Why did you choose to continue your journey with us for another year of herbalism courses in the UK?
It seemed the natural step to take. Having loved year one and also meeting some wonderful people, I wanted more - more knowledge and more fun. It was a heartfelt yes, so an easy decision to make.
How has your understanding of herbal medicine deepened during the second year of the course?
Year two has not only introduced us to another set of 12 herbs, but we have stayed in touch with year one herbs and so the relationships with the herbs has deepened and broadened. The way they work and connect with each other, and the way we look at them has become more familiar.
How has your relationship with the seasons changed?
I am more aware of the seasons with each passing year. Following nature's cycles is a wonderfully grounding practice, reminding us of balance and our own inner rhythms and nature. Showing us how to hear and meet our needs as our energies change through the seasons helps keep us feeling our best.
What did you most enjoy about year two?
I loved spending time in the yurt. The content of the course and the company remains a joy and now we get to meet up at the in-person events in the most perfect surroundings.
What most surprised you about our herbalism courses in the UK?
I was pleasantly surprised how knowledge and a deeper understanding started to drop into place. What was sometimes very new and at first unfamiliar in year one, has felt more instinctual in year two.
What's the one word you would use to describe how you feel having completed two years of Awaken Herbal Wisdom?
Grateful
If you could share one piece of advice to someone considering joining Awaken Herbal Wisdom, what would you tell them?
You can't possibly imagine the treasures which will be revealed from this experience. Listen to your gut, something has got you thinking about this for a reason. There are no accidents.
What's the next step for you on your herbal journey?
It’s a lifelong journey now, no going back!!
Meghan’s reflections on Kate's journey
Kate has grown into a powerhouse of a herbalist over the past two years. Everyone enjoys learning to make remedies in year one, but there always seems to be one person in the cohort who is completely unleashed by this experience. Kate was that person last year and she has not stopped since! None of us will forget her bringing gorgeous red raspberry infused vinegar for all of us to try at this year’s summer gathering. We were all so inspired (myself included!), nearly all of us have a batch going! On the herbalism courses in the UK we offer, we blend Western herbal medicine and Ayurvedic approaches and energetics, and Kate has brought such a wonderful perspective to her cohort, as she’s been qualifying as an Ayurvedic health coach alongside her Awaken Herbal Wisdom journey. We were all extremely proud of her when she passed with flying colours. I know the two courses have bolstered each other for Kate and I am so looking forward to seeing how she uses all the knowledge and skills she’s been developing to support others. Kate is such a core and well-loved member of our community, and we are so pleased she’s with us!
If you’re feeling inspired by Kate's experience on our intensive herbal medicine course, you’re very welcome to take the next step on your journey learning herbal medicine with us. The course - Awaken Herbal Wisdom - spans all four seasons and gets herbalism both deep into your bones and your daily life. Registration for our herbal medicine course opens each autumn to the waiting list first, so click here to make sure your name is on it. You’ll receive updates on the current year’s cohort as they go on their own journeys and then first access when enrolment opens. For more details about the structure, content and energy of our intensive herbalist course, you can learn more here.
Whatever your next step is in uncovering the importance of herbal medicine to you, I hope you enjoy the journey!
At Rhodes Roots & Remedies School of Herbal Medicine, our practice of herbalism is rooted in the belief that we must remember, reclaim and relearn our knowledge of our bodies, our autonomy and how to work with plant medicine in order to bring control of our own health back into our families and homes for a sustainable future for ourselves and the planet. Through our intensive herbalism course, we facilitate the development of confident, empowered herbalists, attuned to the messages of their bodies and the natural world. Living the deep wisdom of herbal medicine within themselves, their homes and their communities, they uplift themselves and others, creating a stronger society organically. We do hope you'll join us on your journey!