Re: Crane Bags
Topaz Owl
topazowl@summerlands.com
Sat Sep 12 13:02:01 1998
Any soft and pliable leather will do. I have deerskin. John Matthews gives instructions for his version of a crane bag in his book "The Celtic Shaman." There are other ways to make one too. You can take a piece of round leather about the size of your fist and make holes all around and thread two thongs through in opposite directions to make a drawstring. It can be any color that pleases you. You can make any significant symbols on it that you like, or not, as you please or as the spirits inspire you. Some will have beads, some will be embroidered, and some will have symbols that are not apparent to the eye.*p*     Remember that the Crane Bag contains the Druid's "toolkit," and it is rather like a medicine pouch, and as such, its manufacture and contents are very personal. There are people who will tell you what it should look like and how you should make it and even what should go into it, but they are basically guessing.*p*     One thing though -- when you start collecting things for your crane bag (items of personal power), you may find that it's too small to hold some of those special items. Make sure you leave room enough for feathers and stones. (Feathers are especially problematic.) I have one that goes around my neck, but it proved to be too small, so now I also have one that hooks to my belt at the hip that is larger. *p*     And BTW -- never show *anyone* what it holds!*p*     If you have any more questions, ask. But right now I have to go.*p*Leigh
Crane Bags
Taliesin_2
166
Mon Sep  7 01:33:55 1998