Compassionate Wisdom and the Plants in their Fullness

,,

Last night, I offered a FREE teleclass, "Compassionate Wisdom and the Plants in their Fullness, about my work as a shamanic herbalist." 

I feel such an incredible synergy in sharing the practices related to the plants in their fullness, in expanded consciousness.  

So simple, so close to home and so powerful are the shamanic herbalism practices I have learned from my teacher.  

Here is a link so that you may listen to this class.  

http://rs1614.freeconferencecall.com/fcc/cgi-bin/play.mp3/2096471075-1022555-45.mp3

At the end of the class I offer a gift, Apple Moon-Full Moon Plant Mysteries and also extra special prices on our programs until the end of tonight, the BLUE MOON-FULL MOON, August 31 , 2012. Follow this link, www.crowsdaughter.com,  and look on the left side of my website for a list of all programs.

You may email me to receive this gift and you may sign up for one of our programs with these extra special prices.  

May the Fullness of the Year and the Abundant Harvest nourish and inspire you.  

Peace and Abundant Green Blessings, Julie

Bring into the World, That Beautiful Idea

Tadd and I were living in Arlington, Washington about ten years ago. The house we were renting was an old, old Victorian farmhouse that was falling apart. I had returned from my apprenticeship with Susun Weed in New York about a year before that and was beginning the integration period of this life changing experience. I was also just beginning menopause and I felt like I was falling apart also.

I had quit my job as a teacher and was living off of some savings I had and then off of Tadd's income. I already had started a small herbal products business and was selling at farmer's markets and a bit through mail order. I had started writing a column for The Beltane Papers, Journal of Women's Mysteries and discovered I could write about plants.

There was a very, very large managed forest to the east of us. I would climb up behind our house and walk and walk through it. I spent my days walking in the woods and gardening, talking to the plants and wondering what I was going to do with the rest of my life. Tadd wondered that also.

I began to cook all our food from scratch at that time and also made nourishing herbal infusions for us to drink. I grew lots of food for us and made medicines from the plants that were near. I grew very close to one of the Douglas Fir tree up in the woods and visited her almost everyday.
I also remember the Herb Robert and how it helped me feel welcome on the forest trail.



I had some problems with my self esteem at this time. My body was changing and I gained quite a bit of weight. I had shaved my head to celebrate my transformation upon finishing my shamanic apprenticeship and I hated the way my hair looked for a long time.

I sought shamanic healing to help me navigate this strange new life and trained with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. I started a shamanic practice in my little delapidated house near the woods. In the unseen world of my journeys, I found the home base for my shamanic herbal practice. I began to teach and enrolled a couple of apprentices to come explore the way of the wise woman with me.

Then the world trade towers came down. This marked a significant change in both Tadd and myself. Tadd began to struggle a bit with finding enough work and well, I was hardly making any money at what I was doing. Our chiropractor told Tadd about a woman from Vermont, Toni Stone, who had helped his wife double her income. Tadd gave her a call and started to receive coaching from her.

Within the next year, we had moved to Whidbey Island to rent a little house on the beach. I started to receive coaching also. And within a couple of years we bought a beautiful farm where we now live and work.

It has been almost six years since we moved here to our little farm. My herbal school, Crow's Laughter Mystery School is very successful and my products are helping to heal many people all over the US and even internationally. I have always had within me a beautiful idea of how I wanted everything to be. When I started studying prosperity with Toni Stone and now Gifford Booth and many others, I learned that I could bring into the world, that beautiful idea. And I have done that and continue to paint a greater picture of it.



I have learned that sharing my gifts even when I don't think I have them to give has opened me to a greater sense of life. I have learned that being thankful for what I have been given over and over has trained me to see possibility. And I have learned to give up the easy road and instead, I have found a deeply engaging path that is rich and embodied.

I look forward to growing deeper and stronger into the richness of life and invite any and all of you to join me in celebration of our passionate abundance.

May it be in Beauty.

Love and Beauty at my Doorstep

This piece is the first of three articles I wrote for Susun Weeds' Wise Woman eMagazine ind 2008. You can read all three installments here...http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/June08/goddess.htm

The Journey of the Rose
A Shamanic Herbal Tale in 3 parts ~ Part I

I am looking forward to the blooming of the wild roses this year. Each day making my way down into the yard to “check on them”. We have lived here on this land for just over three years. When we moved here in December of 2004, I remember one of the first things we did was to walk down into the wetland area. My husband was on this trek to “claim” the land he had chosen to steward. I was in search of plants. Who lives here? I saw the thickets of thorny bushes, but I didn’t yet know for sure they were roses.

