Cultivating Cognitive Agility Trainingv- Independent Study Fellowship Immersion

1,000 Hours Syllabus 2024

Start Date: March 24th, 12:30 to 4:30

Runs weekly for 42 weeks with a winter break

To Register: Contact Marguerite at 3moonsisters@gmail.com

Thank you for your interest in EarthSchool at the Root Cellar. This is a certificate of hours Nature communication life which takes place from and on the unceded Haudenosaunee territory in the village of East Meredith, NY. You are here because you are claiming and affirming we are ‘akiing’ – ‘the land to which the people belong’. [Thank you to Winona La Duke for sharing their Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe) word.] You want to be here because you know you are the forefront of societal transformation. You are here because you desire to learn under the guidance of Plant Life and Indigenous Peoples in how we treat Land, Plants, Earth, Animals and each other and for our own work in healing. My part here is only as an imperfect guide and initiator.  

The very core of this 1000 hour program

…is Cultivating Cognitive Agility with our Plant, Tree and Nature Allies Training (see Syllabus and Objectives for more info.) as this training is also given separately from this Plant Medicines Traditions program. The purpose of this 1000 hour Fellowship Immersion is to quicken living our cosmology that still very much exists within each and every one of cells.

This is also to develop out what we have not applied as our polyphasic perceptual states of consciousness in a long long time. Our field of coherent body cognition (systems sensing) willfull and aware proprioceptive somatic pathways that deepen our Kinnection with the Plant Kingdom (Plants, Trees, Lichens, Ferns, Mosses, Fungi) and more. Here at EarthSchool, we re-learn to walk our relationality. Whether we are by ourselves, or in the boardroom, home kitchen, farm parlor; or when with others (human, animals) we live, breath and practice this beingness we reawaken to as ‘akiing’ (thank you Winona LaDuke for this native word that means so much to all of us). Together we acknowledge, release and allow to fall away conditioned states of human exceptionalism, dominant colonial (Wetiko) mind and human centered thinking when it comes to Plants, Animals, Nature, Earth and the way we treat each other. Here, we make room to empower each other under the tutelage of Plant, Tree and Land / Earth intelligence. Here, we cultivate shared ecology in each other as we re-claim our inter-dependent living with our original Mother, Earth.

Shared teachings

There will also be Plant Medicine teachings from the following traditions: Native American, Italian / European, Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as some of my nursing principles and experiences only, since much of our nursing book knowledge needs a complete over-haul due to its white male centered and power over views on health and wellness. We also include wild womyn ways; moon time, herbs as food, food as our best medicine; biodynamic practices, woodland field walks, forest walking; living through the seasons.

Classes are instructional and encounter based. We’ll refrain from using handouts on paper. All is hands-on. This helps generate not only a dialogue with the outside world but true human-Plant relationships. Students are asked to contribute their life skills and knowledge to the group. Everyone participates as key players in this learning scape. Other extra-curricular activities are encouraged in your field of choice which facilitates broader group perspectives and learning.

The foundation of this training is 1000 hours. Two hundred of those hours are for in person, hands-on and zoom training. The remaining 800 hours is independent fellowship in the way you take this into the world. You go at your pace. This can be attained in one year’s time frame or longer. The only requirement for this independent study is that we have periodic connections at least every two weeks and not longer. We have found that for us to fully de-condition, we must live, breath and apply learned lessons and resurrected skills everyday. We at EarthSchool are always here for you as inter-dependent species for your questions, readings and interactions with community, work and play. We are all de-conditioning and remembering together. Your questions feed us, as we in turn feed you.

Fees

Please See - The Green Bottle Sliding Scale below.

Choose a payment tier that applies to you. Feel free to discuss if you’re unsure or have thoughts or questions.

  • Tier 3

    $40 - $50 per 4 hr. session

  • Tier 2

    $25 - $35 per 4 hr. session

  • Tier 1

    $10 - $20 per 4 hr. session

A big thank you to Alexis J. Cunningfolk who freely shared this chart with anyone who wanted to adopt it. I’m grateful for her generosity. I feel she is part of our efforts in living in cooperation rather than force and greed.

Tier3: $40.00 - $50.00 per 4 hr. Session

Tier2: $25.00 - $35.00 per 4 hr. Session

Tier1: $10.00 - $20.00 per 4 hr. Session

PEER REVIEW and TESTING and BECOMING A TRAINER: once 1000 hrs. are complete, you can choose to take a peer reviewed test or not. Peer review testing is for your own self evaluation where you stand with knowledge and awareness.

