An announcement post:
The most memorable compliment I ever received was from dear Kate O’Shea, early in our friendship she said “you really know how to do community.” Bringing people together has always been important to me, especially women and queer people, (which from now on I will refer to as women+), but I’m not exclusive, everyone is welcome. I work hard at it and I am good at it. I love what happens when women + come together in circle, everyone benefits from these interactions. In order to do community you have to show up, its not always easy (in fact it’s rarely easy) but together we are always better/stronger.
Recently, it became clear to me that as my time at the helm of Blazing Star Herbal School approaches 25 years, it is time to launch a sustaining/Blazing Forward campaign fundraiser. The first one in 25 years! I talked with my inner circle, about what it would/could look like, and it went something like this; an in-person event (no one has time for that, plus people are scattered all over the country, when?, where?, how?, it’s too expensive , we are old and tired!!), Merch (up front cost, differing tastes) Do a “Go-Fund-Me” (people said) (NO! I can't do it, but it’s easy, fast, reliable, I can’t, why? I just can’t.)
Back to the drawing board! Two weeks later…(me) “I got it! We will do what I know how to do bring people together (online), create community, and support others while raising much needed funds.”
and that is just what we did!
Thank-You to everyone who responded to my call. I am grateful to you all. Asking for help as an independent, headstrong woman is hard, so hard and I appreciate everyone who said YES! I know it wasn’t an easy ask and I appreciate everyones gracefulness, and graceful you all are
“Thanks T for the invitation and the challenge. Now that I have done it, next time will be easier. xoxo”
“I'm so excited for this amazing, beautiful, heartful event(s) you have made! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.”
and I know I was not always graceful in this process, I am so appreciate everyones kindness. Thank-You, I love You, I’m Sorry, Please forgive me- on repeat in my head these days!
A (short) Blazing Star Herbal School Herstory
Founded in 1984 by Gail Ulrich and Mariam Massaro. Soon Mariam went off to found Wise Ways Herbals (Worthington MA) and Gail continued running Blazing Star Herbal School until her premature and unexpected death in 2000. Gail Ulrich also founded the Northeast Women’s Herbal Conference and Blazing Star Herbal School was the host for the first few years, until Gail partnered with Rosemary Gladstar to grow the event. I took over Blazing Star Herbal School in July 2000, since then I have trained close to 350 herbal apprentices! so many past apprentices remain part of the Blazing Star landscape.
Blazing Star Herbal School is dedicated to teaching traditional herbal medicine in a way that supports a more sustainable future for all living beings and shows respect for the integrity of nature. We offer a unique perspective on herbalism, weaving social, ecological, creative and political aspects of health and healing through the study of medicinal herbs, art, ceremony and food practices. We inspire students to find their own healing path by creating a personal relationship with the natural world.
Fun Fact: A lot of people think Blazing Star is named for Liatris spicata but it is actually named after Chamaelirium luteum (False Unicorn Root) a native lily of the eastern United States. It is considered a threatened species because of a loss of habitat and effects of collection from the wild for herbal use. Blazing Star Herbal School actually is a threatened species
Blazing Star Herbal Classes take place on occupied Pocumtuc/Nipmuc territory, also known as Western Massachusetts specifically in Ashfield/Conway MA- We honor and give gratitude for the people who came before us.
Since 2020 things have been hard, many classes cancelled, registration lower, commitment level lower, cost of living much higher, and I find myself in the position of not being able to move forward, and needing to make some upgrades, but without some support I find myself stuck! Yet the work seems more important than ever.
“Blazing star herbal school helped me fall in love with life again. Coming back to myself, my roots, the land, and community.” Emily J.
