The Flower Essence Society presents
The Healing Language of Flowers: Twelve Windows of Plant Perception Thursday evening, August 3 through Monday, August 7, 2017 At Terra Flora, the home of FES in Nevada City, California
The Healing Language of Flowers: Twelve Windows of Plant Perception In his seminal treatise Heal Thyself, Dr. Edward Bach pointed to the source of healing in Nature: “Among the types of remedies that will be used will be those obtained from the most beautiful plants and herbs to be found in the pharmacy of Nature, such as have been divinely enriched with healing powers for the mind and body of man.” In the practice of modern medicine we find an externalized approach based upon outer physical symptoms and the selection of consequent drugs or surgery to suppress, mask or otherwise counteract such conditions. This medical paradigm is overwhelmingly influential upon our way of thinking about healing and easily impacts our approach to flower essence therapy. Because the symptom-remedy method is pervasive in contemporary culture, practitioners can tend to see flower essences as yet another choice (perhaps more benign or natural) to simply alleviate external physical or mental-emotional symptoms. However, genuine flower essence therapy operates from a completely new paradigm of healing involving a living imagination for the plant’s identity in relationship to the body-soul matrix of the client. True flower essence therapy is meant to be deeply transformational. It is not so much intended to ”fix” outer symptoms, as to lead the client forward from a current condition of suffering or dysfunction, toward new aspects of consciousness and soul potential. Our seminar at Terra Flora will focus upon finding a deeper connection to plants, as a pathway toward selecting flower essences and guiding the client toward a larger, transformational dimension of flower essence therapy.
Paracelsus – the Renaissance alchemist and healer who was a spiritual mentor for Dr. Bach – proclaimed, “He who would explore Nature, must tread her books with his feet.” For over four decades, FES has taken to heart the teaching of Paracelsus to read the “Book of Nature” in the forests, mountains, meadows and gardens where plants grow. As our research consolidated, we conceived a multi-dimensional approach to plant study called the “Twelve Windows of Plant Perception.” This research emphasizes the idea of “windows” as perspectives of perception that dynamically interact, contributing to a living, holistic understanding of the plant and its healing signatures. Observing the various facets of plant identity is akin to learning the letters and words of a new language. As the words and letters become sentences and paragraphs, a more comprehensive meaning emerges. During our seminar we will explore the following Twelve Windows of Plant Perception: 1. Form, Gesture, Signature 2. Botanical Relationships, Plant Families 3. Orientation in Space, Geometrical Relationships 4. Orientation in Time: Daily and Seasonal Cycles 5. Color Qualities and related Dynamics of Light and Darkness 6. Direct Sensory Perceptions: Fragrance, Texture, Taste 7. Unique Relationship to the larger Environmental Matrix 8. Distinct Elemental Signatures 9. The plant’s relationship to other realms on earth: mineral, animal and human 10. Specific Chemical Properties and Processes 11. Established Medicinal and Herbal Applications for the Plant 12. Lore, Mythology, Folk Wisdom, Spiritual and Ritual Qualities
Highlights of the Healing Language of Plants Course: • Daily walks in the Terra Flora gardens to smell, taste and touch plants • Guided artistic and meditative activities for exploring the Twelve Windows of Plant Perception • Lectures and multimedia presentations highlighting the Twelve Windows Plant Perception research • Healing insights and case study research related to the Twelve Windows of Plant Perception • Partner work to deepen flower essence diagnosis and selection based upon plant signatures • Open lab for formulating flower essence formulas • Making a healing plant substance, with attention and attunement for the multi-dimensional identity of the plant • Excursion to one or more distinct environments to encounter the living matrix of plants
