The Great October Book Giveaway - Haunting Herbals

**The following folks are taking home books:

Melody - Alchemy of Herbs
Jessica - The Witching Herbs
Aidan - Under the Witching Tree


The time has come again, good friends, to gather up your cup of cocoa (spiked or not, 'tis your choice) and join me by the fire for some autumn cheer. Seven years ago this month, I passed along two books to kind folks who had been stopping by this blog to read my words and now, after eight years of blogging, I am sitting here staring at a glorious stack of tomes and other treats to hand out as October blossoms and then deepens into the ambrosial (and devilish) days we love so well.

This yearly event is my way of offering to those who have come by my blog, a warm hug (or a remarkably good cup of coffee if you aren't a hug-person) and a thank you for keeping me company on this delightfully strange blogging adventure. Whether we bump into each other here, somewhere on social media, or out in the physical world, I think the world is infinitely cooler with you in it, and my little corner of it wouldn't be the same without you.

Shall we get up to some mischief now?

The first grouping of books tells of my mad love for plants. Being a gardener, a witch, a backyard herbalist, and a wild-woods-wandering soul, I can't get enough of beautiful herbals and informative field guides. These three books will give you information on growing and working with magical plants, employing herbs for health and well-being, and delving into the enchanting world of trees and their deep magic.

Rosalee De La Forêt, a wonderful herbalist and a prolific writer on the Herb Mentor site, has put together a gorgeously curated tome of useful and accessible herbs and spices that would be a beautiful addition to every kitchen or apothecary. Chock full of recipes, information on medicinal properties and the energetics of herbs, not to mention some outstanding photography, Alchemy of Herbs has been been a close companion for me this year and a book I highly recommend.

Harold Roth, gardener, artist, and magician behind the venerable Alchemy Works, has put together a devil's dozen of charmed plants that he feels are indispensable to the witch. (I'm rather partial to the chapters on rue and hyssop, myself.) His book, "The Witching Herbs: 13 Essential Plants and Herbs for Your Magical Garden," offers growing tips, recipes, the history and folklore surrounding each plant, and how you might want to employ the plants magically. A truly fascinating look at an armful of charming plants, which would be just as at home on your garden bench as your magical bookshelf. I love Harold's take on these plants and know you'll enjoy this book immensely.

To round out this bewitching trio, I have a copy of Corinne Boyer's "Under the Witching Tree" to pass along to a very fortunate person. Corinne is a folk herbalist, wild-crafter, teacher, writer, researcher, and medicine maker, whose life of working with plants has offered her a unique voice in the realm of herb-lore and historical research. This wonderful book speaks to the traditionally used medicinal applications of trees, as well as the magical benefits they offer. A captivating read for any time of year, but even more so as the trees around us blush with autumn delight.

I have one copy of each of these three books to give out. *Edited to add* You are free to let me know which book tickles your fancy. I can't guarantee you'll get your wish, but I try to match book with folks as much as possible. This first giveaway will be drawn on October 6th, no later than 8 pm Pacific

The important-but-tedious bits:

We are running simple game again this year - your comment counts as your entry. However, if you feel moved to share this around  (either a particular giveaway or if you just send folks my way) you can leave another comment letting me know you shared some October love, and I'll toss your name in the hat a second time.

On the evening of the draw, the winners will be notified via email and their names placed at the top of this post and the next handful of goodies will go up for grabs. Please, please, leave an email for me in your comment if your name does not directly link to you/your website. I can't tell you how many names I've drawn only to find that I couldn't contact the winners. I simply draw again, but it is rather heartbreaking to see the first name get tossed.

There are occasionally some goblins that stop by in October, just for kicks. I am taking down the comment moderation security and we will hope that we skate under the spam radar again this year. Also, Blogger doesn't always play nice with every app, so there are times when you may have to come to the giveaway page directly (not via the FB app, for example) and leave a comment that way.

As always, if your privacy is of concern (it's totally cool if you don't want to admit in public that you enjoy the same reads as I do) or if you simply cannot get your comment in on the current giveaway post for some reason, you can send an entry in using the "Make Contact" button on the top of the blog.

All mail will go out within three business days of receiving the winner's address and will be sent via the most reasonable shipping rate. Please note that your parcel could take anywhere from 5 business days to reach you (in most of North America) to five weeks (if you are in the EU).

Legal Bits:

* This giveaway (or "sweepstakes") is open to all residents of Canada, (exluding Quebec residents) the USA, Great Britain, Europe, South America,  who are 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is void where prohitibited by law.  Please be aware of the contest/sweepstakes laws in your area.

*  Canadian residents will be subject to a skill testing question before being able to claim their prize (this is standard law in Canada).  The skill testing question will be in a form similar to: 1 + 2 - 1 =

*  This giveaway is not for profit and no purchase is necessary to enter.

*  This giveaway is sponsored/administrated solely by this blog/blog author and is not affilitated with or sponsored by Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity, nor can they be held liable.

* By leaving a comment intending to enter into the draw for the giveaway (or "sweepstakes") you are knowingly agreeing to these rules/conditions.

I have chosen all the books/cards featured this month myself.  I have not been paid to feature a book, nor have I been asked to advertise for anyone.  This giveaway is not endorsed or sponsored by anyone other than Rue and Hyssop