Blazing Star Herbal School

Blazing Star Herbal School Fall Happenings Newsletter!

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Immerse your heart & soul in the exhilarating world of herbs! Beginner/Intermediate Apprenticeship 2011

apprentice (uh pren' tis), n., v., -ticed, -tic*ing.-n.

1. a beginner, a learner who is bound by contract/agreement to work for another for a specific amount of time in return for gaining practical experience and instruction in a trade or art.
2. one who is committed to working with a small group of people, over an extended period of time, delving deeply into the heart of herbal knowledge.

 

ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Immerse your heart & soul in the exhilarating world of herbs! The seasonal cycles here are exceptional. Winter is sparkling white, roots are waiting deep below the earth. In Spring, new shoots poke up from the earth, the lilacs & forsythia bloom; we begin work in the garden. Summer is abundant with fresh herbs, weeds, vegetables & bright fragrant flowers. We are busy planting, harvesting, wildcrafting. The Fall brings us pumpkins & roots to harvest, herbs to dry, wreaths of sage & lavender. Learn by immersing yourself in the green world of plants, reclaiming your ancient roots. Apprenticeships are designed to focus on your particular areas of interest and to support & empower the Wise Woman/Man that you are. Whenever you choose to apprentice here, you will find open hearts, enthusiasm & a bountiful way of life. 

 

Begins Tuesday April 12th 2011

 

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, Gratitude, Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms, Field Identification, Therapeutic Uses, Recipes, 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! 

Understanding and Connecting the  Bodies Systems

Nourishment and Support for the nervous, digestive, immune, respiratory, reproductive, cardiovascular, urinary and muscular systems

The apprenticeships home base will be in Ashfield MA but we will be exploring the local trails and conservation land of Western Massachusetts including Bear Swamp, Chapel Hill Falls, The Chesterfield Gorge, The DAR, High Ledges, William Cullen Bryant Homestead,  Garden in the Woods (Framingham MA) as well as other spots of botanical interest. There will be one overnight camping trip (children will be welcome to join us. we will pool our resources  and provide a childcare person if necessary). Location TBA.

By joining us in 2011  you are committing to embarking on a journey towards wholeness. As well as the study of medicinal herbs, you will be deepening your connection nature and the seasons, exploring the local economy and sustainability and creating seasonal rituals with a group of green allies both human and plant...the result will be a deep and unforgettable connection. 

A certificate of study for 200 hours of Herbal Studies will be awarded once the course and course projects have been completed and the hours have been met. 

The Cost of the program is $1750 which includes the $250 non refundable deposit which holds your spot (non refundable unless the program is cancelled). Full Payment is due on the first class. Payment plan possible just ask. 

You can register for the course by sending in your deposit of $250. Payment by check or paypal. Please let me know if you need our mailing address. 

Send your deposit now and we will hold your spot! 

****** If you register in the month of January you will receive $150 off the price of the apprenticeship and if you register in Feb you will receive $75 off the total price!********

If you would like to receive information in the mail regarding this apprenticeship please email me your request at blazingstarclinic (at) gmail (dot) com

 

Words from past apprentices:

My experience as a first year herbal apprentice has been one of the best decisions I have made for myself. I am building a strong foundation in the basics of herbalism and have formed new and nurturing friendships. I have gained a new understanding of the global impact of food practices and its politics on the world and on our bodies. I have become aware of the importance of living organically and environmentally. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in enriching their lives and living more consciously! -Patty McKenizie

This herbal medicine apprenticeship has offered so much more than I anticipated. Not only am I learning about herbs and their uses, the class has also offered hands-on exploration of the plant world and medicine making, and in-depth discussion about food activism. Tony(a) has integrated into our study field trips to beautiful, local areas of interest, encouraged attending an array of noteworthy speakers and has created a meaningful, conscious attitude toward community.  -Kara Leistyna

The 10 month program is a perfect way to gain insight to the world of herbalism, learn about gardening and the harvesting of herbs, and making medicine and body products out of earth's natural gifts to us. Coming from the Boston area, I look forward to my weekly apprenticeship at BSHS and find it a good way to begin the journey into plant medicine, whole health and conscious living.-Amber Mamakos

This is where I see the garden changing my life. I knew on that higher level of knowing, that Blazing Star is not just a garden. It is a quieter space where I have one day a week to contemplate how the rest of my life can be spent-In a tornado or the eye of the hurricane.Tues has become one of my favorite days of the week. -Julie Robbins

 

Good publicity!

Here is an article that was in the Recorder last week....

