Yule 1998 Newsletter Revitalising the Hunt By Adrianne

General Ideas

The Hunt is an ancient idea that is two fold in meaning. On the surface it is the fight for survival, below the surface it is a challenge to the individual to conquer or to claim a prize. The treasure hunt can be found throughout history in ideas such as the hunt for the Holy Grail, or in the simple childhood pursuit of eggs hidden at Eostre. The hunt can be undertaken in every day life, we hunt for bargains, hunt for knowledge or we might hunt for love. In considering the hunt we research, practice and then set out to seek our prize. Sometimes the practice if the hunt might involve sacrifice of some sort, for example, our time, our energy, or our patience. Do we view the hunt as a challenge, a test, or as something selfish? I would be very interested to hear people's view on this topic. Drop me a line if you would like to make a comment on this idea.

Ritualising the Hunt

Technically, I'm not a vegetarian. But you would never find me in the supermarket buying a piece of meat, or eating a steak, or pork roast. What am I? I'm a fisherperson who eats that which is caught in my 'hunt'. I only eat the meat that I catch myself. I could never contemplate going into the supermarket and actually purchasing a peice of meat. But I certainly contemplate and perform the act of catching a fish, killing, cleaning and then consuming that fish. When I do this I am connecting with the life force of the earth. I am fully aware of that which has been sacrificed in order for me to eat. I feel that by being involved in the whole process, I am more aware of the cycles of life, and more thankful for the food which I consume. I am a part of it, as opposed to being a mere recipient. I feel I have taken responsibility for the food which enters my body.

When I am fishing, I sit and meditate as the bait is in the water waiting for the first bite. I visualise myself attached to the fishing line, travelling down into the water, and I visualise the life that lives there. I ask the Goddess to send me the fish who's destiny it is to be my dinner (as a keen fisherperson I usually hope its a big one!). When I catch a fish I ensure that it is killed in the most responsible and swift way, and I only keep those fish that I know I will eat. All the rest are released safely back into the water to live and fight another day (I might give it a message to send its big brother or mother along next time!). The parts of the fish that can't be eaten are used for fertiliser, and a truly wonderful one it is too. A fish head in the base of a potted plant does wonders. When I leave a fishing spot, a quick pick up of rubbish occurs so that the area is a bit cleaner for the next person that comes along, and so that the waste does not end up in the water contaminating it. I participate in "Clean Up Australia Day", as a way of giving something back to the waterways that sustain me throughout the year. I am aware of the species of fish that are protected, and the legal size and bag limits that apply to our sea species of fish. I make the act of fishing a total one, from being prepared, to cleaning up and taking responsibility for our water ways. I am involved, a part of it, and more aware of it.

In our modern, fast paced, super convenient society, it is not always possible to catch your own food but many people participate in growing their own vegies, or killing their own livestock, or milking their own cows or goats as a way of reminding themselves where our food comes from. For many people it is a connecting activity that reminds them of life, its cycles, its dependence and inter connectedness. Even the simple act of growing your own herbs on your balcony can help you to experience this. What do you think?