🕯️ Occult Philosophy

A Druid's Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year (Original)

✍️ Hopman, Ellen Evert
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$16.99
Temporarily out of stock

Currently unavailable

This book is sold out right now. Leave your email — we'll let you know if it comes back, and you'll get 10% off any book today.

In stock now — readers of this book also loved:

Partner Earth: A Spiritual Ecology (Original)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
5
Montgomery, Pam
Partner Earth: A Spiritual Ecology (Original)
$16.99
86
The Soundscape: Our Sonic Environment and the Tuning of the World (Original) -37%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Schafer, R Murray
The Soundscape: Our Sonic Environment and the Tuning of the World (Original)
$16.95 $27.00
86
Yoni Massage: Awakening Female Sexual Energy (Original)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Riedl, Michaela
Yoni Massage: Awakening Female Sexual Energy (Original)
$16.95
86
Karsai Nei Tsang: Therapeutic Massage for the Sexual Organs -19%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Chia, Mantak
Karsai Nei Tsang: Therapeutic Massage for the Sexual Organs
$16.95 $21.00
86
Simple CHI Kung: Exercises for Awakening the Life-Force Energy -22%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Mantak Chia, Lee Holden
Simple CHI Kung: Exercises for Awakening the Life-Force Energy
$16.95 $22.00
86
Into the Lonely Woods Cards: Blessings and Messages for Times of Solitude and Isolation Cavendish, Lucy -21%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Lucy Cavendish, Dan May
Into the Lonely Woods Cards: Blessings and Messages for Times of Solitude and Isolation Cavendish, Lucy
$25.95 $33.00
86
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Ellen Evert Hopman's essential work reveals the profound, interconnected world of Druidic herbalism, where plants are deeply entwined with the Earth's seasonal cycles and the human journey. This guide empowers readers to weave the potent magic of herbs into rituals celebrating the eight Celtic festivals and significant life events—from blessings and weddings to funerals. Drawing from extensive research and personal engagement with Pagan traditions, Hopman offers both historical insights and practical instructions for preparing herbal remedies, ensuring the sacred power of nature can be integrated into contemporary spiritual practice.

🕯️
Occult Philosophy

Praise for this book

“Ms. Hopman demonstrates a wide knowledge of the Celts and their mythology as well as her understanding of modern homeopathy. Her book includes a Celtic dictionary, which makes it all the more appealing to anyone interested in ancient Celtic lore. She moves through the year describing rituals and herbal uses for Druidic holidays and celebrations. Herbs for marriage, funerals, births, and house blessings are discussed in detail. A fascinating herbal.”
— Country Living
🏛 Destiny Books 📅 1994 📖 224 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780892815012
Fun Fact
Hopman’s 'A Druid's Herbal' is a richly woven tapestry of historical insight and practical application. It excels in connecting ancient Celtic wisdom to modern ritual, offering a truly immersive experience for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice through nature. While not a botanical identification guide, its focus on the magical and ritualistic uses of herbs is unparalleled. It might disappoint readers solely seeking clinical herbal medicine, but for anyone desiring a profound, earth-centered approach to life's cycles, this book is an indispensable treasure in the field of contemporary Pagan herbalism.

📝 Description: A Druid's Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year (Original)

For the ancient Druids, the healing and magical properties of herbs were inseparable from the larger cycles of the seasons, the movements of the planets, and the progression of a human life. A Druid's Herbal shows the reader how to use herbs when creating rituals to celebrate festivals and significant life passages such as births, house blessings, weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies. Drawing on extensive research and a deep personal experience with Pagan traditions, Ellen Evert Hopman explores the history and folklore surrounding the eight major Celtic festivals: Samhain, Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltaine, Summer Solstice, Lugnasad, and Fall Equinox. Included in each discussion are complete instructions on the medicinal and magical uses of the herbs associated with each celebration. Using these Celtic traditions as examples, the author suggests ways to incorporate the symbolic and magical power of herbs into personal rituals that honor all phases of life from childbirth to last rites. Also included are chapters on how to prepare herbal tinctures, salves, and poultices; herbs used by the Druids; herbal alchemy and the planets; and the relationships between herbs and sacred places. Filled with practical information and imaginative suggestions for using herbs for healing, ceremony, and magic, this book is an indispensable and comprehensive guide to age-old herbal practices.

