It’s still snowing as I write this, about 80 inches so far and counting. The animals have completely given up criss crossing my yard and I can only wonder where they are finding food. No coyote, possum or fisher cat tracks to be seen and the bears, who usually maraud my bird feeder about this time of year, are probably still sleeping. According to experts, this weather is caused by a very warm Atlantic ocean coming in contact with the Arctic cold of the polar vortex, which has been visiting New England every few days.
Faint signs of spring are appearing, nonetheless. The sunlight grows slowly stronger, day by day, and the birds are enthusiastically chirping all around the house. A hugely fat squirrel who I suspect must be pregnant has been hogging the sunflower seeds all morning, scaring away the chickadees, titmice and finches. I am trying to feel charitable.
The biggest news this Moonth is that my newest herbal, currently titled THE SECRET MEDICINES OF YOUR GARDEN, has been purchased by Inner Traditions, Bear & Co. and nice reviews are already coming in;
“Like a box of bon-bons, this collection of arcane and useful herbal lore will delight and entertain you, no matter your mood. The Secret Medicines of Your Garden courses through bee-humming meadows and skirts hedgerows guarded by rowan woods, while eating flower sandwiches and pouring libations for the fairies. You will love this new and wonderful treasure from the enchanted pen of Ms. Hopman.”
Susun S. Weed, author Wise Woman Herbal Series
An old Druid podcast where I was interviewed in 2008 resurfaced recently.
And here are some upcoming events and below you will find the usual round up of the last months archeology, religion, herbal and Druid news;

TREE MEDICINE TREE MAGIC
May 29, 2015 at 3:30pm to May 31, 2015 at 4:00pm
Matamoras PA 18336
Weekend Workshop Hosted by Ellen Evert Hopman
A Friday night slide show of some common North American trees illustrating their medicinal and magical properties. On Saturday morning we learn about the Irish “Tree alphabet” and then go outside to perform a traditional Druid tree meditation and learn to listen to the trees. Saturday afternoon we learn more about the “Tree Alphabet” and then gather tree medicines such as leaves, pine needles, flowers, barks, etc. Sunday we prepare medicines from the ingredients we have gathered. Each student will leave with a hand-made set of Ogham divination cards, based on the ancient Irish Ogham “Tree Alphabet”. Please bring a notebook and pen, and wear comfortable shoes and outdoor clothes as you will be outside part of the weekend.
Weekend Fee $125 which includes class, lunches, and supplies.
Please send fee to Marjorie Forbes Spadoni 119 Cherry Ct Matamoras PA 18336
If you need to stay over locally we have a Best Western 5 minutes from my house. 484-347-7489 for more info
ADVANCED FORMULA MAKING AND CASE TAKING CLASS
September 5-6, 2015
Matamoras PA 18336
Advanced case taking and formula making class with Ellen Evert Hopman, Herbalist AHG
Learn Basic Five Element Theory; seasons, flavors, taste, voice tone, emotions.
Learn the basics of Facial Diagnosis; lines, colors, moles, blemishes and 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 and make some remedies to take home. Weekend Fee $125 which includes class, lunches, and supplies.
Please send fee to Marjorie Forbes Spadoni 119 Cherry Ct, Matamoras PA 18336
If you need to stay over locally we have a Best Western 5 minutes from my house. 484-347-7489 for more info
ADVANCED FORMULA MAKING AND CASE TAKING CLASS
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 at 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
*You can purchase my books and DVDs via this website. You will get a signed copy and a personal note! *