The little mite that lives on feathers whole purpose in life is to break them down and return them to the earth. When acquiring a feather, it should be washed lightly with a few drops of any of the following in the water - eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, sage, wormwood, cedar etc - many herbs and oils will do the trick. While washing feathers lightly, carefully run fingers along the feather shaft, as the mite lays its eggs here, you will feel them as rough spots. The water on the feather at this stage is a blessing and can be used to bless people and spaces, like a homeopathic cleansing for the environment. Dry your feather on newspaper. Just before drying preen with fingers, feathers can also be healed this way, if they have become split. This mite is natural to the environment and if your feather begins to look dusty, repeat procedure. Feathers will be more likely to pick up mite if left flat, they need to be hung or placed upright. Washing and blowing air through your feathers will reactivate the energy, preventing them from becoming stale - Love to hear from others - Morning Star