.
Lodging: They do not offer lodging. Please go to the Anderson Valley Chamber of Commerce page for available lodging.
SIX MONTH HERBAL INTENSIVE IN WESTERN MA (near Amherst)
October 17, 2015 – April, 2016
Two Saturdays a month, 1-5 PM near Amherst, MA
The Western Massachusetts School of Herbal Studies
Intro to Herbalism and Self Care
With Ellen Evert Hopman M.Ed. ~ Registered Herbalist AHG
author of “Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore”, “A Druid’s Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year”, “A Druids Herbal – Of Sacred
Tree Medicine” and other books and DVDs
Covers Western herbal Materia Medica, formula making, case taking, Chinese Five Element Theory, Homeopathic First Aid, Flower Essence Counseling, plant identification, ethno botany, an herb walk outdoors and hands on herbal techniques such as poultices, tinctures, salves. Over 550 pages of handouts are included with the course. A certificate of completion is offered at the end.
Cost: $1,000.00 (plus a $100.00 non-refundable Xeroxing fee)
MA NURSES CAN GET CEUS BY TAKING THIS COURSE
“I studied with Ellen Evert Hopman back in the late 90’s. The information she shared with me has helped me in many aspects of my life! I learned the skills to identify, and properly utilize, many herbs as; essences, teas, salves, poultices and tinctures. I found her program to be quite thorough!” ~A. Potter

THINGS TO DO

Sign a petition to help stop the slaughter of African lions
MoveOn is taking donations to help rebuild African American churches in the South that have been burned down since the SC massacre. It’s suspected that some are arson cases. You can contribute to help rebuild the churches here;