Class descriptions: Session 1
Session 2 Session 3
The Seed Saving Class all levels
This class will be a user friendly orientation to the mysteries of saving plant seeds, cultivating, breeding, harvesting and processing of seeds. It is suitable for the beginner and green thumb types. The class will include:
- introduction to the philosophy of seed saving
- easy, real life correlations to better understand plant traits that affect seed saving
- distinguishing between plants that are easy seed savers (self-pollinators) and plants that are cross-pollinators
- hands-on processing techniques and demonstrations
- how to store and preserve cultural information
1. INTENSIVE: Breast Health & the Lymphatic System (Immunity)
all levels
The lymphatic system is called Rasa in Sanskrit, meaning the river of life. Keeping this river flowing allows all the tissues to receive nutrience, hormones to communicate and creates good immunity to cleanse impurities. Many do not even know that the lymphatic and the immune system is the same system in the body, which goes by 2 different names.
There will be demonstrations on how to do a lymphatic breast massage, answers to students questions about they’re own breasts, assess what the breast tissue needs when imbalanced & what tools can support change and prevent diseases. Students will leave having a clear understanding of the lymph system and how to keep it and their breasts healthy. There is strength in a river which is flowing.
2. Health Sustainability, part 1 all levels
Take control of your health through the knowledge of elemental theory. Ayurveda, like all traditional medicine, believes in individualizing ones health and remedies. A fundamental concept of elemental theory is that our bodies are an environment, just like the earth around us. We too run hot, cold, wet & dry. By assessing ones emotional & physical symptoms (elementally), it allows you to considering which nutritional & herbal properties are most supportive to your own individual needs. The earth, our bodies and each plant medicine runs hot, cold, wet or dry. Ex: if your digestion runs acidic, you will have hot & dry symptoms in the gut and the remedies needed are alkaline, which happen to be cold & wet. Basically, if you are hot, you need cold. If you are dry, you will need wet. We will discuss reading our bodies symptoms, which health tools and remedies that are available to support change when too hot, cold, wet or dry. Students will learn to use specific foods, herbs and treatments to keep in balance. Not a rigid format, life is suppose to happens. Self Care is the best care we have.
3. Health Sustainability, part 2 all levels
We will continue. See part 1 for full description.
1. Kitchen Medicine
all levelsThis class will be a discussion of the properties of common culinary herbs and how they can be used as medicine in cooking. They not only add flavor, but also have nutritional and healing constituents. Handouts will include recipes, a chart and growing tips. This is another way to experience healing through diet.
2. Medicinal Uses of Cannabis
all levelsVeronica will present the ancient and historical uses of cannabis. The latest scientific research reveals new ways cannabis can help with pain and many other modern health problems. The plant that has been so mystified in the last century has risen up to a health and healing status. Veronica will present the latest facts and research and recipes on this subject.
3. Our Neighbors: The Native Plants
intermediateNative plants are all around us. They have many gifts to offer... beauty, healing, food, spiritual aides and useful materials. Learning about them is getting to know your neighbors, they will enrich your life. We will learn to identify, grow and use native plants for health, medicine and conservation of the environment.
Belly Dance all levels
Come explore the mystery of this ancient and sacred female Dance. Through slow movements, percussive movements and lively steps we dance one of the oldest dances. We will also have time appreciating the inherent beauty of our bodies.
1. The Five Cosmic Keys—Cleaning Product for the Soul,
part 1 all levels
Clean and Cleanse, Remember and Reconnect, Unlock and Unfold within the 4 bodies: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual.
Rise, unfold and Shine, you are a star! Open the inner pathways. Choose to remove old stories, emotions, and experiences that do not serve you anymore. Balance energies. Unfold the true nature of yourself. Activate your creative life force. Maintaining the temple. Share the beauty of your sparkling temple.
2. The Five Cosmic Keys- Gardening Tools to Garden the Soul,
part 2 all levels
Plant dreams and birth yourself as Creator. The gate is opening. The ancient mother is calling us to gather in the sacred garden of our soul. A sacred garden where your seeds/dreams can grow. We remember the power and beauty of creation as it unfolds perfectly within the divine plan. In that moment of awakening we plant the most profound seeds. Open and preparing the ground. Choose seeds /dreams from the universal libraries. Balance the seeds with the four directions. Unfolding- nurturing and watering. Activate your seeds and dream. Maintaining the inner garden. Share the beauty of your inner sacred garden.
