People enter the apprenticeship program with different skill levels regarding herbalism and spiritual practices. Some arrive with no experience at all, while others have already been on their journey. As an apprentice, you will be building this material from bottom up. Even with advanced knowledge, Karen asks that you start with an open heart and mind as this program is extraordinarily unique offering a different experience from most traditional herbal programs.

The options are truly endless! Apprentices have opened their own apothecaries, begun practicing clinical herbalism, launched herbalism lines, teach and write about spiritual herbalism. Individuals have incorporated these teachings into their other practices, such as; acupuncture, MD/DO physician practice, massage therapy, nursing, social work, clinical therapy and other wellness practices.

Classes meet virtually once a week for three-hours. There are periods with breaks depending on the time of year you are enrolled; there is a summer and winter holiday break. Class times are set to Eastern Time, as the program is facilitated out of NYC. For students who may be in another country or time zone, there are no concessions for time.

We understand that there are special circumstances that may require you to miss class but in the event that you do, you will be required  to connect with a classmate to gather notes and review what was missed since classes are not recorded. To remain eligible for graduation, you must ensure your absences do not exceed three.  Most classes have study group sessions outside of class to review materials and personal experiences with herbs and medicine.

Yes, the program is neurodivergent friendly. Classes can be long and cover a wide range of material. We highly recommend preparing for class in advance to ensure the material covered is not overwhelming. We encourage breaks throughout the class as needed. This program is designed to be highly interactive and collaborative, it offers an opportunity to learn in a way that many find refreshing.

A syllabus with the breakdown of classes will be provided ahead of the first class. Each level is approximately 12-14 weeks long. Please allow flexibility, as every class will differ depending on time constraints.

Once we receive your signed payment agreement and deposit by the due date, we will share a list of needed supplies with all apprentices who commit to the program. 

Apprentices will receive digital handouts covered in class and the materia medica to complete the details of each plant during class. For ease and organization, we recommend purchasing a Materia Medica Journal—a spiral-bound keepsake designed to help you organize your herbal studies throughout the apprenticeship program.

Its simple layout lets you structure your notes effectively, categorize herbs by body system, and include visual representations of each plant we explore.

Classes are not recorded, and attendance during live Zoom meetings are mandatory to respect student privacy and protect educational materials; violations of this policy may lead to expulsion from the apprenticeship program. To enhance learning, we encourage building community by connecting with your cohort about missed content, participating in mentor sessions for guidance, and engaging in reflective self-studying during scheduled breaks. Additionally, we recommend group study sessions outside of class to collaborate and review course materials effectively.

Karen teaches in a non-traditional way. This is an indigenous spiritual training course, and often unlike anything that you are used to. Weekly classes are 3 hours long, and a lot of material is covered. There will be time for discussions, questions and responses throughout class. 

Throughout Levels 1 and 2, you will engage in the in-depth study of key plants through materia medica, medicine making, wellness and anatomy, foundations of plant medicine through the lens of indigenous and ancestral healing, administering plant medicine safely, and case study practice. 

You will leave level 2 with a new way of looking at and connecting with plants, and your relationship with them will adapt.

While there is no traditional homework, you are expected to understand the material covered in class. Level 2 includes required reading and exercises before class. There are no quizzes, but you may encounter impromptu questions during sessions. There is a final examination at the end of Level 1, while Level 2 requires a project and presentation for graduation eligibility.

Yes, there are scholarships available for the apprenticeship. For each cohort, we offer a limited number of scholarships, which are needs-based and a demonstration of interest in spiritual herbalism education. Eligibility requires prior participation in events or workshops hosted by Sacred Vibes Apothecary or our non-profit Sacred Vibes Community Healing Initiative (SVCHI). To apply, please indicate your need for financial support in the application and list the events or workshops you’ve attended.

All payments, including your enrollment deposit are strictly non-refundable. Payments that are made monthly cover your attendance. You will not be charged for future payments if you decide to leave the program mid-month. Payments made can be applied to future re-enrollment.

Each cohort has its own way of forming its own bonds that are unique to its cohort and not managed by Sacred Vibes. For example, some cohorts do group text chats or a Whatsapp group to communicate with each other. 

There is a Google group listserv that all apprentices become a part of and can communicate with the greater community of graduates and various mixed-level apprentices. 

We encourage you to attend virtual and in-person community gatherings to remain connected to your cohort and the wider Sacred Vibes community.

No, we do not offer certification. Please keep in mind that in the US, herbalists are not licensed, and most herbal education programs do not provide official certification. To be considered a graduate of this program, you must complete Levels 1, 2 and 3. Graduated Level 3 Apprentices have completed 500+ hours of herbal study and receive a diploma that can be utilized toward your continued herbal journey and professional goals.

If you do not intend to see clients but to make medicine for yourself and your family, you can do so after completing levels 1 and 2 of the apprenticeship program.

Level 3 curiosity is always high at the beginning; however, you’ll learn about it when the time comes. You must complete the requirements of levels 1 and 2 in order to be invited to apply for level 3. 

Level 3 is virtual, too, and you are not required to live in NY. Please note that you may have to come to NY to attend particular events for level 3, but it is not required to participate.

No, you do not have to enroll once accepted. You can defer your acceptance. We recommend that you enroll within two years of completing Level 2.

Enrollment occurs twice a year—in January and July. Our application process is on a rolling basis. If you apply today, you will be considered for the next open enrollment period. We will communicate with you and other applicants as we approach enrollment.

You will need to reapply for next year’s apprenticeship program.

You must reapply for a new apprenticeship when you are ready to return. The Sacred Vibes Apprenticeship program is fluid and will change and adapt every year, and the syllabus will reflect those changes, which will require a new application.

We want all apprentices to enter the level 1 program on an equal footing as possible. One way consists in being aware of privilege. 

To bring everyone to understand the principles of the program, we work with two graduated apprentices who specialize in anti-racism in the field of herbalism to provide space for training. We strongly recommend that non-POC complete this training. Details about these training sessions will be available as we get closer to enrollment.