FEE:
Tier3 - $180.00
Tier2 - $120.00
Tier1 - $75.00

 

BY COMPLETION - students will have enough general knowledge to be proficient in:

Interfacing, restoring, understanding, rewiring, interpreting, gathering impressions from Plants, Trees, Land, Nature Elementals and Devas. You will be at the forefront for societal change with our Plants by your side. You will also have a basic understanding in herbal support for yourself and family. Be able to identify at least 25 to 50 + wild plants, 12 trees and many mushrooms if applicable. Prepare herbal tea blends, oils, salves, creams, vinegars, extracts, oxymel’s, prepare wild foods; have basic superior herbal extract making; understand herbal precautions and contra-indications; moon-earth bio-rhythms; biodynamic gardening and more.

GUIDING POINTS

ITEMS NEEDED FOR CLASS, GARDEN AND HIKES:

  • favorite pen

  • dowsing rods

  • sleep mask

  • tick repellent (even though the gardens are dusted with natural organic tick powder; trails on hikes are not)

  • one notebook for regular note taking

  • one 3 ringed binder for Formulating / Recipe Book

  • one clip board to be left at the Root Cellar

  • strong clippers

  • sturdy garden gloves

  • sturdy field knife

  • sturdy scissors

  • hiking shoes / boots / rain gear

  • see resource section for books needed for program (*)

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • respect Land, Plants and each other

  • arrive on time, for example, if class begins at 11:00, please arrive by 10:45

  • extra fee for herbal products or field trips.

  • help with lunch prep and clean up at end of class day.

  • garden tools washed, dried & stored.

  • keep track of your hours and self-study.

  • if anyone makes an error in words, we will discuss as needed, no one is to feel uncomfortable, while on this land, and in this course, our words and behaviors are respectful and honor each other.

  • everyone brings a dish to pass for lunch.

MY RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOU:

  • my preparation prior to each class is at least 2 hrs. before class and at least an hour after class.

  • we will support each other, if I make a mistake, please bring it to my attention during or after class, whichever is easiest.

DISCLOSURE: This has always been a standard of mine, yet, I do have my blind spots and

I am open to being called on them for any insensitivities, which I hope I do not do. I believe in being

corrected. I respect and honor you as a person and student. And I expect myself to be a respectable person.

  • I hold these same standards for each and every student. For each other and for me. We respect & honor each other.

  • that there will be a plant I.D.

  • I will adapt and gear class to your needs, questions, learning styles, for your future in herbalism as best I can.

  • be available for your questions before, during and after class.

  • share and give credit to the traditional ecological knowledge learned each class.

THE GARDEN AS CLASSROOM

Garden time and class time change between morning and afternoon depending on weather, what the land requests of us, biodynamic Earth energy practices, tending the Soil, Trees, Plants, etc. It is asked of each of us to remember basic, human-Plant relationship principles:

  1. we ask for permission first, before doing anything.

  2. we communicate purpose with Land, Plants, Trees, Animals, Elementals, Devas, Ancestors, Spirit Guides.

  3. we wait for their reply.

  4. only then we move based on their reply.

  • Example of Month One

    Meet and Greet

    Learn about each other; traditions you come from & integrate into your learning schedule.

    Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the Western Bio-Medical Model.

    Plant, Tree, Elementals & Nature Deva’s dialoguing / co-communication. Plant Initiations.

    Living in Harmony with the Seasons. Hand-Washing Technique’s: Clean & Sterile. Breaking the Chain of infection.

    Plant Handling Practices.

    Traditional Herbal Forms: Teas, Plant drying Methods, Alteratives, Blood Cleansers, Tonics, Steams, Washes, Baths, Poultices, Plasters, Liniments, Excess / Deficiency.

    Concepts/Energetics: Biodynamics, Moon Phases, Doctrine of Signatures, Rights of Nature. Energetics of dis-ease. Navigating Eco-Socio-Climate Changes

    Plant I.D.: Basics, Epigenetics / Xenohormesis / Meristematics

    Herbs & Foods: gastro-intestinal health

    Make: Digestive aids

  • Example of Month Two

    Herbal Tincture Making: Simple Extracts from dry and fresh plants. Extraction Methods based on Plant Constituents.

