Category: Working With Nature’s Gifts

Ash (Feb 18 – Mar 17)

ASH LORE

  • 3rd Moon of the Celtic Year – (Feb 18 – March 17)
  • Latin name: White Ash – fraxinus americana; European Ash – fraxinus excelsior; Flowering Ash – fraxinus ornus.
  • Celtic name: Nion (pronounced: knee un)
  • Folk or Common names: Ash, Common Ash, Unicorn Tree, Guardian Tree
  • Parts Used: Leaves, wood, bark, twigs, sap, flowers
  • Herbal usage: Ash leaves and the tender tops can be used in the spring to make a fasting tea that is a diuretic and can be used as a help for weight  loss. Ash bark is known as a liver and spleen cleanser and can make the immune system stronger. The flowering Ash has sap that contains a sugary exudate  called ‘manna’, which can be used as a laxative.
  • Magical History & Associations: The bird associated with this month is the snipe, the color is half clear & half deep blue, and the gemstone is  sea-green beryl. The Ash, a masculine herb, is associated with the element of water, the sun and Jupiter; and is sacred to Thor, Woden, Mars, Uranus and  Gwydion. Ash is also sacred to Odin since the Ash is often known as the Yggdrassil (or the ‘Ash Yggdrasil’) amongst the Scandinavian nations. In  Norse mythology, the Yggdrassil supports the Universe, has three main branches and is believed to have sprung from the beginning of time out of primordial  slime and ashes. The Ash is also the tree of the sea God Poseidon, because of its watery power. Frennett (frenetic chaos), a substance used by berserkers,  may have been made from Ash bark. The Ash was supposed to be serpent repellent – Pliny held that there is such an antipathy between an adder and an Ash-tree,  “that if an adder be encompassed round with Ash-tree leaves, she will sooner run through the fire than through the leaves”. The ceremonial Yule log  is often made of Ash – this log is kindled each Yule with a piece from last years fire and allowed to smolder for 12 days before it is ceremonially put out.  The Ash tree is famous, although anonymous, since it’s the tree from which the Hanged Man is suspended in tarot decks
  • Magickal usage: The Ash was one of the sacred Druidic three: ‘Oak, Ash & Thorn’, and the month of Ash is a good time to do magick designed to  learn your inner self. The Ash has applications in magick done for sea power, ocean rituals, karmic laws, magical potency, healing, protection from drowning,  love, rain making, women’s mysteries, prophetic dreams, general protection, Prosperity, and health. Ash is often used for making both mundane and magical  tools – it’s said that tools with handles of Ash are more productive than tools with handles of other wood. Witches brooms often have the staff made from  Ash, and Ash wood was used for spears and shields since it was known as a protective wood. Placing Ash berries in a cradle prevents the child from being  traded for a changeling by an evil faery – and Ash talismans can be worn as protective amulets. Ash is known to keep away serpents and to protect against  their bite. If there are no snakes to be found, Ash can be used instead to keep away nasty people who are bitchy, quick to criticize, impatient, or psychic  vampires. Special guardian spirits reside in the Ash; This makes it excellent for absorbing sickness. The spirally carved Druidic wand was made of Ash for  this healing purpose. In years gone by, weak-limbed children were passed through split ash trees which were then bound up. If the tree grew straight, the  child would as well. Ash can be used in medicine pouches or can be used in magick for wart remover: the wart is stuck with a pin that has first been thrust  into an Ash, while these words are said:”Ashen tree, Ashen tree, pray these warts off of me.”

    The pins are then stuck back in the tree and left. The druids attributed special    powers over water to the ash tree. They used its wood to make it rain or to ward off water’s destructive power. The Ash is the tree of sea power, or of    the power resident in water. Ash leaves placed under the pillow will induce prophetic dreams, and carrying an Ash leaf will attract the love of the    opposite sex. The Ash is often called The Unicorn Tree, because unicorns are supposed to be fond of the tree. To catch a glimpse of a unicorn, carry Ash    wood or leaves. Whenever you need to harvest a piece or part of an Ash tree, remember to ask the tree if it will allow you to take a branch or other part    and be sure to leave the tree an offering of thanks when you are done. A nice offering would be a bit of mane from a unicorn (eg).

Rowan (Jan 22 – Feb 18)

