Witch In A Box

can we add items other than those listed? Not to count as the required 5.

@CajunLady The 5 items for the swap must be from the list, but anything extra you include doesn't have to be from the list, and is sure to be greatly appreciated! :)

I know what @Cajun lady means, what about things like jewelry, altar cards, collected bark, boxes, etc? Maybe a few things could be added to the list?

Attention Folks! I've added a few things to the list. If you have any other ideas, please let me know. :)

I see you have dry herbal mixtures and tincture, but what about just herbs in general? And jewelry?

Also, be careful with feathers, the migratory bird testy act prohibits collection of native bird feathers and parts.

Oh oh! What about journals/spell books? Wouldn't that count as an item?

@urocyonfox Unfortunately, I've decided to stay away from journals & spellbooks for the time being. This is because in the past people didn't send items I would consider "witchy" in nature, but rather just destashing books they didn't want. And of course, read all local/ federal ordinances about the feathers. There are definitely sticklers out there who take the fun out of collecting found feathers...please remember, folks, "ethically sourced" means you're not hunting down or harming these animals for parts, but rather finding them out in nature, as us witchy women do! :)

@CajunLady What do you mean by "herbs in general". I specified "dry" herbal blends because these are witchy in nature, often mixed with a certain intention in mind, and because I didn't want someone simply plucking some wet herbs from their garden without curing them properly before sending them out. If this is done (and yes, it's happened to me), then it renders the plants completely useless.

@CajunLady I also chosen not to include jewelry, since I've also noticed this more as a destash without magickal element, even when I clarified it...and not everyone wears it. Of course, any extras people send do NOT have to be from the list, and would surely be greatly appreciated! :)

I meant as not in blends of more than one. Like a small package of just one herb.

p.s. I see mixture as more than one! That's why I asked about just herbs in general....per my definition just above this! Sorry for the confusion!

@Helena8664 While I agree that many of us witches do collect feathers on our own, even if ethically sourced, it is still illegal to collect feathers of any native bird species. I know I might be coming across as a stickler but it is illegal in the united states and I don't want anyone to get in trouble for something so simple.

We are technically breaking the law by picking up a molted bluejay or mocking bird feather from the ground.

I just wanted everyone to be careful and keep it in mind. While it might be more easy to get away with and not get caught being shipped from US state to US state, anyone shipping internationally runs the risk of being caught by customs.

Store bought feathers may be best for this swap. Again, not trying to sound like a stickler but I didn't want anyone getting in legal trouble for something that is so easily avoidable. <3 https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php

Other than that, I am looking forward to this swap I am waiting to get my partner so I can try to profile match.

@CajunLady Oh, no problem! ha ha. I think single mixtures, so long as they're dried correctly, could be fine. Just don't go to the store to buy an herb...let's "infuse" it with our good intentions by using harvested samples you've done yourself! :)

@urocyonfox I was by no means calling you a stickler, nor am I suggesting that people break the law - I want to protect my swappers as well, which is why I said "check all local & federal ordinances and laws. Unfortunately, I don't find much "magick" in store-bought feathers as opposed to found specimens placed in my path for a reason. If you don't trust people to check out the link you've provided and stick to the laws, then I can just take feathers off the list completely so we don't have to deal with any drama. Just let me know what you think! :)

I think just putting feathers instead of collected feathers could fix the issue. I really just didn't want anyone to mail something they might get in trouble for!

eep! cool it just says feathers

@urocyonfox Yup...it's always been just "feathers". ha ha! :)

Dead animal parts, i.e. teeth and bones, are not supposed to be mailed in USA unless they are for scientific research. These are an easy catch, as the dogs at the airport can smell them through packaging.

@pianoheart Thank you for your concern, though you're not even in the swap. Good to know there are lots of Swapping Police on here, ha ha! Oh boy! This is turning into such a headache. I've decided to leave the bones and teeth on here for now after some research. Firstly, this is a regional swap to the United States ONLY. And yes, while there are special ordinances and laws for local areas and federal, I know of HUNDREDS of Etsy shops and independent online businesses located in the U.S. who specialize in this trade specifically with great success. I've spoken with them to get specifics. They often have the very specific laws and guidelines on their sites. @pianoheart This swap should not be going through the airport or drug-sniffing hounds, but I truly appreciate the concern. I trust my experienced swappers enough to check on their local and federal guidelines as the adults we are. I think we all hate playing babysitter for adults. However, if you are unsure about sending something, JUST DON'T SEND IT. There is a huge list to choose from ...you don't have to choose those items if you're uncomfortable sending, but it's not flat-out "against the law". Yes, to bring them into the country from another, but not to send within - if done correctly, with correct species (like @urocyonfox brought to my attention with feathers of certain species). Again, IMPORT laws are different than the laws specializing in sending WITHIN the country. As stated above, please check all local and federal ordinances, and if unsure, just don't send. But I, personally, have sold on Etsy, at Craft Fairs, etc. jewelry made from ethically sourced bones/ antlers/ etc, as well as bought from (and been sent through the post) these same items. I am in no means telling you to break the law or advocate that you send something you're not comfortable with. I was just trying to create a magical swap for like-minded folks. I didn't anticipate it turning in to such a concern. Swap-Bot has changed a lot since when I joined, and I'm just struggling to keep up. ha ha! I'm only human!!! For more details or specifics of what I mean, please see https://www.etsy.com/legal/prohibited/?ref=list#Q2 (Yes, there are limitations, but not downright illegal IF DONE CORRECTLY)

Perhaps I should have also clarified...the bones and teeth don't have to be specimens you found yourself. It could be sharks teeth or a bear claw you found at a gift shop. Things like that. :)

I have mailed and received bones and teeth many many many time over the years with no problems whatsoever.

@CajunLady Me too! Never had a problem.