Tree Lore

[Da Witch]

Since ancient times, trees have been an important part of folk medicine, shamanism, divination, magick and superstition. Their roots, bark, leaves, branches, seeds and fruit have cured many ills; protected homes and animals against evil, bad luck and lightning; added strength to magickal brews, potions and aphrodisiacs; and assisted Witches ans Wizards in the casting of all sorts of wonderous spells of magick.

ACACIA


In India and Patagonia, the acacia tree is believed to be inhabited by spirits, and various offerings and sacrifices are made to the tree in exchange for fertility, healing and protection against evil and misfortune.
Acacia wood is ritually burned on the sacred altars of the Buddhists and used to prepare the sacrificial fires of the Hindus.


ALDER

In ancient times, the alder was used in idolatrous rites in honor of the goddess Asarte and in divinatory practices to diagnose diseases.
According to legend, and alder bleeds, weeps and begins to speak when it is hewn. At one time it was against the law in Ireland to chop one down.
The alder is used in folk medicine to treat such ailments as burns, the itch and rheumatism


APPLE TREE

The apple tree is known in Europe as the "Tree of Immortality Through Wisdom," and it's fruit has been the subject of countless proverbs and sayings.
According to Irish legends, apple trees (as well as nut trees, oks, and the five mystic trees representing the five senses) were believed to be produced by the trefoil (or shamrock) god Trefuilngid Tre-Eochair, who was assimulated to St. Patrick and also known as the Triple Bearer of the Triple Key ( a name which refers to the trident, or triple-phallus, designed to fertilize the Triple Goddess).
In many parts of Europe, an apple tree is planted when a baby boy is born, and it is believed that the child will grow or dwindle with the tree. The custom of planting a "Birth Tree" is also common in West Africa, Papua New Guinea, the southern United States and parts of Dutch Borneo.
In Iroquois Indian Mythology, the apple tree is the central tree of Heaven.
The wood from the apple tree is made into wands that are used to draw magick circles, and the fruit of the tree is used in love-magick, Voodoo love charms, fertility charms, divinations and immortality spells.
Churchmen of the middle ages believed that sorceresses could cause demonic possession by giving poisoned or enchanted apples to their intended victims.
Bobbing for Halloween apples is a remnant of Druidic marriage divination, and it was believed in medieval Europe that a single woman could see the image of her future husband if she peeled and apple before a candle lit mirror on Halloween night.
The apple is best known as the forbidden fruit eaten by Adam and Eve; however; the fruit of the tree was unidentified in the bible and the apple was neveer actually mentioned in conjunction with the Adam and Eve story.



Research sux. I'll have some more for you later.

[Da Witch]

ASH

In Ireland, wands made of ash wood were used by the Druids in their magickal rites. In Scotland, the ash was used to protect children from sorcery; and in England it was used as a folk remedy to cure warts.
Children were often passed through the branches of an ash to be cured of rupture or rickets.
Ash rods were used to magickally cure diseases in farm animals, draw magick circles and keep serpents at bay.


BAMBOO


The bamboo tree symbolizes friendship in India, and is an emblem of the sacred fire. Its wood is commonly used in the magick rituals of the Melanesian tribes and the semang of Malaya. In Japan, it is reguarded as sacred and is connected with moon-worship and lunar magick.


BANYAN


The banyan tree is sacred to Indian seers and ascetics and is the Tree of Knowledge in Indian Mythology. The Hindu god Vishnu was born under the shade of a banyan, and it was believed that anyone who dared to injure or chop one down would anger the gods and be punished by death.


BAY TREE


The bay tree is reguarded as the symbol of resurrection, and is used in healing, divintation and dream magick. The herbalists of olden times used bay roots to treat ailments of the liver, spleen and other internal organs. They believed that the tree's berries could counteract the poison of venomous cratures and aid in treating coughs and tuberculosis. The leaves were reguarded as highly mystical and were used to protect houses against lightning and thunder, and keep sorcerers and evil demons at bay.

[Myst]

Hi, would you like to cite the source for this info in case of copyright issues infringed?

[Da Witch]

BIRCH


In Scandinavian mythology, the birch tree symbolizes the rebirth of spring.
As a tree of magick, the birch is used in purification rites and weather-working. The Witchs besom(broomstick) was traditionally made out of birch.
It is and old superstition in New Foundland that a birch broom will "sweep away the family".
A special broom made of birch twigs was used in medieval Europe as a flogging device to exorcise demons, imps and ghosts.
In certain areas of Russia, it is a Whitsunday custom to dress a birch tree in women's clothing.


CEDAR


In Mesopotamia, the cedar tree was regarded as both deity and oracle.
The Japanese cedar (known as the "Tree of Fire") is concidered a sacred tree and is often planted near sanctuaries.


