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Class descriptions for Session 1 • May 16 - 19, 2014 Session 1 Session 2Session 3

Class descriptions Session 1Session2Session3


Karen Aguiar &
Terri Jensen

1. Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Cultivation, part 1 beginning
We will explore the cultivation process of edible and medicinal mushrooms so that we can grow our own! We will make an easy oyster mushroom kit to take home and grow out.

2. Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Cultivation, part 2 beginning
We will continue. See Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Cultivation, part 1 for full description.


Jessica Baker, LAc

1. INTENSIVE: Clinical Aromatherapy & Oncology: From a Chinese Medicine Perspective intermediate
We will begin our discussion on the foundations of Chinese Medicine by giving a brief overview of different schools of thought regarding Chinese Medicine diagnosis. We will discuss Ba Gong (8 Principles), 5 Elements, 3 Treasures, Yin/Yang and Organ System diagnosis. We will discuss active chemical constituents and volatility of Essential Oils, modes of transport and proper dosages. Then we will explore how essential oils affect our Wei Qi, Ying Qi, Yuan Qi. We will discuss Oncology from both a Chinese Medicine and Allopathic medical perspective. We will conclude class by discussing specific essential oils for prevention and treatment of Cancer, grief and loss, neuropathy, digestion and more. We will create a blend in class.
2. Calming the Mind And The Heart With Chinese Herbs beginning/intermediate
There are several categories of herbs in Chinese Medicine that Calm the Shen. When our Shen (Spirit) is at peace we are capable of achieving the Soul’s purpose for this Life. Shen has a strong connection with our Heart and Mind so our herbs will cover a wide array of herbal allies to soothe both. We will learn Medical Qi Gong exercises, drink teas and explore the depth of our own Shen.

3. Chinese Herbalism For The Western Herbalist intermediate
In this class we will deepen our understanding of Western Herbalism and be introduced to the ancient teachings of Chinese herbalism. Beginning with shamanism and an energetic approach to healing with herbs, we will follow the evolution of herbalism in Chinese Medicine. We will very briefly discuss the 3 Treasures (Qi, Jing, Shen) and how understanding these subtle energies deepen our understanding of herbal energetics. We will discuss how herbs are categorized by very specific functions and described by their taste, temperature and what organs and meridians (rivers of energy) they enter. We will discover what Western herbs are part of the materia medica in China and explore how varied their uses can be. This class will be intriguing and fun. You will deepen your relationship with your favorite herbs and meet new herbal allies too!


Julie Caldwell

1. Sentience of Place, part 1 all levels
Ever notice how places in the world have a personality all their own? From the great cities to sacred forest groves to your own backyard, the life force that makes up the landscape creates a pulsing harmony as unique as a fingerprint. Places are record keepers. They hold energetic imprints of their stories through all dimensions of time and space ~ stories that include geological shifts, winds and waters, stars and moons, people and animals and plants, love and war, gods and goddesses, fairies and sprites, and magic. When we open our hearts and expand our senses to hear these stories, we begin to align with the Sentience of Place. In this class, you’ll experience techniques that help you consciously connect more deeply with the Sentience of Place. We’ll communicate with the rocks, winds, plants, waters, critters, elemental energies, and the earth itself to better understand the “personality’ of each geographical location, from the entire bio region to that inviting spot beneath the branches of an old sister Oak. We’ll feel the space where healing, environmental awareness, sensory explorations, and intuitive connection to the unity and story of Place come together. And, because we’re a tribe of plant people, we’ll explore how Sentience of Place can inform our wildcrafting, medicine making and treatment protocols. We’ll leave with an enhanced ability to communicate with the unique expression of Place no matter where our travels take us.

1. Sentience of Place, part 2 all levels
We will continue. See Sentience of Place, part 1 for full description.


Shelly Conrad, Licensed Midwife

1. Weaving The Herbs And Experiences Of Midwives From The 1700’s To Present
This is a class about old time ways of practicing midwifery. It's' a look into the life of a midwife in the 1700’s and the impact in a community/village in having a midwife serving the women and how the men/fathers respected and had a responsibility toward those midwives. It's how that shaped the view of women in the past, how midwives made money being a midwife, and how that shaped the independence of women. Health, birth, death were all taken care of by midwives. Midwives held the spirit and soul of a community. Their herbal wisdom shaped the medicine and culture of the village. How have we wandered so far away? How can we recover our strength as women? How can we stop violence against women?

2. Panel Of Traditional Midwives From Our Area all levels
What do we do to address women and power in our lives? How do we use traditional herbs and cures? What traditions have we seen go away and what traditions have we seen develop? This is a question & answer format. Shelley will interview a group of local midwives on topics that are current, and that explore how we can carry the torch of traditional midwifery into our future.


