About the Aromatic Distillation Workshop:
Join Erika Galentin of Sovereignty Herbs and Ash Sierra of Ritual Botanica at Maple Spring Gardens in Cedar Grove, NC for a hands-on deep-dive into the ancient alchemical art of aromatic distillation. Participants will learn the nuts and bolts of distillation using a traditional copper alembic still as well as how aromatic distillation can be used as a medium for building respectful and meaningful relationships with both aromatic plants and the landscapes that nurture them.
The workshop will begin with a farm tour at Maple Spring Gardens which will also include harvesting of the plant material and a discussion on sourcing and sustainable harvesting. As we load the still together, the group will learn about the ‘anatomy & physiology’ of aromatic distillation including putting the still together, sealing the seams, what type of burner to use, options for hooking up the condenser pump, and the different types of vessels you can use to capture your hydrosol and essential oil. As the distillation is taking place, Erika and Ash will take participants through a journey of ‘embodied’ aroma as we explore how aromatic plants can be healing to body and psyche through our sense of smell. Participants will be able to take a sample of the distillation home.
Please note that pre-registration is required to attend this event. Registrations are non-refundable. Workshop Fee: $115.00 USD.
COVID Safety Considerations
Please note that participants must bring a mask in order to participate in this event. If you arrive and do not have a mask, you will not be eligible to participate in the workshop and no refund will be given. Participants and instructors will be seated 6 feet apart. However, there may be times during the hands-on portions of this workshop (harvesting, loading the still, collecting water) where we may not be 6 feet apart. You will have the option to maintain social distancing during these hands-on activities. Hand sanitizer will be provided for use for the purposes of reducing risk with shared equipment.
Onsite Camping Available
For those traveling from a distance, onsite camping is now available at our host venue Maple Spring Gardens, for both Friday night (night before) and Saturday night (night following workshop). Please note the following information about camping:
There will be access to a flush toilet inside a private residence. However, masks must be worn when entering the residence. Please do not hang out inside the residence. There are no kitchen/cooking facilities available.
Arrival time for camping on Friday night is between 6pm-8pm. All campers must be packed up before 10am on Sunday.
Reserving a camping spot is required. You can do so by contacting Sunshine Dawson of Maple Spring Gardens at blissfulsunshine@gmail.com or by phone: 305-766-1761
About Erika & Ash:
Erika is a Clinical Herbalist, aromatherapist, distiller, grower, and medicine-maker, consulting from Sovereignty Herbs in Athens & Columbus, OH. She holds a degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of Wales, Cardiff, UK and Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, Glasgow, UK. She is a professional member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (UK) and the American Herbalists Guild (USA). Over a decade of clinical practice has provided a platform for witnessing the efficacy of medicinal plants and aromatics within a clinical environment. It is through this clinical practice that Erika seeks to encourage positive, learned relationships between plants and people and people and their bodies. She is a firm believer in celebrating the role that emotions and the psyche play in the ecology of our physical terrain. In addition to clinical practice, Erika is both a student and teacher of horticulture, native medicinal plant conservation and ecology, and the phenomenological and Goethean study of plants and their medicinal virtues. Erika participates as a member of the Education Committee of the American Herbalists Guild as well as the Stewardship Committee of Appalachia Ohio Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of land and water in Southeast Ohio. Follow @themedicinegardener, @sovereigntyherbs
Ash Sierra is driven by a desire to bridge gaps between the human and plant worlds. Her background as a clinical herbalist, farmer, distiller and astrologer are wrapped up in a practice focused on mental wellness and empowerment through an eclectic range of modalities including medical astrology, hermeticism, eco-psyschology and vitalism. You can find her tending land and apothecary in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC or community organizing with the Hawthorn Community Herb Collective. For medicine and magic visit www.ritualbotanica.com or follow her on instagram @ritual_botanica.
What to Bring:
Participants are asked to bring:
A mask: There may be occasions during the workshop where we are closer than 6 feet apart, for example while harvesting, loading the still, and other hands-on activities. While seated in class, we will be 6 feet apart, but we will encourage everyone to wear masks.
A packed lunch (no food will be provided) and beverage containers. Herbal-flavored waters will be available for those who bring a refillable container.
You own chair or sitting pillows (we will be both sitting and standing for long periods of time so please bring what you need for comfort)
Footwear that can be worn on dirty, uneven surfaces (although there is no hiking involved, we will be on foot on the farm harvesting)
Sun protection
A journal for workshop exercises and self-reflection during the distillation and something to write with
An object of significance that represents something or someone you would like to honor during the distillation (this will be placed on the distillation alter and returned to you after the workshop)
Kindness and an open mind
What is Provided:
Water
Glass bottles for hydrosol
Handouts about aromatic distillation
An incredible interactive experience
Contact Information:
Erika Galentin, Sovereignty Herbs, office@sovereigntyherbs.com