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Tree Lore

Birch

Known as the tree of rebirth, spring and fertility. Oil from the bark was often used for skin conditions and depression. People were once "Birched" to drive out evil spirits while twigs were given to newly weds to ensure fertility. Witches would use Birch twigs bound with Ash for their broomsticks or besoms. Birch has been know to cure muscular pains and the sap used for wine, beer and vinegar. Birch suggests dispelling negative energies and influences while preparing for a fresh start or new beginnings.

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Rowan

Rowan can be planted near houses to protect from evil influences and is used for dowsing also deflecting spells. The Cornish and Scots carried an equal sided cross of Rowan to protect      them from harm. Wands were placed over doors to ensure good fortune. The Rowan is known as a tree belonging to the Faery. The wood was used for bows after the Yew which was their first choice. When sliced in two the berries reveal a pentagram symbol of protection. Hence the tree will protect from enchantment and trickery and enhance strength with courage.

Alder

Wood used for creating magical whistles and flutes. Another Faery tree sacred to Bran therefore oracular and used for divination. When submersed in water the wood hardens making it ideal for bridges and underwater supports. When felled the tree literately bleeds turning from white to red. Medicinally the Alder would be used to rid people of fleas and boils. This tree will protect and aid awareness of difficulties, often offering solutions and direction towards a resolution while teaching us to trust in our intuition.

Willow

Staves cut from the Willow were used for fencing, roofing for houses and lunar wands.     Sandalwood and Willow bark aided in conjuring spirits forth from the Otherworld. Willow also helps to soothe those who felt bitter or jealous. Pregnant women would lay cloths underneath the tree to catch the leaves and ensure an easy birth. The water loving Willow symbolises the rhythms of the circle and the female.

Ash

Wood from the Ash is still used for Druid's wands and staffs as Nuinn (the Ash) links the inner and outer worlds. Twigs were placed in circles to protect from snakes while witches would    use the Ash as handles for their broomsticks. Children would be passed through the tree's branches to protect and cure them from illness. Leaves of the Ash were placed under pillows to induce prophetic dreams or in bowls of water to ward off illness.

Hawthorn

The Hawthorn offers psychic protection for the traveller. The twigs would be used as a cure for depression and to protect from misfortune when taken inside. The powered seeds were used as a cure for gallstones. This Faery tree was often used for walking sticks and fires. Also the Maypole around which Celts would dance at Beltane celebrating the onset of summer - a later introduction to the Celtic festival. The Hawthorn talks of cleansing and protection with the ability to see past ignorance and create strength. Hawthorn may be employed to dispel negative energies and curses while enhancing protection.

Oak

Folklore suggests that if the Oak blooms before the Ash there will be a good harvest. The Oak is considered to be the king of the trees and guardian of the realms held sacred by the Dagda.  Celtic Druids venerated the Oak and would ceremoniously cut the mistletoe from it's branches with a golden sickle. Acorns were said to protect from lightening hence they can be found in  medieval building carved into staircases etc. Medicinally the Oak is known to heal gout and bleeding gums. The tree of learning, Druids (duir-doorway) would tutor the young  underneath it's branches. Like the lightening which strikes the Oak it warns us to expect the unexpected throughout life's journey.

Holly

Carried by Celtic men for good luck. The Holly eases thoughts of jealousy and mistrust while protecting from evil spirits. Reputed to tame wild animals, bairns were bathed in water from the leaves to protect them from harm. The Holly will Indicate a balance and strength needed to overcome challenges. An excellent tree for retaining energies and warding off unwanted   influences or attentions with the knowledge of when to fight and when to defend.

Hazel

The Hazel's forked twigs are still used for divination and seeking water along with other treasures. Druids carried staffs made from the inspirational tree, while the nuts were savoured by poets seeking the muse. Hazel pins were used to protect houses from fire and the trees as shade from the sun, Hazel can also cure coughs. By opening yourself to this tree you will be lead to the wells of divination, poetry and healing and perhaps allowed the ability to inspire     others with wisdom. The Hazel is known as a tree of learning and teaching.

Apple

Avalon is said to be the isle of the Apple trees and unicorns apparently live beneath them. This tree provides a sacred food of the Gods and Goddesses for the likes of you and I. The blossoms are used for perfume and apples in the making of cider. A love spell (not recommended without the full consent of both partners) is created by sharing an apple with your lover. Blossoms were thrown at newly weds for blessing and protection. The Goddess Brighid muses with poets underneath the Apple tree's branches. As they associate with her triple aspect and choice. Commoners were once granted land by allocation of the Apple tree's fruit.

