Heart Centered Sacred Plant Medicine and
the Direct Sensory Perception of Nature
A 8-month, hands-on herbal training focusing on sacred plant communication, traditional herbal medicine making, healing, and inner journeys with herbalist, healer and intuitive
Mary Ann Copson.
Registration is now open for the next series beginning April, 2012
New! Long distance option.
Did you ever walk along outside and get a sense that you might have heard some message – or something. Plants talk. We rarely listen though. But if you think they might be calling you to come join them in a journey through your multi-dimensional awareness to the wholeness of yourself – now is the time.
Come and connect with the spirit of the plants – the great healers of the earth.
- Discover and explore your personal herbal allies
- Connect with your medicine gifts and guides
- Build your powerful herbal medicine bundle and healing herbal medicine chest
- Learn to communicate with your herbal allies using your right brain, left brain, and multi-dimensional awareness
- Reclaim your healing powers
- Reclaim and expand your position as the protector and shepherd of your and your family’s health, wellness, ad well being
- Let the plants guide you on your path of deep healing
- Learn how to incorporate the medicine of the earth into your integral life practices
Join us for a mystical, practical, profound, and exciting adventure in this intensive (and Fun!) hands-on course. We will explore:
Communicating with the plants and nature spirits - Herbal medicine making – tinctures, oils, baths, teas, infusions and more
- The health, wellness, well-being, energetic, magical, and ritual use of herbs
- Your Personal Deep Healing Journey
- Case Studies
- Basic personal and family wellness care
- Healing/ Dialogue / Wisdom Circles
- Plant Walks
- Plant spirit meditations and inner journeys
- Magical You – finding and developing your medicine gifts
Play, explore, experiment, learn, and discover with your herbal allies as your guides and end up firmly grounded and connected with these magical plants. At the end of this course, you and your herbs will have truly become allies – supporting, helping, understanding, and expanding each other.
The Art and Science of Herbal Medicine
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The Magic and Meaning of Herbs will focus on the art of herbal medicine. This is not a professional course for you to go out and use herbal medicine on others. This is a course in which you will immerse yourself in the multi-dimensional experience of herbal medicine. It is a deeply personal course between you and your herbal allies that will prepare you to be shepherd of your own deep healing, health, wellness, and well-being, and the steward of the ancient and leading secrets of the plants.
Your most important journey will be to learn – well, actually to allow - the communication with the plants to be heard and to understand what your herbal allies have to say to you.
Not that the science of herbal medicine is not important - for the science and the art stand as two sides of the same hologram – but in this time and place we will sit more often on the art side than the science side. As a matter of fact, I don’t even think you should be using herbal medicine without some understanding its science, so - although this is not a text book course - we will be using plenty of reference books to substantiate your multi-dimensional awareness of the herbs.
But don’t worry - you will get plenty of science preparing your own presentation about the plants and writing your own herbal ally booklet.
And of course, you will learn facts and figures, dosages and precautions - and all that stuff – but that is not the grist of what you need to know – anybody can open a book and memorize some information.
The power of herbal medicine lies in its art. If you only ever stay in the science aspect of herbal medicine, it loses its power. It atrophies and becomes corrupt - transforming into but a vague shadow of itself.
No previous understanding of, or exposure to, the science of herbal medicine is needed (and sometimes it actually gets in the way). This course is appropriate for all levels of experience with herbs.
Sample Curriculum
Our curriculum will be a living breathing entity -responding to the unique needs of the group and each individual in the group. However, we will follow this basic structure:
Communicating with the plants
- Intuitively – learn to listen and hear the plants through your expanded wisdom sense
- Multi-dimensional awareness – inner journeys into the world of the plants with your natural ability to access your own multi-dimensional awareness and to meet the spirit and essence of the plants
- Linear – presentations to the group, case studies research and discussion, and the creation of your own herbal allies booklet
- Plant spirit communication
Herbal Medicine Making
Traditional Wise Women Medicine Making - Tinctures
- Herbal oils
- Baths
- Teas
- Infusions
- Learn everything what you need to know to harvest, prepare, and wildcraft your own herbal medicines
The Many Medicines of Your Herbal Allies
- Health and wellness use of your herbs
- Well-being use of plants
- Ceremonial and ritual use of plants
- Tonics
- Nourishing herbs
- Stimulating and sedating herbs
- Break and entry herbs
- Energetic plant medicine
- Magical herbs
The Healing Journey
- You and your herbal allies will take a personal journey through the different stages and phases of Deep Healing
- What is Medicine?
