January 15 — February 26 — $200
Just as people living in the countryside traditionally knew how to deal with colds and coughs and scrapes and bruises using the plants around them, so too they knew how to enlist the plants’ help for clearing energies, protecting themselves and their homes, and blessing their lives.
Through a series of talks (given on conference calls but available afterward as recordings), traditional herbalist and witch, Sean Donahue will teach you how to begin doing this work with the plants around you. Calls will take place on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm Pacific Standard Time. A class forum will also be available for participants to post questions after the calls.
January 15 — What is magic anyway?
January 22 — Clearing energies with plants
January 29 — Plants for protection
February 5 — Plants for dreams and visions
February 12 — Love charms
February 19 — Plant allies
February 26 — Plants for prayers and blessing
This course will provide the basic knowledge necessary for those wishing to take the more intensive year long Plant Magic course at a later time.
A limited number of partial scholarships are available for people doing transformational work in their communities
To register, e-mail seandonahueherbalist@gmail.com
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
Clearing with aromatic plants
"Medicine and magick started as aspects of the same activity and gnosis - they only are separate if you make them so." -- Mitch Bebel Stargrove
The medicinal and magical actions of a plant are inextricably linked. Medicine is just a specialized form of magic -- ``the art and science of creating change in conformity with Will`` applied within the realm of the human body. All magic operates within this same universe of matter and energy we inhabit, and so it stands to reason that the physical properties which we use to identify the medicinal actions of a plant can also be used to understand and describe that plant`s more esoteric gifts.
Aromatic plants exist in most every ecosystem. They release volatile oils into the environment that help to kill airborne pathogens, protecting the plants (and the other plants around it) from infection. Aromatherapist and herbalist David Crow coined the phrase ``community immunity`to describe the ecological function of these volatile oils.
These plants are easy to identify. When you rub their leaves between your fingers they release their potent scents (and the scent will likely linger a bit on your skin.)
When ingested (whether by chewing on the leaves or taking a tea or a tincture or absorbing them through the skin in a bath or by burning the plants and inhaling the smoke), plants rich in these volatile oils:
-- Combat infection in the tissues they come in contact with
-- Irritate the mucosa (some mildly and some more severely) promoting the secretion of new healthy mucous and thus breaking up congestion
-- Help to carry other medicines more efficiently through the body when included in formulae
Not surprisingly, most cultures use the aromatic plants growing in their environment ceremonially to clear stagnant emotions and protect, clear the mind and heart, and protect against spiritual contagions such as rage, envy, jealousy, and resentment (known in many traditions as the evil eye). Whether burned as smudges, infused in bath water, or carried as talismans, these plants can be powerful allies in clearing the way for magical work by dispersing unwanted energies from in and around a witch.
Aromatic plants with a nauseatingly bitter taste like Wormwood and can serve to root out deeply festering energetic infestations.
Oily, aromatic roots like Angelica and Osha, with their spicy, earthy scents, stir what sleeps in the deepest waters of the unconscious, opening the way to dreams and visions.
Sweetly aromatic plants like Sweetgrass help to nourish the heart and settle parts of us that have been upset by grief or pain.
It is essential when working with plants, however, to remember that they are not inert objects, but living entities -- not ingredients in ritual preparations, but active partners in the magic being done. Treated with respect, over time a plant will reveal more of its character to you and offer itself more deeply in your work.
But it all begins with meeting the plants around you and engaging them with your own senses. And the aromatic plants, filling the air with their scent, are ready to begin sharing themselves with you.
The medicinal and magical actions of a plant are inextricably linked. Medicine is just a specialized form of magic -- ``the art and science of creating change in conformity with Will`` applied within the realm of the human body. All magic operates within this same universe of matter and energy we inhabit, and so it stands to reason that the physical properties which we use to identify the medicinal actions of a plant can also be used to understand and describe that plant`s more esoteric gifts.
Aromatic plants exist in most every ecosystem. They release volatile oils into the environment that help to kill airborne pathogens, protecting the plants (and the other plants around it) from infection. Aromatherapist and herbalist David Crow coined the phrase ``community immunity`to describe the ecological function of these volatile oils.
These plants are easy to identify. When you rub their leaves between your fingers they release their potent scents (and the scent will likely linger a bit on your skin.)
When ingested (whether by chewing on the leaves or taking a tea or a tincture or absorbing them through the skin in a bath or by burning the plants and inhaling the smoke), plants rich in these volatile oils:
-- Combat infection in the tissues they come in contact with
-- Irritate the mucosa (some mildly and some more severely) promoting the secretion of new healthy mucous and thus breaking up congestion
-- Help to carry other medicines more efficiently through the body when included in formulae
Not surprisingly, most cultures use the aromatic plants growing in their environment ceremonially to clear stagnant emotions and protect, clear the mind and heart, and protect against spiritual contagions such as rage, envy, jealousy, and resentment (known in many traditions as the evil eye). Whether burned as smudges, infused in bath water, or carried as talismans, these plants can be powerful allies in clearing the way for magical work by dispersing unwanted energies from in and around a witch.
