Sarah Alexander

1. Making Black Salve   advanced
In this class we will explore some of the recorded history of so-called Black Salve and other 'Cancer Salves' as well as some stories of peoples' personal experiences using Black Salve on basal cell carcinoma and warts, including Sarah's own. We will survey the herbs typically used in the salves with an emphasis on important precautions, and we will make some salve. Class participants will be able to take home a small amount of the salve.

2. The Yin Yoga of Herbalism   all levels
This will be a restful and refreshing experience of resonating with and embodying the healing qualities vested in the herbs. An unfolding into deeper physical, emotional, mental receptivity to plant energy medicine and to healing. We will share practices for s-l-o-w-i-n-g- d-o-w-n and tuning in with the herbs and plants, as well as creating more timelessness and amplified joy and serenity. This will include a guided journey. Bring a pillow, a blanket, back jack, whatever is conducive to your deep yet awake relaxation, and your tea cups! Drinking coffee, mate, chocolate or other stimulants not recommended prior to this class.


DeAnna Batdorff

1. INTENSIVE: Breast Health & Immunity: The River of Life   all levels
The lymphatic system is called Rasa in Sanskrit, meaning the river of life. Keeping this river flowing allows our tissues to receive nourishment, which is the secret to being and looking healthy. Our lymph fluids allow hormones to get from one endocrine gland to another and play an important role in our reproductive health. The lymphatic system is also called the Immune system, which we all know is important for fighting foreign invaders and staying healthy. There will be demonstrations on how to map the lymphatic system in your body with an emphasis on breast health. There will be time for Q &A about our breasts and immunity, massage assessments for experiential learning & 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.
*Breast Checks will be continued throughout all Symposium sessions*
“There is strength in a river that is flowing”

2. Essential Massage Tools, Sculpting Your Way To A Healthy Body   all levels
In Ayurveda, self care and connecting to the body daily is the foundation to good health. Learn how to use massage tools for at home self care practices. There is nothing more empowering than having the knowledge to be able to take care of oneself. We will discuss each massage tools function and why, when and how easy it can be to sculpt yourself back into health with the use of cuppings, gua sha, rolling pins, hot rocks, warm compresses, crystals, singing bowls and so much more. Massage tools will be available to experiment with and you will see them in action throughout weekend during breast massages. This class is also designed to inspire massage therapists with new ways to provide support to clients.
“Touch yourself”


Jane Bothwell

1. Herb Walk   all levels
Come learn edible and medicinal uses of the plants sharing this beautiful space with us this weekend.

2. Here’s To Your Heart
A spiritual/metaphysical approach to heart health.

3. Improving Digestion   intermediate
You are what you Eat and What you don't Excrete!


Donna D’Terra

1. An Herb Walk To Begin the Symposium    beginning/intermediate
On this walk around Black Oak Ranch we will ground ourselves on this beautiful land and set an intention for the weekend, as we identify and discuss the plants and tress all around us.

2. Life In The Medicine    beginning/intermediate
This class will include a demonstration of a simpler’s infused oil and an alcohol tincture. Our focus will be on how to work with the plants to bring forth their vital life force using skillful harvesting, garbling and drying, as well as the importance of our connection with the plants and our intentions as medicine makers.

This class is dedicated to Leslie Gardner (1953-2014), an herbalist whose life force lives on in her many contributions to our Herbal Community. These include the gardens at the California School of Herbal Studies, which she tended for several decades, the Sonoma County Herb Exchange, which she started and directed, ands her book Life In The Medicine, to name a few.

3. 50 Ways to Love Our Mother    intermediate
Our focus will be on Local, Sustainable, Restorative Herbalism – what it is and why it is good medicine for us and our Mother Earth. Then, as time permits, we will talk about individual plants, trees, etc. in a 50 Herb Materia Medica that can be used for Wellness and for home remedies.