Lynda Emashowski

1. Concentric Rings of Pain intermediate
Pain is a powerful teacher. Explore a series of energy imprints and the appropriate herbal allies to deal with this life teacher. This class is designed to explore this challenging experience.

2. The Give Away all levels
This is a ritual to challenge the concept of possessions and to clear energy so that healthy manifestation can take place. Bring an item that hurts to give away. Being on time is important.

3. Whispered Wisdoms Of The Moon all levels
A system of medicine, of life, centered around the 16 phases of the moon. Balance your body water to that of the planet through a relationship with the moon.


Astrid Grove LM, CPM

1. Moonlodge all levels, all ages, maidens, mothers & crones
Part the veils and enter sacred space. We will chant to the moon, journey to our wombspace, and pass the talking stick. Calling all maiden, mothers and crones. There is a place for all women in this ancient ceremony. Join us as we plant metaphorical seeds and learn how to create a moonlodge in our home communities.


Bridget Grusecki, ND

1. Vaginal Ecology, part 1 intermediate/advanced
Every vagina is its own complex ecosystem, influenced by a myriad of local and systemic factors. Some of those factors include gut flora, mucosal immunity, hormonal fluctuations, the autonomic nervous system, and the body-mind axis. In this two part class, we’ll discuss various types, characteristics and underlying causes of imbalanced vaginal flora, along with self-care strategies to create healthier and happier vaginal terrain.

2. Vaginal Ecology, part 2 intermediate/advanced
We will continue. See Vaginal Ecology, part 1 for full description.

3. Skin Health Essentials all levels
Skin is the interface between ourselves and our environments. It is an organ of both absorption and elimination, and an incredible window into the body. In this class, we’ll discuss the origins of some common skin issues from both a western and Ayurvedic perspective. We’ll explore strategies for supporting skin health using both topical and internal treatments.

4. Radiation Protection all levels
We are naturally surrounded by certain levels of radiation, and yet nuclear power and related disasters, some types of medical imaging, and airport travel all increase our exposures to varying degrees. Given the cumulative and sometimes unavoidable risks, how can we exercise the precautionary principle and protect to our health and safety, while also not being overwhelmed by stress and fear? In this class, we will discuss some nutritional and herbal strategies to help minimize those risks, and help us boost our sense of empowerment through self-care.


Kathleen Harrison, M.A.
1. Indigenous Shamanic Healing with Mushrooms, Plants & Ceremony
For over twenty years, Kat has worked with an indigenous Mazatec curandero in Oaxaca, Southern Mexico. That tradition relies on various psilocybin mushroom species, Salvia divinorum, home-grown tobacco saints, and other powerful spirits. With her characteristic stories, Kat will share some insights into healing what ails us, and what we may learn from the shamanic descent, however it comes to us.

2. Models of Health & Illness in Native Worldviews
Traditional, animistic worldviews are still strong in much of the world. In a reality that is infused with spirits, ancestors, luck, and consequences, intentions or behavior may invite or help cure illness. We’ll discuss concepts of magical illness, and how these ideas infuse our modern experience. We will touch on techniques of cleansing, restoring balance, and protection.


Bibiana Love

1. Magical Herb Walk for Beginners - Let's Meet our Plant Friends! beginning
We all love walking in the woods. We all love learning more about the plants around us. Let's wander together and meet our plant allies on their own ground and listen to their stories.

2. Magical Herb Walk for Intermediate and Advanced Students - Walk with Floralia! intermediate/advanced
Let's stroll together with our Green Mother and remember our plant loves, practice our receptiveness to plant energies, and hone our identification skills.

3. Plantain Herb - The Miracle Underfoot ! all levels, all ages, mid-kids to grown-ups
Let's learn about this soothing, anti-inflamatory plant that grows everywhere we walk! We will identify it, use it fresh and make a Plantain Salve. Everyone Welcome!


Larissa Montfort
1. Dundun Dance
Drum while you dance, dance while you drum. This class combines the beauty of West African dance with the exciting, high energy of stick drumming. We will learn Kuku, a women's fishing dance from Guinea. 15 drums will be provided. Conga drums can also be used.

2. Kalimba Class
The Kalimba or Congolese thumb piano calls the spirits and accompanies foot travelers on their journeys. Learn simple patterns that interweave to create enchanting melodies. 13 instruments will be provided.

3. Women and the Drum
Bring your playful drumming spirit to this all level drum class. We will review basic drum technique and learn rhythms and songs from West Africa. Bring your hand or stick drums and percussion instruments such as shakers and bells. There will be a few extra drums to share. Let's drum up some magic!