Around 8 years ago, I discovered a magical place on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington where there are acres and acres of wild roses. I began to travel to this place to harvest the blooms in May/June and then the wild rose hips in October. Year after year I would make this pilgrimage to commune with rose. Wildcrafting wild rose blossoms is bewitching.

It begins like any other wildcrafting task..... asking, listening, thanking, plucking the blooms, sniffing here and there, tasting. But then as I continue, I find myself entering another world. Soon I am mesmerized by this thorny priestess; I am inside the realm of love and beauty. Peace abounds in this space. Loving myself is simple. Wild Rose tells me tales of how to love, who to love and how to teach love. This sacred space that beckons me, welcomes me is difficult to leave. It is soon time for me to stop harvesting so that I may get to the ferry before the last boat. Wild rose is saying pick me, pick me, more and more. I am pulling myself away from her, telling her I will return in fall to harvest her hips. I discover that even after I leave this space between the world, I can still travel there in feelings and sensations.

As spring came ‘round, our first spring here at our farm, I discovered the wild roses...still doubt sets in about whether it could possibly be true that I had chosen to live the rest of my life surrounded by this sorcière couverture. I made plans to travel to the Peninsula to harvest once again my beautiful blossoms. I returned to the spot where the wild roses spoke so loudly to me, seeking that feeling, craving the realm, hungry for it. The wild roses did speak loudly to me then and startled me. “What are you doing here?” they yelled. “You have roses on your land to harvest? You can harvest a few petals here and then you must return to your home and begin your journey there with wild rose.” I was heart broken or might I say that my heart was broken open at that moment. I realized that up until this time, I had to go seeking for love and beauty, I had to leave home to find it. Now I am being called to a simpler and yet more difficult task, to find love and beauty at my door step.

This year, I am restless to discover what wild rose will teach me. Her subtly, fragrant green leaves have already taken me in. Within her wise teachings, there is more difficulty in peeling away layers, in finding more love for myself and there is also laughter and singing to come.

May it be in Beauty.

There are three spaces left for...
The Journey of the Rose ~ Weekend Immersion in Shamanic Herbalism
May 29-30, 2010 ~ Amongst the blooming wild roses at our farm on Whidbey Island
Visit our website www.crowsdaughter.com for detailed information and to register and email us anytime.

i listen

A rule for participants visiting our land and farm:
Do not to pick any plants or gather anything unless you ask me first.

please honor the land
come into relationship
with plant and animal
people grab and rip grass
seeds taken
tulip petal stolen
Crazy witch?

noticing grass
between my fingers
i greet my apple tree
she shares her wisdom
voices of the land
whispers of plants

a feather
on the ground
is this something
for me?
compassionate beings
changing me

breath
attention
intention
a whole world
opens

i listen

In Your True Tongue

I am eager to garden this year.
I was outside today with my hori hori knife,
lifting some buttercups out of the garden spaces.
The earth is pretty frozen in many places still and I am ready for spring.
I am impatient.
If ever there was an appropriate time to be impatient this would be it.
Waiting, waiting, anticipating, quickening, initiating, emerging........
Opening my eyes to this new world.
What do I see?
I see possibility
I see new green nettle shoots emerging when I look closely at the ground.
I see new ways to think about my life and my work.
I see deep, red raspberry buds emerging from long, curved stalks.
I see a new way to look at money and finances that serves me,
sustains me and nurtures the well being of the world.
I see the emerging tips of daffodill leaves and flowers.
I see the way to take good care of myself and my family and get all of my work done.
I see my pregnant goat, Fille Luna.
I am ready.
I invite you to step outside into this new world and see for yourself
that what you dream and desire is within your reach.
Within us is possibility.
When we find it,
we are then able to bring into being
our heart’s desire.

