Tree Info.....help!

[Kiya]

Greetings woodland dwellers!

I'd like to ask a question if I may?

I've just moved to a VERY rural location, and I'm suddenly surrounded by lots of trees - a big oak protecting the end of the lane, lots of silver birch and rowan trees in the garden (ok, it's more of a field than a garden, but I like it like that!) but what I want to ask is the following: I've got 12 Poplars in a row, 6 either side of the house. They sound gorgeous in the wind, like running water or the sea. Are there any myths, legends about poplars?

BB

[Astraea]

I know that it has been said that Christ's cross was made of aspen, a species of poplar. And the poplar trees of Athene are mentioned in The Oddyssey.
There is also a myth about Zeus killing Phaethon? I believe it was, with a bolt of thunder- and his grieving sisters were transformed into weeping poplar trees.
And in another Greek myth, black poplars surround the entrance to the Underworld, called Tartarus, which is far below Hades and is a place of damnation and suffering.
I've noticed black poplars seem to have been representative of death and even "unluckiness" but the white poplar seems to be representative of more positive things- including rebirth, reincarnation, resurrection.
I know there are many, many other myths involving the poplar tree. I'm sure someone else here will have much more to offer.
I'm sure there are also other species of poplar to consider.

[Kiya]

These are White Poplars apparently! I will look up the Zeus myth...listening to the poplars in the wind I can just picture them as grieving sisters!

As for Rebirth and resurrection - well, this new house is a whole new start for me and my beloved, so that fits in nicely!

I've never been that interested in trees (please don't throw me out of the forum!!! LOL!!) but I'd never lived in such close proximity to them before! You just can't help touching them, can you?

[Astraea]

Forgot to mention- enjoy living on that rural property! It's truly a beautiful experience. I love my country homes, nothing like them.

[Astraea]

That's excellent! I'm glad that home is a new start for you. I bet it's beautiful.
I know exactly what you mean about touching them, trees are just amazing.
I certainly wouldn't throw you out of here! If you never lived so close to them, you couldn't have understood them. I'm glad you are able to experience their beauty up close now!

Blessings,
Astraea

[Kiya]

....he keeps laughing at me when I go up and touch all the trees so he's calling me Trugger - short for Tree-hugger apparently!

Our new house is a converted barn, and the trees are all young - most are 3 yrs old and the Poplars are 10years old. The Oak at the end of the lane is very old though, and he is almost intimidating, bending over the lane! Nice to be protected, though!!!

Love being miles from anywhere - no cars, no kids, lots of animals and plants!

[Mairwen]

I have a Student who lives in a converted barn. I tease her all the time. "Push that chair in! Do you live in a barn?!" LOL! :D

[Young Oak]

Kiya,


Try sensing the life of the Poplars....They may make you feel very welcome to be in their presence. Be open with your senses.

May your home be blessed with many encounters with your new found friends........


Young Oak

[WolfSinger]

Like Kiya, my hubby and I are also moving to a rural location next month. (Bought our first house!) It is a very old property - the house is 150 years old and the last remaining building from a no-longer existing community. We have a 1 acre yard with lots of old trees.

We have decided that we want to build/plant a grove on the property, but we're at a bit of a loss as to exactly what trees should be planted there. I've checked out a lot of druidic sites, but oddly enough, what little is posted concerning sacred trees seems a bit contradictory. Any ideas?

Also, I would appreciate input on the thought of building a pond with a waterfall in the center of the grove. Seems like a good idea to me, but I would still appreciate input.

You have my most humble thanks!
WolfSinger

[Twig]

QUOTE]The Oak at the end of the lane is very old though, and he is almost intimidating, bending over the lane! Nice to be protected, though!!! [/QUOTE]

Greetings Kiya! I don't usually EVER do this [give private advice] but,I feel this is needed.

That Oak is what you should concentrate on. I think you should focus more on what the s/he(sic) is trying to tell you. IT will answer your questions about the other trees. I don't know how.:confused: :crazy: But my guide doesn't steer me wrong often. ;)

:D Congratulations on the new home. I hope it gives you...

Peace,
Twig
:elf:

[WolfSinger]

I love large old oaks, but the "oak at the end of the lane" you are referring to is Kiya's.

[Kiya]

I came to the same conclusion! I felt that getting to know the other trees on the land without making the effort to get in touch with the oak was somehow.... rude, and illmannered. So I spent some time just touching the oak, especially some of the old scars where a gate used to be attached, and now instead of feeling intimidated by him, I feel accepted and am beginning to feel welcomed by him.

I ask him to protect my house every time I leave for work, and greet him and thank him every time I come home.

After all, he's a lot older than me...... and deserves respect!

As for the Poplars, I spend a lot of time sat outside listening to them whispering away in the breeze. While clearing some undergrowth underneath one of them I found a small fir-type tree, still in a pot. The label says it is 'commonly known as a dwarf giant redwood'!!!! So there are even more trees here than I thought!

Thanks for the advice Twig - I'll keep you posted on how the Oak and I are getting on.

Love and dappled light in amongst these trees,

[Twig]

That'll teach me to try to do 4 things at once !:crazy: Sorry 8O :rolleyes:

Welcome to you all the same. :D

Peace,
Twig
:elf:

[WolfSinger]

I am also hoping someone can point me in the right direction on another question I had.

I learned the value long ago of cleansing and protection rituals for my home and personal possessions(long story), but is there anything that would be better suited to blessing and protecting the trees and gardens on my new property?

I don't need a specific spell or ritual (prefer to write my own), but would like at least a general idea.

Sorry if it's a bit confusing!

Thanks,
WolfSinger

[WildSpirit]

Well, WolfSinger, I could try to pitch a few ideas for a rite to you...

First, let's try to focus on a certain god/dess. I'm a bit rusty on mah pantheon, and I'm not sure what pantheon you study, but try to go for a god/dess of the earth (Duh! lol). Then, find some components (material and vocal) to help you invoke the force of that very deity. Use this energy to bless/consecrate the area you wish. Then, to gain a feel/link to the land, add your own energy in some way, such as maybe giving some sort of item you created unto the land, or simply channeling your energy into it. To finish it off, respectively, give you thanks to the god/dess whose energy you have invoked, and finish off the rite. A good finisher might consist of a small banquet upon the land (either by yourself or with some friends), to represent happiness and fertility.

If you need more specifics, contact me:
Email: merlynboy13@yahoo.com
AIM Screen Name: TomeMaster13
Yahoo! Screen Name: ChildofCerridwen

[Shy Hawk]

I am interested myself in trees...and how to get in touch with them...lately I have been feeling a tug, no a pull to the trees in my area. And, when I get near them, I feel almost akin to them...does this sound strange?
I get the urge to sit under them...touch them, hold them...especially the large and tall ones...they have a booming presence in my mind...
I guess I'd like to know, how to better get in touch with them...and well...that will do for now. :D
If you have a method, tell me. If you know of a book, tell me that too. thanks again