“Blazing Star Herbal School is more than just learning about herbs. It's about creating connections; connections to plants, people and yourself. Being in such a supportive and loving environment gave me the courage to believe in myself. Whether I am working with herbs or creating art or both, I have the confidence to pursue my dreams. And the friendships and memories made will stay with me always.” Kristen J (2022)
Enter the Fundraiser;
“tony(a) has offered her life to helping us connect, heal, and support the healing of others. In this time, we need these skills more than ever. Let's all thank tony(a) by acknowledging her legacy in our own lives, and the impact that Blazing Star has had, and will have for 20 more years!” Leslie Chaison, Peoples Medicine Project
Blazing Forward: A celebration of 25 years of Herbal Wisdom
(25 classes video classes by past students and FoBs (friends of Blazing Star Herbal School). Launching Oct 15th 2023
List of classes so far
📔Essentials of Co-Creative Partnership w/Pam Montgomery
📔Herbs of Southern Italy w/ Jade Alicandro
📔Making Ghee and Herbal Ghee w/ Brittany Wood Nickerson
📔Introduction to Plant Communication w/Jen Frey
📔Dream Creams w/ Jiyanna Vagedes
📔Foot Soaks w/Jennie Isbell Shinn
📔Talk on Community w/Lindsey Matarazzo
📔Minerals in Herbal Medicine w/ Caitlin Wolf
📔Self- Care for Parents & Care-givers w/ Maggie Luther
📔(Self )Acupressure for Happy Digestion w/ Willa Mamet
📔Intro to Sound Healing w/ Carolyn Walker
📔Goldenrod Meditation w/ Abby Ferla
📔Intro to Somatic Herbalism w/ Susan Pincus
📔Herbstalk: Creating community Interview w/Steph Zavel
📔 w/Whitney Shepperd
📔Herbs for Postpartum w/ Maible Coughlin
📔A Holistic Guide to Low Energy w/ Emmy Howard
📔 Herbs and Practices for Accessing Your Inner Wisdom w/ Robin Rose Bennet
📔Connecting w/Bee Medicine w/ Melissa Vanek
📔Enchanting the Home: the Magic and & Medicine of the Hearth w/Nicla Di Cosmo
📔Re-Imagining Invasive Plants w/ Heidi Feather
📔Tips on Running an Herb Justice Org. w/Leslie Chaison
📔Yarrow a discussion w/Lisa Bassi and Rebecca Guanzon
📔In the Garden of Hecate: the TCM-Energetics and Pharmacodynamics of True Lavender Essential Oil in the Integrated Treatment of Anxiety and Anxious Depression w/Gabriel Mojay
How it works…You donate $50 or more to Blazing Star Herbal School and you will receive access to all the above classes
If you donate $100 or more you will also receive access to
** Plus a special 4 hour event on Zoom with Rocio Alarcon coming to you live from Iamoe Center in Ecuador in late Jan 2024!**
So grateful to all those amazing teachers, and a few behind the scenes people Lindsey Matarazzo, Jane Karras, Luc Abbott, Carol of Taproot Threads (T-shirts/Aprons coming soon!!) and Anne Kaplan.
As a fan of Michelle Obamas books I recently listened to “The Light we Carry” (do you all love the libby app as much as I do, move over audible!) I feel like Michelle Obama is one of those people who has a chameleon like personality who will fit in with many a friend groups. I see her on my couch sharing menopausal woes over a glass of port. She truly has the ability to lift people up and I’m grateful for her words during this period as they have truly helped me.
Blazing Forward to the next 24 years!
cheers,
-t
(next weeks post will be the long-awaited Kew Gardens and Marianne North (intrepid traveler- stay tuned!)
This Weeks Happenings (and List of Fall 2022 Classes)
🌿Friday Oct 13th - I will be participating in the 13th Annual Northampton Chalk Fest, I will be situated outside of Thornes Market and that Evening. Climate Change Art Opening @Rhynia, inc
🌿Sunday Oct 15th Blazing Forward Fundraiser Launch
🌿Monday Oct 16th “All about the Accordion Fold” 3 Mondays evenings exploring the many book options which begin with the accordion book fold!
🌿Thursday 26th October Eco Printing Workshop Arnold Arboretum (sold out!)
🌿Thursday Oct 26th pm Conversation w/ Susun Weed Art that Breathes
🌿Sunday, November 5, 2023 Make Your Own Flag Book New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
🌿Sunday, December 3, 2023 Botanical Cyanotype Holiday Cards Tower Hill Botanical Garden
🌿Dec 6, 13, 20th Looky Here (Greenfield) Artist Book Making (A 3 part series) (flag, infinity, explosion -theme Holiday Gifts
Loving your "Blazing Forward: A celebration of 25 years of Herbal Wisdom"! So many inspiring and informative presentations on such a diversity of herbal topics!! Thank you for gathering all these lessons from your herbal community and making them accessible this way!!!