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Go to Session 2 Classes

Classes & Teachers

DeAnna Batdorff

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 the entire weekend.

There is strength in a river that is flowing

2. TBA

Dana Becker, L Ac

1. Herbs as Food! ~ beginning

In traditional Chinese Medicine there are over 300 herbs used to heal the body and many of them can be eaten regularly in the diet. In this class we will talk about common food herbs and their properties in the body. We will cover the basics around how Chinese Medicine looks at foods and how we can think about what we are putting in our bodies and having it match what is happening in the environment around us.

2. & 3. Food as Medicine, 2 part class ~ beginning

4. Chinese Herbs for Menstruation ~ beginning/intermediate

This class will begin with an interactive ‘play’ designed to celebrate and educate about the female sexual anatomy and cycle physiology. You’ll be given a chance to explore the overlay of emotional and psychological cycle dynamics and learn to align yourself more deeply with your natural design. We will then map out the greater terrain of the endocrine system and discuss how specific self-care, nature connection and deep listening practices can create profound effects on your cycle health. The class includes tips for practical and action oriented lifestyle and dietary changes to support a healthy endocrine system.

Sarah Naomi Bly

1. The Permaculture of the Female Body

This lecture highlights how to align ourselves with the natural design of our female physiology via self-care, nature connection and deep listening practices. It offers tips for practical and action oriented lifestyle and dietary changes to support a healthy endocrine system. Ideas include sleep habits, blood sugar balance, connection with women and with nature, stress cycles, pineal, thyroid and adrenal support and much more. It is a lovely blend of science/physiology and practical/simple self-care.

2. The Cycle Show

3. Clinical and Personal Applications of the Fertility Awareness Practice

Fertility Awareness Based Methods for tracking bio-markers of fertility and gauging hormonal health have too long been misunderstood and associated with ineffective, simplistic and/or religious models of family planning. This lecture is designed to educate both healthcare practitioners and individuals about the current climate of fertility awareness, a self-care practice that benefits both practitioners and clients immensely. Come and learn how this charting practice can profoundly change a woman’s understanding of her body, her health care choices and her relationship to her fertility.

4. Coming off the Pill: Why and How

Lynda Emashowski

1. The Sacred Fire—Creating Sacred Space Through Conscious Fire Tending ~ all levels

2. Sacred Fire Spoon Making, part 1 ~ all levels

3. Sacred Fire Spoon Making, part 2 ~ all levels

4. The Entrepreneurship of Herbalism: A Business Model to Create Abundance in Your Business ~ all levels

Jillian Firth

1. Grief, Fear and the Hero Complex

This class will focus on a specific aspect of grieving: interacting with friends and loved ones by kindly responding to , or occasionally shielding ourselves, from their concerns and advice.

The components of this class will include:

Responding to suggestions on how you or your partner, parent, sibling, etc. should deal with a terminal illness.
Acknowledging how our profound grief elicits fear in others.
Methods for shielding ourselves from others when necessary.
A brief overview of ‘The Four Agreements’ by Miguel Ruiz and ‘When Things Fall Apart’ by Pema Chodron (two highly recommended books).
Recognizing grief as a teacher.
Honoring our grief as beautiful.

Jillian has dealt with powerful and life-altering grief over the past two years and will speak from her experience. Grief is an intensely personal journey. The goal of this class is provide some basic techniques for managing our own grief.

- I cannot explore the ocean without letting go of the shore -

Kiyoko Guillory-Gonzalez

1. Tree Medi Magick - Ancestral Healing with Tree Essences

Learn the some of the magic and folklore of notable Fruiting, Conifers and Deciduous trees. We will discuss trees that help us access our ancestral traumas so that we may sit down at the table with these lineage patterns, giving an opportunity to begin dismantling toxic limiting frameworks. Patterns that held our ancestors back no longer need to manifest through us. Using tree essences we will begin to tease apart these traumas. Trees teach us that freedom is ours as long as we are willing to be still, send our roots down deep and shed our leaves. We will focus on the Pomegranate, Fig, Western red cedar, Pirul, Mountain Ash, Bay laurel, Redwood, Magnolia and many more.