“Learning the Language of the Archetypes of Plants...has been one of the most nurturing and delightful programs I have been part of!! Thank you, Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz, for your generosity and inspiration.” — Ruth Altschuler, Santa Rosa, California “I had such a life-changing experience at Terra Flora, and I have so much respect for the level of research, integrity, and spirituality that Patricia and Richard bring to this work. It is such a huge honor to be able to work with FES in this way.” — Lindsay Fauntleroy, New York City “I have to tell you that since I came back from Terra Flora there is a special energy that stays with me all the time. It is giving me courage, strength, faith and trust to work for my dreams and my aim in life. It is a healing energy that is helping me to in turn help other people through the love of Nature. Thank you again, from the depths of my heart.” — Luz Carmona, Barcelona, Spain “Patricia and Richard have created this remarkable sanctuary of sublime beauty that they generously share with participants. If you are considering taking classes with them even a little bit, do yourself a favor and go. Don’t miss it.” — Annie Stevens, Lawrence, Kansas “The work that you do is exceptional, and the workshop I attended was without a doubt, one of the most professional and well organized I have ever attended; I still draw from its spirit. Thank you!” — Myra Darwish, RN, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Whoever you are: step out of doors tonight, Out of the room that lets you feel secure. Infinity is open to your sight. Whoever you are. With eyes that have forgotten how to see From viewing things already too well-known, Lift up into the dark a huge, black tree And put it in the heavens: tall, alone. And you have made the world and all you see. It ripens like the words still in your mouth. And when at last you comprehend its truth, Then close your eyes and gently set it free. Dana Gioia, Entrance (after Rilke)
Form, Gesture, Signature The over-all form of a plant is a remarkable force of organization and energetic emanation. These “gestures� of plants are also mirrored within the human body and psyche.
Snapdragon with its mouth-like shape, deals with mouth and jaw tension; snapping, biting or eating behaviors from misplaced aggressive energy.
Alpine Aster - This starshaped flower helps us to remember our celestial origins.
Mariposa Lily - This chaliceshaped flower holds the child in the gentle embrace of maternal love.
Botanical Relationships: Plant Families Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) Asteraceae flowers are all composites, made up of a complex arrangement of individual disk and ray florets, forming an integrated whole. The elegant yet precise geometry of the Compositae family is stunning - this family is a living model of synthesis and integration. The plant essences from the Compositae nourish and balance the Higher Self identity, as it incorporates many aspects and polarities into one unified wholeness.
Liliaceae (Lily Family) Liliaceae plants grow from the womb of a watery singular bulb, in contrast to the complex root systems of other plants. Referred to as monocots, because they emerge from the ground with a single leaf, this family of plants represents the many encompassing qualities of the archetypal feminine. Their blossoms emerge as trinities of three or six. They represent the harmoniously balanced spiritual symbol of the Star of David, uniting heavenly and earthy realms.
Lily bulb
White Trumpet (Easter) Lily
Shasta Lily Tiger Lily
Orientation in Space, Geometrical Relationships
The graceful Love-LiesBleeding flowers cascading down to the earth, are a striking picture of surrender. LoveLies-Bleeding essence helps us during times of profound suffering and physical pain, to release and accept the influence of higher spiritual forces.
Indian Pink dynamically unites two polarities: the ovary of this plant is deep and tubular, while bright red “pinked� petals ray out with vigor into the periphery. Thus we can see why Indian Pink flower essence helps one maintain a calm core, while simultaneously integrating the intense activity of daily life.
Orientation in Time: Daily and Seasonal Cycles Plants are beings of time, with unique identities reflecting their expression of daily and seasonal cycles. As the sun rises during the morning, the Madia closes its flower, while the California Poppy opens wide to receive the warmth and light of the sun. Conversely, as the sun sets, the Poppy wraps up its petals for night, while Madia opens wide again. The Madia flower essence facilitates focus and concentration, amidst the expansive forces of light and warmth. By contrast, the California Poppy essence allows the soul to maintain spiritual qualities of spaciousness and openness, while anchoring these forces within the container of the heart.
Color The language of color is infinitely variable in its expression. Beholding the Mimulus genus, we can see that color is a major factor for distinguishing different plant essences. The Yellow Mimulus discovered by Dr. Bach (but native to California) is for known fears, timidity and shyness, emotions correlated with the solar plexus chakra. The red Scarlet Monkeyflower addresses fears associated with anger and power, associated with the root chakra. The orange Sticky Monkeyflower is for fears of intimacy and sexual identity, associated with the sacral chakra. The Pink Monkeyflower is a balm for the heart to heal the trauma of abuse, shame or vulnerability. The Purple Monkeyflower is related to qualities of fear that reside in higher chakras, due to traumatic cultic or spiritually invasive experiences.
