Gathering From Nature in a Good Way

Steps for ensuring our spiritual & medicinal foraging practices align with our values of respect and sustainability

Rose petals on the shoreline ~ photo by Juliette Jarvis

There are many times we might feel called to pick up a stone, feather, shell, or stick while walking in nature. These little friends might catch our eye or even seem to "call out" to us. We might feel a pull or even seem to audibly hear them. This is especially the case during meditation walks when seeking items for certain ceremonial working such as creating a spirit arrow or staff, when in need of a particular energetic or elemental medicine, gathering for a devotional offering practice, re-stocking Burlá Ghuí/Despacho kits, when creating medicine pouches, or simply wildcrafting herbal medicines, but we may also feel this urge spontaneously. Some of us may even develop a habit of collecting a particular item, heart shaped rocks or feathers are a common favourite.

There are a few important aspects to consider when gathering from Nature to ensure that we are doing so in a good way. 

• Do we need it? 
  When we have a long standing practice of working with a particular element or natural item it is easy to simply fall into the habit of collecting whenever we see one. They seem to always catch our awareness and our affinity for them finds us often happily tucking one... or five ... into our pocket. Sometimes this isn't really a call to gather more at all, but rather an invitation to work more closely with what we already have. Those heart rocks mentioned above are a great example. How well do you know the ones already on your window sill or piled in your garden? Do you know why you are attracted to them? In what way are you actively working with them? I mean actively working with, not just lining a path or stock piling them because they look nice. Meditating on, dreaming with, or journeying to the spirit of a stone may reveal some profound medicine-ways to deepen your relationship. Stream of conscious journaling, even direct contemplation are also helpful avenues of discovery.

• Eco-friendly Harvesting
  We want to be certain that our collecting is not altering or harming the eco-system. The shell on the beach may have small, living barnacles on the back for instance. When harvesting plants, mushrooms, roots, lichen etc., do so sparingly and collect small amounts from multiple sources rather than all from one spot. Ideally, research the most harmless method as well. Take only what is needed and aim to avoid any waste or spoilage. Certain plant species for instance are incredibly sensitive! Picking a few Ghost Pipe stems from the same patch or even plucking just one Fairy Slipper flower will kill the entire plant. Walking the shoreline with your four footed friend during, or shortly after, a Herring spawn can unknowingly contribute to long lasting and devastating effects. Ensuring that we are gathering in an informed and sustainable way keeps our actions in alignment with our values.

• Permission
  Often in spiritually minded communities we are guided to ask permission from the plant, stone, or feather etc. but not everyone knows what that means or how to ask. The intention is to bring ourselves to stillness and inner quiet while holding the question very present in both heart and mind. We might choose wording such as, "Do you agree to come with me for sacred use?" or, "May I have your permission to harvest some of your leaves?" and we must wait for any sense of yes or no. This may be a subtle feeling or come through very strongly. If clearer answers are needed, we might employ methods such as muscle testing or pendulum use. A coin flip would work in a real pinch. It may also help to be touching what we are hoping to gather while asking for permission. The important thing is to be very honest with ourselves about if we have a clear yes or not. Be prepared to accept non consent. Even if we reallllly want it.

• Reciprocal Exchange
  ​Another common protocol is to leave something we value or hold in high regard behind. This helps ensure that we don't inadvertently adopt an attitude of only take take take. We want to cultivate a reciprocal relationship with our helping allies, just as we would any friend. We don't only call up our human friends when we need something, we show them we care for and respect them. Only instead of buying our friend a coffee or bringing them care packages when sick, we place sacred herbs down, channel reiki, radiate our love, sing a song, or one of my favourites - leave a few strands of hair behind. I have an affinity for the latter, particularly when gathering plant medicines, as it is an avenue for our ally to also know us in an intimate way. Our physical self is being shared just as their physical self is. Be sure your choice of gift in return will not accidentally seed foreign plants, poison sensitive environments, or even start a fire such as is possible with clear quartz crystals left in the summer sun.

• Legalities
  It seems obvious to ensure that we are not on private property, in a preserve or estuary, or are harvesting rare or sensitive species, and yet it is still a strangely common occurrence. Please hold the upmost integrity here and keep feelings of entitlement in check. Do some research and double confirm your information sources as well. Many people are surprised to learn there are possession laws around seemingly innocuous items, removal restrictions or harvesting limits from popular destinations, or how once traditional culinary choices may now be endangered. For example, there are limits to seaweed gathering both seasonal and by weight while foraging in parks, depending on where you live, is often entirely illegal. Even bones found on a trail, depending on the species, could land you a hefty fine.

Keeping all of this in mind, working closely and respectfully with plants, stones, the elements, trees, fungi, wood, and other such items, is deeply rooted in our collective human history. Returning to these ways of Being, bringing them into our spiritual practice and daily lives, helps us re-connect with the natural world and reanimate forgotten traditions. If an aspect feels particularly resonant, perhaps seek out an elder or teacher to guide and deepen your relationship with these allies.

Related Resources:
How to cultivate a relationship with plant, stone, or crystal medicine - an article full of easy methods
Stone Spirit Medicine - an online course for those drawn to stones in personal healing and spiritual practice

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Tucked up in her cottage on the west coast of Canada, Juliette Jarvis lives as a Sacred Living Mentor, Best Selling Author, and Devotional Artist. She draws on 15+ years of hosting community ceremonies and immersion programs to write spiritually supportive books, articles, and magazine columns, while also creating hand woven ritual wear, hand spun string magic & ceremonial ceramics for tangible, soul-level medicine.

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