The flow of blood is the flow of life. We will explore the mythic and magical dimensions of our blood, and of the herbs that help bring life to the blood.
Human minds translate our emotional experiences into physical sensations that mirror what we our experiencing — we feel sick to our stomachs when we encounter something we find morally revolting, we gasp in the presence of beauty, we feel ourselves cool down when anger subsides. As herbalists, understanding how our bodies experience metaphor can guide us in our practice. In this class, we will explore that poetry of healing.
Holy wells and sacred springs have played a role in healing traditions around the world throughout human history. We will explore the blessings, the mysteries, and the spiritual ecology of these wild waters rising from below.
Cortisol is a hormone that regulates our metabolism and stress response. In times when most of us are under constant stress, chronically elevated cortisol levels contribute to physical, mental, and emotional imbalances in our own bodies and in the body politic. We will explore the roles cortisol plays in our lives and discuss herbs that can support our bodies in bringing this hormone into balance.
"If you don't know the kind of person I am / and I don't know the kind of person you are / a pattern that others made may prevail in the world / and following the wrong god home we may miss our star." -William Stafford
In our own healing and in our work with others, it is easy to get led astray by others' ideas of who and how we should be. In this class, we will explore what healing looks like when we let ourselves be curious about the unique nature of each being and the ways such an approach redefines order and disorder, disease and health.
In troubled times grief, anger, fear, and despair can overwhelm us. Our plant kin can help us navigate these emotions so we can better show up in the ways these times require of us. Learn about some of the allies available to help us right now.
Research into the ways psilocybin helps people navigate and heal from depression has taught us a great deal about depression itself. We will discuss this research and also how to balance this scientific knowledge with respect for the living intelligence of both people and mushrooms.
In the season of the ancient Irish fire festival of Imbolc, we will explore the myth, magic, and mystery of sacred flames – and how to work with the element of fire in our own lives, even in a burning world.
