I have to cut a BUNCH of trees. Your advice is welcome!

[dbt]

Long story short: I have twenty acres of land with timber of a quality that is just so-so. I am in a financial position that demands some cash rather soon, so I am going to sell the trees. Yes, they will be cut down and hauled away for Goddess-knows-what purpose. WOULD that this were not so!

What little Native American blood that I have is nagging me over this. I know enough to realize that I must communicate with the trees before this cutting happens, that I must ask them for their flesh, that I must somehow make this as "okay" with their spirits as such a thing can be.

Can anyone offer any rituals, prayers and/or magicks that will EASE this carnage? Every time I am near a tree that is being cut, I feel it. Trees are conscious and wise beings; when we live near them for any length of time, they come to know about us. This business of "having dominion" over them is weighing heavily on me, so I am asking those of You who are more connected to please help me through this. I thank you in advance for anything you can offer!

dbt

[LiberalEsto]

1. Pagan Estonians

bring bowls of milk as offerings to the trees, pouring the milk at the roots.

They might also tie prayer ribbons on branches.

Perhaps you could pour milk for each one and say a few words like, "Please forgive me, dear tree spirit, for doing what I need to do." You could also tie a colored ribbon to a branch or around the trunk.

And plant a sapling somewhere for each tree that is cut down.

I did this when we had three hurricane-damaged black cherry trees cut down a couple of years ago.

[dbt]

2. Thank you, LiberalEsto.

Yes, I WILL be planting a "new" tree for each one that must leave!

[lukasahero]

3. My very limited understanding of Native American thought on this topic

is that it is not so much about asking forgiveness but about giving thanks and honor.

My personal feeling about asking forgiveness from something that can't actually grant that forgiveness is that it makes the person asking feel better but really offers the tree no real options in situation - what's it supposed to do, say no? ;-) That strikes me more as a Judeo-Christian ideology as it ties in to guilt ("I feel bad but I know you understand because you have to...")

There's nothing wrong with expressing your wish that you didn't have to, but also take responsibility for the action - you do have to do it so admit that, admit that you wish you didn't have to and then give thanks to the tree and the universe for giving you that option and resource to meet your living needs. Honor the life it not only shared with you but now gives FOR you. Be gentle, be quiet, be at peace.

Namaste.

[dbt]

4. Thank you, lukasahero!

I really needed that part about "be gentle, be quiet, be at peace!"