Other Sense Perceptions: Fragrance, Texture, Taste
The pungent and somewhat acrid aroma of the Rue plant has strong forces of purification. This rather harsh aroma has a curative effect, awakening the consciousness to perceive social or physical influences that may be malevolent or otherwise unhealthy. The spiny leaves of the Oregon Grape have a protective function. Yet this quality of protectiveness can degenerate into defensiveness and hostility in the human body-soul matrix. The hot, peppery taste of Nasturtium flowers is a striking contrast to the cool, watery round leaves of this plant. Thus we can understand how Nasturtium balances the fluid life force with the fire of the intellect.
The Environmental Matrix of the Plant Desert Lily grows in the arid deserts of the southwestern U.S. One might expect it to be like other desert plants with a pungent fiery aroma and firm enduring structure. Amazingly, this beautiful plant reveals a sweetly fragrant aroma, amidst gloriously supple white flowers.
This exceptional Lily thrives in the desert by storing vital moisture in its deeply buried bulb; even its wavy leaves show the flow of internal moisture. The Desert Lily flower essence helps one to retain receptive qualities for beauty and inspiration even in the midst of dry and harsh environments, particularly the soulless, mechanized forces of modern technological culture.
Relationship with the Four Elements The Angelica flower exalts in the light and air, as its globular flowers radiate skyward. Hidden within the ground is a deep taproot, anchoring the plant firmly in the Earth. This integrated polarity of air and earth imparts great healing qualities in the Angelica. The flower essence connects us to the airborne realm of higher thought and guidance, while uniting this awareness with bodily consciousness and daily activity.
Relationship to the Other Realms on Earth
Corn Maiden, by Father John Battista Giuliani
Corn (Maize) is a plant intimately connected to human culture. It is a marvelous example of co-creation, developed from its wild progenitor through warm devotion and reverence of the human being. Thus the corn is held deeply sacred by indigenous cultures, not only as a nourishing food, but also as a living connection to elemental realms. The Corn essence renews human connection to the ground of earth and communion with the elemental world.
Chemical Substances and Processes
The mucilaginous juices within the Aloe Vera leaves are rich in polysaccharides. These substances nourish and regenerate the living membrane of tissue within the body, providing deep hydration and antiinflammatory healing. At a further octave, the Aloe Vera flower essence soothes and balances the intensity of fire in the human personality.
Medicinal and Herbal Uses Yerba Santa is a native American herb that has traditionally been used for respiratory ailments. Yerba Santa flower essence also works within the heart-lung region of the body-soul complex, releasing deeply held emotions, such as grief, depression and other forms of melancholy.
Lore, Mythology, Folk Wisdom, Spiritual & Ritual Qualities Olive trees display immense forces of endurance and longevity; many olive trees living today are over 1000 years old and still are vital and productive. The olive branch carried by a dove to Noah’s Ark announced that the long trial of the flood had ended and the land was again firm and productive. Similarly, a crown of olive branches was bestowed on athletes who had endured and triumphed in the Greek Olympics. “The Agony in the Garden” by Paul Gaugin depicts Christ’s suffering in the Mount of Olives on the eve of the Crucifixion. The artist suggests that the Olive tree imparts profound forces of strength and endurance as the Christ anticipates the intensity of the Passion. Similarly, Olive flower essence is indicated for those who are challenged by great trials of physical suffering, depleting the well-being of mind and body.
Instructors for the Course Patricia Kaminski
Patricia’s love for plants and animals began during childhood, growing up on a prairie farm in central Nebraska. Patricia first discovered the remarkable effectiveness of the English flower remedies in helping children with learning problems such as dyslexia, and then in a counseling program for juvenile offenders. She has studied widely in the fields of teaching, healing, herbalism and natural history, including Waldorf education and Goethean plant science. Patricia is currently active as a flower essence teacher and counselor, administrates the Society’s research and practitioner training programs, and is the Development Director of Terra Flora Biodynamic Gardens and Elemental Sanctuary. In addition to writing the Flower Essence Repertory with Richard Katz, she has written Flowers That Heal, which describes the fundamental principles of flower essence therapy.