1. Fixing Big Owies with Homeopathy For Kids Part 1 & 2 all levels
This is a two part class that will take you on a journey of working with acute injuries and big “owies” for kids with homeopathy. You will walk away from the class understanding a handful of remedies that can be extremely useful in emergency situation or very bad injuries. We will talk about homeopathic philosophy, potency and how to monitor the prescription. You will know when your remedy is working and when it is time to pass it off to a professional. The class will be full of lively stories and will get you confident in the basic world of injuries.
2. Dancing around Vaccines—Profits, Fears and Facts all levels
This is an hour and half journey into the large and vast world of vaccination. Our focus will be on understanding the philosophy, the facts and the blown up fears. We will walk through the history of the development of vaccines and what is currently going on. You will feel more confident to make an educated choice of what is right for your family while having the deep understanding of the immediate risks of vaccines and the future chronic illness that can develop. There will be plenty of time for questions and concerns that parents are facing. We will also walk through how easy it is to be confident while legally “opt out” of vaccination.
1. Sacred Plant Medicine advanced level
Learning from plants of power and wisdom, history of rituals and healing with sacred plants of the Amazon, including sacred ceremony, integration and preparation.
2. The Pollinator Garden all levels
Improve the pollinator activity in your herb garden by attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your herb garden. Learn ways to attract more beautiful creatures and create a vibrant, healthy eco-system for your healing plants.
1. Braided Rug & Basket Making, part 1 all levels
Learn the traditional craft of braided rug making using recycled materials of all kinds to make a basket, seat mat, meditation mat, pet bed and more as well. We will be learning with wool fabric, the work can be done with infinite types of materials such as towels, bicycle inner tube tires, plant materials etc. The method Arlene will teach is simple to learn, sturdy and so much fun to do together.
2. Braided Rug & Basket Making, part 2 all levels
see above
1. String of Songs—Exploring the Relationship Between Drumming and Singing at the Same Time! all levels
In this class we will explore the connection between voice and hands while singing many well known and some new circle songs and drumming! We will also explore harmonies, complementary rhythms, and listening as time allows. Beginners are encouraged to attend.
1. Pregnancy A to ZZZZZZZZZ all levels
Through sharing life's simple lessons Serena and I have learned as midwives, we will all look at a balanced way to approach pregnancy and birth. During our time together we will discuss herbs that are used in pregnancy, common complaints in pregnancy and some simple remedies as well as some other practices that can help made a pregnancy more relaxed and healthy. We will also spend a portion of our time on the placenta and it's importance in pregnancy. This class is open to ANY ONE who would like to understand the natural processes of birth.
2. Intuitive Birth (it's Estactic and Orgasmic Potential), part 1 all levels
Birth is a joy and not a medical event to be feared. So much of the dominate cultures outlook on birth is masked by fear. In this course we will explore as many facets of pregnancy as we can cover. We will cover not only the organic aspects of pregnancy, but also some of the other choices that some birthing women choose. We'll examine the facts of epidurals as well as hospital and home birth statics. Also we will cover the MIDWIFE'S HERB KIT. How herbs are used during pregnancy and herbs that are used to stop a hemorrhage and retained placenta..etc. We will cover some emergency procedures that are rare yet could occur during birth. The class will be conducted in a RING OF FIRE talking circle so each woman can share her experiences with birth, set her intention to trust birth's natural safety and create an expanded and sustainable birth paradigm in harmony with Mother Earth.
3. Intuitive Birth, part 2 (It's estactic and orgasmic potential) all levels
We will continue. See part 1 for full description.
1. Intensive: An Introduction to the Clinical Application of Chinese Herbal Medicine beginning
For the first hour and a half we will go over all of the different common categorizations of Chinese herbs and what these categorizations mean practically, including temperature, flavor, channels entered, indications and functions. We will look at how different herbalists have categorized herbs historically and current day.
2. The second half of the course we will go over some common formulas, both those used in cooking as well as some common over the counter patent medicines (tablets). Going through these formulae we will break down the ingredients and see how herbalists traditionally combine herbs to work synergistically and prevent unwanted side effects. Students will complete this 3 hour course with a basic understanding of over 20 commonly used Chinese herbs.
