September is a transition month on the wheel of the year, where we are harvesting what we’ve tended since spring and beginning to plan for the cooler months ahead. As fall is the time of year when we begin to turn inward inside and begin storing our resources for winter, we’ll talk about the origins of common garden and wild plants used as incense and smoke sticks and why our different cultural celebrations of fall and early winter are supported by this form of plants as medicine.

In this workshop on smoke medicine, known as “smudging,” in cultures indigenous to North America and in many cultures throughout the world, including the European continent. We will discuss the ethics and methods of wild harvesting and using plants for energy work. We will also discuss commonly known garden herbs known to our European ancestors. We’ll explore practical and spiritual uses for smoke medicine, including folklore, and how to apply it in our daily lives ethically and sustainably.

This workshop is about creating a personal, sustainable, and culturally appropriate energy-clearing practice and is limited to a small group of women. Pre-registration is required.

This workshop is facilitated by Emily Phillips-Geeza, Ayurvedic practitioner and folk herbalist

What You Can Expect

• In this workshop, we will learn about the history and present problems with smudge sticks, the history of smoke medicine in cultures from around the world, and how to identify and gather alternative plants that can be used in place of white sage.

• You will learn tips on creating a healing herb garden and the properties of different herbs used for smudging.

• We'll make personalized smudge bundles using local and native plants and flowers. The different healing properties of the plants and flowers will be shared, and all supplies will be provided.

• Refreshments provided.

• Feel free to bring your own journal for taking notes.

• $40 investment