ROWAN LORE

  • 2nd Moon of the Celtic Year – (Jan 22 – Feb 18)
  • Latin name: Rowan/American Mountain Ash – sorbus americana; Rowan/European Mountain Ash – sorbus aucuparia
  • Celtic name: Luis (pronounced: loush)
  • Folk or Common names: Mountain Ash, Ran Tree, Witchwood Tree, Quickbeam, The Witch or Witch Wand Tree, Whispering Tree, Sorb-Apple, Service Tree
  • Parts Used: Wood, berries. Caution: do not eat the seeds
  • Herbal usage: Rowan bark has astringent qualities and can be used as a decoction for helping cure irritable bowels. Rowan berries can be made into a  juice which can be used as a laxative. The berries are also an important food for grouse, cedar waxwings, grosbeaks and other hungry birds.
  • Magical History & Associations: The bird associated with the month of Rowan is the duck. The Druid Dhubh (Blackbird) also has an association with the  Rowan tree since Blackbirds are fond of Rowan berries. Since each Rowan berry carries a minute pentagram, eating these berries is said to give the blackbird  the ability to connect us with his healing song to the balancing and regenerative powers of the Otherworld and the Unconscious. The Celtic symbol of the  month of Rowan is the Green Dragon. The color is red, and the gemstone is yellow chrysolite or the ruby. The Rowan is a Masculine herb that is associated  with the element of fire, and is a tree of the sun and the planet Uranus. The tree is sacred to the deities of Rowan, Thor and Brighid (triple goddess of  inspiration, healing and smithcraft). Rowan is also sacred to Oeagrus (father of Orpheus, who belonged to the sorb-apple cult) and to the White Goddess  Aphrodite; Akka/Mader-Akka/Rauni (Finnish goddess of the harvest and of female sexuality); and the river goddess Halys/Alys/Elis (Queen of the Eleusine  Islands). Irish Druids held Rowan trees sacred like Oaks and sometimes called it the ‘Tree of Life’. Rowan wood is one of the nine traditional  firewoods to be added to the Belfire that is burned at Beltane. In folklore the Rowan is regarded as the godmother of milk cows. When a calf is due to be  named, the farmer goes to the wood before daybreak to cut a Rowan branch with a piece of copper just as the sun rises. He smacks the calf on the back with it  and calls it by its name. After that he tethers it to the cowshed door, decorated with white ribbons and eggshells, and the calf stays safe and well. The  Rowan is a favorite tree of the Otherkin. A Slavic tree spirit known as Musail, the forest tsar, king of the forest spirits, is associated with the Rowan  tree. Rowan also has a vampiric association since it is, along with Garlic and Hawthorn, one of the most popular herbal vampire repellents.
  • Magickal usage: The month of Rowan is a good time to do initiations, especially during Imbolc. The Rowan has applications in magick done for divination,  astral work, strength, protection, initiation, healing, psychic energies, working with spirits of the dead, psychic powers, personal power, and success. Uses  of Rowan in protective magick include carrying Rowan twigs on sea voyages to protect the ship from storms. A Rowan can be planted near a new house to protect  it from lightning and evil influences. Walking sticks made of Rowan will protect there user from harm. A charm made of two small twigs of Rowan wood tied  together to form a cross using red thread or yarn can be carried to protect against bad spirits. Its branches were used by Norsemen as rune-staves upon which  to carve runes of protection. The Celts believed that no witches or evil spirits could cross a door over which a branch of Rowan had been nailed. In some  legends, the Rowan has also been called the whispering tree because it has secrets to tell to those who will listen. Rowans also can be planted on graves to  prevent the haunting of the place by the dead. In Ireland, a Rowan stake was sometimes hammered through a corpse to immobilize the spirit. 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. Should you  happen upon a flourishing Rowan which is most bountifully hung with cluster upon cluster of delicate red berries, then you may be sure that some saintly soul  lies buried close by. Rowan is often called The Wizard Tree or The Witch Tree, partly because Rowan berries have a small pentagram at the point where they  are joined to the stalk. Indeed, Rowan berries were often regarded as magickal and were the food of the Tuatha De Danaan. As attractive as Rowan is to the  Fey, Rowan wood is often used in butter churns so that the butter would not be overlooked by evil Faeries. In Scotland, fires made from rowan wood were used  to protect the cattle against those same type of evil fairy spirits, and it is said that ‘Bewitched’ horses may be controlled by a Rowan whip.  Witch-wands for divining metal are often made of Rowan wood, and Rowan branches may be used to dowse for water or can be made into wands. The best time to  harvest a Rowan branch for a wand or staff is at Beltane. Remember to ask the tree if it will allow you to take a branch and be sure to leave the tree an  offering of thanks when you are done.

Birch (Dec. 24 – Jan 21)

BIRCH LORE

  • 1st Moon of the Celtic Year – (Dec 24 – Jan 21)
  • Latin name: Yellow birch – betula alleghaniensis; black birch – betula lenta; canoe or common birch – betula papyrifea.
  • Celtic name: Beth (pronounced: beh)
  • Folk or Common names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau, Lady of the Woods, Birth, Canoe Tree, Paper Tree, Silver Birch, White Birch.  “Birch” is derived from the meaning “Bright” or “Shining” in Indo-European and Sanskrit terminology. Quite possibly it came  from the Anglo-Saxon term “Beorgan” meaning “to protect or shelter”
  • Parts Used: Leaves, bark, wood, sap, branches.
  • Herbal usage: Birch leaves can be used to make an infusion that is good for breaking up kidney or bladder stones. Birch bark is an astringent and can be  used to treat non-hereditary baldness. Birch tea can be made from the inner bark and leaves and this is good for rheumatism or as a sedative to aid sleep.  Birch sap can be harvested the same way maple sap is, and then boiled down into birch syrup.
  • Magical History & Associations: The bird associated with the Month of the Birch is the pheasant. Birch’s color is white, its day is Sunday and  its gemstone is red chard. The Celtic symbol of Birch is the White Stag with a rack with seven tines. Birch is associated with the element of water, is a  tree of the sun and the planet Venus, and its Herbal Gender is feminine. The Birch tree is sacred to the God Thor and the Goddesses Diana and Cerridwen.  Birch is considered to be a Goddess tree, the symbol of summer ever-returning. The Birch is also a special tree to the Celts (“On a switch of birch was  written the first Ogham inscription in Ireland, namely seven B’s, as a warning to Lug son of Ethliu, to wit, ‘Thy wife will be seven times carried  away from you into fairyland or elsewhere, unless birch be her overseer.” – Robert Graves, The White Goddess) and Birch wood is one of the nine  traditional firewoods to be added to the Belfire that is burned at Beltane. It is one of the three pillars of Wisdom (Oak, Yew, Birch) and often symbolizes  the first level of Druid working. Birch trees often have Otherkin spirits attached to them and the “Lieschi” or “Genii of the Forest” are  said to dwell in their tree tops. The Ghillie Dhu (pronounced “Gillee Doo or Yoo”) are guardian tree spirits who are disguised as foliage and  dislike human beings. They prefer birch trees to all others, and jealously guard them from humans. If the spirit of the Birch tree touches a head it leaves a  white mark and the person turns insane. If it touches a heart, the person will die.
  • Magickal usage: The month of Birch is a good time to do magick associated with new beginnings. Magickal work done in this moon adds strength and momentum  to any new choices made. The Birch has applications in magick done for protection, creativity, exorcism, fertility, birth, healing, Forest Magic, Inner  Authority/Self-Discipline, Lunar workings, love, and purification. Magickal protective uses of Birch include tying a red ribbon around the trunk of a birch  to ward off the evil eye. Also, gently whapping someone with a Birch twig drives out negative energy, and Birch branches hung near a cradle will protect the  newborn from psychic harm. In fact, cradles can be made from Birch wood to further protect a newborn. Many farmers plant Birch around their houses to protect  against lightning. For magical parchment, gather Birch bark from a tree that has been struck by lightning (chosen by Thor) – and the Birch paper will keep  the writings safe. Because Birch wood has the qualities of exorcism and protection, its twigs are traditionally used to make witches’ brooms. Brooms made  of a mixture of Ash, Birch and Willow are said to be especially powerful in magick. Birch rods are also used in rustic rituals to drive out the spirits of  the old year. Birch is also perfect to use to make a ‘Goddess’ wand, since Birch is the tree known as ‘the Lady of the Woods’ and a grove of  Birch trees is an excellent place to communicate with the Goddess. Birch wood is also a good choice for making rune sets to use for divination. Be sure to  harvest your branch for the rune set during the waxing moon, and make sure you ask Odin or Byarka to inspire your work. Also ask the tree if it will allow  you to take a branch and be sure to leave the tree an offering of thanks when you are done. Birch trees especially appreciate gifts such as pretty stones,  sea shells, flowers or herbs. (Please note: never take bark off a living Birch tree, since this will kill it.)

