Lichenwood Rambles

Welcome to 2011!

 

Welcome to 2011! At this time of year, Lichenwood should be resting under chilly blanket of snow. Instead our one snowfall of the season is currently melting during a very early January thaw.  Not even Lichenwood pond is frozen!  We will have to wait and see what the rest of the Winter season will bring.

2010 was quite a year.  Personally things ended on a very positive note.  Daryl's close call with an unexpected heart attack on the Spring Equinox transformed our lives.  Daryl tweaked an already healthy lifestyle into one that has somehow erased all evidence of any heart damage.  The latest stress test and echocardiogram show no damage at all, much to the surprise of the cardiologist who had told us that while Daryl's heart could learn to compensate, the damage could never reverse.  Healing is always possible!  The cardiologist said that Daryl must be immortal!

I traveled across the country and had the time of my life at the Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference in New Mexico.  I can't recommend it highly enough.  I have already got my ticket for the 2011 conference.  Maybe we can meet up there?

The Herbal Mentorship of 2010 was very satisfying.  It is wonderful to see students expand their knowledge and create materia medica that I hope will further inspire them.  I love to walk with students and introduce them to the plants, helping them to use all their senses as they interact.  Of course, I always learn a new plant or two from the students or from friends that come to walk with me.

Flower Essence Practitioner Training was equally fulfilling.  Every time I teach this class, it reinvigorates me to do deeper essence work, both in co-creation and exploration. Currently some graduates of my past training programs are involved in the Lunar Cycle Flower Essence Project which is revealing the properties of some essences that I have not yet listed on the website.

If you are thinking about enrolling in the Herbal Mentorship or Flower Essence Practitioner class, please send in your application as soon as possible.  Space is limited, but there are still spots available.  The Herbal Mentorship begins on March 7th.  The first meeting of the Flower Essence Practitioner Training is April 25th.

2011 classes have all been moved to Mondays.  You will find the dates, times and other details listed on the website.  New workshops are up too as I continue to offer Magickal Mondays, and our first Magickal Monday Evening.  Kate Leigh will be the guest teacher for Magickal Monday Evening.  In this interactive presentation, Kate  will assist each participant in ultimately creating an aromacharacteristic essential oil blend, which is a reflection of some of the individual's key elements as displayed in their birth chart. We will begin with some basics about astrology, which will necessarily have to be abbreviated, but will include a discussion of how the chart shows the layers of the personal make-up. Then we will explore the handouts, which are keynote sheets, guiding each participant to their dominant elements and planets, and suggesting essential oils and fragrances that have correspondences to these features of the chart. Then each person will have a chance to smell these oils and fragrances, to use their inner guidance system, the nose, to help them select ingredients for their blend. Next, Kate will help each person arrange the blend, with appropriate ratios of the scents to be used together. Details on Kate's class and other workshops can be found on the workshops page of the website.

I continue to offer herbal and flower essence consultations on Wednesdays through Fridays and occassional Saturday mornings.  There is also a complete herbal apothecary (herbs, extracts, flower essences, essential oils, etc.) at Lichenwood.  Flower essences and essential oils are listed on the website.  Herbs, extracts and other products are available.  Just give me a call or send an email to let me know what you are looking for and I'll let you know about pricing and availability.  You can pick up your order or I can mail it out.

Other plans are in the works and when these possibilities become certainties, I'll be sure to let you know.

Snow Day

This window is my favorite snow globe.  As I look through the octagonal glass I can gaze upon woodland, pond, and stream from different angles.  Today is quintessentially New England Wintertime with falling snowflakes and all the ground unmarked by the passage of deer, turkey, or human traveler.  It's easy to get lost in the beauty and simply stand quietly watching this peaceful scene.

Inside, the air is scented with the bloom of Paperwhite Narcissus.  These bulbs are a particular favorite of mine and these specific flowers are even more special to me as they were a gift from visiting friends and former students, Dennie and Olga.  I'm beginning to feel the call to co-create with Narcissus papyraceus.  It is completely possible to co-create flower essences with potted plants.   More on that in a future post.

As is traditional at this time of year I have been planning, revising and revamping programs for 2010.  I have registrations in place for both the Herbal Mentorship which begins in early March, and for three Flower Essence Intensives (May, June, September).  

Dates for the Herbal Mentorship program are: Mondays from 9am-4pm, March 8 and 22, April 5 and 19, May 3 and 17, June 7 and 21, July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23, September 13 and 27, and October 4 and 18). 

There will be 112 total hours of instruction (16 meetings of 7 hours/meeting).  Lunches will be working lunches.  Please bring a bag lunch.  Be prepared to hike outdoors in all weather.  You are encouraged to bring an extra change of clothes. 

This program is designed to introduce the student to the basics of herbal medicine. At the end of the program the student will know how to safely and respectfully wildcraft, grow, and preserve the herbal harvest. They will understand the basic functions of the systems of the body. They will be capable of using personally prepared herbal medicines to improve health and heal common ailments. They will be prepared to continue learning new herbal skills and build upon a strong foundation of herbal knowledge. They will create their own materia medica.

