What is it like There?

[Tamara]

What is the "center like there? It looks to be an older house in the pictures on this site..Is it a big house with lots of rooms? When you are there, do you spend most time outside? Is it off of a main highway? It mentions swimming...is there a pond there? Just curious about it...looks neat in pics.

Tamara

[karen joy]

The "old house" is Susun's home. It has many SMALL rooms. During the classes I've been to I have never gone inside the home. We start class in a circle outisde. Only when raining do we go into the
"studio". I was even here once when it was cold enough to get the fire going. The property is more beautiful and magical than the pictures can describe. It has so many special places that have been created over years of apprenticeships, classes, intensives, and Susun's way of living! There is a deck off the back side of the house over the pond. The deck is covered with potted plants. This is where we eat our lunch and sometimes spend part of class, but mostly class is walking around and visiting with the plants as Susun talks! As far as intensives and apprenticeships, someone else will have to explain more, since I have only been to the one-day classes.

It's easy to get to off the main highway, but down a country road so quiet.... well, except for all our chatter, singing, roaming goats, and the two geese! I never swam in the pond, but know there is also a running stream we can walk to and swim.

karen joy
nourishing wholeness anywhere

[Justine]

Here is a link to some pics of the outdoor workshops at the Wise Woman Center... http://www.susunweed.com/susunweedpics2.htm



Plus here is the Green Witch Intensive photo album - Join the fun:
http://www.susunweed.com/susunweedpics3a.htm

[Amanda1421]

It seems a very nice and interesting place.I am too far away to pay a visit.

[YesSheSaid]

After visiting Susun Weed's home for a workshop...I was left with several questions...

why are her apprentices appear terrified of her? I can understand tears, but I can't understand paralyzed trembling and the fear to speak one's mind.

has Susun ever uttered the words, "I'm sorry." or "I may have been wrong?"

is it possible...that a womon who promotes strong LadyShip and the empowerment of womyn, a womon who speaks so much of the evils of the manipulation and oppression which have been inflicted on womyn, the meek, the poor, by the Patriarchael society. Is it possible that she could be utilizing the SAME tried and true methods (that have been VERY effective for centuries) of control and destruction which she so passionately speaks out against to promote her own agenda? Is it a possibility that when Susun feels challenged or trapped she reacts by putting the confronter's Ego on trial?

Does Susun hold herself up to the same standards/expectations that she holds her apprentices?

Can I think of any other circumstance where apprentices are not only NOT payed, but PAYING a teacher to live under, perform daily chores, to make money for the teacher (ie..providing free labor to run lucrative business(es)) where the laborer never sees any of the fiscal reward? And if so...are these circumstances considered modern day slavery or cult-like behavior?

Has Susun given up learning from others who she does not fear?

when did it become rude to expect clean bathroom facilities when paying $125.00/day for a workshop?

Are there any workshop-like experiences I have attended, where the host refuses to speak to an attendee for 5 minutes who has asked several times and patiently waited over 4 hours in order to ask a question? If so, when is this NOT considered disrespectful? Which opens a secondary question of..does Susun value anyone else's time besides her own?

why does it seem that being right isn't enough for Susun, but it seems that she needs to prove everyone else wrong?

How could I be denied at least a partial refund after wishing to leave 6 hours into a 4-day workshop where I could not listen to her calling other womyn
"worthless pieces of s**t" for another minute? How could she refuse my offer to donate the potential partial refund to a DetroitUrbanFarm (so poor people of Detroit can even have a taste of what it may be like to begin to eat as well as Susun does) and instead keep the full amount for herself?

Has anyone read up on the symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and gave those to Susun to ponder?

I had prepared myself for Susun to be yelling and even read the "why is Susun so Angry?" portion on her website. I was ready to just blow off the theatrical screaming and enjoy being around the presence of someone who refuses to hold back or filter. The website stated that she attacks ACTIONS, NOT PEOPLE. I assure you, that this was not the case.

It reminds me of the story of when a former Vice President received a public on-air apology from the man he "accidentally" shot in the face while hunting. Perhaps one day I will be on my knees thanking her when my Ego has been destroyed enough to stop getting in the way of understanding her genius. Some day. Some day......

And to the womon who asked about the pond. When I was there, there was so much green pond scum over it, you could not see the water...but there is a lovely, deep, fresh running creek in walking distance of her home.

[vismaya]

as the waters and moon, blessed with introspection, reflection, whether on co habitate with susun, goats and love of mother
May teachings serve higher purpose
Walk in Peace
Mother Loves

[nutmeg]

When I read "Why is Susun so Angry" and heard reports from a few close herbalist friends on their workshop experiences, I had similar questions. I was a bit perplexed about the Donald Trump comparison in the article. Not sure I would want to emulate him.

