Honouring our plant relatives this harvesting season

Photo taken after harvesting July 2024.

As we approach harvesting season, I want to share a friendly reminder that sacred medicines, and all of our plant relatives deserve honour and respect.

When I harvest medicines, there are a few things I do to make sure I’m being a good relative and harvesting in a good way…

• When I arrive on the land, I make an offering of tobacco. Thanking the land and the spirit of the medicine for all it is and all it provides us.

• Before taking anything, I ask the land and the spirit of the medicine permission; to harvest its medicine, to use it for healing, for connection, and to share it with those who need it.

• I walk gently, being mindful of where I step.

• I check each leaf to make sure I don’t take another creature’s home.

• I ask the land how much I need and what it can give. I trust the land to tell me how much to take.

• I harvest in prayer, in gratitude, in connection and presence.

As you move upon the Earth this season, I ask you to be mindful. Even if you aren’t harvesting, please make sure to show our plant relatives the respect they deserve.