Here we share with readers school news about programs, people, students, and activities of the school as well as: July 2
Gaia School is currently working on the 2009 schedule. The schedule for the Medicinal Herbalist Certification Program, 2009, is already up at the "Herbalist Syllabus " page. We know this program requires planning in the realms of time and money for our students, so the information is out there well in advance. We do not offer financial aid, and encourage your advance planning if you see yourself in this program in 2009! Next year brings changes in the form of new weekend workshops which concentrate on teaching Herbalist and Medicine Making skills, along with a reduction of shorter individual classes. Our niche is the student passionate about deeper learning of the art and science of herbs and natural healing in todays' world, for personal and professional enrichment and certification. The certification programming is strong and vital ! Home Study Certification runs a close second. We learned lessons this year about working with girls - finding that a work oriented program balanced with some movement and play works best at the Gaia school and land. Creating community is part of our mission , too, although not always part of our nature in a competitive world, we see it as essential for the emerging times and future. The girls created community through sharing, movement, guided imagery, nature walks, and creation of a group Earth Art project, and our beautiful old trees opened their arms , inviting the girls to climb, which they were unable to resist each day. Our enrollment is 33% up from last year, so we take a happy and thankful cue in planning for the months ahead ! June 8 We have offered family and children's events over the years, and this year is the first run of the Green Girls/Gaia Girls summer programs, for ages 10-12. I am happy to say the June program is set to run with a great group of 8 participants so far, beginning June 23. Update: look to the Gaia Girls programs page for announcements about next year, 2009. We look forward to revised programming , as well as offerings in partnership with the Girls Scout Council . It is exciting, rewarding, and inspiring to focalize communities of children who come to these programs to connect with, and work with nature on a deeper level, beyond simply the academic, "name this plant" level. (Of course, knowing the names of our friends is a great place to begin ! ). These programs create community, and bring girls into hands-on participation with activities such as planting, making herbal therapeutics, preparation of whole foods dishes, nature communication, foraging, and more. April 26 We all had a truly inspiring first class of Advanced Program , Medicinal Herbal Studies, yesterday evening. For me as a teacher, the evening was the opening of a new portal, after watching herbal education slowly grow in this area for several years, to the point where we even can offer an actual advanced program, beyond our core program each year of Medicinal Herbalist Certification program. Oh, the material is there- lifetimes of wonderful, serious, creative and deep learning is there waiting for all of us in this field - but the demographics had not caught up - they are doing so now, however ! I remember when the first class for a formal Certification program (requiring commitment on my end, and on the part of students) was only two students, and one dropped out due to a variety of personal factors- so in 2004 we were off to a start requiring some faith. I have kept the faith. For the next two years we averaged ten per program, with this year shaping up to be uncertain at this writing, but possibly up to 16, with more enrollments in individual classes each year. The advanced program students are happy to be embarking on the next leg of their journey ! And so am I. April 16 Gentle Readers: I have just returned from a spring retreat at Findhorn Community in the north of Scotland, to an exciting time of new spring growth here at the medicine farm. Gaia School, with a variety of programs and classes, is also feeling the green energy of coming from a grounded place in the earth element to rise up for a season of learning, teaching, growing, medicine making, healing, inspiration, support and love. We need this knowledge in our current world so very much, and I am touched and inspired by the calls of interest and the enrollment which comes through at this time. Make this the year you come see us for a class or a program, and take a look at this site for more information on everything we offer. I have spent the winter chatting with many callers, some of which are now in our programs and some who will be in the future. Check it out- there is no obligation to ask questions about the programs, classes , school or our philosophies . Take a look also at our various free events during spring summer and fall which are Fairs which focus on sharing with the community. Happy Spring ! Mary Light, ND, MH, LMT FAQ: Is the certification from the State of Michigan? No, the State does not give this out , nor do any other States to my knowledge involve themselves in certification for herbal studies, nor many other types of course of holistic and healing arts study. States have nothing to do with this, in that Certification is recognized by the schools themselves by virtue of a students' successful completion of courses, according to their criteria. There is no "licensure" for herbal practice in the US. Or anywhere to my knowledge. This is a good thing, and many prominent herbalists speak out against proposals for licensure, which safeguards nothing and controls everything. The book "The Herbalist's Way" by Nancy and Michael Phillips discusses this and other issues facing herbalists, students, and consumers today.
