In this second episode of Voices of our Herbal Elders, I am honored to introduce the remarkable Kat Maier—renowned herbalist, founder of Sacred Plant Traditions, and author of Energetic Herbalism.
Join me in this insightful conversation with Kat as we discuss bridging the gap between conventional medicine and herbalism, community initiatives, such as a botanical mobile clinic, and the impact of plants on Kat’s life. I am always inspired by Kat’s ability to weave the worlds of spirit and medicine into a rich tapestry of meaning and this conversation was no exception!
You won’t want to miss these highlights from the conversation:
- Kat’s Personal Journey: From formal Physician’s Assistant training into the wild world of plants.
- Significance of Storytelling: How sharing personal stories enhances the teachings of herbalism.
- Herbal Traditions: The significance of traditions traveling, adapting, and remaining dynamic to stay alive.
- Importance of Community: How the herbal world and the world-at-large benefits when we build community and provide guidance and support within our communities.
- Energetic Herbalism: Insight into Kat’s acclaimed book, “Energetic Herbalism” and its exploration of plant energetics across various traditions.
- Transition and Evolution: Kat’s decision to shift away from teaching her three-year program and her contemplation of her next steps.
- A Surprise Guest: Kat’s personal connection with a surprise guest from the animal world and the emotional journey it signifies.
“The generosity and beneficence of nature extends beyond our limited realms. I so love that ritual place because I could never have dreamt the life I live now. The plants, when you step across that line and you say, “I'm in service” and show up, something shifts. It’s this deep, deep connection.”
May the past, present, and future of herbalism come alive in this insightful exchange.
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About Kat Maier
Kat Maier RH, (AHG) is the founder and director of Sacred Plant Traditions, a center for herbal studies in Charlottesville, Virginia. One of her greatest accomplishments has been to train many clinical herbalists who have gone on to begin other schools, apothecaries or open practices. In clinical practice for over 30 years, Kat teaches internationally at universities, conferences, and herbal schools.
She is a founding member of Botanica Mobile Clinic, a nonprofit dedicated to providing accessible herbal medicine to local communities. This grew out of her school’s free clinic which was one of the first on the east coast and went on to be a template for other schools. She began her study of plants as a Peace Corps volunteer, and her training as a Physician’s Assistant allows her to weave the language of biomedicine into her practice of traditional energetic herbalism. She is coauthor of Bush Medicine of San Salvador Island, Bahamas and author of Energetic Herbalism: A Guide to Sacred Plant Traditions Integrating Elements of Vitalism, Ayurveda, and Chinese Medicine.
As a passionate steward of the plants, Kat also served as president of United Plant Savers and was the recipient of the organization’s first Medicinal Plant Conservation Award.
Let us know what you thought of the episode in the comments below and share with your friends!
about herbs for over 50 years. It is my honor and joy to share what I have learned with you, and to introduce you to my fellow herbalists and plant lovers!
We are delighted to launch the next episode of Rosemary’s Voices of Our Herbal Elders Podcast. We hope you enjoy this special discussion with Rosemary and Kat. It has been a deep honor for our entire team to be a part of this amazing and heartfelt project. With you in herbal ways, Helen