1. A Look into the Evolution of Essential Oils, part 1 intermediate
Essential oils, characterized by their volatile nature and concentrated aromas, evolved within plants as they rooted their way out of water and onto land. However fleeting their aromas may be, essential oils are the blueprints of plants. They communicate the so-called DNA of the plant as they dance through the air, tempting insects and humans alike with their provocative story-telling aromas. Explore the law of conservation in nature as we touch upon light plant chemistry. What a wonder it is that a plant, an insect and a woman produce aromas composed of the same aromatic molecules! Take a journey through the last 500 million years to unravel the mysteries, which weave the worlds of botany, insects and human beings into one amazing web of aromatic life.
2. A Look into the Evolution of Essential Oils, part 2 intermediate
We will continue, see part 1 for full description.
3. Chemistry and Alchemy of Essential Oils, part 1 intermediate
Explore the unique molecules responsible for the aromas, flavors and characteristics of essential oils. By understanding fundamental concepts of chemistry and specific molecules relevant to essential oils, we empower ourselves to use essential oils most effectively. Train your nose by recognizing common aromas within each chemical functional group family. Learn how to build a balanced aromatherapy pharmacopoeia, beginning with only 12 essential oils. Discover that you can use cost-effective Lemongrass to achieve similar antiviral or sedative effects as precious liquid gold Melissa. Empower yourself to select essential oils according to your values.
4. Chemistry and Alchemy of Essential Oils, part 2 intermediate
We will continue, see part 1 for full description.
1. Beginning Herbal Medicine Making, The Old Hags' Way, part 1 beginning
It is simple and empowering to make your own mdeicine. We will cover how to make medicinal teas, tinctures, glycerites, infused oils, salves, and more.
2. Beginning Herbal Medicine Making, The Old Hags' Way, part 2 beginning
We will continue. See part 1 for full description.
3. Making Potent Medicine, The Next Step: Using Solvents and Techniques Effectively intermediate/advanced
Are your medicine making techniques yielding the results that you want? We will discuss which solvents and techniques are most effective for extracting which plant constituents. Come join us as Karen and Terri discuss what they love the most (besides NCWHS, of course), making herbal medicine, and gain from their 15+ years of making potent medicines. This class is for the experienced medicine maker.
1. The Ancient Tsalagi Dance of Life: A Moving Meditation of Seven Points and Nine Rounds of Balancing and Empowerment all levels
Attunement for Mind, Body and Spirit
Ancient Native American moving meditation embodying the power of the Four Directions, Mother Earth and Father Sky, “Giving and Receiving in Right Relation.” This practice is similar to Tai Chi and Chi Qong. It is seven points of Balancing and Empowerment. Takes one hour of continuous movement in slow motion. This remarkable experience comes from the ancient tradition of the Etowa Band of the Tsalagi/Cherokee. Released to the world by Dhyanni Ywahoo (Voice of the Ancestors-Shambala Press) as part of a prophecy that concerns us all. Wear very loose flexible clothing.
2. The Kitchen Witch’s Romp Through the Pantry or What an Herbalist Can Do When the Weather Is Too Rainy To Go Outside
all levels
It's all there in your fridge and cupboards! Life saving treatments, first aid wonders, and a grand assortment of hair and skin conditioners and divine beauty aids. Bring pen and paper and be prepared to learn and share what our Great GrandMothers always knew. This class promises to be a Good Brew!
1. Music is the Medicine: Songs to Sing for Ritual Occasions, Life Blessings, Healing and Everyday Life open to everyone
Feel your energy and vitality rise singing together with other women in a song circle. Need a song for that special moment? Lots of times when I am in circle and someone is speaking, a song runs through my mind that is totally related to the moment. In this workshop we will learn several songs to be used for all occasions. We will experiment with recording the class in preparation for a more polished recording of "Music is the Medicine: Part Two."
2. Share-A-Song-Circle: An Opportunity to Share an Original or Collected HeartSong open to everyone
Feeling shy about playing or singing in front of a group? Have a song you would like to share? Join us in this circle and take the opportunity to sing your heart out in a safe, loving supportive environment. Bring your guitar or just your voice, teach or just share.
Come and learn new songs from your sisters. You can choose to have your song recorded—or not. CD's of the session will be available for purchase within a couple of weeks of the class—if not by the end of the weekend.
3. Music is the Medicine, Part Two: A Recording Session
open to everyone
We will gather together and sing many of the songs that we sang in the first session and perhaps some others. We will record the session and CD's will be made available for a small cost to participants within a few weeks after the Symposium by mail. You will end up with a "pocket full of songs" to sing for all occasions.