3. Cooking with Chinese Herbs, part 1 all levels
The first hour and a half will be an introduction of how Chinese herbs are categorized (flavor, temperature, channels entered & functions) and what this classification means on organ systems to help the body return from imbalance/disease to healthy physiology.The second hour and a half will look briefly at the historical use in China of medicinal cuisines and cooking with herbs. Then we will go through some standard recipes for soups and teas using “bu pin”, herbs that are considered food. Many of these have immune supportive functions and are tonifying in nature. Others help release the exterior for common cold. Still others can help support normal digestion.
4. Cooking with Chinese Herbs, part 2 all levels
We will continue. See part 1 for full description.
1. An Introduction to Holistic Pet Care, part 1 beginning
Learn how to nourish your pet through a healthy diet, proper exercise, and healthy social interactions.
2. An Introduction to Holistic Pet Care, part 2: Natural Treatment of Common Ailments of Dogs and Cats all levels
This class will discuss the use of herbs, vitamins and homeopathics in the treatment of common problems such as natural flea control, car sickness, seasonal allergies, digestive upset, and minor injuries.
3. The Earth Body: Using Nature and the Elements as a Guide to Health and Homeostasis in the Human (and Animal) Body all levels Concepts used in 5 element theory as well as observations through Lisa's many years of practice will be presented. The focus will be the use of the Earth/ecosystem model to evaluate the nature of imbalances within the individual and the use of this model to select herbs based on their actions, thereby restoring dynamic harmony in the body.
1. Vocal Workshop with Joanne Rand all levels
An experiential vocal workshop incorporating songs and chants from indigenous cultures throughout the world, as well as original songs by Joanne Rand and by the participants themselves. Included are exercises in sound, listening, movement, breath...all tools for helping to access our voice. Emphasis is on sponaneity, group dynamics, and freeing up the inner authentic voice. Bring percussion, a pillow, a favorite song/ sound. (all optional).
2. Vocal Workshop with Joanne Rand all levels
description above
1. An Introduction to Plant Spirit Communication, part 1 beginning
We'll experience three tools for meeting with the spirits of the plant world including day dreaming, night dreaming, and shamanic journeying. (Note to organizers: This class must be offered in a quiet, low-tono- traffic setting. For obvious reasons, "drop-ins" or women with babes cannot be accomodated and will interrupt others.)
2. An Introduction to Plant Spirit Communication, part 2 beginning
We will continue.See part 1 for full description.
3. Beyond THC: Cannabinoid Research Update all levels
A scientific discussion of the latest laboratory and clinical research. We'll look at using cannibinoids for the treatment of pain, inflammation driven diseases such as Lyme's disease, asthma, and arthritis, sleep disturbances, muscle spasms, and mental and emotional health. We'll learn about how the THC molecule interferes with the other medicinal compounds in marijuana, and how to make medicines that exclude it.
1. INTENSIVE: Flower Essences all levels
Join our medicine circle and experience the art, science and meditation of flower essence making. Revel in the ritual, prayer and process of creating a mother essence. Understand the history of these remedies, how to make generational dilutions and take home a precious vibrational remedy of our day together.
2. Seaweed: Herbs of the Sea all levels
Meet the important sea vegetables of the California coast. Understand their medicinal and nutritive value. Expand your experience of seaweed cuisine with some delicious and practical recipes to try at home.
1. Adrenal/Thyroid/Reproductive Hormonal Balance
All systems of the body interrelate. Some correlate closely with one another. These three systems are all intimately linked, so a dysfunction in one area can trigger a cascade of related issues in the others. The workshop addresses the synergy of these systems, and gives practical herbal, nutritional and mind/body approaches for strengthening and supporting this important endocrine axis. Specific approaches for adrenal fatigue, peri-menopausal imbalances and thyroid dysfunction will be discussed. The workshop is suitable for students at any level, some material will be basic, and other parts more complex but anyone should be able to follow along most of it.all levels
2. The Heart of the Matter all levels
A body/mind/spirit integrative approach to centering in the heart. Includes herbal, nutritional, essences and mind body approaches for cardiovascular health. Also includes some chanting of tones to facilitate accessing to the heart spaces.
3. Emotional Well Being all levels
A comprehensive overview of natural treatment for anxiety and depression. Includes herbs, essences, nutrients, meditations, as well as discussion of movement, breathing techniques, and body mind techniques. The workshop is suitable for students at any level.
