2008 Workshop & Intensive Listing
Note: Intensives are an additional $35. Be sure to Indicate your Intensive choice in 'Other Information'' box and add in fees when registering. Or complete Intensive Sign up Sheet and send along!
Dina Falconi is a practicing herbalist with a strong focus on food activism and nutritional healing. She is the author of Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair, owner of Falcon Formulations, a natural body care product business, co-creator of Earthly Extracts, a line of medicinal tinctures, and a founding member of the Northeast Herbal Association. She offers workshops and consultations throughout the Northeast. Dina is Chapter Leader of the Hudson Valley Weston A. Price Foundation, on the steering committee of Slow Food- Hudson Valley Convivium, and organizes the Family Farm Festival, a sustainable agriculture festival in High Falls, NY, held the Sunday after Labor Day.
Benevolent Weeds - This is a plant walk focusing on the medicinal and edible virtues of our local wild flora. Learn how they are used for food and healing as we look, touch, smell, taste and intuit our way into the plant kingdom.
Kitchen Cosmetics and Herbal Skin Care - A feast for the body and soul! Using all natural ingredients, Dina will share her favorite recipes and techniques for creating natural body care products. This is a hands-on demonstration so come prepared to have fun.
Kathleen Maier, AHG. PA has been a practicing herbalist for over twenty years. She was co-founder and Director of Dreamtime Center for Herbal Studies and has taught at nationally known herb schools and centers for the last ten years. Her studies of plant medicines began as a Peace Corp volunteer and have included the wisdom of Stephen Buhner, Rosemary Gladstar, Susun Weed, and Matthew Wood. Her training as a Physician's Assistant allows her to translate the language of medicine we know today and ground it in the wisdom of earth-centered practices known for millennia. She is very active locally with United Plant Savers and the restoration of native plants and the development of Urban Botanical Sanctuaries.
Endocrine System and Our Chakras -The more we learn about endocrine functioning, the more we realize that the whole body is actually this system. Hormones are messengers that communicate needs, thoughts, desires and impulses from within as well as from our environment. This class will look at the chakras and how they relate to hormones and the interconnectedness of these systems. We will look at thyroid dysregulation, diabetes, menopause and other issues with an energetic viewpoint.
Cholesterol - Getting to the Heart of the Matter - Many people today are faced with challenging questions about their cardiovascular health. The medicalization of our hearts is taking away our confidence in our ability to sustain our own health. This class looks at the myths of hypertension, high cholesterol and statin drugs. We will talk about cholesterol as our primary anti-oxidant for dealing with stress and look at the deep reaches stress plays in our world today.
Chris Marano is a clinical herbalist with a health & wellness practice in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. His practice and teachings take him throughout the U.S., Canada and the British Isles. He is founder of Clearpath School of Herbal Medicine, dedicated to the teaching of holistic health, herbalism, and Native wisdom; and also of Clearpath Herbals, offering health consultations and custom-blended, high-quality herbal preparations. He is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild and the Northeast Herbal Association, and his experience draws from Chinese, Native American and Western healing traditions. For more information regarding Chris's practice, classes and products visit his website at ClearpathHerbals.com.
Herbs with Bad Reputations and Big Medicine - Plants have evoked strong human passions for at least as long as written history. Herbs vilified by one culture are esteemed by another, find themselves in favor one generation and out the next. Our contemporary culture is no exception. This workshop shines a positive light on a few medicinal herbs that, for one reason or another, have found themselves on some group's "bad" list, whether they are considered invasive species; garden, lawn, or farm nuisances; or falsely accused of qualities or effects they do not possess. Although we will talk about many herbs that fall into this category, we will focus our attention on the medicinal value of herbs with bad reputations and big medicine that are found in the Northeast and on the grounds of Rowe Conference Center.