    Traditional Herbal Forms: Extracts, Oils, Powders, Encapsulating, Syrups, Sprays, Oxymels, Lozenges; Glycerites, Aceta. Plant Energetics, Plant Chemistry / Toxicity / Contraindications / Safety; Flower Essences Making, Cardiotonics, Rubefacients, Anti-Hypertensives, Circulation Stimulants, Vasodilators, Diuretics, Diaphoretics.

    Concepts/Energetics: Heart, Cardio Vascular, Facial & Tongue Analysis. Ayurveda Constitution – Vata, Pitta, Kapha.

    Herbs & Foods for: ASHD, PVD (arterial / vascular), CHF.

    Making: Hawthorn Cordial, Flower Essence.

    Test One:

  • Example of Month Three

    Traditional Herbal Forms: Adaptogens. Carminatives, Nervines, Amphoterics.

    Concepts / Energetics: revisiting Facial Analysis. Tongue Analysis. Excess and Deficiency. Ayurveda – Vata, Pitta, Kapha.

    Herbs & Foods: Headache’s, Brain Injury / PTSD.

    Balancing: Peripheral Nervous System / Adrenals.

    Making: Tree Oil’s / Pain Remedies.

    Test Two:

  • Example of Month Four

    Traditional Herbal Forms: Extracts – Simples from dry and fresh plants.

    Herbs & Foods: Gout, Kidney Stones, Urinary Tract Infections / Interstitial Cystitis.

    Balancing: Kidneys

    Making: Mushroom Tonic, Extracts with Veg. Glycerin (“Calm Tummy”) and Apple Cider Vinegar, Cough Syrup.

    Making: Fresh plant extract, dry plant extract, Fire Cider or Monk Juice.

  • Exmaple of Month Five

    Read - Plant Intelligence and the Imaginal Realm into the Dreaming of Earth by Stephen Harrod Buhner. 2014

    or

    Dancing with Earth Changes, 2021 – Marko Pogacnik [a guide to help us through the 21st century while keeping open dialogue with Earth Gaia]

    Write 250 word essay on how you’ll apply in your practice and life; and points that inspired you.

  • Example of Month Six

    Herbs for Children: Dosing and wellness.

    Traditional Herbal Forms: Salves & Ointments. Essential Oils.

    Herbs & Foods: Eczema/Psoriasis, Burns, Wound Care, Acne.

    Balancing: Integumentary System, Musculo-Skeletal System, Respiratory and Immune System.

    Making: Salves, Face Cream, 3 Roots Vinegar, Elderberry Syrup,

    Herbs & Foods: Sinusitis / Allergies, Colds/Flu, COVID-19, Lyme, Pneumonia.

Suggested Book List

Herbal Books

* must have ** by June *** optional, one or the other

Resources

  • The Language of Plants – Julia Graves

  • Earth Emotions by Glenn A. Albrecht

  • Thinking Like A Mountain – John Seed, Joanna Macy, Pat Fleming, Arne Naess

  • Thinking Like A Plant – Craig Holdredge

  • First Nation peoples Science, their Physics and their wisdom as a guide for us to better our relationship on this unceded land that we live on.

  • Sacred Instructions by Sherri Mitchell

  • The Upshift – Wiser Living on Planet Earth by Ervin Laszlo

  • The Nature Institute, Objectification Exercises, Ghent, NY by Craig Holdrege.

  • The Untethered Soul – The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer (required audio)

  • Ecological theorist and psychologist Eleanor Gibson.

  • Brilliant biologist & scientist Lynn Margulis of Symbiotic Planet.

  • Nature Spirits & Elemental Beings, and, Dancing with the Earth Changes - Marko Pogacnik

  • The Deep Ecology movement of Arne Naess & George Sessions.

  • The Living Energy Universe – Russek and Schwartz

  • The Smell of Rain on Dust and Rescuing the Light – Martin Prechtel

  • A Language Older Than Words – Derrick Jensen

  • The Findhorn Book of Connecting with Nature – John R. Stowe

  • Goethe’s writings. Darwin’s plant research. Rupert Spira of The Nature of Consciousness.

  • The Silva Technique – by Jose’ Silva

  • Messages from Water by Dr. Masaru Emoto

  • Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown

Herbal Medicine Books / Resources

  • The Complete Woman’s Herbal by Anne McIntyre

  • ** ‘The New Holistic Herbal’

  • Medical Herbalism’ both are by David Hoffmann. (The first is a workbook that we’ll use on a daily basis and the other is a text book.)