- Journey through the Seven Steps of Healing (modeled after Susun Weed)
- 12 stages of healing (modeled after Donald Epstein)
- Integral life/healing practice (modeled after Ken Wilbur)
- Walk through each step with your herbal allies and become a student to their wisdom in each step
Houses of Healing
- Creating community
- Group and individual discovery, exploration, experimentation and sharing
- Buddy work
- Healing circles
- Dialogue circles
- Wisdom circles
Case studies - Basic personal and family wellness and well being
- Group presentations
- Creation of your herbal allies reference book
- Healing journeys
Magical You
- Your Medicine
- Medicine walk
- Medicine bundle
- Medicine bowl
- Medicine chest
- Medicine name
- Medicine animal
- Spirit, diva, and plant guides
Notes and More about the Curriculum
Kind Words:
I also wanted to say that I already miss you and all of my brilliant classmates. As someone whose spent most of her life ‘out of place’ one way or another - it was such a beautiful, rare and nurturing experience to be amongst you all. To know that whatever I was feeling was not only safe to share, but also welcomed and cherished. People are always telling me to tone ‘it down’ - when it is just me! I loved never feeling that way with you all.
Please know that I will always be proud and grateful for having been in your class.
-- Love and Gratitude, Heather
Classes begin this Spring in beautiful Nelson County.
New! Long distance online option.
When - Next series begins April 28, 2012.
Schedule – We will meet one week-end a month - Saturday 10:30-5:30 and Sunday 10:30-3:00. Class dates.
Where - Our meetings will take place at The Earth Path School of Nature Centered Healing and Spiritual Practice in beautiful Nelson County, where we will have ample access to wildcrafted and cultivated herbs – and be immersed in the natural rhythms of the great teacher – nature. Map.
Registration – Admittance Interview and Pre-registration required. Registration deadline is March 10. Register by calling Mary Ann at 434-263-4996.
Tuition - Full tuition is $1935. A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 is due at registration. The remainder of your tuition is due no later than March 10.
You can make your payments by credit card, debit card, an ACH Check-By-Phone debit from your checking account, personal check or Pay Pal.We do prefer checks. If you are mailing your check please mail to Mary Ann Copson, 154 Evening Star Lane, Shipman, Va. 22971.
Please review the Withdrawal and Refund Policies.
Financial Arrangements - Full tuition is due before classes begin, but we recognize some may find it difficult to make one large payment so, alternatively, upon request, and with prior approval you can finance your tuition in Monthly Payments.
If you choose to finance your tuition, please add an additional $49 to your Full Tuition of $1935 for a total of $1984. Your Monthly Payment is $248 a month for 8 payments. Your first non-refundable, non-transferable payment is due at registration. Regular Monthly Payments begin March 10.
When you are making monthly payments, all of your payments will be processed by credit or debit card, post-dated checks, or as an ACH Check-By-Phone debit from your checking account, automatically on the 10th of each month for your 8 payments.
To request to finance your tuition, please contact me at434-263-4996 and first review the Withdrawal and Refund Policies.
Admittance Interview and Pre-registration required. Registration deadline is March 10. Register by calling Mary Ann at 434-263-4996.
No previous experience with herbs is necessary. Experienced herbalists are welcome. Everyone will start with beginner’s mind.
Just Imagine ...
At The Earth Path School you find a curious mixture of the cultivated and the wild, with splashes of color from garden flowers and flowering trees. Under the wisteria your new friends are gathering. You walk over to the gazebo and look over the ravine out into the surrounding woods. It is still early in the season so there are not quite full green leaves on the trees. In front of you, as far as you can see - is all forest.
And as you take a few minutes to be still, you feel the power of the woods calm and center you. It is that way with nature. It entrains you to your own natural rhythms and all you need to do is stand in her presence and be still.
It is warm and sunny so the class is meeting outside, and you are excited to learn what will be happening today.
Last month everyone laid down on the earth and journeyed inward to meet the plant spirit Chickweed. You were so surprised when you realized that you were actually learning about this herb from the plant spirit itself. After that inward journey, you engaged the linear part of your brain and recorded what chickweed had revealed.
You were a bit unsure about what you were writing down. But heck, no one was grading you. And when the class had been sent out to “Hear the call of Chickweed and find it” there was uncertainty. But - lo and behold - you actually stumbled upon its little white star flowers and its juicy green baby leaves. What a delight!
Gathering with the group and sharing your experience you find - to your astonishment - that much of what you found out in your inner journey is actually being collaborated! Now you are surprised and amazed but a little freaked out. Could it possibly be that you can really connect with the spirit of the plants?! And learn from them?!
Practicing the art of receiving you come together with the group to
- Go over some case studies that the group members are bringing to the group
- Hear one member’s presentation about her “stimulating and sedating North herbal ally with a narrow therapeutic range”
- Draw together into the healing circle,
- Spend time sitting with periwinkle (one of your new herbal allies),
- And then work with the group on crafting your Herbal Medicine Bundle.