Take a deep breath of oxygen, that which is offered to us by the trees, the plants.
Breathe and know that within our cycles of breath we are connected with all of life.
Imagine for a minute that the heart of this new world is beginning to beat in time
with the deep resonant beat of Mother Earth’s rhythm.
The energy of the heart at this time of year is green. Green for newness and green for aliveness and growth.
And now connect this heart felt energy with your deep red of your womb space (the true heart shaped organ and our deep dark wisdom center).
Breathe a breath into your heart, and now a breath into your womb,
Again your heart, again your womb,
and again your heart and again your womb.
This connection will enable you to speak your true tongue.
In your true tongue, tell someone you love about your heart’s desire.

May it be in Beauty.

Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offering for 2009:
Call or email for more information and to request an apprenticeship application.
360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Women and Plants ~ Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
Next sessions begin May 1 and September 18, 2009 ~ 16 Months, Comprehensive Immersion in the shamanic herbal tradition of the Wise Woman. Call or email to request an apprenticeship application.

The Journey of the Rose ~ Weekend Immersion in Shamanic Herbalism
June 13-14, The Wild Roses will guide us as we listen, make herbal preparations
and acquaint ourselves with their mysteries

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ Plant teacher for February is Garlic
February 21, 2009 ~ 10:30-2:30
Monthly open circle, come to as many as you like, discounts when you sign up
with friends and multiple circles.

Crow's Daughter's Herbal and Earth Teachings ~ Individual Sessions
I work intuitively, consulting my shamanic helpers to offer you what is needed.
Sessions are experiential. You will be connecting with your wisdom through time in nature, creative arts, and deep listening. I recommend multiple sessions to delve deep into the heart of what you desire. Available at our farm on Whidbey Island and in Seattle at BodySong Healing and Art Center.

The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ 13 Month Home Study Course in Shamanic Herbalism, an opportunity to begin crafting a deeply nourishing life where you live.
Start anytime, participate at home. 13 monthly assignments with daily practice lessons, 9 seasonal assignment, phone consultations, and discounts on our other classes.

Abundant Earth ~ Prosperity Circle
Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, 6:30-9:30 pm
Details on our website soon. Call or email to reserve your space.
The Well ~ A Study Group for Women
First Wednesdays, 7-9 pm ~ February 4, March 4
A group for women to explore the wise woman tradition, nourishing ourselves deeply and connecting with the treasures within us.

First Green Earth Celebration
Feb 1 ~ 2-5 pm
Free event ~ Everyone welcome, children are encouraged to attend

Herbal Wisdom Mentorship for Girls
Monthly: Jan 31, Feb 28, March 28, April 25, May 30 ~ Fee is by donation
Come explore the amazing healing way of plants ~ Learn to see through the eyes of the wise woman ~ Discover your plant ally ~ Learn to listen and talk to plants.
Dark of the Moon Lodge
Sunday, February 28, 7:30 pm
Nourishing supper, Talking Stick, Co-created ritual

Classes in the Community ~ Seattle and beyond:
Herbalism of Place ~ Beginning with Spring
February 7, 10-12 pm
Living Earth Herbs, Bellingham, (360) 734-3207

2009 Women of Wisdom Conference
February 13-16, 2009
Saturday, 5-6 pm ~ The Trees Know
www.womenofwisdom.org
✂ ✂ ✂
Abundant Earth Prosperity Circle
February 25, 6:30-9:00 pm
BodySong Healing and Arts Center in Seattle

Edibles and Medicinals Plant Walk
North Seattle CC~May 9, 10:30-12:30
www.learnatnorth.com

9th Annual Fairy Congress
June 26-28. Eastern WA
Julie teaches two classes:”The Lore of Roses”
and “The Green Teachings of Your Garden Fairies”
www.fairycongress.com

Connecting at Ground Level

Today the earth is very quite. I can sense her energy very near the surface of the ground. What lies within is what is potent right now. When I lived with Susun Weed about 11 years ago, she talked about the difference between life force and soul force. Our life force energy is that which impels us to survive and protect. Our soul force is not so interested in whether we live long lives, it is more interested in the quality of our lives and beckons us into deeper spaces of existence.

At this time of year, I feel that life force energy is at ground level. Consciously breathing natural breaths, sitting on the ground, walking barefoot, placing our hand on the earth, digging roots will bring stronger connection with our life force energy. This I feel can be helpful when we begin to feel overwhelmed by the business of the holidays. Connecting at ground level can actually help us touch into the energy of the holy days.

