The Green Witch Apprenticeship
This five week, ten+ hour series will explore various applications of plants in medicinal and magical contexts, and cover the areas of intersection between these two unique disciplines. We will share information about herbal medicine making, plant sorcery, mythology, and green magic, providing a practical & theoretical foundation for working with plants in your craft.
This series is suited for witches seeking to deepen their knowledge of practical herbcraft, or budding herbalists who wish to fortify their practice with spiritual context. Come all students, of all perspectives and experience levels, to explore the green mysteries with us!
Week I | Introduction to Plant Allyship & Anatomy
This lecture will cover the philosophy of plant magic and how to access relationships with plants, plant spirits, and the divinities associated with the natural world. We will be introducing concepts around plant sorcery and allyship which will be the foundation for our magical perspective in relating to plants for the rest of this course. This class will also cover the anatomy of plants, with both their medicinal and magical correspondences.
Week II | The Lore & Legend of Plant Spirits
The mythology & lore of plants can be incredibly useful to the witch, and will often give us clues to the magical correspondences and subtle natures of plants within the narrative. Join us for a storytelling session & analysis of some key themes of plant folklore and mythology, in an effort to examine what humans are really talking about when we're telling stories about plants.
Week III | Harvesting, Foraging, & Magical Gardening
This lecture will explore the lore & ritual of traditional harvesting practices in European witchcraft, paying special attention to the tools, charms, and methods of gathering magical plants. Students will also receive detailed information on germinating and growing magical plants at home, as well as a useful primer on foraging for herbs in your own bioregion.
Week IV | Apothecary Science Lab
This lecture will feature detailed descriptions and demonstrations of several different apothecary preparations, from herbal extractions to hand-blending incense. Students will have a chance to see step-by-step procedures for these techniques, giving the class a comprehensive understanding of how plant medicines work and how they are applied.
Week V | Plants in Spellwork & Ritual
This final lecture will explore the applications of plants as ritual aids, entheogens, talismans, and powerful components of spellwork. From plant divinations to magical potions, we'll look at various techniques and technologies involving plants and discuss their history and place in within the witch's practice.
___________________________________________________________________________
Melissa Madara is a witch, chef, storyteller, botanist, and co-owner at Catland Books. Their work deals with the healing power of myth, divination, and immersion in the natural world. They are a teacher at Catland Books and numerous other metaphysical spaces in NYC, and are available for herbal consultations, tarot, and magical coaching by appointment. Find their interviews in the New York Times, Vice, Broadly, Teen Vogue, or Refinery 29, or see Melissa's published works in Fiddler's Green, Venefica Magazine, or their premiere book, The Witch's Feast. Follow Melissa's work and adventures on IG : @saint.jayne