CEIBA


The five leaved silk-cotton tree known as the ceiba pentandara is the sacred tree in Santeria, and is used in six different ways by the santeros (priests of the Santeria religion): (1) The leaves are used in all forms of love magick. (2) The roots are used to place offerings and to recieve the blood of animals sacrificed to a particular god of goddess. (3) the tree trunk is used in the casting of black magick spells. (4) The bark of the tree is used in brews and potions for medicinal purposes. (5) The soil around the tree is used in black magick sorcery. (6) The shade of the tree attracts spirits and gives its super-natural power to all the spells buried beneath it.


CHERRY TREE


In fourteenth century Japan, a tree-cult existed at Ise, and a cherry tree known as "Sakura-No_Miya" was worshipped.
Cherries are used in love spells, aphrodisiacs and healing magick, while all parts of the tree are used in folk medicine to treat such ailments as postnatal and menstrual hemorrage, asthma, coughs, allergies and syphilis.


COCONUT TREE


The coconut tree was sacred in the northern regions of Italy, and its fruit was believed to make barren women fertile. The tree is used mainly in the art of divination, and in western India, its fruits and blossoms are thrown into the ocean as an offering to the gods of the sea.


CYPRESS


The cypress is the symbol of the immortal soul, death and sorrow. Its wood was used to make coffins of Greek heros and the cases for Egyptian mummies. Its seeds were eaten to aquire strength, health and youthfulness; and its fruit has been used in folk medicine to treat such ailments as bleeding gums, loose teeth, diarrhea and dysentery.


ELDER


The elder is a small waterside tree associated with Witches and magick. In Ireland, elder sticks were said to be used by witches as "magick horses," and in England, it is an old folk belief that a baby placed in an elderwood cradle will either pine away or be stolen by faeries. It is also said that an elder is a blessed tree and lightning can never strike it.
Burning elder sticks in a Christmas Eve fire or cutting them on St. Johns Eve is said to reveal those who practice the black arts of sorcery.
Elderberries are carried in pockets as charms to protect against poison ivy and also worn around the neck on a necklace as a magickal remedy for dropsy.
The flowers of the elder with their sweet, heavy scent have long been associated with death and funerals, and at one time it was believed that if an elder twig planted on a grave began to grow, it was a sign that the soul of the deceased buried below was at rest.
In the old days, elder flowers wer hung on stable doors to protect horses from bad magick. Wreaths of elder flowers were used by the Druids to decorate sacred altars for Beltane, and to keep away evil influences.
The Native Americans called elder the "tree of music" and made magickal flutes from its branches. They also used the bark as an antidotal poultice for inflammations and painful swellings.
All parts of the elder have been useful in folk medicine to treat numerous ailments and diseases.
The purpleish-black berries of the elder make a delicious wine, and its dried blossoms can be used to make a relaxing tea. Elder has been used by Witches as an aphrodisiac and also as a magickal ingredient in many spells for love, protection and prosperity.


ELM


The elm is a shade tree said to possess the mystical power to protect against lightning. It was associated with elven folk in England, and used by the santeros of Santeris in the casting of magickal spells.
According to Teutonic mythology, the first woman on Earth was created from an elm tree by the gods.
In folk medicine, the elm is uesed to treat swellings, coughs, skin diseases, and venereal infections.


FIG TREE


The fig tree is the symbol of peace and plenty. Its shadow is believed to be haunted by spirits, and its bark and fruit are used in both magick and folk medicine to treat various ailments and diseases.
According to the Gospels the fig tree was "cursed with barreness" by Jesus Christ because it refused to produce fruit for him out of its season (Mark II: 13-22). The Book of Genesis states that the leaves of the fig tree were used by Adam and Eve, as soon as they aquired knowledge, to cover their nakedness.


HAZEL


The hazel tree has always been associated with Witches, and the very name "witch-hazel" remains today. The tree has also been associated with the god Thor.
Hazel is known as ther "Tree of Wisdom" (especially in Irish legend), and it is used in magickal spells for immortality, protection and healing. Hazel rods were believed to possess divinitory properties and have long been used by dowsers to locate buried treasure and underground water. Hazel rods have also been traditionally used as wands by white magicians, and to protect animals against bewitchment by faeries or impous demons. According to Welsh folklore, hazel twigs woven into a "wishing cap" can be used to make wishes come true.


LAUREL

The laurel tree is the symbol of immortality, victory and peace. It is said to be able to endow prophets with visions, and was associated with poetic inspiration.
The leaves of the laurel tree were chewed by female devotees of the Triple Goddess at Tempe to induce a poetic and erotic frenzy. They were also chewed by the Pythian priestess of the Delphic oracle for oracular inspiration.
The laurel is widely used in all forms of love-magick, wish-magick and healing.


