Class descriptions: Session 1
Session 2 Session 3
1. De-stress with Acupuncture/pressure and Herbs, all levels
Mariposa will treat participants with ear acupuncture/pressure on the lawn while defining and discussing stress. We will cover herbal, diet and lifestyle strategies to decrease/manage stress. Great way to ground after travel. Limit 50 for treatment or as time permits. Children w/ mom ok.
2. Working with the Crones (and Cronies)
The issue of the Elders will be respectfully addressed by discussing "aging," lifestyle, diet, and attitude! We will talk about overall health care for improving quality of life in the areas of: memory, emotional well-being, digestion, skin, uro-genital. The focus will be an overview of using herbs, diet, supplements and lifestyle to support the body in this phase of life. Time available to discuss care for our elder self as well as parents/grandparents in the areas of physical and psycho-social health.
1. How the Arabs Saved Greek Science and gave us the Roots of our Western Herbal Tradition.
Candis' love for history has taken her to many ancient traditions of Medicine. For the first part of the class she will bring to life and show the relevance of learning about how the Arabs obtained and expanded Greek medicine which then engendered European Herbalism after the 500 years of Western Europe’s Dark Age. Not all the world was in this twilight state, the Arab World was in its Golden Era and its herbal traditions flourished during those centuries. It is the foundation of the European traditions, as Candis will explain in this class.
2. Living the Tonic Life – What the Herbal Traditions Tell Us About Vitality Over the Decades
Candis has studied many herbals traditions and has been successful at integrating them into a usable and practical way in the clinic and in her life. We will discuss these traditions, learn about the six tastes of plants, their thermal nature of hot / cold/ wet and dry. We will also discuss various conditions that present themselves in the clinic these days such as pre-diabetic conditions, fatigue and nervous exhaustion. All these subjects will be viewed from the perspective of the person’s constitution, diet, sleep patterns, digestive problems and vital force.
3. Health Begins in the Digestive Tract
Current medical research shows us that 60% of our immune system begins in the gut. We will talk about what good digestion looks like and how to improve our lives with the right choices of food and lifestyle to enhance and strengthen our digestion. Many herbs, formulas, and foods will be discussed.
1. Returning To Wholeness: Womyn, Herbs and Sufism, Level 1, Limited to 13 womyn
Pre requisite:A sincere desire to know herself and heal.
For Womyn who want to explore their health issues as an opportunity to become whole again. Participants will be instructed in Sufi practices which facilitate the respectful, gentle and safe opening of the energetic heart; we will travel through the subtle layers of the heart/soul towards our Divine alignment using powerful ancient sounds. Each womyn will have the opportunity to share her experience; deepening our journeying, we will offer ourprayersand open to receive Unconditional Love, Understanding and ask for Guidance with regards to healing plants for specific individual use.
2. Returning To Wholeness: Womyn, Herbs and Sufism, Level 2,
Limited to 13 womyn
Pre requisite: Completion of Level 1.
For womyn who need deep support in their healing quest Spiritually, emotionally, and/or physically. Sufism regards every womyn as the holy and beloved creation of The Beloved, the One Love. In level 2 we travel deeper yet within the heart/soul matrix to, insha'llah, encounter the roots of our unwellness and offer those to the Divine for blessings, release, and healing. Again in the course of our journey we will pray to open ourselves to receive guidance with plant use that is specific to each womyn's need. Womyn with advanced states of health challenges are deeply encouraged to participate and receive the profound Love and Mercy that blesses all participants in unexpected, "custom fitted" and most generous ways.
3. Essential Tonic Herbs for Womyn's Medicine Chest, Beginning/ Intermediate level
In this class womyn will be introduced to the "BASIC 8" beloved botanicals Eden "must have" both at home and at the Herbal Apothecary she owns and from which she serves the healing needs of her community. They are mullein, comfrey rt and lf, blue elder blossoms and berries, calendula, st. john's wort, echinacea rt, stinging nettles and red raspberry leaf. An opportunity to experience the botanicals will be offered in various forms...the plants themselves, salves, tinctures and glycerites. True stories from family and community use will accompany the presentation.
