WHAT: Each part of this series will have a different focus and work with a different element towards healing specific issues. It would be best (but is not required) to attend all parts of the series, especially the first one since it will lay a strong foundation for how to work with plants as medicine. Participants will make and take home some form of plant medicine in each session. Special prices offered for taking the whole series. General themes for each session will be as follows:
Part 1- WIND: Building relationships with Plantcestors & Ancestors for healing (foundations in working with plants as medicine)
Part 2- EARTH: Fall transitions- Healing the nervous system, recovering from stress, anxiety, and trauma
Part 3- WATER: Navigating Winter's underworld- Easing grief & sadness
Part 4- FIRE: Blooming into Spring- Following our purpose, honoring our creativity
WHERE: Oakland, CA. Specific addresses to be announced.
DATES:
Part 1- November 1, 2014- 10am-1pm
Part 2- December 6, 12-2:30pm
Part 3- January 10, 2:30-5pm
Part 4- February 28, 12-2:30pm
FOR WHO: This series was originally motivated by a calling to address the experiences of the SWANA (aka. Middle East and North African, including Arab) communities in moving through times of heightened violence and crisis. Hence, SWANA community members and other communities who have been effected by colonial and systemic forms of violence, loss, and grief are especially encouraged to join this healing space (POC, I'm speaking to you). From Ferguson, to Syria, Gaza, and East Oakland, many of us can use a little extra support these days. PART 1 WILL BE OPEN TO ALL. PARTS 2-4 WILL BE OPEN TO PEOPLE OF COLOR ONLY.
COST: If you pre-register for the whole series, you get a special price of $100 -$150 total (sliding scale). Pay $50 in first class, and remainder before the end of the second class, or pay all upfront.
For drop in- Sliding scale, $32-$53, all materials included.
REGISTER: Contact river.rose.layla@gmail.com, or 510.866.5668 to register. Space is limited.
PART 1: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PLANCESTORS AND ANCESTORS FOR HEALING (foundations in working with plants as medicine)
WHEN: Saturday, November 1, 10am-1pm
DESCRIPTION: This class will focus on the fundamentals of working with plants as medicine, grounded in a traditional perspective and the importance of building relationships. We will discuss the elements, plants, and practices that can support us in connecting with plants as medicine, and connecting with our Ancestors and their wisdom for healing to support our journeys. In honor of Dia de los Muertos and rituals honoring and regarding the ancestors all around the globe at this time of year, we too will be connecting with our ancestors (including the PLANTS!) as a focus in this workshop.
For this session, I ask for each participant to prepare ahead of time by identifying 1 plant that was used natively in the land of your ancestors, or that you remember being used by your own family when you were growing up or per the stories of your parents and elders. If you need help, contact me and I will be more than glad to support you! Bring at least 1oz of this dry plant to class with you. Recommended herb stores to buy from in the Bay Area include Homestead Apothecary (north Oakland), Scarlet Sage (Mission district, SF), Five Flavors (North Oakland), or you can order online at www.MountainRoseHerbs.com, just make sure to factor in time for mailing. If you cannot do this project on time, don't worry, I will have something for you, but it would be most meaningful if you are able to participate in this way. Please also reflect on a story to share about any memories and relationships you recall to plants, tea, cooking spices, etc that you recall from your childhood or your culture.
If you feel called to, please bring one small offering of a food or drink your ancestors liked for the altar, and a picture or item that reminds you of your ancestors.
**Parts 2, 3, & 4 will be elaborated in a separate event pages as the time approaches.