Stress, Anxiety Attacks & Anxiety Disorders with Herbalist Donna Bryant Winston

Herbs from the Labyrinth presents:

Stress, Anxiety Attacks, & Anxiety Disorders

With herbalist, Donna Bryant Winston

Sunday, January 25, 2015, 12:30-4pm
at Radiance, in downtown Lancaster, PA

It's normal to worry and feel tense or scared when under pressure or facing a stressful situation. But when anxiety is constant or overwhelming, interferes with relationships and activities, then it must be addressed. In this class we will examine the signs and symptoms of several anxiety disorders and explore self help, herbal, and complimentary treatment options.

Cost for this class is $35 in advance, $40 on the day of the class.

We will meet in the classroom at Radiance.  To register call 717-290-1517, or stop by the shop at 9 W Grant St, in downtown Lancaster, right across the cobblestones from Central Market.

 Donna Bryant Winston is an Herbalist, Educator, and the Director of School-based & Neighborhood Health Initiatives for St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, PA.  She is currently responsible for directing and organizing the Mobile Medical Vans, a School based health clinic and neighborhood initiatives where access to care and education is the primary focus to improve community health outcomes. Here she combines her nursing knowledge with her herbal background to educate the community on natural health.  Also a member of the American Holistic Nurses Assoc., Donna works closely in partnership with Moravian College, Temple Medical School, and DeSales and Lehigh University, to provide unique student nursing rotations and service learning projects. She is a wonderfully inspiring educator and has been the co-director for the Annual New England Women’s Herbal Conference in NH, with Rosemary Gladstar, for the past 18 years.

The Importance of Sleep: a workshop with Donna Bryant Winston

Herbs from the Labyrinth presents:

The Importance of Sleep

With herbalist, Donna Bryant Winston

Saturday, January 24, 2015, 12:30-4pm
at Radiance, in downtown Lancaster, PA

Sleep problems affect virtually every aspect of day-to-day living, including mood, mental alertness, work performance, and energy level.  In the first part of this class, Donna will describe the complex nature of sleep, and the factors that can disturb sleep. Finally, and most importantly, she will talk about what one can do to get the sleep that they need for optimal health, using herbs and other natural therapies.

Cost for this class is $35 in advance, $40 on the day of the class.

We will meet in the classroom at Radiance.  To register call 717-290-1517, or stop by the shop at 9 W Grant St, in downtown Lancaster, right across the cobblestones from Central Market.

 Donna Bryant Winston is an Herbalist, Educator, and the Director of School-based & Neighborhood Health Initiatives for St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, PA.  She is currently responsible for directing and organizing the Mobile Medical Vans, a School based health clinic and neighborhood initiatives where access to care and education is the primary focus to improve community health outcomes. Here she combines her nursing knowledge with her herbal background to educate the community on natural health.  Also a member of the American Holistic Nurses Assoc., Donna works closely in partnership with Moravian College, Temple Medical School, and DeSales and Lehigh University, to provide unique student nursing rotations and service learning projects. She is a wonderfully inspiring educator and has been the co-director for the Annual New England Women’s Herbal Conference in NH, with Rosemary Gladstar, for the past 18 years.

Elixir of Love

Elixir of Love…
just in time for Valentine’s Day

With Sarah Preston, community herbalist

Saturday, January 10, 2015, 1-3:30 pm

Cordials, elixirs and liqueurs are a delicious way to enjoy blending the rich flavors of fruits and herbs.  They can be healthful tonics, after-dinner sipping drinks, as well as sophisticated dessert toppings, even love potions.  Join Sarah for this delightful afternoon class, during which you will begin a delicious love elixir, timed for first sipping on Valentines Day.   

Sarah will lead a guided meditation and we’ll infuse the elixir with our intentions for nourishing the capacity for romance and love in our lives.  And you’ll go home with lots of ideas, a recipe, as well as a bottle of steeping cordial! 

Class will be held at Radiance, 9 W Grant St, Lancaster, PA

Stop in or call 717-290-1517 to register.

Cost for the class is $30, & includes a copy of the booklet, Making Liqueurs for Gifts. 

Bring a pint of 80 proof brandy, and a pint of honey to class.  All other materials will be supplied.

Must be 21 to take this class. 

Books for the Herbalist on Your Shopping List

Sarah carefully selects high-quality herbals and related herb books. Many are written by herbalists she has studied directly with, including Matthew Wood, Rosemary Gladstar, Rosita Arvigo, Stephen Buhner and Anne McIntyre. 

Radiance is located at 9 W Grant Street in the heart of downtown Lancaster, PA.  Phone is 717-290-1517.  We are happy to take orders over the phone & ship anywhere in the country.

