Alchemical Herbalism a 7 month exploration of medicinal herbs. Meeting one night a week, Wednesdays (7-9:30pm cst), either virtually or live in the CCPH classroom, students will study 120 herbs in depth using the energetics of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Alchemy. One weekend a month from April through September will be spent in the country at Glastonbury Botanical Sanctuary journeying with the plant spirits, gardening, medicine making and learning plant identification. Our first weekend will be in the city with a focus on alchemical seed planting. Along with the weekly lectures and monthly intensive there will be optional pharmacy nights where students can assist in making classic herbal formulas used in clinical practice.
HERB CLASS LECTURES:
Wednesdays 7pm-9:30pm CST starting 03/5/25 through 10/1/25
Live on Zoom or at CCPH Classroom, archived for future use.
HERB CLASS WEEKENDS:
March – 8 & 9th – In the city – Seed Planting
April – 26 & 27th – Glastonbury – Prepping for planting & Permaculture
May – 24 & 25th – Glastonbury – Planting, Bitters & Salves
June – 28 & 29th – Glastonbury – Medicine Making, Flower Essences & Journeying
July – 19 & 20th – Glastonbury – Medicine Making & Mead Making
August – 16 & 17th – Glastonbury – Medicine Making & Hydrosol Distilling
September – 27 & 28th – Root Harvesting
The In the City Weekend:
March: This will involve an opportunity to be involved in the very beginning of the growing cycle. How do we alchemically potentiate the germination of our plants? How do we enhance the planetary forces to make our medicines stronger? We will learn about the planetary rulerships of plants (and what that means), the planetary hours of the day, how to awaken the “genius” of the seeds as well as general “best practices” for planting. Each student will also take home a potential seedling to enhance the experience of meditating with and growing their own plants. We will also talk about alchemy in general and how it affects our growing capabilities (as humans and farmers!).
Weekends on the land:
We will be doing a blend of activities based upon the plants that are harvestable. Activities include: identifying plants and learning about which plants are available in each season; harvesting and medicine making (both from standard practices and alchemical practices); journeying shamanically with the plants; how to make flower essences and essential oils; gardening and growing practices for sustainable growing and plant “rescues”; practices for connecting to the plant spirits and to the seasonal shifts we all experience; the beauty of living and connecting with each other!
While I encourage students to camp in our beautiful campground under the oaks of Glastonbury (we have a screen house and bathhouse that are both handicapped accessible, and lovely campsites complete with a group fire pit and sweat lodge), I recognize that camping might be challenging for some individuals. Nearby in Culver are numerous bed and breakfast, and two hotels. For those who need it we will provide a list. We encourage you to book accommodations early on as Culver is a major resort destination and can book up early during the summertime. Slightly farther away (20 minutes) is Knox, which also has inexpensive hotel accommodations that are generally always available. Campers must provide their own tents and sleeping materials; we will make sure the campground is stocked with hand soap, toilet paper and trash facilities. Students should arrive Friday evenings, as formal class will begin promptly on Saturday morning at 8am. Families with kids and spouses are welcome to attend, but please no pets!
The weekend will end by 3 pm Sunday so people can get back to the city. We are 2 hours from Chicago’s North side unless you leave during rush hour.
All weekends will be in both Zoom or live format, and recordings will be available during the week after they take place.