In any case, I'm glad people's concerns aren't being censored here.

[zakiyaa]

YesSheSaid, thank you for your post. i too am glad to see that it is not being censored.

i had a similar experience at my first workshop. within literally 5 minutes of being there and meeting her, i had tears in my eyes and almost walked away, before the workshop ever started. she was mean to me, not inviting and loving as i had expected. the disappointment i felt in that moment was too big to explain. as she walked towards the talking stick circle, i stood behind in the driveway, debating whether or not i had made the right choice by coming here. i decided that i would stay and stand up for myself, and learn everything that i could. i didn't regret my decision.

i too saw her "abuse" her apprentices, bring them to tears by telling them how stupid they were. it seemed like this was worse with the women who were more submissive or quiet by nature. i can't say that i fully understand her methods, but i did catch glimpses of her point of view while i was there. i think pushing the limits of your students can be beneficial, forcing them to stand up for themselves, to speak their minds. i felt like part of her methods could definitely be having positive effects on the students in the long run. but then again, that is just an outsider's perspective, i was never her apprentice. maybe i am completely wrong..

ultimately i am glad that i stayed that day, and have since been back to the center several times, and am enrolled in the green witch course. i plan on going back in a few weeks too.

i know that when we were at talking stick once, susun discussed having asperger's syndrome; essentially a form of high functioning autism. she spoke about this in relation to someone's question, and i do believe she ended up speaking about herself in this manner (someone correct me if i am wrong). the reason i bring this up is that if you read up on this "syndrome', it makes sense in light of a lot of the behaviors and actions susun demonstrates, as was described in the earlier post. does it make them okay or "good"? maybe so, maybe not. for me though, i simply realized that this is who she is, i may disagree with aspects of her personality or life choices, but i still view her as an incredible teacher with a wealth of information to share. so i take it with a grain of salt and study everything that i can from her. for some people, it is too much to handle or witness, and i can understand that. but truthfully i think few teachers come close to her in terms of direct experience and knowledge, especially when it comes to the wise woman tradition.

[Sashamarts]

i know that when we were at talking stick once, susun discussed having asperger's syndrome; essentially a form of high functioning autism. she spoke about this in relation to someone's question, and i do believe she ended up speaking about herself in this manner (someone correct me if i am wrong).

In my introduction letter to Susun (for the ABCs course) I mentioned that my best friend has High Functioning Autism (and why i love her) and Susun responded that she is also Autistic... of course there are many layers to the Autism Spectrum, but after speaking to Susun on the phone (during which she was rude, foul-mouthed and condescending) and then reading YesSheSaid's post, i realized that it was very likely that Susun has Aspergers.... I, personally, feel that if she is going to TEACH (especially in a live-in situation) that she has the responsibility to be very open about this, so that people can make an informed decision about taking classes with her. I do not feel that the article "Why is Susun So Angry?" adequately expresses the extent of the situation. I had read the article, and had also read that the WWC was child-friendly (i'm pretty much attachment parenting) so i was interested in spending a weekend and bringing my daughter... now i know better. i would never knowingly expose my daughter to this situation... i totally understand the "break 'em down to build 'em up" theory, but i think that if the instructor truly has Asperger's then there is no boundary- no point at which she will step back and say "ok, i've crossed the line, it's time to stop" because, simply, she won't recognize that line. She won't be able to comprehend that she is verbally & emotionally ABUSING people... certainly not her FAULT, and no reason to be ashamed, but something that she really needs to be clear about.... again this is just my opinion.... also, i was somewhat disappointed that Susun seemed SO consumed with her profit when I spoke to her, I had expected this Wise Woman to be more concerned with ... how to say??.. The Greater Good for her fellow Women, but i understand, now, that this is a Business to her.... i have, since, found an Herbalist/Teacher who more embodies my ideals, but i will finish my course with Susun first.... sorry if this went a bit long....
p.s. my mother always says "If we are going to break the stigma of mental illness, we must be open about it"

[YesSheSaid]

Let me start by saying that I believe everyone deserves to make a living doing what they love. I do. yup. I do.

I heard this quite a bit from the womyn at the workshop "just be quite and listen..she has a wealth of information."
I believe Susun has plenty of knowledge to share and has served the herbal community quite well in some aspects but....

I find it astounding the pedestal that everyone has put Susun on, therefor excusing her behavior. I'm a huge fan of cunt-like energy, but I really believe she thinks she is at Prophet-esque status, and that her "followers" need to shut up, get out of the way, and can ONLY learn the language of plants THROUGH her. I find her to be running a very seductive lucrative cult there which fuels her narcissistic behavior. (who else do you know who's workshop is lined with pictures of themselves???) I dont' understand how such strong womyn, can sit back and applaud her destroying other womyn. how does she hold that power? I've heard plenty of "I've was in tears" or "I was about to cry." Why? Why is everyone so scared of her?

