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Julia Butterfly Descends Luna
Photos by Rachel Pfotenhauer
 In the months following her descent, Julia Butterfly has toured the country
speaking in the name of environmental activism through several television
appearances, magazine, and radio interviews. On the ground, she's become more
vulnerable to public scrutiny-some people have even labeled her a media
darling who'd exchanged cash for a tree. Since I'd been in Luna, I wanted to
see how life had changed for her on the ground. Was she still the focused
young woman I had once met in a tree, barefoot, with bells on her ankles,
eating an apple in-between articulate expressions of hope and environmental
protection policies?
When we interviewed you from your platform, you said the hardest lesson-that
of letting go-would be the day you left Luna.
I had to leave a part of myself behind, and the tear that happened within me
was a pain I cannot describe. At the same time came an overwhelming sense of
relief that we did it. We permanently protected an over 1000 year old
redwood tree to be allowed to live for another 1000 years, while at the same
time protecting all that she stands for. She is safe... and now so am I.
What was it like to touch the earth after two years?
Touching the Earth was probably one of the most intense and sacred
experiences I will ever have. It was so much like I knew it would be, but it
was also so much more. I am crying as I say this, reliving those vivid
moments. The Earth is so precious and priceless and sacred. I hope more
people will be able to kneel and touch the ground and remember that gift that
lies right under our feet.
And wearing shoes again?
I have worn sandals but no closed in shoes, and I take them off as often as
possible.
Has being on the ground changed your focus?
No, only given me more and new perspectives and opportunities to channel the
focus.
What are some of the things you've done since you've descended Luna?
I have been working pretty much non-stop since coming down. I went with
hundreds of other people to the Board of Forestry in Sacramento to call for
emergency rules on an old-growth logging ban, went to Washington D.C. to
speak at a National Conference on Direct Action and Civil Disobedience, and I
also met with Senator Dianne Feinstein's staff to discuss her ability to help
us protect some vital forests left out of the Headwaters Forest Agreement.
Senator Feinstein was going to be there in person, but there was a massive
snow storm that kept her from being able to attend. On the 29th of January,
I will be in Big Mountain to stand in solidarity with the Dineh people
against our government and corporations making them leave their sacred land
in order to destroy it to extract coal. This is just a few of the things I
have done.
You paid $50,000 in exchange for Luna. How do you feel about this result?
Where is the money going exactly? And do you see this as a new trend in
Environmentalism-that of buying land from big corporations?
The $50,000 protected nearly three acres of forest including and surrounding
Luna. The grove is worth much more than $50,000. More than that, Luna came
to symbolize hope, the power of the individual to make change, and the
importance of getting actively involved in protecting this planet that is all
of us species. To me, all of this is priceless. I look at everything in
life as energy including money. I did my best to direct that energy to the
highest good. It helped empower the company to find common ground and do
what they said all along that they would never do which was "give in to me."
I believe that coming to this history-making agreement was something where
all of us won. The money is being given by Pacific Lumberto Humboldt State
University. There is no trend in giving money to corporations to protect the
environment. What is apparent though, is that we as a society govern our
lives by a love for money above our love for life. Therefore it is the
responsibilty of all people to shift this way of living while at the same
time demanding that as long as we allow our lives to be ruled in this way,
our government should be giving incentives and subsidies to those who are
doing things right socially and environmentally while at the same time taking
those incentives away from the corporations that are destroying these aspects
of life which are the public trust.
Are you allowed to tree sit anymore? Would you?
I agreed not to tree-sit on Pacific Lumber land again, but I of course, kept
my right to live my life as I believe. I want to live a life as powerfully
positive and positively powerful as I possibly can. I know that I must
follow my heart and spirit wherever it leads, and that the Universe will
provide me the strength and clarity I need to do so including if that leads
me into another tree-sit somewhere.
Luna continues to be a shrine to many people. Have you been back to see her?
As mentioned earlier, Luna is a symbol of incredible things to many people.
I have the right to go visit her again for as long as I am alive. As of yet I
have not climbed back up the hill to be with her although I have been to the
base of the hill a few times and spent time looking at her from that
perspective. She reminded me right before I rappelled down as I was going
through waves of many intense emotions that all I have to do is touch my
heart because that is where she and the experience truly are, and it is there
they will always be.
Would you consider yourself an icon of environmentalism? A saint?
I am a human being, not a saint. I am continuing to be the most loving,
respectful, committed, and conscious being I know to be. That will never
change no matter what other people's perspective of me may be. My hope and
prayer is that others will be inspired and motivated to do the same. The
magic and power of all Creation lies within us all.
Your vigil in Luna and the Circle of Life Foundation started with a
grassroots approach. Where are things now?
My roots are very grassroots, but just like a tree if the roots are firm,
there is a limitless sky to branch out in.
What are your plans for the future with the Circle of Life Foundation and
your book?
I am committed to doing everything in my power to help create a world where
we all recognize and honor our connection with the Earth as we are
all one. Circle of Life's mission is to turn that vision into reality. The
book, THE LEGACY OF LUNA, will be out in stores the last week of March.
Where do you and the Circle of Life Foundation see environmentalism headed in
this new millennium?
We are working to shift environmentalism from a movement to a worldwide
consciousness as a way of life for all. It is not our Earth to possess; it
is our Earth to protect. All of the issues are vital because they all
reflect our need for a transformation in consciousness.
Circle of Life Foundation's mission is to develop a sustainable culture on
Earth that is rooted deeply in love and respect for the interconnectedness of
all life, by inspiring, supporting and networking individuals, organizations
and communities around the world to create social and environmental
solutions. Call (707) 923-9522; www.CircleOfLifeFoundation.org.
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