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Classes & Teachers
In this interactive class we utilize sacred drumming beats to journey and meet the spirits of a chosen medicinal plant. We will journey with the plant in it’s tincture form and see what information we receive. We will then journey with the plant in it’s flower essence form to explore their energetic and spiritual offerings. Participants will be welcomed to journal their journeys and then share them in circle. We will then learn the name of the plant and discuss their documented properties.
We’ll explore the history and traditions of herbs as daily ritual and nourishment. We will be introduced to the class of tonic herbs, learn their properties, what specific herbs can be found in our area or easily cultivated, and beneficial ways to incorporate them into diet and daily life. We’ll sample super infusions and tonic syrups and learn recipes to take home.
all levels
all levels
Artemisia has been revered in cultures around the world. In Chinese medicine the virtues of Artemisia have been known since classical times. Several species of Artemisia are used, the most well known example, being the practice of Moxabustion, the burning of Ai Ye (A. vulgaris or A. argyi) over the body. Moxabustion is one of the earliest forms of herbal medicine and is so powerful it remains to be a separate modality within Chinese medicine. In this class we will explore several Artemisia species and their medicinal and spiritual uses in Chinese medicine. Moxabustion will be demonstrated and practiced on one another.
While terpenes are gaining popularity because of cannabis, they have already been extensively studied for their aromatic and medicinal properties. A terpene like linalool is present in cannabis, lavender, and a multitude of other plants. This class will discuss the most common terpenes found in cannabis and explore how aroma can affect our limbic and endocannabinoid systems. Whether you want to learn about cannabis or other aromatic plants, this class will have something for everyone.
Essential oil use has dramatically increased with the popularity of MLM companies. While it is positive that more people discover aromatherapy and the healing properties of plants, the overuse of such concentrated plant medicine is doing harm to both people and planet. This class explores how to use essential oils in a more reverent and conservative way. We will discuss responsible consumerism when it comes to buying and selling essential oils and other herbal products.
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
all levels
Learn about biodynamic farming practices and learn how to apply biodynamic practices in your gardens or farms. Topics that will be covered are making and understanding the medicinal value of biodynamic preparations, fruit tree paste, ash paste, tree harmonizer preparation, and biodynamic compost methods as well as understanding the biodynamic calendar.
Give yourself an hour to drop inward, lay on the earth and experience the restorative and healing medicine of the sound current, as you are bathed in a variety of instruments and song. Bring a blanket and pillow or simply come as you are.
all levels
Experience matchless fire starting and become a member of the Fire Devas. Join us if you would like to be a Sacred Fire Tender this session. 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.
Using the coals from our Sacred Fire we will create medicine, eating, or cauldron spoons. Learn the time honored skill of coal burning. A small carving knife will be necessary to complete your spoon. Class size is limited and starts on time. Due to the nature of the class it is only open to adults.
We will continue. See Sacred Fire Spoon Making, part 1 for full description. Must have attended part 1.
An 18 year old vision inspired here, comes to fruition with this class. Learn how to balance your life with the phases of the moon. When do you plant, when do you sow? Learning the different teachings of the 16 moons helps us understand our lives as a cycle, as Circle, as Wemoon.
all levels
all levels
adults only
advanced
intermediate
In the first part of the class we will explore the Intentional Altars at the Symposium and then speak on what it is to build Intentional Altars. We will do herbal cleansing, guided meditations, offerings, sound therapy, herbal elixirs, and have many more magical experiences. In the Second part of the Intensive you will build an altar and then we will explore everyone’s Altared Sacred Places. Heidi looks forward to connecting with you all! May your days continue to open in Beauty, your hearts opening to love.
all levels
Here’s a fun, grounding way to begin the Symposium! Together we’ll learn how to make a labyrinth anywhere you go, using the natural treasures found nearby to mark the paths. We’ll explore ancient ways of asking for Spiritual help on a labyrinth walk. Those who like can become the “Stewards of the Labyrinth,” tending it so that anyone at the Symposium can walk it, day or night. Grown-ups and kids are all are welcome in this class.