LIME TREE


In Germany, the lime tree was held sacred. According to folk legends and superstitions, it was haunted by dwarfs and possessed the power to make heros fall into an enchanted sleep.
The fruit of the lime tree is used mainly in love-magick; however, in certain parts of India, it is the main ingredient in many powerful curses.
In folk medicine, the lime is used as a plaster for wounds, and to treat colds, sore throat, and scurvy.


MAPLE


Th maple tree is the symbol of reserve. At one time, its branches were commonly used as divining rods to locate underground water. its leaves are celebrated by the Japanese in blossom festivals, and a decoction made from its bark is used by various North American Indian tribes t o induce vomiting.


MYRTLE


The myrtle is an evergreen tree associated symbolically with love and marriage, and is sacred to many love goddesses. It also was the symbol of authority, immortality, death and resurrection.
Wreaths of myrtle blossoms were worn by ancient Roman brides on their wedding day; however, myrtle also was the symbol of unlawful or incestuous love, and often it was banned form many religious ceremonies.
In folk magick, myrtle is used in love spells, charms, passion aphrodisiacs and spells to attract good fortune.

[Da Witch]

Originally posted by Myst
Hi, would you like to cite the source for this info in case of copyright issues infringed?

I will when I am done typing all the info
I have about 15 more to type.

[Emy]

And for those interesting in further info on trees, check out The New Pagans forum where you can find a similar thread called The Meanings and Symbols of Trees. :)

[Da Witch]

OAK


The oak tree is a tree with many ancient mythological and magickal associations. In the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca, the oak symbolizes the waxing year aspects of the Horned God. It was regarded as the "oracle tree" by the Greek philosopher Socrates, and as the most sacred of trees by the ancient Celtic Druids, who belived that the leaves possessed great supernatural powers to heal and renew strength. Acorns (the "fruit' of the oak tree) were eaten by the Druids in preparation for prophesying.
The ancient Romans also believed in the wonderous power of the oak tree, and to protect themselves against the forces of evil, they wore wreaths made from oak leaves around thier heads as protective crowns.
Human sacrifices were made to the Phoenician god Baal "under every leafy oak" (Ezekial 6:13), and in Estonia, the blood of slaughtered animals was poured on oak roots as a libation to the gods.
The oak is the traditional and essential wood used for Yule logs and Midsummer Night bonfires. Oak branches are used in Wiccan spells to attract good luck, and the bark from the tree is made into magickal incenses to honor the gods and goddesses to whom the oak tree is sacred. And in folk medicine, oak tea has been used to treat such ailments as pinworms, gallstones, loose teeth, and venereal disease.


OLIVE TREE


The olive tree is the symbol of peace and divine blessings. Its branches were made into crowns and worn by Greek brides, Roman conquerors and the gods who lived atop Mount Olympus. Olive branches were also placed on chimneys and over doors to ward off lightning and keep sorcerers, demons and wicked ghosts at bay.
The olive tree and its fruit have been used in healing spells, love-magick and fertility rites. Its oil has been used to anoint altar candles, bless religious statues and fuel sacred lamps.


ORANGE TREE


The orange tree is the symbol of eternal love, chastity and purity. Its blossoms were worn as bridal flowers and its fruit was used by Voodoo practitioners in love-magick and by European sorcerers in sympathetic black magick.


PALM


The palm tree is the Tree of Life and the dwelling place of the Goddess in many ancient myths. It is used in fertility rituals and Santeria weather-working magick.


PEACH TREE


In China, the peach tree is an emblem of longevity ans a sacred symbol of the Goddess' yoni. The tree was believed to possess strong spiritual forces, and magick wands made from irs twigs were used by Chinese wizards in immortality spells, fertility rites and rituals to keep demons and evil spirits at bay.
The peach tree symbolizes fertility in Japan, and its wood is used there as divining rods by water-witches.
Peach sticks are used in folk medicine to treat upset stomach, swollen abdomen and pains of the heart. According to an old folk belief in Italy and the southern regions of the United States, warts can be cured by burying peach leaves.


PEAR TREE


In many parts of Europe, a pear tree is planted when a baby girl is born, and it is believed that the child will grow of dwindle with the tree.