Vine

Sacred to the deities, grapes are used in the making of wine allowing those who participate to speak with truth (as they see it) and to release their inhibitions. Also used to stimulate prophecy in the seers by permitting them to reach deep within their inner self with intuition acting as a guide. When used in moderation the Vine helped to speed inner development for    those who retained some responsibility for their actions.

Ivy

Carried by women for good luck and used to aid fertility. The Ivy when used correctly heals headaches, muscle cramps and assists in the art of prophecy.  Symbolic of the soul's journey and the spiral towards the self. The Ivy encourages assistance towards others in their search, so that in turn they may assist you. Ivy is known for opening minds and developing the group soul which may lead to both joy and success.

Reed

Growing by the waterside the Reed is used in the making of instruments flutes, pipes, and music. The Celts would thatch their roofs with Reed to protect from the winter months and to ward off evil spirits. Reed assists in finding the correct path and bringing order out of chaos,     while taking charge of a situation. Also used as thread by the weaver.

Blackthorn

Witches would choose this tree for their broomstick handles, Blackthorn is also used for making walking sticks. It's thickets were employed as barriers or fences to keep people and evil spirits out. The berries were added to wine enhancing the flavour. The Blackthorn is     symbolic of a cleansing period which may be somewhat unpleasant. The thorns are sometimes used in piercing waxen images and may bring hardship upon either the practitioner or the recipient. A strong tree which offers courage and strength towards facing a situation.

Elder

The twigs of the Elder enable the wearer to see spirits and experience visions. Justice was dispensed by the Druids under this tree. Medical uses include a cure for epilepsy, warts and toothache. Flutes made from Elder held the power to enchant spirits, while berries provided wine. Tea was brewed from the flowers for cleansing the blood. Damaged branches re-grow signifying the circle of life and rebirth, new beginning from the old.

Silver Fir

High views and long site summarise the Fir tree attributes quite nicely. Sometimes used as incense and in the construction of building interiors along with musical instruments. For a weather witch the cones warn of wet weather and foretells when a dry season approaches.    Offering a clear perception of the present and the future, it's wood is used for shape-shifting and magic involving change.

Heather

Once cut and dried the Celts utilised Heather for fuel and it's blossoms for the making of tea, while honey gathered by bees provided nourishment. As bees travel in relation to the sun it is also regarded as a messenger, indicating healing and contact with the spirit realms and suggests listening to the inner self. Druids recognise Heather as part of a cure for all illness, whether mental, of the body or spiritual.

Furze

Used for alleviating despair and for money spells due to the gold flowers, along with psychic protection. Another who is visited by the bees throughout the year. Cattle would be set to pasture amongst fields of Furze, horses and deer would also visit to feed upon it. Celts would and still do burn fields of Furze cleansing the way for new growth and gathering the elements together. This would involve the tribe who shared in their gain while preparing for the future.  

Poplar

Utilised for arrows, spears and shields The Poplar foretells of wet weather by turning it's leaves and is said to attract money. Poplar is also (at times) burnt by practitioners to aid astral projection. Growing beside the river the Poplar talks to those who listen about challenge and how to succeed against adversity. Offers a positive outlook when opposing material strains in your journey.

Yew

Transformation, reincarnation, eternal life and immortality sums up the attributes of the Yew tree. The Yew is never planted near grazing beasts due to the poisonous nature of this tree.   Druids would sleep under the Yew to receive visions from the vapours given forth by the leaves during the summer months. Signals a rebirth of the self as the new tree grows from within the old ancient trunks. By letting go of the old the new-sprung brings peace of mind.

Spindle

The Spindle provides powered fruit employed as an insecticide, while it's wood is used for spindles, bobbins and knitting needles. It's red and yellow dye is also used for decoration of materials and for makeup. Standing for honour and community spirit this unselfish tree helps to cleanse old wounds. It's nature suggests that you tend to your obligations and the  requirements of others.

Honeysuckle

Connected with the lapwing in Celtic lore and also known as the Woodbine. Honeysuckle resembles the growth patterns of the Ivy and the search for the self. The Honeysuckle encourages us to reach for those desires sought and ignore distractions, while remaining true to the values and beliefs held. The sweet scent of the Honeysuckle signals joy in the search for the self.

Beech

Beech may be applied to swellings and scabs for healing purposes. Symbolic of wisdom and used to ensure wishes yield results. The wood of the Beech is employed for furniture making, writing tablets and basket work. This tree is also used for spells involving cleansing and warding. In listening to the Beech the ability to learn from past experiences becomes apparent, while respecting the inner voice.