2. Apocalyptic Gardening

There are signs of the times where it feels necessary to have knowledge and medicine of the Earth more accessible to us. Fear consciousness is not a the focus but instead, preparedness for global catastrophes is a way to stand in a place of empowerment for ourselves and our families. In this class we will explore many noteworthy herbs that we can easily cultivate in our backyards to support our immune, digestive, respiratory and lymph systems. We will also discuss building our own herbal first aids. These herbal allies would be some of the front liners if the country as we know it or planet were to collapse.

Queen Hollins

1. & 2. West African Drum and Dance

Adwoa Kudoto

Sena Kugbega

1. & 2. West African Drum and Dance offered twice

Kelly McRee

1. Moving through Grief and Keeping Your Heart Open to Life

Kelly McRee & Lara Lwin Treadaway

1. Grief Bundles and Sacred Altars for the Community Grief Ritual

During this class we will make grief bundles from natural items gathered from the land in preparation for the Community Grief Ritual that Kelly and Lara will be facilitating on Sunday evening. We will also prepare and tend the Grief and Ancestor Shrines for the ritual to honor the Earth, our grief, and the ancestors. This class will include song and prayer as we begin the process of creating sacred space for the evening Ceremony.

Larissa Montfort

1. & 2. Women and the Drum, 2 Sessions

3. Dundun Dance

Hulda Nystrom, MA, CMT

1. Acupressure for Emergencies ~ limited to 15 participants

Learn acupressure points for reducing the effects of - or even stopping - a heart attack, stroke or seizure, as well as for restoring someone's consciousness or breathing. The handout lists signs and symptoms of a heart attack, stroke and seizure, and contains images of the acupressure points, which Hulda will demonstrate and assist participants - with the help of one or more assistants - in finding on themselves. Personal anecdotes will illustrate the effectiveness of the points.

Note: 1-2 assistants are needed to help with point locations. If you would like to assist and are versed in acupressure points or would like a brief training in the 12 points taught in this class, please contact

HuldaNystrom@sbcglobal.net or 510-798-8626 voice/text.

2. Acupressure for the Eyes ~ limited to 15 participants • all levels

The Liver energy system, according to Chinese medicine, has a predominant influence on the eyes. Improper diet, insufficient exercise and certain emotions can throw it out of kilter, causing various eye complaints, as well as other conditions. More than a dozen acupressure points will be covered for reducing or potentially eliminating blurry, cloudy, foggy, dim or filmy vision, as well as near- or far-sightedness, eye pain, redness of the eyes, floaters (spots before the eyes), eye tremors, flashing lights and other conditions. Handouts illustrate the points and show their associations with underlying organ disharmonies. Hulda will demonstrate point locations and assist participants - with the help of one or more assistants - in finding the points on themselves. Dietary and lifestyle adjustments for auditory health will be covered, as well as the importance of professional energy work, such as acupressure, for resolving eye issues. Personal anecdotes will illustrate the effectiveness of the points.

Note: 1-2 assistants are needed to help with point locations. If you would like to assist and are versed in acupressure points or would like a brief training in the 14 points taught in this class, please contact

HuldaNystrom@sbcglobal.net or 510-798-8626 voice/text

3. Acupressure for the Ears ~ limited to 15 participants • all levels

According to Chinese medicine, the ears are “governed” by the kidneys. Other organ systems play significant roles in various ear issues as well, including the heart, lungs, liver, gall bladder and spleen/pancreas. Participants will be shown acupressure point sequences to energetically support the above organs in cases of hearing loss, tinnitus, earache, itchy ears, and more. Hulda will demonstrate point locations and assist participants - with the help of one or more assistants - in finding the points on themselves. The handouts illustrate the points and show their associations with underlying organ disharmonies. Dietary and lifestyle adjustments for auditory health will be covered, as well as the importance of professional energy work, such as acupressure, for resolving ear issues. Personal anecdotes will illustrate the effectiveness of the points.

Note: 1-2 assistants are needed to help with point locations. If you would like to assist and are versed in acupressure points or would like a brief training in the 19 points taught in this class, please contact

HuldaNystrom@sbcglobal.net or 510-798-8626 voice/text.

