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Pagan Kids |
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Magical trees - Information & correspondences
Trees
are living things, filled with the essence and energy and of the
Elementals and Mother Earth with an aura of power which is visible
to those who are in total balance and harmony. They have been the
homes of wood spirits and the keepers of sacred circles for
thousands of years, and can be used in meditation, creation of
magickal tools, to seek guidance from, in spells and as incense.
This can
be done in a variety of ways, for example:
connect with and draw in the energy of
the tree by sitting beneath it, mark
symbols on the leaves and ask the tree
for help (leaves that fall with the
symbols will give you clues to your
question), Carry a bit of the wood with
you, Make use of a corresponding wood in
spell work, Bury things at the root of
the tree.
The lore
which surrounds a particular tree or wood often reflects the power
the old ones sensed and drew from their presence. You can feel it
too, all you need to do is "sit" with the tree and listen...
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The Alder is the tree
of fire. In the battle of the trees, the Alder fought in the
very front line. It is described as the very "battle witch" of
all woods, the tree that is hottest in the fight. You can use
Alder to make three different dyes, red from its bark, green
from its flowers, and brown from its twigs; this symbolizes the
elements of fire, water and earth. The Alder wood is the wood of
the witches. Whistles may be made of this wood to summon and
control the four winds. It is also the ideal wood for making
the magical pipes and flutes. To prepare the wood for use, beat
the bark away with a willow stick while projecting your wishes
into it. The Alder is a token of resurrection and a water-loving
tree, but it is also highly combustible, showing an affinity to
Fire. This means the alder is an unusual tree, for Fire and
Water do not normally mix well. Alder is often used to symbolize
one's appearance, and can be used in glamour spells. The alder
tree's wood is oily and resistant to underwater decay. It can be
used to contain Water elementals and many negative spirits.
Alder's personality is Ambitious/impulsive is opposite.
Elemental: Air
Almond has a very
sweet natural being. Aids in self protection. Almond also helps
with fruitfulness, and stands for virginity. The fairies love
almond trees.*
It is an old English
custom to drink to the health of the Apple tree with a good
glass of cider all in hopes of encouraging the tree to produce a
good crop next year. Apple also helps with fertility. The apple
tree symbolizes youth, beauty and innocence. Apple juice can be
used to infer strength and beauty. The leaves are a useful focus
in spellweaving. The apple wood makes good staves. Apple's
personality is Motherly/weak-willed is opposite. Element: Water
Ash is a healing
wood. It is also used for protection. The Ash is considered to
be the father of trees. The Ash is the tree of sea power, or of
the power resident in water. Special guardian spirits reside in
the Ash; This makes it excellent for absorbing sickness. Snakes
have an innate fear of the ash and avoid it. Ash is an excellent
wood for purification. It is good at removing and cleansing
internalized strife and conflict. Ash is good in any spell or
working involving mental and emotional purification. Ash wood is
a good conductor of power and thus makes good wands. Ash's
personality is Charming/egocentric is opposite. Element: Air
Aspen is an excellent
wood for spoken spells. It brings the wizard eloquence. Aspen's
personality is Caring/insecure is opposite. Elemental: Water
Beech is an excellent
wood for charms. A Beech Wood wand will bring the wizard luck.
Beech symbolizes stability and flow of energy. It is an
incredible conductor of energy, but doesn't hold energy very
well. It is sometimes used for Druidic groves if oak is not
available, though oak is preferred.
With the exception of
the mysterious elder, the Birch is the earliest of the forest
trees. The Birch is used extensively in cleansing rituals.
Throughout Europe, Birch twigs are used to expel evil spirits.
Birch rods are also used in rustic rituals to drive out the
spirits of the old year. Birch is used also stands for Birth,
healing, Lunar workings, and protection. Birch wood is a useful
tool in spells involving structures, support, shielding,
warding, and cleansing. Birch's personality is Happy/immature is
opposite. Element: Air
Cedar is a protective
wood. It will protect the wizard against evil. It is also used
for money and love charms. Cedar is exceptional at repulsing
energies and protection. It is best used to ward or to drive off
negative influences or spirits.
The Coconut is
feminine and very fertile. The shell represents the womb, and
the milk, fertility. Coconut also helps with protection from
negative psychic forces.
The cypress tree was
seen as a sad tree or tree of mourning. It was often used to
build funeral pyres. Cypress wood is extremely resistant to
water. Cypress containers can successfully contain water
elementals, air elementals, and most spirits.
This tree represents
charm and finesse. It can be used to enhance one's social
abilities and increase one's personality. The dogwood flower is
a good cleanser of wounds, and its scent is a relaxant.
Ebony is the most
powerful wood for wands. Ebony gives the user pure, unlimited
power.
A waterside tree, the
Elder has white flowers that bloom to their peak in midsummer
thus making the Elder an aspect of the White Goddess. The Elder
is also said to be the crucifixion tree. The inner bark and the
flowers have long been famous for their therapeutic qualities.
The elder also stands for banishment, magical art and the waters
of life. Elder's personality is Intelligent/unfortunate is
opposite. Element: Earth
The elm tree is a
dark and brooding tree. It was often planted in tainted or
uncleansable areas to warn off others in the area. Elm can be
used in any spells that cause depression or darkness. It can
dull the senses and works well in spells dealing with shadows.
The eucalyptus is a
nurturing, protecting, life-giving tree. It can sometimes
symbolize sloth due to the fact that its foliage is a narcotic.
It contains quite a bit of moisture, and thus could easily have
a connection to Water. Small doses of eucalyptus are highly
effective. It can be used to numb or invoke sloth in others. It
can protect the body from certain poisons. When mixed with
certain other herbs, eucalyptus can make a high body-sustaining
potion.
The Fig is
androgynous. The fruit representing the feminine and the triple
lobed leaves suggest the masculine force. The fig also stands
for balance.
Fir symbolizes
malleability, cleverness, and the ability to change. It is a
good wood for magic involving physical structures, forms, and
shapeshifting or other changing magics.
Hawthorn (Thorn)
Witchthorn
or May Witch. It is a
generally unlucky tree and its name, translated from the Irish
Brehon Laws, had the meaning "harm". The Goddess, under the
name Cardea, cast spells with the Hawthorn. In many cultures,
the month of the Hawthorn (May) is a month of bad luck for
marriages. The Hawthorn blossom, for many men, has the strong
scent of female sexuality and was used by the Turks as an erotic
symbol. This tree stands for purification, enforced chastity,
male potency and cleansing.Thorn symbolizes strife and
harshness. It is an excellent tool for protection as its
energies work well for defense. Thorn is used to dispell
energies, especially negative energies or curses, and excells at
banishing strife. Hawthorns' personality is Passionate/ruthless
is opposite. - Element: Fire
Hazel is favored as
one of the best woods for an all-purpose magical wand. Carrying
hazel will make wishes come true.The Hazel is a tree of wisdom.
In England, all the knowledge of the arts and sciences were
bound to the eating of Hazel nuts. Hazel wood can be used for
divining for water also. It stands for Wisdom, intelligence,
inspiration, wrath. Hazel's personality is Generous/deceptive is
opposite. Element: Water
This tree symbolizes
attraction (the nut can be used to make an aphrodisiac), loss of
inhibition or willpower, and drowsiness. It is used to make
sleep potions, aphrodisiacs, and potions to inhibit the will or
remove inhibitions.
Holly is the
strongest of the protective woods. It is used to guard against
evil. Holly means "holy". The Holly has many uses from making a
dye from its berries to being used as an aphrodisiac. It stands
for Holiness, consecration, material gain, beauty. Holly
symbolizes combat, defense, and a "look but don't touch" beauty.
It is also used as a life symbol. Holly is good at holding and
storing energy, but does not work well with energy flow. It is
also useful in glamours and warding. Holly's personality is
Determined/insensitive is opposite. Element: Fire
Hornbeam is a lucky
wood. It brings good fortune to the Wizard. It is very good for
spells. It's powers and attributes are lifting/removing the
unwanted, prosperity, protection, spiritual love,
strength/stamina. Element: Water. Zodiac is Taurus and Celestial
body is Saturn. It's energy is feminine. Use in rituals that
mark life transitions and banishing spells. Bach flower remedy:
Against feelings of exhaustion and tiredness from effort.