Let's Make Lip Balm!

Lip balms are fun and easy to make, and they make great small gifts!  In this class you’ll learn simple formulas for making lip balms at home.  We’ll discuss oils, waxes and how to use essential oils for flavoring.  Sarah will share some secrets of the trade, & you’ll go home with recipes, ideas, and both a tube and a pot of lip balm that we’ve made together in class. 

Sarah Preston, herbalist & owner of Herbs from the Labyrinth will teach this fun hands-on class, on Saturday, November 22, 2014, 1-3pm. 

Class will be held at Radiance, 9 W Grant St (across from Central Market).  Stop in, or call 290-1517 to register. 

$25 for the class includes all materials.

Peace Dances for the Season of Great Fullness

GREAT FULLNESS

Peace Dance Celebrating a Season of Paradox

Gratitude and Abundance

Sorrow and Loss

On Saturday, November 29 at 7:00pm, let's join together in community to honor our ancestors and the endings we experience at Samhain, as well as sharing our gratitude and thanksgiving because we are ready for the coming Winter season.  Sarah will lead us in creating sacred space & building altars together, and Yasmin will lead us in some Dances of Universal Peace from a series of goddess dances.

Bring items that represent your beloved ancestors and the inevitable losses we experience for the Ancestor Altar.  Bring items that represent the preparations we have made as we turn toward Winter and the Hearth for the Gratitude and Abundance Altar.

Suggested donation is $5-15 per person.  Call Radiance to let us know you plan to attend. 717-290-1517, or stop in to register.  Radiance is located at 9 W Grant St., across the cobblestones from Central Market in downtown Lancaster, PA.

Yasmin is a student of world religions as a vehicle for the cultivation of compassion between neighbors, culture and nature. She is a representative for the Sufi Ruhianiat and a leader for the Dances of Universal Peace.  

Sarah is a community herbalist, Reiki Master/Teacher and a priestess of the Goddess, initiated in the Reclaiming Tradition. She is owner of both Radiance and Herbs from the Labyrinth, LLC.

The Peace Dances are an experiment in sound, movement and community designed to "in form" us of the many mysterious ways we are ONE, united in a great web of compassion and diversity. In the Dance we use chants from many of the world's sacred traditions. We hold hands in a circle, moving with simple "folk dance" movement. There are no performers. All are participants. All are welcome.

Feature Article in Natural Awakenings Magazine

  There is a lovely article about Sarah and Herbs from the Labyrinth in the current issue of Natural Awakens magazine!  Here's the link...

Making Herbal Cordials

Making Herbal Cordials!

With herbalist, Sarah Preston

Saturday, October 18, 2014, 1-3:30 pm

Cordials and liqueurs are a delicious way to enjoy blending the rich flavors of fruits and herbs.  They can be healthful tonics, after-dinner sipping drinks, as well as sophisticated dessert toppings, even love potions.  And they make wonderful gifts…

Join Sarah for this delightful afternoon class where you will learn several methods for making fruit and herbal cordials.  We’ll taste several of Sarah’s cordials, and make one in class.  You’ll go home with lots of ideas and recipes, as well as a bottle of steeping cordial. 

Class will be held at Radiance, 9 W Grant St, Lancaster, PA, in the heart of downtown Lancaster, just across the cobblestones from historic Central Market.

Stop in or call 717-290-1517 to register.

Cost for this class is $25.

Bring a pint 80 proof brandy, and a pint of maple syrup or honey to class.  All other materials will be supplied.

Must be 21 to take this class. 

Sarah Preston is a community herbalist in Lancaster, PA, and is owner of Herbs from the Labyrinth, LLC.  She says, “Being an herbalist is a natural extension of my life-long love of plants, trees and wild places, and my interest in natural healing, which was instilled in me by my mother.  I see herbalism as a lifelong learning process.  My spirituality deeply informs my work with herbs, just as my work with herbs informs my spirituality.   I see the Earth as the living body of the Goddess, and all living beings as parts of her body.”

Herbs for Smudging

Herbs for Smudging

With herbalist, Sarah Preston

Saturday, September 6, 1-3pm

For thousands of years, people all over the world have burned herbs and resins to purify themselves, their homes, and their sacred places, and their ceremonies.  The native peoples of North, Central and South America have long burned certain herbs and plants for this purpose, and we call this “smudging”.

In this class, we will discuss different herbs used in smudging, and what their specific uses and energies are.  We will talk about the tools used in smudging, and we will smudge one another.  Sarah will teach how to tie a smudge stick, and each participant will tie one of their own.

The cost for this class is $20, and includes all materials needed to tie one smudge stick.  Class will be held at Radiance, 9 W Grant St, Lancaster.   Call 717-290-1517, or stop in to register.