Heather O'Connell

1. INTENSIVE: Plant Spirit Medicine ~ all levels

In this highly experiential 4 hour intensive we’ll explore the world of Plant Spirit Medicine, plant energetics (the energetic medicinal properties of plants) and explore various approaches to working in partnership with plants including how to use the practice of drum journeying and meditation to establish a direct line of communication with plant spirits for guidance, healing and enhanced connection. We’ll also explore topics such as what it means to be in “right” relationship, how to diet with plants and various plant based self-care practices that you can work with in your daily life for cleansing and restoration. As a participant in this class you can expect to deepen your relationship with the plants, experience plant spirit drum journeys, learn how to work in partnership with plant spirits and how to work with plants for self-care. This class is suitable for ages 13 years and older. Please bring whatever you may need to sit or lay down comfortably for the duration of the class, as well as plenty of water for hydration, a journal to record your journeys, percussion instruments (if you have them) and sunshade should you need it.

2. Bathing with Plants for Self-Care & Personal Transformation ~ all levels

In this class we’ll explore the powerful practice of bathing with plants and minerals for self-care and enhanced well-being. Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of input and energy you interact with each day or weighed down by emotions and/or stress? Bathing with plants is a very effective means of supporting the nervous system, addressing energetic imbalances and has been a common practice in many spiritual traditions for hundreds and thousands of years. During our time together, we’ll discuss basic and advanced approaches to bathing with plants, the wide array of imbalances plant baths can help us with, native plants to bathe with and engage in a demonstration of how to create your own plant bath. Please bring whatever you may need to sit or lay down comfortably for the duration of the class and sunshade should you need it.

3. Inner Gardening for Young Women ~ ages 13 and up

Molly Rinaldi

Amber Young

1. INTENSIVE: Occupy Your Cunt

Sunali Shanti Sikand

1. Wasabi and Fish

2. Plant Mythology

Bridget Somine, N.D.

1. & 2. Brain Power: Improving Memory, Mood and Cognition ~ Intermediate-Advanced

Our brains are arguably one of our most precious organs. When out of balance, brain dysfunction can contribute to a host of problems including fatigue, brain fog, memory loss, mood disturbances and diminished capacity to handle stress.

In this two part class, we’ll discuss twelve main factors that can impact brain health and how to identify the most important factors for each individual. Then we’ll take a deep dive into dietary, lifestyle and herbal strategies for tending brain health.

3. Bone Health Beyond Calcium ~ intermediate/advanced

Bone is dynamic living tissue, which interacts with all other systems in the body. While bone strength is largely influenced by nutrition and one’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D, there are a myriad of other factors that influence bone health. In this class, we’ll discuss the basics of bone physiology and outline several underlying causes of bone degeneration, including chronic inflammation, digestive dysfunction, hormone imbalance, and environmental exposures. Then we’ll discuss nutritional, lifestyle and herbal strategies for building and maintaining stronger bones.

Stargazer Li

1. Essence Making and Taking

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.

2. Stargazing with Li ~ all levels

Lara Lwin Treadaway

1. Truth Mandala: An Earth-Honoring Ritual Of Grief & Praise ~ all levels

This class is an opportunity to participate in a communal ritual to honor our grief and gratitude for the Earth. Drawn from Joanna Macy’s The Work That Reconnects, this ritual provides a brave container for naming and metabolizing our fear, outrage, sorrow, and despair with regard to the ecological crisis. We will open with a discussion and exploration into the alchemical nature of grief and how this essential human experience reflects how deeply we have dared to love and how fully we are woven into the web of life.

Kelly McRee & Lara Lwin Treadaway

1. Grief Bundles and Sacred Altars for the Community Grief Ritual ~ all levels

Kira Trinity

1. Autism Updated: What It Is And How To Treat Symptoms

Michelle Vesser

1. Embody Your Plant Ally’s with Mask Making, part 1: Creating Your Mask ~ all levels

2. Embody Your Plant Ally’s with Mask Making, part 2: Crafting your Ally

3. Meeting 0ur Weedie Friends As Your Food And Medicine ~ all levels

Shereel Washington

1. Simple Herbs and Spices in Your Home ~ beginning

Natural Health, Natural Healing, Natural Energy, & Natural Power

Do you want to know simple herbs and spices to:

~ Keep you healthy and energetic?

~ Heal muscles, bones, blood, skin, & hair damage?

