Okay, if you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m into vulture culture. Usually this means I pick up dead animals (usually from the side of the road) and bring them home, clean them up all nice and pretty, and as a nice twist, will often use them in my craft.
However, if you’re connected to the other side like I am, there are proper ways to go about this.
(Note: Don’t leave baloons. It’s pollution.)
When we collect the bodies of the dead we are taking something from the Earth.
I didn’t realize I was doing wrong at first. When I started collecting deads, I’d bag em up and bring them home.
For nights my husband noted I was sleeping very restlessly. I would talk more in my sleep than before, toss around, and wake up tired.
I have a friend who was raised on the reservation I live on. She came with me to collect some deer parts and said “I knew I brought tobacco for a reason.” I asked her about it and she told me we are taking from the earth so we must give something back to her; an offering if you will.
After I left an offering as a thank you to the Earth, my sleep improved drastically.
Now I don’t always have tobacco on me. I smoke socially and rarely. So I have an alternative for what I leave behind.
HAWK’S HERBAL OFFERING FOR THE DEAD
Lavender: A calming herb used for a peaceful rest.
Cloves: To offer protection in the afterlife.
Thyme: A soothing herb to ease the pain of tragic death.
I take this little herbal blend and give it to the Earth as I take away the body. I thank the Earth for its blessing and wish the spirit a peaceful rest.
churchyardgrim 