2020 Year of Both And
It's been a while, please forgive me. I did not mean to disappear, at first things were changing so fast, What seemed relevant to share one day seemed insensitive or simply not useful the next. As the days became months I started to get quiet, taking in the world around me, studying the effect of the news on people, studying my friends, studying myself, studying peoples resilience, observing the "shit show that 2020, turned into" taking it all in, and getting quiet enough to hear my guides again. And while quiet I began to assess my work both professionally and personally. I am now ready to emerge again. For the past two decades I have run Blazing Star Herbal School alone, and for the past 17 years I am been a single mother, it's been exhausting, exhilarating, hectic and non-stop. I had reached my limit and needed a break! Ironically the last book I ordered from my local library in Feb was "Chasing Slow" by the time I finally picked up in July (when the library re-opened) life had changed so dramatically (foreshadowing perhaps) You could say life stalled.
I begun quarantine enthusiastically taking advantage of the pause, cleaning my house, catching up on some books, thinking I had two weeks until life resumed. When two weeks became four, I decided to paint my home, and do some projects no-one has time for, such as sanding the butchers block etc, . . .then I went through all my belongings, weeding out what I no longer need, use of bring me joy!, when that was done and piled high in the basement! I then I went on a quest to find some good fitting jeans (ordered lots of pairs and returned lots- and the irony of good fitting during a pandemic where baking has become key to survival). It was about now that I realized this was a long term "pause" and I had to pace myself so I began to go on long walks, sometimes with friends sometimes solo and explore the surrounding area, photographing things that inspire me, engaging my sense of curiosity and wonder. As I wandered deeper and deeper into the woods old parts of me returned, parts that gotten lost after parenting for so long. Remembering what brings me joy, what inspires me to create, I begun to explore plant eco printing, anthotyping and cyanotyping (alternative photographic methods) and couldn't stop. Yes -there were many days when I was frustrated with myself for not finishing my book, not creating more content, not putting out a covid care protocol, not doing enough, not sharing enough not being enough, how dare I rest! I kept hearing loud and clear! that it was time to listen time to be quiet. Time to plant seeds and dream. I feel strongly that it is time for us to create the world we want to live in. (I know my apprentices are tired of hearing me say this!) In order to do this we all need to show up be part of the process and be willing to do the work. We need everyone's skill set, there is a role for everyone. Growing community is the way forward, we all need to feel connected on many levels, to each other, to animals, to plants, to elements and to the planet. My first offering of 2021 is an updated " The Art and Revolution of Self Care" beginning on Imbolc also known as St Brigid's day, Feb 1st. See below for more info. I will be offering both the Beginner/Intermediate Apprenticeship (Tuesdays beginning in April) and the Therapeutic Herbalist Apprenticeship (Thursdays beginning in May). There are a few other programs in the works which I will introduce in the next next newsletter the Ceremonial Plant Healing Apprenticeship, Plant Immersions and more Personalized 12 month protocol coaching!
If you have an herbal product or a book that you would like to be reviewed in the coming months please send it my way! Also feel free to reach out and let me know if there is a particular class you are hoping for or an herbal announcement to be made. Like with all small businesses it really helps us if you all register well in advance for classes and events so that we can better plan and accommodate everyone.
Begins Monday February 1st 2021
The Art and Revolution of Self-Care, month long program an opportunity to reset, gather and grow, re-commit to some old habits, learn some new ones and practice them until they feel like old friends!
I began working on this program back in 2015 and first released it as "30 ways to say thank you" it eventually evolved into the first edition of this program and has continued to evolve into the 2021 edition. It now includes a one on one intro consult (phone) and a group celebration (zoom) at the end of the month as well and the return of the secret FB group for additional connection, support and inspiration through the month.
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Together we will define Self Care and its importance.
Discus why it is "revolutionary"
Create a culture, community and Practice of Self care
Explore Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Wellbeing
Be Intentional, Be Strong together
Create Ceremony and Prayer
Integrate and Inspire
Commit and Reward
Be in Gratitude
and Love
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To learn more about the program follow the here
Join the Self - Care Revolution!
Our Solstice Evergreen Labyrinth Ritual led by Devon Whitney for the apprentices of 2020!
For the past 5 years "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific knowledge and the Teaching of plants" by Robin Wall Kimmerer has been the pre-requisite reading to all my classes This year I am adding a new book to the list "See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love" by Valerie Kaur, which I listened to when it came out this summer and was so moved by it. I heard today that it was the inspiration behind Ani DiFranco's new album "Revolutionary Love"( I think I am going to get myself one of Ani's Revolutionary Love t-shirts!)
You can here her talking about how the book inspired her here.
The book is also super compatible with "HeartMath" by Doc Chidre which plays an important role in the apprenticeship.
Join us as we celebrate 21 years!
Become part of the 21th apprentice group!
Immerse your heart & soul in the exhilarating world of herbs! Beginner/Intermediate Apprenticeship 2021
Topics covered:
Traditions of Healing:
Shamanism, Indigenous Healing, Traditional Medicine, Wise Woman Tradition, Science, The Witch
Herbal Allies:
How we communicate with plants, Plant Meditation, Doctrine of Signatures
Nourishment:
Food and Nutrition, Self Nourishment and Understanding, Seasonal Medicine
Herbal Energetics:
Tastes, Vitalism, Energetics of Disease, Chakras
Tools of the Trade:
Books, Tools, Organizations, Resources, Understanding Herbal Actions,
Medicine Making:
Water Based, Oil Based, Spirit Based, Honey Based, Vinegar Based
Materia Medica:
Profiles of 64 Western Herbs, 10 Chinese Herbs, 10 Ayuervedic Herbs Sea Weeds, Mushrooms
Herb Gardening:
Growing from Seeds, Propegating, Seeds Saving, Optimal Harvest Times, Design, Gardening by the Moon
Botanical Art:
Photography, Drawing, Watercolor, Pressing
Herbs for Common Ailments:
Chronic Vs Acute Conditions, Family Health, First Aid
The Art and Ethics of Wildcrafting:
United Plant Savers, Global Survey, Gratitude, Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms, Field Identification, Sustainability
Creating powerful and effective Healing Ceremonies:
Ceremonial Uses of herbs, Medicine Wheels, Earth Awareness, The Four Directions, Animal Allies
Herbal Body Care: Facial, Skin, Hair, Body Care and Pampering!
Global History of important Food, Trade and Medicine Plants
Understanding and Connecting the Bodies Systems:
Nourishment and Support for the nervous, digestive, immune, respiratory, reproductive, cardiovascular, urinary and muscular systems
A study of Water: water ceremony and energetics
Now accepting applications for 2021!
Begins April 2021 Ends Feb 2022
(This program meets in person outdoors weekly on Tuesdays in Conway MA)
We are looking for a fun and creative videographer who is interested in bartering their skills in return for a comprehensive herbal education.
Please inquire for more info.