📑 What's inside

  1. A Druid's Herbal For the Sacred Earth Year
  2. Introduction
  3. Chapter 1. The Druids
  4. Chapter 2. Herbal Basics
  5. Chapter 3. Samhain (All Hallows)
  6. Chapter 4. Mean Geimhridh (Winter Solstice, Yule)
  7. Chapter 5. Imbolc/Oimealg (Candlemas)
  8. Chapter 6. Mean Earraigh (Spring Equinox)
  9. Chapter 7. Beltaine (May Eve)
  10. Chapter 8. Mean Samhraidh (Summer Solstice, Midsummer)
  11. Chapter 9. Lugnasad (Lammas)
  12. Chapter 10. Mean Fomhair (Fall Equinox)
  13. Chapter 11. Herbs of the Druids
  14. Chapter 12. Herbal Alchemy and the Planets
  15. Chapter 13. Sacred Groves and Circles
  16. Chapter 14. Last Rites and the Celtic Otherworld
  17. Chapter 15. Under the Marriage Oak
  18. Chapter 16. Home, A Haven of Peace and Prosperity
  19. Chapter 17. From Childbirth to Puberty and Initiation
  20. Appendix A Pronunciation Guide
  21. Appendix B Resources
  22. Bibliography
  23. Plant Index
  24. Subject Index

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Hopman’s guide stands as an essential bridge between historical Celtic tradition and modern ecological spirituality. It excels in providing clear, actionable advice for integrating herbs into the Wheel of the Year and life transitions. However, readers seeking dense academic historiography or rigid dogmatic adherence to ancient texts may find it too accessible or loosely structured. It is not suited for those who prefer solitary, non-ritualistic herbalism without spiritual context. Instead, it thrives for those willing to embrace a holistic, ritualistic approach. The warmth of the author’s voice makes complex concepts manageable, though skeptics regarding Pagan efficacy might dismiss its core premises entirely.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who feel a deep, resonant pull toward the earth and wish to ground their spiritual life in tangible, botanical practices will find immense value here. Hopman offers a compassionate entry point into Druidic herbalism, transforming abstract seasonal cycles into accessible rituals for weddings, blessings, and funerals. Those tired of purely theoretical occultism will appreciate the practical instructions for remedies and ceremonies. This book is ideal for nature mystics, modern Pagans, and anyone longing to weave the potent magic of herbs into their daily existence, ensuring that the sacred power of nature becomes a living, breathing part of their contemporary spiritual journey rather than a distant historical curiosity.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
If you're drawn to the intersection of herbalism, ancient Celtic spirituality, and ritual practice, this book is for you. It's an invaluable resource for Pagans, Druids, Wiccans, and anyone seeking to deepen their connection to nature's rhythms and incorporate plant wisdom into their daily life.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

Hopman’s guide stands as an essential bridge between historical Celtic tradition and modern ecological spirituality. It excels in providing clear, actionable advice for integrating herbs into the Wheel of the Year and life transitions. However, readers seeking dense academic historiography or rigid dogmatic adherence to ancient texts may find it too accessible or loosely structured. It is not suited for those who prefer solitary, non-ritualistic herbalism without spiritual context. Instead, it thrives for those willing to embrace a holistic, ritualistic approach. The warmth of the author’s voice makes complex concepts manageable, though skeptics regarding Pagan efficacy might dismiss its core premises entirely.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Not at all. While rooted in Druidic wisdom, its principles of connecting with nature through herbs and seasonal rituals are applicable to anyone interested in Paganism, herbalism, or a more earth-centered spiritual path.
Yes, absolutely. Beyond the folklore and ritualistic uses, the book provides clear guidance on how to prepare various herbal remedies like tinctures, salves, and poultices, making it a hands-on resource.

📖 Who should read this

If you're drawn to the intersection of herbalism, ancient Celtic spirituality, and ritual practice, this book is for you. It's an invaluable resource for Pagans, Druids, Wiccans, and anyone seeking to deepen their connection to nature's rhythms and incorporate plant wisdom into their daily life.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Herbal Cycles & Seasons

This book illuminates the deep connection between botanical energies and the turning wheel of the year, emphasizing that plants are not isolated, but part of a grander cosmic dance. It details specific herbs and their uses for each of the eight major Celtic festivals, from Samhain's introspection to the vibrant energy of Beltane.

Ritual & Life's Passages

Hopman explores how to integrate herbal magic into personal and communal ceremonies, from welcoming new life to honoring transitions. It provides practical frameworks for crafting meaningful rituals around significant moments like births, house blessings, weddings, and last rites, ensuring the sacred presence of nature in every milestone.

Practical Herbal Lore

Beyond theoretical wisdom, this volume guides readers in crafting their own herbal preparations—tinctures, salves, and poultices—while delving into the rich tapestry of Druidic herbal history, folklore, and even planetary correspondences. It makes ancient plant wisdom accessible and actionable for modern spiritual and healing practices.

📜 Historical context

Drawing from the ancient traditions of the Druids, this work bridges the gap between historical reverence for nature and contemporary practice. It situates modern herbalism within a lineage that views plants not just as medicine, but as sacred allies, integral to spiritual rites and the understanding of cosmic cycles, offering a vital link to pre-Christian European spirituality.

📚 Glossary

Druidry
Celtic Festivals
Herbal Alchemy

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Reflect on a local plant you feel drawn to. How might its growth cycle align with a specific season or personal life passage you've experienced?
  2. Consider a significant life event you've either gone through or anticipate. What herbs or natural elements could you incorporate into a personal ritual to honor this transition?
  3. Choose one of the eight Celtic festivals. How could you observe it using herbs found in your local environment, making it personally meaningful?