Aromatic plants with a nauseatingly bitter taste like Wormwood and can serve to root out deeply festering energetic infestations.
Oily, aromatic roots like Angelica and Osha, with their spicy, earthy scents, stir what sleeps in the deepest waters of the unconscious, opening the way to dreams and visions.
Sweetly aromatic plants like Sweetgrass help to nourish the heart and settle parts of us that have been upset by grief or pain.
It is essential when working with plants, however, to remember that they are not inert objects, but living entities -- not ingredients in ritual preparations, but active partners in the magic being done. Treated with respect, over time a plant will reveal more of its character to you and offer itself more deeply in your work.
But it all begins with meeting the plants around you and engaging them with your own senses. And the aromatic plants, filling the air with their scent, are ready to begin sharing themselves with you.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Our 40th Anniversary Year-in-Review
What a year! The Calgary Sexual Health Centre (CSHC) has celebrated our 40 years of service in style. Every month we held an event, participated in a community collaboration or brought together long-time supporters and new friends to recognize the past and illustrate our community impact today.
Here's a look back at a few of the moments we celebrated with you over the past year!
In February, we joined our fellow members of the Canadian Federation of Sexual Health to promote "Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week". From February 12-18 we focused our social media efforts on raising awareness of important sexual health issues. The week-long initiative is an example of how sex education has evolved over the past four decades, utlizing new technologies and the power of social media in acheiving our aim toward the normalization of sexuality, in all its dimensions.
Open House
On April 18th, we invited the public to take part in our 40th anniversary celebrations as we threw open the doors to our newly expanded office space and library.
We were pleased to welcome to our Open House over 100 people from across the community to help us celebrate the 40 year journey of our work in Calgary.
We hosted our 2011 AGM on June 14th at the Calgary Winter Club. While the event reflected on the previous year, it was also an important evening for celebrating our anniversary. It was moving to reflect on the challenges and progress that has been made over the past four decades, and to learn about the passionate and innovative work that continues today.
Pride Celebrations
The event featured a short program of speeches by some of our founding members, long-time staff and our ED Pam Krause. Our guests were regaled with a look back on how society's views on gender, sexual orientation and reproductive health has shifted over the past 4 decades - and how we have responded.
Another highlight of the event was our "Paint a Woody" auction. In the months leading up to the Gala, we had invited some "featured artists" to raise their brushes to paint a woody - a wooden demonstration tool we use to teach youth how to properly put on a condom.
With Woody Artists like Rick Mercer, Sue Johanson, Jon Montgomery, Mike Morrison and W. Brett Wilson, the unique art pieces fetched over $4,500 at our auction!
Here's a look back at a few of the moments we celebrated with you over the past year!
MISS REPRESENTATION - a documentary film by Jennifer Siebil Newsom
On January 18th, our year-long celebrations kicked off with a screening of the acclaimed film, "Miss Representation" at the Globe Cinema. The film exposes how mainstream media contributes to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. We were pleased to bring the film to Calgary and engage our audience with a panel discussion following the viewing.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week
 |
| Open House |
Open House
On April 18th, we invited the public to take part in our 40th anniversary celebrations as we threw open the doors to our newly expanded office space and library.
We were pleased to welcome to our Open House over 100 people from across the community to help us celebrate the 40 year journey of our work in Calgary.
Annual General Meeting, featuring author Amy Schalet
 |
| ED Pam Krause with author Amy Schalet |
A highlight of the event was of course the keynote presentation by acclaimed author Amy Schalet. Ms. Schalet's book, "Not Under My Roof: Parents, Teens, and the Culture of Sex", examines the regulation of adolescent sexuality in American and Dutch families. Ms. Schalet shared her stories and insights into cultural differences around teen sexuality - and the impact of those differences. The presentation resonated with our staff and guests.
Pride CelebrationsIn September we were proud to take part in the Pride festivities in Calgary and celebrate our long history of supporting the LGBT community. Our float in the Pride Parade was a colourful celebration of our 40th anniversary and our strong support of LGBT rights.
40th Anniversary Gala
To celebrate 4 decades - and to look forward to many more - we brought together long-time supporters and new friends for a playful and thought-provoking celebration at Belgo on October 25th. 
The event featured a short program of speeches by some of our founding members, long-time staff and our ED Pam Krause. Our guests were regaled with a look back on how society's views on gender, sexual orientation and reproductive health has shifted over the past 4 decades - and how we have responded. |
| Rick Mercer's "Lil Stevie" woody |
 |
| Thanks to blogger Mike Morrison for his great job at MC! |
Nearly 200 guests attended our Gala to celebrated our milestone and raise funds to support our ongoing work.
