workshop Rhinebeck, NY

Alchemy & the Power of Plants

The Star Inside

With Eliza Swann.
Dates

Oct 18–22, 2026

Tuition

Member: $425.00

Standard: $470.00

Register
Eliza Swann holding up a lantern

This workshop explores plant magic and medicine in Western alchemy, blending practical, philosophical, and mystical approaches to herbal practice.

Eliza Swann invites you to The Star Inside, where together we take deep delight in the magic of the plant world.

Examine the mystical, energetic, and medicinal properties of plants through the lens of alchemical philosophy, with special attention to the teachings of Paracelsus, whose insights into the spiritual and cosmological nature of plants continue to shape modern esoteric and herbal practices. Delve into the role of plants in Western alchemical traditions, focusing on their planetary correspondences and healing applications.

We cover core concepts in alchemical botany, such as the doctrine of signatures, planetary rulerships, and the idea of nature as a mirror of the cosmos. Plants will be approached as carriers of both physical and subtle forces, inviting intuitive, embodied relationships with the natural world.

Through sensory observation, guided plant explorations, and hands-on medicine-making practice—including harvesting, preparation, and distillation—you gain both theoretical and experiential insight into alchemical healing. This is an invitation to deepen ecological awareness and engage nature as a source of spiritual wisdom.

More Information

Please note: This workshop is open to all levels—beginners, herbalists, energy workers, spiritual practitioners, and anyone interested in deepening their relationship with plants through an esoteric and alchemical framework.

Recommended Reading:

  • The Alchemical Imagination: Creativity as Catalyst for Radical Transformation by Eliza Swann
  • Alchemical Medicine for the 21st Century: Spagyrics for Detox, Healing, and Longevity by Clare Goodrick-Clarke
  • Spagyrics: The Alchemical Preparation of Medicinal Essences, Tinctures, and Elixirs by Manfred M. Junius

Things to Bring

Bring a notebook, weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor exploration, and any personal items needed for comfort and focus. An open mind, curiosity, and a willingness to engage the natural world with all senses are essential.

Workshop Rhinebeck, NY

Oct 18–22, 2026

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Alchemy & the Power of Plants

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  • Eliza Swann, also known as Emerald, is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and educator.

    Eliza Swann

    Eliza Swann, also known as Emerald, is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and educator.