Ecological Pathways to a Sustainable Future
Visionary Herbalism is the first course of its kind in the western world, combining the ancient wisdom of Shamanic Plant Medicine with the Energetics of Living Plants.
Herbalism is Gaia in Action. It is the medicine of belonging; the direct experience of the whole healing the part.
To heal ourselves we must know ourselves and the ground upon which we stand.
Intuition and common sense tells us that we are one with the Earth. If our world is sick and poisoned, then so are we. If the forests are being destroyed, then we die a little with each felling. Humanity is being faced with the beautiful reality that we are a part of a ‘shared planet'.
We are at a turning point on the planet, with the realization that the intimate embrace of our world is a healing force moving humanity towards a transformation in our relationship with the earth, each other and ourselves.
Having studied and integrated the various aspects of Visionary Herbalism you may feel called to share what you have learned with others. Certified teachers will be able to facilitate this wisdom-centered course. Each of the trainings includes practical instruction, which you can begin to apply immediately into your daily life.
The Trainings can be taken individually or as a diploma course. Previous herbalism or plant medicine experience is not required. This educational process is for people from all walks of life who are enthusiastic about bringing the path of the herbalist lifestyle into their own lives and to their communities.
"All plants are our brothers and sisters. They talk to us and if we listen, we can hear them." ~Arapaho
Please see our photo gallery for Herbalism and Gardening
Become a Visionary Herbalism Teacher - Then Transform the World
Practical Herbalism
This two-part training teaches the skills necessary to become confident in basic herbal ways. Between time in the garden and classroom you will learn how make a wide variety of herbal preparations and how to use them. Learn how to identify and gather medicinal plants during garden walks. At the end of the training, you will have the beginnings of an herbal medicine chest as well as the knowledge to expand it on their own. Learn more
Nutritional Herbalism
Our Nutritional Herbalism is a practical approach to herbal wisdom is for those who want to study the fundamental skills necessary to practice this ancient nourishing art, as well as the profound understanding of the essence of Herbalism. A combination of nutritional scientific understanding and research with practical techniques in deepening your skills to living plants and wild world of edibles. Learn more
Shamanic Herbalism
Shamanic Herbalism opens us to the ancient language and mysteries of the plant kingdom. This unique training draws us into the energetic wisdom of Ayurveda and The Essenes and shows us how to connect with the spirit of the plant, its medicine and potential. Embark on a great adventure as you journey to the source of all nourishment and the origins of life. Learn more
Ecological Herbalism
Ecological Herbalism focuses on the roots of sustainability and practical skills of the art of herbalism. This training empowers you with the knowledge, tools, and experience to further your journey toward understanding the connection between inner and outer ecology. Deepen your connection of deep ecology of nature. Learn more
Regeneration: A Call to Action
Regeneration is a design science that weaves together the principles of sustainability. This training will give you a solid, wholistic, ecological worldview, while simultaneously offering practical solutions that demonstrate how to can create a sustainable, abundant and regenerative life. Empowering individuals to live whole-heartily, deeply rooted in the natural flows of living systems. Regenerative living is a mutually enhancing relationship between the people and the earth. Learn more
Earth Wisdom: Power of the Elements
For over a decade Earth Wisdom: Power of the Elements workshops have shown hundreds of seekers how to harness the creative power of the Five Elements to achieve their deepest desires. The body-centered practices of Shamanu: Earth Wisdom Teachings and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda come together to offer you a powerful transformational and regenerative experience. Learn more
Forest Gardening
This training is for those wanting to learn how to create gardens that sustain humans and nature, are easy to manage, require few tools and give you the highest quality food. Sustainable Forest Gardening gets its inspiration and direction from observing and following the patterns of nature and how she creates gardens that sustain and nourish all life. Learn more
The Visionary Herbalism Diploma Process
To qualify for the Visionary Herbalism Educator's Diploma course, the following pre-requisites must be completed:
Regular daily practice of herbalism, this may be it in the garden, the forest, your kitchen or your herbal dispensary.
- Completion of the Ecological Herbalism (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Completion of the Shamanic Herbalism (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Completion of the Practical Herbalism (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Completion of the Nutritional Herbalism (Two Part Series)
- Completion of the Forest Gardening (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Completion of the Regeneration: A Call to Action (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Completion of the Earth Wisdom Teachings (Weeklong or Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Completion of the two of our Herbalism Correspondence/Mentorship Courses. of your choice.
- Passing of the Correspondence/Mentorship Course exam with an 85% or better. The exams must be completed 30 days before taking the Teacher's Training Course.
- Signing and submitting the Living Arts Institute Teacher's Path Agreement form and enrollment registration form.
Visionary Herbalism Certification Process is divided into three parts:
Part 1: Correspondence/Mentorship Course
The correspondence/mentorship courses come with course binders and textbooks with the essential material to provide you with the information and instruction needed to become a Visionary Herbalism Educator
In addition, you will receive reference books from the leaders in the field of herbalism and ecology as essential parts of your study. Upon completion of each section you will be asked to submit the lesson for examination and feedback.
