3nd Annual Plant Spirit Medicine Conference, June 2007
Touching the Ancient Medicine of Plants

At the 2007 Plant Spirit Medicine conference, new and seasoned practitioners shared in the wisdom and beauty of plant spirit medicine - the medicine that teaches us that plants have spirit and that spirit is the strongest medicine. During panel-led discussions, practitioners took the opportunity to delve into the deep challenges and rewards of practicing Plant Spirit Medicine. All questions were welcome and explored. In individual presentations, many devoted teachers, including Eliot Cowan, Nikki Bilton, and Michael Kowalski, shared their expertise. Niall Campbell, a Sangoma from South Africa, brought to life through story the relationship between traditional practitioners and medicinal plants among indigenous traditions of South Africa. People with no experience in the medicine came with their fresh eyes, openness, curiosity and willingness to learn. All were welcome.

Eliot Cowan led the entire group through a journey to the spirit of the land of the Blue Deer Center. As we journeyed, the spirits of the land spoke to us as we listened. Once again, the beauty and magic of listening to spirit was etched in our hearts. At night we danced to the rising and falling of the drumbeat. The food was wholesome, fresh, lovingly prepared, and absolutely delicious. The conference ended with a presentation from the Plant Spirit Medicine Association which is diligently working to provide professional status to the medicine. Overall, the conference was a time of camaraderie, learning, nurturing, connecting and sharing in the joy of the magnificent and ever generous plant spirits.

Barbara Nill
2007 Conference Coordinator