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During the rituals a Druid is told to place his or her Druid Stone in her or his Crane Bag. This is a safe place to carry that spiritual object. But Druids in the Order have the right and the privilege to decide how and where to carry all of their spiritual objects. The Druid's Crane Bag is one such place. As a Druid Apprentice we are taught to place our red stone inside our Crane Bag to keep it safe when we are not otherwise using it. This red stone is a spiritual object and the symbol of an Apprentice Druid. As a Druid Companion we’re taught to carry our blue stone inside our Crane bag to keep it safe when we’re not using it. This blue stone is a spiritual object and the symbol of a Druid Companion. Druid Adepts are taught to carry their green stone inside their Crane Bag and treat both their stone and bag as the spiritual objects they in truth are. Druids may place any other spiritual object in their Crane Bags according to their personal preferences. Such items may include: Rocks and mineral specimens Shells, corals, and sponges Plants, leaves, twigs, roots or pieces of bark Herbs, oils, infusions, concoctions, teas or healing brews Seeds and spores of all kinds Feathers or other bird parts Fur, nails, bones, claws, teeth or other animal parts Animal, plant or spirit totems of any kind Any other items with a spiritual purpose. What you place in your Crane Bag is entirely up to you. This is your Druidic medicine bundle where you can keep any spiritual objects that hold a special meaning for you. You may keep anything with a spiritual purpose in your Crane Bag and you need not share the contents of your Crane Bag with any other person whatsoever. Druid Apprentices are encouraged to make their own Crane Bag but this is not a requirement. You may purchase any bag of your choice or have another person make it for you. You may decorate your Crane Bag or have another person do it for you. How you make, create, decorate or use your Crane Bag is a decision each Druid makes for himself or herself. Druid Companions are encouraged to use their Crane Bag in all their spiritual work, to infuse their Crane Bag with spiritual energy, to turn their Crane Bag into a spiritual object. Alternatively they may use the services of a Druid Priest or Priestess to consecrate their Crane Bag for spiritual purposes. In keeping with ancient traditions, they may use their Crane Bag for any purpose they alone determine. Druid Adepts are encouraged to teach others how to make, create, consecrate for a spiritual purpose and use their Crane Bags. Druid Adepts are encouraged to continue using their Crane Bag in their spiritual work. They are also encouraged to help any person who desires to create or make a Crane Bag for their own purposes. Any person desiring to make or create a Crane Bag will do well to seek out a Druid Adept or a Druid Companion for assistance. These Druids will not make or create your Crane Bag for you, but they are a good source of reliable information and goods suggestions. Your Druid Crane Bag is the badge of a Druid. Wear it with pride and with honor to yourself and the Druid Craft. ©2003 by Dr. John Gilbert, Archdruid of Air. All rights reserved. Ancient Order of Druids in America http://www.aoda.org/articles/crane.htm Many thanks to Dr. John Gilbert and the AODA for the information on their website. Please visit it and check out the articles that they offer. As a Gwyddoniaid Druid any member may have a Crane Bag. Wearing one is not determined on their level or degree. MAKING YOUR OWN CRANE BAG The Crane Bag is made from soft leather or a sturdy material of your choosing. Cut a round the size of a dinner plate, punching holes at one inch (1") intervals around the edge giving a depth of one inch into the fabric. Then weave a leather cord through the holes and pull it tight. Now it is ready to tie it to your belt. |