After completing the correspondence/mentorship material you will be asked to complete a written examination to evaluate your competence and the practices and principles of Visionary Herbalism. The estimated time for completion of the course is two years. Successful completion of the trainings and correspondence/mentorship course will qualify you to attend the Teacher Training Course.
If you do not pass the exam you may retake it. If you do not pass the second time you are required to wait six months before re-taking it and attending the certification course. To pass the exam a requirement mark of 85% or higher. Click here for complete information about the Correspondence/Mentorship Course.
Part 2: Completion of the Seven Trainings
- Ecological Herbalism (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Shamanic Herbalism (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Practical Herbalism (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Nutritional Herbalism (Two Part Series)
- Forest Gardening (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Regeneration: A Call to Action (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Earth Wisdom: Power of the Elements 5-Day or two 3-Day Trainings
The trainings must be fully completed before you will be eligible to attend the Teacher Training Course. Trainings will be available throughout the year at The Living Centre and can be taken at your convenience. See our calendar for dates
Part 3: The 3-Day Teacher Training Course
This part of the training is to ensure that you have clearly understood and integrated the course material into your life and is ready to share this information with others. Qualified participants will receive intense instruction, practice and evaluation in Elemental Medicine, Plant Energetics and Ecological Herbal Practice. Teaching and speaking skills will be reviewed and support given to develop the expertise needed to facilitate the Visionary Herbalism course.
Each student will undergo a series of testing and a final examination, both oral and written, and must obtain a passing grade of 85% or better.
Upon completion of this uniquely designed educational process you will have the opportunity to become a Visionary Herbalism Educator. As a certified instructor your relationship to The Living Arts Institute will be of the network of teachers.
"By learning you will teach; by teaching you will understand." ~ Latin Proverb
Visionary Herbalism Diploma FAQ
What are the prerequisites before attending the Diploma Course?
• Incorporating the Practices and Ethics of the Path of the Herbalist into one's life-style.
• Attendance and Completion of:
- Ecological Herbalism (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Shamanic Herbalism (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Practical Herbalism (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Nutritional Herbalism (Two Part Series)
- Forest Gardening (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Regeneration: A Call to Action (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Earth Wisdom Teachings (Two 3-Day Trainings)
- Passing the correspondence course exams and completing all lessons with 85% or better. There must be a 80% attendance required for certification.
- Writing a 5,000 word thesis
- Conducting a research project and presentation at the end of course of study
- Passing and completing of the Teacher Training course
- Completion of a telephone interview with Shantree Kacera
- Signing and submitting the Educator's Agreement
When will I receive the Correspondence Course?
Some people realize that they want to become a Visionary Herbalism Educator after attending one or more trainings. The Correspondence/Mentorship course can be applied once you know this is the direction you wish to take.
The Correspondence /Mentorship Course provides foundational information and will support the education you receive in the five day trainings, and therefore, should be incorporating into your course of study as soon as is possible.
How long will it take to become certified?
All participants will have two years to complete the program after receiving the Correspondence/Mentorship Course.
What is required for continuing education?
In order to retain your diploma, you are required to attend one of our Herbalism or Forest Gardening Trainings once every 2 years.
Do I receive discounts as a Certified Instructor?
Yes, you will receive a 10% discount on all future workshops and trainings through The Living Centre and 10% off all retail products. Also, our certified instructors receive a 10% commission for referring students for enrolment in any of the Living Arts Institute Certification Training Courses.
What does it mean to be a Living Arts Institute Educator?
Upon completion of this uniquely designed program, the correspondence course and teachers training you will have the opportunity to become a Visionary Herbalist Educator. As an instructor your relationship to The Living Arts Institute will be that of an independent contractor. There are suggested prices for your classes and you are required to provide your students with teaching materials purchased from The Living Arts Institute.
We support you in teaching this course in a manner and frequency that suits your schedule. We will provide ongoing support including suggestions for promoting your services.
What does it mean to become a Living Arts Institute Practitioner?
Become a Sevenfold Path Practitioner and become credentialed to practice Ayurvedic Living Nutrition, Visionary Herbalism, Shamanu, and the Sevenfold Path of Peace. Call or email for more information.
519-652-9109 or 519-652-0230
The Herbalist Profession
There is no culture, ancient or modern that did not use plants as part of their natural way of life.
The herbalist way comes to us from a long lineage of responsible healing practices. Herbalists of today are self-employed, operating their own companies; produce herbal products; grow herbs for sale for customers; own retail stores; or educate the general public. Teaching positions are abundant through college and school continuing education programs.
If you are enthusiastic about working with plants; if you would like to learn more about the transformative power of plants and how to use them to enrich your life, and how to share this leading edge information with others, then the Visionary Herbalism Diploma Course is for you.
Discover how to teach and empower others to experience lasting health, soulful connection with nature and be of service to humanity and the Earth through our group and individual one-on-one trainings.
Become a part of the expanding Living Arts Institute network.
Imagine ... making a living doing what you love, while supporting others and the planet.
Is this Program for You?
If you agree to more than five of the following statements then The Living Arts Institute Visionary Herbalist course may be for you!
