When the traditional medicine people turned to the plant world, they turned to the spirits. Plant spirits are teachers, friends, and allies. Through developing a close relationship with them, the shaman-healer discovers the ways that each plant can best serve the healing needs of individuals and the community.The practice of ‘sitting with the plants’ and learning through direct spiritual connection was historically one handed down as oral teachings through a lineage of elders to select students.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: Being able to tap into the spiritual wisdom of a plant and develop a two-way communication is such a special experience. It opens up our perceptions of the possibilities that the natural world holds for us. But the teachings and the medicine gifts of the plants are not offered only to expand our personal understanding of the nature of the world around us, they are offered so we can use them in practical ways to help those around us who are suffering. The shamanic path is ultimately one of service.
PLEASE NOTE: Experience in shamanic journeying is a pre-requisite for this workshop.
The all-day Saturday and Sunday times are divided between outdoor work with wild plants and classroom instruction. In some settings a closing ceremonial fire is held, and is optional for students.
Testimonials
I was amazed and in awe of the experiential nature of this workshop. I am more aware of plants and continue to give thanks for this introduction to their kingdom and wisdom.
K.M. June 2015
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Thank you for the magical experience. I truly felt like I delved deeply into my senses and soul this weekend. I loved being supported by Jaki and the group! It was wonderful to meet as a group and then individually introduce ourselves to plants. Sharing our experiences as a group, helped me see that I can trust myself and my relationships with nature. I left the weekend with my heart singing. Thank you.
E.W. June 2015
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Right from the start Jaki's down to earth and gentle informative approach had me enthralled in the traditions and power of plant medicine. The comforting space and the encouragement of expression made for an easy environment to explore and get to develop a relationship with plants. I eagerly await the opportunity to reconnect and to learn more from Jaki about traditions and the ways of the plant medicine world.
C. S. June 2015
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I found the workshop to be an affirming and creative experience. Learning to be still and listen to plants is like learning to use a sense you didn’t know you had; and when you listen it’s like remembering things you have always known. Jaki is a skillful teacher; she is direct and focused, providing guidance and clear instructions. Doing the workshop with a group is great; it’s amazing to learn from each other as well as from the plants.
C.C. June 2009
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I just wanted to thank you for the well organized, information packed workshop on Sacred Plant Medicine. The workshop was given in a deeply spiritual and sacred manner and I felt very honoured to be in the presence of the other students and the beautiful plants themselves. It was exactly what I had hoped for and much, much more! The personal experience time with each plant was incredible and this has really opened a long-awaited opportunity for me! To be able to talk to plants is one thing, but to know that I am truly experiencing answers and getting information back from the plants is so encouraging. It also made me realize that I had already been getting messages from the plants all of my life, even though I was not completely conscious of it. I have now had the confirmation and the invitation from the Plant Kingdom itself, and I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity and love that the plants have for humanity.
D.B., 2009
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I wanted to say how much I enjoyed the workshop last weekend. It was really an eye opening experience for me. I feel like it was something that helped me gain confidence in my instincts and those “feelings” that I have had so often. It gave me a bridge to connect and open up the lines of communication that I knew existed but never knew how to or had the confidence to explore.
S. M. 2009
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Thank you Jaki for having forged the path and for having helped us get to know our plant friends and neighbours – my world is much richer for having taken your class.
J.K. 2010
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Of the many diverse workshops I’ve taken over the years, this one is my new all-time favourite. It was challenging, without a doubt, and I felt stretched that weekend! I arrived with a lot of desire to explore the subtle world of communicating with the plant people, but also fully prepared that I might totally suck at this work and be unable to hear the plants talking to me. Instead of failure I was like the baby robin, nudged out the nest, only to discover that I could fly! And what’s more, every student that weekend flew. Jaki created a warm and safe “go for it” space. Add to that, she’s super fun to hang out with.
L. C. Kewlona, BC, 2009