I tried to talk to her several times, and for over 3 hours was either ignored, completely avoided, or told she was on a break and could not be disturbed. It took hours for her to let me leave after I had respectfully let her know how uncomfortable I was in her "home."She refused to take any responsibility for her actions (which she so enthusiastically enjoys to roar in other wimin's faces when they may not take responsibility.) I am a PAYING guest...all I asked was for 5 minutes to speak with her on three different occasions. It may not seem like it from the post, but I was VERY respectful when I was in her home. I wish now that I maybe would not have held back as much as I did, because it seems no one ever challenges her. I found it astonishingly disrespectful that she absolutely refused to speak to me for hours. When I finally demanded that I will be heard, she said "Everyone wants to speak to me for 5 minutes." Then had me wait another hour...which I DID!

Perhaps it is just me, but I like to make sure when my guests come over to my home (FOR FREE) that my bathroom is presentable and they feel comfortable enough to actually sit on the seat. The porta-potties looked to be two weeks into a hippie music festival. and of course...she blamed that on one of her apprentices. She seems incapable of listening, chooses to argue with people who are agreeing, and screams you stories of over-the-top tragedy to have the last word when she feels threatened or challenged. I was not impressed and I'm not too apologetic not to say I think she is a fraud.

For her "can't get it anywhere else knowledge"....she let us know that "What I am about to tell you is worth more than the entire cost of the workshop." This was not the first time she brought up money. But of course, after paying a non refundable $600, and the previous hour had simply been yelling about goats, why we need to eat meat, and screaming at the girls for not being at her beck and call every second, my ears perked up a bit. She then proceeds to take out a piece of string. she puts the string into a basic slip knot, wraps the knot around the plant stem, and tacks it to the wall, and waited for the oohs and ahhs. If that monumental piece of information is worth $600, I am getting far too sweet of a deal in rent here in Michigan. It took most of my energy not to grab my belly and roll around in laughter, while all the other ladies sat there wide eyed in "awe of her prophetic knowledge."

And if you have a syndrome that is socially crippling...perhaps it may be a good idea to transform that energy and utilize the positive aspects of those traits into a business, rather than inviting people into your home for over $100/day to be around you and constantly despairing for sympathy from folks you are ripping off. She writes magnificent books. But I strongly feel she should not be a teacher. The loss of my money was not worth compromising my morals to become a silent enabler of abuse for four days. There are others who are willing to teach, nurture, and promote the Wise Woman Tradition without blaming their self promoting behavior on a condition. there are true WiseCroneWomen out there who do not believe that Ego must be destroyed to the core to understand their genius. The ego that keeps getting in the way seems to be Susun's. I really don't know how everyone fell for it for so long. How does not everyone see she is using the same Patriarchal fear manipulation tactics on her students that she so much speaks out about?

[vismaya]

oh dear sisters , as such bad medicine to speak in regards to any soul as you do here
for forgive your true self of any judgement on this path , for dear sister Susun or any wise woman sister
For may all rise to a high vibration of learning, while some might prefer mango over papaya , of course leave if you can't hang....
All free will , choice. Dear Susun has so so so so much to offer only if open to recieve, but surrender of ego... sure path to deep healing
understanding and dedication... For seems so usual many woman are disrespected by men and put up with it , magic that played out within all illusions , for the fierceness of the divine feminine is
blessed energy to provoke and awaken all dorment tendencies which obstruct path.. beyond the herbs
For over 5 years near Susun , seen witness and held true to experience for this Dear Sister layed foundation of herbs , healing , awakening
To gift years down road to save a dear sister from double back rattle snake bite....... C'mon all this neg toward blessed healing sister
So what she yells, you don't , you have not ... please.... Sisters this time unite for we are sacred family of feminine unity
Release all judgement get under some water and scream.... And as far as speaking with Susun call her tues nites for her free consult time
For her home space sacred space of goddess don't push your "I gotto do this or that " Relax and breathe
May goddess bless each every one... dear sisters ... open your heart allow all to be , so much can be learned and taught , keep centered within as goddess ..... sure every sister been to WWC has left learning some great key for path of wise woman
light shining through............................

jai ma
namaste.....................Turtle

[Sashamarts]

So what she yells, you don't , you have not ... please

Indeed I yell, but not at my customers. I hold myself to a standard of professionalism. When my client calls me I do not use profanity when speaking with them. Respect is earned, but polite-ness is just the right thing to do.