1. The Original Material Girl: Making Cloth from the Natural World beginning
Overview of natural textiles and an introduction to spinning wool on a drop spindle. Connect with an ancient wealth created and guarded by women since the first cloth was made, and walk away with your own drop spindle and the knowledge to begin this mediative, practical art, that could be called an artistic meditation practice.
2. Needle Felting Wool beginning
Needlefelting is one of those very rare new textile arts that can revolutionize your crafting world! With needle felting, we use a very sharp metal needle to felt wool together into almost any shape you can imagine, or to add accents to wool sweaters, blankets, bags, etc. In this class we will learn the basics of needle felting, and will create a decorative egg, ball, or small creature.
3. Nutritive Herbs for Motherhood beginning
Many women come to herbs to help in readying their womb, carry a child, birthing and then breastfeeding. There are any simple nutritive herbs that can enrich all of these steps. There are also some to avoid. This class will go over what herbs can help, which would hinder, and how to prepare them and fit them into your life at this time of great change.
1. INTENSIVE: Starting Your Medicinal Herb Garden from Seed, Divisions and Cuttings all levels
This intensive class will allow for an in-depth exploration into the propagation of herbs from seed, division, and cuttings using several herbs as examples and ranging from easier to grow plants to some of the more difficult. Many of the common stumbling blocks will be addressed as I share a variety of tried and true methods for growing your own medicine successfully.
This class will be an intensive in order to provide plenty of time to cover a wide range of subjects including seed sources, potting soils specific to certain herbs, propagation techniques along with some hands on experience with some live plants and time for question and answer. I encourage both beginner gardeners and more experienced gardeners to take this class and I believe both groups will find new ideas and information to help them in their herb gardening adventures.
2. There’s Always Room For An Herb Garden all levels
This class seeks to empower everyone , no matter where they live, to start growing some of their own medicinals. A new way of using medicinal herbs in the landscape, this class will stray from the more typical “Herb Garden” model and offer numerous ways herbs can be incorporated into your landscape from the larger homestead to the balcony in the city and everything in between. We will also discuss the value and importance of landscaping with medicinal herbs for increasing pollinators and the relationship which develops between the herbs and those growing and tending them. This is all so that you will leave this class feeling inspired and excited to start your own medicine garden wherever you might be.
1. Beginning and Intermediate Botany for Mid-Kids and Adults beginning/intermediate
Scientists study life by cutting it apart into pieces. Life can only function as a whole, but science has to divide that wholeness into pieces to look at it. This dividing and classifying of the parts is called taxonomy.
Look at the Black Oak Plant List at the end of the Proceedings Book. Do you recognize any of your green allies? How do you identify them? Do you have a favorite plant family? Let’s talk about them.
1. INTENSIVE: Her Sacred Yoni all levels
Let’s create sacred space and journey to the center, to our yoni-verse, our sacred wombspace. In this class we will discuss herbs to encourage a healthy moon cycle, increase fertility, decrease fertility, end pregnancy, support pregnancy, and support an easeful cessation of menses. We will use a speculum to find our own cervix, collect plants and experience a yoni steam, chant, dance and build altars to the beauty and power of our sacred yoni’s. All women in all stages of life are welcome.
2. Red Temple Moonlodge all levels
Part the veils and enter the Red Temple Moonlodge. In this ceremony we chant, dance, pass the talking stick, and learn how to create moonlodge in our home communities. All women in all stages of life are welcome.
1. TBA
1. String of Songs—Exploring the Relationship Between Drumming and Singing at the Same Time! all levels
In this class we will explore the connection between voice and hands while singing many well known and some new circle songs and drumming! We will also explore harmonies, complementary rhythms, and listening as time allows. Beginners are encouraged to attend.
1. Energetic Case Studies, part 1 advanced
In this class, we will go over case studies and look at them from an energetic approach. We will look at energetics to approach illness and create a formula. We will be looking at challenging and entrenched conditions also. Participants are encouraged to bring cases they have that they would like to go over. Please make at least 10 copies to pass around.
2. Energetic Case Studies, part 2 advanced
We will continue. See part 1 for full description.
3. Herbs For Changing Energy all levels
We will look at different types of out of balance energies and also healthy energy and go over plants that will assist in creating healthy energy flows.
4. Where Does Illness Start? all levels
In this class we will be looking at illness/out of balance from a south-eastern native american perspective. Where does illness come from, how does it start? Where does illness house itself in our bodies (at all levels) and how do we create balance once again?
1. ‘At-Risk’ Medicinal Plants and Sustainable Wildcrafting beginning
Get updated information about research from United Plan Savers and the International Research Group for the Conservation of Medicinal Plants on “at-risk” medicinal plants. We will learn to identify herbs from live plants and photos of leaves, roots, and flowers. We will discuss techniques for sustainable wildcrafting, alternative herbs that can be used in place of “at risk” herbs, and resources for growing organic medicinal plants.
