Plant Medicines

We gather to reconnect to the sacred medicines of our ancestral lineages so that we may recognize the cure. We gather in a nurturing space to heal, restore and renew the spirit of women of color. From this brave space we step forward. Our mission is our calling and we are very clear. The time has come to connect with ancestral lineages, our medicines and new technology to be in service to women of color.

All levels of experience with Plant Medicine are welcomed and will be individually accommodated to provide the safest and most rewarding experience possible.

Cannabis

My experience with Cannabis started with exploration in my teens. In my early twenties the use of this medicine as a sacrament came into my life as I connected deeply with Rastafarian Spirituality and the community that was growing on my home island of Puerto Rico. I was introduced to the use of Cannabis for ceremonial, prayer/meditation and medicinal purposes. It’s a practice I still honor. My vision for Cannabis has always been to help elevate the awareness about this teacher/healer plant after years of demonization and being illegal. Our communities being the most disproportionately affected by the “war on drugs” and Cannabis’ penal laws. I have curated a ceremonial experience in a safe container with Cannabis as the main medicinal tool to guide the healing journey. In the tradition of my Rastafarian and Amazonian Shamanic background through the use of music (Drum, Medicine Songs and Icaros) and ritual.  Legalities

Cacao

This beautiful plant originally served as sacred ritual sacrament and healing medicine for the ancient Native Mesoamerican cultures. It has been in my life since childhood. My grandmothers always kept that bitter, dark chunk of “chocolate” in their refrigerator! Having no clue that it was sacred medicine. As a child I would take nibbles hoping it may taste less bitter every time, but nope! I remember the warm feeling I would feel while sipping my little cup of Cacao, of course a bit watered down and sweetened for a child, with my grandmothers. Cacao re entered my life during my plant medicine journey in the form of a ceremony. Right away my ancestral memory recognized this medicine with loving memories, since I’ve brought it back into my family, and my fridge, I have reclaimed another part of myself. FAQ’s

Rapeh

Rapeh- My relationship with Tobacco began as a teenager. I dabbled with cigarettes but never succumbed to addiction, thank goodness! As a young adult I did not smoke Tobacco at all. Later in my journey it came back into my life from my Taino elders as I was taught how to hold Sacred Tobacco Ceremony in the tradition of my Ancestors. As the first to have contact with the invaders, in this “new world”, our sacred plant Tabaku (As my Ancestors called it) was the first Sacred Plant Medicine that was violated. My current relationship with Tabaku is that of high respect and I honor it for the medicine that it is in all its forms. During my work with Amazonian teachers I learned of the use of Rapeh for grounding, mind opening, moving energy and deep self connection as well as the physical and spiritual cleansing properties it offers. The process of making Hape involves cutting the tobacco and drying it over a low fire, mixed with other healing plants, then ashes of other healing plants are added to the ground up plant mixture (fine dust) each blend varies from and is unique to each Curandera/o preparing it. Rapeh Medicine Tribes

Teachers & Guides

Venus Paloma (event curator) embodies over 12 years of experience in holding space, organizing and facilitating healing ceremonies and learning from Amazonian teachers as well as over 20 years of experience as a Doula, working with women and families with the main focus on homebirth. Venus brings these collective years of experience to offer a safe and brave space for individual and collective healing for BIPOC women. Through the use of ceremony, rituals, plant medicine (*Cannabis, Cacao, Rapeh), Ancestral healing, Traditional practices, Somatic Body Release and Integrative Processing. With a team of experienced teachers we invite you to come co-create a container of wise women reclaiming their sovereignty, wisdom, birthright and healing together!

About Venus

Venus Rodriguez CD, Ceremony Guide, Doula, Workshop Facilitator, Reiki Practitioner, Co- founder and Priestesses of Growing Heart Priestess School/Sanctuary
 

About Jani Moon

Certified Ipsalu Kundalini Tantra teacher, a communication and connection coach in NYC, a kinesiology practitioner of the Reunion Method, and works regularly with Shamanic traditions and medicines.

About Rev. Maritday Rodriguez

Rev. Maritday Rodriguez CD, CCHD, CLC, CHHC, is a Doula/Maven/ Ceremonialist/ Keeper of Ancient Ways, Herbalist, Scribe and Medicine Woman.
 

About Somaliah

A mother, womb healer, birth worker and somatic practitioner.

Drummers

Royalty R. Weldon

Bio

Mother Sawu

Bio

Our Supporters

www.rblodge.com

www.empathic.health

www.soulbird.com

www.ravencrestbotanicals.com

We already gained the support of Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield Mass., where one of the owners (BIPOC Woman) is the co-founder/host of  an annual women’s gathering, along with the leadership of Thea Women’s Gathering,  has offered their space as a future location. Currently I have support from Empathic Health;  “A global and referral-only community that provides support from preparation to life-long integration so that you can find freedom, and connection in your life. The Empathic Health community exists to help you navigate your life with the fresh perspectives you have gained from your psychedelic experiences, build deep relationships, collaborate professionally, bring your visions and ideas to reality.” As a community leader and board member of Empathic Health I am grateful for their support. Their donation will cover a portion of the attendance fee through a scholarship.  On my endorsement team I also have the support of the one and only, my dear friend, India Arie!