 

Two Opportunities for the Advanced Herbal Student

Advanced Herbal Apprenticeship 2010

Monday Evenings 5:45-9pm

Begins May 17th- Feb 2011

 

 

Abbreviated course outline:

Detailed study of the Endocrine system 

Detailed study of the Reproductive system (Mother, Maiden, Crone) 

Detailed study of the Immune system 

Detailed study of the Digestive system 

Detailed study of the Respiratory system 

Detailed study of the Muscular/Skeletal system 

Herbal Pediatrics 

The study of each system will include: 

Integration of Traditional & Western Medicine 

Medical Terminology 

Herbal Actions 

Classification of Medicinal Plants 

Plant Pharmacology 

Materia Medica 

Formulation & Preparation of Herbal Medicines 

Sources of Herbal Information 

Herbal Selection Criteria/Interactions 

Live Case Studies

Course fee $1500 (deposit of $250 and monthly payment of $125

Please email for an application for if you are interested. This class is intended for students who wish to continue their Herbal Education. A pre-requisite of beginner herbal apprenticeship is required. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

**New**

 Mentorship for Advanced Distance Students

(* this program can be begun at the beginning of any month starting March 2010)

 

This program is organized in 3 month cycles. The fee for three months (1 cycle) of mentorship is $400. If you sign up for 9 months (3 cycles) your reduced fee will be $1000.

This program is intended for students who have completed an accredited program in Herbal Studies who are beginning to think about beginning a practice or a business in Herbal Medicine. 

Once accepted a student will be sent a detailed questionnaire that will allow me to outline their course for the cycle. It will include relevant readings, assignments, materia medica and cases. Assignments and course work will be emailed weekly.

Please email for an application form

BOOK STORE

This time of year students often ask which books I recommend for the apprenticeships, here is a sampling of my favorite herbal books......

Beginner/Intermediate Apprenticeship 2010

 

Beginner/ Intermediate Apprenticeship 2010

* Now taking applications*

apprentice (uh pren' tis), n., v., -ticed, -tic*ing.-n.

1. a beginner, a learner who is bound by contract/agreement to work for another for a specific amount of time in return for gaining practical experience and instruction in a trade or art.
2. one who is committed to working with a small group of people, over an extended period of time, delving deeply into the heart of herbal knowledge.

ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Immerse your heart & soul in the exhilarating world of herbs! The seasonal cycles here are exceptional. Winter is sparkling white, roots are waiting deep below the earth. In Spring, new shoots poke up from the earth, the lilacs & forsythia bloom; we begin work in the garden. Summer is abundant with fresh herbs, weeds, vegetables & bright fragrant flowers. We are busy planting, harvesting, wildcrafting. The Fall brings us pumpkins & roots to harvest, herbs to dry, wreaths of sage & lavender. Learn by immersing yourself in the green world of plants, reclaiming your ancient roots. Apprenticeships are designed to focus on your particular areas of interest and to support & empower the Wise Woman/Man that you are. Whenever you choose to apprentice here, you will find open hearts, enthusiasm & a bountiful way of life.

10 month program Beginner Week-Day Apprenticeship 
with tony(a) lemos

Begins Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - February 2011
Every Tuesday, 9:45am - 4pm for beginner and intermediate students
Cost: $1750, deposit $250
Partial Workstudy option, Monthly Payment Plan 

Course of Study Includes:

Herbal Preparation
Study of the Organ Systems
Medicinal/Botanical Terminology
Wild Foods Preparation
Developing Diagnostic Skills
History of Western Herbalism
Determining Herb Quality
Chronic Ailments
Herbal Tonics & Supplements
Herb Gardening
Herbal Spring Tonics
Herbal Formulation
Ethical Wildcrafting
Herbal First Aid
Herbal Bibliography
Herbs for Children Herbs for
Women’s Health Care
Intro to TCM
Flower Essences
Natural Cosmetics & Skin Care
Herbal Business Practices
Herbal Field Trips
Herbal Projects
Doctrine of Signatures
Plant Culture & Cultivation
Earth Ceremony
Herbal Case Histories
Creating an Herbarium
Herb ID Walks
Intro to Ayurvedic Medicine

Calling Apprentices.....

Blazing Star Herbal School

2010

Open House

 

 

Saturday Jan 16

10am-1pm

at Blazing Star herbal School in Ashfield MA

For potential apprentices and past apprentices. 

Come enjoy some hot beverages and cookies. 

Please call for directions!

A Tuesday apprenticeship in photos

Week 9, Tuesday June 24, Dark and Wet

Self Heal Prunella vulgaris Breaking it down.......

