In witchcraft, we sometimes discuss “green wood” and how to harvest it. When I discuss green wood in this post, I am not merely referring to freshly cut wood, but to wood in which a spirit resides. I use this language because I am building off the framework from Pearson’s “Treading the Mill.”
It is entirely possible to request that the spirit of a tree stay within a piece of wood when it is cut. There are two ways to do this. One is to slowly build a relationship with a tree over the course of days, months, perhaps even years. When the time is right, the tree will allow you to cut a piece. The other method is to walk through the forest and find a tree that would be willing to sacrifice itself (or part of itself) for your project. If you have become adept at communing with plants, this should not be particularly challenging.
Here is how I do this. Before I cut the wood, I give the tree a bit of whiskey or something similar. Then I start the process of crafting the tool while the branch is still on the tree. When it is nearly complete, I cut it off. If you do this, be careful to avoid letting it touch the ground. This would make the wood spiritually inert.
The wood must then dry for at least month, possibly much longer if it is a thick piece. When it had dried, it can be carved, sanded, refined, etc. This can be used to make a wand, staff, stang, paten, or a mask. Really the sky’s the limit.
If you are making a wand, you may want to carve out the center and insert something into it. You may include herbs. Which herbs depend on the purpose of the wand. You may also include your own taglocks (hair, fingernails, etc) to bind the wand to you. You can then seal it up with sealing wax.
If you are making a stang, you will want to have it “shod.” I also like to drill a small hole in the fork of the stang so I may place a candle there. A small candleholding implement can be made from floral wire.
The spirit of the wood will reside within the tool for as long as you treat it well. Give it offerings of incense. Clean it as part of your rituals. Put it in a place of honor. You may even wish to feed it with a bit of your blood. This method has never failed me.
Our Earth is beautiful and majestic. There are many ways that you can connect to our beloved world because it is one of the two elements that you can actually touch. I love our Earth, feeling the vibrations going through my body is one hell of an experience.
Here is a list of different ways to connect to our Earth.
Go outside. Whether you have a special place in your neighborhood, your backyard, or a park; go to that place and sit there. Place your hands on the Earth and feel the heartbeat vibrate through you.
Do yoga outside, with a mat or not (your choice). Let the Earth steady and form you.
Plant a garden. Fill your space and let it flourish. NOTE: Be mindful, plant things that won’t harm your health or others or pets. Do your research. Gardening takes time, patience, and all of your love. You must dedicate yourself.
Take a walk and collect what comes to you. NOTE: Be mindful. Do not collect anything harmful to your health, do your research and keep a notebook or a book on you that can help you identify plants. Only collect items that happen to fall upon your path. Do not pluck, pull, rip, cut. Not only is it disrespecting, it will hurt the plants and not let them grow properly afterwards.
Make a special Earth altar, preferably facing North. Fill it with colors of greens and browns, special items you have collected, crystals, rocks, coins, Mother Earth symbols, statues of trees, etc. Anything that is related to Earth.
Make a sigil that means “I connect to my bountiful Earth and protected by her arms.” or something along the lines. (Again, I am not a sigil maker but something I would like to include for others who are) Wear the sigil on you as you go on walk or take hikes.
Be respectful to animals. (I feel) they are messengers of the Earth, (I feel) they watch us for a reason.
Talk to the trees. Learn from the wisdom they have to offer.
Research Gnomes, they are protectors of our Earth. NOTE: Like working with any spirit, do your research and be respectful. I don’t have any resources to give with working with Gnomes but here are a couple ways I have personally used.
Leave offerings (like flowers or rocks you have collected in the past or food like bread) inside a tree or under a rock. NOTE: Be careful, make sure you are not disturbing an animals home.
Leave currency (coins) to offer respect for all they have done to keep our Earth stable. NOTE: Make sure you do this somewhere that others won’t steal your offering. Make sure it is hidden where only Gnomes can get to it. EX. under a rock or if you have a backyard have a special place in the corner of your yard for this kind of offering.
Be kind to the Earth. Don’t liter, recycle, and show them you are one with the Earth. They care and respect seeing how we can be caring to our Earth.
Join a volunteer group that helps to clean up our Earth or make your own group. Check local listing online for your town.
fair--y backup 