Sarah Preston is a community herbalist in Lancaster, PA, and is owner of Herbs from the Labyrinth, LLC.  She says, “Being an herbalist is a natural extension of my life-long love of plants, trees and wild places, and my interest in natural healing, which was instilled in me by my mother.  I see herbalism as a lifelong learning process.  My spirituality deeply informs my work with herbs, just as my work with herbs informs my spirituality.   I see the Earth as the living body of the Goddess, and all living beings as parts of her body.

Elder: Magic, Myth & Medicine

  Elder: Magic, Myth & Medicine

With community herbalist, Sarah Preston

Saturday, September 13, 2014, 1-3:30pm
               

Elder (Sambuccus nigra or canadensis) has long held a place of importance in herbal traditions of both North America and western Europe.

In this class, we will look at contemporary and historical uses of Elder, and explore some of the mythology surrounding it. Elder is a wonderful remedy for colds and flu, as well as a daily tonic to prevent those viruses from invading our homes. We will discuss the history and healthful properties of Elder, and we will start a batch of Elderberry syrup together. You will go home with a small bottle of Elderberry syrup and recipe ideas, and the confidence to make syrup yourself!

Cost for this class is $25.

Class will be held in the classroom at Radiance.   

To register call Radiance, 290-1517, or stop by the shop at 9 W Grant St, in downtown Lancaster, right across the cobblestones from Central Market. 

Sarah Preston is a community herbalist in Lancaster, PA, and is owner of Herbs from the Labyrinth, LLC.  She says, “Being an herbalist is a natural extension of my life-long love of plants, trees and wild places, and my interest in natural healing, which was instilled in me by my mother.  I see herbalism as a lifelong learning process.  My spirituality deeply informs my work with herbs, just as my work with herbs informs my spirituality.   I see the Earth as the living body of the Goddess, and all living beings as parts of her body.

Exotica Bath and Body Oil

This afternoon I made some of my Exotica Bath and Body Oil.  It moisturizes and nourishes your skin, and smells divinely sensuous.  Pour some in your bath water, or smooth some all over when you get out of the shower.  Aphrodite herself would swoon...

Dyeing with Stinging Nettle

Here is a 3 gallon pot of fresh Nettles. Early Monday morning, I harvested them by hand from my garden, and then gently tore the leaves to expose more of the cell walls to the water.   This will simmer for hours & eventually release its color so that I can dye with it. I, personally, don't use any synthetic dyes. It is necessary to use a mordant to make the color stay. Most often I use alum, but copper, tin and iron are sometimes used too.  For this dye bath, I'll use alum, but not yet.

Clothing dyed with Nettle is energetically protective to the wearer.  It is also magically transformative.  Do you know the story of the Twelve Wild Swans?  Rose must save her brothers by making each of them a nettle shirt.

After simmering for an hour or so, the water is beginning to show a hint of color.  

You might have noticed that I harvested these nettles at the height of summer.  Early in the spring, I love to eat tender young nettles.  they're deeply nourishing, but we can't eat them now because they would be irritating to our urinary tracts.  Once the dangling flowers have made an appearance, the time for eating nettles has passed.  These flowers have even gone to seed, and so I've put all of that - leaves, stems and seed heads - into the dye bath.

 Starting to see a little more color after 2 more hours.  I'll let this sit overnight and then return it to a simmer in the morning.

In the morning, I simmered for another 2 hours, and then let it sit all day.

By evening, 30 hours since I first started the pot of Nettles on the stove, there is deep color in the water.  I carefully strained out the plant material and gifted it to the compost pile.

This is when I added the alum, about 1/2 cup.  This method of dyeing is called Vat Dyeing.  The alum is added directly to the dye bath instead of soaking the fibers in mordant first.

I'm only dyeing silk pieces, and silk takes color very readily, so this method is very effective.

Sometimes the first piece from a dye bath is... um... less pleasing to the eye than the subsequent pieces. So I put in one silk camisole which I'll keep for myself in case the bath needs to be tweaked in some way.

This is after 20 minutes in the bath.  Sort of a golden glow.

And this is after about 45 minutes, rinsed but not washed.  I like it!  No tweaking necessary for this pot of color.

I like deep color saturation, so I turned off the flame under the pot, put in a silk sarong, and left it soaking overnight.  Beautiful gold.

This morning, after I took the sarong out, I added 4 more silk camisoles.  They'll stay in all day, and I'll take them out for rinsing and washing when I get home from the shop.

This photo shows you how there is nearly no color left in the water - it has all been taken up by the silk fibers.

Magical process...