Our soul force energy is the fire that burns within us. At this time of year, contemplative practices such as meditation, journeying, soul singing, walking in the dark are all ways to connect with the inner fire that illuminates our core. Ritual at this time of year is powerful when the energy of the soul’s fire is channeled into a container for healing and manifestation.

Within, around and beneath these forces is the source, the darkness; the deep, dark holy womb of wisdom. I feel held in womb energy this year, I call it up to nurture me when I feel afraid to move forward with what I desire. I relinquish myself to it, succumbing to the darkness that surrounds me for most of the days now.

Life force protecting, soul force illuminating and holy womb nurturing us as we fall deeply into ourselves, preparing for what will come by focusing on what is now.

May it be in Beauty.

Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offering for the last bit of 2008 into 2009:
Call or email for more information and to request an apprenticeship application.
360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Earth Friendly Holiday Gifts on our Website

Women and Plants ~ Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
Next session begin January 16, 2009 ~ 16 Months, Comprehensive Immersion in the shamanic herbal tradition of the Wise Woman. Call or email to request an apprenticeship application.

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ Plant teacher for December is Cedar
December 13, 2008 ~ 10:30-2:30
Monthly open circle, come to as many as you like, discounts when you sign up
with friends and multiple circles.

Crow's Daughter's Herbal and Earth Teachings ~ Individual Sessions
I work intuitively, consulting my shamanic helpers to offer you what is needed.
Sessions are experiential. You will be connecting with your wisdom through time in nature, creative arts, and deep listening. I recommend multiple sessions to delve deep into the heart of what you desire. Available at our farm on Whidbey Island and in Seattle

The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ 13 Month Home Study Course in Shamanic Herbalism, an opportunity to begin crafting a deeply nourishing life where you live.
Start anytime, participate at home. 13 monthly assignment with daily practice lessons, 9 seasonal assignment, phone consultations, and discounts on our other classes.

Abundant Earth ~ Prosperity Circle starts January 13, 2009
Details on our website soon. Call or email to reserve your space.

The Well ~ A Study Group for Women
First Wednesdays, 7-9 pm ~ January 7, February 4
A group for women to explore the wise woman tradition, nourishing ourselves deeply and connecting with the treasures within us.

Winter Solstice Earth Celebrations
December 20 ~ 3-6 pm
Free event ~ Everyone welcome, children are encouraged to attend

Herbal Wisdom Mentorship for Girls
Starts January 31 ~ Fee is by donation
Come explore the amazing healing way of plants ~ Learn to see through the eyes of the wise woman ~ Discover your plant ally ~ Learn to listen and talk to plants.

Enchanted Earth~The Plant Teachings of Winter,
Class a A Gathering Grove ~ December 16 ~ 7-9 pm,
Fee is by donation.

More monthly classes in Seattle coming in 2009.
Also classes in Bellingham coming in 2009.

Dark of the Moon Lodge
Returning January 24, 2009

I May Flower Even in Winter

I went out walking yesterday in the garden. My eyes looked down at dark brown and yellowing leaves, flowers offering their last farewell and rich earth. What is vibrant? What speaks to me? What is offering itself for nourishment and healing?

I found comfrey. The leaves are yellow and green now with edges of brown heading toward earth. What I discovered when taking a second look, when breathing with these plants is the vibrancy of the comfrey roots. If I was to dig down into the soil around this plant I would find dark brown roots, mirroring earth so successfully that you can hardly distinguish them from it. Breaking open these roots I would find creamy white moistness that nourishes the skin, softening and healing it. These roots contain a substance that encourages replication of cells, allowing muscles, nerves, bones, and skins to heal rapidly. I won’t harvest here for a few more years. There is a place nearby with comfrey growing everywhere. I will harvest in January as I have done for the last three years.

Near the comfrey, the espalier apples are releasing their leaves one by one. Here I found Usnea lichen. This plant is a synergistic combination of an algae on the outside and a white fungus chord within. I won’t harvest this Usnea as it is quite small and sparse here on the trees. I will walk up into the deep forest to look for it. Wind brings down evergreen branches filled with Usnea. This plant kills bacteria that causes infections of all kinds. I find it most helpful as a remedy for sinus infection. Other people I know have utilized it for healing infections of teeth, bladder and skin infections. I find this plant to have strong and deep medicine and so would call upon it to offer advise for healing chronic conditions.

