Ellen Dugan Interview

Page 3

Guide Patti: I always like to ask writers this question, because the answers are so great to hear, and of course it makes me go out and add more books to my collection, which is never a bad thing. If you were to recommend five books that any serious student of Wicca should have in their library, what would they be — and why those particular titles?

Ellen Dugan: Okay five books...

• Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham -- my absolute favorite.
• Power of the Witch by Laurie Cabot- Amazing book- amazing woman.
• The Spiral Dance by Starhawk - This book defines “classic”.
• Natural Magic by Doreen Valiente – another Classic. Take a look at the traditional magick from “The Mother of Modern Witchcraft”.
• 7 Days of Magic by Ellen Dugan - Why one of my own titles? Because I base every class I teach from the correspondences found in this particular book. Plus once you learn the daily correspondences you can do anything with magick at any time. You want to become more adept? Then add a little something to your ‘ magickal toolbox’ and learn your daily correspondences. This way you can improvise, adapt and overcome- any magickal spell or situation.

Guide Patti: In addition to writing, you tour a lot and teach others about gardening and other related topics. What do you enjoy most about your work?

Ellen Dugan: Meeting people and fans from all over the country. Having the opportunity to hear first hand how my books have helped them, what they learned, and best of all—how they put it into practice. Getting the chance to see and to learn about other communities, Covens, and magickal traditions, is wonderful. I especially enjoy, sharing ideas, talking about magickal herbs, flowers, trees and gardens with other Witches and Pagans (don’t start me on the topic of plants - I do not stop.) I enjoy helping folks with their gardening and or spell craft questions. Teaching magickal people is always fun and fascinating.

Guide Patti: Can we still look forward to seeing A Garden Witch's Herbal in May 2009?

Ellen Dugan: To my knowledge the release date is still May 2009. A Garden Witch’s Herbal is the working title- I should hear the final title by the end of this month. This book will be the largest, thickest, book I have done to date. With plenty of plant illustrations! I am very excited about it and looking forward to it’s release next year. Thank you and Blessed be!

Guide Patti: Ellen, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer questions for us at About.com. Best of luck to you, and I'm looking forward to your next book!