Book Review The Sacred Herbs of Spring: Magical, Healing, and Edible Plants to Celebrate Beltaine by Ellen Evert Hopman.
Reviewed by Lalia Wilson.
Published by Destiny Books, 2020. ISBN 978-1-644411-065-2 (print) and ISBN 978-1-64411-066-9 (ebook)
This handsome spring green book is perfect bound and measures 6” by 9”, 340 pages with several indices (one for plants by common name, one for plants by scientific name, and a general index). For the most part, this book appeals to Pagans, Neo-pagans, Wiccans, and magic practitioners, but the information applies to many people, including Christians. (Remember that Christianity incorporated many traditions as it expanded throughout the world.)
The Sacred Herbs of Spring includes sections on Useful Primers (background information), The Magical Herbs of Beltaine, and Traditions, Rites, and Foods of Beltaine. Among the primers there are chapters on Celtic Cosmology, Fairies and Helpful Spirits, and Herbal Preparations. Among the preparations for herbs we have how to make teas, salves, poultices, fomentations, and tinctures. (With care some of these herbs can be used as essential oils which are commercially available. Consult other sources to confirm whether this is true of any particular herb.)
The Magical Herbs section has chapters on sacred woods for the Beltaine fire, herbs of the fairies, elves, and spirits, herbs of magic and the mysteries, herbs of protection, herbs of purification… and much more. Among the herbs of purification are burdock root (as a tea), cedar, juniper, pine, and rosemary. Many of these may be growing outside your door.
The section on Traditions, Rites, and Foods, contains just that, culminating with foods for a Beltaine feast. Among the delicious suggestions are Woodruff Wine, Strawberry Mai Wein, Asparagus Quiche (along with basically any egg dishes!), Nettle Soup, Fish with Lemon Balm Butter, and Linden Blossom Cake. Sign me up!
I recommend this book to anyone with a Wiccan or Pagan inclination, as well as anyone wanting to live a more natural lifestyle that includes using local natural products. The author, Ellen Evert Hopman, is the author of this volume as well as The Sacred Herbs of Samhain. If it is similar to this volume, it is well worth adding to your library.
A review copy was provided to this reviewer.