As I continued on the garden path, I came upon our large reclining stone. This stone was deep in the earth on our land until it was unearthed when our house was built. Growing close to its north facing base, I found Violet. The leaves are still quite vibrant and green. One purple flower, reminds me of that I may flower even in winter. I will pick some of these leaves for my salad. Violet is mineral rich, cool and moist. This plant is the most like me of any, I think. I will call upon my sister violet to nourish me during the winter months. I have planted some yellow violets under the center espalier tree. These I was invited to dig up in a place I used to live. My vision is to have violet growning all over the land here. Patience and persistance is needed in order to manifest visions. I can wait.

If I take the time to look and breathe when I walk outside, even if just for a little while, I find vibrancy, I find nourishment, I find healing at my doorstep.

May it be in Beauty.

Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offering:
Call or email for more information and to request an apprenticeship application.
360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Earth Friendly Holiday Gifts on our Website

Women and Plants ~ Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
Next session begin January 16, 2009 ~ 16 Months, Comprehensive Immersion in the shamanic herbal tradition of the Wise Woman. Call or email to request an apprenticeship application.

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ Plant teacher for December is Cedar
December 13, 2008 ~ 10:30-2:30
Monthly open circle, come to as many as you like, discounts when you sign up
with friends and multiple circles.

Crow's Daughter's Herbal and Earth Teachings ~ Individual Sessions
I work intuitively, consulting my shamanic helpers to offer you what is needed.
Sessions are experiential. You will be connecting with your wisdom through time in nature, creative arts, and deep listening. I recommend multiple sessions to delve deep into the heart of what you desire. Available at our farm on Whidbey Island and in Seattle

The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ 13 Month Home Study Course in Shamanic Herbalism, an opportunity to begin crafting a deeply nourishing life where you live.
Start anytime, participate at home. 13 monthly lessons, 9 seasonal lessons, phone consultations, and discounts on our other classes.

Abundant Earth ~ Prosperity Circle starts January 13, 2009
Details on our website soon. Call or email to reserve your space.

The Well ~ A Study Group for Women
First Wednesdays, 7-9 pm ~ December 3, January 7
A group for women to explore the wise woman tradition, nourishing ourselves deeply and connecting with the treasures within us.

Winter Solstice Earth Celebrations
December 20 ~ 3-6 pm
Free event ~ Everyone welcome, children are encouraged to attend

Herbal Wisdom Mentorship for Girls
We will begin again in January 2009
Come explore the amazing healing way of plants ~ Learn to see through the eyes of the wise woman ~ Discover your plant ally ~ Learn to listen and talk to plants.

Enchanted Earth~The Plant Teachings of Winter,
Class a A Gathering Grove ~ December 16 ~ 7-9 pm,
Fee is by donation.

More monthly classes in Seattle coming in 2009.
Also classes in Bellingham coming in 2009.

Dark of the Moon Lodge
Returning in 2009

Call or email anytime to find out more, share your inspirations and request an apprenticeship application. 360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Earthen Gratitude

Greetings, Lovers of the Green,
It has been quite a year so far, hasn't it?
I have had some amazing challenges and
some parts of my life have been turned upside down.
I could easily complain about quite a few things.
But that would not be in line with the season.
We are now in the time of gratitude.
It is time to look back over the year,
the seasons of birth, growth, expansion,
flowering and fruiting and be thankful for
all that is given.

Earth rests on her surface,
and below she moves deeply.
You can put your hand on
the earth right now and
with breath and intention
you can feel this vibration.
You must be very patient
and still because the vibration
is very slow and low.

We can choose to find
this slower and lower pace.
And from this place take time
to glance backward before
we begin again to move forward.

Earthen Gratitude Practice...

• Go outside
• Bend down and touch the earth
• Notice your breath and breathe in and out several times as you continue to place your hand on the ground.
• Listen...first listen to your surroundings and what you hear.
• Then listen...under this to the earth herself.
• Now go inside and with pen and paper, write 21 things you are thankful for in your life.
• Go back outside and breathe and listen again to the earth.
• Return to your home and write 21 more things you are thankful for.
• Do this at least one more time.

May it be in Beauty.

Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offering:
Call or email for more information about the following offering.
360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ Plant teacher for December is Cedar
December 13, 2008 ~ 10:30-2:30
Monthly open circle, come to as many as you like, discounts when you sign up
with friends and multiple circles.