Wild DevOcean Mendocino Seaweed Collective
1. Seaweed Safari All Levels Sat.: 5:00-11:00am
We will meet at the parking lot Tipi at 5:00am and carpool to the beach for spring low tide, meeting the seaweeds where they live. We will take a guided journey to connect with the spirit medicine of the seaweeds. Students will be encouraged to identify and collect several types of seaweed commonly used as food and medicine. This class is hands-on; students should be prepared to get wet. A change of clothes is advised. Class size is limited and sign up is appreciated immediately after teacher's introductions Friday evening.
2. Spirit of the Sea Intermediate level
We will discuss the uses of seaweeds as food and medicine. Learn to use seaweeds as floral essences; for heavy metal detox treatments and nutritional balancing. Thyroid issues and treatment for fibroids will be among the topics covered.
3. Sirens Sea Spa, all levels
Siren says come enjoy some Fun! with the sea plants as additions to your bath and beauty care. We will infuse a seaweed bath. Students can then choose to create seaweed salt or sugar scrubs, seaweed body masks, seaweed facials and treatments for radiant skin and hair. This class is fun and tends to get messy please bring your own towel or wrap for bathing.
1. Herbalism and Tarot, part 1
2. Herbalism and Tarot, part 2
3. Belly Dancing Class
4. Masala Bhangra/Bollywood Dance Class
1. Intensive: Return of the Natives:
Using & Growing Native* Herbs, all levels
Each geographical area has its own local “medicine chest” The CA Floristic Province has recently been listed as one of the world’s “biodiversity hotspots.” This Intensive will look at using and growing some of these diverse & unique native plants as medicinal herbs. We’ll cover:
- Why Use Natives? – overview; preservation, habitat, water use, & “gardening with a wild heart”
- Medicinal Uses – ethnobotany of Native California plants, traditional and current herbal use
- Substitute Native Herbs – find out which natives we can interchange for some endangered North American & “popular”, but often invasive, European herbs
- Growing CA Natives – general cultivation guidelines, propagation methods, native habitats and how & where best to grow them so they can thrive.
- Resources & Sources – where to find seed, plants, and information
- Plant Profiles – in-depth focus on a handful of well-known, readily available, easily grown & useful medicinal natives, including CA poppy, elderberry, grindelia, mugwort, yerba mansa
*Emphasis on CA Floristic Province (Baja to So. Oregon), relevant to students of NW & SW; applicable, in part, to others.
2. Ecology of Wild Herbs, part 1, all levels
Discover WHERE in the wide wild places to find the herbs you seek! Because plants occur where environmental conditions meet their needs, we will explore plant communities, plant associations & vegetation types, which will enable us to predict the assemblages of plants that we might expect in specific habitats. We’ll gain insight into where certain herbs are found & why, and how to locate them more easily.
3. Ecology of Wild Herbs, part 2: Herb Walk: Cruisin’ the Hood 201*
Hands-on exploration of the Ecology of Wild Herbs in the ‘hood. Where the plants hang out, with whom, and why – plant communities, plant associations & natural history. Also, an in-depth look at medicinal uses & ancient links of a few charismatic Black Oak (herb) characters.
*Walk can be taken by itself, as Cruisin’ the Hood 201
1. Activating the Brain using Essential Oils
The olfactory, our sense of smell, receives pure plant fragrance and transmits the scent to the limbic system of the brain. We will experience around 30 different essential oils, their roles in assisting us move through emotional barriers and attachments. We will be reminded of how much the Great Mother loves us and is here to serve us. Using our sense of smell is the most direct means of communication and has a profound impact on our psyches. We each will create a blend for use in supporting our journey. We will experience the messages plant fragrances bring us through Activating the Brain. Bring journals, touch stones, an open heart and mind.