2. Herbal Medicine for First Aid, part 1 beginning
Join herbalist Cara Saunders, founder of Bear Wallow Herbs, to explore California native plants and locally abundant weeds that can be used as first aid remedies to heal cuts, bruises, sprains, burns, stings, colds, flu, infections, headaches, insomnia, and many more common illnesses and injuries. You will learn how to identify seven different plants that can be used in first aid situations. You will learn how you can use these herbs prepared as organic tinctures and salves or fresh from your garden or in the wild. We will read first aid scenarios and practice using the herbs that we learned about. Herbal medicine first aid is essential for communities that want to live a sustainable/green lifestyle and be prepared to take care of each other in disasters or emergencies.
3. Herbal Medicine for First Aid, part 2 beginning
1. All Stressed Out, part 1 beginning
Using holistic medicine to calm our body and mind. We’ll talk about supplements and herbs, exercises and acupressure points to manage stress.
2. All Stressed Out, part 2 beginning
We will continue. See part 1 for full description.
3. Too Tired and/or Poor Sleep?, part 1 beginning
We’ll look at how to improve energy and sleep quality using herbs, food and acupressure points.
4. Too Tired and/or Poor Sleep?, part 2 beginning
We will continue. See part 1 for full description.
1. Chinese Medicinal Food Therapy, part 1 all levels
Basics of Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) Theory. Application of TCM to Food Therapy (body constitution and the 5 tastes, nature and action of foods and herbs, seasonal rebalancing),combining herbs and foods, foods/recipes for wellness, foods/recipes for illness.
2. Chinese Medicinal Food Therapy, part 2 all levels
We will continue
3. Dang gui (Radix Angelica sinensis) all levels
History of use in Chinese Medicine. Assessing quality of sample (examples of varying quality provided for evaluation), forms in which dang gui is used, actions and indications (and contraindications) for contemporary use, herbal combinations (Dang gui should not be used alone as a single herb remedy), therapeutic food recipes using Dang Gui.
Garden Materia Medica: Join Christa for four classes in the Insta-Garden. We will cover the medicinal and clinical uses of a number of herbs we find there. The four classes will be broken down according to organ systems, including the digestive system, the nervous system, the reproductive system, and the respiratory system. Students attending these classes are expected to know therapeutic herbal terminology and basic physiology.
1. Garden Materia Medica, part 1: Respiratory System intermediate
2. Garden Materia Medica, part 2: Digestive System intermediate
3. Garden Materia Medica, part 3: Immune System intermediate
4. Garden Materia Medica, part 4: Nervous System intermediate
1. INTENSIVE: Introduction to the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) Diet: For Digestive and Mental Wellness beginning/intermediate
The Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet heals the gut dysbiosis that leads to many behavioral and mental health difficulties, including autism, sensory processing difficulties, ADD/ADHD, depression, OCD, bipolar, and alcoholism as well as many digestive disorders: colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's and others. Learn how to achieve wellness, clarity, and balance in yourself and your children without drugs. The GAPS diet involves thoroughly eliminating all sources of simple carbohydrates; it is based on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), which was outlined in Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gotschall. Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride developed the GAPS protocol, adding to SCD important detoxing and supplement protocols. We'll discuss the digestive-mental health link, gut dysbiosis, what to eat/not to eat, food preparation, detoxing protocols, recommended supplements, traveling while on GAPS, and strategies for doing GAPS while still meeting other needs. My family has been on GAPS for 15 months.
2. Homemade Fermented Foods beginning
Making your own fermented probiotic foods is a straightforward part of a healthy kitchen and an important part of a healthy diet. We will discuss the making and benefits of many ferments, including beverages (beet kvass and others), yogurt and kefir, and fermented vegetables (kraut and others). We will produce beet kvass Friday that will be ready to drink by Sunday. And we'll talk about how probiotic foods aid in the body's natural detox process and what equipment is useful.
1. I am the Drum: Medicine for the Soul all levels
Open to all levels, all styles, all ages welcome to use our drums or bring yours.
For Millennia, as a species we have relied upon on the great tree and animal beings for vibrational medicines accompanied by animism and naturopathy. The drum has been instrumental in awakening and activating our primal voices and to traversing time-space continuum, led by devoted shamans who understood how these medicines worked together.
In this workshop, we have that same opportunity to set intention and actually re-align our body temples, and our home/work/garden sanctuaries in addition to creating vibrational forces in our environment that sustains transformational forces similar to our ocean body.
