A Druid's Handbook to the Spiritual Power of Plants: Spagyrics in Magical and Sexual Rituals - Jon G. Hughes 2014

Morals and The Law
The Principles of Arriving at the Complex and the Incense
Alchemy: Its Relationship to the Druidic Tradition

As Druids we have a moral obligation not to interfere with the processes of nature; harvesting, in whatever form, may seem to contradict this principle. We must remember, however, that we are also part of nature ourselves and our very existence depends on our consuming her bounties. As we are at the top of the food chain, and as we are endowed with a sense of reason and intelligent thought, it behooves us to exercise a high degree of responsibility for the future conservation of our planet and everything that exists on it.

Responsible harvesting for food and other essential needs in a way that does not endanger or disturb the balance of nature is necessary for our continued survival. It is with this in mind that I urge everyone who uses natural resources in his or her work to exercise the utmost responsibility in harvesting, both in the quantities harvested and in the methods used. Since the beginning of its known history, conservation has been a prime principle in Druidic lore. The Druidic rationale for conservation is based on two simple philosophies.

The first is a great respect for nature. Druidic lore acknowledges that the gifts of nature are provided unconditionally. Druids (for the most part) never actually cultivate their resources but instead harvest them from their natural habitat during the season in which they naturally become available. (I say “for the most part” because I have known some Druids who feel comfortable in planting specific species of plants into wild environments in the belief that it is the growing process and the atmosphere that imbue the plant with its attributes. I believe that only naturally occurring specimens, which form part of the natural cycle of their environment, hold the true attributes of the species.) It is, however, this powerful respect for nature that underpins all the harvesting methods used in the Druidic tradition.

The second criterion is the belief that for everything that is taken, something has to be returned. This act of returning may, on many occasions, be a ritual of symbolic action. We see this in most Druidic rituals where “offerings” are made by spilling wine or scattering bread onto the ground, or in the symbolic return of ashes to the earth or the leaving of “gifts” at ritual sites following Gatherings. (See my book Sexual Practices of the Druids for more about “taking and giving” as fundamental to all Druidic rituals.)

In Druidic lore, nature is seen as self-sufficient and self-renewing, the greatest and most complex manifestation of the collective energy, much akin to the anima mundi, or World Soul, of the ancient alchemical tradition. To interfere with nature’s works or to deplete her resources would be contrary to all that Druidic lore holds dear.

This philosophy was explained to me in very simple terms as I began to learn the Druidic tradition as a young boy. “You cannot keep taking from a pot without putting something back in or eventually you will starve” is what I was told. And by way of proof, I was introduced to the fermentation processes we will be looking at later (see here), in particular, the perpetuation of what I now know to be the yeast culture, which is never used in its entirety and always is fed (or replenished) for the next occasion of its use. I can remember a number of times when searching for young leaves and branches hearing the words “Remember the yeast” being spoken over my shoulder. “If something is not left, there will be no renewal.”

Taken together, these two principles form a sound conservation philosophy. Respect and renewal are excellent watchwords for your relationship with the rest of nature as a whole.

In addition to these moral principles of nature, there is also the law of man to be taken into account. Trespassing, harvesting plants from privately owned property, harvesting endangered species, taking plants from national parks and reserves, growing and/or using “illegal” plants, causing damage to hedges and fencing—all these are criminal activities that may result in prosecution, fines, and even imprisonment. Be aware of the status of the area from which you harvest. Take advice from people who know the area, talk to rangers, study local maps, do whatever it takes to become familiar with the sites you visit. There is no need to break the law. With a little patience and perseverance, you will always find a suitable donor plant for your needs.

Another aspect that many herbal practitioners often overlook is their legal responsibility for the safety of the products they produce and the methods they employ.

Wherever you live, there is no doubt that you will be held responsible should anyone or anything suffer from the products you prepare or the methods you employ. A mild case of poisoning may put someone off work for a few days, and that’s your fault! A simple allergic reaction may cause skin irritation; that’s your fault! Inhaling incense fumes may cause an asthmatic reaction; that’s your fault! A participant may hurt herself during a Gathering; that’s your fault!

Are you getting the picture? It is your responsibility to ensure that everything you make and everything that you organize is done in the safest and most considered fashion possible. Leave nothing to chance. You owe that much to yourself and to the other members of your Gathering. Here are some guidelines:

· Never be tempted to use yourself or anyone else as an experimental vehicle for your workings or products. This is irresponsible and illegal!

· Never use any ingredients if you are not entirely certain of their effect and safety.

· Never use any plants you know to be poisonous or that you suspect may produce ill effects.

· Never experiment with that which you do not know without due care and attention.

· Never consider using your work for anything other than good. In that way you will set the scene for responsible and considerate actions and avoid any of the tribulations of malpractice.

· Always work safely and within the limitations of your knowledge and experience. I was taught, “Never use anything on anyone else that you would not first use upon yourself,” and “Never wish yourself anything other than good health and vitality.” Put these two pieces of wisdom together and you have the building blocks of the Druidic Code of Practice.