Tree Lore

Since ancient times, certain trees have held a special significance, varying between different cultures and geographical areas. Some were held sacred, the power of the tree's spirit granting it a central place in folklore and mythology. I would like to share with you some more information about sacred trees and their meanings, starting with the mighty Oak.

The Oak

The oak has been held sacred by just about all cultures that have encountere it but the Norse and Celts held it in the highest esteem because of its size, longevity and nutritious acorns. It is associated with Gods of thunder and lightening such as Thor and Zeus, probably because the oak had a habit of being hit by lightening during storms. Herne, in England and Wodin, in German, both Gods of the Wild Hunt, have been associated with oak trees, and oak is generally used in protection spells, and spells for strength, success and stability.

The Yew

The yew is poisonous in every part except the flesh covering of the berry and its medicinal uses include a treatment for cancer. Probably the oldest-living tree in the world, the yew has long been associated with magic, death, rebirth and reincarnation and the runes. Ancient yews are found in churchyards in every corner of Britain, where often they will pre-date back to the oldest churches. Yew is useful for enhancing magical and psychic abilities, and inducing visions.

The Willow

The willow loves to have it's roots in water, and its bark contains Salicin which is used in the treatment of rheumatic fever and various damp diseases. Catkins appear on the tree in early spring before its leaves and attract bees to begin the pollination cycle. In western traditions, willow is a symbol of mourning and poor luck in love and the Hebrews mourn their captivity in Babylon, beside willows. The tree indicates cycles, rhythms and the ebb and flux.

The Ash

The European variety of the ash tree was referred to as the species of Yggdrasil, (the World-Tree), in the Eddas. Ash was often used to make spears because its characteristics included a straight grain and springiness. In North America, stips of black ash were split along the grain to make splints for baskets and hoops, and it is used also, in weaver's beams. The first man, named Ask, was created from an ash log, and this tree can be used in spells requiring focus and strength of purpose and a linking of the inner and outer worlds.

The Birch

The birch has long been associated with the Goddess, fertility and healing magic. Twigs from this tree were used to bestow fertility on cattle and newlyweds, and children's cradles were built from its wood. One of the first trees to grow on bare soil, the Birch births the entire forest. Criminals were birched long ago, to drive out evil influences on them, in order to renew them for the new year. This tree was associated with Thor, probably in recognition of his role as an agricultural and fertility deity. Nearly every part of this tree is edible and its sap, an important source of sugar to Native Americans and early settlers. The inner bark provides a pain reliever and the leaves used to treat arthritis. The bark was used for various products, such as paper, canoe hulls and axe handles and birch is most useful for fertility and healing spells.

The Beech

Beech tablets were used long ago, as writing surfaces because the wood is closely grained and was very easy to work to a smooth, even surface. Beech is associated with ancient knowledge as revealed n old objects, places and writings, and indicates guidance from the past to gain insight which protects and provides a solid base, upon which all relies.

The Hawthorn

The hawthorn is a small tree, never usually growing much bigger than a shrub, and is popular as a hedge plant in England. Its wood provides the hottest fire knows and its leaves and blossoms are used to make a tea which aids with anxiety, appetite loss and poor circulation. Greeks and Romans saw the hawthorn as a symbol of hope and marriage, but in Medieval Europe, it was associated with witchcraft and considered unlucky. This is probably because of its beautiful blossoms and deadly-looking thorns. Hawthorn is used for protect, love and marriage spells.

The Hazel

In Celtic tradition, the Salmon of Knowledge is said to eat the nine nuts of poetic wisdom dropped into its sacred pool from the hazel tree beside it. Each nut eaten becomes a spot on the Salmon's skin. The tree provided shade, protection and baskets, and in Europe and North America, is commonly used for water-witching, (the art of finding water with a forked stick). In magic, hazel wood is used to gain knowledge, wisdom and poetic inspiration.

The Holly

This tree is associated with the death and rebirth symbolism of winter, in both Pagan and Christian lore. In Arthurian legend, Gawain, (representing the Oak King of summer), fought the Green Knight, who was armed with a holly club to represent winter. One of the three timbers used in the construction of chariot wheel shafts, holly was used in spear shafts too. Holly is used in spells concerning sleep or rest, and to ease the passage of death.

The Apple

In Norse myth, Idunna was the keeper of the apples of immortality which kept the Gods young. The fruit-bearing tree referred to by Tacitus in his description of Norse runic divination may have been the apple tree. This tree indicates choice and is useful for love and healing magic.