Imbolc 2009 (2)

FROM THE PLANT PEOPLE ©
by Lady Raven Ariana

In the Northern Lands our ground may be covered in snow. Yet, the sap of the Tree People begins to flow. Maple sap gatherers may be tending their trees and harvesting sugary tree blood to be enjoyed by those humans that love maple syrup. Gardening enthusiasts begin to dream about their gardens, while getting seed and plant catalogs in the mail. What will we plant? Where will our plants go? How will we cook these tasty fresh treats?

With these questions in mind, the Plant People and their attending Divas would like me to remind you all of the threat of genetic diversity on our planet. Big business agriculture has caused an extinction of an estimated 96% of our genetic plant heritage. Many of these extinctions are in the class of food for humans. Modern big business agriculture and chemicals has ensured their demise. Many of our food producing plants that are fit for our unique biospheres have become extinct. Small local farmers have literally lost their farms. Livestock diversity has also been compromised. What can we do?

We can spread the word and educate each other. We can buy locally, organically produced, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and meat. We can plant heirloom seeds and seedlings. We can save seeds and plant our seeds so that they become even more suited to our locale. When we buy out of our area we can choose artisan cheeses, meats, and produce that are unique from their places of origin. We can support small farmers everywhere.

We can also take time to appreciate the foods we eat. We can bless our meals and feel grateful for our wonderful food. We can realize that we are lucky to have such abundance. We can savor each rich and refreshing flavor and feel the great Creator in our hearts. We can develop relationships with the plant Divas when we garden.

Develop a blessing/prayer in which to thank Spirit for the food before you eat. Meditate before and while you garden on the plant spirits and their Divas. Search the Internet for issues relating to sustainability, heirloom plants and animals, organic gardening, slow food, and farmer’s markets. Consider becoming a steward for an endangered plant or animal species.

The following is a list that can get you started:

http://www.seedsavers.org/

http://www.nativeseeds.org/

http://www.albc-usa.org/

http://www.nativeland.org/2.html

http://www.slowfoodusa.org/

http://www.slowfood.com/

http://farmersmarket.com/

http://www.localharvest.org/

http://www.realmilk.com/

http://www.eatwild.com/

I know that this list might seem overwhelming to some folks. I tried to cover what the Plant People wanted me to give you links to. They would be sorely disappointed in me if I did not offer the appropriate resources. If you would like or need guidance on developing prayers, contacting the plant Divas or Spirits, or any other concern raised by this article please contact info@faeryshaman.org, header, attn. Raven. I’ll then do my best to answer your question in an upcoming article.

May your candlelight grow!
Lady Raven Ariana