~ Give you energy and vitality?

~ Change your mood and outlook?

Are you afraid that learning about herbs makes you seem new “agey,” hippy, strange & weird?

Come share and learn some simple basics! This herbal workshop offers the herbal basics for the regular person who wants to understand simple and easy ways to eat and live healthy, to have more energy, and even to be healed by adding basic herbs spices to your diet and in your regular self-care. We will share the capabilities, the uses, of the value of common herbs & spices in your home. There will be herbs to touch, taste, and smell – including some plants from which herbs & spices are derived. We will also share some mixtures and materials from which common herbs are made, and we will discuss common products that have herbs and spices as their key or core ingredients. Come on in and get healthy, get healed, and get happy! Clothing is required for this class.

2. Pan-African Dance ~ all levels

Come share and experience movements, styles, and sounds of the African Diaspora, broken down to basics, while learning root cultural stories and ideals behind some dances, movements, and rhythms. Shereel will lead and show you: How to move in rhythm to different sounds & music, How to hear and internalize rhythms. How to tap into your natural ‘inner rhythm’. How to move with enhanced coordination and flexibility. Pan African Dance are dance movements and styles deriving from African cultures and/or ethnically descended groups in the Caribbean. The Mediterranean, the Americas, The Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Rim. Bring a towel and water bottle and supportive foot wear. Clothing is required for this class. Wrap skirts (lappa or pare’u) are optional.

Young Women

Jillian Firth

2. Macrame for Beginners ~ for young women ages 12-21

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.

Michelle Manger Keip

1. Everyday Emotional Safety & Empowerment ~ Just for Young Women, ages 12 to 20

Let’s have fun playing with lots of ways to be emotionally safe and strong in our everyday relationships. We’ll put together an inner tool kit with a virtual trash can, rainbow field, bug screen and more. Tree power, Aikido moves and roleplay games will make it real and make us laugh! We’ll take time for conversation to deepen the relevance of what we’re learning. Come take this unique opportunity to be with other young women in a meaningful way. Our supportive Symposium community is the ideal environment for growing into our most radiant, life-affirming power.

2. One Strong Move! Emergency Only Self-Protection Skills ~ for All Women, ages 10 and up

Mass media and main stream culture often give the impression that women and girls can’t protect themselves. This is a huge lie! We can if we learn how. Our awareness, intuition and determination combined with knowledge and skills are our most effective protection. In this class we’ll learn basic principles and practices to help keep ourselves safe in emergency situations. We’ll practice getting support whenever we’ve gone through scary situations, so our challenges and fear can be transformed into wisdom resources. Let’s prepare for what may come our way and grow our courage together!

Heather O'Connell

1. Inner Gardening for Young Women ~ ages 13 and up

Mid Kids

Corbin Brashear

1. Mid-Kids Meet Up

In this fun playshop we will be getting to know each other through cooperative and theater games, and a symposium wide scavenger hunt. This class is designed to help the mid kids crew get to know each other and deepen friendships early in the symposium. Lets become a tribe of friends together. Please come whether this is your first symposium or you have been coming all your life. Be prepared to be silly, make new friends and learn more about the symposium land, yourself and each other.

2. Felted Acorn Cap Necklaces

3. Tree Class for Mid Kids

Michelle Manger Keip

1. Peace Power Path: Aikido for Mid-Kids ~ ages 7 to 11

2. Peace Power Path: Aikido for Young Mid-Kids ~ ages 5 to 7

Kira Trinity

2. Sensory Fun!

Ami Wruck

1. Herbal Goodness Goo Balls ~ Mid-Kids

2. Herbal Sachets ~ Mid-Kids

3. Manifestation Boards/Collage for the Spirit! ~ Mid-Kids

Young Children

Chelsea Leone

1. Singing With the Children ~ children ages 6 and younger with a grown-up

Early Morning Classes

Danielle Ashé

1. Shakti Flow Yoga ~ all levels

Jenny Ming Tu

1. Where Mindfulness Meets Witchery

Join Jenny early each morning for an early medicine walk to explore the space where mindfulness meets witchery. This mini workshop is a great way to ground, connect, create and share with others before we begin our day. Activities will vary depending on group size and interest. Some items to bring might include: