Earth Alchemy
Gem Elixirs in Flower Essence Therapy
Online Course Opens November 24, 2026
3 Live Sessions: December 3, 10 & 17
Explore the alchemy of combining flower and gem essences, discovering new relationships, creative approaches to formulation, and the unique gifts these two kingdoms of nature bring to one another.
Join Ruth Toledo Altschuler, Kathleen Aspenns, and Rochana Felde for an inspiring exploration of the magic and synergy of flowers and stones.
Flowers invite transformation.
Gems help us give it form.
The magic is in the combination.
Consider the relationship between plants and minerals in nature.
Long before plants appeared, the Earth was taking shape through immense processes of heat, pressure, crystallization, and transformation. Over time, the slow work of weather, microbes, lichens, and fungi broke rock down into the soils in which plants could take root, grow, and flourish.
This initial relationship offers a beautiful way to understand how flowers and gems can work together in essence therapy.
Flower essences are often associated with movement, awakening, emotional growth, and the unfolding of consciousness.
Gem elixirs bring a different quality. Within the energetic framework of flower essence therapy, they can be understood as providing supporting structure, grounding and stability, and holding space for the embodiment of change.
Just as a plant needs more than sunlight to flourish, our processes of growth and transformation benefit from foundations that can sustain them. Each gem is a unique marvel of creation, holding real, structural qualities that provide valuable gifts to Flower Essence Therapy. They help us create a supportive matrix in which change can take form and become embodied.
The flowers help us grow. The gems help that growth take form.
Together, they offer a more expansive approach to creating essence combinations that support both transformation and integration.
This understanding is at the heart of Earth Alchemy.
Discover the art of flower and gem essence synergy
We already know that an essence formula can be more than the sum of its parts. But what new possibilities emerge when we bring the crystalline wisdom of minerals into the mix?
Whether you're already incorporating gem elixirs into your formulas or are just beginning to explore them, Earth Alchemy offers new perspectives and inspiration for working with these complementary gifts of nature.
Together, we'll explore how to:
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Build a supportive foundation. Discover how gem elixirs can provide grounding, stability, and energetic structure within a formula.
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Create meaningful partnerships. Explore affinities between gem elixirs and botanical families, bringing together their complementary themes and qualities.
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Deepen your understanding of gems. Discover how color, chakra relationships, and mineral characteristics offer additional insights into essence selection.
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Explore the alchemy of formulation. Learn creative approaches to combining gem and flower essences, drawing on decades of practitioner experience.
Your Earth Alchemy Journey
Module 1 — Grounding
The Gifts of the Mineral Kingdom
Begin by exploring the nature of gem elixirs, how they're made, and what makes them unique among vibrational essences.
Discover their connections with Earth and Cosmos, and how their structural qualities can support grounding, stability, and embodiment.
Experience a special guided journey into the crystalline world of gems.
Module 2 — Connecting
Gem Companions & Correspondences
Explore the fascinating relationships between gem elixirs and botanical families, discovering how their energetic qualities and themes can complement one another.
Learn to recognize the signatures of gems through color and chakra affinities, opening new pathways for intuitive and informed essence selection.
Module 3 — Synthesizing
The Alchemy of Formulation
Bring it all together through different approaches to combining flower and gem essences.
Explore the energetic architecture of formulas, creative pairing strategies, and examples from professional practice.
Ruth shares insights drawn from nearly 25 years of using gem elixirs in client consultations, revealing how she selects and incorporates gems into her formulas.
Three special bonus presentations
We're delighted to include three additional perspectives that expand and enrich our exploration of the mineral kingdom.
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A Conversation with Judith Poelarends
Essence Practitioner, Producer & Director of Alaskan EssencesDiscover what makes Alaskan gem elixirs unique and how the extraordinary natural environment of Alaska contributes to the essences created there.
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A Conversation with Isabela Bisconcini
Jungian Psychotherapist, Family Constellations Practitioner, Flower Essence Practitioner & Certified Educator for the Alaskan Practitioner Training ProgramExplore the teachings of Steve Johnson, founder of Alaskan Essences, through the insights of a devoted student and educator who carries forward his approach to working with gem elixirs.
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Earth Elixirs: Decoding the Signatures of Gem Essences
With Nicholas Pearson, Author & Crystal ExpertIn this special replay from our 2023 Flower Essence Alchemy conference, Nicholas explores the inner workings of gem elixirs, including the seven crystal families, their structural geometries, elemental qualities, and traditional energetic associations.
Learn with Ruth, Kathleen & Rochana
Earth Alchemy brings together the three co-founders of the School for Flower Essence Studies, each contributing a unique perspective shaped by years of study, personal exploration, and professional experience.
