"Searles O'Dubhain" wrote
> "1X2Willows" wrote in message
>>>> [....]
>>>> Conversely, being "birched" is one of the eight-fold-ways that some
>>>> esoteric practices use to alter states of awareness. The use of drugs
>>>> is another
>>>
>>> - which can be one and the same, provided we'd call birch sap a "drug"
>>> in the medicinal sense. Quite potent stuff, depending on...
>
> This might well be but I was referncing the word "birching" as a synonym
> for being "flogged." I think Christians and Wiccans do this, though in
> some cases, I've read suggestions that people being tortured to the point
> of death was also used by early societies to communicate between the
> living and the dead by sending messages via the tortured subject. ***
> WARNING *** Don't try this at home. *** WARNING ***
Ah, thanks for the clarification.
Since I wasn't familiar with the expression, that one went right over my
head and yes, Do NOT try this at home, of course. Chew some raw
dog meat and go to ritually overseen shleep instead, I'd suggest.
That may turn out a bit of teamwork but it leaves far less scars.
> OTOH, In my own work with trees and plants, I've found it to be very
> unifying to ingest a form of it in some manner prior to ceremonial
> activity. It makes a connection on many levels. I'll look into your links
> and suggestions further.
Aye, this was more in tune with the subject as I read it. Pure organic
Birch sap is only now sort of being rediscovered as an alternative to other,
more commercial 'health drinks' and its concentrated form as in Spagyric
Essence or somesuch does indeed a wonderful job as an admission
pass to all kinds of woodsy realms if you will.
