Apprentice Testimonials

“My time here has been incredible, and I have fallen in love with Earthaven- the land and the people. I feel that this is a safe and nurturing environment for me in which I can discover my full potential. I tried not to have too many expectations prior to my arrival, but my experience highly exceeded those that I did have. My apprenticeship confirmed to me that I am on the right path and each step I take is more beautiful than the last.

"I feel like I am walking away with so much- connection and knowledge of the plants, lifelong friends, a potential home… I am very pleased. My apprenticeship has allowed and encouraged me to deepen my relationship with Mother Earth, and for that I am forever grateful.”
Emily Johnson (2007, 3 months)

"Corinna, you are an inspiration to be around. You love what you are doing and that comes through so much in your teaching!"
Dana Fialkoff (2006, 4 months)

"It was such a gift to have the opportunity to do an apprenticeship at Red Moon Herbs! My original goal was to learn as much as I could about herbs while living in an intentional community. My experiences surpassed all of my expectations and I gained more than I ever could have imagined.

I am thankful for the opportunity have spent six months living at Earthaven. Along with the beauty of the place and the opportunity to connect with plants every day as I walked to work, I found a beautiful tribe of committed men and women who are working hard to create a sustainable community that demonstrates reverence to our Mother Earth and to one another.

Another unexpected gift was to experience an incredible network of women. Heart shares, saunas, potlucks, and waterfall gatherings with the Red Moon women are just a few examples of how a small group of goddesses can turn daily life and a small business into a sacred celebration.

In September, the SE Women's Herbal Conference revealed a connection that went beyond my wildest dreams. It was inspiring to work with the Red Moon women as they literally "gave birth" to this event, and so empowering to experience such a large group of women coming together for the conference (on the full moon). The goddess in me was awakened!

For me, the most valuable lesson was that the best way to really learn about herbal medicine is not through a book, but by opening my heart to the plants. On one particular trip, we spent an entire day harvesting St. Joanswort. For hours, I roamed the meadow, sat in patches of this beautiful plant, harvested its flowers, tasted its buds, and listened to its song. I saw that its power went way beyond hypericin or any other constituent. I began to discover the spirit of this being. And throughout the next couple of months, as I tended, decanted, and bottled the medicine, I recognized what an honor it was to be a part of this beautiful process.

I initially approached this chapter of my life greedily searching for knowledge about plants. The plants guided me towards a recognition of connections I never knew I had, not only with the plants themselves, but also with women and all beings."
Renee Conover (2005, 8 months)

"My apprenticeship with Red Moon Herbs was the most meaningful and educational experience of my life so far."
Anne Knoflicheck (2001, 6 months)

"The apprenticeship went above & beyond my expectations--seeing & working in a very successful, well-organized, all women business was an amazing experience of the dynamics & love & passion of the women here."
Anna Fialkoff (2006, 2 months)

"Corinna, you are beautiful and strong, a wise woman in every way!"
Marie Reilly (2006, 6 months)

"This has changed my life in every way! I mean that from the bottom of my heart. This whole experience has just defined and deepened such a strong sense of what I want. Thank you for such an amazing opportunity! I am inspired and have such a clear understanding of my responsibilities of how to help our Mother Earth through healing plants and life style changes. I feel as though I've finally had the "mother" I always needed or wanted. She showed me the flowers and that its ok to feel the range of emotions and moontime, that the Earth and all beings are sacred. I have never had such an amazing experience as I have this summer!"
Suzanne Quade (2007, 3 months)