Crow's Daughter's Herbal and Earth Teachings ~ Individual Sessions
I work intuitively, consulting my shamanic helpers to offer you what is needed.
Sessions are experiential. You will be connecting with your wisdom through time in nature, creative arts, and deep listening. I recommend multiple sessions to delve deep into the heart of what you desire. Available at our farm on Whidbey Island and in Seattle

The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ 13 Month Home Study Course in Shamanic Herbalism, an opportunity to begin crafting a deeply nourishing life where you live.
Start anytime, participate at home. 13 monthly lessons, 9 seasonal lessons, phone consultations, and discounts on our other classes.

Women and Plants ~ Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
Next session begin January 16, 2009 ~ 16 Months, Comprehensive Immersion in the shamanic herbal tradition of the Wise Woman. Call or email to request an apprenticeship application.

Abundant Earth ~ Prosperity Circle coming coming in January 2009
Details on our website soon. Call or email to reserve your space.

The Well ~ A Study Group for Women
First Wednesdays, 7-9 pm ~ December 3, January 7
A replenishment group for women to explore the wise woman tradition, nourishing ourselves deeply and connecting with the treasures within us.

Winter Solstice Earth Celebrations
December 20 ~ 3-6 pm
Free event ~ Everyone welcome, children are encouraged to attend

Herbal Wisdom Mentorship for Girls
We will begin again in January 2009
Come explore the amazing healing way of plants ~ Learn to see through the eyes of the wise woman ~ Discover your plant ally ~ Learn to listen and talk to plants.

Enchanted Earth~The Plant Teachings of Winter,
Class a A Gathering Grove ~ December 16 ~ 7-9 pm,
Fee is by donation.

Dark of the Moon Lodge
Returning in 2009

Call or email anytime to find out more, share your inspirations and request an apprenticeship application. 360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Laugh with the Gifts

frozen earth this morning
foggy blanket covers our valley
deep maroon dock seeds
remind me of inner bounty
amber leaves lead me to the goat barn
chickweed laughs
with the cold and wet
so happy, so content
I will take her lead
I will be thankful for this day
and laugh with the gifts
I am receiving

A shamanic exercise to connect with the gifts this day offers:

• Walk outside near where you live
• Find a plant that is thriving in your surroundings
• Sit or stand near this plant
• Notice your breath and breathe a few natural breaths in and out
• Now shift your perseption and take 7 more breaths, breathing in the breath of this plant and breathing out, offering your breath to the plant.
• Notice how this plant is growing, everything about it. How it comes up out of the earth, what colors are present and imagine its root below the ground.
• Now for just a few minutes, imagine you are this plant, thriving here in the energy of the earth right now.
• What is your breath like? What do you feel? What thoughts come to mind? What sensations? as you embody this plant thriving...
• When this is complete, give thanks for the plant and this day.

May you find humor and joyfulness in life's circumstance.
May it be in Beauty.
Green Blessings,
Julie

Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offerings:
Call or email for more information about the following offering.
360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Join us and listen to another Inspirolog with Jamie Walters of Ivy Sea and Crow's Daughter. In this recording Jamie and I are sharing more about connecting with the spirit of nature and the trees.

Crow's Daughter's Herbal and Earth Teachings ~ Individual Sessions
I work intuitively, consulting my shamanic helpers to offer you what is needed.
Sessions are experiential. You will be connecting with your wisdom through time in nature, creative arts, and deep listening. I recommend multiple sessions to delve deep into the heart of what you desire. Available at our farm on Whidbey Island and in Seattle

The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ 13 Month Home Study Course in Shamanic Herbalism, an opportunity to begin crafting a deeply nourishing life where you live.
Start anytime, participate at home. 13 monthly lessons, 9 seasonal lessons, phone consultations, and discounts on our other classes.

Women and Plants ~ Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
Next session begin January 16, 2009 ~ 16 Months, Comprehensive Immersion in the shamanic herbal tradition of the Wise Woman. Call or email to request an apprenticeship application.

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ Plant teacher for December is Cedar
December 13, 2008 ~ 10:30-2:30
Monthly open circle, come to as many as you like, discounts when you sign up
with friends and multiple circles.

Prosperity Circle coming coming in January 2009
Details on our website soon. Call or email to reserve your space.

The Well ~ A Study Group for Women
First Wednesdays, 7-9 pm ~ December 3, January 7
A replenishment group for women to explore the wise woman tradition, nourishing ourselves deeply and connecting with the treasures within us.

