Conversation Club: Secret Medicines from your Garden

CONVERSATION CLUB: THE SECRET MEDICINES FROM YOUR GARDEN - PLANTS FOR HEALING, SPIRITUALITY AND MAGIC

Ellen Evert Hopman will discuss her book, Secret Medicines from Your Garden – Plants for Healing, Spirituality and Magic, with Virginia Wolf, founding member of the Mary Barnes Society and founder of Herstory Theater.

Enjoy and peruse a guided exploration of herbal lore and healing plants found in yards, forests, meadows, and hedgerows that

• draws on traditional knowledge and remedies from around the world, including Native American, Celtic, and Egyptian traditions
• provides simple recipes to safely make herbal remedies from local plants and honey for first aid, immune support, and treatment of common ailments
• details the “triangle” formula-making system of William LeSassier
• explains how to work with plant spirits, herbal astrology, and Animal Spirit Medicine

Weaving together ancient wisdom, mystical folklore, and modern plant research, master herbalist Ellen Evert Hopman explores the many uses of flowers, trees, common weeds, and ornamental plants for food, medicine, spiritual growth, and magical rituals. She reveals the herbal lore surrounding each plant, drawing on traditional knowledge and remedies from around the world, including Native American, Celtic, and Egyptian traditions. She includes recipes throughout so you can make medicines from wild and domesticated plants easily found in yards, forests, meadows, and hedgerows, and she discusses what to plant to ensure you have leaves, berries, and flowers all year.

The author reveals how to quickly intuit an unknown plant’s properties using the signatures of plants--universal indications and contraindications based on the form, color, and location of a plant. She includes an in-depth section on honey and Bee Medicine, allowing you to appreciate the labors of these plant-dependent insects. Exploring the magical role of herbs in ancient ritual, Hopman provides recipes for Egyptian temple incense and their sacred medicine known as “Kyphi” or “Kaphet,” used to purify the body, banish insomnia, and promote vivid dreaming. She explores shamanic Plant Spirit and Animal Spirit Medicine as well as herbal astrology. She also explains the “triangle” formula-making system of her herbal mentor William LeSassier to help you develop custom herbal remedies tailored to a person’s unique strengths and weaknesses.

Showing how to easily incorporate wild plants into your life to receive their healing benefits throughout the seasons, Hopman reveals the power of the bounty that Mother Nature has provided right at our doorstep.

ABOUT ELLEN EVERT HOPMAN

Ellen Evert Hopman has been a teacher of herbalism since 1983 and is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. A member of the Grey Council of Mages and Sages and a former professor at the Grey School of Wizardry, she has presented at schools and workshops across the United States and Europe. A Druidic initiate since 1984, she is the current Archdruid of Tribe of the Oak (Tuatha na Dara), an international Druid Order, a founding member of The Order of the White Oak (Ord Na Darach Gile), a Bard of the Gorsedd of Caer Abiri, and a Druidess of the Druid Clan of Dana. A former vice president of The Henge of Keltria, she is the author of The Sacred Herbs of Spring; The Sacred Herbs of Samhain; Secret Medicines from Your Garden; The Real Witches of New England; Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore; A Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine; A Druid’s Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year; Walking the World in Wonder – a Children’s Herbal; Being a Pagan; Tree Medicine, Tree Magic; and the Druid trilogy of novels: Priestess of the Forest, The Druid Isle and Priestess of the Fire Temple. She lives in Massachusetts.

RAVES AND REVIEWS

“The secret in Ellen Hopman’s new text is the rich framework she presents for herbal medicine. By knowing herbs through the lenses of the seasons, the garden, the body, the stars, and more, the beginner will develop well-nourished roots and clear, practical skills with a wide range of plants. The advanced student will appreciate the thorough guide to formulation and blending, which makes this book an important reference text.” – Guido Masé, codirector of the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, chief herbalist of Urba

“Rare are those herbalists who understand the perfection of balance when knowledge is based both upon the wisdom that has survived the passing of millennia and knowledge that is affirmed with the modern tools of research and analysis. I encourage you to take the intimate journey Ellen Evert Hopman offers you in Secret Medicines from Your Garden. Her opening sentence resounds as a truth in my own life as well. And from that sentence onward, as she shares her own journey into the study of herbal medicine, she will engage you as a trusted friend and as someone who goes out of her way to always speak with clarity. The recipes and preparations are delicious, the medicinal information trustworthy, and the historical references reflect academic accuracy. This book should go home with you. And then? Let Ellen take you on a wonderful journey into our herbal world.” – Paul Beyerl, master herbalist, author of The Master Book of Herbalism, and founder of The Hermit