PINE


The pine tree symbolizes life, longevity and immortality. The pine cone is the Semitic stmbol of life.
In Japanese mythology, the spirits of the pine are known as Jo and Uba. Pine trees are the symbol of fidelity in marriage and there are numerous myths about devoted lovers being magickally transformed into pine trees.
The boughs of the pine are used in many Native American ceremonies, and its pitch smoke is used by the Indians to treat such ailments as rheumatism, coughs and colds.
Pines are planted as "marriage trees" in the Tyrol and used by Witches in Europe and the United States for protection, healing and spells to attract the affections of another. Pine incense is commonly used in counter magick and purification rites.


POPLAR


The white poplar is regarded as the tree of the Autumn Equinox and of old age. In pre-Hellenic Greece, the black poplar was used as a "funeral tree" and was sacred to Mother Earth.
In ancient Roman folklore, poplar trees were sacred to the hero Hercules, and in 17th century England, its leaves were accounted an important ingredient in "hell-broths" and magickal charms.


ROWAN


The rowan tree (also known as the mountain ash) is a tree with many mythic and magickal associations. It was a sacred tree of the Druids and was believed to be a protection against sorcery and evil spirits in the Middle Ages.
The berries of the rowan were used to heal the wounds of those injured in battle and were believed to give a man an extra yeat of life. In modern times, the dried berries are ground and made into magickal incenses which are burned to ritually invoke the Goddess, spirit guides, Witches' familiars or elemental spirits.
Rowan leaves are used in love divinations and spells or rituals designed to enhance one's poetic creativity.
In days of yore, rowan tree Witch Day was celebrated at the old Celtic festival of Beltane which is now one of the four major Sabbats celebrated by witches.


WILLOW


The willow, a tree often found growing near sacred wells, has long been associated with Witchcraft and Goddess-worship. It was regarded sacred by Witches and Pagan poets for all parts of it are usable in the practice of magick. The wood makes excellent wands for healing rituals and moon-magick, and can also be used in talismans when one seeks the protection of the Goddess.
Pussy willows, which are associated with both healing and springtime, are appropriate altar decorations for Candlemas, as this Sabbat (also known as Imbolc) is the festival of Brigid- the Pagan Goddess of healing and of sacred wells. Pussy willows were used by the Druids as protective charms, and in the Middle Ages, it was a common belief that the familiars of Witches grew from pussy willows.
In China, the willow is regarded as the Tree of Imortality; and in Europe, it is the symbol of eloquence.


YEW


The yew, like other conifers, is known as a "tree of Immortality" in many parts of the world. It was commonly used in the practice of Witch-Goddess Hecate's mystical cauldron ingredients in Shakespeare's Macbeth (Act IV: Scene 1).
According to old folk superstition, a man or woman who dares to sleep in the shade of a yew tree is sure to either die a horrible death or fall into and enchanted sleep.






Source:Wicca Craft by Gerina Dunwich

[Myst]

Originally posted by Da Witch
Source: Wicca Craft by Gerina Dunwich

Thanks.

[Da Witch]

Originally posted by Myst


Thanks.

NP hun........I try to make my submissions one post but this one was just too much to do all at once. That's why it took me a while to get the source down:\

[Keron]

Thanks Da Witch-- that saves me from having to do more research. :)

[Da Witch]

Glad to be of assistance Keron.

[Shadowulfe]

thanks for the info da witch....looks like i have a little bit of printing to do!!

[Xander67]

ditto Wulfe,
Hey Dawitch, you owe Wulfe and I each an ink cartridge LOL

[Run_With_Wolvez]

Wonderful information.. Now I'm going to check out that book, Wicca Craft by Gerina Dunwich. :) Thanks for the info.

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by Da Witch

HAZEL

The hazel tree has always been associated with Witches, and the very name "witch-hazel" remains today. The tree has also been associated with the god Thor.
Hazel is known as ther "Tree of Wisdom" (especially in Irish legend), and it is used in magickal spells for immortality, protection and healing. Hazel rods were believed to possess divinitory properties and have long been used by dowsers to locate buried treasure and underground water. Hazel rods have also been traditionally used as wands by white magicians, and to protect animals against bewitchment by faeries or impous demons. According to Welsh folklore, hazel twigs woven into a "wishing cap" can be used to make wishes come true.

MYRTLE

The myrtle is an evergreen tree associated symbolically with love and marriage, and is sacred to many love goddesses. It also was the symbol of authority, immortality, death and resurrection.
Wreaths of myrtle blossoms were worn by ancient Roman brides on their wedding day; however, myrtle also was the symbol of unlawful or incestuous love, and often it was banned form many religious ceremonies.
In folk magick, myrtle is used in love spells, charms, passion aphrodisiacs and spells to attract good fortune. [/B]

Now I am really disappointed that we couldn't name the new kitty Hazel because she turned out to be a boy :(

I recently read that faeries like to hang out in the myrtle :) I planted six of them in different colors around my house last year!