The Sacred Herbs of Samhain

A deep and practical guide to the plants, trees, and herbal traditions of Samhain — the Celtic festival at the root of Halloween, when the barrier between the physical and spiritual world grows thin. The Sacred Herbs of Samhain by Ellen Evert Hopman covers the identification, harvest, and ritual use of more than 70 plants and trees sacred to this liminal time of year.

Drawing on her knowledge as a master herbalist and her grounding in Celtic tradition, Hopman details how these plants have been used for healing, divination, purification, protection, and spirit contact. She explores the most effective herbs for protection from the Fairies and the Sidhe, plants for releasing the Dead when they are trapped on this plane, and visionary herbs used to induce ecstatic trance and aid psychic travel and shamanic work.

The book also details the history and traditions of Samhain itself, with instructions for the traditional Dumb Supper, offerings to the Land Spirits, Samhain rites, and recipes for sacred seasonal foods including Soul Cakes, Colcannon, Boxty bread, and dandelion wine. Cautions against misidentification and advice on basic herb magic etiquette are woven throughout.

What Is Inside

• Identification, harvest, and use of 70+ Samhain-sacred plants and trees
• Protection herbs against Fairy mischief and herbs for releasing the Dead
• Visionary and shamanic plant work for Otherworld travel
• Instructions for the Dumb Supper and Land Spirit offerings
• Recipes for traditional Samhain foods
• Mystical folk and Fairy tales woven throughout

216 pages. By Ellen Evert Hopman, published by Destiny Books.