Ruth Toledo Altschuler
Ruth has decades of in depth flower essence practice. In Brazil, she grew up close to minerals through her artist mother, Amelia Toledo, who worked with gems from jewelry to massive public installations. She later studied crystals with Antonio Duncan, a crystal healing pioneer trained by Katrina Raphaell and JaneAnn Dow.
Steve Johnson and Bram Zaalberg taught her specific ways of using gems elixirs in formulas, which she has used with clients for 25 years.
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Certified Flower Essence Practitioner, Educator, and Mentor
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Authorized FES Certification Program Instructor
- Founder of Essence Mentoring and Flower Essence Studies
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Host and Facilitator of Essence Circles
Kathleen Aspenns
Kathleen brings her extensive knowledge of plants, botanical families, and their energetic themes, exploring how the mineral kingdom can companion and nourish the transformative qualities of flower essences through a Chinese and Daoist stone medicine lens.
Kathleen is dual certified in both the FES and Alaskan systems and trained directly with Jane Bell (an original creator of the Alaskan gem elixirs along with Steve Johnson). She has been combining flower and gem essences in her client practice for 16 years.
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Certified Flower Essence Practitioner, Educator, and Nature Intuitive
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Founder of the Flora of Asia Flower Essences and Flower Essence Studies
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Host of The Flower Essence Podcast
Rochana Felde
Rochana draws upon her studies and practice of crystal magic, metaphysics, and Ayurvedic healing traditions to explore the crystalline kingdom through color, chakras, and energetic affinities.
In addition to Alaskan Essences, FES, Delta Gardens, and Flora Corona, Ro has trained with crystal expert Nicholas Pearson and vibrational healing expert Dr. Robert J. Gilbert of the Vesica Institute. Ro has been combining flower and gem essences in her client practice of 9 years.
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Flower Essence Practitioner, Educator, and Plant Spirit Intuitive
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Founder of Creative Soul Business, Wiseflower Wellness, and Flower Essence Studies
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Host of The Flower Essence Podcast
Join us for Earth Alchemy
Designed for flower essence practitioners, students, and experienced essence users who want to expand their understanding of gem elixirs and discover new dimensions of formulation.
Your course includes:
- Three learning modules with pre-recorded teachings
- Three live, two-hour sessions with Ruth, Kathleen & Rochana
- A special guided gemstone journey
- Three bonus presentations featuring respected teachers
- Live session recordings added to the course
- Lifetime access to all course materials
Course Opens: November 24, 2026
Live Sessions: December 3, 10 & 17
10:00 am–Noon Pacific Time includes:
90 minutes facilitated discussion
30 minutes optional breakout time
Pricing Options
PAY ONCE
Regular Price $275
EARLY BIRD price until Nov. 20
$275
$198 Early Bird
Yes, I want the Early Bird price
Is Earth Alchemy for you?
This course is designed for those who already have familiarity with flower essences and want to deepen their knowledge and practice.
It's especially suited to:
- Flower essence practitioners wanting to incorporate gem elixirs more confidently into client formulas
- Students of flower essence therapy who are ready to expand beyond working with flowers alone
- People who already use gems and crystals and want to explore their application in vibrational essence therapy
- Experienced essence users seeking a deeper understanding of gem selection, formulation, and energetic correspondences
Rooted in the Earth.
Inspired by the flowers.
The organic intelligence of plants and the crystalline wisdom of minerals offer different but beautifully complementary gifts.
When we bring them into relationship, we open new possibilities for creativity, synergy, and transformation in our work with vibrational essences.
We invite you to explore this alchemy with us.
FAQ
Do I need to be a practitioner or have formal training to take this?
No, but you should already know how to use flower or vibrational essences and make a blend. If you're brand new to flower essences, our free Flower Essence Quickstart can get you started. Our Bach Flower Foundations course provides a solid foundation for all our deeper explorations.
What are gem elixirs?
Gem elixirs a.k.a. gem essences are a liquid preparation made by infusing the vibrational energy of gemstones, crystals, minerals, or metals into water. They don't contain any physical components of the mineral.
What are flower essences?
Flower essences are a liquid preparation made by infusing the vibrational energy of flowers or other parts of a plant into water. They don't contain any physical components of the plant.
Are gem elixirs/essences included with this course / What gem elixirs do you cover?
No. Most gem elixirs mentioned in the course are available for purchase from Alaskan Essences.
What flower essences do you cover?
The flower essences we'll mention in the context of combining with gem elixirs are from a variety of essence lines, mostly Bach (Healing Herbs), FES, and Alaskan Essences.
What if I can't attend live?
It's no problem, the core materials have been pre-recorded, and the live replays will be added to the course. You can work through at your own pace. If you have a specific question for the instructors, you can always email us at [email protected], and if you contact us before the live sessions we can bring it to the discussion even if you're not able to attend.
What is your refund policy?
If you're not satisfied for any reason, you can contact us for a full refund within 7 (seven) days of your purchase.
How do I contact you?
You may email us at [email protected]