View our photo album on Facebook for more pics from the Gala!
View our photo album on Facebook for more pics from the Gala!
Thank you to everyone who joined us this year in celebrating 40 years of audacity!
We look forward to another great year of serving Calgary in 2013.
From all of us at CSHC, we wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Self Medicating
I am always a bit taken aback when I hear herbalists using the term ``self-medication`` in disparaging ways.
After all, self-medication is a big part of what we promote. We encourage our friends, our families, our students, our clients, sometimes even people in line at the grocery store to try Elderberry elixir at the first sign of the flu, or an onion poultice for a nasty cough. We teach kids to chew up Plantain leaves and make spit poultices for bee stings and bug bites. And we talk about the right of people to make informed choices about what they put into their own bodies.
Sure, if someone tells us she has been taking Oregano oil internally for persistent colds we might tell her about the damage to the lining of the digestive tract that her go to cure might be causing, and the impact of that damage on her immune function, and suggest some better alternatives. And if one of those nasty colds turns into pneumonia, we might suggest that she go to see a clinical herbalist or a naturopath or even a doctor. But all of that is likely to come with a compassionate understanding that our friend is doing the best she can with the resources she has to meet a real need.
So why then is there so much moral judgement when we speak of people ``self-medicating`` for spiritual or emotional pain with Cannabis or alcohol or sugar or what have you? The people doing this are doing the best they can to get through their days with the strategies that have been successful enough to keep them going in the face of that pain. No, these strategies are not the ones we would recommend if someone asked us -- but why judge them more harshly than the strategy of taking Oregano oil internally for colds? And, yes, these strategies tend to exacerbate the underlying problems. But so does the strategy of giving steroids for asthma.
I would love to see us as herbalists approach people who have been trying to deal with pain and trauma through substances that make them hurt less in the short term with the same compassion we have for people who have tried every treatment they could imagine for the chronic physical health problems that are disrupting their lives. Shame and guilt compound people`s suffering, and the using the term ``self-medication`` in disparaging ways suggests that we don`t trust everyone to make their own health decisions.
The people who seek our help deserve to be treated with dignity and kindness and respect, no matter what the source of their pain may be, and no matter what they have done to deal with it.
After all, self-medication is a big part of what we promote. We encourage our friends, our families, our students, our clients, sometimes even people in line at the grocery store to try Elderberry elixir at the first sign of the flu, or an onion poultice for a nasty cough. We teach kids to chew up Plantain leaves and make spit poultices for bee stings and bug bites. And we talk about the right of people to make informed choices about what they put into their own bodies.
Sure, if someone tells us she has been taking Oregano oil internally for persistent colds we might tell her about the damage to the lining of the digestive tract that her go to cure might be causing, and the impact of that damage on her immune function, and suggest some better alternatives. And if one of those nasty colds turns into pneumonia, we might suggest that she go to see a clinical herbalist or a naturopath or even a doctor. But all of that is likely to come with a compassionate understanding that our friend is doing the best she can with the resources she has to meet a real need.
So why then is there so much moral judgement when we speak of people ``self-medicating`` for spiritual or emotional pain with Cannabis or alcohol or sugar or what have you? The people doing this are doing the best they can to get through their days with the strategies that have been successful enough to keep them going in the face of that pain. No, these strategies are not the ones we would recommend if someone asked us -- but why judge them more harshly than the strategy of taking Oregano oil internally for colds? And, yes, these strategies tend to exacerbate the underlying problems. But so does the strategy of giving steroids for asthma.
I would love to see us as herbalists approach people who have been trying to deal with pain and trauma through substances that make them hurt less in the short term with the same compassion we have for people who have tried every treatment they could imagine for the chronic physical health problems that are disrupting their lives. Shame and guilt compound people`s suffering, and the using the term ``self-medication`` in disparaging ways suggests that we don`t trust everyone to make their own health decisions.
The people who seek our help deserve to be treated with dignity and kindness and respect, no matter what the source of their pain may be, and no matter what they have done to deal with it.
What type of birth control is right for me?
There is no ‘best choice’ of birth control that works for everyone. You have to decide what will work best for you. Look at the options and decide on a method that feels right for you.
There are many things to consider when choosing a form of birth control. Some people need to consider such things as effectiveness, side effects, ease of use, accessibility, cost, possible allergies or other medical conditions, and comfort levels around inserting certain methods vaginally or taking hormones.
Choosing a birth control method that works for you may require some planning. It should be something that you feel comfortable with. As you move into different stages in your life your birth control needs may change. Remember, you can always switch methods if your circumstances change or if you are having concerns.
Some possible questions both men and women may want to consider when choosing a method that’s right for them are:
You may want to speak to a health professional about your options or to discuss your concerns or questions.