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE CELTIC TREE MONTHS

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE CELTIC TREE MONTHS

The moon is perhaps humankind’s oldest form of marking time. According to some scholars, the Celts used a Lunar Calendar that consisted of 13 months, each 28 days in length. Each month of the Celtic Lunar calendar bears the name of a tree, which also stands for one of the consonants in the Celtic ‘tree alphabet’. There are basically two different versions of this Lunar calendar: the Beth-Luis-Nion (which begins on the Winter Solstice) and the Beth-Luis-Fearn (which begins on Samhain). I work with the Beth-Luis-Nion simply because it seems to work the best for my style of Witchcraft.

Beth-Luis-Nion version of The Celtic Tree calendar

  • B – Beth, the Birch Month (December 24th – January 20th)
  • L – Luis, the Rowan Month (January 21st – February 17th)
  • N – Nion, the Ash month (February 18th – March 17th)
  • F – Fearn, the Alder Month (March 18th – April 14th)
  • S – Saille, the Willow Month (April 15th – May 12th)
  • H – Huath, the Hawthorn Month (May 13th – June 9th)
  • D – Duir, the Oak Month (Jun 10th – July 7th)
  • T – Tinne, the Holly Month (July 8th – August 4th)
  • C – Coll, the Hazel Month (August 5th – September 1st)
  • M – Muin, the Vine Month (September 2nd – September 29th)
  • G – Gort, the Ivy Month (September 30th – October 27th
  • Ng – Ngetal, the Reed Month (October 28th – November 24th)
  • R – Ruis, the Elder Month (November 25th – December 23rd)

The five vowels I, A, O, U, and E have corresponding tree names to the nights of the solstices and equinoxes:

  • I – Idho, the Night of the Yew, Winter Solstice Eve
  • A – Ailm, the Night of the Silver Fir, Winter Solstice
  • * – Herb too sacred to have a Celtic name, the Night of Mistletoe, Day after Winter Solstice
  • O – Onn, the Night of the Gorse Bush, Spring Equinox
  • U – Ura, the Night of the Heather, Summer Solstice
  • E – Eadha, the Night of the White Poplar, Alban Elfed or Autumnal Equinox

Trees

  • Birch, 1st Moon of the Celtic Year – (Dec 24 – Jan 21)
  • Rowan, 2nd Moon of the Celtic Year – (Jan 22 – Feb 18)
  • Ash, 3rd Moon of the Celtic Year – (Feb 18 – March 17)
  • Alder, 4th Moon of the Celtic Year – (March 18 – April 14)
  • Willow, 5th Moon of the Celtic Year – (April 15 – May 12)
  • Hawthorn, 6th Moon of the Celtic Year – (May 13 – June 9)
  • Oak, 7th Moon of the Celtic Year – (June 10 – July 7)
  • Holly, 8th Moon of the Celtic Year – (July 8 – Aug 4)
  • Hazel, 9th Moon of the Celtic Year – (Aug 5 – Sept 1)
  • Vine, 10th Moon of the Celtic Year – (Sept 2 – Sept 29)
  • Ivy, 11th Moon of the Celtic Year – (Sept 30 – Oct 27)
  • Reed, 12th Moon of the Celtic Year – (Oct 28 – Nov 24)
  • Elder, 13th Moon of the Celtic Year – (Nov 25 – Dec 23)
  • Furze, Tree of the Spring Equinox (Aprox. March 20)
  • Heather, Tree of the Summer Solstice (Aprox. June 20)
  • Poplar, Tree of the Fall Equinox – (Aprox. September 22)
  • Yew, Tree of the day before the Winter Solstice (Aprox. December 21)
  • Fir, Tree of the day of the Winter Solstice
  • Mistletoe, Tree of the day after the Winter Solstice (Aprox. December 23)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • Year of Moons, Season of Trees by Pattalee Glass-Koentop
  • Tree Medicine Tree Magic by Ellen Evert Hopman
  • A Druid’s Herbal by Ellen Evert Hopman
  • Celtic Astrology by Helena Paterson
  • Glamoury – Magic of the Celtic Green World by Steve Blamires
  • The Book of Druidry by Ross Nichols

Document Copyright 1999-2006 by Sarah Nunn (Sarah the SwampWitch). This document can be re-published and shared only as long as no information is lost or changed, credit is given to the author, and it is provided or used without cost to others. Other uses of this document must be approved in writing by Sarah Nunn.

Casting Your Spells – Working by the Moon

Casting Your Spells

Working By The Moon

Moon time is the oldest measurement of time used by humans and it accords with our natural rhythms in the lives of men as well as women. In magick, we primarily look to the moon for timings.

The waxing or increasing moon from the crescent to the night before the full moon is potent for all forms of attracting magick, for the gradual increase of money, love, happiness or health and for fertility spells. These powers will grow daily as the physical moon size increases, to reach their height on the full moon.

The full moon represents a surge of power that can be plugged into for fertility, that consummation of love or commitment, a major money gain or for launching a creative venture. Also, because the full moon is unstable, this day and night is good for initiating change.

The waning moon helps us to let go of what we no longer need or wish for in our lives and banish pain, sorrow or a destructive influence; a perfect phase for starting diet spells. As the moon decreases in size so the pull that holds negative people or factors in your life likewise weakens.

Woods: The Many Types & Their Uses

The ancient Celtic tree alphabet was used by the followers of the Old Religion to construct a language of the trees that could be used in conjunction with the occult symbolism of each of the trees.  When translated from the ancient tongue we find the following trees referenced often: Elm, Birch, Hazel, Oak, Aspen, Alder, Ivy, Yew, Rowan, Ash, Pine, Willow, Elder, and Spindle.  These trees, along with others, will be covered. From early times, there have been the sacred groves and the sacred tree.