Geometry of Medicine: Fountains, Eddies, Sine Waves, Toruses, J-curves; Fractals - These are but a few shapes and movements that are discernible at every level of reality. From the sub-atomic microcosm to the intergalactic macrocosm, these patterns and flows reveal great wisdom that can be translated to every aspect of nature and human existence: from biochemical pathways and organ-system inter-workings, to patterns of health and illness, to family dynamics, national trends, the rise and fall of stock markets, sport's dynasties, and civilizations. This workshop focuses on a few of nature's rhythms and patterns that are everywhere around us, in order to help us better understand the workings of human physiology and psychology, the energetics of plant medicines, and more. This class is valuable for the layperson and practitioner alike.
Brigitte Mars is an herbalist and nutritional consultant with over thirty six years experience. She is the author of Beauty by Nature, Rawsome!, Sex, Love and Health, Addiction Free Naturally, Healing Herbal Teas, The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, and co-author of The Hemp Nut Health and Cookbook. Brigitte has had a radio show on KGNU called Naturally for over twenty years. She is a professional member of The American Herbalist Guild. Ms. Mars teaches at Naropa University, Boulder College of Massage, Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, and Kripalu. Brigitte has been happily married for thirty years, to human design analyst, Tom Pfeiffer with whom she teaches raw food workshops. Visit her website for more information www.BrigitteMars.com
Ten Reasons to go Raw - Are you tired of feeling cooked, fried, burnt and toasted? Want to feel more fresh, alive and vital? Come explore the rawvolution that can make a difference in your life, health and wealth of the planet. We will also prepare a couple of simple raw recipes.
Sacred Psychoactives - The quest for altered stated of consciousness is universal. What are these plants and substances? How do they affect us? How can they be used safely? And how can one help ensure that a psychedelic experience will be an evolutionary positive transition that can be integrated into our daily lives?
Amanda McQuade Crawford is an herbalist encouraged by recent success foraging for signs of life in Los Angeles, California. After many years of gardening and private practice in Beverly Hills and Ojai, California, Amanda traveled to New Zealand on sabbatical before returning to her native southern California. She earned her degree in Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine) from Britain's College of Phytotherapy (Phyto, Greek for "plant"), and a BA in Medieval History from Vassar College. Amanda has studied healing with nature around the world, learning from plants, ayahuasqueros, and curanderas, as well as physicians at home and abroad. She teaches in hospitals, medical schools, and in open meadows. The author of two popular books on women's health, The Herbal Menopause Book and Herbal Remedies for Women, she contributed to two recent books on natural medicine, The New Menopause Book, edited by Taliaferri et al, and the text, Traditional Medicines for Modern Times: Antidiabetic Plants, edited by Amala Soumyanath, CRC Press. Her most recent adventure has been as the host of "What A Relief," a TV series on the Veria cable network that is dedicated to holistic health, on DISH.
"Gaiacology" - Natural Treatments for Women's Health - The earth is a powerful healer. Many women's complaints can be treated with the poetry of tea, fragrance of flower, and nurturing root. PMS, irregular cycles, vaginal infections, and menopause will be covered.
Herbal medicine and Food Allergies - Humans are highly adaptive omnivores (like raccons), with a wider variety of healthy eating patterns than most animal species. But we are often addicted to foods that cause allergic responses. What do you eat every day that may be making you feel less than your best? Herbal solutions exist.
INTENSIVE - Longevity: Health and Well-being through the Ages - The longer we walk this earth we may find greater inner peace and achieve our purpose in life. But we are also exposed to increased challenges to our health, from worry to xenobiotics. Biological age is measured by the clock that makes one 60 year old look ancient and another 80 year old seem vibrant. That biological clock counts not minutes and years but life force. Come join me as we outline the issues with aging today, plus the ways you can live longer and live well. Or minimize your client's risk for dementia. Longevity is suddenly a big topic because 77 Million people in North America are approaching retirement. The market for anti-aging products is huge - $20 billion in North America annually. If we count cosmetics and medical spa treatments, the longevity industry might be worth $60 billion a year. But longevity to a healer is not about looks. People are looking for continued well-being, and independence. In this intensive, we will explain new research on "anti-aging" hormones that we all need to understand. We'll cover which herbs might be better to nourish naturally vibrant hormone production as we age. Since detoxification has everything to do with longevity, gentle "purifying" herbs take their place alongside ginseng and ginkgo. At the end of this intensive you will know a small repertory of a dozen herbs, foods, and a few possible supplements to prepare, prevent, and pretty much live as you like.
