| Wild Crafting When we borrow from Nature, it's often called wild crafting. This simply means that we are collecting our items from Nature. There is nothing wrong with this. Nature has provided for us, and with respect for Nature we will take only what we need. Some general rules we should remember when wild crafting are to never take more than we need and to never take more than 25% of what is available or what the plant/tree can replace in a short time. As Pagans we tend to wild craft during the waxing time of the lunar cycle. During the waning part of the cycle it is better to allow Nature to store it's energy. It is also better to collect your needs while the plants/trees are in a dormant state. When wild crafting you select the plant/bush/tree which you intend to collect from. Choose the branches which need to be pruned anyway. Never take a part that may cause damage to the plant. Once you have chosen the part you will take, use your athame to cast a circle around the plant. Stand within the circle, facing the plant, and invoke it's spirit. For example you can say: "Spirit of the (name of plant), I invoke thee, By root and trunk I summon thee, By branch and leaf I call upon thee, Hear me and grant my request." Repeat this until you feel that you have waken the spirit of the plant. Then say: "I ask that I may take from thee, That your power be shared with me, Through the use of your offerings." Wait for a response. It may be a gentle breeze, a falling leaf, or any other sign from Nature. Then give thanks: "Thank you for your offerings, Blessed Be!" Make the cut as clean and humane as possible. Use a sharp edge on your cutting tool. If you are collecting wood, use a sharp saw. Many will say the cut should be with a white handled knife in order to sever the spirit with the cut. If you don't have a sharp white handled knife, hold the cutting in place and make a second mock cut with the white handled knife. It is time to leave a sacrifice for the plant. It's a way of giving back for what you have take. You can leave a gem or crystal or what ever you want to leave. Keep in mind that a sacrifice is something that has been special to you. It's not a sacrifice if you are giving away something you don't care about. Plant your sacrific near the base of the plant you have cut. Clear your circle. If you cut a tree and the cut is more than 1 inch in diameter, apply tar to the cut to prevent infection to the tree. Move your cuttings to the location where you will be working with them. Cast a circle around the area to continue protecting the spirit of the plants. Prepare your craft. When finished, give thanks for it. Remember to thank the Goddess and God and each element. |
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