Join us for exciting play of discovering our inner rhythmic vibrations. Dedicate specific intentions while drumming ancient rhythms that have been sustaining forces in our universe.
Afia will share aspects of her 20-year comprehensive journey of drumming, naturopathy, and animism, which has served as vehicles for her own healing along with the support of many wonderful women allies, and a deep ancestral connection to Oracle/Goddess Ma Ajuba (means miracle). Ajuba represents elemental beings revered across the planet as Mountain Mama who nurtures her planetary offspring with fierce humility and deep-hearted love.
A few drummers will be invited to join in the creation of a riveting drumming orchestra that will accompany two dance classes!
1. Herbal Magick: Lore, Astrology and Deity all levels
Herbs have a soul energy that has been tapped into by every society on every continent throughout all of time. In each herb lives a sentient being that has intelligence as well as a story or lore that reveals as much about how the herb can be used as it does about the culture that created the herb’s mythos. Additionally most herbs have an association with astrological signs and Gods and Goddesses that augments the herb’s healing and magickal potential. In this class, we will delve into the mystery and practical applications of thirteen herbs and their lore as well as corresponding planetary and deity associations. By tapping into the herb’s pulsing life, we become part of the green magick that expands the positive energy and vitality of the earth itself, which in turn increases the health of all life.
1. World Beat African Dance, 1 all levels
"If you can talk, you can sing, if you can walk you can dance." Zimbabwe saying. Heed the call of the drums and come celebrate life & create healing through dance. Experience the transformational healing energy of harmonizing movements to live drumming. Dances will summon the energy of the world around us into our bodies for connection and healing.
2. World Beat African Dance, 2 all levels
"If you can talk, you can sing, if you can walk you can dance." Zimbabwe saying. Heed the call of the drums and come celebrate life & create healing through dance. Experience the transformational healing energy of harmonizing movements to live drumming. Dances will summon the energy of the world around us into our bodies for connection and healing.
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.
1. Mandala Sand Painting for Young Women
young women ages 12-19
We will make our own mandala sand paintings using images of simple mandalas and colored sand, while we listen to stories from both Tibeten Buddhism and the Hopi tradition that speak to using imagery to center ourselves and meditate.
Dragonthyme 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.
Herbal Magick For Young Women
This class will show how to use herbs to help create a life of your choosing, specifically for young women needs. We'll address topics such as apathy, self-esteem, releasing the trickster, or finding peace, information found in Jamie’s book: The Teen Spell Book: Magick for Young Witches. This class will be a fun way to explore the relationship between the seasons, herbs, directions, colors, intention, totem animals, elemental energy, and symbols. We'll learn how to work with the magick to make our dreams come true. We'll meet the fae energy of the herbs and deepen our relationship with all things, particularly Mother Earth. In Earth spirituality, nature is our teacher and our guide. Come play!!
1. Making Puppets & A Puppet Show mid-kids ages 7-11
We will make puppets and work out a puppet show.
2. New Games & Drama Games mid-kids ages 7-11
We will have some fun, get to know each other, and learn about inclusion through movement, games, drama and art.
3. Poetry Writing mid-kids ages 7-11
Poetry writing turned talent show- we will write poetry and act it out for the talent show. We will also write down and decorate our poetry with beautiful things.
1. Herbal Memory Game for Mid-Kids mid-kids, ages 6-12
Children will learn about 10 common herbs and some of the ways each is frequently used as medicine. After introducing one plant I will give the children two cards with a black and white image of that plant on it plus its name, then allow them to color them in. they will meet all 10 plants and color all 20 cards, ending up with a deck to go home with. Then we will find partners and play the game together.
2. Make a Magic Wand mid-kids, ages 8-11
Everyone will receive a stick with a crystal point at the end. We will embellish our wands with ribbons, flowers, feathers, bells, paint, and little gems.
3. Shamanic Journey to a Plant Spirit mid-kids, ages 8-11
We will learn how we can get to know plants as friends and learn about some of the personal gifts their spirit selves have to share with us. We will go on a spirit journey to meet a plant spirit, and listen for a teaching that the plant wants us to know. Then we will get to draw our plant experience on paper and write the message that we received below. Then we will share these messages.
Botany Just for Mid-Kids! mid-kids, ages 8-11
Botany is the scientific study of plants. Plants are so important to people because that is how we absorb sun energy. Sun Energy is the main energy that we use to live and move. The sun shines around the world, and the language that is used around the world for plant names is Latin. Using one language, Latin, makes it easier to communicate about plants with people in other places. Look at the Black Oak Plant List at the end of the Proceedings Book. Do you recognize any of your green allies? How do you identify them? Do you have a favorite plant family?
Let’s draw some plants and talk about them.
