Ellen Dugan

Advantages: easy, direct, personable, and knowledgable
Disadvantages: not especially useful for higher level practioners or non-magical/non-pagan folk

...This book is exactly what it claims to be, a solid beginning for anyone starting down the path of Herbal Magic. The author begins with the basics of defining an herb, gardening and gathering do's and don'ts, as well as a few basics of magical practice. The importance of being grounded and centered, the Law of Three, and the Wiccan "Harm None" principle are all touched upon in the opening chapter. Unlike an herbal remedy compendium, this work deals far more with the magical applications of working with the Plant Nation. In Chapter Two we read about which days are best for which sorts of spells and why. What phases of the Moon are best for drawing something into your life and which are best for breaking bad habits or cycles. Ellen Dugan gives us several Deities, specifically Goddesses, who are reliable helpmates when practicing herbal... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A good introduction for the nautically inexperienced.
Disadvantages: Technical jargon can be a little disconcerting.

...Every 15 year old should be given a copy of this inspirational autobiography. Life is hard; the reality of dreams coming to fruition takes patience, total dedication and belief in oneself without arrogance. Ellen is no exception, both humbled and grateful for her good fortune that has, in all truth, been brought about by herself. Sea faring ignorance will not detract the reader from the underlying passions, disappointments and heartache that Ellen experiences and manages to convey. Ellen’s naïve and inexperienced skills as an author are endearing and by no means detrimental to this autobiography. Ellen eloquently conveys all that she feels and the book has emerged as a testament to courage, perseverance and good old-fashioned true grit. The reader will feel privileged on entering Ellen’s private world and will appreciate... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Inspirational and thought provoking
Disadvantages: Editing

...As a keen amatuer sailor I was given the book for christmas...thanks Thomas :o) I found the book very inspirational and thought provoking. Ellen has written the book in her own hand and I beleive it had to be edited down due to the sheer amount of hard work and detail she put into it. I would love to read the whole original text...maybe Ellen should publish this too. Ellen is such a down to earth character and relates such heart warming tales of her childhood and her aspirations as a child through to her sailing single handedly around the British isles. She flew the nest at such a young age and has acheived so much in such a short space of time. A must read for everyone even if you are not interested in sailing.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful