Botanica Magica

Four Week Series, November 12,19, 26 and December 3
Spiral through the Elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth each week and the magical powers and blessings associated with each. We will ally with herbs as alchemical thresholds to the liminal and learn how to create lunar waters, anointing oils, aromatherapy sprays, spell jars and herb bundles. We will call in Irish goddesses Brighid, Maeve, Sheela na gig and the Morrigan to co-create with us as we find the power in reclaiming our magic. Two full scholarships available for this class for POC, please email tonjareichley@gmail.com.

Air: Awakening Inspiration. Week 1. Connect with the alchemical powers of Air and the direction of the East as we call in triple goddess Brighid, use the power of words to create spells and invocations, blend an herbal incense and create an enchanting aromatherapy mist.
Fire: Courageous Transformation. Week 2. Ignite your passion as we connect with the element of Fire and the South. We will call in Maeve, Irish goddess of Sovereignty, to guide us as we consecrate anointing oils, create a magic spell candle and work with the power of tarot.
Water: Creative Potential. Week 3. Flow in the sensual delights of Water as we call in the fertile potential of Irish icon Sheela na gig and co-create with the ancestors of the West. We will create a gem elixir in rhythm with the moon and a ritual bath blend to drink with our custom-created ritual tea.
Earth: Remembered Connection. Week 4. The Morgan/ Morrigan will be our guide as we connect with the element of Earth and the direction of the North. We will feel the presence of our ancestors as we create herb bundles and charm jars, deepening our connection with the Earth’s gifts and magic.
Botanica is from a Latin root, from which most of the English language is derived.  The class name mimics our ancient (and Native European-created) botanical naming system based on a genus (family name/ Botanica) and species (specific plant or in this case class: magica or erotica).  We are in no way claiming any links or connection to the name of Mexican shops that sell herbs, which is a totally different context.

Tonja Reichley, Herbalist (Bsc, MBA), Ritualist and Author, has been teaching herbal classes rooted in Irish traditions, healing and spirituality for 18 years. She has lived part time on the west coast of Ireland for 13 years, continually learning from the land, the plants, the people and the Ancestors as well as from her teacher Gina McGarry, whom she studied with in a three-month immersion in 2001, in residence in Ireland and continues to learn from. Tonja graduated from the Rocky Mountain School of Botanical Medicine in 2000 and began her first herbal business, MoonDance Botanicals, in 2002. She opened a store-front in Denver Colorado in 2004, had a thriving herbal shop until selling it to long-time customers in 2016 to pursue her passion of teaching herbs and ritual full time.
Tonja has led sacred journeys to Ireland for 13 years including a two week Herb School over Summer Solstice and pilgrimages for Beltaine and Autumn Equinox. She teaches a year-long Mystery School which begins and ends at Samhain and includes initiation in Ireland. New in summer 2020, will be a two week Priestess School, in residence in Ireland.
She is the author of Wild Irish Roots: A Seasonal Guidebook to Herbs, Ritual and Connection and the Way of Brighid Oracle Cards, dedicated to Irish goddess and saint Brighid.
Website: www.dancingwiththewild.com
Instagram: @tonjareichley
Facebook: Dancing with the Wild
Email: tonjareichley@gmail.com