Your certification comes from the people who know the field , and are able to evaluate your completion of school work. Absence of state certification would in no way diminish the quality and value of your education, personally or professionally, since it is not a concept which even qualifies for consideration. It is advised that you choose experienced, skilled teachers with a background of successful practice over time; that teacher biographies are available through the school, that you resonate with the school philosophy and curriculum design. Direct, hands-on experiential activity for learning sets a superb school apart from a mediocre program. If a course, or the school material, or office is vague in any way in any of these areas, your learning experience may suffer as well. Lack of biographical information on teachers, and lack of curriculum detail is a red flag in herbal educational offerings. Who you are studying under and what exactly you will be learning is everything. In short, the School , and the relationships made with teachers and staff, are the referral base and support for any future career building of successful students. We recognize the study of natural health to be potentially lifelong, with much to learn and understand, while actively practicing along the way, and we encourage continuing education through our programs and others you may find and resonate with along your journey. What will this training enable me to do? While our course learning objectives are clear about bringing to each student an experience of the foundational "pillars' of medicinal herbal practice and understanding, we experience this question more in terms of job prospects. We view the herbal movement as one in a creative and exciting state of expansion and acceptance; our experience as long term practitioners and educators is for more and more calls of interest and bookings each year.
Many people integrate this knowledge and wisdom into part or full time private consultation practices, which may grow as their own experience and skills grow. During our program instruction, we integrate practical skills for creating a consultancy along with the foundational skills which are part of the field of successful medicinal herbal practice. Our former and continuing students have gone on to start small businesses, to receive promotions within the natural foods field, to offer additional services in healing arts practices, to grow herbs for commerce, and to design and produce herbal items for sale. Experienced herbalists may provide consultation on various levels, including for companies developing herbal products. They may write, teach, and branch out to offer their own courses of study. There will continue to be a growing need for medicinal herbalists, particularly for those who are passionate about their work and willing to continue their education and round out their knowledge of the healing arts. And , last but not least, there is great value to personal enrichment for self and family by taking our courses and study in herbal art and sciences and natural therapeutics. March 20 A development connected to the school are the offerings of two classes in native medicinal herbs through the nearby Dexter Public Schools, Community Education. Mary Light will be teaching an evening class there in the spring, May 21 and May 28 , 630-830 p.m. or check with Dexter Schools website. Mary Light continues to offer her herb and natural healing classes at Washtenaw Community College each season. Upcoming are Women's Natural Health, and a timely class in Green Cleaning products anyone can make at home, saving the environment, and your own health by avoiding chemical cleaners. Botanicals and earth based ingredients play a key role in the formulation of these products. Call the college today for a catalog and registration information. 3 people have finished the Home Study course with flying colors, and I do mean that with the creativity and beautiful stream of consciousness with which these courses were completed. I encourage expressive freedom in doing the course, letting the learning process rise out of your like maple nectar through a tree. We connect on such a deep level when experiential engagement , color, art, and hands on work are part of the process. Meanwhile we are hearing from more and more people about the Home Study course, and are preparing to submit it for NCBTMB CE so that massage therapists and bodyworkers, many of whom wish to continue their healing arts studies, may receive credit for continuing education through this course. One of the very first flowers to come up- and their little reddish shoots are poking out of the ground now- are coltsfoot. Pretty yellow radial flowers which stick around for awhile , the leaves come later - they are truly , along with Sand Hill cranes, robins, and swelling herds of deer, a sign that spring is here. February 9 Time flies! Welcoming Dawn Smiddy as a teaching assistant this year, as she embarks on the path of our Teacher Training program. Dawn is a banker ( 25 years , vice president, branch manager) who is following her passion for the healing arts and herbal practice , transforming her life, and surely also those in her path. She successfully completed the Medicinal Herbalist Certification program last year here at Gaia School, and will also be enrolling in the Advanced Studies program of herbal studies . We welcome Ruth Nelson as an Advanced Studies student as well as "she who oversees the work study program". Ruth took on the 100 hour version of Work Study last year, and has a great overview for how it unfolds, what we need, and how to help students connect with the plants and their needs, as well as medicine making and apothecary tasks. Jan 14 A great new class is being offered this Spring, and possibly also later this year, by herbalist and intuitive healer Rowena Conahan, who also leads some of our Wild Edibles walks and talks. This one is called "Cooking with the Devas", and the gist of it is exploring our connection with our own intuitive guidance when in our kitchens , and allowing that guidance to give us information about nourishing ourselves and families through intuitive selection and mixing of ingredients and menu planning. How many of us would like to feel more comfortable and empowered with that life skill? We are evolving a society and culture which will more and more rely on personal intuition for many choices and needs rather than relying on "authorities" to tell us what to do. We know ! This class endeavors to help us bring that out and explore the path to wellness and peace through intuitive guidance. Kitchen Deva, help me whip up a great smoothie ! Class time and details to be announced; we are talking about April. January 9, 2008