Students will receive substantial handouts that create an herbal manual. They will receive a suggested reading list. They will have access to Lichenwood Herbals library and will be able to borrow some books, cd’s, dvd’s, cassette tapes, and VHS tapes.

During class students will make tinctures, infused oils, herbal vinegars and tonics, herbal syrups, capsules, lozenges, salves, creams and lotions, teas, compresses, poultices, and other products. Students are responsible for purchasing some materials and will receive a list of items to be purchased at least one week prior to class, however, most materials are provided.   The cost of this program is $1000.  Please contact me directly ([email protected]) or 603-664-3393 for more information, to arrange a visit, or to receive an application.

A group of 3 intensive weekends replaces the former Flower Essence Practitioner Program.  It will still be possible to obtain certification by attending each weekend, and completing additional requirements (see below class descriptions).  However, each weekend is designed to be a complete experience.  Past students may wish to attend one or more of the weekends for the fun, sharing, and review.  Weekends will include hands on experience and lecture, copious detailed handouts for your future reference, and a small set of 10 basic stock essences.  There will be a one hour break for lunch.  

Weekend One: Co-Creation  

May 15-16      9am- 4:30pm             $250 (includes all materials)

Co-creating with Nature

Genesa Crystals

Plant Spirit Connection

Mother/Stock/Dose

Methods of Preservation and Storage

Meditation with flower essences

Plant identification

Plant walk (rain or shine, dress accordingly- Natural bug repellant provided)

Doctrine of Signatures~ Twelve Windows of Plant Perception

Methods of essence selection

Suggestions for further reading

You will receive the following Flower Essence Kit: Green Bells of Ireland, Yarrow Synergy, Lady’s Mantle, Comfrey, Angelica, St. Johnswort, Bleeding Heart, Apple, Chamomile, Blackberry

 Weekend Two: Dynamics of Flower Essence Therapy  

June 12-13; 9am-4:30pm                      $250 (includes all materials)

Patterns of Healing and Strategies for Therapy

People Who Do Not Heal

Flower Essences for Animals (guest teacher)

Flower Essences for Pregnancy and Birth

Flower Essences for Children

Flower Essences for the Death Transition

Flower Essences for Relationships

Flower Essences for Physical Issues

Flower Essences for Depression

You will receive the following Flower Essence Kit:: Aspen through Blue Quartz, White Bleeding Heart, Nettles, Evening Primrose, Motherwort, Sunflower, Pokeweed, Black Pansy, Cosmos, Black Eyed Susan

Weekend Three: Advanced Techniques and the Practice of Flower Essence Therapy 

September 25-26      9am- 4:30pm             $250 (includes all materials)

Ethics of Flower Essence Consultation

Client Intake

The Consult

Consulting from a distance

Client communication

Record Keeping 

Grids

Adjunct therapies (Reiki, Chiropractic, Massage, Crystal therapy, Herbalism, Aromatherapy)

Environmental uses of Flower Essences

Amulets

Group work with a “real” client

You will receive the following Flower Essence Kit: Calendula, Lady’s Slipper, Buttercup, Wormwood, Agrimony, Dandelion, Spicebush, Tomato, Yellow Hawkweed, Lobelia

The certification process will require the following additional work:

One meeting of 4-7 hours in length, of one on one coaching and instruction, arranged at the mutual convenience of the student and instructor.  There is a charge of $50 for this additional meeting.  This will be a time to hone your skills in areas where you are weakest, or areas you want to explore in depth.  We might spend this time on plant identification, going over class material, co-creating essences, meditating, doing personal essence work/selection- anything goes.  

Two case studies, following two clients (“willing victims”) through 3 rounds of flower essence therapy must be written up.  Detailed instructions for conducting and writing your case studies will be provided.

A thoughtful and thorough plant study, including co-creation and testing of a flower essence, must be written.  Form for this work will be given and examples provided.

Anyone who completes all three of the weekends will be eligible for a practitioner discount on essences. This is a 25% discount off retail price.

I do provide a suggested reading list.  I do not require that you purchase any materials.  You will receive handouts that are substantial enough to require a 3 ring binder.  You will receive 10 stock flower essences at each class.  You will create an essence or essence product in each class.

Specifics of this description may change without notice.

Payment:  I accept cash, checks and Paypal ([email protected]).  Reserve your space with a $50 deposit for each class, $150 for the series.  The remainder ($200 per class) may be paid on the day of class.  The additional coaching class for students seeking practitioner certification must be paid prior to or on the day of class.

Anyone is welcome to participate in the flower essence classes.  If you are considering the Flower Essence Practitioner Certification, I would suggest an interview at Lichenwood prior to enrollment.  This gives you a chance to see the facility and to ask lots of questions before making a commitment.