Winter Solstice Earth Celebrations
December 20 ~ 3-6 pm
Free event ~ Everyone welcome, children are encouraged to attend

Herbal Wisdom Mentorship for Girls
We will begin again in January 2009
Come explore the amazing healing way of plants ~ Learn to see through the eyes of the wise woman ~ Discover your plant ally ~ Learn to listen and talk to plants.

Enchanted Earth~The Plant Teachings of Winter,
Class a A Gathering Grove ~ December 16 ~ 7-9 pm,
Fee is by donation.

Dark of the Moon Lodge
Returning in 2009

Call or email anytime to find out more, share your inspirations and request an apprenticeship application. 360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Finding Nourishment at Your Doorstep ~ A World of Possibility

This writing begins a series of essays, poems, recipes, shamanic exercises and connections to inspire our journeys to live full and rich lives of peace and possibility.

A World of Possibility
Yesterday I spent three hours planting garlic at a historic farm in Greenbank on Whidbey Island, just up the island from where I live. I volunteered to help a friend who is starting a new project there; an internship for folks to learn to create CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms. Outside on the earth, rich soil, picking rocks, appreciating rocks, breathing in the salty sea air, raking, creating deep rich beds, listening, connecting with others who love the earth, digging small holes and dropping in organic red garlic cloves, raking to fill holes and standing to view the good hard work we had done.

Later we ate soup and homemade bread together and my friend and I looked out the kitchen window of the old restored house on the farm. We could see the field where this project is being created. Anza told me about her vision of seeing this field planted with food ~ organic vegetables ~ a world of possibilities.



I returned home to our farm and went out to feed our goats. The beech tree on the path had dropped rich, amber colored leaves. I felt nourished by this day of connections and good work. I felt nourished by the colors of fall all around me. As I walked back from the barn, I looked out over our valley and felt content to be here at this place on the earth and this place in time.



And I am so thankful.



One of my teachers told me that feeling gratitude is the opposite of feeling lack. In this precious time, this wild and powerful time, this creative time,
We cannot afford a feeling of lack.
Acknowledging our gratitude for what we have and who we are
and breathing in and out this acknowledgement
Allows the breath of possibility to come forth.

The Breath of Connection ~ The Breath of Possibility ~ Shamanic Exercise

• Go outside where you live, very close to your home.
• Notice your breath and breathe in and out three times.
• Notice the natural world around you and how it moves. A leaf, an insect, a bird...
• Choose one of these beings and move like it.
• Breathe in the teachings of this being as you do this.
• Begin to notice all of your surroundings and take hold of the notion that all things are of the earth.
• Give thanks for this experience with your breath.

May it be in Beauty.



Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offerings End of 2008 into 2009:

Listen to Crow's Daughter as Jamie Walters of Ivy Sea offers one of her Inspirologs.
From Anxiety to Inspiration, and the Wisdom of Nature. (the 3rd one down.)

Women and Plants ~ Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
Next session begin January 16, 2009 ~ 16 Months, Comprehensive Immersion in the shamanic herbal tradition of the Wise Woman.

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ Plant teacher for November is Dandelion
November 15, 2008 ~ 10:30-2:30
Monthly open circle, come to as many as you like, discounts when you sign up
with friends and come to multiple circles. December's Circle in on the 13th.

Seasons of Plenty ~ Full Moon Dinner and Prosperity Circle
November 12 ~ 5-9 pm
Community Potluck at 5 pm and Circle start at 6 pm~ Fee is by donation

The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ 13 Month Home Study Course in Shamanic Herbalism, start anytime, participate at home.
13 monthly lessons, 9 seasonal lessons, phone consultations, and discounts on our other classes.



The Well ~ A Study Group for Women
First Wednesdays, 7-9 pm ~ December 3, January 7
A group for women to explore the wise woman tradition, nourishing ourselves deeply and connecting with the treasures within us.



Winter Solstice Earth Celebrations
December 20 ~ 3-6 pm
Free event ~ Everyone welcome, children are encouraged to attend

Herbal Wisdom Mentorship for Girls
We will begin again in January 2009
Come explore the amazing healing way of plants ~ Learn to see through the eyes of the wise woman ~ Discover your plant ally ~ Learn to listen and talk to plants.