Advanced levels of study- a second level- is being offered this year to our students who have successfully completed the Medicinal Herbalist Certification program. This project and research oriented program, with 8 advanced lecture classes, is open for registration beginning in February. January 2008 Home Study Students : On a recent mile long walk, during this winter thaw, I noticed for collection the following growing medicinal herb specimens - mullein, ground ivy, periwinkle, motherwort, catnip, chickweed, dandelion, plantain, white pine (and other pines of course, and cedar) , garlic mustard, strawberry, shepherds purse - these are also among the first things that will begin more wildly growing in the spring. Most of the plants were in excellent shape- these are the hardy plants which ice and snow don't seem to touch, while others wither away for the winter. Feverfew, which is not really "wild" here, but was in our gardens, was fresh and ready to pick to put onto sandwiches , the other day , too. And if you are doing the Home Study program, you can always skip the winter walks, curl up with books and paper and just do the assignments, while waiting for warmer temperatures to seek out herbs. January 2008 As our new year eases down the 2008 runway, I am noticing something that a growing school with much to offer is pleased to see- increased enrollment, at a much earlier time of year, and with some passionate, grounded students who love all that the holistic, green world has to offer in the study of herbal medicine. Our programs are in their 4th year, with new offerings, a refined work study option, and a world and local culture ever the more receptive to the wisdom we have to offer. I have had some great chats with prospective students about herbal studies, and I just want to say again, don't be a stranger, we welcome your calls, as well as your visits to Open House and classes..... Happy January Thaw ! We are excited to be offering a new program, titled Wild Flowers, during two separate weeks in June and also in July, for girls to begin their connection to the Green World and all that it offers . Girls may enroll in one or both of the week long programs. Our gardens, meadows, brookside nature paths , and woodlands await discovery of wild edibles, wild flowers, sightings of deer, rabbits and hawks, as well as creative connection in a non competitive setting for girls ages 9-12. Gaia School will be announcing this program in Ann Arbor Parents magazine, Crazy Wisdom Journal, Michigan Gardener magazine, and through other venues. We will feature this and other programs during the University of Michigans' Not for Profit Expo, as a way to bring news of internships which may relate to a variety of fields of study. We welcome families to inquire about this program, which is by application, and open to apply in early January.
Dec. 2007 Gaia School of Herbal Studies is a member of the United Plant Savers " Partners In Education" program. This means, in part, that our program students receive a membership to United Plant Savers, opening the door to their participation in plant conservation and earth stewardship. The latest activities of the school in conserving At Risk medicinal plants were to plant roots in the woodlands this past fall : ginseng, goldenseal, and wild yam. We also started a Seed Bank, and an approx. 120 sq foot cultivated Echinacea p. bed. Membership also means we pledge to include in our teachings the important awareness, along with activities, which United Plant Savers exists to promote. Many medicinal plants are at risk due to over harvesting in the wild for popular and useful herbal products, as well as loss of habitat due to mining, construction, drainage of marshlands, pesticide/herbicide use, and other factors which damage ecosystems. For more information, visit www.unitedplantsavers.org.
12/21/07 This November we had a lovely graduation ceremony in the medicine wheel on a sunny , warm- for - November day, followed by a delicious lunch . This particular group was able to say their farewells after being together since early spring for the program. It was wonderful to see family and friends come along for the ceremony day! Our Medicinal Herbalist Certification program students did a fabulous and admirable job of being present and into their studies and the gifts of the earth this past season. All the students received a gift of a first year of membership in United Plant Savers organization. Some stayed on this marvelous quintessential autumn day for a hike through the fields and woods, and to see the "sugar shack" set up among the sugar maples , used for many years to produce maple syrup right on the spot from the late winter sap run. Although the wheel of the year keeps movin' on, I am taking some time for hearth and home from now until the end of the 2007 year - puttering, cooking, dreaming, and catching up with books, neighbors and friends while giving thought to the final touches of our herbal studies schedule of classes for 2008. We have some new offerings, including a batch of unique and interesting classes at prices in the 35$- $50 range , and new options to help make the certification program more affordable by featuring workable work study apprentice options. In 2008 you should be able to come here to over a dozen relevant classes and events to inspire, support your learning, your health and that of your family. Peace, |