Rev. Taica Patience

1. INTENSIVE: Keeping Sex Sacred and Alive, A Women’s Wisdom Circle About Sex all levels
In this workshop we will share wisdom (plant and otherwise) and stories about living a balanced, rich and healthy sex life whether with a partner, partners or single. This workshop will be lesbian and bi sensitive, aiming to be inclusive of all women and their differing sexualities. We will bring the sometimes taboo subject of sex into sacred conversation and sacred space in order to support each other in de-shaming and reclaiming our divine sexual natures, and seeing the sacred in our sexual desire, while also looking lovingly at places where we can fall out of integrity with ourselves in our expressions of sex. We will bring in such topics as sex magic, sex prayer, devotional sex, sex as a spiritual practice, better sex through open communication, and keeping sex alive in long term relationships and through and after menopause. This workshop is appropriate for adult women of all three levels. For women who have come to this workshop in the past, please come and share how your sexual journey has gone this past year and how this class supported you. This is best as an intensive.

2. Mehndi, part 1 all levels, ages 8-adult
Henna is the sacred and ancient body adornment plant. This plant has been used by women since antiquity in India and Morocco for creating temporary, sacred and ritual body art. The practice of Mehndi is a ritual; an incantation and a blessing on the skin. In this workshop we will talk about henna, its meaning and history, and the spiritual practice of temporary art. I will share resources and information about all things henna. We will learn basic skills of henna application, and we will bless and be blessed by beautifying each other. This workshop is appropriate for all three levels of women and girls age 8 and over who have parental permission. Henna stains last on the skin for 5-20 days.

2. Mehndi, part 2 all levels, ages 8-adult
We will continue, see Mehndi, part 1 for full description.


Debra Riordan, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist

1. The ABC’s of Ayurvedic Medicine beginning
A whimsical presentation of Ayurveda to inspire attendees to want to learn more! Debra LOVES Ayurveda and wants to pass on her enthusiasm to others. This presentation will include not only a basic introduction to this ancient wisdom but also easy and practical applications, encouraging words and case studies.

2. Ayurvedic Nutrition .... Stepping Beyond Simplistic Doshic Lists, part 1 all levels
Ayurveda’s authentic approach to nutritional guidelines is personalized, seasonal, adaptable, holistic and creative rather than a simplistic yes/no list of foods for one’s dosha. All too often the casual holistic health reader is under the impression that they can answer a simple Ayurvedic questionnaire, determine their constitution/dosha and then follow the food list at the back of an Ayurvedic book. We’ll delve into the nitty gritty of Ayurvedic nutrition, dietary practices, food combining, antidotes so that we can occasionally indulge our cravings and the energetics of food from a deeper Ayurvedic perspective.

3. Ayurvedic Nutrition .... Stepping Beyond Simplistic Doshic Lists, part 2 all levels
We will continue. See Ayurvedic Nutrition .... Stepping Beyond Simplistic Doshic Lists, part 1 for full description.

4. Ayurvedic Psychology, part 1 beginning/intermediate
The goal of Ayurvedic preventative care is for us all to live healthy, productive and happy lives. Ayurvedic literature proclaims that our true nature is Spirit and the forgetting of this can lead to disease. While most branches of Ayurveda expand on the theory, tools and recommendations for our physical well-being, Ayurvedic psychology is the mind/spirit branch of this system that supports our ability to transform, make healthy changes, be resilient and live in deep connection with our capacity to heal, grow and be happy.

5. Ayurvedic Psychology, part 2 beginning/intermediate
We will continue. See Ayurvedic Psychology, part 1 for full description.


Lilith Lynn Rogers

1. Gourds, Gourds, Gourds, 1 all levels
We'll be making things with gourds--drums, rattles, and bowls. And then we'll decorate them with paint, wood-burners, feathers, etc. Easy to do and lots of fun, too. Many gourds will be proboth large and small, and lots of tools and craft materials but bring your own if you like. The class is open to all levels of expertise and I will leave the supplies around so you can finish up what you don't get done in one sitting.

Because some of the tools we'll use--knives and wood burners--are dangerous, if you have small children with you they will need to be closely supervised.

2. Gourds, Gourds, Gourds, 2 all levels
This class repeats. See Gourds, Gourds, Gourds, 1 for full description.


Asia Sikkila
1. For the Love of West African Dance All levels and all ages.
Join us as we celebrate and Dance! In this class we will warm up our bodies exploring traditional rhythms and dances from Guinea and Senegal, West Africa. We will dance to live drumming, followed by a cool down and stretch.

Stargazer Li

1. Essence Making and Taking with Stargazer Li all levels
Essences are infused vibrational waters that can create subtle, but very distinct, shifts in consciousness, enabling us to meet the moment in new ways. Come learn some of the less-often-heard aspects of making essences~ of plants, trees, rocks, planets, journeys, and more! We'll also experience and explore the ways that taking essences can support our bodies and beings in adjusting to and engaging with the shifting energies of these times. Prepare to be dosed!

Specialty Classes

Crones

High Crone Jill

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.