2. Anointing and Blessings Using Essential Oils
A spiritual practice so old that it has transcended time, beliefs and customs. Learn the power of intention, symbology of the body and hands for anointing and blessing, Experience the Infinite and Divine Goddess within. Let us create a sacred space. Bring your own personal "claiming" power totem (if using a crystal, please clear it first) and a "release" offering (i.e., fruit, feather, stone of which this item may not be returned to you), something comfortable to sit or lay upon, water and bowl. Dress comfortably. We will cleanse, honor, empower, release, heal, love, a rites of passage with gratitude. You will be bringing home with you a blend of your choice supporting your intention.
3. Medicinal Uses of Essential Oils for Common Problems, beginning
Essential oils are the concentrated essences of flowers, herbs, trees and plants. Modern scientific research has proven that essential oils carry potent and remarkable medicinal properties. We will experience at least 30 different essential oils while learning their medicinal properties and various applications. Common problems addressed will be for reducing pain, respiratory and circulatory problems, headaches, blood pressure balancing, anxiety, digestive, immune boosters, hormonal balancers, fatigue, poor memory and much more. This is an educational, interactive experience where you will create a personal medicinal blend
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. Notable Native Medicinal Herbs, part 1:
Plants That Grow Up Large
2. Notable Native Medicinal Herbs, part 2:
Plants That Stay Closer to the Ground
Mary Pat has been fortunate to reside in a Pomo Indian area, and although she is far from the Oklahoma Cherokee lands of her grandfather, and north of the Ohlone and Salinan lands of her childhood, she has been blessed to meet outstanding natives of the two legged, four legged and plant varieties. This class will focus on native medicinal plants used by the native Pomo of South - Western Mendocino County. We will begin each class with drumming and a few chosen Pomo words that praise the plants. Then Mary Pat will read the Pomo creation myth “Marunda and Kuksu Make the World”.
3. The Importance and Uses of Astringent Medicinal Herbs
One of the many ways we classify medicinal herbs is according to their effects on tissue states. A relaxed tissue state includes many disorders to from prolapses to diarrhea. In this session we will look at herbs that are astringent and how they impact our bodies. We will also examine the degree of astringency in different plants and how that effects how we use them.
1. Keep Your Marbles:
Tools-to-Use for Avoiding Senior Moments & More, all levels
2. Straight From the Heart:
Tools-to-Use for Avoiding Heart Attack, Stroke & More all levels
3. Blessing Our Breasts:
Tools-to-Use for Lifelong Healthy Breasts all levels
1. Herbal Prosperity Rituals, all levels
The herbs of Mother Earth are a powerful ally in manifesting prosperity in one's life. Have you ever watched herbs take over an empty garden? Growth and abundance are the inherent laws of nature. In this workshop, we will learn three different methods of working herbal magic to grow our financial and personal goals
2. Moontime Magic
Herbal preparations for all things menstrual: from delayed period or painful cramps to fertility to croning and everything in between. A selection of herbal remedies will be presented for all manner of complaints related to menstruation, and we will prepare and sample a moontime tonic designed to support the cool depths of a woman's power during her bleeding time. We'll also discuss how color, fragrance, and consistency of menstrual fluid may suggest trends within the body at large, and look at which means what. At the end of the lecture, there will be a ceremony that each participant is invited to take away and share with her friends and family to form "womb sisterhood circles.
3. Witches' Brews
A presentation of curious potions from days of yore: invisibility potion, flying ointment, werewolf bane and other herbal oddities from antique grimoires are sure to to delight the herbal historian! In addition to the strange stuff, we'll be looking at simple, practical herbal spells and charms that were designed by grandmothers and ancestresses of long ago: home protections, baby blessings, wedding charms, health and wealth talismans, and more. Come learn a selection of herbal spells from ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome, The Himlayas, and Old Europe.