Añole Dahlstrom

1. Primitive Fire Making    all levels of adults & young women
Join us in some fire making! We will explore the art of primitive fire making using a bow drill. This will be an opportunity to use and make fire kits and experience the magic of making fire in this ancient way. There will be kits to use and practice on as well as materials to make your own kit to take home!
Bring a knife if you have one ( please no kitchen knives as they don't work very well for carving wood). This is a journey that has no end and will forever teach you lessons and stoke your inner fire! If you have some previous fire making experience this will be a great opportunity to practice and mentor.


Wren Davidson

1. What the Green Nations Have Taught Me (and Continue to Teach Me), part 1   all levels
Wren will share sixty-seven years of healing adventures, from practical uses of her favorite herbs, recipes, and emergency medicines, to mushrooms, mud, and mystical messages.
favorite herbs, recipes, and emergency medicines, to mushrooms, mud,
and mystical messages.

2. What the Green Nations Have Taught Me (and Continue to Teach Me), part 2   all levels
We will continue. See What the Green Nations Have Taught Me, part 1 for full description.


Lynda Emashowski

1. The Sacred Fire   all levels
Creating sacred space through conscious fire tending. Experience matchless fire starting and become a member of the fire devas. Establish an intimate relationship with this powerful elemental. Holding the central fire is an act of service, a source of healing and a teacher of awareness.  all levels

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


Mary Gomes

1. Herbal Dream Support, part 1   all levels
Our dreams can be a powerful source of wisdom and healing, and the plant world can provide support as we explore the realm of dreams. In this class, we will explore ways of increasing dream recall and deepening our connection with our dreams. There are many herbs that support vivid dreams, dream recall, and lucid dreaming, such as mugwort, rose, chamomile, and rosemary. We will look at how to make use of various herbs, and will create herbal dream pillows to take home with us.  Limited to 25 participants.

2. Herbal Dream Support, part 2   all levels
We will re-gather the following morning for a dream circle. Participants will have the opportunity to share a dream from the previous night, and to check in on any effects they may have experienced from the herbal dream pillows. We will use a group dreamwork practice to help discern the messages that may have come through our dreams. Limited to 25 participants.


Kathleen Harrison

1. Models of Health & Illness in Worldview   all levels
Traditional, animistic worldviews are still strong in much of the world. In a reality that is infused with spirits, ancestors, luck, and consequences, our 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 that have been used by native peoples of California and by most peoples for a very long time.

2. Indigenous Shamanic Healing with Mushrooms, Plants & Ceremony   all levels
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 she has gathered into healing what ails us, and what we may learn from the classic shamanic descent, however it comes to us.


Kathi Keville

1. Aromatherapy The Healing Art
Scents to heal emotions and essential oils to heal the body. Plus an assortment of aromatherapy techniques to determine the best remedies ad protocols.

3. Losing Pain and Fatigue
Working with the nervous system through herbs, aromatherapy and nutrition. Combine remedies to take internally, sniff, and others to rub on.

4. The Dance of Hormones
How hormone dance with each other through our life cycles. How to balance hormones with herbs. for menstrual cycles, PMS, menopause, and beyond. Herbs & diet to avoid and deal with endometriosis, fibroids, cysts, cervical warts, vaginal infection, etc.


Nan Koehler

1. Sound all levels
In the beginning was the word... Sound out of silence. This workshop will explore the importance of sound and music when attempting to help someone. We will learn mantras and simple circle songs that help to relax, relieve, revive, renew and endure. Participants will receive a song sheet, CD of circle songs and a handout from Temple Grandin's book Animals in Translation and Yogananda's translation of the Bhagavad Gita. We will sing a lot.