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!
all levels, all ages
all levels, all women, ages 10 and up
If you have self-chatter that holds you back...like I can’t play an instrument because I didn’t learn when I was young, or I can’t draw because my sister is an artist, or I can’t dance because I don’t dance correctly, then this class is for you. We will go through a series of exercises in theatre improvisation, singing, dancing, writing and drawing.
all levels
As climate change-related weather conditions intensify, urban wildfires present profound new systemic health challenges that herbalists must be prepared for. We will learn about the compounds present in urban wildfire smoke and ash, and why exposure impacts more than just the respiratory tract; how to identify at-risk groups, and how to proceed in a disaster zone. We will also discuss self-protection measures for poor air quality due to increased fire activity, even at a distance. Focusing on herbs and healing foods, we will also address how to protect ourselves and our families, as well as when to nourish and when to "detoxify" after exposure to smoke and extreme stress.
In this class we will explore how to gently, lovingly, and effectively prepare your body for surgery (or help a loved one!). We will learn multi-system support strategies for surgery preparation, and then focus on recovery by learning about the phases of tissue healing and what herbal and nutritional support can be employed during each. Anesthesia recovery, pain, bowel support and scar care will be covered.
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. We will learn signs and symptoms of a heart attack, stroke and seizure, and the related acupressure points. We will learn to find these points on ourselves. We will hear personal anecdotes that illustrate the effectiveness of these emergency points. This class is limited to 15 participants.
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 Hulda at HuldaNystrom@sbcglobal.net or 510-798-8626 voice/text.
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. We will learn 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 eye issues. We will hear personal anecdotes to illustrate the effectiveness of the points. This class is limited to 15 participants.
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 Hulda at HuldaNystrom@sbcglobal.net or 510-798-8626 voice/text.
beginning/all levels limited to 15
Have you been dreaming of meeting favorite herbal friends like Skullcap, Arnica, and Gentian in their wild alpine homes? Enjoy a “camp chair” journey slideshow to visit these and other beautiful, diverse, and strange wildflowers growing in mountain wilderness areas of Northern California. This class will focus on edible and medicinal species and offer tips and tricks for recognizing plant family patterns. Bring your camp chair, a mug of tea, and enjoy the journey!
beginning/all levels
In this class we will work on finding more confidence drumming in drum circles. We will practice listening and how to find space in the rhythm to play our part. I hope that everyone will leave feeling like they can comfortably join a drum circle and have fun! All skill levels welcome. Please bring any drums/shakers/ and other noisemakers you might have. Also, if you can, get your drum checked out and tightened if needed before you come, tight heads sound way better!!
all levels
intermediate/advanced
Create amazing products for skin, body and hair from your kitchen and gardens. Using leftover fruits, vegetables and herbs to create wonderful, and inexpensive scrubs, toners, and moisturizers and more! Learn what different fruits, oils and herbs do for the body and hair. Create a custom yummy mask in class and bring home recipes to create more.
Learn how to make kombucha and honey elixirs that bring health and balance to your body. Fermented drinks provide gut health, probiotics, balance your PH and so much more. Learn to flavor your brews with herbs and juices to add healing power to your blends and make them yummy. Scobes/starters will be for sale in class or at Marketplace.
Sharing the traditions of Mayan village healers and how they use pulse diagnosis, prayer, massage, herbs and ceremony to heal the body from physical as well as spiritual dis-ease. Learn what causes disease from the Mayan perspective as well as the healing techniques, rainforest herbs and remedies, and common western herbs to heal yourself and maintain health and happiness.
beginning/all levels
all levels
all levels
Explore your amazing ligaments, tendons and fascia through movement, herbs and natural healing techniques. Learn how to care for your spine and joints by working with you soft connective tissues.