Vine and Ivy come
next to each other at the turn of the year, and are jointly
dedicated to resurrection. Presumably, this is because they are
the only two trees that grow spirally. The Vine also symbolizes
resurrection because its strength is preserved in the wine. The
Faeries love Ivy and it stands for joy, exhilaration, wrath,
rebirth, fidelity, constancy, love and intoxication. Ivy's
personality is Ambitious/unfortunate is opposite. Element:
Earth, air and water. Energy is feminine. Powers and attributes
are fertility, good luck, growth, healing, protection,
resurrection, transformation and vitality. Zodiac is Gemini and
Celestial body is Saturn. Ritual is celebrating and honoring the
balance of light and dark, life and death.
Juniper has been used
for many purposes for a long time, for perfumes, soaps,
cosmetics, furniture and was even believed that burning Juniper
during childbirth would protect a baby from being taken by the
faeries. This may have come from a story connected with the
infant Jesus during the flight from egypt, when Juniper was
burned for protection against leprosy, the plaque and other
illnesses. In opposite, it was also believed that if a person
cut down a Juniper tree they would die within a year. Powers
and attributes are cleansing, healing, love and protection.
Elements are earth and fire. Celestial body is the Sun. Energy
is masculine. Ritual is for attracting a lover using dried
berries on a string as an amulet, good luck in childbirth,
attraction spells and dispelling negativity.
Mahogany is known for
its ability to withstand lightening strikes. It has strong
protective qualities.
Maple is a favorite
wood for magical wands. It is the wood of longevity. Maple is a
happy tree. It often symbolizes attraction, luring, drawing in,
or bringing things together. It has very positive energy, and is
used to attract attention or lure positive spirits in magic.
The mistletoe was
sacred to the Druids and to the Norse. It was considered to be
the great healer and has both male and female qualities. It was
so well regarded by the Norse (because it was sacred to Freya)
that they refused to fight in the vicinity of Mistletoe. The
custom of hanging Mistletoe in the house to promote peace comes
from this. Generally regarded today as a symbol of love and
purity. It also stands fertility and sexual potency.
Oak is a potent
magical wood. It adds potency to all charms, particularly health
and money charms.The Oak is the tree of endurance and triumph,
and like the Ash, is said to count the lightings'flash. The Oak
is a male wood which is ideal for the construction of any tool
that needs the male influence such as Athames, certain wands and
staffs. The midsummer fire is always Oak and the need fire is
always kindled in an Oak log.Oaks also stands for endurance,
triumph, strength, power, dominion, prosperity, sacrifice,
guardian and liberator. Oak symbolizes wisdom, strength, and
endurance. Oak is extremely versatile and can be used in many
areas of magic. The wood is good at both storing power and
conducting it, thus making good staffs and wands. Oak can be
used in spells involving authority, majesty, power, strength,
wisdom, or endurance. Oaks personality is Fatherly/dominating is
opposite. Element: Fire
Is regarded as
particularly powerful because of its incredible durability and
because it is self renewing, never changing its leaves. Aids in
rejuvenation. The Palm stands for resurrection, and the cycle
and matrix of life.
The Peach is an
emblem of marriage, abundance, fruitfulness and happiness.
External symbol of
life, strength and immortality. It is one of the few trees that
are androgynous. It was also worshiped by the ancients as a
symbol of fire because of its resemblance to a spiral of flame.
It is regarded as a very soothing tree to be near. Being an
evergreen, standing for long life and prosperity.Pine is
everlasting (from its evergreen properties). It induces
clearness of thought with its scent and often symbolizes
survival as it can grow even in sub-zero temperatures. Pine wood
is useful in spells of preservation. Pine incense is helpful in
divining/scrying rituals and rituals to clear the mind. Pine's
personality is Outgoing/introverted is opposite. Element: Earth
Poplar is favored for
flying charms. Carrying poplar will also aid in attracting
wealth.
Redwood is a
protective wood. It is also good for love and success charms.
The Wood of Rose has
many magical qualities. It is used for divination and love
charms.
The Rowan is seen as
the tree of life. It is also known as Mountain Ash, Quickbeam,
The Witch or Witch Wand. In the British Isles, Rowan is used as
a protection against lightning and magical charms of all sorts.