“This is the most tantalizing type of herb book--the kind I love most--filled with lore and history, myth and magic, and the author’s own rich experiences weaving the tales together. We are led on a most unique multidimensional journey to the heart of herbalism. Along the way we are taught how to use plants for medicine, daily well-being, ritual, and ceremony.” – Rosemary Gladstar, herbalist, founder of United Plant Savers, and author of Planting the Future

“Just like in nature where you encounter the same herb many times but in different ways, Ellen Evert Hopman’s new book takes you on a spiraling exploration into the world of healing plants. Your first encounter is a taste, the next a healing brew, and then a story as if around a campfire. She also shares, for the first time in print, the brilliant herbal formulation technique of the late (great) herbalist William LeSassier. What a delight to journey with Ellen as she shares her extensive experience and knowledge of the rich diversity found in each plant!” – Pam Montgomery, herbalist, educator, and author of Plant Spirit Healing and Partner Earth

“Ellen Evert Hopman is a master herbalist who understands both the physical and spiritual nature of plants. In Secret Medicines from Your Garden she draws on her extensive experience and brings us a wonderful book that is so much more than the average herbal. Packed full of practical guidance, accessible information, and useful recipes, this original and beautifully illustrated book takes us deep into nature and teaches how plants can nourish both body and soul. Ellen is making a significant contribution to contemporary plant wisdom. Highly recommended for anyone interested in plant spirits, herbal lore, and plant magic.” – Carole Guyett, medical herbalist, Celtic priestess, and author of Sacred Plant Initiations

“Like a box of bonbons, this collection of arcane and useful herbal lore will delight and entertain you, no matter your mood. Secret Medicines from 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 of the Wise Woman Herbal Series

“Her eyes opened to the power and beauty of nature first by the Franciscan community near Assissi in northern Italy and subsequently by the New Age community of Findhorn in Scotland, Ellen Evert Hopman felt called to work with plants in all their forms and guises. After an herbal apprenticeship with William LeSassier, the visionary herbalist and creator of the Triune formulation system, she spent five years studying the herbal ways of Native American elders. Declaring herbalism a lifelong learning path, this book is a distillation of all the knowledge she has acquired from the natural world and its benefits for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. It is a fascinating, educational, and highly enjoyable read brimming with practical ideas, recipes, and rich in history as well an important reference work from an accomplished herbalist, author, and all around plant woman.” – Alex Dover, medical herbalist

“This book is multifaceted, a gem that is full of information about our personal green paths that encompass medicine, food, religion, and ritual.” – Mary Pat Palmer, registered herbalist and director of the Philo School of Herbal Energetics, Philo,

“A delightful collection of nature’s wisdom translated into an easy-to-follow instructional book of herbal medicine. Ellen provides a great medicinal resource while inviting you to cultivate your intuition and connect with the spiritual components of plant medicine.” – Aviva D. Wertkin, N.D., founder of Naturae Medical

“In Secret Medicines from Your Garden, Ellen Evert Hopman takes the reader on a fascinating tour of various facets of herbalism: In part one, "A Wildcrafting Primer," we learn about medicinal and delicious plants to harvest in each season, as well as cold and flu care and plants to repel insects. In part two we meet animal spirit medicines, herbal astrology, plant spirits, and more. Part three encourages us to enjoy nature's bounty from honey to hedgerows, and includes two full chapters on tree medicine. Part four brings the reader into some finer points of formulation and developing protocols, including the details of William LeSassier's method of formulation. Drawing on many traditions, this book is likely to have something for everyone!” – Phoenix Books "staff picks," Kristen Eaton - Manager, February 2016

"Mind-blowing! Hopman has found a way to pack a veritable treasure trove of herbal lore into a clear, precise and engaging volume. The contents are organized beautifully, starting with a primer on wildcrafting and the “doctrine of signatures” while following with a season-by-season guide to harvesting and utilizing nature’s potent healing energies. A wonderful addition to the library of any naturalist, herbalist, witch or alchemist." – The Witches’ Almanac, February 2016