Our small intestine houses up to 70% of our neurotransmitters and that’s why it’s called the Second Brain. Learn about how the gut affects our moods. What does our second brain do? How can we influence the health of our nervous system through our gut?
Our intestinal tract is our immune system’s first responder. Learn about how can we influence immunity through what we eat and how we think. How do antibiotics affect our micro biome and what can we do to rebalance when things go wrong?
What is it to be a woman? The archetype of "woman" transcends each of us, rooted in ancient mystery and branching into an unseen future. Birth, beauty, witchcraft, creation, devastation, degradation and a thousand other threads are our complex inheritance. We learn from history, we listen to each other, and we hope for a world where all women walk without fear slumping our shoulders and muting our songs. Though womanhood is a timeless river, right now, we are the ones who are bringing this spirit to life on earth, embodying what it is to be Woman, giving her breath, giving her voice, carrying her in our bones. This is our moment "on stage," where we witness, express, honor and transform the meaning of womanhood. We have this moment of our lives to receive the stories we have inherited, forming from them lives we are overjoyed to live, and gifts we are honored to pass on to those who come after. Using theatre, we will explore our ideas of womanhood, both the light and the dark, and work together to transform old, patriarchal stories into expressions of power and life. These exercises and games allow us to uncover hidden emotions, understandings and truths. We will form fluid, ever-changing images, using this embodied tool to "talk" to each other, not with words, but with our whole beings. We will also explore the idea of power plants and their ancient connection to womanhood. Theatre of the Oppressed was created by Augusto Boal to be a tool of the people, in service of liberation and joy, and absolutely no theatre experience is necessary! Come ready to move and play.
all levels
We will explore basic drum rhythms and etiquette to facilitate a more playful and inclusive drum circle experience. Women and girls of all ages and levels are welcome to come drum. Dancers welcome too! Bring your drums, shakers, bells and playful spirits to weave a circle of magic that can carry over into the Sunday night ritual and fire circle. There will be a few extra drums to share. See you there!
all levels
Make a net bag from colored hemp twine for your water bottle using tools made from oak shoots & redwood. These bags are light and versatile and make it easy to carry your water bottle with you wherever you go. The knot used can also be applied to larger projects like carrying nets, fishing nets, etc…. Talk to Tamara if you would also like to make you own tools.
The nuts of the California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica) can be roasted into a delicious treat that is much like an espresso bean in its flavor and stimulating qualities, yet more like a course chocolate in its texture. These delicious nuggets can be carried around as is and used as a stimulating snack or they can be ground up to form a melted "truffle" which resembles fine chocolate. These "truffles" can be enhanced with other delicious flavors such as salt, maple sugar, honey, etc... which make most people say "I can't believe it's not chocolate!" As a group we will crack, sort & prepare these nuts into whatever confections we desire.
all levels
all levels
Crones
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.
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.
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.
Join us for a quiet honoring of the loss of an unborn child through miscarriage or abortion.
Young Women
Weaving the teachings of the Moondance, an ancient Aztec Mexica tradition, with practical magic, we will learn how to honor the natural cycles of menstruation. Together we will build an altar representing our wombs and we will learn how to catch our moon blood to offer it back to the Earth.
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.
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.
for Young Women, ages 12 to 20
In a political climate echoing with stories of ICE raids and cries of "me too," there is no hiding from young people the reality of conflict and oppression in our world. Instead, many movements for social change, like Standing Rock, have had young people leading the charge. Growing up in a time where the old way is crumbling, and new life is just beginning to sprout in the ashes, youth have a unique understanding and a powerful place in our movements. In this workshop, youth are invited to use theatre to share their visions and explore the hidden dynamics that shape our world. The youth themselves will decide what topics they want to focus on, whatever they feel is important in their lives today. We will start with warm up exercises that encourage participants to relax into their bodies, becoming playful and fluid. Then we will practice various games. Image theatre allows participants to embody particular emotions or themes in fluid, ever-changing statues. In forum theatre, participants can show moments of oppression, and rehearse possible futures, practicing for "real life." All of these games are designed to invite creativity, contemplation, and connection. Depending on the number of participants and duration of the workshop, participants might have a chance to create a piece to perform at the talent show. Theatre of the Oppressed was created by Augusto Boal to be a tool of the People, in service of liberation and joy, and absolutely no theatre experience is necessary! Come ready to move and play.
all levels
Mid Kids
Bring a mat or blanket and play around with fun yoga poses!