Class a A Gathering Grove
December date to be announced

Dark of the Moon Lodge
Returning in 2009

Active Breath ~ Summer's Fruit

earth
is
growing
flowering
fruiting
ripening
we
participate
release into life
breathe in life
active breath
active being



I am intrigued with this seasonal time. The earth is working so hard and yet so peaceful.
This to me is active being. Everything we have dreamed of is now coming to fruition.
It is time to celebrate life and be fully present in it.
There is a shamanic exercise that faciliates this process:

• Go outside where you live to a place you love.
  
• Notice your breath and breathe naturally three times.
  
• Now breathe in with the notion that you are breathing in all of life.
  
• Breathe out with the notion that you are giving life with your breath.
  
• Continue this breath for a short time.
  
• Then listen to your surroundings.
  
• What is your experience?
• When you are done, give thanks for all of this.
  

May it be in Beauty.



Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offering for Summer's End
and into Fall 2008:
Please visit our website www.crowsdaughter.com more details about all of the following offerings. And call or email anytime. You can also register for many of our programs using paypal.

Our Apprenticeship Program:

Women and Plants ~ Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
New session begins on September 12, 2008
We meet weekly on Fridays, 10:30-2:30. Once you are enrolled you will attend Four 13~week sessions over the next 16 months, coming around again the following year and repeating the session you began with. You will be walking the spiral. Gathering wise woman wisdom from all four seasons. Women only

Call or email to request apprenticeship application.
360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Weekend Immersions:

Earth Mysteries Weekend ~ Immersion in Shamanic Herbalism
November 1-2 ~ Details coming soon.
2nd Annual ~ Journey of the Rose ~ Weekend Immersion in Shamanic Herbalism
Dates to be announced in Fall 2008



Classes and Events on Whidbey Island:

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ Monthly on Saturdays
August 9th, August's Theme: Plants as Teachers
This is an open circle, participate for 13 month or come when you like.

13 Months of Herbal Wisdom Circle
Begins on September 20, 2008
We meet monthly on Saturdays, 10:30-2:30. Also included in this program are 4 seasonal one to one consultations and 25% off the price on weekend immersions.

Passionate Abundance Earth Celebration on Whidbey Island
August 10th ~ Noon-4 pm ~ Free and Open to everyone ~ Children Welcome
Noon ~ Free Herbal Class ~ Listening, Gathering and Preparing Herbs
Followed by Passionate Abundance Ceremony and Community Potluck
More Earth Celebrations coming up:
Autumn Equinox ~ September 21
Honoring Our Ancestors ~ October 31
Winter Solstice ~ December 20

Dark of the Moon ~ Women Only
August 30 ~ 6:30 pm



Mentorships for Girls and Teens:

Into the Wood ~ Immersion in Green Witchery for Teen Girls
August 18-21 ~ on Whidbey Island

Herbal Wisdom Mentorships for Girls
Saturday, 10:30-2:30, October 4 and November 8

Study at Home in Your Own Garden:

The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ 13 Month Home Study Course in Shamanic Herbalism ~ Start anytime ~ Request a sample lesson
Introductory Offer: You can now sample our 13-Month Home Study Course by

signing up for the First Month for $45.

Classes in Seattle, around Puget Sound and More:

The Well ~ A Monthly Study Group for Women ~ in North Seattle
First Wednesdays: August 6, September 3, October 1 and more

A Healthy Gut ~ Explorations in Intuitive Wellness
August 7 ~ 7-9 pm Offered through North Seattle Community College
www.learnatnorth.com to register

The Wise Woman Herbalist ~ September 15 ~ 4-8 pm ~ Missoula, Montana
To register, contact Kali Star, starconnections@hotmail.com,
406-333-2312, www.montanaconnections.com

Rooting Ourselves in Earth ~ An Exploration in Shamanic Herbalism
October 7, Dandelion Botanical Company, Seattle

Festivals and Faires, Herbal and Earth Conferences:

Seattle Tilth Organic Harvest Festival ~ September 6
I will be selling our nourishing herbal creations.
http://seattletilth.org/events/Harvest%20Fair/HarvestFair

Seattle Bioneers Confernce ~ October 17-19

American Herbalist Guild Conference ~ Redmond, WA ~ October 24-26

We look forward to seeing you at some of these events.
Green Blessings,
Julie Charette Nunn, Crow's Daughter