#deconsecration

I do plan on replacing it with a pine tree or two to replace the shade.

There is a simple method of deconsecration that would suit this scenario perfectly. I've been asked on occasion how someone with a nature-based spirituality (and/or of an environmentally conscious mindset) could cut down a tree. I usually answer that it took a few log rollers to put up a standing stone, even though most standing stones predate the druids by a few millennia, but I digress.

Recommended materials:

small bowl

water, wine, whiskey, scotch, etc — anything you prefer for consecration (it will be equally sufficient for deconsecration too)

mugwort if you have any — not required but helps

a sprig of yew and/or cedar (Yew honors its longevity, the life it lived, and the promise of the continual flow and renewal of life. Cedar is associated with funerary rites and also honors longevity.)

One Method Among Many:

Pour the liquid of choice (henceforth "the waters") and mugwort into the bowl

At the tree, consecrate the waters in a manner that works for you. You might ask a corresponding deity to bless the waters in preparation for the taking of a life.

If you have the mugwort you can mention dreams, perhaps something like "Let these be the waters of sleep eternal. Let them bring forth a peaceful dream from which one will never wake." (You could add lavender to enhance that peace.) You can always improvise a consecration if you prefer, speaking from the heart.

Dip the sprig of yew and/or cedar into the bowl and use it to asperge or anoint your saw or axe.

Explain to the tree what must be done. Give thanks for the leaves that whispered in the wind, for the shade it has provided, and for the air that it has given us. And I kid you not, if there ever was a time to give it a hug, it's now.

With the sprig of yew and/or cedar in the bowl, hold it up toward the tree and say "with these waters do I release thy earthly bonds"

Use the sprigs as a paintbrush starting as high as you can reach, encircling the tree widdershins in a downward spiral until you get to the base of the trunk

Hold up the remainder of the waters and say "To the Earth-Mother do I return these waters, even as I too will one day return to her." Then pour out the waters at the base of the tree.

The spiritual portion of the rite is complete, and the task of the mundane can commence.

Count those tree rings and contemplate the life it had led to honor its memory into the future.

Reuse as much wood as you can.

Notes: It's easy to mistake juniper for cedar, as there's a lot of juniper in our area, but cedar is the one with soft flat fanned-out needles while juniper is sharp and the needles point all around. I have cedars and a yew tree in my yard and can get you some if you need any. Wash hands thoroughly after handling yew because it's toxic to ingest.

“Here goes with me all magick that has passed through this consecrated space.”

Pick up books: “Goeth knowledge”

Pick up offering bowl: “Goeth sacrifice”

Pick up mortar and pestle: “Goeth practice”

Pick up consecrated salt and pepper shakers: “Goeth Flavor”

Pick up spoon: “Goeth Mysticism”

Pick up altar cloth: “Goeth Consecration”

Spray down the space with white vinegar and cast a handful of sea salt on the area.