1. I want to start a successful practice as an Herbal Educator.
2. I want professional training that will help me implement the skills and techniques to motivate and inspire others in the way of a herbalist lifestyle.
3. I want access to the leading-edge up-to-date education from herbalist's foremost thinkers and authors
4. I want to be around radiant, healthy and motivated people - who want to support others to be healthy and reach their optimal potential.
5. I believe that incorporating herbs and plants is a common sense approach to living a vibrant life.
7. I could enhance my current educational background with the many lifestyle approach of herbs.
8. I can benefit from deepening my connecting nature.
9. I see myself as an herbal educator.
Upon completion of your course you may become a part of The Living Centre's team.
A Growing Need
The work place is inundated with natural health and herbal practitioners. Much of what is taught in the herbal field is replicating the ‘medical model'. The focus is on treatment rather than cause. Products and supplements abound and people's medicine cabinets are now being filled with ‘wholistic pills'. The results are often temporary.
The Visionary Herbalism course takes you back to the source of herbal healing where lifestyle practices were as important as the herb taken for medicinal use. Through plant identification, nutrition, gardening, self-attunement practices and reconnection with the Elements you will be given a wholistic model of herbal education that brings lasting results.
Visionary Herbalism is an innovative process that facilitates the well-being and deep ecology issues that are needed in this modern world. Herbalism is a preventative natural system, with a lineage of thousands of years.
Creating a Fulfilling Career
Upon completion of the Visionary Course you will be eligible to create a career as an Herbal Educator. Assessing the emergent popularity of the natural healing arts, a career as an Herbalist is both rewarding and fulfilling, knowing you are making a difference.
The Visionary Herbalism principles can be taught and applied through teaching workshops, in schools and colleges, in ecology centers and in professional institutions which incorporate innovative processes to educate their staff and employees about preventive health and well-being.
Opportunity Potentials
Choosing a career as a Visionary Herbal Educator will open doors of opportunities in a variety of environmental centered educational centers. Or you may desire the scheduling flexibility that being a private herbal educator can give you. Either way, life as an Herbal Educator enables you to experience continual growth for yourself, as well as enjoy the noble opportunity of being of service of others.
Career Opportunities
• The Herbal Industry
• Teaching and Private Tutoring
• Educational Consulting Services
• Natural Health and Wellness Centers
• Herb and Health Food Stores
• Ecological and Nature Centers
• Include in your already existing wellness practice
Facilitator
Shantree is an Ayurvedic Live-Food Nutritionist, Therapeutic & Shamanic Herbalist, and Constitutional Iridology Educator with 35 years experience in the Natural Healing Arts. He is the founder and co-director of The Living Centre (1983), and Living Arts Institute.
Shantree received his doctorate in Nutritional Medicine and Herbalism in the 70's. Since then he has been exploring the effect of food and herbs on one's physical, mental and emotional health.
A past Vise-President of the Ontario Herbalists' Association, Shantree served on the OHA board for almost 10 years and a professional member for over 20 years. Shantree is dedicated to providing an integrated preventative approach to well being, applying the healing wisdom of the East and West. He formulates and dispenses his own herbal preparations - "HerbSpirit Botanicals".
Shantree's deep spiritual connection to the Earth has drawn him into the teachings of shamanic and earth wisdom practices as well as Carolinian Canada native plant preservation and studies. He is a passionate edible forest gardener and well known for his unique circular medicinal-wheel garden and medicine trail with over 1,000 species of edible and medicine plants and trees through the 50-acre botanical sanctuary.
Shantree is the author of 'Ayurvedic Tongue Diagnosis', the first book of its kind to be published in the west.
Visionary Herbalism Diploma Tuition
Course Investment:
- Ecological Herbalism
- Shamanic Herbalism
- Practical Herbalism
- Nutritional Herbalism
- Forest Gardening
- Regeneration: A Call to Action
- Earth Wisdom Teachings: Power of the Elements
- Diploma Teacher Training Course
- Two Herbalism Correspondence Courses of your choice. Prices do not include hst tax
Standard Tuition Package is $7550; Discount package $6550. CAD.
Course Investment:
Save $1000 from the standard price when you pay the tuition in full upon registration
Tuition when paid in full - $6550. CAD.
Includes listed training courses, course material and an organic live-food lunch each day of the training. Accommodations, transportation and other meals are not included in the diploma educational process. Does not include hst tax.
Please call to speak with a program specialist for further information and to register: 519-652-9109 and 519-652-0230
Payment can be made by certified cheque and is due prior to receiving the Correspondence Course or attendance of your first Training. Please make cheques payable and send to:
The Living Centre
5871 Bells Rd., London, ON.,Canada, N6P 1P3
Upon completion of the four uniquely designed programs you will have the opportunity to become a Visionary Herbalism Educator. As a certified instructor your relationship to The Living Arts Institute will be that of an independent contractor. We support you in teaching this course in a manner and frequency that suits your schedule. We will provide ongoing support including suggestions.
For information & dates of trainings click here>
Read our commitment and cancellation policy here
Click here to request more information
"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." ~Albert Einstein
