One thousand women gather to celebrate earth-based healing and women’s wisdom at 11th annual Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference, Oct. 2-4

As the summer draws to a close, herbalists, healers and wise women of all ages and stages look forward to the 11th annual Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference, held from October 2-4 at Lake Eden in Black Mountain, NC. For over a decade, the conference has drawn women from around the region and beyond–women coming together to attend workshops, share their stories and ideas, and celebrate their relationship with the Earth, with themselves and with each other.

The conference is inspired by the Wise Woman Tradition which, says conference founder, herbalist and teacher Corinna Wood, is grounded in “earth-based healing, local plants and women nourishing themselves, body and soul.” Wood is the founder of the Southeast Wise Women program and co-founder of Red Moon Herbs, an herbal company focused on making medicines from fresh, wildcrafted plants—gathered mindfully and responsibly. She has taught hundreds of educational programs in herbal medicine, women’s health and natural healing.

“The Wise Woman Tradition isn’t just theoretical,” says Wood. “It’s a practical, sensible, sustainable and very attainable lifestyle that empowers women to be proactive in their health and wholeness. It invites them to be present with who they are and where they are in this moment, and to embrace the natural rhythms that surround and inform them.”

Participants can explore the many aspects of Wise Woman wisdom through over 70 classes, workshops, and intensives that include plant walks, medicine making, the myriad aspects of holistic health, and the entire life journey, from pediatric care to menopause, sacred sexuality to self-empowerment.

The impressive roster of 2015 presenters features Rosemary Gladstar–considered by many to be a grandmother of American herbalism–and singer and social activist Amikaeyla Gaston of the World Trust Organization. Other nationally recognized and renowned instructors at the upcoming conference include herbalists, holistic health professionals, poets and performers: Sarah Thomas, Jessica Godino, Meta Commerse, Suki Roth, Teresa Boardwine, Kifu Faruq, Esther Nicholson and Corinna Wood, among them.

The conference mindfully embraces inclusiveness and diversity—celebrating the beauty and heritage of all women. This year, attention is turned to honoring the grandmothers and elders of every ethnicity and tradition. Gatherings and activities, including discussion, film, drumming, dancing and song, offer opportunities for personal enrichment and deeper connection and community with sisters from all walks of life.

Accommodations range from camping to cabins to bunkhouses. Weekend meal tickets are available, and communal meals feature a fresh, locally sourced, seasonal menu that is based on “Nourishing Traditions” by Sally Fallon—wholesome, tasty and deeply satisfying.

The conference is grateful for the support and sponsorship of local and regional businesses and publications that share in the event’s spirit of holism and health. They include: Red Moon Herbs, French Broad Food Co-op, WNC Woman magazine, The Laurel of Asheville, Traditional Medicinals, Mountain Xpress, Mountain Rose Herbs, Mountain Party Tents & Events, Food Life, Sophie Magazine, Frontier Natural Products Co-op and United Plant Savers.

Attendance is limited to women and girls (boys up to age nine may attend). Childcare is available during class sessions. Registration discounts are offered until August 15th. For details and easy online registration visit www.sewisewomen.com.