Herbalism: General

Synopsis:

The Law of Reciprocation demands that when we take from the plant kingdom to satisfy our own needs we must make reparation to that kingdom either by cultivation of the plants we destroyed or by upgrading that kingdom in some way.

Verbascum olympicum

The Message:

"I am of course the Deva of the plant before you and am here to give you any information you require. But I have been told that this is your first attempt and, as yet, you have formulated no questions in your mind so, all I can give you at present is an overview of what information you can expect from me and others of my particular status.

"I, of course, am a Deva of a plant species and not an Overlighting Deva in any way(i). My function is to oversee the development of this particular species and offer its benefits to those who seek them, based on the principle of fair exchange. Those who, for instance require the healing benefits this plant can provide must ensure that what is destroyed in the healing process is reestablished by personal effort - either in terms of cultivation or by a system whereby the species as a whole can be elevated. There are many ways to achieve such ends with some more applicable and beneficial than others, but whatever the beneficiary receives from the plant (or any other) kingdom he is expected to become its benefactor under the Law of Reciprocity.

"Now, I can see that this has taken you by surprise. Just when you thought you would get some practical information that would help you in your quest for herbal knowledge you are confronted by abstraction you had not anticipated and which seems irrelevant to your purpose. But this, I assure you, is the way to progress and why, incidentally, the human kingdom has yet to make the strides in non-toxic use of plant remedies it is anticipating. The key, as you now know, is Reciprocity and, with that thought planted firmly in your mind, I will leave you until you have further questions for me."

Clarification:

(i) The rankings of Devas are as follows, starting from the top:

• Overlighting Deva: of the Earth itself, of a Kingdom of Nature. 
• Deva Lord: of a Plant Species, of an Animal Species, of Nature Spirits - Pan, Herne the Hunter for example.
• Deva Prince: of Mountains, of Forests. 
• Deva of the Presence: of Rivers, of Lakes of Earth Energy configurations. 
• Deva of the Shadows: of individual Trees over seven feet tall, of Energy Vortexes, of Ley Lines.