Kate Marianchild

1. The Amazing Manzanita and All Its Relations   all levels
Since manzanita emerged in central California 37 million years ago, it has evolved fascinating survival strategies and has become a key provider of food, shelter, and/or foraging opportunities for a myriad of species––from mycorrhizal fungi and ants to pileated woodpeckers, woodrats, and bears. We’ll discuss the thin, red, peeling skin of common manzanita, along with its surprising pollination strategy, and its multiple approaches to surviving drought. We’ll also compare notes on who nests in or under it, who forages on it, who pollinates it, who depends on its nectar, pollen, berries, and leaves, and who uses it as a larval host.

2. Oaks––and Species That Depend On Them, part 1   beginning
In the first part of this class we will walk around identifying oaks and oak groups, using leaf shape, acorn shape, bark, and the colorful and oddly shaped galls that we find on the oaks to guide us. In the course of the walk we’ll discuss oak pollination, oak survival strategies, and the fascinating phenomenon of oak gall wasps. In the second part of the class we will enumerate various acorn-eating species––from filbert weevils and brush mice to wood ducks and bears. We’ll then explore the keystone role western scrub-jays play in the distribution of oaks and the complex communal lifestyle of the acorn woodpecker.

3. Oaks––and Species That Depend On Them, part 2  beginning
We will continue. See Oaks - and Species That Depend on Them, part 1 for full description.

4. Lace Lichen and Mistletoe: Friends or Foes   beginning
The lichen we see hanging from trees in long light green streamers is often lace lichen, or Ramalina menziesii (sometimes Usnea). Because lace lichen is often seen hanging from dead branches, many people believe it harms trees. We’ll talk about the nature of lichens as well as Ramalina’s unique relationship with the Pacific Ocean, its surprising effects on its host trees, and some of the wildlife that depend on it. If time permits we will also discuss oak mistletoe, long considered sacred in ancient Europe but more recently considered a pest in this country. We will discuss how it earns its living, how it disperses through ecosystems, and the essential (“keystone”) role it plays in ecosystems, particularly to western bluebirds and great purple hairstreak butterflies.


Lily Mazzarella

1. Beyond St Johns Wort: New Approaches to Depression   all levels
In this class we’ll introduce some of the newer and under-recognized contributing factors to depression. We’ll review new research on depression as inflammatory disorder, as well as the role of nutrient deficiencies, gut flora, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, and isolation from nature and community play in depression. Learn about nutrients and herbs to support yourself with this common, often debilitating state.

2. Inflammation, Detox, and Alteratives—The Original Functional Medicine, part 1   all levels
In this class we’ll learn the basics of chronic inflammation, and look at the crazy places inflammation lands in your body: Gut! Thyroid! Brain! Joints! We will then learn strategies to remediate the ecosystem of your body via sensible detoxification and the use of herbal alteratives. We’ll talk physiology with a focus on the liver and lymphatics, anti-inflammatory diets, and of course, herbs!

3. Inflammation, Detox and Alteratives—The Original Functional Medicine, part 2   all levels
We will continue. See Inflammation, Detox and Alteratives, part 1 for full description.

4. Nourishing Libido   all levels
Back by popular demand! Has your libido left the building? In this class I’ll review common contributing to factors to loss of sexual desire and then dive into ways to juice it up: we’ll try herbals blends and oils to rebuild sexual energy.


Beth Riedel

1. INTENSIVE: Flower Essence Class   beginning/intermediate
We'll study this method of healing both emotional and physical ailments, create an essence from flowers, learn how to communicate with the flowers to know how to use this essence, and then create dosage essences.

2. The Endocrine System For Herbalists, part 1   intermediate/advanced
We’ll look at the body’s Endocrine Glands, noting their many dances, and discuss the powerful ways this system is affected by herbs and foods.

3. The Endocrine System For Herbalists, part 2   intermediate/advanced
We will continue. See The Endocrine System For Herbalists, part 1 for full description.


