Harvesting And Collecting Sweetgrass (Page background: C. stolonifera in bloom)     Let me tell you how I do my harvesting of herbs: I first find where the herb I want is growing well away from automobile fumes or other pollutants. Then I make an offering of a pinch of Tobacco to the seven cardinal directions and to the plants themselves. Sometimes, like on a tree, I leave a token gift like a small, bright ribbon on one of the small branches or twigs. I verbally, out loud, express my thanks to the plants and thank them for their gifts.     Never, ever 'talk down' to a plant or any other living thing. Speak as you would to a mature friend. If you have nothing important to say, then listen. Inane babbling and 'baby talk' hinder spiritual communication.     If you have the time, visit the plant a day or a week before you harvest - make your offerings as above, explain your need and leave your compliments. I truly believe that the herbs harvested in this manner are much better because the plant prepares itself for the intended use.     I always carry a pair of sharp pruning shears with me when I go foraging, they are indispensable. The shears make a clean cut on the stems and leave a wound that heals quickly. Never pull the plant up by its roots unless the root is what you are after. Never pick all the plants in a given patch. When you leave, the patch or a tree should look as if nobody had been there collecting. Our Mother Earth gives so much in her bounty that it is ignorant, selfish and lazy to decimate a patch of herbs or other plants. Never pick more than you need.     Herbs should be dried carefully and reverently. Never dry them too fast or at a temperature higher than room temperature. Hanging herbs upside down while drying keeps the active principles in the top of the plant. Some herbs, like sage, should remain slightly pliable after drying - some should be dried until they snap when flexed. Store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Label each container. After a year, carefully burn all the herbs from the last harvest and return the ashes to Mother Earth. Never just throw them in the trash. If herbs are handled with reverence and care, as gifts directly from The Creator, then you will find that they are, indeed, magic and powerful. ~Webel Fetzer

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