An in-depth look at the history, herbal uses, and spiritual aspects of the sacred trees in the ancient Celtic Ogham Tree Alphabet • Details the 20 trees of the ogham alphabet and their therapeutic and magical virtues • Examines the Forest Druid practices associated with each tree as well as the traditional uses in Native American medicine • Describes the Celtic Fire Festivals and how each tree is featured in these holy days • By the author of A Druid's Herbal for the Sacred Earth YearThe Druids used the ancient Ogham Tree Alphabet to work magic and honor the dead, surrounding each letter with medicinal and spiritual lore. Poets and bards created a secret sign language to describe the letters, each of which is named for a tree or a plant. For centuries this language was transmitted only orally in order to protect its secrets.Combining her extensive herbal knowledge and keen poetic insight, Ellen Evert Hopman delves deeply into the historic allusions and associations of each of the 20 letters of the Ogham Tree Alphabet. She also examines Native American healing methods for possible clues to the way ancient Europeans may have used these trees as healing agents. Druidic spiritual practices, herbal healing remedies, and plant lore are included for each tree in the alphabet as well as how each is used in traditional rituals such as the Celtic Fire Festivals and other celebrations. Hopman also includes a pronunciation guide for the oghams and information on the divinatory meanings associated with each tree.

Introduction Part One The Ogham Tree Alphabet Birch-Beith Rowan-Luis Alder-Fearn Willow-Saille Ash-Nion Hawthorn-Huath Oak-Dair Holly-Tinne Hazel-Coll Apple-Quert Vine-Muin Ivy-Gort Reed-Ngetal Blackthorn-Straif Elder-Ruis Silver Fir-Ailm Furze-Onn Heather-Úr Aspen-Edad Yew-Idad Part Two The Druidic Arts Druid Magic Magical Tools of the Druids The Magical Arts of the Forest Druids--A Practical Guide Celebrate the Celtic Fire Festivals Ogham Divination Divinatory Meanings Appendices Selected Gaelic Pronunciation Guide Pronunciation Guide for the Word Oghams Notes Bibliography About the Author Index