Alchemy is the ancient tradition that shaped modern chemistry, medicine, and herbalism. In this recorded class, we explore the history and philosophy of Western alchemy, tracing its roots from ancient Egypt through the great alchemical physicians who saw the transformation of matter as inseparable from the transformation of the self.

Then we move from philosophy into practice. Inside the Casa Curativa apothecary, you’ll witness a live essential oil distillation and experience a guided tasting of spagyric preparations — the alchemical form of herbal medicine that works with the full body, soul, and spirit of the plant.

Friday Weekly Class Replay:

Alchemy & Spagyrics:
The Living Art of Plant Transformation

Recorded Live on Friday, April 10, 2026
Casa Curativa: Tzununá, Lake Atitlán Guatemala
Hosted by: Julia Bentley | Casa Curativa’s Founder

Alchemy & Spagyrics Live Class Replay:

Class Notes:

Download class notes here!
Whiteboard with handwritten notes about alchemy and Spagyric, including definitions of 'Khem' for The Black Lands during 330-30 BC Potamic Period, and the year 47 BC titled 'Meters'.
Whiteboard with botanical notes and diagrams under the title 'Alchemy & Spagyrics' in a garden setting. Text includes 'Prima Materia', 'Celestial Salt', 'YIN', and symbols related to alchemy.
Whiteboard with handwritten notes about alchemy and zodiac signs, surrounded by plants in the background. The notes include symbols and words such as 'Sun - Heart,' 'Moon - Brain, Stomach,' and references to planets like 'Venus,' 'Mars,' 'Saturn,' and related qualities.
A woman sitting outside next to a whiteboard with writing about alchemy and spices, with a notebook and laptop in front of her.
Whiteboard with notes on alchemy and spices, including words like space, hot, cold, energy, moisture, dry, trust, turning, and symbols of triangles and circles, with a woman sitting beside it holding an orange pen.
Whiteboard with notes on alchemy and spagyrics, including elements like sulfur, salt, fire, and ingredients like essential oil, merkur, mind, spirit, wine, and disclaimers about alcohol content. A woman is partially visible sitting next to it.
A woman sitting in front of a whiteboard with notes on alchemy and space in red and green ink. Part of her face and arm are visible, holding an orange marker.
Whiteboard with colorful handwritten notes and symbols related to alchemy, spices, and energy, with a woman sitting nearby holding a notebook and pen.
Whiteboard with notes on alchemy and spices, listing elements like sulfur, soul, fire, essential oil, salt, mineral body, and symbols for Mercury, Mind/Spirit, and Wine, with chemistry-related symbols and annotations.

Meet Julia: Founder of Casa Curativa…

A young woman with long brown hair smiling while sitting outdoors in a lush garden, holding a green leaf in her right hand and looking at the camera.

Herbalist • Birth Doula • Founder + Owner of Casa Curativa • Connect on Instagram

Julia is the founder of Casa Curativa, a living herbal education center, permaculture center, and apothecary she has been cultivating for the past eight years. Her work weaves together herbal medicine, plant connection, and hands-on education rooted in the landscapes where she lives and practices.

She studied in person for two years with Sajah Popham at The School of Evolutionary Herbalism: an experience that profoundly shaped her worldview and deepened her understanding of the living intelligence of plants. She has also supported many women as a birth doula; supporting women through the threshold of becoming mothers and bringing new life into the world.

Julia’s daily practice moves between the apothecary and the natural world, where the plants themselves remain some of her greatest teachers. She loves helping people build meaningful relationships with herbs and guiding others to discover the same spark of understanding that transformed her own path.

Upcoming Casa Curativa Offerings:

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a green shawl and earrings, is smelling or examining a plant in a field of greenery outdoors against a mountain and cloudy sky.

Herbal Dieta @ Casa Curativa:

Join an immersive experience connecting deeply with the plant ally of your choosing: Blue Louts, Lavender, Nettle, Wild Rose, Ruda (Rue) or Tetradenia. Inspired by traditional plant dietas practiced in the Amazon, adjusted for the Western herbal enthusiast. During 6 days, you will directly experience the plant energetics present in the medicine you are working with. All Herbal Dietas include 3 meals a day, accommodation, daily plant baths and connection with the spagyric essence of your plant of choice.

discover your dieta
Person holding a basket filled with various fresh herbs and flowers.

Casa Curativa’s Herbal Apprenticeship: Now Enrolling

The Casa Curativa Apprenticeship is an immersive opportunity to step into the living practice of herbal medicine. Apprentices work closely with the plants, the apothecary, and the daily rhythms of the land while learning the foundations of herbal preparation, formulation, and small-batch medicine making.

Through hands-on experience in the gardens and apothecary, you’ll deepen your relationship with medicinal plants while supporting the work of a functioning herbal school and community space. This apprenticeship offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how herbal medicine is grown, crafted, and shared.

Ideal for those who want practical skills, real experience, and a deeper relationship with the plants while participating in the day-to-day life of a working herbal apothecary.

immerse yourself in the plants

Ready to learn more with Casa Curativa?

A free 4-part Connection with Plant Series with owner & founder of Casa Curativa, Julia Bentely.

Inside this series, you will:

  • Learn how to connect with plants as allies and companions.

  • Recognize subtle messages, synchronicities, and plant communication.

  • Use your senses to receive guidance and become a better herbalist.

  • Integrate plant wisdom into your daily life with reciprocity and respect.