Anima Botanica - a deep dive into the shamanic worldview, plant spirit communication, and sacred relationship with place
Anima Botanica -A series of workshops to remember our place in the web of life
with Amy Mermaid Isakov
Dates: April 20, April 27, May 4, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 7 Stars Sanctuary, Valley Forge Mountain, Phoenixville, PA
🌿 What to Expect
Anima Botanica consists of 3 full-day workshops. Join us for one or come to all! Each day is an immersive journey into the living intelligence of the natural world. Rooted in the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition, these workshops offer a deep dive into the shamanic worldview, plant spirit communication, and sacred relationship with place.
Through experiential practices, storytelling, and ritual, we’ll explore what it means to belong to the land, and how to remember ourselves as part of the great web of life.
Each day includes guided teachings, outdoor connection, creative expression, and a shared potluck meal in community.
🌱 Workshop Themes & Schedule
Each of our three gatherings follows a similar rhythm—offering plant study, guided drawing, shamanic journeying, and earth-honoring rituals. What shifts each time is the plant spirit we commune with. Through this deep and repeated structure, we cultivate relationship, trust, and connection with the more-than-human world.
🌸 Why Join?
Deepen your connection to the land and its living spirits
Learn foundational practices of plant spirit communication
Explore animist and shamanic wisdom rooted in the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition
Participate in community rituals of offering, gratitude, and belonging
Nourish your creativity and sensory relationship with nature
Share meals, reflections, and beauty in a sacred circle
📚 Recommended Reading
The Flowering Wand by Sophie Strand
Plant Spirit Medicine by Eliot Cowan
The Secret Language of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner
🌾 Details
Format: Three in-person daylong workshops
Next Class: April 20th
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuition: $105 per day or $100 each with a friend. (use the code: Buddy) .
Location: 7 Stars Sanctuary – a peaceful, private space on Valley Forge Mountain in Phoenixville. Directions will be provided upon registration.
🧺 What to Bring:
Journal & pen
Refillable water bottle
An object that connects you to the sacred or natural world
Blanket or pillow to sit on
Dish to share for community potluck (optional but encouraged)
Space is limited and will fill quickly.
Reserve your spot below. If the registration says “no times available,” the class is full. To join the waitlist, please email Amy at teachheart@me.com
Credit to Village Wellness will be given for emergency cancellations.
About Amy
Spring Reset: Learning Renewal from the Natural World
Spring is a season of transformation—a time to awaken from the stillness of winter and embrace the vibrant energy of renewal. Join us for a 4-week journey designed to align you with the rhythms of nature and cultivate personal growth.
What to Expect
Our 4-Week Spring Reset begins on the new moon and concludes on the Vernal Equinox, a time traditionally associated with balance and new beginnings. Through weekly classes, you will explore profound perspectives, release stagnant energies, and envision a brighter future.
Weekly Class Schedule
Class 1: Indigenous and Taoist Perspectives on Spring
Date: February 25
Step into spring’s vibrant energy of renewal. Discover the indigenous worldview and Five Element Taoist perspective, unlocking a time-tested understanding of this transformative season.
Class 2: Anger and Benevolence
Date: March 4
Explore the powerful dynamics of anger, boundaries, and Benevolence. Learn to honor these energies as part of a natural and necessary cycle of growth and blossoming.
Class 3: Visioning the Future
Date: March 11
Clear away the mental fog and cultivate clarity. This session focuses on guided visioning practices to help you chart a purposeful and inspiring path forward in collaboration with the living ecology of your life.
Class 4: Integration and Despacho Ceremony
Date: March 18 (week of Spring Equinox)
Conclude your journey with a session of integration and a despacho ceremony—a sacred ritual to honor the energies of renewal and give thanks for the season ahead.
Why Join?
Align with the natural rhythms of spring for personal transformation.
Gain insights from indigenous and Taoist wisdom traditions.
Harness the power of guided visioning and ceremonial practices.
Cultivate balance, clarity, and purpose as you step into the new season.
Details
Dates: February 25 – March 18, 2025
Format: Weekly live in-person classes
Investment: $144 or $134 if you bring a friend!
What to bring:
Journal & pen
Refillable water bottle
Extra pillow or blanket to sit on
An object that kindles your relationship to the Divine
Where?
The classes will be held in 7 Stars Sanctuary, a peaceful, private space on Valley Forge Mountain in Phoenixville.
Directions and address will be provided upon registration. Space is limited.
Cost:
$144 or $134 each if you come with a friend (use the code “BUDDYLOVE” at checkout for the discount)
Note: this class typically sells out and we have very limited space- so please reserve your spot by paying below - note: If the class says “no times available” it is full. If you would like to be on the waitlist please email Amy at teachheart@me.com
Credit to Village Wellness will be given for emergency cancellations.
About Amy
Intro to Shamanism: Building Relationship with the Natural World
About the Series
"Intro to Shamanism: Building Relationship with the Natural World" is a four-week immersive experience designed to guide participants into a deeper understanding of nature’s wisdom and their own inner landscapes. Drawing on the Andean worldview and universal spiritual practices, this series fosters a supportive environment for both beginners and experienced seekers. Through guided meditations, shamanic journeying, and reflective writing, you’ll learn to connect with elemental forces, personal guides, and animal allies, culminating in a fire ceremony that weaves together all your insights. It’s an opportunity to expand your sense of self, strengthen your community ties, and honor the timeless traditions practiced by cultures around the world.
The Class Flow
Each class will include time for personal connection, exploration of the many realms, and spiritual practice including guided meditation, shamanic journeying, and writing practices to deepen your connection with spirit and self.
Time: Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30
Class 1 (January 14): Introduction to the Elements and Andean Indigenous Worldview
Dive into the Andean perspective on reality and explore the sacred relationship between the elements and our lives.
Class 2 (January 21): Shamanic Journeying and Meeting Your Guide
Learn the foundational practice of shamanic journeying and connect with your personal guide—a spiritual ally available to everyone.
Class 3 (January 28): Meeting Your Animal Ally
Discover and engage with an animal ally, learn how to trust spirit, and make offerings that deepen this sacred relationship.
Class 4 (February 4): Integration and Fire Ceremony
Weave your learnings together through an integration practice, culminating in a fire ceremony.
Who is this for?
This series is open to anyone with an interest to learn more about nature, yourself, community, and the long time practices universally practiced by people all around the globe. Whether you’re just beginning or already experienced in shamanic or meditative practices, you’re welcome to join this class! No prior experience is necessary. If you have questions, please contact Amy at TeachHeart@me.com.
What to bring:
Journal & pen
Refillable water bottle
Extra pillow or blanket to sit on
An object that kindles your relationship to the Divine
Where?
The classes will be held in a peaceful, private space on Valley Forge Mountain in Phoenixville.
Directions and address will be provided upon registration. Space is limited.
7 Stars Medicine Lodge
Cost:
$144 or $134 each if you come with a friend (use the code “BUDDYLOVE” at checkout for the discount)
Note: this class typically sells out and we have very limited space- so please reserve your spot by paying below - note: If the class says “no times available” it is full. If you would like to be on the waitlist please email Amy at teachheart@me.com
Credit to Village Wellness will be given for emergency cancellations.