 
Individual trees of particular species have been revered, the kind varying with the divine force represented.  Oak and Cedar are obvious examples of father emblems as Willow and Hazel are mother emblems.  The androgynous Pine and the world bearing Ash also have their place in our folklore.  The symbolism of the woods are very important in the construction of any magical tool.  A complete description of the various woods and their uses is impossible in a limited space but we will cover as much as possible.

 

OAK ) The oak tree is the tree of Zeus, Jupiter, Hercules, The Dagda (The Chief of the Elder Irish gods), Thor and all other Thunder Gods.  The royalty of the Oak needs no enlarging upon.  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.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Endurance, triumph, strength, power, dominion, prosperity, sacrifice, guardian, liberator.

 
BIRCH ) 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.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Controlled by the Lunar influences.  Birth, healing, Lunar workings, and protection.

 
HAZEL ) 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.  Until the seventeenth century, a forked Hazelstick was used to divine the guilt of persons in cases of murder and theft.  We have retained the practice of divining for water and buried treasure.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Wisdom, intelligence, inspiration, wrath.

 
ALDER ) 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.  from the alder, you can 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.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Controlling the four winds, banishing and controlling elementals, resurrection.  Making magical dyes.

 
IVY / VINE ) The Ivy was sacred to Osiris as well as to Dionysus.  Vine and Ivy come next to each other at the turn of the year, and are jointly dicated 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.
OCCULT ASPECTS: (VINE) Faerie work, Joy, Exhilaration, Wrath, Rebirth.

 

(IVY) Fidelity, Constancy, Love, Intoxication.

 
YEW ) The Yew is known as the death tree in all European countries.  Sacred to Hecate in Greece and Italy.  Yew wood makes excellent bows, as the Romans learned from the Greeks. This strengthened the belief that Yew was connected with death.  Its use in England is recalled in Macbeth where Hecate’s cauldron contained:”… Slips of Yew, slivered in the moon eclipse.”The Silver Fir of birth and the Yew of death are sisters. They stand next to each other in the circle of the year and their foliage is almost identical.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Destructive workings concerning death.  Not recommended for magical tools “…for I am the tomb to every hope.

 
ROWAN ) 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, Rowa 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 alsoused 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.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Divination, healing, astral work, protection.

 
ASH ) The Ash is sacred to Poseidon and Woden.  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. The spirally carved druidical wand was made of Ash for this purpose.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Seapower, karmic laws, magical potency, healing, protection from drowning.

 
PINE ) External symbol of life 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.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Strength, life and immortality, rejuvenation

 

WILLOW ) 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. 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.  The Willow is the tree of enchantment. Can be made into a tool to make wishes come true.
OCCULT PURPOSES: Moon magic, psychic energy, healing, inspiration, fertility

 

ELDER ) A waterside tree, the Elder has white flowers that bloom to their peak in midsummer (as is also true for the Rowan) thus making the Elder another 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.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Witchcraft, banishment, magical art, waters of life.

 
HAWTHORN ) The Whitethorn or Hawthorn or May Witch takes its name from the May.  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.  The monks of Glastonbury perpetuated it and sanctified it with an approving tale that the staff of Joseph and the Crown of thorns were made of Hawthorn.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Purification, enforced chastity, male potency, cleansing.

 

HOLLY ) Holly means “holy”. The identification of the pacific Christ with the Holly is poetically inept a it is the Oak king, not the Holly king that is crucified on a T shaped cross. The Holly has many uses form making a dye from its berries to being used as an aphrodisiac.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Holiness, consecration, material gain, physical revenge, beauty

 

WHITE POPULAR ) The tree of the Autumn Equinox and of old age, is the shifting leaved White Popular, or Aspen, The shield makers tree.  Heracles bound his head in triumph with popular after killing the giant Cacus (the evil one).  The Black popular was a funeral tree sacred to the Mother Earth. Plato makes a reference to the use of  Black popular and Silver Fir as an aid in divination.  The Silver Fir standing for hope assured and the Black Popular 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.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Hope, rebirth, divinations.This concludes trees referenced to be in use in Europe. However, I thought there may be interest in a few local trees.

 

ALMOND ) Almond has a very sweet natural being.  Aids in self protection.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Fruitfulness, virginity

 

APPLE ) 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.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Fertility

 

COCONUT ) The Coconut is feminine and very fertile.  The shell represents the womb, and the milk, fertility.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Protection from negative psychic forces.

 

FIG ) The Fig is androgynous. The fruit representing the feminine and the triple lobed leaves suggest the masculine force.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Balance

 

MISTLETOE ) 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.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Love, fertility, sexual potency.

 

PALM ) Is regarded as particularly powerful because of its incredible durability and because it is self renewing, never changing its leaves.  Aids in rejuvenation.
OCCULT ASPECTS:  Resurrection, and the cycle and matrix of life

 

PEACH ) The Peach is an emblem of marriage.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Abundance, fruitfulness, happinessThis concludes this short treatise on the various woods, their types and uses.  This information was passed to me through various sources, and no claim is made as to its accuracy.

Trees & Their Magickal Uses

　** Almond

* Business

* Clairvoyance

* Divination

* Loans

* Money

* Wisdom

** Apple

* Healing

* Love

* Perpetual Youth

* Prosperity

** Ash

* Protection

* Sea Magic ( when performing spells far away from the ocean.)

** Apricot

* Love

** Aspen

* Protection

** Balsa

* Psychic Awareness

** Birch

* Fertility

* New Beginnings

* Protection

* Purification

** Cedar

* Healing

* Longevity

* Prosperity

* Protection

* Purification

** Cherry

* Love

** Coconut

* Chastity

* Healing

* Purity

** Cypress

* Past Life Workings

* Protection

** Elder

* Healing

* Prosperity

* Protection

* Spirituality

 

** Elm

* Protection

** Eucalyptus

* Healing

** Fig

* Energy

* Fertility

* Health

* Strength

** Hawthorn

* Cleansing

* Love

* Marriage

* Protection

** Hazel

* Divination

* Love

* Marriage

* Protection

* Reconciliation

** Hemlock

* NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE

** Juniper

* Protection

** Lemon

* Chastity

* Divination

* Healing

* Neutrality

** Lime

* Chastity

* Divination

* Healing

* Neutrality

** Linden

* Protection

** Maple

* Divination

* Love

* Money

** Mulberry

* Divination

* Knowledge

* The Will

* Wisdom

** Oak

* Healing

* Longevity

* Money

* Strength

** Olive

* Fidelity

* Fruitfulness

* Marriage

* Money

* Peace

* Security

** Orange

* Love

* Marriage

** Palm

* Strength

** Peach

* Divination

* Love

** Pine

* Exorcism

* Fertility

* Fortune

* Health

* Money

* Prosperity

* Purification

** Rowan

* Protection

* Strength

** Walnut

* Healing

* Health

* Protection

** Willow

* Blessings of the Moon

* Easy delivery of babies.

