A Tree Spell for Protection of Self and the Home

There are a number of variations of this traditional ritual. Especially in Scandinavia and Germany, red is a color of protection and was the color of Thor/Thunor, the thunder God whose magickal tree was the Oak.

Trees are believed to stand guardian over homes. If you don’t have one near your house, if you live in a potentially dangerous area or live alone and feel vulnerable indoors, you can use leaves to transfer tree power and as a portable symbol of protection. This spell is very effective for creating a psychic shield round yourself and your home.

Since the spell uses red leaves, it is easiest in Autumn, but copper beech and red Maple are just two tree with naturally red leaves. If you walk round an arboretum or ornamental garden, you will find a number of different species.

Timing:  As the sky reddens at sunset

You will need:  Three red leaves. Always remember to thank the tree even for a few leaves and do something small for nature, when you have time, in return for the power given. If you can’t find any red leaves, use three sprigs of any tree (oak is very effective) with a few leaves still on each stem. Tie the stems together with red wool or thread in three knots before you begin.

Any single tree essential or fragrance oil such as birch, cedarwood, cypress, laurel, pine or sandalwood.

A small red scarf or circle of fabric.

  • Work in the open air, if possible close to the tree from which you take the leaves or if not where you can see the sunset. If you need to be indoors, light a red candle.
  • Pick the red leaves, if possible close to or at the beginning of the spell.
  • Set them on the red cloth and very carefully anoint each leaf or sprig with a drop of oil, saying as you do so, over each leaf:
Leaves three,
grant to me
Protection this night
That from thy sight
Harm and malice,
Darkness and danger
Fears and intruding stranger
May flee.
 
  • Fold the scarf of cloth round the leaves and knot the top three times to make a bag. Repeat the chant three more times as you make the bag.
  • Hang the bag on the back of the main house door or your bedroom door if you sleep alone and are anxious.
  • Repeat the spell when the leaves have crumbled or every three months, whichever is sooner.