In this class, students will be introduced to the homeopathic medicine of Flower Remedies (or flower essences). Flower Essences are an energetic form of plant medicine made from vibrational infusion of plants in spring water, preserved, and ingested in drop doses.

Through supporting our exploration of energetic patterns (emotional, psychological, spiritual, etc.), they enable us to relate to the world in the particular pattern of the flower. This process creates a new relationship with themes in our lives. When we make a flower essence, we are working with the spirit of the plant, which means we are also working with the spirit of place, the elements, stories, stars, and more. Their effects are gentle and are best utilized over longer periods of time to help shift perspective or provide support to one in a time of change. Unlike a tincture or essential oil, essences do not contain constituents of plants, making them generally safe for all.

We will spend a day in the realm of Flora by learning how to make our own flower essences from individual flowers as well as practice creating our own formulas of multiple essences to work with a particular set of energies at once. This workshop is suitable for beginning flower enthusiasts to seasoned herbalists alike!

In this workshop we will:

• discuss the history and background of flower remedies and a relational, place-based approach

• learn about the process of making a flower essence (both indirect and direct methods)

• identify flowers in the field and have a chance to practice making your own flower essence with a provided kit for you to take home

• practice preserving and bottling essences

• become familiar with gem, animal, and environmental essences

• expand understanding of flower families and their energetic components

• explore how color, scent, and environment can influence the energetics of a flower remedy

• experiment with formulating flower remedies that combine multiple essences to make a particular formula using an expansive flower essence apothecary

Students will walk away from this workshop with:

• a flower essence kit containing a small crystal bowl, spring water, 4-oz boston round bottle, small funnel and strainer

• a small booklet of flower essence descriptions you can add your own to as you expand their flower essence practice

• a personalized flower essence formula in a 1-oz dropper bottle made in class using an expansive flower essence apothecary (students will be able to choose from a brandy or vegetable glycerin preservative base)

Instructions: Notebook and writing utensils are highly recommended. Students should wear comfortable clothes and shoes for a short hike and be prepared to be both indoors and outdoors. If students have a bowl that is special to them (preferably crystal), they are encouraged to bring it.

Dates: Sunday, July 14
Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch will be provided
Ages: Adults only
Location: People's Food Co-op, 315 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Materials Fee: $15

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)

Supporter Level Ticket: $115
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.

Sustainer Level Ticket: $90
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.

Supported Level Ticket: $65
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!

Instructor Bio — Kayle Karbowski (she/they)

Kayle Karbowski (she/they) is a facilitator and artist living on the western banks of Lake Michigan. In 2019, she founded Other Dust, a psychospiritual consultancy and technoapothecary focused on developing intuition and reclaiming interdependence in an age of disconnection. A driving force of Kayle’s work is rekindling the relationship between our intellect and intuition. Kayle works between herbalism, animism, mythology, and homesteading in contemporary urban living.