Laminaceae (mint) Family

Other names: Prunella, All-Heal, Hook-Heal, Self Heal, Slough-Heal, Brunella, Heart of the Earth, Blue Curls, Carpenter-weed, Common Selfheal, Consolida Minor, Lance Selfheal, Sicklewort, Woundwort, Xia Ku Cao Dragonhead, Hercules' Woundwort, Hook-Heal, Xia Ku Cao

Prunella Vulgaris is found just about anywhere.....growing in waste ground, grassland, woodland edges, usually on basic and neutral soils. 

Taste: mineral salt, mild bitter
Energy: Cool and Dry

Prunella Vulgaris is an edible and medicinal herb, she can be used in salads, soups, stews, or boiled as a pot herb. 

Over the centuries she has been used as medicine, on just about every continent in the world, and for just about every ailment known to man, Prunella is something of a panacea. This last line makes the apprentices and many herb students crazy. I hear them all saying "how will be ever learn the best way to use this herb? How can Self Heal be good for sooooo many things. Most apprentices over the year find it easier to use herbs that have fewer and more specific uses such as Boneset. Again and again I urge them not to give up on these herbs that seem to be used for everything. The best way to learn is to just slowly familiarize your self with the herb: collect information, draw the herb, sit with the herb, try every recipe you can find, if it is an edible eat it raw, eat it cooked.....keep a journal.

Western Classificationa: alterative, antibacterial, anti viral, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-oxidant, astringent, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, nutritive, stomachic, styptic, tonic, vermifuge and vulnerary. (It is really important to familiarize yourself with these terms, hint hint)

Prunella is an astringent herb that has been used extensively in the healing of internal and external wounds. There is a simple use that everyone can try! 

Plant Constituents are Betulinic-acid, D-Camphor, Delphinidin, Hyperoside, Manganese, Oleanolic-acid, Rosmarinic-acid (more than in rosemary!!) , Rutin, Ursolic-acid, and Tannins. (It is worth noting this info though in the beginning it really does not mean a lot unless you are a chemistry buff)

Prunella is taken internally as a medicinal tea in the treatment of fevers, diarrhea, sore mouth and throat, internal bleeding, and weaknesses of the liver and heart. Prunella is thought to be effective in treating Grave's disease and has also been used as an immune system booster. Clinical analysis shows it to have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of pseudomonas iatragenic hospital infections) , Bacillus typhi, E. coli, Salmonella, Mycobacterium tuberculi, which supports its use as an alternative medicine internally and externally as an antibiotic and for hard to heal wounds and diseases. It has also shown promise in research for cancer, AIDS, diabetes, and more recently the Herpes Virus. The research done for herpes shows that salves made with Prunella are useful in stopping outbreaks.

Simple ways to start using Prunella:

Gather flowering tops, and dry in small bunches for later herb use. Store in cool, dry, dark, place for best shelf life. Alternatively you can tincture it fresh. 

A cold water infusion of the freshly chopped or dried and powdered leaves is a very tasty and refreshing beverage.

A weak infusion of the plant is an excellent medicinal eye wash for sties and pinkeye. 

Medicinal tea or infusion: Add 1 oz. dried or fresh herb to a pint of boiling water, steep till cool, take in ½ cup doses, sweetened with honey, as a general immune strengthener. Can be used to help recover strength after illness. 


If you are interested in furthering your study of individual plants our Materia Medica class will be starting up again in September. Just email me and I will put you on the list.


Please be aware that this information is provided is meant to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

A Tuesday apprenticeship in photos

Week 6: June 3rd Sunny mid 70's


A Heart to Hearth with Mother Earth

Separating seedlings:

Tulsi, Boneset, Feverfew, Spilanthes and Scullcap

A performance to review by the Piti Theater Company Elmer and the Elder Tree which will be performed at RiverFest this year on Sat June 14th in Shelburne Falls, MA. 

Elmer and the Elder Tree is described as "A clown-dance-theatre fable for all ages inspired by Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" and Jean Giorno's "The Man Who Planted Trees." Featuring original music by Aaron Sherwood (saxophone), Peter Buchanan (guitar) and Wayne Smith (cello). "

Colorful costumes, and inventive set design set the scene for this nature fable, expressive dance to senseful music, and few heartfelt words tell the tale of Elmer and his Elder Tree

Jonathon and Godelieve Mirin (past apprentice 2006-2008) make up the Piti Theatre Company which is based right here in Shelburne and also in Les-Ponts-de-Martel, Switzerland where Godelieve hails from.