learn energetic folk herbalism in southeast Michigan
lindera... an in person herbal intensive
energetic folk herbalism...
The core focus of this course is on the foundational energetic principles of western herbalism. Yes, that sounds both somewhat mystical and perhaps a bit complicated, but in reality, it's rooted in relearning how we perceive health and illness, and the herbs themselves, so that we learn to recognize such patterns of imbalance as hot & cold, dry & damp,and tense& lax. This provides a much more useful and foundational understanding of herbcraft than simply learning to associate the name of a problem with the name of a herb; it is, in fact, the part of holistic medicine that works with the person and not the name of their imbalance/condition. To effectively use plant medicines, you'll need to understand the foundational properties by which herbs work, how they affect the body's organs and systems, how to use your senses, intellect & intuition to perceive the physiological, energetic & etheric properties of herbs, and myriad other nuances that make for a solid foundation in herbcraft and allow you to develop a personal style and approach to guide your endeavors.
Basically, there are three aspects to the course:
Initially, we'll take a big picture look at the energetics of western herbalism, and how certain underlying patterns of imbalance are revealed in a person's constitution or the way their symptoms are presented. From this, we can initially determine the types of herbs that will best restore balance before choosing a specific plant or plants. In doing so, we'll explore the energetic system conveyed by the tradition actions of western folk herbalism.
After this broad perspective overview, we'll dive further into energetics, applying these concepts to the body's varied organs & systems, and exploring how some conditions uniformly require specific actions while others need to be more personalized to the way that they're presented by an individual.
We'll also extend our exploration of energetics to the plants we study on a series of walks. While these walks are led here in the Great Lakes bio-region, many of the plants covered have a very broad range of distribution and the concepts covered extend to all the herbs we could encounter anywhere (I've had students come from as far away as Texas and Colorado).
My goal in teaching this information is twofold:
I want to make recognizing and addressing energetic patterns easier: less thinky and more reflexive and intuitive. This is a craft that like many others becomes easier to exercise with practice and repetition. The course is intended to encourage this, provide a solid foundation for future growth, and leave you more energetically savvy upon completion.
It's also super important to me that people enjoy my teaching. I don't want my classes to just be informative, I want them to be fun, because I believe that when learning is fun it sticks better. So expect a bit of zaniness: pool noodles and catapults and koosh balls and floor rolling. There won't be any power points, and I'll be more than just a talking head for you.
what to expect
spending time with plants…
If you're considering this intensive, please be willing to commit to coming to the classes and spending a lot of time outdoors with the plants, hiking (vigorous hiking up hills and down dales; you'll need to be physically able to spend a day out on the trail), dealing with bugs, perhaps some inclement weather (we will meet rain or shine), and above all be willing to put in the time outside of class to study and to find places near you that you can get out into and harvest your herbs from. This may be your yard, a neighbor's yard, a community garden, a friend's property - wherever.
reading course material…
You'll need to do the reading, most of which I've written, but including links to articles by other herbalists available online, and a few highly recommended books.
connection with others…
You'll also be involved in an ongoing & evolving group dynamic, which allows you to likely learn as much from each other as you will from me. The value of this could not be overstated.
lots of information…
Of course, there'll be quite a bit more covered as the class unfolds. I have answers to some frequently asked questions here. Please do read these.
I record pretty much the entire course as high quality MP3 files, which are available to students. This helps not only as an info source for future reference, but also allows people to listen to any classes they may miss due to illness or unforeseen circumstances. I also set up an email listserve for participants to facilitate interaction and dialogue between classes.
the practical details
dates for 2025...
april 12/13 (two class days)
may 3/4 (class/walk)
june 7/8 (class/walk)
july 12/13 (class/walk)
august 2/3 (class/walk)
and august 23/24 (class/walk)
september 13/14 (class/walk)
october 4/5 (two class days)
times...
Class times will generally be 11ish to around 6ish, though it's probably prudent to state that I have occasionally run over if no one tells me time is up.
location...
lindera includes classroom days which will meet in Commerce, Michigan (north of Wixom and east of Milford) at the River Hawk Annex , which is an indoor space at Proud Lake State Recreation Area with the exception of August 2nd, where we'll meet in an open air pavilion, also at Proud Lake just on the other side of the road. Herb hikes will be at local parks in northwest Oakland County, Michigan with discussions of habitat and harvest, properties, history, lore, current and traditional uses and my direct experience using these herbs.
cost...
The cost for the intensive is $1450 if paid by February 28/29th (before March).
On or after March 1st, the cost is $1550.
A $500 non-refundable deposit will register you for the intensive and hold your space, and with the remaining balance due by/on the first day of class.
Please be aware that the $500 deposit is non-refundable for cancellations made between the time the initial payment is sent in and the first class.
***there will be no refunds for any tuition paid***
If you miss lots of classes or stop coming to lindera, this will not result in credit for next year's course (though we can add you to the online lindera course).
Any classes I am unable to facilitate because of illness, injury, family emergency, or any other unexpected calamity will be provided as online material & discussion.
local resources...
If you don't live near enough to commute each day, I've compiled a list of local resources I hope you'll find helpful with regard to procuring food and/or a place to stay.
So if you are interested...
ask me questions…
Please just let me know and I'll do my best to further clarify my plans and intentions. I really want you to feel confident in your decision.
How to apply…
Please fill out the application found here.
After doing so, please call me to discuss any questions, particulars or whatnot that you or I may have.
After we talk, make your deposit. A non-refundable deposit reserves you spot.
My phone number is 248-238-8733 (does not receive texts)
check out how I teach…
I'm an herbalist; I deeply love the plants I share this land with and one of the ways I give back to them is by teaching others what I have to offer. If you're considering taking a long term course like this, you'll want to feel in synch with the person teaching it. Ideally, you'll come to one of my classes beforehand, but please also look around online and see what I've written and others have been kind enough to say about me.
I've tried to provide a lot of content so people interested in my classes can check it out and see what I teach like and where I'm coming from.
Because people learn in different ways, I have different mediums to check out.
Many of my writings are here.
I look forward to nerding out on plants with you!
Please don't make any payments until you fill out an application and we talk... I want to be sure all your questions are answered and you have a clear understanding of the course so you can make a confident decision about participating.