Richard Katz Richard’s various studies and experiences in mathematics, science, psychology, herbalism and meditation culminated in his research of flower essence therapy as a “living science of Nature,” requiring an accurate understanding of subtle qualities of plants, and also of the mental and emotional realms within the human being. After working extensively with the original English repertory of Dr. Bach, Richard went on to pioneer, since 1978, the development of flower remedies from North American plants, which are now recognized and used throughout the world. He specializes in FES botanical studies, photographs many of the FES flowers, and manages the many aspects of a flower essence business.
The Flower Essence Society Advanced Studies Certification Program We are pleased to provide a second level of training and study for certified practitioners in the Flower Essence Society. Our goal is to move to a further level of proficiency in flower essence therapy, recognizing those certified practitioners who wish to deepen their study with FES, or who are working in their communities in an area of specialty. Each year the Flower Essence Society offers one or more advanced courses in specific areas of healing and research, such as aromatherapy and flower essences, plant signatures and related aspects of Nature Science, dream work and flower essences, and color healing and flowers. We will also focus on work with particular populations such as children, animals, or elderly; or specialized arenas of healing such as drug addiction, homelessness and displacement from community and family, war aftermath or other forms of post-trauma stress, domestic violence, human sexuality and the soul, environmental toxins and ecological healing, hospice care, mental health, autism, physical diseases and soul evolution, community service and collective healing. The goal of the research and teaching efforts in the FES Advanced Studies Program, is to accelerate practitioner awareness and expertise, so that the soul-spiritual gift of flower essence therapy moves directly into the heart of humanity and into the heart of the earth, especially its current forms of suffering and related challenges. Credits are designated according to curriculum hours for each course. Accrual of 80 or more hours is required to be granted an Advanced Studies Certificate from the Flower Essence Society. Credits for the FES Advanced Studies Program will be accounted for anyone attending, whether or not you are still in process with FES certification, or intend to pursue certification later. However, the final certificate for the FES Advanced Studies Program is awarded to those who have completed the certification program of the FES Professional Course. This program also recognizes independent study from those practitioners who may wish to contribute to our body of research through presentations of healing work they have done in their own communities, such as social service projects using flower essence therapy. To make proposals for such study, please contact FES directly. The Healing Language of Flowers 2017 course: 40 hours
To Look at Any Thing To look at any thing, If you would know that thing, You must look at it long: To look at this green and say, “I have seen spring in these Woods,� will not do - you must Be the thing you see: You must be the dark snakes of Stems and ferny plumes of leaves, You must enter in To the small silences between The leaves, You must take your time And touch the very peace They issue from. ~ John Moffitt ~
Registration Enrollment for the seminar is limited and early registration is advised. Once you are accepted into the seminar, please make your own travel and accommodation arrangements (see below). Please contact the Flower Essence Society class registrar Jann Garitty (classes@ flowersociety.org) with any questions about course content, schedule, or any other policies. The questionnaire included with the registration form is absolutely essential; without the completed questionnaire, your application will not be processed. The online registration forms are found at: https://flowersociety.wufoo.com/forms/2017-healing-language-of-flowerscredit-card/ (payment by credit card) https://flowersociety.wufoo.com/forms/2017-healing-language-of-flowerschecktransfer/ (payment by check or bank transfer)
Fees • Cost is $850 for the five-day workshop and includes four catered lunches • Breakfasts, dinners, accommodations and travel costs are additional
Accommodations Beltane Community House at Terra Flora We are pleased to offer an opportunity to lodge directly on the Terra Flora grounds at Beltane Community House. There are a small number of shared rooms which are available on a first-come firstserved basis. Beltane House includes a large community kitchen, common dining and living room areas, and six bathrooms, some of which are private in the rooms, and some shared by more than one room. Please inquire for room descriptions and pricing.