  • Healing Wise by Susun Weed

  • Henriette’s Herbal Homepage - https://www.henriettes-herb.com/ [extensive coverage on world wide botanicals]

  • A Modern Herbal by Maude Grieve Vol. 1 and Vol. 2

  • Herbal Therapy & Supplements by Merrily A. Kuhn R.N., PhD and David Winston (RH) AHG

  • Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech

  • Adaptogens by David Winston and Steven Maimes

  • Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair by Dina Falconi

  • Herbal Antibiotics – revised edition by Stephen Harrod Buhner

  • Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/ [complete coverage under the bio-medical model related to pathology, etiology, signs & symptoms, treatment, complications, prognosis]

  • Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar

  • NIH – National Institute of Health – Botanical Supplements Fact Sheet -

  • For extensive herbal data base, go to Henriette’s Herbal Homepage (above).

  • ***Planetary Herbology – Michael Tierra [extensive traditional Chinese medicine herbal coverage on plant and people energetics. [About $25.00???]

  • Herbal For The Childbearing Year by Susun Weed

  • ***Energetics of Western Herbs, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 by Peter Holmes. [About $100.00 for the two.]

  • The Imaginal Realm, Stephen Harrod Buhner

  • Science Direct – https://www.sciencedirect.com/ [botanicals, their constituents; Earth & Planetary Sciences & more]

Identification Books

  • *Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants by Steven Foster and James A. Duke

  • *Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide

  • Edible Wild Plants – John Kallas

  • Weeds of the Northeast – Uva, Neal and DiTomaso

  • How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts – Frances Densmore

  • Wild Urban Plants of the Northeast – Peter Del Tredici

  • A Natures Guide to Wetland Plants – Donald D. Cox

  • Field Guide to the Grasses, Sedges and Rushes of the United States – Edward Knobel

  • Wildflowers & Grasses of Virginia’s Coastal Plain – Hamilton & Hall

  • Lichens of the North Woods – Joe Walewski

  • Ferns – Boughton Cobb

  • Mosses & Liverworts - Susan Munch

  • Field Guide to Trees of North America – National Wildlife Federation

  • Edible Wild Plants – Peterson Field Guide

  • Weeds in Winter – Lauren BrownForest Forensics – Tom Wessels

  • Simon & Schuster’s Guide to Mushrooms

  • Radical Mycology – Peter McCoy

  • Mycelium Running – Paul Stamets

  • Chaga, King of the Medicinal Mushrooms – David Wolfe

  • Growing Gourmet & Medicinal Mushrooms – Paul Stamets

  • The Fungal Pharmacy – Robert Rogers

Flower Essence/Mata Gaia/Earth Medicine

  • Flower Power by Anne McIntyre

  • *Nature Spirits & Elemental Beings,2009 - Marko Pogacnik [gives us a foundation to help us better understand elementals and Nature spirits in a co-creative way]

  • Dancing with Earth Changes, 2021 – Marko Pogacnik [a guide to help us through the 21st century while keeping open dialogue with Mata Gaia]

  • Stars of the Meadow by David Dalton

  • Green Hope Farm Flower Essences Guide by Molly Sheehan, call 603-469-3662. Though this book is a catalog for purchasing flower essences, it is also an informational guide on flower essences.

  • On Gem Stones:

  • Love is in the Earth, Mineralogical Pictorial – Melody

  • Love is in the Earth, a Kaleidoscope of Crystals, UPDATED – Melody [detailed coverage on the metaphysical properties of the mineral kingdom]

Mind Body / Other

  • Heal Your Body by Louise L. Hay

  • Blackfoot Physics by F. David Peat

  • Inside a Magical Lodge – 2021 John Michael Greer [on traditional lodge methods for modern mages]

  • Vibrational Medicine – Dr. Richard Gerber, Michigan Internist

Tongue Body Analysis

  • Your Tongue Never Lies by Dr. Victor Zeines at www.natdent.com direct from author

  • Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine – Rev. Ed Maciocia

Ancillary Connections

Plant Intelligence and Plant Cognition research and scientists you may want to follow:

  • Dr. Monica Gagliano, Associate Professor, research fellow at the University of Western Australia.

  • Dr. Paco Calvo of University of Murcia, Spain.

  • Dr. Stefano Mancuso of University of Florence, Italy.

  • Dr. Craig Holdrege, of the Nature Institute, Ghent, NY.

  • Stephen Harrod Buhner of The Secret Teachings of Plants, and, The Imaginal Realm.