This in-depth course offers an inquiry into the systems, processes and organs of the human body in layers: physical anatomy and physiology, the energy body, elemental links with the Earth and ecological systems, as well as elemental links with medicinal plants and astrological influences.
One of the benefits I enjoyed in choosing to study at a university in the North Rivers region of Australia was learning medical science from professors who were also herbalists at heart. My chemistry and biochemistry professor? An herbalist who’s husband has extensively studied the capsicum family. My anatomy and physiology professor? A total anatomy and plant nerd. My main herbal professor? A radically deep thinker, as well as mom, herbalist, researcher and activist. This means that in class, whether we were talking glycolysis, anatomy of the kidneys, or nutritional pathways of potassium, some part of the lesson brought it back to a bigger picture, and often to health and herbs, and how the information could be used towards healing and wellness.
It is from this vein that I offer a holistic anatomy course. This isn’t a university, so you won’t be graded (unless you want to be), there is no pass or fail. But this course is meant to be a commitment, for those who want to delve deeply into a study of the human body: our physical makeup, our energetic makeup, our relational energetics to the world we live in. And to look at how the microcosm of our bodies, studied in systems and organs and energy centers, reflect the macrocosm of our world: Earth, ecology, plants and the cosmos. In this way, we hope to reflect on what the macro lens of perception can offer to us by way of learning about our bodies, and how, through better understanding our bodies, we can better see how to better care for and honor our home.
This course is information heavy! There will be homework which you can choose to do if you want to dig deep. Expect to do some book learning and some lecture learning, as well as creative and experiential learning through artistic expression, meditation and group discussion.
Coursework will include:
Introductions to each of the body systems: gross anatomy, a closer look at components, and physiology
Creative projects to help form a clear visual of how the systems and organs function
An overview of each related energy center and meditations or other practices to gain deeper awareness of them
An overview of the related ecology and cosmic influences/alignments for each body system
Information about herbs which have an affinity for body systems and energy centers – both physically and energetically
Personal exploration, case studies for group exploration and discussion, and additional creative exercises for deeper integration as time allows (We will switch up the rhythm each time we meet to keep it fluid and full)
This course is well suited to those with previous knowledge and experience regarding the body, health, herbal medicine and/or astrology as it will build on foundational knowledge and connect it to a larger picture. The material will be presented such that no previous knowledge of these studies is necessary. Please note that this course is not a replacement for a university level anatomy class – we will be studying for the sake of building a general understanding of the body within the greater framework of life. It is ideal for practitioners of alternative modalities.
This course is queer friendly and informed such that this is also a class that delves into reproductive anatomy without gender assignments or assumptions, and aims to be a safe, inclusive and accurate place to learn. Much of present day anatomy teachings are not scientifically accurate or without bias when it comes to reproductive anatomy and therefore exclude a lot of human bodies!
Details:
Tuition is $1250 and the course is held at the Hyllantree Classroom in Hope, Maine
Course dates – we meet from 10am-4pm on the following 14 days:
2022-November 13th & 27th, December 4th & 18th
2023-January 8th & 22nd, February 5th & 19th, March 5th & 19th, April 2nd, 16th, 30th and May 7th.
If any dates have to be cancelled to accommodate snow or other dangerous driving conditions, the following are potential make-up dates: January 15th, February 12th, March 12th, April 23rd.
Every class is recorded as I understand people may have conflicting vacation plans or sick days… I do my best to make sure you are able to stay caught up!
A $200 non-refundable deposit holds your space in this course (limited to 12 participants)
At least $650 must be paid before the first class, and the remainder must be paid in full by February 19th, 2023.
Scholarships are usually available. BIPOC, Queer & Trans folks are prioritized to receive these first but after that I consider anyone and everyone who may need it. Reach out to apply.
Email me at jilliantwisla@gmail.com to register for this course.
Just a note that at the time I am writing this, it’s unclear what the covid situation will be. At this point I am assuming that it’s possible we will need to wear masks for part of the course (numbers have historically peaked after Christmas for a month). I do have some high quality air filters and we will discuss protocols and concerns as suitable. Every person will be expected to do a self-health check on the mornings of classes and should stay home and listen in to the recording if they have any symptoms of covid or any other cold, flu or virus rather that doesn’t need to be shared with the group.
Artwork by Meara Louise Cafferata