Indigenous Herbalism Traditions with Elena Rios

About this event

In this class we will begin with a traditional Copaltemaliztl—the ceremonial burning of copal—to ground, connect, and honor the elements of life: Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. Together in community, we will explore what it means to cultivate deep, reciprocal relationships with our plant relatives for healing, balance, and personal growth. This class will include a plática (heart-centered discussion) and hands-on guidance for a basic self-cleansing or “limpia” ceremony using plants. You’ll learn how to integrate this ancestral practice into your own self-care rituals in a respectful and accessible way. We will reflect on how herbalism helps us re-remember our ancestral knowledge and reconnect to our inner wisdom. Tú eres la medicina. You are the medicine. Elena Rios is a Nature Connection Guide/Mentor, Cultural Practitioner, Wildland fire Professional, and Interdisciplinary Artist. She draws inspiration from the stories of her late grandmother, Maria, who was a practicing "curandera" and a "huesera" on Tataviam/Tongva territory in the San Fernando Valley. Her journey toward deepening relationship with the healing power of trees, plants, herbs, and flowers has continued throughout her life. It has taken shape within the context of their inclusion in inter-tribal circles of learning, ceremony, dance, and song, including Danza Azteca. Elena spent much of her childhood on the ancestral lands of the Tongva and Acjachemen people. She spent many of her formative years on Yokut territory in the foothills of Sequoia National forest, where she first learned about ranch, land, and fire stewardship. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute. A descendant of Intertribal Xicana Indigena/Chichimeca/Multi-racial Native and European ancestors, she has made her home on Chumash territory for more than 30 years. To learn more about Elena please visit https://www.elenariosinnernature.com or instagram:@elenarios.innernature…