For Young Women

Corbin Brashear

1.Power Shields/Prayer Flags
We will start with a short guided meditation to help tap into our animal/plant helpers. We will then use our felting needles to create either a power shield or a prayer flag, designed to be a reminder and symbol of our inner power and strengths, reflecting our essential self. Bring any special feathers, beads, etc. that you may want to us to embellish your shields/flags.


Terri Jensen

1. Dragon Time for 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.

Mid-kids ages 7-10

Corbin Brashear

1. Fairies Of Love, part 1
Create your very own needlefelted fairy, elf or gnome in this fun and easy fiber arts workshop. We will explore the techniques of needlefelting, a method of felting which uses a special needle, loose wool and a foam surface to create whimsical 3 dimensional sculptures. Class is limited to the first 15 mid-kids.

2. Fairies Of Love, part 2
We will continue. See Fairies Of Love, part 1 for a full description.


Bibiana Love

1. Plantain Herb - The Miracle Underfoot! all levels, all ages, mid-kids to grown-ups
Let's learn about this soothing, anti-inflamatory plant that grows everywhere we walk! We will identify it, use it fresh and make a Plantain Salve. Everyone Welcome!


Chris Rose 1. Spirit Animal Mask      ages 7 & above
Children come create your personal Spirit Animal Mask with paper-mache, natural materials, glue and paint. What is your spirit animal?  You might have more than one in mind.  Let your instincts reveal themselves as you create your Spirit Animal Mask. Limited to 15 mid-kids. 

2. Spirit Animal Mask      ages 7 & above
This class will be repeated. See Spirit Animal Mask, 1 for full description.


River Seanain Snow
1. Arte Botanica – Make Your Own Book of Trees   ages 8-12
We will learn about some of the many arboreal beauties that grace Black Oak Ranch, we’ll draw them and make leaf prints, and we’ll bind our work into a simple hand-made book, our own Book of Trees. Paper and drawing supplies will be provided, bring along any you wish to use. Come to both Arte Botanica classes if you like

2. Arte Botanica – Make Your Own Book of Herbs   ages 8-12
We will learn about some of the many herbal allies that grace Black Oak Ranch, we’ll draw them and make leaf prints, and we’ll bind our work into a simple hand-made book, our own Book of Herbs. Paper and drawing supplies will be provided; bring along any you wish to use. Come to both Arte Botanica classes if you like.

3. Writing from the Heart    ages 8-12
Don’t worry, we will not discuss grammar or spelling in this class! Please join us whether you think of yourself as a budding writer or not. We will experience the fun of writing from the heart, with simple prompts from nature. We will each have the opportunity to share what we’ve written within our group, if we choose to, and then we’ll share only what we liked about others’ pieces. You may have written lots or not at all; either way, this class will help you find your inner writer within. You might even choose to share one of your pieces at the Talent Show Saturday night!


Katrina Weaver 1. Mid-Kids Basket Weaving Class, 1 ages 7 & above
We will weave small round traditional Hawaiian style baskets. We will discuss local and tropical fibers used for basket weaving. We will use the following materials: Round reed, watsonia grass, redwood bark, hemp twine, new Zealand flax, wool, and seagrass. Please bring clippers or scissors if possible. Class is limited to 13 mid-kids

2. Mid-Kids Basket Weaving Class, 2 ages 7 & above
This class repeats. See Mid-Kids Basket Weaving Class, 1 for full description.

3. Mid-Kids Rattle Making Class, 3 ages 7 & above (Class is limited to 18 mid-kids)
We will weave rattles with Watsonia grass, New Zealand flax, raffia and philodendron leaf. We will discuss the plant material used and how to harvest and grow your own plants for weaving.

Young Children

Chelsea Leone

1. Singing With The Children, 1    for mamas, aunties, and children under 6
Bring the little ones each day 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.

2. Singing With the Children, 2
This class repeats, see Singing With the Children, 1  for full description.

3. Singing With the Children, 3
This class repeats, see Singing With the Children, 1  for full description.

Early Morning Classes

Other Classes

Stargazer Li

1. Stargazing With Li, 1   all levels
Come gaze at the stars sparkling in the night sky. Learn to find your way around the sky and identify the spring constellations and brightest stars, and hear the stories associated with them. Li uses a greenlaser pointer to trace the constellations that makes it easy for everyone to see exactly which stars we’re looking at. Bring a blanket or sleeping bag for warmth and comfort.

2. Stargazing With Li, 2   all levels
This is a repeat. See Stargazing With Li, 1 for full description.

Intensives

Jessica Baker, LAc
  • Clinical Aromatherapy & Oncology: From a Chinese Medicine Perspective intermediate
Rev. Taica Patience
  • Keeping Sex Sacred and Alive, A Women’s Wisdom Circle About Sex all levels