The Secrets of Alchemy & Yoga:
a look at healing through the eyes of the mystics
with Return to Nature & Sasha Botanica
September 6–7
$108 full weekend | $54/day
Since the origin of our human history and culture, healing arose as an intuitive, constitutional practice guided by direct relationship with the land. Our ancestors worked with medicinal herbs, learned the landscape and drew on ancient shamanic skills to locate water, shelter, game, and to discern which plants were edible, medicinal, or poisonous.
In this weekend retreat, we will explore the cosmology and symbols behind Western alchemy and how they relate to the inner symbology of yoga and healing through Ayurveda, then build on that understanding to explore the alchemical principles at work within tantric practice.
As we move through these teachings, we will create a traditional alchemical medicine known as a spagyric. This process will guide us through the stages of distillation, calcination, and tincturing—each step mirroring inner transformation.
Students will gain practical skills in interpreting ancient symbols for self-healing and herbalism, along with spiritual and psychological tools for personal growth. You will leave with a spagyric remedy crafted from our time on the land and shaped by the medicine-making process throughout the weekend—along with a meditative practice to continue integrating the work after the retreat.
As above, so below.
Saturday 9/6:
2:00pm — The Alchemy of Constitution: Ayurvedic constitutions and their roots in alchemy
3:30pm — Spagyrics Part 1: Distillation as an alchemical metaphor for spiritual growth
5:30pm — Dinner (provided)
7:30pm — Documentary and Discussion: Ayurveda Art of Being
Sunday 9/7:
9am — Breakfast (provided)
10:30am — Wisdom of Transformation: Western alchemy and how it relates to the Tantric tradition of India
12pm — Spagyrics Part 2: Calcination as the fire of transformation
2:00pm — Departure
Accommodations & Food
Dinner and breakfast will be provided for by Sasha, along with snacks and herbal tea. Please reach out in advance for any dietary restrictions.
There are two outdoor kitchens with running water, compost toilets and an outdoor shower.
Heartsong Sanctuary offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences, including platform tents for those who want to be close to nature, and cozy screened cabins like the Herb Nest and Woodland Nest for a more sheltered experience. There's also Luna Landing, perfect for those seeking a private cabin with a wood stove.
To join us for the full weekend, please book your overnight stay through Heartsong’s Reservations page.
Please RSVP with Sasha at: info@sashabotanica.com