Pam Montgomery received training from Empire State College in Alternative Health Education. She is the originator of Green Terrestrial Herbal Products of Vermont and was one of the founding members of the Northeast Herbal Association where she served as their president for four years. For a decade, Pam was on the Executive Council of the Board of Directors of United Plant Savers, an organization dedicated to preservation of our native medicinal plants. Pam has been organizing the Green Nations Gathering for the past twenty years and has presented the Spirit Healing Conference and the Healing With Flowers Conference. She teaches workshops internationally on herbal medicine, Plant Spirit Healing, and spiritual ecology. Pam is the author of Plant Spirit Healing; A Guide to Working with Plant Consciousness published by Bear & Co., Partner Earth; A Spiritual Ecology and a contributing author in Planting the Future. Pam is an herbal and plant spirit healing practitioner who offers consultations, treatments and an apprentice program from her home at Sweetwater Sanctuary in Danby, Vermont. She may be contacted at www.partnereartheducationcenter.com.
Plant Communications - Indigenous peoples have known for eons that humans are of the Earth and it is our birthright to communicate with plants. Science is now corroborating what Earth peoples have known all along - that there is common ground between plants and people. Once we learn the common language we realize that plants not only are highly effective communicators but they can guide us in the raising of our consciousness which is imperative for humans during these times. Join us in experiencing where plants and people meet in common union/communion.
Plant Spirit Healing - There is a great plague amongst which is the single most devastating crisis humanity faces. This plague is that of spiritual malnourishment and is at the root of environmental degradation, deteriorating health, massive consumerism, social injustice and wanton war. It is imperative during these times that we evolve spiritually and raise our consciousness so that we are a part of the Earth instead of a consumer of the Earth. Without the recognition of the spiritual aspect of our ecology we are like a tree without roots, a story without origin, a wave without motion or a heart without soul that continually longs for that which gives life. Plants have always preceded their animal counterparts in evolution and one more time plants are guiding us in our spiritual evolution. Join us to learn of the sentient nature of plants and their tremendous capacity to bring healing directly to our spirits, re-informing discordant energy and aligning us with our true nature.
7Song has been studying, teaching and practicing herbal medicine for over 25 years. He has studied with many teachers including a long stint with Michael Moore in Arizona. He is Director and main instructor of the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine which he began in 1992 in his adopted hometown of Ithaca, NY. He currently practices as an herbalist and is Director of Holistic Medicine at the Ithaca Free Clinic, which combines his passion for herbal medicine, medical activism and affordable health care at this mixed modality clinic. He can often be found with a technical botanical guide in one hand, and a camera in the other, taking photos to put up on his website, www.7song.com, while wildcrafting plants in various ecosystems around the US.
Plant Identification Walk with Medicinal Uses - This plant walk will focus on the identification of local plants. 7Song will be pointing out the specific characteristics of each plant and how they can be used for proper identification. Plant family characteristics will be highlighted. Medicinal uses, stories and anecdotes will also be peppered throughout this walk.
Botanical First Aid - This class amongst the local flora and those not present will focus on first aid and other medicinal uses of plants. Also covered will be how to best prepare them as medicine, ethical wildcrafting techniques and many stories from the past-use archives.
Susun Weed, green witch and wise woman, is an extraordinary teacher with a joyous spirit, a powerful presence, and an encyclopedic knowledge of herbs and health. She is the voice of the Wise Woman Way, where common weeds, simple ceremony, and compassionate listening support and nourish health/wholeness/holiness. She has opened hearts to the magic and medicine of the green nations for three decades. Ms. Weed's four herbal medicine books focus on women's health topics including: menopause, childbearing, and breast health. Visit her site www.susunweed.com for information on her workshops, apprenticeships, correspondence courses and more!
Fabulous Fun with Plant Families - Why did a lynch mob form in front of Linnaeus's house when he classified plants? Because he claimed that plants have sex! Join me for a rowdy romp through the sex lives of plants. We'll review a bit of botany and learn the main characteristics of several important plant families. Then -- weather permitting -- we'll go outside and test our skills on the flowering plants around us. Learning herbal medicine through the lens of plant families is one of the most satisfying and effective ways I know to deepen and expand your knowledge.