1. Fun With Gourds 1, beginning and intermediate
……will be just that. With a class limit of fifteen--unless you’ve brought your own gourd--this beginner and intermediate group will select a gourd, clean and prep it as needed, and, using simple tools and art supplies provided, create a rattle, shaker, bowl, or art object of your choosing. Children ten and over are welcome but beware, sharp tools are involved.
2. Fun With Gourds 2, beginning and intermediate
A repeat of Fun With Gourds 1
1. Intensive: Auricular (ear) Acupressure and Other Useful Tools to Aid in Letting Go of Food/Alcohol/Smoking/Sex (name your addiction) Addiction, all levels
An auricular (ear) acupressure protocol will be taught to help facilitate letting go of addictions. We will also be going into various methods and tools to support recovery.
2. Herbs, Food and Acupressure to Maneuver through
the Journey of Menopause, part 1
Chinese Medicine has many terrific tools to help with various symptoms that can come with the journey of menopause. We will be discussing these tools as well as some from other traditions.
2. Herbs, Food and Acupressure to Maneuver through
the Journey of Menopause, part 2
We will continue.
1. Herbal Erotica Class, part one, intermediate
We will cover herbs which are aphrodisiacs, sexual stimulants, adrenal tonics, as well as herbs which enhance sexual vitality. Additionally, the properties, actions, and contraindications of the herbs will be discussed.
2. Herbal Erotica Class, part two, intermediate
We will build on the information covered in the first class. Additionally, the cover numerous inspiring recipes which will tantalize the taste buds and warm the heart.
3. Herbal Diagnostic Class for Herbalists, advanced
We will incorporate all of the senses as students learn how to best understand a client’s state of health. The class will cover common diagnostic techniques and how to interpret many of the signs of constitutional and nutritional imbalances. Some of the diagnostic topics which will be covered include the skin, complexion, body temperature, eyes, and nails (time permitting). Students who take this class should be comfortable with constitutional therapeutic terminology (deficiency and excess for each organ system) as well as being familiar with some form of constitutional medicine, including western, Ayurveda, or Traditional Chinese Medicine.
1. Planting the Seeds of Vocal Harmony
All human beings have the physical ability to sing, yet so many people live out their lives thinking that they just can’t do it. This workshop is designed to introduce each participant to their own innate ability to open their mouths and love the sound that comes out. Singing is both an art and a science; hence, in order to get the sweetest notes to come out, one has to physically, mentally and spiritually find the right balance. This workshop seeks to plant the seeds of vocal knowledge to enable each participant to gain a strong understanding of how o use their bodies to sing. We will nourish each seed by going through various exercises with a partner to access the ancient gift of singing. We will then use this knowledge to open up our hearts and sing together a composition I have used many times to strengthen each participant’s ability to keep singing their own part This song will then be shared at the Talent Show on Saturday night.
2. Singing in the Key of Trees
If you go outside and close your eyes, you can hear the symphony of the earth. Being able to hear this amazing symphony depends on each person’s state of attention. We will do a few exercises that help each person to listen and separate out different elements of the natural world’s symphony. Learning how to join your voice with this ongoing symphony is the focus of this workshop. Each participant will be coached on translating what they hear into a melody line of notes, words and rhythms. We will then each share our spirit songs with the rest of the participants.
1. Elemental Magick and the Devic Realm
Ever wonder how magick is created? This class will offer a basic guideline and explain the synergy between the seasons, directions, colors, intention, totem animals, elemental energy and symbols that are used to manifest intention. This workshop includes which herbs are used for the ancient holy days (sabbats), herbs to use to bless your altar and herbal recipes for the Beltane Season (April 30 - June 19). Playing with the herbs that are connected to the season we are experiencing creates harmony in your life and deepens your relationship with all things, particularly Mother Earth. In earth spirituality, nature is our teacher and our guide. This class will teach you how to live a magickal life in a mundane world.