And finally, if you are getting cabin fever, come on down to Sun Moon Stars, a simply wonderful high energy new herbal emporium in Rollinsford, New Hampshire, on Saturday, January 30th.  I'll be there from 1-3pm teaching Exploring Flower Essences.  This class is for people of all levels of interest who want to know how to use flower essences in their daily life.  In this short class you will discover how flowers share their healing with the world and how you can effectively choose essences for yourself and combine them with other modalities of healing.  You will leave with a flower essence dosage blend for yourself, a blend that you will choose with the help of the instructor.  Handout and flower essence blend included.  If you have a pendulum, please bring it with you.  Pendulums will be available to borrow for those who do not have one.  Cost is $30. You do need to preregister, so call Dawn Evans at Sun Moon Stars 603-617-3590 and sign up!

  

Blue Skies Return!

 

Finally, after the rainiest June in memory, blue skies have returned to New Hampshire.  Borage blooming in the herb gardens at the side of the house capture the quintessential hue of Summer skies.  The weather is still cooler than normal, but the plants are making up for lost time.  The sunshine has brought us back from the edge of a dark, rainy chasm.  Now is our chance to enjoy being outside in the wild places and in the garden.

Outdoor rambles could not wait for a dry spell.  A stalwart group of plant enthusiasts took a wonderful hike into the wilds of Waterboro, Maine a few weeks ago.  There is wonderful energy up at Johnson Ridge Farm and it was so nice to take a walk that didn't involve the treadmill.  Yes, I got soaked, but all in a good cause.  We found a whole colony of Sundew (Drosera intermedia) at the gravelly edge of a woods road.  Meeting a plant in person for the first time is definitely a peak experience.  I've been on the look out for this wetland dweller for a few years now and am thrilled to have communed with Sundew finally.

 

In fact, I seem to be on a roll as far as meeting new plants goes.  I made the acquaintance of Red Elder a few weeks before Sundew.   The beautiful red berries caught my eye on the side of the dirt road.  I was able to rescue a plant from next year's snow plowing and bring it back to Lichenwood where it seems to have made the transition with grace.   I have a little grove of Elderberries started, partly through rescue, garden center purchase, and natural seeding.  Most are the Sambucus nigra, or Black Elderberry, that we commonly use for medicine.  That's the beautiful plant that is now just past the peak of bloom in our wet areas and all along our country roads.  The beautiful lacy flowers are finally available to me where I can easily reach them.  This encouraged me to co-create a flower essence.

 My most recent new green friend is Malva neglecta, or "Cheeses" which I discovered amongst the Basil plants as I weeded out the main garden bed.  This plant can be used just as you would use Marshmallow.  They are close relatives.  Of course, this meant that I could not remove this new ally from the rows of spicy Basil.  They will have to make room for one another!

So, despite the fear that the gardens would wash away and no plants would flower or make fruit, root, or vine, Nature continues her miracles.  The garden grows and the wild things flourish.  I'm trying to stay alert and focused, so as not to miss any medicine making opportunities.  Extracts are lined up on the kitchen counter where they can be shaken and energized daily and oils are infusing, lined up at sunny midday on the back deck railing in all their jewel toned loveliness.  Blue Skies are back and Summer is proceding as it should.

Winter's End

We are still buried deep in snow, but the light is stronger.  This weekend is predicted to bring us some warmer weather.  It’s only our second winter season here on Old Canaan Road.  Last year’s relentless storms and record breaking snowfall did not repeat itself, but while I have a fondness for the season, I am ready for the emerging green of spring. 

Tomorrow I will celebrate the culmination of year 59 on the planet.  I love my life and I look forward to many more seasons of joy, walking in the woods, digging in the dirt, following the brook, and talking to the plants.  Life is so full of wonderful possibilities.

My birthday week is traditionally one of the snowiest of the year.  This is one week when I will be filled with excited anticipation when a big snowfall is predicted. A lazy snow day at the tender mercy of Mother Nature who will keep me home by the fire mesmerized by the falling snowflakes is a wonderful birthday gift. 

I plan to savor the few remaining weeks of wintry weather as the Wheel turns bringing us to mud season and the greening time of year.  Each season has its charms and challenges and I am ever grateful to be here to experience them.

Songs of Spring

Daryl cleaned out the Lichenwood Pond on Saturday.  This involves draining most of the water and cleaning out dead leaves and frogs. On Sunday afternoon it began to snow. Again.  When the snow turned to rain on Sunday afternoon, one couldn't help but think it was a good thing.  At least there would be nothing to plow or shovel or slide around on when driving. It rained all afternoon, and all night.  When we woke up this morning it was still pouring and the wind was howling.  The pond was full to overflowing.  Local rivers, streams, and roads were flooded.  No one really expected things to be as bad as they were.  Schools were canceled at the last minute or released early.  I made it to my dentist appointment only because the office is just 3 miles from my house.  I had to pull over twice to allow emergency vehicles to get by.  It wasn't a day for errands, so I went home to wait it out.  My good friend Janaki had to evacuate her condo on the river.  What a day.

The rain has stopped for now.  Just before the rain stopped falling a loud chorus of Spring songbirds started calling loudly all around the house.  I stopped what I was doing to savor their song and marvel at its sudden synchronicity.  Within five minutes the rain ended.  The clouds parted and the washed out sun began to shine.  The birds knew the storm was passing and they were singing out their happiness.