Jane Straight

1. INTENSIVE: Cannabis Therapeutics – Leaving Politics Behind  intermediate/advanced
The Cannabis plant has gained so much well deserved recognition, but it is still quite misunderstood by the general population. Fortunately there are many of us who have moved beyond our brainwashed politics into roles of empowerment by cultivating it, making quality medicine, and carefully dispensing it using the best of our knowledge. This intensive is designed as both an informative workshop and facilitated forum allowing students an opportunity to glean cutting edge information, and offer their own unique perspectives on this controversial herb. Jane will share many case histories. The study of Cannabis therapeutics is huge, ever changing, and really exciting. We will begin by exploring the ethnobotany of Cannabis and how it has been revered for thousands of years around the world in roles of medicine and religion. The science behind the Endocannabinoid system will be discussed, along with it’s many applications in healing, and how to integrate this amazing genus into our daily lives and practices. We will also look at our roles in creating safe combinations, utilizing both fresh and dry plant material, and last but certainly not least how to talk about Cannabis with integrity as we offer our special formulations to the many patients who could truly benefit. Knowledge Is Power!

2. Cultivating Allies, part 1   beginning

3. What We Know About Iboga   intermediate/advanced
Tabernanthe Iboga is an important spiritual ally of African Shamans that has been used for a thousand years by the Bwiti tradition from Gabon Africa. It has gained notoriety in the world as an effective means of dealing with drug addiction and detox by working on body, mind, and spirit. Ibogaine dramatically reduces drug cravings while increasing neuro-plasticity in the brain. It stimulates a full body cellular detox and cleansing. There are clinics outside of the U.S. that are offering treatment for patients with serious addiction problems as well as depression and other psycho-spiritual maladies. Jane has had the privilege of not only growing this extremely rare herb, but also experiencing a guided journey for her own self preservation.


Autumn Summers

1. Delectable Wild Edibles - Bay Nuts, Acorns, Manzanita and More
Get a taste of the real paleo diet of California. Our area is rich with food resources if you know how to sustainably collect and prepare them.  Come learn which part of the cattail you can eat, how to make buzzy bay nuts and savory acorn dip.  Tasting included!

2. Creative Cordage – Making String from Dogbane
String is such an essential and ubiquitous part in our lives that we take it for granted. What is you had to make all the cordage you needed from plants? People have made  a strong resilient string for millennium using Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum). Come learn how to make beautiful string from dried dogbane and decorate  it with beads if you like. Bring a pocket knife and  beads if you have them.


Regina Van Hecke

1. African to Hip-Hop Dance, 1   all levels

2. Hip Hop + Story-Choreography   all levels


Katrina Weaver

1. INTENSIVE: Beginning Basket Weaving   beginning
We will make traditional Appalachian style baskets, also known as the egg basket. We will use locally harvested materials, as well as hemp twine and seagrass. Locally grown materials will include, bay laurel, golden willow, red osha dogwood, watsonia grass, New Zealand flax and bark. We will discuss native plants used for weaving, as well as tropical plant fibers. We will discuss and explore the many weaving plants, along with their native origin. We will also discuss the preparation for weaving with each fiber. We will discuss what you can plant in your own garden, to cultivate and harvest your own weaving wonders. Please bring clippers or scissors if possible. Class is limited to 20 women.

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. Needlefelted Masks, part 1
We will create wearable needlefelted masks invoking a powerful aspect of ourselves that has previously been “masked” or hidden. We will explore the transformational  role that masks have played in different cultures as we  examine the ways in which we create “masks” to shroud our own true identities. Then, using the potent process of creativity called needlefelting, we will call forth a new mask that represents our most powerful self, perhaps using symbols of an animal  totem or goddess. Masks then  will be embellished with lichen, feathers, etc…   Limited to 15 students.

2. Needlefelted Masks, part 2
We will continue. See Needlefelted Masks, part 1 for full description. Limited to 15 students.


Añole Dahlstrom

1. Fun With Archery   ages 9 & up
Calling all budding Archers! Come and have some fun with archery! We will have some beautiful yet simple hand made bows and arrows that work great for beginning archery. We will be out in the stargazing meadow shooting at targets and getting inspired! Because we have limited bows there will be some waiting time between turns. Bring a sun hat, water, snack, maybe even something to doodle on while you are awaiting your turn. This is a more casual type of archery experience.