Elements of Herbalism - Harvesting Folkloric information rarely discloses one of the most important aspects of successful herbal medicines: the best time -- of the day and of the year -- to harvest the plant we want to use. In this class we will look at general guidelines for harvesting the roots, barks, leaves, seeds, and flowers of annuals, biennials, and perennials. We will discuss wildcrafting; and determine best ways to sustainably harvest. We will correlate harvesting with specific uses and preparations. Time, permitting, we will also look at specific herbs and their optimal harvesting circumstances.
INTENSIVE - Spirit and Practice of the Wise Woman Tradition - (including three traditions, seven medicines, and nourishing herbal infusions) If optimum nourishment, enduring energy, freedom from pain and chronic problems, and a healthy long life are your goals, this fascinating and informative intensive is for you. You'll learn about the three traditions of healing -- Scientific, Heroic, and Wise Woman -- and how to use them to your best advantage. You'll be introduced to the oldest form of health care on the planet, a dramatically different way to approach health and healing, the Wise Woman Way. Then, after a short break, you'll find yourself immersed in the Seven Medicines -- Serenity Medicine, Story Medicine, Energy Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Pharmaceutical Medicine, and Hi-Tech Medicine. From the shaman's playground to high-tech diagnosis, you'll discover how easy it can be to choose the simplest, safest remedies for your problems. And, as a bonus, Susun will tell you which inexpensive, tasty, and highly-effective herbs can be used to prevent and reverse osteoporosis, replace all the supplements you currently take, counter gum disease and indigestion, improve the health of your hair and skin, and liven up your sex life. Susun's stories, songs, and mind-altering facts will change your health, and your life!
Healthy Heart - Traditional Southern medicine measures thick and thin blood, high and low blood, fast and slow blood, and other factors that overlap or differ from conventional medicine. This simple folk medical evaluative system can help anyone understand and monitor the background conditions of the blood and vascular system which influence the heart. Plus, we'll look at lots of traditional remedies for the blood, circulation, and heart.
Doctrine of Signatures: Intuitive Herb Practice - For years I have been teaching the doctrine of signatures as a basis for the wise use of medicinal plants. In this class we will study the basic signatures used to understand plant medicine: shape, color, habitat, smell, taste, etc. We will study many plants in this light. In closing, we will discuss the implications of the use of the intuition, which Rudolf Steiner called a "spiritual path." This will be further discussed in our workshop.
INTENSIVE - Language of Nature: Plant and Animal Medicines - This is the advanced level of the doctrine of signatures. Not only do plants look like organs and diseases, but they resemble and are used by animals. This more potent level of the doctrine yields the 'spirit signature' which uncovers deeper, powerful relationships within the organism. This is, to my knowledge, the most profound and natural way of classifying and understanding the spiritual and deep nature of medicine plants. The animals we will study will include Wolf (cinquefoil, solomon's seal, medicine lodge root), Turtle (gravel root), Elk (vervain, thistle, teasel), Deer (monarda, cleavers), Rabbit (rabbit tobacco, nettles, bittersweet vine), Bear winter (angelica, spikenard, sunflower), Bear summer (berries and fruits), Badger (yellow dock root, goldenseal), Underwater Panther (white water lily, solomon's seal), Panther (valerian, viburnum), Snake (plantain, rattlesnake master, snakeroot).
Matthew Wood has been a practicing herbalist since 1982. In a period when many authors and lecturers are merely "arm chair herbalists" who offer theories and opinions based on book learning, and others have turned to the exotic traditions of India or China, he has been an active practitioner of traditional Western herbalism. He has helped tens of thousands of clients over the years, with many difficult health problems. While Matthew believes in the virtue of many other healing modalities, he has always been inspired to learn, preserve, and practice the tradition of herbal medicine descending to us from our European, Anglo-American, and Native American heritage. He is a member of the American Herbalists Guild (registered herbalist) and has earned his Masters of Science degree from the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine (accredited by the University of Wales).
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