Ace of Cups School of Botanical Alchemy and Herbcraft

Program Overview:

The Ace of Cups School of Mystical and Medicinal Herbal and Botanical Studies – Level One

We offer a comprehensive and immersive 200-hour program that weaves together mystical, medicinal, and botanical perspectives, providing a rich and holistic approach to herbal education. Beginning in January 2027, this program is structured into five modules themed around the alchemical elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Ether/Spirit. Our curriculum is designed to balance folk traditions and scientific methods, offering a deep dive into both the energetic and anatomical aspects of plant medicine. You’ll explore everything from plant identification and ethical wildcrafting to advanced herbal formulations, supported by a diverse lineup of expert teachers who are leaders in their fields. Our instructors bring varied expertise, including traditional herbalism, modern botanical sciences, holistic health, and alchemical arts, ensuring a well-rounded education. By the end of the program, you’ll be equipped with the skills to craft potent remedies, understand the anatomy of the body’s systems, and apply both folk and scientific approaches to herbal medicine, all within a supportive, vibrant community of like-minded learners.
Course Structure:

80-Hour Online Interactive Course:
This portion of the program can be taken separately, providing a solid foundation in herbalism and earning you an 80-hour Community Herbalist Certificate. The online course includes 40 live, interactive classes held on select Monday evenings (6:30-8:30 PM via Zoom).
120-Hour In-Person Course:
This component is available to those who have completed the 80-hour online course and must be taken to fulfill the full 200-hour requirement. The in-person course consists of 12 weekends of immersive learning, with classes on Saturdays (10:30 AM – 4:30 PM) and Sundays (10:30 AM – 4:00 PM)
Full 200-Hour Program:
To become a Registered Herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild, the full 200 hours are required. Completion of the 80-hour online course is a prerequisite for enrolling in the 120-hour in-person program. Once you complete the 80 hours online, you can take the 120-hour in-person course at a later date.

Module Breakdown:

Module 1: Earth

Explore the grounded and nurturing force of the earth element.
Includes herbal vocabulary, pharmacology, ethics of wildcrafting, growing, sourcing, and storing herbs.
Study the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, muscular, and immune systems, and learn herbal formulations to support these systems.
Practical skills include tea blending, decoctions, broths, and syrups.
Sustainable sourcing: Learn to identify certifications for ethical and environmentally friendly practices.

Module 2: Fire

Focus on the transformative and energetic properties of the fire element.
Covers anatomy and physiology of the digestive, integumentary, and cardiovascular systems.
Learn to make vinegars, oxymels, tinctures, glycerides, and scrubs.
Includes endangered species awareness and conservation efforts with guest speakers.

Module 3: Water

Explore the fluid and emotional aspects of the water element.
Topics include herbal vocabulary, pharmacology, and actions related to the urinary, lymphatic, and reproductive systems.
Learn ethical wildcrafting techniques and salve and herbal oil making.

Module 4: Air

Delve into the vital and expansive qualities of the air element.
Study the respiratory and nervous systems, including anatomy and herbal formulations.
Learn about salt inhalers, sprays, skin care, and herbal honey making.
Practical applications in cultivation and propagation with visits to local gardens.

Module 5: Ether

Focus on the ethereal and expansive qualities of the ether element.
Includes study of the endocrine system, related chakras, and subtle anatomy.
Learn about herb rituals, dream oils, satchels, and poppets.
Practical applications in making herbal preparations, teas, tinctures, and salves.

Full 200-Hour Herbal Program (Includes 120-Hour In-Person + 80-Hour Online)
Program Cost:

Full Payment: $2,500 if paid in full between November 1 and December 31, 2026
Payment Plan: $2,750 with a $600 non-refundable deposit, followed by structured payments ($500 by September 1st, $300 by October 1st, 2026, with the remaining $1,400 on a payment plan). Contact us for details.
80-Hour Program Only: $1,000 if paid in full, or $1,200 with a payment plan.

Scholarships and Work Trade: One $500 and one $750 scholarship available. Contact us for details.

Supply Fee: Included in the 200-hour. $75 per module for folks in 80 hour program, covering all 65 herbs used during the program and material. Shipping fee for those who live out of state.

Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $600 is required to hold your spot. The program is non-refundable. If you choose to withdraw before 50% completion (by April 1, 2027), 50% of your payments can be applied to the next herbal program.