Medicinal plants, enchantment of nature, topics of weekend retreat

March 25, 2011 - PRLog -- EUREKASPRINGS- The tender shoots of native plants are pushing towards the sun, and now’s the time to learn to identify the ones used for medicinal and food purposes, and to celebrate the beauty and enchantment of the natural world.  

FireOmEarth Retreat Center in Eureka Springs is hosting an Herbs and Botanicals Weekend April 23- 24, a full weekend of educational workshops and spiritually enriching activities. Participants are invited to enjoy early morning yoga or Tai Chi with retreat owners and teachers, Lorna and Craig Trigg Hirsch, or take a meditation walk on the property’s wooded trails, or in the labyrinth. Saturday night closes with a Fire Circle, and Sunday night ends with a sweat lodge.

The two-day retreat package of 3 workshops is $75, with vegetarian lunches and a soup dinner on Saturday evening optional at extra cost.
   
Well-known author and photographer Steven Foster, whose work has appeared in Petersen’s Guide and National Geographic Magazine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., will lead the Saturday workshop.  
   
Foster will present a slide show of medicinal plants common to Arkansas, then lead a guided walk through the grounds and woods of the retreat, pointing out the plants in their native habitat and offering tips and tricks on how to photograph them.
   
Participants should bring a journal, camera, hiking boots and a bag lunch.

Fee for the workshop alone is $30, or $45 with a vegetarian lunch of locally grown whole food and fresh fruit cobbler.
   
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Plant Spirit Medicine practitioner Melissa Clare, who trained with Huichol tradition Shaman Eliot Cowan, will lead participants in an exploration of the plant world, employing a meditative and shamanic approach. The session will include dream journeying, group sharing, and artistic inspiration from the plant world.
   
Participants need to bring colored pencils, notebooks, a blanket or pad to lie on, and a bag lunch.  The workshop will be held outdoors, so a ground cloth or cushion is recommended; bring raingear if the weather is inclement.
   
Fee for the workshop alone is $20, or $35 with a vegetarian lunch of locally grown whole food and fresh fruit cobbler.

Sunday afternoon, 2 p.m.- 5 p.m., Laura Walthers and Belledessa will conduct a faery workshop, entitled “Experience the Enchantment of the Nature Realm.”  Walthers, author of Life in Nature Revealed:Real Photographs of Faeries, Gnomes and Elves, will present some of her photos, and a slide show of these magical woodland beings. Belledessa, a hypnotherapist and Therapist in Residence at Fire Om Earth in 2010, will facilitate personally experiencing the nature spirits.

Fee for this workshop is $25.  

All sections of the retreat require advance registration. Check their website at www. fireomearth.com for lodging options, more information, and to pay online. Information also available at 479-363-9402.
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"The Extraordinary Escape," Eureka Springs is an eclectic getaway town in the heart of the Ozarks famous for our art, architecture, unique, locally owned shops, outstanding restaurants, historic hotels, BnB's, beauty, romance, & outdoor adventures.