The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas

“This is so much more than an herbal book. Ellen has covered origins and meanings for this most wonderful time of year as well as including practical workings. Packed full with fascinating myth busters and a festive hamper brimming over with magical and medicinal herbs found and used at Yule. A comprehensive guide to working magic and connecting with the energy of the season. Highly recommended.” * Rachel Patterson, author of A Witch for Every Season * “Amid the swirl of seasonal tastes, smells, and colors, Ellen Evert Hopman sprinkles elves and international lore in abundance. This is a delightful culinary and medicinal reference with Pagan sensibilities. Hopman’s culinary recipes call for unusual herbs blended with humor and cautions in equal measure. My personal favorite is Fallen Oak Leaf Broth. What a treat!” * Lyrion ApTower, author of Musings & Miscellany * “Winter Solstice, Yule, the longest night, shortest day; it has for centuries been held by many as a central sacred point in time. Within it is the shared experience of coming together to share in the warmth of family and community, all yearning for the return of the light. Ellen’s book The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas is stuffed full with bits of seasonal wisdom. It is a delightful gift to take with you into the dark and cold, to help warm the heart with stories and traditions, garnishing the anticipation and participation in the joy of the holiday.” * Laura Wildman, author of What’s Your Wicca IQ? * “A mystical journey through a magical time of year, delving into traditions of old and magical rituals and rites to enrich the wonders of the winter season. The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas is a highly recommended book that adds an extra sprinkling of magic and a depth of meaning to any Yuletide celebration, gathering, or personal observance.” * Roxie J. Zwicker, author of Haunted Portsmouth and Maine Book of the Dead * “With beautiful illustrations and many recipes, The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas is packed full of historical information about the origins of these traditions. It would be a fun project to work through this book, especially with children, being at the same time educational without the boredom or misery often associated with learning.” * Luke Eastwood, author of The Druid’s Primer and coauthor of Kerry Folk Tales * “This is a very interesting book, and Ellen Evert Hopman sure knows her stuff. I recommend The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas to anyone interested in the Yuletide traditions. I have a number of her books and am looking to add this one to my collection.” * T. Sibley, Ph.D., traditional Norse practitioner and author of The Way of the Wise * “A well-developed, comprehensive, and logical presentation on the subject of herbs and seasonal celebrations for Yule and Christmas. The information is accessible for a beginner and insightful for the advanced practitioner. A well-illustrated book that can be used for both instructional and referential purposes.” * Amoric, Third-Degree Alexandrian High Priest with more than 30 years of activity in the craft commun *