“Weaving together ancient wisdom, mystical folklore, and modern plant research, master herbalist Ellen Evert Hopman explores the many uses of flowers, trees, common weeds, and ornamental plants for food, medicine, spiritual growth, and magical rituals. She reveals the herbal lore surrounding each plant, drawing on traditional knowledge and remedies from around the world, including Native American, Celtic, and Egyptian traditions. She includes recipes throughout so you can make medicines from wild and domesticated plants easily found in yards, forests, meadows, and hedgerows, and she discusses what to plant to ensure you have leaves, berries, and flowers all year. She reveals the herbal lore surrounding each plant, drawing on traditional knowledge and remedies from around the world, including Native American, Celtic, and Egyptian traditions. She includes recipes throughout so you can make medicines from wild and domesticated plants easily found in yards, forests, meadows, and hedgerows, and she discusses what to plant to ensure you have leaves, berries, and flowers all year. Showing how to easily incorporate wild plants into your life to receive their healing benefits throughout the seasons, Hopman reveals the power of the bounty that Mother Nature has provided right at our doorstep” – The Edge, March 2016

“Not just another reference book! Hopman uses narrative to draw us into her world and introduce us to the plants she knows so well. It was the spirit of St. Francis who led her to her calling. In a small church which he helped to build, she heard a voice telling her to work with plants. She heeded the calling, setting out on a journey guided only by the plants themselves. Now she is introducing readers to the properties and uses of her special plant allies. My favorite section is the one on the “doctrine of signatures” which uses plant/leaf formation, habitat preferences, smell, color, and taste to determine the special properties of the plant. Part Four of the book takes a scientific turn. It begins with a concise treatise on formula making, followed by an extensive chart of the prescriptive qualities of plants, a glossary of contraindications for herbal remedies, and a resource list. Don’t let customers miss the section on natural bug repellents, and be sure to let them know that the book is also laced with data on the multi-cultural, magical properties of plants.” – Retailing Insight, Anna Jedrziewski, April 2016

“Weaving together ancient wisdom, mystical folklore and modern plant research, this book explores the many uses of flowers, trees, common weeds and ornamental plants for food, medicine, spiritual growth and magical rituals. It reveals the herbal lore of each plant, drawing on traditional knowledge and remedies from around the world.…includes recipes throughout.” – AZnetnews.com, May 2016

“Hopman’s Secret Medicines from Your Garden takes the secrecy out of herbal medicine, and makes it accessible and straightforward for readers of all gardening prowess and healing needs.” – Spiral Nature, Kait Fowlie, May 2016

“I have old favorites in my book collection, especially amongst my herbals…I've got a new favorite to add to that shelf. This is an excellent primer and highly recommended.” – Facing North Facing North

ABOUT VIRGINIA WOLF

Virginia Wolf is founder of Herstory Theater, generally dedicated to bringing to life the unsung heroines of history, as well as producing a host of additional projects that both celebrate women and history, and a simple love of theater and performing. Her play, Panic in Connecticut; Accused Witches Have Their Say, was inspired by the research and work done on the CT Witchcraft Panics at the Stanley-Whitman House, which led to the birth of Herstory Theater!

Virginia also works as a voiceover artist and audio book narrator; hosts "SpotLight, Radio Reveling in the Arts and Entertainment", Thursdays at 12:30 on WLIS/WMRD in Middletown, covering arts and entertainment throughout Connecticut; steps in as Katy Leary for the Living History Tours at the Mark Twain House and Museum; and can be found on stage whenever/wherever someone casts her!

ABOUT CONVERSATION CLUB

The Conversation Club at Stanley-Whitman House endeavors to make new ideas and perspectives accessible and to spark lively conversation by using history as a basis to engage and frame meaningful dialogue, learning, and reflection by reexamining the past and helping us to envision the future.

Our club is based on "The Conversation Club" originally formed c. 1818, which gathered to discuss the leading issues of the day in Farmington, Connecticut.

Conversation Club at Stanley-Whitman House is held on the third Thursday of the month and features a short guest presentation followed by moderated discussion for approximately one hour. Admission is free but donations in support of the Museum are welcome.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

Stanley-Whitman House, a National Historic Landmark, is a living history center and museum that teaches through the collection, preservation, research, and dynamic interpretation of the history and culture of 17th to 19th-Century Farmington, Connecticut.

Programs, events, classes, and exhibits encourage visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in history by doing, acting, questioning, and engaging in Colonial life and the ideas that formed the foundation of that culture.

Located in the historic village of Farmington, Stanley-Whitman House is centered on a ca. 1720 National Historical Landmark house furnished with period antiques to reflect the everyday activities of colonial life in Connecticut. Surrounding the house are period raised bed gardens, an apple orchard, and heritage stone walls.

The museum also manages Village Green (located at the intersection of Rtes. 4 and 10), Memento Mori Cemetery (Farmington’s ancient burial ground on Main Street), and the Scott Swamp Cemetery.

Since 1935, Stanley-Whitman House operates under the auspices of and has been supported in part by the Farmington Village Green and Library Association, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization.