I am reading this wonderful book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants, by Robin Wall Kimmerer (2013, Milkweed Editions) that my son, Zane Prater, gave me for Christmas. He bought it from his friend Cornelia at The Sacred Thistle. I wanted to mention Cornelia and her cool store because it is one of the treasures of Denver. Make sure you check it out when you visit.
This was written regarding taking from the earth food, plants, animals, herbs, minerals, and natural resources. Imagine if we followed these rules of TAKING from mother earth.
Guidelines for Honorable Harvest
- Know the ways of the ones who take care of you, so that you make take care of them.
- Introduce yourself. Be accountable as the one who comes asking for life.
- Ask permission before taking. Abide by the answer.
- Never take the first. Never take the last.
- Take only what you need.
- Take only that which is given.
- Never take more than half. Leave some for others.
- Harvest in a way that minimizes harm.
- Use it respectfully. Never waste what you take.
- Share.
- Give thanks for what you have been given.
- Give a gift, in reciprocity for what you have taken.
- Sustain the ones who sustained you and the earth will last forever.
Thank you, Robin Wall Kimmerer, for sharing this. I will do my best to follow these rules.
