Herbs      and how to          Gather Them......

Ever since the dawn of time, herbs have been used as medicines. They are organic, natural and they can actually do alot of good things for your body. Most herbs work better than modern medicines, because they are natural medicines, and don't contain many of the chemicals that can actually do more harm to your body than good.            When studying herbology in witchcraft, its very important to know how plants work and the best way to gather them. When removing a part of a plant, its customary to ask before taking any part, and thank the plant for providing its services. Plants that you grow in your garden or yard, do not need to be asked for permission before you take anything from them. You provide them with food, protection, and care, and in return they provide you with fruit, leaves, and anything else. It is an understood relationship between a grower and the plants. Prayers and spells do need to be said at significant times over the plants such as planting, watering, pruning, and harvesting. Wild plants however, do need to be asked before removing any of their parts. They depend on themselves for food and protection. To ask a plant for permission, put your hands on the plant (if possible) and envision the part you need from the plant. You may get a feeling of acceptance, or normally no feeling at all. This means its alright to take the part. But, if you get a feeling of mistrust or unease,  apologize to the plant and move on.       When gathering wild herbs: Never remove bark from a tree. Bark protects the tree in the same way as skin protects us, death and disease can result in removing bark, so if you need bark for a recipe or  something, then take a twig from the tree and remove the bark from it instead. Try not to remove the whole plant. If possible, take only a few leaves or twigs and move on. Always ask a plant before you remove any part of it. Always thank a plant after you've removed something. Plants are sacred to witches. All plants should be given something when taken from. Traditionally, gifts of apple cider, milk , honey, tobacco, or prayers are given. You can also give shiny coins or fertilizer. If you have nothing to give, a prayer for the health and well being of the plant is sufficient. Fairies enjoy music, so if you have brought nothing, you can do a song and dance for them. Any act of devotion is acceptable.

"Elder be ye Lady's tree, burn it not or cursed you'll be...."