Join us as we celebrate 23 years!
Become part of the 23th apprentice group!
Immerse your heart & soul in the exhilarating world of herbs! Beginner/Intermediate Apprenticeship 2023
Now accepting applications for 2023!
Begins April 2023 Ends Feb 2024
(This program meets in person outdoors weekly on Tuesdays in Conway MA)
This innovative program based on becoming a community Herbalist, now in its 22th year, weaves experiential learning about healing herbs with developing a profound understanding of seasonal rhythms and the timeless elements of traditional healing.
ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM:
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.
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, Global Survey, Gratitude, Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms, Field Identification, 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!
Global History of important Food, Trade and Medicine Plants
Understanding and Connecting the Bodies Systems:
Nourishment and Support for the nervous, digestive, immune, respiratory, reproductive, cardiovascular, urinary and muscular systems
A study of Water: water ceremony and energetics
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.
By joining us in 2023 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.
2023 Cost for Apprenticeship is $2250
$250 non-refundable deposit holds your space (followed by 10 Monthly payments of $200)
(paypal /venmo- if you would rather send a check please contact me)
⭐️ (February Special Pay in Full $2000Save $250 scroll down for option 2) ⭐️
Apprenticeships are commitments; Commitments of time, Commitments of finances, Commitments with yourself, Commitments with community. Making and keeping a commitment is powerful and the process opens doors to magic, the unknown and deep growth. I am grateful to every student who has chosen to trust Blazing Star Herbal School with furthering their education, I take your commitment seriously and do my best to help you grow as an herbalist and as a human! 
"When women come together and make a commitment to each other to be in a circle with a spiritual center, they are creating a vessel of healing and transformation for themselves, and vehicle for change in their world. These are circles of compassion that can become incubators for personal and political change."
~ Jean Shinoda Bolen ~
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
I tell everyone (just so you know) that my apprenticeship with you was the best, most useful class I've ever taken. -Lucia D 2008
Still feeling so grateful for the apprenticeship and all my herbal friends (both plant and human!)- Rachel S 2011
I am thinking the Amanda Crawford class is from years past, as Aug 25 is a tue?
Posted by: nicole | July 22, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Herbal Remedies And Herbal Supplements Information !!
Posted by: Herbal | December 02, 2009 at 03:58 AM
I haven't done any course like this but I think it will helpful to gain full knowledge about herbalism.
Posted by: James Murphy | March 14, 2013 at 01:51 PM
Do you do any work study or work trade to negate any of the cost?
Posted by: laura | January 19, 2014 at 04:15 PM
Please contact me. I'm interested in the program in 2017
Posted by: Alanna Dunn | April 16, 2016 at 07:13 PM
Can I have your mailing address? I would like to sign up for the apprenticeship this spring! Thank you
Posted by: Kristie Hartig | January 18, 2018 at 10:11 AM
What our the hours will the classes will be held on Tuesdays?
Posted by: Marlee | December 10, 2019 at 09:48 PM