This ritual lets you ask a tree a question.

If you live near a pine forest all to the good, but as all woods have their own particular magic, any wood will do. Avoid following this ritual when there is a lot of wind, for you will probably find that there are too many leaves vying for your attention!

As you make your way to the woods, form a question in your mind to which you want an answer. Find a fallen twig and gently carve the initial letters of each word of the question on it. Hold this towards the sun and say the question aloud.

Now close your eyes and relax, listening to the breeze rustling the leaves. Let the sound form a picture in your mind. Do not try to make things happen or imagine things you do not hear. After a minute or two, you should feel that the leaves have said all they are going to say. Bury the twig so that it returns to Mother Earth and as you walk away, an answer to your question should come to mind.

By Michael Johnstone