* Enchantments

* Healing

* Protection

* Psychic Awareness

* Wishing

** Yew

* NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE

Putting The Dirt To Work

Putting The Dirt To Work

When working with dirt, there is no need to cleanse it, charge it or do anything else you might do when using another ingredient in your spells or rituals. Why? Because the Earth is very old, ancient in fact, making it very stable. The Earth has collected all the consciousness of those who have walked here before us. The Earth has collected their knowledge and their power. If you had collected the dirt from a cemetery, it would contain all the energies and qualities of the person whose final resting place you got the dirt from. Altogether, you have already made a magickal operation. Now to apply it.

There are several ways you can do this, but they all start out the same. You just need to decide which dirt samples to combine. You can mix as many or as few as you like, the only rule being that the combination must be to your benefit and not harm you in any way at all.

Once you’ve decided this, the only left is to figure out exactly how you intend to apply the dirt. There is no right or wrong way and that you can’t mess it up.  Just be comfortable with the method you choose and let the dirt go to work.

Here are a few ideas on applying your dirt:

Sprinkling:  The easiest and quicest way to incorporate the dirt’s energies into your life is to sprinkle it along the bottom of your walls, under your throw rugs, along the outside of your house and then at the end of your property. Be sure to include all door mats and around the front porch. The only problem with its presence inside the house is the vacuum cleaner. Just be aware that you’ll have to replace the dirt every time you clean.

Charm Bags:  The bag can be made out of the traditional red flannel, leather, beadwork or any material that you prefer. The dirt is combined with snippets of your hair and fingernail clippings. By doing this, it indicates that you are the person to benefit from the spell. You can also include any other items that you might consider important to your spell working. The mixture is then placed in the bag, which is then worn around the neck or placed some where on the body. The bags can contain nail and hair clippings from other family members also. If you decide to do this, the bag should be buried rather than worn and rest close to the front step of the home as possible.

Good Luck Bottles:  Some knows these as Witches’ Bottles, which means you will have to have a jar with a tightly, secured lid.  The dirt mixture is placed in the bottom of the container and sprinkled with herbs that vibrate to good fortune (cinnamon, basil, lavender, as excellent herbs to use, the combination brings love, money and spiritual protection.)  Fish hooks are also added to hook good luck for you, as are nine dimes in payment to the spirit world for its protection and rewards.  Once the jar is at least half full, it should be filled to the top with your urine, capped tightly, and buried on your property.  Again bury this close to the front door as possible.

Which Dirt Is Which Dirt – Or – Do I Really Need To Use Graveyard Dirt

Which Dirt Is Which Dirt – Or – Do I Really Need To Use Graveyard Dirt?

With so much about graveyard dirt, most us assume that nothing else will do in our Voodoo, Hoodoo, curses or hexes. But that is not the truth. There are lots of places where you can gather dirt: places that are easy to access and depending on your intention, may even suit your needs better.

To collect your ordinary dirt, begin by looking around your surroundings, check to see what is normal around you. If you are in town, around the City Hall, you will find people walking, sitting, eating lunch, and just basically wondering around. All you have to do is blend in with them. You can sit down on the ground, pick up a stick and proceed to scratch and dig up some Earth. Or you can pretend you dropped something on the ground, if you are carrying a pencil, use it to scratch up some dirt. You can get your dirt quickly and no one will be the wiser.

Below you will find a few location where you can collect dirt. Also included is what you can use the dirt for after you collected it at these locations:

Bank:  Collect and use this dirt to bring money into your hands or to receive payment of a long overdue debt.

Church:  This dirt is wonderful when used to invite the assistance of positive spiritual forces. It also goes a long way toward protecting against the intrusion of evil spirits.

The Courthouse:  Use this dirt for anything even remotely involving legal matters. This could include contracts, court cases, general justice, and even money that’s owed to you. If your intent would benefit from the discerning eye of the Law, this is the dirt for you.

School, College, etc.: Whether it comes from a school yard or a college campus, this dirt is fantastic for efforts involving knowledge acquisition and retention. It can also be used effectively in magick to help you study.

Your Enemy’s Home:  Gathering this dirt might take great skill on your part and involve some sneaking around to collect it. There is no better way to cut your enemy off at the knees than to use dirt from his own home against him. Be very careful, you could cause possible harm to everyone living there. So you have to be extremely careful in wording your spell. Be specific as to who your enemy is.

Your Home:  Collect this dirt to protect everyone in your home and also provide a safe return for them. To protect your family members, sprinkle dirt in their shoes (every pair they own). Now if you really like someone to return to your home and visit you again, sprinkle dirt in their shoes too.

Hospital, Clinic, Doctor’s Office, Anywhere Medical:  Gathering dirt from any of these places for your efforts that involve healing. Keep in mind, no magick in the world should be substituted for good medical care or medicine. Also be certain that healing is what you have in mind when you add dirt to magick especially if it is a serious illness or possibility death. You are probably scratching your head over this one. But healing and staying alive are two different things entirely. If a person is in severe pain and you know deep down in your heart there is no chance for recovery, then death is often the best way to heal that person.

Garden or Flower Shop:  This dirt is often used in Love spells. It does make love sprout and grow. But if you are serious and perhaps your magick would interfere with a person’s free will, then don’t add this dirt to your magick.

Shopping Malls:  As you can imagine a shopping mall has an excellent reputation for attracting huge sums of money. For this very reason, obtain this dirt and use it well when seeking employment or increasing your cash flow.

