Meeting & Location:

The apprenticeship is held at Soul Flower Farm in the small town of El Sobrante, 10 miles north of Berkeley, California. We meet rain or shine unless there is a storm or the weather is not conducive to our meeting.  

Dates:

Spring Session: Thursdays, 03/21/24 - 06/13/24. Applications open February 5, 2024.

Summer Session: Tuesdays, 06/02/24-09/03/24. Applications open May 1, 2024.

Fall Session: Tuesday, 09/17/24 - 12/03/24. Applications open August 1, 2024.

Time:

10am-4pm

Cost:

$750 including materials fee (can be paid in 2 installments)

Transportation:

Most students, apprentices and volunteers drive out to our farm, however, it would be easy to set up a carpool with fellow apprentices.  Public transportation consists of BARTing then bus or BART- uber/lift.  The closest BART to us is El Cerrito del norte which is about a 10 min drive from us.  It is also possible to ride your bike from BART but it would take a little more time.  But if biking is your thing it’s definitely possible.  I had one volunteer bike from Oakland each week. 

About the apprenticeship:

During our time together we do a range of activities working with plants from seed to medicine.  This is a WORKING- HANDS ON apprenticeship.  Each week we are working; starting seeds, planting, weeding/tending the medicine garden, harvesting, bundling, drying, processing and medicine making.  I consider this to be sacred work and am inviting those who have the same view.  The tasks we do depend on the season and on what needs to get done on the farm.  We also may occasionally go out on field trips to harvest from the wild. If you are patient and committed, you will be learning from the plants and cultivating relationships with them.  They will be your teachers, as well as, the wind, soil, water and the land you will sit with during your time here.  

This is also a land based community herbalism training as we will cover a variety of topics listed below to familiarize you with the art and science of herbal medicine.  Most days there will be a grounding exercise and a circle lecture about our subject matter.  The other half of the day will be working hands on outside.

Expectations:

I ask that you  be humble and respectful and commit to coming to each meeting unless you have an emergency.  I also ask that you be on time.  We are creating sacred space each time we work with plant medicine and we are cultivating a sacred circle with each cohort.  In order to do this we need to open the circle and close the circle together each day.  It throws off our vibe and energy when folx are late.  I also ask that you have clear and honest communication with me and I will do the same with you.  Respect, communication and punctuality are the three things I ask if you'd like to join this apprenticeship.  If you are not sure you can be present and on time this is not a good fit for you.  I request that cell phones and devices be put away while we are in our sacred circle together.  

Accountability:

Absences:  Maximum absences allowed- 2
Tardies:  Maximum tardies allowed- 2

Soul Flower Farm:

I am farming/homesteading on 3 acres on a sunny, south facing hillside.  I have been cultivating my farm for almost 15 years and am now growing over 100 species of medicinal plants, as well as lots of annual and perennial vegetables, some livestock and honey bees.  I am continually striving to increase the diversity here with all life forms.  I practice and teach permaculture design and run the School of Earth Medicine where I teach classes and workshops on herbal studies and sustainability methodology.  

What you will need to bring:

You will need to dress comfortably for the weather and wear closed toe shoes.  You can also put together a "kit" with; a journal, colored pencils, pruning shears, gardening gloves, a large piece of fabric (like a sarong or lapa), water bottle, sun hat and your lunch each week.  You will need all of these items for each meeting!

Thank you for reading!  
Love & Blessings,
Maya Blow