For seems so usual many woman are disrespected by men and put up with it

but should we?? should we allow anyone, of any gender, race, or profession to degrade us? to control us? to bring us to tears and show no remorse? just a thought, but if you are a "feminist", a teacher, a Wise Woman, shouldn't you understand that at least some of your students have recently been through this oppression, or are trying to escape it, or have been damaged by it... shouldn't you want to avoid using those same tactics against those women- not only your students, but your Sisters, and your customers as well...

And as far as speaking with Susun call her tues nites for her free consult time

this is when I spoke to her, and No, I will absolutly NOT be redeeming my "talk time" (value $300) that comes with my course. I understand I will be gaining a wealth of knowledge from the course, but feel no need to speak directly to Susun again.

[YesSheSaid]

As I drove away from Susun's Commune house, the tornado of emotions consumed my entire being. I tried to leave it peaceful up to the very last interaction. I didn't want it to get ugly. She made it ugly. I can get ugly. Trust me.

But after the tornado subsided, I had over 700 miles to drive home, little spending money left, and all the time in the world since I didn't need to be home for 6 more days..... so I pondered...what do I do with this information? what is my intention when I tell this story?

I have two reasons why I am writing this.
1. I want to warn other womyn of the other side of her that no one seems to speak of before they spend all their money, take time off work, and drive half across the country.

2. To give those apprentices a glimpse of another opinion of Susun, and help them realize that Fear does not equal LOVE! I actually sent a letter out to the apprentices

If you want to spend your time and money being a mirror of self destruction for Susun, you go right ahead. You did say folks are there on their own free will. but I was led to feel by her not letting me leave (physically...two womyn were parked behind me) she was clinging to the idea that if I stayed long enough I would come around and understand how awe-inspiring she was.

I sent out a letter addressed to the Ladies of the Apprentice House a few days after my trip. I had offered a full ticket to the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival to one of them, so they could spend a week out in nature having fun, laughing, and being nourished by supportive Crone Womyn. I did not hear a response. Does anyone know if they received the letter? Susun wouldn't have intercepted it, would she? Is she capable of doing that to those girls?

But Vismaya...did you really just applaud yourself??? really??? If Susun is soooo wonderful...why does she not give a s**t about customer satisfaction?
In your eyes, I may seem as if I just spouting off nastiness....but I believe it is a HUMAN OBLIGATION to encourage actions that should be encouraged, and to call out the actions that should be reevaluated. I expect the same out of my loved ones, friends, and acquaintances, keep me in check. I do not tolerate indifference in my close friends. I surround myself with people who will force me to grow through soft supportive love and tough challenging love.


I pray I pray
for this world to be
filled with intellectual Love and the will to be Free
Erupting Honesty
Soulful Vulnerability
We will see with Gods Eyes
as we reunite the tides
of the Cosmic Harmony

[vismaya]

Bless and release
for fairies dancing in forest
Share goddess of wise to give death rebirth
nourish self


For all the herbal wisdom
For all the ancient ways
As dancing is spiral with all vibration resonates with light , love upmost grace , positive ions flow from mountains water

Keep dancing singing experiencing

For all experience , no matter "costs" are worth experiencing
experience which simple affect your next experience continue on path
Sit with all respect to all wise woman , spiral all relation of true knowing
that No matter how much any are to acquire of finances , simple ebb n flow

AWaking at these times , knowing nothing


For experience with Su Sun as the sun shines , as moon illuminates
Sun shines bright seem last time checked to be vital part of this here existance


Just give thanks and praise
let it go let it flow and
with your mind
Maybe om shanti om
Jai Jai ma
get a hug and make a rug
dance a jig
save a bug
For lately seen many praying manits show up
medicine of stillness
healing
go within
for bear time is coming up go within set a spell

yall come back now ...........................hear?

[vismaya]

when did it become rude to expect clean bathroom facilities when paying $125.00/day for a workshop?



back again speaking of back
learning to dig a pooper be great adventure for these times going green conserve on electric fancy of toliets
maybe the 125.00 of expectation of place to poop can only imagine of maintance of toiliets at wwc for all the emotion
as well to simple living kind to MOTHER EARTH
yes mother earth walking every blessed step with medicine and prayers , no expectation............................

Reminds me a simple experience of Amma oh dear mother divine Amriteshwarai namaha
Amritanandamayi mother of emmortal bliss .. Amma.org

For at time of after hugging , 60 million or so.....
from Amma in airport swami making way to space for
Amma to have meal after hugging
Swami comes to mother with message of 50.oo for space next to bar area in airport
For sure enough Amma took her meal to bathroom "She spoke isn't this where it ends up" Mother sit on toliet ate her food.............
She had alerted the group of 50.00 can feed family india for a week.....
Sure enough when back at ashram in india next experience was indian family come to temple
for help with food.... 50.00 was given