A Druid's Web Log – Lughnasad and the Harvest

We are in the midst of Lughnasad as I write this, the ancient Celtic three week festival that heralds the start of the harvest season. Where has the summer flown to? This year has been very wet here in New England, a complete turnaround from the drought we had last year. Gardens are lush and trees are so filled with water that they are starting to send out leaves from the middle of their trunks.
It has been a time of high anxiety as Americans waited to hear if millions of us would be kicked off our health care plans. Last night there was a glorious reprieve as a few Republicans finally opened their hearts enough to feel compassion for the plight of many. This gives me a bit of hope.
I have two other bits of pleasant news to report; Inner Traditions has accepted a new book from me, this time about New England Witches. The book covers Witchcraft persecutions from the Biblical era to Salem and some modern bits as well.
And my old classic TREE MEDICINE TREE MAGIC will be re-released in an expanded version with full color plates to make tree identification easier. The promised publication date is now September 15. It will have tree recipes and tree drinks included.
I give thanks for these and other blessings in my life. May your own harvests be fruitful!

SOME MORE BOOK NEWS

Secret Medicines from your Garden got a new review in Magical Buffet
“This book has been out for over a year. Over a year! I even read it as soon as it came out, and yet it has taken all this time to share my thoughts on it. “Secret Medicines from Your Garden: Plants for Healing, Spirituality & Magic” by Ellen Evert Hopman is still in print, so it’s still worth sharing.Reading “Secret Medicines from Your Garden” makes you feel like the author is personally leading you on a wilderness adventure. Hopman regales you with anecdotes from her spiritual journey and herbalism training. She doesn’t just tell you about herbs and their meanings and uses, she trains you to intuit a plants purpose. Not only do you learn about the physical natural world, but Hopman discusses plant spirits, herbal astrology, and more. Of course the book is filled with ways to use all that nature has to offer such as poultices, tinctures, and food.I would say “Secret Medicines from Your Garden” is a surprisingly engaging book, and I dare say it’s my favorite of all of Ellen Evert Hopman’s books. (And considering how many great books she’s written, that’s saying something)”
UPDATE ON THE PRIESTESS OF THE FOREST FILM PROJECT!
Meet Elyse Poppers, our beautiful lead actress!
Please continue to promote the film wherever you can! We need patrons so we can film a clip – we are still seeking a major producer. Here is where you can donate, either a one-time gift or ongoing support.
Read about the world of the film.
Please make sure you are registered to vote in 2018. Here is the Democratic party platform.

*Reminder – you can order books from this website and get signed copies with a personal note from the author! *
Below you will find the usual past Moonth’s gleanings of Archeology, Herb, Nature, Climate, Religion, Celtic and Ethics news. Enjoy!

UPCOMING SPEAKING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

August 19
Celtic Tree Medicine and Lore
2:30 PM – 5 PM
Sirius Community
72 Baker Rd, Shutesbury, Massachusetts 01072
August 25-27
New England Women’s Herbal Conference
Newfound Lake, New Hampshire
WHC on Facebook
WHC on Twitter
WHC on Pinterest
October 14, 2017 – April 2018
Intro to Herbalism and Self Care~ A Six Month Intensive
Two Saturdays a month, 1-5 PM near Amherst, MA
Western Materia Medica, Chinese 5 Element Theory, Flower Essence Counseling, Formula making, Hands on Herbalism, Ethnobotany, Herb walks, Case taking and more.
Please message Ellen for more details.
Sunday, October 15^thCelebrate Samhain!
A talk about using herbs to communicate with the Spirits
10 am to 6 pm at the Courtyard Marriott
2200 Southwood Drive, Nashua, NH 03063