SPIRITED AWAY

A Day of Distillation

Sunday, July 21st – 11 - 4 pm

Coventry CT

This workshop, split into two parts, will center around botanical distillation and provide participants with a comprehensive foundation of the process of distillation, both of the plants and ourselves.

We will begin with Tending to the Spirit with Emma of Of Earth Healing Arts. In this class we will learn about ways to engage with herbs as part of our daily practices. Herbs provide many layers of nourishment, to both physiology and soul. They offer an opportunity to restore and revitalize our systems, tend to our emotions, and shift our state of being. We bridge plants to our bodies through our senses: sight, scent, taste, touch (via nutrition, infusions, essences, baths, topicals, and more). Aromatic/bitter nervines and nutritive tonic herbs will be the focus of our discussion, with emphasis given to exploring the nervous system as a foundation of wellbeing. Some favorite herbal materia medica will be shared. We will observe the interconnectedness of the psyche and body, and how supporting the reduction of tension and increasing capacity for ease in each is conducive to the health of the other. Learning to see ourselves in the plants, and allying with them for care and clarity is a profound healing art.

Then we will move into the distillation process with Sam of Terracotta Farmacia. We will run a full distillation of Artemisia Vulgaris, from set up to finished product, on a traditional copper alembic still. As the spirit of the plant ascends and transforms, revealing its aroma and medicine to us – we will get into the history, widespread lineage, process, sustainability and importance of this ancient craft. We will be focusing specifically on how to operate a still, techniques for distilling high quality hydrosols as the main product, the transcendent potential of aromatic medicine, the far-reaching medicinal applications of these essential waters, and how to be a conscious consumer / distinguish between quality and shoddy/ imitation products. We will discuss and engage with the tradition of botanical distillation as an alchemical process of the people and experience how, when done deliberately with care and consideration, it fosters genuine respectful relationships with the plants, our environment, ourselves & others.

This workshop is intended to lay a solid foundation for those looking to begin distilling, those wanting to better understand how hydrosols come to be and their indispensable place in our apothecaries and medicine cabinets, as well as those looking to go deeper within their herbal, aromatic, and alchemical journeys.

Participants will have a chance to experience a variety of hydrosols & will be given an informational packet, and 2 oz. of the hydrosol distilled to take home.

Light refreshments will be provided during the break between classes — please bring any additional food, drink & whatever you will need to be comfortable. The class & workshop will take place outside – access to an indoor bathroom will be provided.

Location note: Of Earth Healing Arts Studio is located in the small red barn building at the intersection of rt 44/31 across from Cumberland Farms (maps may direct you to the residence next door, both share 21 Bread and Milk address). You will see a parking lot in front, signs for CFM Cycles/Golf Factory. Go to the right side of the building, we are the second stairway to the back (second floor level).

Please make sure you are able to attend before signing up — refunds will only be given within 3 days after registration / will no longer be available after July 15th.