Aromatic Distillation: A Ceremonial & Alchemical Journey

A Weekend Workshop & Intensive
Saturday & Sunday, July 13 & 14, 2024

Join Erika Galentin of Sovereignty Herbs at Herbal Revolution Farm in Union, Maine for a two-day, hands-on, deep-dive into the ancient alchemical art of aromatic distillation. Participants will learn the nuts and bolts of aromatic distillation of essential oils and hydrosols using a traditional copper alembic still as well as experience aromatic distillation as a ceremonial journey of self-reflection and an empowering platform for the development of sacred plant-human relationships.

What you will learn about Aromatic Distillation…

The tradition of Aromatic Distillation you will experience…

Aromatic distillation is a traditional method of extracting and capturing the aromas from plants. It is alchemical in nature - a process that relies on the four elements of earth, air, fire, & water in the transmutation of one form into another. Alchemy is also a spiritual discipline. Modern alchemical scholars, such as Carl Jung, have interpreted this spiritual work metaphorically; Alchemy could be considered a collection of psychic processes shared within the totality of human experiences, or what Jung termed the 'collective unconscious'. In this interpretation, the 'lead into gold' of the alchemists becomes an inspirational allegory of the work required for the refinement of Self and emanation of the Soul.

The process and tradition of aromatic distillation that Erika teaches is most certainly a spiritual one, involving both ceremony and celebration; the aroma of a plant is likened to the ‘Soul’ of the plant and aromatic distillation a ritual  that beckons the soul of the plant to reveal itself. 

In this workshop you will learn the aromatic distillation process as both an attempt to foster a deeper relationship with the plant kingdom, a relationship full of metaphor, story, and personal myth, but also deeper, more joyful relationships with ourselves. In this regard, you will experience aromatic distillation as a platform for self-discovery and exploration of the natural world.

What to expect during this Aromatic Distillation
weekend intensive…

This Aromatic Distillation intensive begins Saturday, July 13, 2022 at 9:00am EST and ends Sunday, July 14, 2022 at 2:00pm EST.

Day one will begin with a tour of Herbal Revolution Farm to ground us into a sense of place. We will then move on to meeting, studying, and harvesting the plant we will be distilling. As we load the still together, the group will learn about the ‘anatomy & physiology’ of aromatic distillation including putting the still together, sealing the seams, what type of burner to use, options for hooking up the condenser pump, and the different types of vessels you can use to capture your hydrosol and essential oil. 

As the distillation is taking place, Erika will take participants through a journey of an embodied aromatic practice as we explore how distilling aromatic plants provides us with a ceremonial journey of self-reflection and a physical and metaphorical platform for journeying with our psyches, our hearts, and our spirits.

Day two of this workshop will focus on bringing together all that we have learned through a group discussion, an Q & A session, and experiencing the hydrosol we distilled together as a potent aromatic tool for healing. We will also learn about dismantling and cleaning the still in preparation for storage.

Benefits of attending this Aromatic Distillation
weekend intensive…

• Sacred space of the stunning Herbal Revolution Farm, Union, Maine.

• An intimate group setting to deep dive into aromatic distillation with lots of opportunities to ask questions.

• Discount code on copper stills from Iberian Coppers.

• Important handouts to guide you into your own distillation process.

• Everyone gets to take a bottle of the distillation home.

• Learn aromatic distillation ‘hands-on’ by actively participating in each step of the process.  

• 12+ hours of instruction and experiential learning

About your Instructor
Erika Galentin of Sovereignty Herbs

Erika Galentin is a Clinical Herbalist, aromatherapist, distiller, grower, and medicine-maker, consulting from Sovereignty Herbs in Athens & Columbus, OH. She holds a degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of Wales, Cardiff, UK and Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, Glasgow, UK. She is a professional member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (UK) and the American Herbalists Guild (USA). Over a decade of clinical practice has provided a platform for witnessing the efficacy of medicinal plants and aromatics within a clinical environment. It is through this clinical practice that Erika seeks to encourage positive, learned relationships between plants and people and people and their bodies. She is a firm believer in celebrating the role that emotions and the psyche play in the ecology of our physical terrain. In addition to clinical practice, Erika is both a student and teacher of horticulture, native medicinal plant conservation and ecology, and the phenomenological and Goethean study of plants and their medicinal virtues. Erika participates as a member of the Education Advisory Committee of the American Herbalists Guild. Follow her on Instagram @sovereigntyherbs.

About our host Herbal Revolution…

Inspired by the resiliency and tenacity of plants, Herbal Revolution was founded by Katheryn Langelier. The tender green sprouts of dandelion plants that rise up, breaking through the asphalt of the sidewalk - is where the heart of Herbal Revolution lies. Located in rural, mid-coast Maine, Herbal Revolution grows herbs and vegetables for their high quality herbal wellness products with a focus on creating products that are effective, delicious and versatile. Herbal Revolution farm is proudly USDA Certified Organic by MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association).

Lodging & Travel

Herbal Revolution Farm is located at 410 N Union Rd., Union, ME 04862. Please note this is a working farm and not open for visitors outside of scheduled arrangements. The closest airport to Herbal Revolution Farm is Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Camping will be available at Herbal Revolution Farm from Friday evening (July 12th) through Sunday morning (July 14th) by reservation only. A camping pass is available with your registration for an additional fee of $30.00 USD. Please be sure to select the Camping Pass option during your registration. Read below for more information about onsite camping amenities.

What is provided and what to bring with you…

Participants will be asked to bring the following:

• Food and snacks. Please note that participants are responsible for bringing their own nourishment as no meals will be provided during this intensive. There are several grocery, restaurants, and take-out options available within a 20-mile drive, but planning ahead is advised:

• Grocery

• Restaurants

• Footwear that can be worn on dirty, uneven surfaces (we will be on foot for the farm tour & harvesting).

• Anything you need to make sitting and standing for long periods of time most comfortable. Bring your own chairs if you are able as there are only a limited amount of chairs available at the farm.

• Warm clothing and rain protection (just in case).

• A journal for note-taking and self-reflection during the distillation and something to write and/or draw with.

• An object of significance that represents something within yourself that you would like to honor during the distillation (this will be placed on the distillation altar and returned to you after the workshop).

• Kindness and an open mind.

Please leave the following at home:

• Pets - This is a working farm. We ask that you please leave your pets at home.

• Illegal Drugs - Please note that the use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on the farm property and during the intensive. Individuals under the influence of illegal drugs will be asked to leave the intensive without refund.

• Bigotry and hatred can also stay at home.

What will be provided:

• Drinking water & herbal tea grown on Herbal Revolution Farm

• Handouts about aromatic distillation

• Glass sprayer bottles to take a sample of the distillation home

Registration Information…

This event has limited registrations which are available on a first first come first serve basis. Pre-registration is required in order to attend this event. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Please click here for Service Cancellations & Refunds Policy prior to registering for this event.

Registration instructions: 

Please click on the button below that says ‘Continue Registration’ and fill out the form. Once the form has been completed and submitted, your registration will be added to your shopping cart. Click on the shopping cart icon to complete your purchase. Please note that payment must be received in order for your registration to go through. If you are having difficulties with registration, please contact us at office@sovereigntyherbs.com.