If you would like more information about the different forms of birth control that are available please check out the birth control section of our website or call or email to speak to one of our counsellors.
403-283-5580
generalmail@calgarysexualhealth.ca
There are many things to consider when choosing a form of birth control. Some people need to consider such things as effectiveness, side effects, ease of use, accessibility, cost, possible allergies or other medical conditions, and comfort levels around inserting certain methods vaginally or taking hormones.
Choosing a birth control method that works for you may require some planning. It should be something that you feel comfortable with. As you move into different stages in your life your birth control needs may change. Remember, you can always switch methods if your circumstances change or if you are having concerns.
Some possible questions both men and women may want to consider when choosing a method that’s right for them are:- How effective is this method?
- Can I use this method, or do I have to rely on a partner to use it effectively?
- Does this method protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections?
- How is this method used? Does it fit my needs and lifestyle?
- Does this method have any side effects? If yes, what are they?
- What is the cost of this method?
- How available is this method and where can I find it?
- How will this method affect my ability to have or cause a pregnancy in the future?
- Do I have an allergy or medical condition that will affect my ability to use this method?
- How do I feel about applying this method to my body?
- How do I feel about taking hormones or my partner having to take hormones?
You may want to speak to a health professional about your options or to discuss your concerns or questions.
If you would like more information about the different forms of birth control that are available please check out the birth control section of our website or call or email to speak to one of our counsellors.
403-283-5580
generalmail@calgarysexualhealth.ca
Friday, November 30, 2012
Pushing boundaries. Making cracks.
"There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in."
~ Leonard Cohen
This year we celebrated our 40th anniversary of serving the Calgary community. I have had the chance to reflect and reminisce with many of our supporters over the past year at our various celebrations, and I would like to share some of my thoughts.
Our pioneering work to bring sex education into schools began in 1975. Our broad and comprehensive approach, which went beyond anatomical nuts and bolts, and recognized the vital importance of teaching sexuality was a challenge at that time. It is a challenge we have faced ever since.
Our society remains uncomfortable and silent about sex and sexuality, yet it is such an important and encompassing part of our lives. That is why we need community support to continue our essential work.
At the CSHC, we work every day to shine a light on this shame-based culture and the harm that it causes. Our award-winning programming has grown and responded over the past 40 years to the growing and changing needs of our community. We are honoured to work with a variety of Calgarians, providing sexual and reproductive health resources and support to youth, women, the LGBT community, older adults, young men, the disability community, new Canadians, and more.
In our 40 years we have found that the more work we do to educate our community, the more we make cracks into new areas that need support. The cultural shifts necessary to ensure that everyone has access to the non-judgmental services and information they need won't happen overnight. We will continue to face opposition.
We've come a remarkably long way - made a lot of cracks - but we need to keep going.
We invite you to support our work by making a donation today. Your support gives us the freedom and ability to continue to push boundaries, reach new communities and make new cracks.
--> Donate online via Canada Helps
--> Donations by mail, phone or in person
Thank you for your support of our work promoting healthy sexuality in our community.
Sincerely,
Pam Krause
Executive Director
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Year End SALE! - Sexual Health Resource Centre
Year End SALE!
Save now at our Sexual Health Resource Centre!Since 1991, the Sexual Health Resource Centre has been an important source of sexual health resources and teaching aids - serving professionals, educators and parents across Canada and around the world.
From now until the end of the year, all inventory is on SALE!
From now until the end of the year, all inventory is on SALE!
Birth Control Demonstration Kits - NOW $325 (save $50 off regular price)
Our top selling item! This educational resource comes in a custom-made nylon carrying case (19"x17.5"x4") that opens into a stand-up display. The kit contains demonstration samples and info pamphlets on all birth control methods and many additional resources on sexual health topics.
All other pamphlets, DVDs, woodies, and resources - NOW 10% OFF REGULAR PRICE
As Canada’s sexual health information marketplace, our Resource Centre is a comprehensive source of up-to-date and accurate sexual health information including books, pamphlets, educational kits, DVDs and other teaching aids. We are also continuously expanding our resource catalogue and building additional materials that are specific to Canada.
We invite you to visit us online to view our Resource Centre catalogue at www.calgarysexualhealth.ca/resource_centre.html .
Your purchases have a multiplier effect in promoting healthy sexuality!
When you purchase your sexual education resources with us, your funds help us deliver comprehensive and non-judgmental sexual health programs in our community. Its win-win.
We are a community-based organization with a 40 year legacy of providing access to nonjudgmental sexual and reproductive health services and supports across the lifespan.
For questions or assistance, please contact us at resources@calgarysexualhealth.ca or call 403-283-5580.
SALE ENDS December 31, 2012!
To place your order, visit www.calgarysexualhealth.ca/resource_centre.html
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