2. Primitive Fire Making For Young Women & Adults   all levels
Join us in some fire making! We will explore the art of primitive fire making using a bow drill. This will be an opportunity to use and make fire kits and experience the magic of making fire in this ancient way. There will be kits to use and practice on as well as materials to make your own kit to take home!
Bring a knife if you have one ( please no kitchen knives as they don't work very well for carving wood). This is a journey that has no end and will forever teach you lessons and stoke your inner fire! If you have some previous fire making experience this will be a great opportunity to practice and mentor.


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

Añole Dahlstrom

1. Fun With Archery   ages 9 & up
Calling all budding Archers! Come and have some fun with archery! We will have some beautiful yet simple hand made bows and arrows that work great for beginning archery. We will be out in the stargazing meadow shooting at targets and getting inspired! Because we have limited bows there will be some waiting time between turns. Bring a sun hat, water, snack, maybe even something to doodle on while you are awaiting your turn. This is a more casual type of archery experience.


Sasha Benedetti

1. Kids Yoga “Heart Warriors”
This class explores in a fun, engaging way, what it means to be a Heart Warrior who chooses to listen to our body and heart wisdom. Using games, stories, meditation and yoga asanas, we stretch, play and strengthen our ability to choose love, tune into our inner resources and listen to our bodies.

Nymiah and Henry

1. Make Your Own Power Staff!
Since ancient times people have made power staffs by carving and decorating a special walking stick and infusing it with Elemental Magic. This Power Staff reminded them of how powerful they were, and they would carry their staffs with them at special times... Let's do it! Bring your favorite walking stick, find one in the forest, or use one that we have found for you. We will have a saw to cut your staff to just the right size. Bring your favorite pocket knife for carving if you use one. We will have all kinds of fun things to decorate your staff with, and during the talent show we will share a special ceremony with everyone, and bind our staffs with the Magic of the Elements!


Stacey Small, L.Ac.

1. Magical Mugwort
 We will explore this powerful plant ally by first going on a walk about to see if we can find her. We will observe the environment in which she grows, gaining greater awareness of plant communities and how they help us understand the qualities and uses of the plants. We will then sit together and hear tales of the mighty Artemis, for whom this plant is named. We will learn about some of the traditional and common uses of Mugwort and end the class by creating beautiful dream pillows to take home.
2. Medicine Shields
We will learn about animal totems and plant allies and how they can help guide us on our  journey to discovering our own "medicine" and gifts.  Whether it be the courage of a mountain lion, the wisdom of an owl, the calm of chamomile or self-protecting, but generous nature of nettle, these qualities that we have within us or are aspiring toward manifesting in our lives are our potent medicine. Getting to know our totems and the special qualities associated with them help us to understand ourselves better. We will string canvas onto willow rounds and use paint and other decorative objects, like beads and feathers to create beautiful and powerful shields. (Participants are encouraged to bring special objects from home to add to their shields.)

Regina Van Hecke

African to Hip Hop + Choreography   Mid-Kids, ages 8-12


Katrina Weaver

1. Mid-Kids Basket Weaving Class, 1
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, banana paper, redwood bark, hemp twine, philodendron leaf, new Zealand flax, and seagrass. Please bring clippers or scissors if possible. Class is limited to 13 mid-kids.

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

Early Morning Classes

 Kashi Ananda

1. Tri-yoga

Other Classes

Stargazer Li

1. Stargazing With Li, 1
2. Stargazing With Li, 2

Intensives

DeAnna Batdorff

  • Breast Health & Immunity: The River of Life   all levels

Beth Riedel

  • Flower Essence Class beg/inter

Jane Straight

  • Cannabis Therapeutics – Leaving Politics Behind   inter/adv

Katrina Weaver

  • Basketweaving