Tobacco and Peace offerings

I walk into the dense shade of the forest, looking, listening and breathing the cool, fragrant air. My gaze takes in this mysterious, verdant world. I am holding a pinch of loose tobacco and asking the Grandmother tree to reveal herself to me. I move slowly, deeper into the woods and then I see a large old Western Red Cedar tree (Thuja plicata). Big, heavy boughs hang down, some touching the ground. She is surrounded by many smaller trees and saplings, her children. I approach and place my hand on the rough bark. Looking up as far as I can, I see her encircling branches reaching the sky. I feel humble and small, dwarfed by her age and wisdom. My eyes are closed as I breathe her scent and tell her that I have come to harvest her boughs. The cedar will enrich the salves and tinctures I create and will also yield purifying smoke. I ask her permission. Then I wait and listen.