OK - it is me, Mary Light the director of the school sharing here- not a student - but I am offering this on behalf of one students' recent experience, and to help illustrate the value of the education we offer (well, just one small aspect of its' multidimensional value!) One student recently contacted me to buy some St. John's Wort extract. If you price this at a store, it is approximately 10$ per ounce bottle. It is my experience that 4 ounces is a month supply. She, and perhaps other family members, needed/wanted about 3 or more months worth. You can do the math. What I told her, as she is 1/3 of the way through our 2008 program, is buy 4 oz from me now (for 25$, not 40$), since the extraction process takes 4-6 weeks; gather some St. John's Wort plant as she has been taught in the course, make an extract as she has been taught in the course. For about 11$ in vodka, she will make, using just a part of the knowledge she has gained, about $300.00 retail value of St. John's wort extract, although of much higher quality (as our teachings focus on quality) enough for 8 months of use. So she has had the chance to make a large chunk of her financial investment back, for the course, within a few weeks, in this one stroke. So when people ask me "what can I do after this program?" - as they do, every year, here is just one version of the answer....you can make high quality herbal medicines, and save yourself thousands of dollars over the years. Other versions of the answer include saving yourself untold suffering, cluelessness, worry, money, and healing time , as you will have learned time honored yet cutting edge ways to heal inside and out, including the "why's of healing, the methods of researching herbal knowledge, harvesting methods, medicine making, and more. ~ Mary Light I come again and again for classes because this teacher works in a patient, ego-less way to transmit wisdom I can use and understand, within a context of her real experience, inspiring me to use herbs and wild foods more easily in my own life. Jan The Home Study course was wonderful, fun to do, and I learned a LOT more than I ever thought I could...it was designed to encourage expression and creativity while asking me to delve deeper to learn the medicinal herbal craft. And now I am proud to have achieved the certificate. Michelle "thank you , Mary, for sharing your knowledge of herbs and all the fascinating 'recipes". Experiencing the power of herbs in such a personal way has brought on even more awe of the herbs. I intend to take your classes as they are offered. Herbal Hugs, " Nia A. "one of the most valuable aspects of this program, beyond the great setting for hands- on medicinal herbal learning, was being able to learn from experienced, wise, living teachers who really knew their field, and successfully worked it for so many years. I looked all over for a program in the area with that criteria in place, and was not only delighted when I found this one, but further inspired when I experienced it. This set up a role model and a priceless mentorship for all of us, and has had a lasting influence on me," Patty B. " The Herbalist Certification program was a wonderful experience, and a chance to reconnect with nature in its' finest in Michigan. I learnt a lot not only about herbs, but myself, and my desire to connect with the Earth through plants and herbs. I enjoyed very much the connection I made with the other students. I felt the classes and curriculum were very interesting.... looking forward to continuing my knowledge of the herb world... " Rita C M "I appreciate that you have shared your knowledge, your home, and your heart with us. What I have learned will last forever and will continue on. You have taught me how to connect with plants and energy in a way I have never experienced. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, " Dawn S. "This has truly been a life changing experience for me. I look at the earth with a new appreciation. I hope to continue on with these studies with you- you truly are a gifted teacher, and I feel blessed to have been a part of this", Ruth N. " I enjoyed this program because it was hands- on! It was very practical in that Mary dealt with plants and herbs in our immediate area. she equipped us with many ways to make medicines from nature, instead of going through a middle man. ......I liked the homelike atmosphere, so that I can adapt this knowledge to my own home. " Jacquelyn G. ""this has been a tranformative experience- the earth and my relationship to it is forever changed. With gratitude for your wisdom and generosity in sharing it- Thank you, Barbara S. Mary , thank you for the opportunity to learn from such a knowledgeable herbalist. The hands- on learning was wonderful. Thank you again, God Bless, Felicia L. "Thank you for your gentle patience as you re-introduced a variety of personalities to their mother, and taught them to look to themselves for strength, thank you. Blessings on all you do, " Alisa W. " I enjoyed this program tremendously . It has spurred my hunger to continue studying." Mary D. |