Mid Kids 6-11 years
Through the magic of fairies this class will have a focus on giving the children the rules and guidelines to care for themselves and others during the symposium. We will walk the perimeter of the gathering and introduce the children to the local dangers with guidelines (ie: poison oak!! let's steer clear...and to be at the river requires adult supervision!) We will be discovering and honoring some of the 13 alters placed about for the weekend. We will be collecting natural materials on our walk to make into Fairy Houses while we talk about what it means to be an ambassador of the land. Children under 7 must come with an adult. Adults welcome too!!! Please bring a basket or vessel to place natural materials in while we walk. At the end of the class, each of us will wear a special colored ribbon that signals to the other symposium sisters that you just may hold the answers she is looking for...like, where is the bathroom?
all levels
Let's play! We will spend our time together playing group games. You will also learn, and maybe teach us, some old hand clapping games.
Corn Husk dolls have been part of peoples' homes and hearths for centuries. Come make your own corn husk doll, which you can place on your altar or nature table or even play with. While we craft, we'll talk about the legends and stories that go with these dolls. Basic construction is with simple knots, younger children may attend with adult helper.
all levels
We will learn how wasps invented the first recipe for paper, how paper comes from trees and many other plants, and create new beautiful sheets of paper from our discards and plant material we collect. Painting with paper pulp will turn our new sheets of paper into works of art! All kids are welcome to come create, those under five years old please attend with an adult.
all ages welcome, under age 5 with a grown-up accompaniment
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.
all levels
Come get to know this abundant and generous herb a little better! We'll go into deep detail about our ally Dandelion and discuss the many uses she offers. This class will include a good reference handout so you don't forget all that you learn, and we will have a guided dandelion drawing and watercolor painting activity so that you'll have a beautiful dandelion poster to take away with you! Mamas and aunties always welcome!
Sometimes falling asleep is hard, or laying in the dark is scary. Sometimes STAYING asleep is difficult, or we have dreams that upset us... Herbs and magic are wonderful ways to make your sleep space extra special and yummy. In this class we'll talk all about ways to get better, sweeter sleep, including magical practices that help us rest. We'll also make dream-pillow sachets, a tea blend designed to help us sleep deeper and talk about other remedies that you can do and create at home to add a touch of sweetness to your sleepy time!
Young Children
Melita's music classes are engaging and interactive, integrating movement, puppets, and instrument play with original songs as well as traditional favorites. The classes are delightfully fun and age-appropriate for children age six or younger. Children need to be accompanied by a caregiver.
Early Morning Classes
Each morning we will focus in on inhabiting our larger energetic structure- our "Sacred Anatomy.” As we deepen our presence through the understanding of our energy structure, we will expand our capacity to sense the energies of plants. Communication with plants will happen through a process of self inquiry that will then extend to the plant/ person relationship. We will sense plants individually, then as a group, sharing our discoveries. Bring your curiosity and come ready to dive deep!
Other Classes
Intensives
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
In the first part of the class we will explore the Intentional Altars at the Symposium and then speak on what it is to build Intentional Altars. We will do herbal cleansing, guided meditations, offerings, sound therapy, herbal elixirs, and have many more magical experiences. In the Second part of the Intensive you will build an altar and then we will explore everyone’s Altared Sacred Places. Heidi looks forward to connecting with you all! May your days continue to open in Beauty, your hearts opening to love.