4. A Good Night’s Sleep all levels
A practical yet detailed approach to support of sound and deep sleep. Addresses different types of sleep issues such as difficulties falling asleep, frequent waking, and early awakening and strategies for helping each of these. Also addresses dreaming and supporting positive dreams. Discussion includes herbs, nutrients, essences, sleep hygiene techniques, and various sleep aids like sound machines.
1. Healing with WATER— the Basis of Life, part 1 all levels
We are all sacks of ancient oceans. Come learn the myriad applications of water in healing. This class will be part sacred meditation, part science experiment, part discussion of incorporating water intentionally into our healing practices and daily rituals.
2. Healing with WATER— the Basis of Life, part 2 all levels
3. Herbal First Aid Kits all levels
Create your own herbal first aid kit at home to meet the specific needs of you and your family. Get ideas and applications, best storing and labeling practices, and innovative ways to use the herbs you know and love. Come pull apart Kara's backpacking first aid kit and learn what she keeps on hand in an emergency.
1. Singing With The Children for Mommas, Aunties, and Children under 6, parts 1, 2 & 3
Bring the little ones and enjoy a morning of music and movement in nature! We'll sing songs, play finger games and move our bodies! We will sing songs about food, nature, moving, and animals. Please come prepared to dance! The class will vary slightly each morning, but have many similar songs that the children will remember. This class is intended for children under 6 to enjoy WITH an adult companion. This is not a drop off class for children under 6. Snack will be served at the end.
1. INTENSIVE: Healing Ourselves and the Next Generation Through the Wisdom of Our Ancestors all levels
This Intensive is an overview of the work of Dr. Weston A. Price and modern health care practitioners that have followed the findings of this pioneering Dentist considered the Charles Darwin of Nutrition. In the 1930’s researching the cause of tooth decay, Dr Price traveled the world documenting people still living in traditional ways, their health, their diets, what happened after they were introduced to a diet based on processed foods and its affect on the health the next generation. We will discuss his dietary findings and explore how they apply to maintaining our health today. In our time together we will cover the relationship between a diet of nutrient rich foods and digestive, prenatal, and psychological health, dental care, and cancer.
2. Re-imagining the World of Weeds beginning
This is geared toward beginning herbalists and gardeners alike. It is a way to become acquainted with those plants that are often referred to as “Weeds” in our gardens and neighborhoods. Many of these plants are our greatest ally’s in our medicine pouches and in the kitchen. Weeds in the past were also the means to know our land and soil as they act as indicators for us. You can also utilize weeds as dynamic accumulators for the compost pile or to make herbal infusions for the garden. Michelle will bring a variety of weeds in glass jars and discuss their uses and magical/medicinal qualities.
1. I am the Drum: Medicine for the Soul all levels
Open to all levels, all styles, all ages welcome to use our drums or bring yours.
For Millennia, as a species we have relied upon on the great tree and animal beings for vibrational medicines accompanied by animism and naturopathy. The drum has been instrumental in awakening and activating our primal voices and to traversing time-space continuum, led by devoted shamans who understood how these medicines worked together.
In this workshop, we have that same opportunity to set intention and actually re-align our body temples, and our home/work/garden sanctuaries in addition to creating vibrational forces in our environment that sustains transformational forces similar to our ocean body.
Join us for exciting play of discovering our inner rhythmic vibrations. Dedicate specific intentions while drumming ancient rhythms that have been sustaining forces in our universe.
Afia will share aspects of her 20-year comprehensive journey of drumming, naturopathy, and animism, which has served as vehicles for her own healing along with the support of many wonderful women allies, and a deep ancestral connection to Oracle/Goddess Ma Ajuba (means miracle). Ajuba represents elemental beings revered across the planet as Mountain Mama who nurtures her planetary offspring with fierce humility and deep-hearted love.
1. INTENSIVE: Wild Foods all levels
The lengthy intensive format will give time to fully explore the wide variety of wild foods found in our local fields and forests. We will discuss identification, seasonality, gathering and processing of a variety of foods including acorns, manzanita berries, bay nuts, pine nuts, greens and much more. Practice using stone mano & metate and mortar & pestle to grind and pound nuts and acorns and enjoy a variety of taste treats.
2. Friction Fire-Making all levels
Learn how to liberate the energy stored in the wood of local plants to create a burning ember, which is then fed so that it can grow into that essential element of existence….. fire! We will discuss the variety of woods that work well for making friction fire and then use already prepared kits (both hand drill and bow drill) to try our hands at it to start the campfire for the weekend.
3. Overview of Fiber-Bearing Plants all levels
In depth discussion of plants from which fibers for string, rope, nets, cloth, etc.... can be extracted, overview of harvesting and common processing methods, and demonstration of a variety of string, rope and net-making techniques. Lots of samples of plants, raw materials, extracted fiber and finished cord and nets to handle and touch.
1. Mothersong: A Multicultural Singalong for Moms and Babies ...
all are welcome
Family is how we begin to learn about the world. Mothersong is an opportunity for families to explore, imagine, create, affirm, surrender to, take a stand for and celebrate the human experience. This experience doubles as a Song Circle and Leader’s Guide for creating a Mothersong in your community. There are 3 CDs, DVD and Songbook/Coloring Book to fill the need for tenderness and joy in community. Mothersong Santa Cruz is 20 years old.
1. Loving Life After Menopause
Crones, come share lunch with other Wise Crones. We will discuss loving life after menopause, finding joy, appreciation, and health in our Crone years. We will also discuss our part in the Maiden’s Rites of Passage Ceremony and our own Crone’s Honoring Ritual.
2. The Spirit Side of Being a Crone, part 1
This is time to reflect and share our experiences of Cronehood and our love for our Wise Crone ways and bodies. Past menopause and into memorypause, we will tell our stories. A time to make a ritual Crone Broom will follow.
3. The Spirit Side of Being A Crone, part 2
Crones, come share another lunch with other Wise Crones. We will continue our plans for the Maiden's Rites of Passage and our own Crone's Honoring Ritual.
4. Honoring the Loss of an Unborn Child
Join us for a quiet honoring of the loss of an unborn child through miscarriage or abortion.
Belly Dance for Young Women young women, ages 12-19
Come explore the mystery of this ancient and sacred female Dance. Through slow movements, percussive movements and lively steps we dance one of the oldest dances. We will also have time appreciating the inherent beauty of our bodies.
1. Improv Theater Games young women, ages 12-19
Improv Theatre Games—hundreds of them—create a minimal structure for a spontaneous collaborative performance art which strengthens self and community expression. Each skit is based on an audience suggestion which brings the audience into the adventure. The games can be adapted to plant and healing themes as decided by the players—a truly engaging and fun craft for everyone.
1. Dragontime newly menstruating young women
Welcome maidens, to the Circle of Women! Join us in celebrating the beauty and strength of this phase of your life, the time of your bloods. We will explore ideas and feelings, hear stories, make things to care for ourselves and prepare for the Maiden' s Rites of Passage Ceremony to be held Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. Any young woman who would like to go through the Maiden Ceremony must attend this class.
Belly Dance for Mid kids mid-kids, ages 7-11
Come explore the mystery of this ancient Dance. Through slow movements, percussive movements and lively steps we dance one of the oldest dances. We will also have time appreciating the inherent beauty of our bodies.
Goddess Wings of Change for Mid-Kids mid-kids, ages 7-11
1. Improv Theater Games mid-kids, ages 7-11
Improv Theatre Games—hundreds of them—create a minimal structure for a spontaneous collaborative performance art which strengthens self and community expression. Each skit is based on an audience suggestion which brings the audience into the adventure. The games can be adapted to plant and healing themes as decided by the players—a truly engaging and fun craft for everyone.
1. Costume Magic for Mid-Kids, part one mid-kids, ages 7-11
Come have a fabulous time creating magical costumes using recycled velvet. We will help you create Neo-Hippy Tribal Gear, so you can get down and funky anytime you want. Everyone will have an opportunity to strut their stuff in a fashion show during the talent show.
2. Costume Magic for Mid-Kids, part two mid-kids, ages 7-11
We will continue. See part 1 for full description.
3. Creekside Plant Walk for Mid-Kids mid-kids, ages 7-11
The creek is singing the song of spring. So let's take off our shoes and go get our feet muddy while we explore the plants that grow along her banks. We will tell the story of Spring's renewal and her plant and animal family.
4. Plant Masquerade for Mid-Kids mid-kids, ages 7-11
Join us in a masks making extravaganza. Masks can be windows into undiscovered worlds within us. Journey into your inner landscape and discover the plant sprite within.