And it is all wonderful, deeply healing, and intimately satisfying as you recognize that the plants are truly revealing their ancient secrets to you.
This journey can become your reality.
If you haven’t yet signed up for this nine month Herbal Training you may be wondering - What’s in it for me?
Learning about herbs may seem like a weird thing to be doing in the midst of a world economic recession. But it’s not at all.
Herbal medicine has been the medicine of the people for ages - for a reason. When you become comfortable in using herbal medicine as a viable part of your overall health and wellness care you get a quantum leap toward awakening your access to your own deep healing.
We are in a time when we must find our way to heal ourselves of lifetimes of personal and cultural ways of being that we are rapidly outgrowing.
Herbal medicine is more than reading some books, memorizing some facts and passing some tests. Herbal medicine is a journey into the heart of yourself - both in your personal bodymind and in the collective bodymind.
Taking this amazing journey into the heart of herbal medicine will propel you to find your own deep healing and chart your course toward living with an energized mind, vibrant body, peaceful heart, and magical spirit.
In the midst of fear and uncertainty, these are the experiences that will keep you sane, whole, and evolving.
The Meaning and Magic of Herbs is a course about deep compassion. Working with herbs is an act of deep compassion. And the first act of compassion is for yourself – and this is where the herbs become your allies.
Herbs are healing – not just because of their chemical constituents but because they are living entities - living energy dynamics. And the healing that comes from herbs comes from the interaction between one living system and another – you and the herb.
Go look up herbs for hayfever in a book and you will see: elder, ephedra, eyebright, ground ivy, nettles, plantain, peppermint, sage, white horehound, garlic, Iceland moss, lobelia, St. John’s Wort, Echinacea, bayberry bark, yarrow, and more. How do you know which herb to use?
Beyond the science, the answer lies in your intimate relationship with the herbs and in your ability to connect deeply with the flow of balance and imbalance that is happening and then to find the herb that carries the dynamic that can be the catalyst for healthy flow and balance.
The Meaning and Magic of Herbs has at its center compassionate loving healing for all the bruised and battered parts of yourself. In this age and time, we are in the center of a large and strong morphogenic field of fear and survival. And it is bound to strike at you in some way or other. We can create an upward spiral of healing energy within you that moves you off to the side of this survival energy and instead reverberates compassion and love through the reuniting of yourself with the compassionate centered energy of the earth.
Just imagine you had confidence in making your own herbal medicines to lovingly care for your family’s basic health and wellness.
Just imagine you had confidence in understanding the paths of healing that are open for you and your family and knew what you could handle on your own and what you needed to reach out to others for.
Just imagine that this confidence was something you embodied and trusted - not just some info you picked up in an internet search.
Just imagine how much money this would save you - both in the short term and in the long term.
Just imagine what a difference self reliance, knowledge, and wisdom could make for you and your family.
The plants are calling – is it you they want to speak with?
Admittance Interview and Pre-registration required. Registration deadline is March 10. Register by calling Mary Ann at 434-263-4996.
What people are saying...
Taping into the Essence
In one of the classes we did some intuitive work on a case study and I presented some herbal recommendations just using my intuitive awareness. The night before the next class I did some quick research on what I had suggested and found that it was pretty much on target. The funny thing is that until we started discussing my recommendations in class, I didn’t recognize the importance of what I had done by tapping into that previously unknown information about the herbs. I had been able to access that information and then found out that it agreed with the conventional use of the plants. It was true. I could talk with the spirit and essence of the plants- and I hadn’t thought it was possible before.
--DF, Afton, VA.
Re-Awakened
I came alive again from taking this course. I got my enthusiasm back about my acupuncture work and learning about herbs. I have been reading at least 7 herb books at a time and it feels so invigorating. Being with the plants reminds me of the blessed and beloved time I spent many years ago when I first started learning about herbs and this class has brought back that feeling. I am eager now to revamp my practice to reflect my new insights from the class.
--MJ, Charlottesville, Va.
Medicine Making
I am so excited about these medicines we are making. It is like I am a kid at Christmas. I can’t wait to open up and use these exciting gifts. Waiting 6 weeks is just too long for me. Everyday I am saying, “Oh come on isn’t it ready yet?”
I absolutely can’t wait for my wild rose oil. I am giddy to get to use it. There is something about it that I just am so excited about. When I was picking it I kept getting pricked until I realized that maybe I shouldn’t be reaching into that spot. I stopped and listened to the plant for a minute and when I reached to pick what I felt drawn to - I swear it like dropped down into my hand. I was amazed.