In ancient Ireland, the Druids of opposing forces would kindle a
fire of rowan and say an incantation over it to summon spirits
to take part in the battle. The Rowan is also used for many
healing purposes. The "Quickbeam" is the tree of quickening.
Another use was in metal divining. In Ireland, a Rowan stake
was hammered through a corpse to immobilize the spirit. Rowan is
also known for divination, healing, astral work, protection.
Rowan's personality is Spiritual/fanatical is opposite. Element:
Air
The sequoia is a
majestic tree symbolizing eternity, longevity, and vast wisdom.
It can also symbolize endurance and strength. Sequoia wood makes
excellent Druidic staffs, as it is very good at both holding and
conducting energy. It can be used in spells of fire resistance,
and the sequoia seeds are an aphrodisiac.
The spruce is a
versatile tree which grows quickly and is dominant over its
environment. It is an aloof tree and can symbolize the North and
coldness. The wood is good for bargaining with Earth elementals
as they especially like spruce wood. Spruce holds and stores a
large amount of energy. A living spruce tree is an excellent
ground.
The sycamore
symbolizes growth, persistence, strength and endurance. It is
water resistant (though not as much as cypress) and often grows
where other trees cannot. To some Native American cultures, the
sycamore is a holy tree equivalent to the oak in Europe. In
magic, it is useful for spells involving growth, and can be used
in healing potions (especially those with regenerative
properties). It is also a good gift to give a Fire elemental.
The Walnut's powers
and attributes are change, fertility, healing, inspiration
intentions, new perspectives, protection and wealth. Elements
are air and fire. Archangel = Remiel, and other beings are the
Elves. It's energy is masculine and its associated with the
Zodiac sign Gemini, Leo and Virgo and the Celestial bodies
Jupiter and the sun. Ritual work and meditations with the walnut
deal with life transitions, initiations, manifesting intentions
into the physical realm and weather magic.
The tree of the
Autumn Equinox and of old age, is the shifting leaved White
Poplar, or Aspen, The shield makers tree. Heracles bound his
head in triumph with poplar after killing the giant Cacus (the
evil one). The Black popular was a funeral tree sacred to the
Mother Earth. Silver Fir as an aid in divination. The Silver
Fir standing for hope assured and the Black Poplar for loss of
hope. In ancient Ireland, the coffin makers measuring rod was
made of Aspen, apparently to remind the dead that this was not
the end. White poplar stands for Hope, rebirth, divinations.
Willow is a feminine
tree. It is favoured for its general magical uses. It has strong
protective qualities and is good for healing and love charms.
The Willow was sacred to Hecate, Circe, Hera, and Persephone,
all death aspects of the Triple Moon Goddess, and was often used
by the Witches in Greece. The moon owns it. It is a female
symbol. It is the tree that loves water most and is sacred to
the Moon Goddess who is the giver of dew and moisture,
generally. It is a water-loving tree and is linked to lunar
rhythms. It is often a melancholy tree and can represent sadness
and quick growth leading to a quick end (some trees only live
for 20 years). In magical areas, willow has a great influence
over water and water elementals. It has the ability to banish
depression and sadness. The Willow is the tree of enchantment.
Can be made into a tool to make wishes come true. Willow stands
for Moon magic, psychic energy, healing, inspiration and
fertility. Willow's personality is Wise/bitter is opposite.
Element: Water
Yew is the Wood of
Death. Used for its strength for bows in Greek times. The yew
tree is held sacred by the Druids because of its symbolism of
death and rebirth. The yew tree's branches grow into the ground.
Thus when the central trunk dies, the tree lives on as the
branches become trees. It symbolizes transformation, great age,
and reincarnation. Yew wood is good in any rituals that use the
preceding symbolism. Yew holds and conducts energy very well,
and yew is a good shield for magical energies that directly hit
the wood is reflected. Yew's personality is Enduring/sanguine is
opposite.
Tarot Card: Death -
Element: Earth
Source:- A compile of
information in the above table provided by "Cunningham's
Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" by Scott Cunningham, and "Whisper
From the Woods-The Lore & Magic of Trees" by Sandra Kynes
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