Police Station:  Dirt from this area is collected and sprinkled along the baseboards of the home and along the edges of its structure to keep the family safe from harm. It’s not a good idea to use this dirt if you’re involved in any sort of illegal dealings, because you will probably be bringing the police to your very door.

Workplace:  There are lots of uses for this sort of dirt. It works well when included in an effort for getting a promotion or raise. But that’s not all. It can also be used to foil a co-workers or getting the dirt on the company, no pun intended!

MY WICCA (Part 5 of 5)

MY WICCA (Part 5 of 5)
By Durwydd MacTara

9. We know of the existence of the life-force which ensouls all living
things, that is, all that exists. We know that a spark of this Divine
Fire is within each and every thing that exists, and that it does not
die; only the form of it’s existence changes. We know that this spark
of the life-force returns to manifestation again and again in order to
fully realize and actualize it’s potential, evolving finally to the peak
and essence of existence which is pure being. In this process of
reincarnation each form returns in the same type of form, though it’s
ever-increasing actualization may lead to higher levels of existence of
that form. Man returns as man, cat as feline, mineral as mineral, each
class of form evolving as the individual forms of that class evolve.

10. This process of evolution through successive incarnations in
manifest form works through the utilizations of wisdom gained, the
essence of the life-experience. This essence of experience, or Wisdom,
is an attribute of the spark of life itself, one and inseparable.

11. We must care for the body, for it is the vehicle of the spark of
life, the form by which we attain. Thus we must heal the body of it’s
ills and keep it a tuned and perfected tool; so must we heal others
(both physically and psychologically) as far as it is within our power
to do so. However, we cannot interfere with the life of another, even
to heal, except at their request or with their express permission. The
reasoning behind this apparent limitation is that we are endowed with
Free Will, and what the Gods themselves hesitate to infringe upon, is
best left alone by us “mere” mortals.

13. Harmony with, and utilization of, the great natural forces of the
universe is called magick. By magick we speak, not of the super-
natural, but of the superbly natural, but whose laws and applications
are not as yet recognized by the scientific establishment. The Witch
must strive to recognize these forces, learn their laws, attune
her/himself to them, and make use of them. The Witch must also be aware
that power corrupts when used _only_ for the gains of the self, and
therefore must strive to serve humanity: Either through the service in
the Priesthood, or by example and effects of his/her life on others.
The choice must be made in accord with the true nature of the Witch.

Your Magickal Correspondences for Friday, May 18th

Magickal Correspondences for Friday, May 18th

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla
Planet: Venus
Sign: Libra and Taurus
Angel: Ariel
Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua
Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lily Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow

Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume) works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.

About The Celtic Month Of The Willow Tree

The Willow Tree

Lunar Energies

by Imré K. Rainey

At this point in the Wheel of the Year, we have experienced the rejuvenation and rebirth of Birch, the rise of energy and the sowing of seeds and goals in Rowan, the premature urgings for movement in Ash, and the burst of life in Alder. Now, we stand before our kindred, the Willow, which has long been associated with the Crone, or death, aspect of the Triple Goddess.

The time of protected learning ended in Alder. Willow symbolizes the virtues of learning through experience. In order to fully assimilate the experiences to come in the moons ahead, it is necessary to release burdens from the past which will hinder our growth in the future. The rules and opinions which governed the past may no longer hold for the future: past convictions often become obstacles impeding progress. In this way, the Willow represents the death, or release, of the past in order to wholly integrate experiences and lessons in the future. This does not mean, however, that the fruits of past achievements should be forgotten. Those achievements got you here and will provide the foundation for the experiences to come.

 
Willow also brings with it the desire to abandon the past and the present in search of new beginnings. Look carefully at where you are standing physically, emotionally, and experientially. Survey your environment and the people whom you affect. The glyph for this moon is, “I am a hawk on a cliff.” If the time is right and the possible outcomes have been sufficiently examined, spread your wings and fly off into new horizons of experience.

Be aware, however, that this may not be the right time for flight. If so, sit back and wait; do not act hastily. The lessons needed for growth may lie within your reach now, and later, as the Wheel of the Year turns, you will know the appropriate time to move. In the meantime, you may want use the energies of this moon for rebirth, or rededication to your goals.

Willow’s “stay or go,” “do or don’t” energies can lead to indecision and confusion. Also, if our desire for flight is not satisfied, we may begin to resent others whom we perceive are doing things we can’t. Yet, most often during this month, resentment surfaces without reason or provocation. The Willow itself can be a remedy for these feelings.
Allow yourself to quietly sit with a Willow. Listen to the voice of the wind as it rustles through the Willow’s leaves. Watch the images that form within your mind. Talk to the Willow and accept her guidance. Allow the energies of the Willow to guide you through the movements of the moons to come.

A Tree Spell for Strength and Courage

You can carry out this spell with an Oak, Ash or Redwood, which are traditionally associated with courage and strength. But all trees are intrinsically powerful and so if you have a favorite grove of trees or piece of woodland, you can choose any tree you especially like. You could also use your magick tree.

By adapting the words you could, alternatively, use the tree spell to heal yourself, especially if you have a debilitating or chronic condition or suffer a lot of pain.

There are lots of ways we can return strength to trees, for example by picking up litter in woodlands, planting saplings in memory of loved ones in local woodlands on tree-planting days or campaigning for the preservation and regeneration of forests.

Timing:  If possible, as sunlight filters through the leaves, but any bright morning.

You will need:  A chosen tree. If you carry out the spell in an unfamiliar place, touch a number of trees and feel which one seems receptive to your energies.

A red (for strength and courage) or pink (for healing) biodegradable ribbon – not synthetic.

  • Touch your chosen tree with both hands at about waist height so that you can comfortably place your upright outstretched palms against the tree to create a circuit. Loop the ribbon round your power hand.
  • Your power hand will send your energy into the tree and it will flow out through your other hand, through your body and in again.
  • Stand for a few moments and allow the connection to flow.
  • Then say softly:

You are strong. Give me strength/courage/healing if it is right to be.