Cabin at the Northern Queen Inn, Nevada City
Other Accommodations in Nevada City or Grass Valley For other accommodations, please book early, as Nevada City is a popular tourist destination in the summer. For listings, visit the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce website, www.nevadacitychamber. com or the nearby Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce at www.grassvalleychamber.com. If you do not have a personal or rental car, please reserve at one of the accommodations in central Nevada City, to be able to connect with a car pool to Terra Flora. Please note that FES does not coordinate accommodations at commercial establishments other than for our own Beltane House; these are chosen and arranged by each participant. Please direct questions to your travel agent, or your place of lodging. Also, we do not arrange for shuttles or other travel arrangements.
To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work. ~ Mary Oliver ~
Meals Tuition includes buffet style lunches, morning snacks and herbal teas. We offer minimally processed and seasonally appropriate organic food. While we strive for enough variety to meet most dietary preferences, if you have highly specialized or severely restricted dietary needs, we recommend that you bring additional food with you each day. For daily breakfasts and dinners, we will provide you with a list of local restaurants and natural food stores at which you can dine or purchase deli items or groceries.
Transportation The nearest airport is Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which is about a 1.5 hour drive from Nevada City. If you do not rent a car, shuttle service from and to the airport can be arranged with SuperShuttle, 800258-3826, www.supershuttle.com. You can also reserve a door-to-door ride with Nevada County Airporter, 530-575-7011; Foothills Shuttle and Charter, 530-432-3235; or folsomlakeexpress.com. However, please note that it may be less expensive to rent a car from the airport. Important note: For arrival Thursday, August 3, taking into account possible delays, etc., please be sure your flight schedule allows adequate travel time from the airport to your place of accommodation, and from there to Terra Flora, in order to arrive on time for the start of the class. All participants enrolling in this seminar will be asked to participate in carpooling from common points of departure in the downtown area of Nevada City. You will be given carpooling information after your registration has been completed and the logistics for the class are fully evaluated. For this reason, as mentioned above, if one does not have a personal or rental car, please reserve at one of the accommodations in central Nevada City. After you have registered, been accepted into the seminar, and made your travel plans, please fill out the travel form at this link: https://flowersociety.wufoo.com/forms/fes-class-participanttravel-accommodations/
Schedule, arrival and departure The majority of the seminar is conducted during the daytime hours. The evenings are left open for dinner, relaxation and assimilation of the class presentations. However, the seminar does begin with an evening session on Thursday, August 3rd.
Course begins Thursday evening, August 3 You will be joining a carpool at approximately 6:45 PM from your assigned point of departure. When you arrive at Terra Flora, you need to check in at the classroom to receive your class materials. The Thursday evening session is an important orientation to the whole of the seminar. This session will begin promptly at 7:30 PM and last until approximately 9:30 PM.
Course concludes Monday evening, August 7 The class ends around 6:30 PM on Monday evening, August 7. Unless you live in the local region, it is recommended that you spend the evening resting and assimilating the seminar information, and plan to depart at a convenient time on Tuesday, August 8th. You may also wish to extend your stay and enjoy the many scenic attractions of the Sierra foothills and mountains.
Payment and cancellation policy Fees are due at the time of registration. Our classes are located at Terra Flora, which serves as a home, garden site and cottage work facility. We limit the size of our classes in order to facilitate an atmosphere of social warmth and nature experience. You are urged to enroll early, as there is typically a waiting list later. Please note our cancellation fee policy: • Through July 2, 2017: We will issue a refund less a $150 cancellation fee. • Starting July 3, 2017: If we are able to fill your reserved space, we will issue a refund, less a $150 administrative fee. No credit will be issued if it is not possible to fill your reservation, or if notice of cancellation is not furnished prior to the class.
The Flower Essence Society P.O. Box 459, Nevada City, CA 95959 USA 800-736-9222 (USA) 530-265-9163 classes@flowersociety.org www.flowersociety.org
In all my travels around the world I have been to very few places with such an overwhelming sensation of peace and serenity. I felt warmth – an energy that I had not experienced before. I am very grateful to have been in your Nature Sanctuary and participate in your course. Renan Tadeu Bornancin, Curitiba, Brazil