This is an introduction class.  We will talk about precautions, collection, drying, storing and how to identify for magickal use.

• A good sharp scissors, and knife.  I carry two scissors, a tiny one for delicate snipping and a larger one (sewing scissors size) for mass cutting.  I also carry two knifes, a small one and a large butcher knife.  Stainless steel is best as it doesn't 'bruise' delicate leaves like other metals do.
• Several clean white (or light colored) dish towels.  The number depends on how much you intend to collect.  There are several reasons for the towels.  First:  If you're collecting for magickal reasons the earth will ground a lot of the energy out of the plants.  By collecting them on towels you put a barrier between the plant and the earth.  Second:  Wrapping the individual herbs in towels absorbs excess moisture, is a better place for bugs (rather then in your car or on your arms), and makes carrying prickly or staining things easier.
• Proper clothing.  Judge your comfort level to the temperature outside.  Make sure skin is protected (especially if you're going into the forest).  Don't ware loose flowing things.  Have good supportive shoes for your feet.  And ALWAYS have a few pairs of gardeners gloves with you.
• Don't go alone.  Especially if you're going into wooded areas.  Two people means two pairs of eyes to watch for potentially dangerous situations and a helper if something bad happens.  On the brighter side, it's more fun with a friend and both of you can compare books for positive identification.
• Speaking of books - bring a good identification manual with pictures.  If you're going to take this seriously, invest in a good book (or half dozen *grin*).  I found some great identification books in the campers sections of book stores.
• Water.  One of the worst experiences I had was because I didn't carry water with me.  Now I don't leave home without it.
• Personal.  I include this little note because everyone will have other things they want to bring.  Just keep in mind that you don't want to load yourself down as you will be coming out with more then you went in with.

• Hang drying.  After you've washed them, gently tie them with string and hang them on hooks, upside down.  Make sure they are out of direct sun light and major breezes.  If they have seeds, loosely tie some cheese cloth (or a paper bag if you have nothing else) around the bottom end.  Be sure this is just tight enough to catch what may fall off without cutting off air circulation.  Remember the whole point is to dry the herb.  Check it after one week - and then every three days afterward.  When they are crumbly or the twigs  >snap<  the herb is dry.
• Oven drying.  This is not a preferred method as the heat and dryness of the oven destroys some medicinal properties.  There are certain water soluble vitamins and nutrients that will be lost.  However, there are times when we have no other choice (just remember to mark it as oven dried so you'll remember).  After you've washed them, pat them dry with paper towel.  Then separate the parts you are going to use from the rest of the plant (i.e.:  leaves, buds, flowers, etc.)  Try to keep everything you are drying at the same thickness or, when testing, check the thinnest items first and remove them when they are done.  Spread the herb out on an oven safe pan or cookie sheet and bake at 200 - 300 for about fifteen (15) minutes.  Remember that thicker, bulkier herbs will take longer.  After ten (10) minutes check them every 5 minutes (so you don't burn them).  When they are crumbly or the twigs  >snap<  the herb is dry.  I will note here that very thin herbs or petals may take less time then 15 minutes, all ovens are a little different, the temperature you choose (200 - 300) will make a difference and your altitude will also effect the time.  Take notes so even if you do ruin a batch, you won't ruin it next time.
• Microwave drying.  After several classes on microwave cooking and how the microwave works I find that I prefer this method far above oven drying.  If you don't know how a microwave works, e-mail the group and we'll do a discussion on it, or e-mail me personally (SMarie.LiveOak@juno.com)  it's really quite fascinating and it doesn't destroy the beneficial properties like an oven does.  After you've washed them, pat them dry with paper towel.  Then separate the parts you are going to use from the rest of the plant (i.e.:  leaves, buds, flowers, etc.)  It's important to keep everything you are drying at the same thickness.  Spread the herb out on two layers of paper towel, place another two layers over the top and bake on high for four (4) minutes.  Remember that thicker, bulkier herbs will take longer.  After four (4) minutes check them and add time as needed at one (1) minute intervals (so you don't burn them).  When they are crumbly or the twigs  >snap<  the herb is dry.  I will note here that very thin herbs or petals take less time then 4 minutes, do these at the 1 minute intervals.  All microwave ovens are a little different, take notes so even if you do ruin a batch, you won't ruin it next time.

• Free and easy:  Some people don't want to store them inside anything at all.  This might work for those people who are using them rather quickly.  When I tried this method the herbs went brown and some collected dust.  I don't recommend this.
• Plastic baggies:  For VERY short term this will work.  Even the heavy duty ones don't block out all the scent and they don't preserve the herb as good as you might want.  If I'm desperate I'll store them in a baggy until I can get them into something else.  Animals and bugs can still smell the herbs and they will go after them (I lost a lot of cat nip that way *grin*).
• Air / water tight glass jars:  This is one of the preferred methods of storage but keep in mind that light will also destroy herbs, so store them in a dark place.  Just a note here:  If you are using a liquid tight jar and the herb wasn't completely dry you will experience some molding.  Go for 'air' tight rather then 'liquid' tight.  This is also one of the cheapest methods because you can save old spice jars and use them.  Just make sure you label them as to what's inside (I once used mint in my spaghetti, thought it was basil.  It was interesting, but not something I'll do again.)
• Air / water tight plastic containers:  This is my preference and I buy the best (Tupperware).  This company has air tight containers (called Modular Mates) that stack perfectly and are specifically made for 'food' storage.  Just a note here:  I tried other plastic containers and found that they were a waist of time and money, not really much better then a plastic baggy.  When I used the Tupperware containers I actually saw my storage time and potency double (sometimes triple depending on the herb) from the glass I was using.

Basic Charging of Herbs for Magickal Intent
     For the most part, any consecration / charging ritual will work.  The following is a <snip> from one of my rituals that I use 'specifically' for charging herbs for magickal intent.  It takes place after you've cast circle and called your quarters (asking them for help).

Lay out a White Round cloth on the ground (table / alter).  Place the Earth Stone *1 in the center of the cloth.  Have ready the herbs to be charged, a red candle and holy water.

Gently spread the herbs in a circle around the Earth Stone, close but not touching the stone.  Remember, you don't want to ground out the herbs natural properties.
     At the East Point call the power of East / Air into you.  Invasion all the power that this directional entity gives you, build it in your lungs and gently blow it onto the herbs.  Envision all the power leaving you and being absorbed by the herbs (make sure you don't expel your own energy into them, only the power given you).
     At the South Point call the power of South / Fire into you and light the candle.  Stair at the candle and envision all the power that this directional entity gives you, build it in your eyes.  Warm your hands by the candle, still starring at it.  Place your hands over the herbs and look at the herbs (superimpose the image of the flame over them).  Envision all the power leaving you and being absorbed by the herbs, when you can no longer see the flame the energy has transferred (make sure you don't expel your own energy into them, only the power given you).
     At the West Point call the power of West / Water into you and hold the holy water.  Envision all the power that this directional entity gives you, build it in your heart and gently sprinkle the holy water (you can do a symbol if you choose, like a pentagram) onto the herbs (not to get them wet).  Envision all the power leaving your heart and being absorbed by the herbs (make sure you don't expel your own energy into them, only the power given you).
    At the North Point call the power of North / Earth into you and place your hands on the Earth Stone.  Envision all the power that this directional entity gives you raising from the rock and raining down, as a fountain, bathing the herbs with its strength.  Envision all the power flowing through you.

     At this point you can add whatever God/dess ritual you would like.

*1  Earth Stone:  Find a stone that just feels like all the earth to you.  I have one I collected in New Orleans.

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