  • You may be rewarded by a gentle breeze through the trees, a sudden shaft of sunlight, a pleasant buzzing vibration through your hands or a sense of peace and rightness. If the tree feels unresponsive, thank the tree nevertheless and try another one.
  • When you feel the connection, press your hands more firmly against the trunk and allow the power to flow. Your whole body will feel more alive and energetic, and you will be filled with confidence, certainty and maybe even joy and harmony.
  • When you sense the power ebbing slowly, remove the pressure until your palms are just lightly resting against the trunk.
  • Thank the tree for its gifts and tie the ribbon round an accessible branch.
  • Spend a few moments sitting against the tree looking up through the leaves. When you can, return the favor to nature.

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.

The Properties of Trees

 

The Properties of Trees

 

 

 

Below is an extensive list of the properties of different trees:

 

Alder: Prosperity, security, stability, house moves

 

Almond: Abundance, prosperity, fertility and love without limits

 

Apple: Fertility, health, love and long life

 

Ash: Expansion of horizons; travel, especially by sea; courage, healing, strength, prosperity

 

Aspen: Clear communication, good news from afar, eloquence, protection against theft, healing

 

Avocado: Increasing the desire of someone for you, growth of beauty in self or environment

 

Bamboo: Protection especially of household boundaries and against the negative thoughts of others; good luck, especially in money matters

 

Banana: Fertility, male potency, prosperity

 

Banyan: Good luck and optimism

 

Bay: Fidelity, marriage, preservation of family home, pleasant dreams, abundance

 

Beech: Knowledge, formal learning, positive change

 

Birch: Cleansing, health, new beginnings, protection of young children and animals

 

Boxwood: Discovering hidden treasure, new sources of income, developing forgotten talents, unexpected good fortune

 

Cedar: Good luck, fidelity in love, mature relationships

 

Cherry: New love, increasing divinatory abilities, fertility

 

Chestnut: Abundance, expansion of opportunity, employment

 

Chestnut, Horse: Money, healing, courage

 

Coconut: Fertility, motherhood, the flow of new life and energies; give protection against all negativity, especially psychic attack

 

Cypress: Long life, healing and comfort in sorrow

 

Dogwood: Clear focus and determination, tests and examinations

 

Elder: Increases clairvoyance; overcomes negative feelings; healing; good for older women

 

Elm: Tree of quiet sleep, of family love and giving and receiving in equal measure

 

Eucalyptus: Cleansing, healing, clarity of thought, overcoming obstacles and misunderstandings

 

Fig: Wisdom, creativity, fertility, harmony and balance

 

Fir: Birth and rebirth, new beginnings, cleansing, unexpected gifts and money

 

Hawthorn: Courage, marking boundaries, purification, protection male potency, cleansing and protection

 

Hazel: Wisdom, justice, good luck, fertility, knowledge and inspiration, psychic powers

 

Holly: Protection, especially of the home against all negativity and harm; overcoming impossible odds, persistence; also a tree for money and material gains

 

Ivy: Fidelity, married love, committed relationship, restoring lost love

 

Juniper: Protection against all negative forces, purification, prosperity, new beginnings, justice

 

Larch: Protection, especially against thieves; optimism

 

Laurel: Protection from illness; success and realization of ambition; winning through in spite of difficulty

 

Lime/linden: Justice, co-operation with other, partnerships of all kind, dealing with officialdom

 

Mango: Health, permanence, lasting happiness

 

Maple: Long life, health of children, fertility, riches of all kinds, pleasure

 

Myrtle: Stable relationships, married love, fertility, matters concerning young people; also preserving youthfulness; peace, money

 

Norfolk Island Pine: Assurance that you and your family will never go without the necessities of life

 

Oak: Knowledge, power, independence, confidence, success, courage, prosperity and potency

 

Olive: Peace, mending of quarrels; forgiveness, especially of our own mistakes; abundance, healing and fertility

 

Orange: Love abundance, fertility, marriage, passion, luck and money

 

Palm: Fertility, potency, energy, starting again, rejuvenation

 

Pear: New life, health, girls’ and women’s needs, fertility

 

Peach: Marriage, pregnancy and birth, abundance, happiness, fertility, wishes and long life

 

Pine: Ending destructive relationships or habits; cleansing negativity; friendship in adversity, knowledge, protection from all harm, money

 

Redwood: Ambitions, limitless potential, success, spiritual growth, focus, courage, strength, concentration and increased mental acuity

 

Rowan/mountain ash; Protection of the home, intuition, increasing psychic powers, healing

 

Silver Banksias; Protection of all kinds, allowing one to let go of sorrow, grief and destructive habits or relationships

 

Sycamore: Protection and the granting of wishes; increasing influence over others and situations

 

Tamarind: Love, especially new love and the rebuilding of trust

 

Vine: Rebirth and renewal, joy, ecstasy, passion, good luck in games of chance

 

Walnut: Prophetic powers, prosperity, health, increase of mental powers, fertility, granting of wishes

 

Willow: Intuition, moon magick, healing, prophetic dreams, making wishes comes true, increasing psychic energies, understanding the emotions of others

 

White Mangrove: Nurturing self and others, being sensitive, intuitive, caring, balanced and in touch with life force

 

Yew: Endings, of new and good things coming out of the old, of permanence, aims that are slow to come to fruition, enduring strength, what is of worth, union between two people after difficulty

Using Tree Magick

 

You can use trees in magick in countless ways, the most basic by touching a tree with both hands, palms flat against the trunk and asking for its particular powers to enter you. This is another way of tuning into the different strengths of various trees.

 

Collect twigs from different trees or small hand-carved items made of the different woods and use them as charms to bring the powers you need into your life.

 

You can empower these with salt, incense, candle flame or water if you wish, though the natural wood is already powerful.

 

Craft fairs are an excellent source of small hand-carved items, as are ethnic stores that give a fair price to crafts people.

 

Carry a different wood when you need its particular strength.

 

You can also burn incenses and oils made from different trees (where possible, use natural plant products) and state aloud nine times the power you seek from the tree fragrance as you write your needs in the air with the smoke from an incense stick.

 

You can eat seeds, nuts and fruits from different trees or use products made from the blossoms in your bath to absorb the magickal strengths into your life. Natural tree, as well as flower and herbal products used in the kitchen give your home protection and harmony – and are much better for the environment than many of the alternatives.

 

Finally you can burn two or three of the woods in a fire dish, barbecue or open fire to release the qualities you need. Create chants or a simple phrase or two incorporating the names of the chosen trees and what you seek from them.

