FAQs
Who is Joy Ellis?
Joy Ellis is a Sacred Plant Medicine practitioner, Shamanic Healer and Homeopath with more than 30 years’ experience in Holistic healing practices. Her work weaves together Plant Spirit Medicine, Sacred Art, Shamanism and Homeopathy drawing on decades of spiritual exploration and connection with the healing wisdom of the natural world.
What training and experience does Joy have?
Alongside her long-standing work as a Homeopath for the last 30 years - BSc (Hons) Hom Med, RSHom, Joy has undertaken extensive study and spiritual training over many years. This includes 14 years Shamanic training in the UK and Ireland in Core Shamanism and other various Shamanic trainings. She also completed a four-year apprenticeship in Sacred Plant Medicine in Ireland with Medicine Woman and Medical Herbalist Carole Guyette through The Way of the Wise Healer programme and is a member of the Foundation for Sacred Plant Medicine FSPM. Her work also draws on over 30 years’ experience exploring different spiritual and healing pathways. she is a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy MBACP.
What is the philosophy behind Sacred Weave?
Sacred Weave is rooted in the belief that healing, creativity and spiritual connection are deeply intertwined. Joy’s approach brings together sacred art, plant wisdom, shamanic healing and intuitive practice to support deeper self-awareness, healing, empowerment and reconnection with the sacred aspects of life and nature.
Do I need previous experience to explore sacred plant medicine?
Not at all. Many people begin this path simply through curiosity, a desire for deeper connection, or a wish to support their emotional, spiritual or personal growth. What matters most is openness, grounded intention and a willingness to approach the work with care, respect and self-awareness.
Is sacred plant medicine the same as psychedelics?
Joy’s practice does not include psychedelics. While some sacred plant traditions may involve psychoactive plants, sacred plant medicine is a much broader practice that can also include herbs, flowers, ritual plants, energetic healing, embodiment practices and nature-based wisdom traditions building a relationship with the spirit of the plants on the land we live on. This is known as ‘Genius Locci” meaning Spirit of the Place. When we deeply connect with the spirits of the plants on the land we live on then all plants become Teacher plants in a rich deep and lasting relationship.
What is sacred plant medicine?
Sacred plant medicine refers to working intentionally and respectfully in a co-creative partnership with plants for healing, insight, spiritual connection and personal transformation. Traditions around sacred plants exist across many cultures and lineages, often rooted in ceremony, nature connection with deep reverence and honouring for the wisdom of the natural world.
What do the Sacred Plant Medicine workshops involve?
Joy offers both one-day Plant Spirit Medicine workshops plus longer retreats. A one-day introductory Plant Spirit Medicine workshop involves learning how to respectfully be in partnership with the plant kingdom and using shamanic techniques to engage with the spirit of the plant in a deeply embodied way. Plus exploring the folklore, mythology and medicine of a particular plant for that day with some practical medicine making, shamanic journeying and other tools.
A longer retreat is a wonderful opportunity to deepen and embody your connection with the plants and explore the healing and engaging with the spirits of the plants. With ceremony and shamanic techiniques you will be guided into exploring the magic and essence of the plants in a beautiful, sustainable and harmonious way that is deeply honouring for personal growth and seeing Grandmother Earth through a new lens. Being both on the land and in Sacred circle within the container of the Celtic Medicine Wheel, movement and the alchemy of the medicine making of Elixirs, Hydrosols, vibrational essences etc. Integration and soul embodiment.
Do I need to have artistic experience to attend a Sacred Art workshop?
Not at all. The workshops are designed for all levels, including complete beginners. You will be guided step-by-step throughout the process, with the focus being on creative expression, connection and personal exploration rather than technical perfection.
What happens during a Sacred Art workshop?
The workshops combine creativity with guided visualisation, reflection and intuitive exploration. Participants are supported in creating artwork that connects with something meaningful and personal, often inspired by themes such as the Divine Feminine, nature, healing and inner wisdom. It is a channel for the soul to speak from the heart and appear in material form through the art medium used.
Are the Sacred Art workshops available online?
Yes. Workshops can be offered both in person and online either in person in groups or online on a 1:1 basis. For online sessions, guidance is provided in advance regarding any art materials you may need so you can feel fully prepared for the experience.
What is shamanic healing?
Shamanic healing is a spiritual healing practice that works with energy, consciousness and connection to the natural and unseen worlds. It is based on the understanding that everything carries spirit and energy, and aims to support healing, balance, guidance and reconnection on emotional, spiritual and energetic levels working in partnership with the spirit allies. Shamanic Healing can include Soul Retrieval, energy blockage extractions, Power Animal retrieval, Ancestral Healing etc. All Joy’s healing practices work in communion with the plant kingdom.
What can shamanic healing help with?
People seek shamanic healing for many different reasons, including emotional healing, spiritual growth, feeling disconnected, recurring life patterns, ancestral healing, loss of confidence, energetic imbalance or a desire for deeper connection and clarity, guidance and empowerment. Each session is unique and guided by the individual’s needs and intentions.
Do I need previous experience with spiritual or healing practices?
No previous experience is needed. Sessions are offered in a grounded, supportive and compassionate way, whether you are completely new to shamanic work or already experienced in spiritual practices. The most important thing is arriving with openness and a willingness to explore the healing journey.