The Oak Tree

Seventh Moon of The Celtic Year - 10th June - 7th July

Latin Names - White Oak = Quercus Alba; Red Oak = Quercus Rubra; Black Oak = Quercus Velutina.

Celtic Name - Duir, meaning 'door'.

Folk Names - Duir, Jove's Nuts and Juglans.

Parts Used - Wood, Leaves, Bark, Acorns.

Herbal Use

Tea, made from Oak, is a good remedy for hemorrhoids as it is known for astringent tonic properties.

White Oak Bark Tea is used to treat sinus infections because it helps relieve congestion.

Acorns can be peeled and used in various homeopathic potions which will treat alcoholism, bad breath and constipation.

Magickal History of Oak

The word Duir, from the Sanskrit 'Dwr' amd meaning 'door', indicates the door to the Three Worlds of the Shaman.

The Oak, associated with the element of fire, is ruled by the Sun.

The bird associated with this month is the Wren, the colour, Black, and the gemstone, White Carnelian or Moonstone.

Oak has long been considered sacred by just about every culture encountering it. However, the Celts and Norse held it in particular reverence because of its size, long life, and the acorns it produced. In Druidic times at Yule, the Midwinter Sabbat, all fires were extinguished; then the Druids lit the New Season Fires using Oak wood as Yule logs. All the people would start their fires from this source.

The Oak tree is sacred to Brighid, the Dadga, Dianus, Janus, Rhea, Cybele, Hecate, Pan, and Erato. The Goddess Artemis is often seen as a perpetual youth, wearing a necklace of acorns. Such statues can be seen in the Vatican. The acorn was under the protection of Cybele, Goddess of Nature.

Probably owing to the Oak's habit of being a lightning magnet during storms, it is frequently associated with Gods of thunder and lightening, including Zeus,Thor, Jupiter, and the Lithuanian God, Perkunas. Specific Oak Trees have also been associated with Herne of the Wild Hunt, in England, and Wodin, in Germany. King Arthur's Round Table was reputedly made from a single slab from a giant Oak Tree.

Magickal Use

The month of Oak envelops the Summer Solstice Sabbat, Lithua, making Oak a powerful Midsummer symbol. Often used in spells for Protection, Strength, Success and Stability, Healing, Fertility, Health, Money, Potency, and Good Luck, different varieties of Oak will lend their own special 'flavor' to the magick. Red Oak's energy is somewhat lighter and more fiery than the other oaks, White Oak is useful for spells requiring strength and solidity and Brown Oak, being of an earthy feel, proves useful for grounding.

Acorns may be specifically used in magick intended to attract the opposite gender, to increase income and prosperity, or for divinatory powers. The Oak is known as The King of the Grove and was one of the sacred three... Oak, Ash & Thorn. Worship of the Oak tree may stem from the fact that the acorn was one of the main food sources of the nomadic tribes of prehistoric Europe and in mystic lore, it often represented the supreme form of fertility - creativity of the mind. Acorns are used to increase fertility of projects or ideas, or in matters of human reproduction, and to ease pain. Symbolic of immortality, they are especially sacred to the Samhain Season, and can be used to decorate the Altar in Autumn. The Oak is a holy tree; the Lord of Truth. Tradition dictates that the rustling of its leaves may be heard to carry the voice of Jupiter. It is also believed that at the Summer Solstice, the future can be divined by listening to the wind as it blows through the branches of an Oak tree. Oak is also a very powerful protection herb and has protected England through the use of its timbers for the building of ships. They are also used for their protective qualities, as boundary markers.

Acorns placed in a window can ward off lightning or dark spirits and can also be carried in a pocket or charm bag to protect the bearer from storms, getting lost and from evil intent. They are carried for immortality and longevity, to preserve youthfulness, and for fertility and protection against illness. Three acorns made into a charm attracts youthfulness, beauty and attainment in life. The three acorns, tied and bound with the Mage's own hair, should be blessed under the New Moon and the Full Moon every month of the year, and then, the charm worn. Acorns planted in the dark of the Moon will bring financial prosperity and those placed near windows or hung from window shades, pull to bring luck to a house. This custom originates from the Vikings and Druids because of the strength of the Oak Tree and its ability to attract lightning. They can also be carried to bring good luck.

An oak leaf worn at the breast, touching the heart, will protect the wearer from all deception and the world's false glamour. A handful of Oak leaves put in the bath water will cleanse the bather both in body and in spirit. It is said that if you can catch a falling Oak Leaf you shall have no colds all winter.

Set a fire of Oak wood and warm the house where there is a sick person, thus drawing off the illness. Oak is a male wood, ideal for the construction of any tool needing the male influence such as Athames and certain Wands and Staffs. The wood of an Oak Tree can also be used in making Staves, or Religious Idols. The Midsummer Fire is always Oak and the Need Fire is always kindled in an Oak log. When gathering Oak, be sure to pour wine on the roots of the tree to thank it for allowing you to take a part of it.

Acorns should be gathered in the daylight, and leaves and wood at night. The correct time to harvest Oak is during a waning Moon.