 

Trees and Magick

Each tree species carries strength and healing, though obviously longer standing tree with deep roots and spreading branches have greater repositories of energy. Each kind of tree also has its own unique powers. These you may associate with the kind of nature essence dwelling in that species or more abstractly with the qualities filtered through different kinds of wood.

Hold a crystal pendulum close to different trees and you will feel in your hands and body, amplified by the crystal, the differing tree strengths. For example, a redwood may make you feel confident and a willow, dreamy and intuitive. Note these feelings in your nature journal along with any images or words that come into your mind.

There are variations in intensity even with different trees within the same species. Take time to explore these energies and to visit forests (children love them) to get yourself attuned.

An arboretum or botanical garden is a good place to start if you are not familiar with trees. Buy a small tree book to carry with you so you can identify trees wherever you go, even in cities.

Making the Tree a Place of Power

Outdoors, your tree will be naturally cleansed and empowered by the weather and if some of the items get battered, don’t worry, However, you may wish initially to cleanse and empower the tree and any artifacts on it at the first full moon after it has been created. You can do this by smudging round the tree with a smudge stick made of a bundle of tied and dried herb sticks. The following is the basic technique for doing this:

  • Light one end of the smudge stick and let the flames die down, then gently blow on the end until it glows red and you have a stream of smoke. You can use your other hand to fan the smoke.  Smudge sticks are generally held in your power hand.
  • If indoors, be careful about sparks and ventilate the room. Also try to stand where you can see the moon or at least the sky through the window. Indoors, you can substitute a sage or pine incense stick if you wish.
  • To cleanse and empower the tree, stand facing the tree at about five paces distance. Raise your smudge stick upwards to the sky and downwards to the earth.
  • Walk nine times clockwise round the tree, making alternative clockwise and anticlockwise spirals of smoke, high and low, stamping your feet as you move and chant.
  • Relax and enjoy the experience. Let your feet carry you, often in a spontaneous spiralling step movement, as you connect with earth energies and your hand weaves smoke patterns. Work barefoot if possible as you have sensitive energy centers or chakras in the soles of your feet.
  • Say continuously until you have made nine circuits:

Empowering tree, be for me, strength and healing. Keep away harm, guard what is dear, and keep love near.

  • You can repeat this ritual whenever you add something new to the tree or before using it as the focus for a personal spell or chant. Re-empower every third full moon.

Creating a Magickal Tree

You can create your own, albeit more modest but nevertheless magickal, world tree in your garden.

You can use any tree or a large bush as long as it has plenty of branches. Indoors, you can use a large ornamental tree or bush. Alternatively, use large, stripped-wood branches indoors or set them in soil. Wherever it is located, you magickal tree acts as a protective force to repel harm from your property.

You can start the tree with just one or two items. You will need some of the following:

  • A witch ball or colored-glass fishing float that reflects the garden and shines in sunlight. These are both protective and empowering. Witch balls resemble huge  Christmas baubles and come from the American folk tradition. You can make one by painting a glass sphere with metallic paint or buy one from a New Age shop or website.
  • Fishing floats make a transparent glass are on sale in antique stores or garage sales, but increasingly in gift shops and houseware stores. Hang two or three of them from the tree.
  • Mirrors. These need only be small to reflect the flow of the life force round the garden and repel all harm. You can use ordinary round mirrors or Chinese lucky Bagua mirrors that display the old Chinese symbols for eight natural forces that together energize the universe and our lives. Convex ones that curve outwards are especially protective.
  • Outdoors, nets of seeds and nuts or fat balls bring wild birds to the tree. This is especially important if the tree itself is not living.
  • Symbols of fertility and prosperity. Fill small raffia baskets with long handles with coins, sparking crystals like yellow citrine and clear crystal quartz or dried herbs like sage, rosemary and thyme that bring abundance to the garden with your home. You can often buy ornamental baskets set with wooden or ceramic fruits and flowers. Look in ethnic stores.
  • Small metal birds (you can sometimes buy them made of recycled metal). They will gleam in the light and encourage the circulation of positivity.
  • Feathers on cords to encourage positive change and the free-flowing life force.
  • Seasonal flowers, again especially important if the tree itself is not living. These can be weaved into circlets or use as garlands secured with twine. Keep these fresh and replace regularly.
  • Sun catchers, crystals or polished glass stones on chains.
  • Ribbons tied on the tree for different wishes. Secure the ribbon with three knots on to the tree and make your wish. Use ribbons that are not synthetic.
  • Use the following list when choosing the colors of items to put on to your magickal tree:

Blue:  Justice, career, travel and house moves

Brown:  Animals, property, finances and officialdom

Green:  Love and fidelity, for gradual increase in health, alternative healing, prosperity and to heal the planet

Orange:  Creativity and fertility

Pink:  Children, new or first love, peace, peaceful dreams and reconciliation

Purple:  Psychic awareness, peace, alternative healing and for protection

Red:  Passion and change

Yellow:  Learning and anything that needs to happen fast or temporarily in your life; also for conventional healing

Trees and Creation

In the Norse Tradition, Yggdrassil, the world tree supported the nine realms of existence. At the top was Asgard, the home of the Aesir, the principle deities, led by Odin and his consort Frigg. This level also contained Vanaheim, the kingdom of the wind, fertility and sea gods, with whom the Aesir fashioned an uneasy peace, and Alfheim, home of the light elves. On the middle level was Midgard, the land of the humans. They shared this level with Jotunheim, the land of the frost giants and Nidavellir, the realm of the dwarves, who guarded their treasures and made artifacts for the deities. The lowest realm was divided between Niflheim and Hel, realms of the dead and Svartalafheim, home of the dark elves.

In Eastern Europe as well as in Asia the mythological world tree was considered the axis of the world with the pole star at the top. Shamans, the magickal priests or healers of indigenous peoples worldwide, climb this tree in a trance to reach other realms. Look up through the branches of a very tall tree on a starry night and you will see how this belief came into being.

The tree appears in numerous creation myths. In one Maori legend, the tree was the first thing to appear at creation and on it grew countless buds that contained all created life. A number of Native North American creation myths tell how the first humans climbed pine or fir trees from the underworld and broke through on to the Earth. In Viking myth the first man was fashioned by Odin and his brothers from an Ash (Aesc) and the first woman from an Elm tree (Embla). The gods found the trees while walking on the seashore.