-- HCK, Waynesboro, Va.
There is Magic Here
Your place is magical and after being in class here I am making changes to make the place I live be more reflective of me. It is a 4 year decision in the making and through this class I have been prompted to begin the start of my new life.
-- CM, Afton, Va.
Herbs Revealed
I am so amazed at these herbs. They are all over the place. I never noticed them before but now that I have been introduced to them and shown what they are and where they are I see them all over the place and it is magical. I am so excited by it.
I went home and made Hawthorne flower tincture for my self and a fellow student (it felt really good to be able to share that). I told my husband the Hawthorne tincture would be good for his cardiovascular problems – and even he got excited.
After the last class I started reading like crazy. I was reading 4-5 books at a time about the herbs. I couldn’t get enough. It was great.
-- GW, Shipman, Va.
The Web of Life
My first class was such an amazing initiation into the world of herbs. Now as I drive along the road, I am noticing all the plants that I never saw before. The plants are always catching my attention now, whereas before I didn’t even know they were there. It is very exciting. I now feel connected to something so much greater than myself. I feel like I am a real part of the web of life now.
-- DF, Afton, Va.
Plant Amazement
We were all so amazed at how the plants had changed in such a short time - from one month to the next. I would have never believed that this gigantic plant that is taller than I am was the same gentle little comfrey plant I had tinctured the month before. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes I would have sworn that I had been hallucinating before. But that is the magic of being able to follow the plant from month to month. It is such a gift and I am learning more from being with the plants then I ever could from reading about them in the books.
-- HCK, Waynesboro, Va.
Herbal Transformation
After the last class, my son was having a heavy thing going on for him and we talked and talked about it and it was getting very heavy for me, too. I was having a hard time with it. Then I remembered that there was some ground ivy down on a part of our property. I had been introduced to ground ivy in class. While I was picking it I noticed that the heaviness was lifting and soon I was just feeling joy. That heaviness just lifted and I saw it drift away. And even now it has stayed with me – that joy. It was amazing.
When I got home from the class there were lots of things going on in my life and I just pushed aside the homework and the things I wanted to do for the class. I had so much else to deal with. But I kept meeting up with one of the class members in town and I usually don’t see very many people in town whom I know. I decided I better get home and get my herb books and homework together – which I did. As soon as I did that I stopped running into my classmate!
-- PD, Shipman, Va.
Letting Go
As I was driving home from the class where we had talked about using the Severance Journal, I had this profound experience of joy and sadness both at the same time. I experienced the letting go of both simultaneously and for the first time in my life I really understood the concept of letting go and surrendering. It was exquisite.
-- MJ, Charlottesville, Va.
Personal Growth
I am just amazed at how taking a training about herbs can have such an impact on my own personal growth. For the first time in a long time I was able to not take on other’s anxiety about things that are happening in their lives. I could listen to them and offer support and guidance, but I just let their anxiety go and not make it my anxiety. That is one of the first times for that – and that is a big thing.
-- PC, Charlottesville, Va.
Wisteria Impresses
Being here with the Wisteria blossoms in that first class just sparked something in me. I bought a wild plant cookbook and I cannot tell you how excited I am to find out that wisteria blossoms are edible. I want a piece of wisteria to take home with me to my garden - and some of the other wonderful plants here. I just have to have them they feel so alive and I think they will help me connect to those lost parts of myself.
-- CM, Afton, Va.
More of what people are saying...
I hope that you will be one of those who hears and answers the call of the plants.
Admittance Interview and Pre-registration required. Registration deadline is March 10. Register by calling Mary Ann at 434-263-4996.
New! Long distance online option.
Ready?
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At its heart, herbal medicine is about taking the journey into deep healing for yourself. The plants have things to say to you about yourself, your healing, and how you can become the steward of their secrets. They invite you to step into this deep healing and, with their assistance, carry it into yourself and in doing that take a step to heal the world.
The plants have power, healing, guidance and ancient and leading edge secrets that it is time for them to give you – are you ready to receive their transmission?
Some relevant things you may want to know about me.
More About Mary Ann Copson,
Director, Earth Path School
For questions or to register please call 434-263-4996.
"We need the tonic of the wilderness. The ocean, the mountains, the deserts, a wooded grove – all contain the magic needed to restore pure radiant energy to a stressed soul. Mother Earth in all of her infinite compassion and strength has remarkable powers to restore vitality. Wash yourself in the pure water of the streams, put your bare feet on the good earth, fall asleep in the arms of an ancient tree. There is good medicine to be found in nature. It is long lasting and heals the soul."
--Henry David Thoreau
The Earth Path School
Shipman, Virginia
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