Mother Earth's Transition Team

Last weekend I was at Rowe Conference Center in Massachusetts for a workshop with Starhawk.  As always, working with Starhawk is wonderful, and transformational work.  Here is a link to a blog post one of the other women who attended wrote, reflections on a dream...

Lyme Awareness & Herbal Prevention

A workshop at Radiance with Sarah Preston &

Benjamin Weiss.

Tuesday, April 8th, 6-8PM

Tick-borne Lyme disease is a significant health risk for anyone who regularly spends time outdoors in central Pennsylvania. By early August 2013, there had already been 3 times as many reported cases of Lyme disease in Lancaster County as had been documented in all of 2012*. From 2009-11, the last years for which the Center for Disease Control has released statistics on Lyme, Pennsylvania led all states in reported cases. Nonetheless, this illness can be prevented through simple measures: understanding the disease’s life-cycle & its relationship with deer ticks, by knowing when and how to enter wooded and overgrown areas, and through basic herbal first aid. This awareness is essential to the health of individuals who love the outdoors. Please join Sarah and Ben for a brief & affordable evening workshop. Books on herbal Lyme prevention and treatment will be available for sale, as well as herbal products that may be used with guidance from professional medical help.

Sarah Preston is a consulting community herbalist, owner of Radiance and Herbs from the Labyrinth, LLC.  She says, “Being an herbalist is a natural synthesis of my life-long love of plants, trees and wild places, and my interest in natural healing.”  She has studied with Rosemary Gladstar, Matthew Wood and many other herbalists. She teaches locally and at regional herb conferences. 

Benjamin Weiss is a permaculture teacher, hiker, gardener, and forager who lives in Lancaster. As an avid nature-lover, he has dealt with his own case of Lyme disease and has supplemented conventional treatment with locally-harvested herbs using “The Buhner Protocol.” He has studied herbalism for 8 years in a mentorship with Sarah Preston. Ben teaches classes and workshops throughout the region.

To register, call Radiance, 717-290-1517, or stop in to 9 W Grant St, Lancaster.

Cost of the class:  sliding scale $30-$15

*”Uptick In Lyme Disease Cases Reported Here.” Lancaster Newspapers, 8/6/2013

Elements of Magic: an introductory course in Reclaiming Tradition

Using the art of magic, we deepen our vision and focus our will, empowering ourselves to act in the world.

In the tradition of STARHAWK & Reclaiming, this class will explore the Elements of Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit as used to develop a practice of Goddess Spirituality and Magic, sometimes called Witchcraft.

Working through each individual element, students will learn & refine techniques to include:  Creation of Sacred Space, breath-work, spell-craft, chanting, visualization & trance, and structuring rituals in an experiential format.  We will learn to sense, shift and move energy.  This is an opportunity to experience deep magic as we learn the skills on which to build our individual practices.  The concept of the triple self and its importance in this magical tradition will be introduced. Once aligned, we will open the whole of ourselves to the beauty and love around us, creating rituals and practices that can transform us and the worlds about us.

Preparation:  Read the first six chapters of The Spiral Dance, by Starhawk.

This class is considered the first of the Reclaiming Tradition’s core classes.  Sarah, an initiated Reclaiming Tradition priestess and teacher, and Beth will facilitate class.  Please be committed to attending all 6 classes.

When:   Thursdays, March 20 thru April 24, 2014, 6-9:00pm

Where:  Radiance, 9 W Grant St (across the cobblestones from Central Market)

    Phone 717-290-1517 for more information

Cost:   $195 - $155 sliding scale, includes a copy of The Spiral Dance.

Stop in to register, or send a $50 non-refundable deposit with your registration & contact information to Sarah Preston at Radiance, 9 W Grant St, Lancaster, PA  17603.  Balance due at first class unless arrangements have been made.  Stop in to pick up your book.  If you have previously completed Elements with Sarah, you are welcome to join the class at no cost, but will be expected to assist when asked.

About the Cost:

In Reclaiming, we try to balance the need to be justly compensated for our labor with our commitment to make our work available to people of all economic levels.  By using a sliding scale, we hope that those who can afford to do so will pay on the higher end.

Goddess traditions are growing in our culture. It is a call from and to the ancient Goddess and Her immanence. It is a call to know ourselves in all of our parts, so that we can create the powerful magic that changes all of the worlds. While we live in a culture of domination and control, sacred worlds full of desire, beauty, love and grace surround us and the Craft of the Wise opens them to us.  Witches honor the cycles of nature, the earth and the goddesses and gods that live within each of us.  Reclaiming is an ever-evolving tradition that is rooted in Eco-feminism and the Feri Tradition. It is dedicated to personal empowerment, teaching and unifying spirit and politics.