The Great October Herbal Giveaway

October 11/18

The folks taking home herbals this month are:

Liz D - Botanical Folktales 

Mel - Southern Folk Medicine

Sharon from October Tea Society - Blackthorn's Botanical Magic

Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by to enter. If your name wasn't drawn this time, don't fret...the next giveaway is ready for you!

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When I was around eight years old I went camping with my grandparents. It was the height of summer and I excitedly ran through an open grassy expanse of land that was dotted with red clover...and bees. I inadvertently stepped on one poor creature and it stung my foot. I limped back to the campsite, tears streaming down my face, and my grandfather attempted to get the stinger out, to no avail. My grandmother took one of the potatoes we were going to be having for dinner, cut it in half and placed it over the wound. Within minutes the sharp pain had lessened and the stinger came right out. That was the moment I discovered that plants were magic.

A few years later my grandmother would teach me about gardening (weeding first, which I never enjoyed until much later in life), and the joy of growing my own food. Aside from the potato miracle of my youth, there weren't too many other folk cures that I can recall in my short number of years with her, except that a cup of orange pekoe tea made everything better (as did ginger-ale). There was always a sugar bowl on her counter (even though she would rarely let us near it), a box of Borax in the entryway, and a kitchen witch hanging in her window. I knew that there were uses beyond the mundane for these things. I wish I'd had her around longer to ask more questions of, but she gave me enough of a start with gardening to encourage a lifetime love of growing things and wild curiosity of herbal medicine and magic.

I bought three books this year that speak to the wonder of plants, their history and lore, and their potent personalities. And of course I picked up a copy of each for you too.

The first book is the absolutely enchanting Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland by Lisa Schneidau.

I’ve written a collection of folk tales with a difference: all the stories involve trees and plants. 

Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland is a story journey through the growing year, with folk tales of the land and the wild trees and plants that surround us through the seasons, in countryside, town and city. 

A lot has been written about modern and historical British plant folklore. Most of this is fragmented: for example, we know that the elder tree has always been associated with witchcraft, or that nettles should be grasped by the stem. These are interesting connections, but they are not stories. It’s my search for these stories that has led to this project.

The next book is one I have been so excited to get my hands on, since the wonderful Amy, of Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends, first announced it. I've been working with essential oils in my small apothecary for almost ten years, and I'm always thrilled to learn more about oils I adore, and to have an introduction to a handful of oils I've not used before. I love the lore, recipes and myriad uses laid out for each entry in this delightful collection!

Blackthorn's Botanical Magic by Amy Blackthorn.

Here is the first contemporary guide to the transformative powers of essential oils for use in spellcraft and the cultivation of ritual power. From rose-scented rosaries to the lingering aroma of frankincense, and the cleansing energy of white sage, Amy Blackthorn— the woman behind Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends —will take you on a journey beyond the soothing, healing power of scents into their hidden realms and their use in prayer, meditation, and shamanic journeying. One of the very first of its kind, this book includes:

• The rich history and lore of scent-related magic

• Over 135 essential oil recipes and craft projects

• An explanation of how magical aromatherapy can enhance divination with tarot and runes

• Practical information regarding the purchasing, blending, and storing of essential oils

The final book I gathered up for you is Southern Folk Medicine by Phyllis D. Light. There is a healthy emphasis on medicine in this book, with wonderful personal stories, history, and folklore of the Appalachian peoples. 

This book is the first to describe the history, folklore, assessment methods, and remedies of Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine—the only system of folk medicine, other than Native American, that developed in the United States. One of the system’s last active practitioners, Phyllis D. Light has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for more than thirty years. In everyday language, she explains how Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine was passed down orally through the generations by herbalists and healers who cared for people in their communities with the natural tools on hand.

Any of these tomes would be a treasured addition to your bookshelves. There is deep wonder here and a true appreciation of nature and its magic, mystery, and healing touch.

You have until Thursday, October 11th at 9pm Pacific to drop your name in the witch's hat, via a comment (and be sure I have a way to contact you if you win) or send off an entry with the "make contact" tab above. You can let me know which book you prefer and I will do my best to pair winners with their choices, if possible.

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