✍️ More books by this author Hopman, Ellen Evert

All books by this author →
Being a Pagan: Druids, Wiccans, and Witches Today (Edition, New of People of the Earth)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Hopman, Ellen Evert
Being a Pagan: Druids, Wiccans, and Witches Today (Edition, New of People of the Earth)
$29.99
86
The Sacred Herbs of Spring: Magical, Healing, and Edible Plants to Celebrate Beltaine -37%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Hopman, Ellen Evert
The Sacred Herbs of Spring: Magical, Healing, and Edible Plants to Celebrate Beltaine
$24.99 $40.00
86
The Sacred Herbs of Samhain: Plants to Contact the Spirits of the Dead -52%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Hopman, Ellen Evert
The Sacred Herbs of Samhain: Plants to Contact the Spirits of the Dead
$22.99 $48.00
86
A Legacy of Druids: Conversations with Druid Leaders of Britain, the USA and Canada, Past and Present -13%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Hopman, Ellen Evert
A Legacy of Druids: Conversations with Druid Leaders of Britain, the USA and Canada, Past and Present
$25.95 $30.00
86
A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine -17%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Hopman, Ellen Evert
A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine
$18.99 $23.00
86

🏛 Books from this publisher Destiny Books

All books from this publisher →
Creative Visualization: Using Imagery and Imagination for Self-Transformation -32%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Shone, Ronald
Creative Visualization: Using Imagery and Imagination for Self-Transformation
$14.95 $22.00
81
The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar: Solving the Oak Island Mystery -25%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Sora, Steven
The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar: Solving the Oak Island Mystery
$19.99 $27.00
78
The Healing Energy of Shared Consciousness: A Taoist Approach to Entering the Universal Mind
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Chia, Mantak
The Healing Energy of Shared Consciousness: A Taoist Approach to Entering the Universal Mind
$16.95
78
The Wisdom Teachings of Harish Johari on the Mahabharata
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Geraets, Wil
The Wisdom Teachings of Harish Johari on the Mahabharata
$16.95
86
The Zero Point Agreement: How to Be Who You Already Are
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Johnson, Julie Tallard
The Zero Point Agreement: How to Be Who You Already Are
$18.95
81
Osogbo: Speaking to the Spirits of Misfortune
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Lele, Ócha'ni
Osogbo: Speaking to the Spirits of Misfortune
$16.95
86
African Spirits Speak: A White Woman's Journey Into the Healing Tradition of the Sangoma (Original)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Arden, Nicky
African Spirits Speak: A White Woman's Journey Into the Healing Tradition of the Sangoma (Original)
$17.99
78
Cat Magic: Mews, Myths, and Mystery
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Telesco, Patricia
Cat Magic: Mews, Myths, and Mystery
$16.95
78

You might also like

See more →
A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine -17%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Hopman, Ellen Evert
A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine
$18.99 $23.00
86
A Legacy of Druids: Conversations with Druid Leaders of Britain, the USA and Canada, Past and Present -13%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Hopman, Ellen Evert
A Legacy of Druids: Conversations with Druid Leaders of Britain, the USA and Canada, Past and Present
$25.95 $30.00
86
The Yoga of Truth: Jnana: The Ancient Path of Silent Knowledge
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Marchand, Peter
The Yoga of Truth: Jnana: The Ancient Path of Silent Knowledge
$16.99
86
CHI Nei Tsang and Microcurrent Therapy: Energy Massage for Pain Relief, Self-Healing, and Rejuvenation -22%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Mantak Chia, Aisha Sieburth
CHI Nei Tsang and Microcurrent Therapy: Energy Massage for Pain Relief, Self-Healing, and Rejuvenation
$16.99 $22.00
86
Tantric Sex and Menopause: Practices for Spiritual and Sexual Renewal -15%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Diana Richardson, Janet McGeever
Tantric Sex and Menopause: Practices for Spiritual and Sexual Renewal
$16.99 $20.00
86
Traditional Brazilian Black Magic: The Secrets of the Kimbanda Magicians
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Diego de Oxóssi, Hendrix Silveira
Traditional Brazilian Black Magic: The Secrets of the Kimbanda Magicians
$16.99
86
The Seven Initiations of Ganieda: The Prophetic Powers of the Sister of Merlin -41%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Rosset, Philippe
The Seven Initiations of Ganieda: The Prophetic Powers of the Sister of Merlin
$16.99 $29.00
86
A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Methods for Working with the Deep Dream State 🔥 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.7
7
Adams, Lee
A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Methods for Working with the Deep Dream State
$16.99
86
Partner Earth: A Spiritual Ecology (Original)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
5
Montgomery, Pam
Partner Earth: A Spiritual Ecology (Original)
$16.99
86
The Soundscape: Our Sonic Environment and the Tuning of the World (Original) -37%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Schafer, R Murray
The Soundscape: Our Sonic Environment and the Tuning of the World (Original)
$16.95 $27.00
86

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Esoteric Meaning

Concepts in this book

Earth →
Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist