Circle of the Trees

[Labrynth]

I was reading a wonderful book by Ellen Dugan, called "Garden Witchery: Garden Magick from the Ground Up"
She included a greener way to call the quarters which i thought was lovely, and wanted to share with those who also walk a green path.

"To perform this circle casting, start in the east. As you call each quarter, you will keep moving to each new direction on your right. Then move to the center to seal the circle.

CIRCLE OF THE TREES
In the east, maple leaves rustle in the morning breeze,
Element of Air, i call for inspiration, join me now please.
In the south, the midday sun shines upon the mighty oak tree,
I request the element of fire for strength and to illuminate me.
In the west, the willow sways by the silver springs at twilight,
Element of water, i call for love and the gift of second sight.
In the north grows the cypress, tree of the midnight hour,
Element of earth, grant me protection, wisdom and power.
Four different trees of magick, four separate times of power.
This circle of trees is now cast by root stem leaf and flower."

[MonSno_LeeDra]

Perhaps me just being finiky but I find a few things wrong with this.

First the OAK Tree is a Northern species of tree. It is mostly found in the cooler Northern regions of the North American land mass and Northern Europe. As such it seem's rather silly to place it in the South Position.

The Cyprus Tree is a Southern Tree originating on the Island of Cyprus in the Mediterrian Sea. It was heavily cultivated and transplanted about the Mediterrian Sea. Does not do to well in the cooler Northern Climates. As such seem's sort of stupid to place it in the Northern Position.

The Maple really is not suited as an Eastern Tree unless one is in the North American area. Even then to Associate it to the East is pretty narrow minded. Better the South in regards to the firy leaves of the Maples at change or the Blood Red leaves of the Red Maple.

And the willow, well it is a swamp bound tree pretty much or one found in heavy watered areas.

Sorry to me it sounds like someone simply picked some common names and tried to make something fancy that really does not work.

[Labrynth]

To be honest i didn't research the trees i just posted it because i thought it was a lovely different way to invoke the quarters and wanted to share.
I was going to add at the bottom of the post that possibly people could change the trees more relevant to them? I'm from Australia so we don't really get those trees in my area.
The author live in Missouri, if that helps at all with why she may have picked the trees for the directions.

[MonSno_LeeDra]

Labrynth wrote: To be honest i didn't research the trees i just posted it because i thought it was a lovely different way to invoke the quarters and wanted to share.

I can understand that. Not meant as a slame against you either, so please do not take it that was as it was not my intent.

I was going to add at the bottom of the post that possibly people could change the trees more relevant to them?

That would probally work though I would hope they would put more truth into their selection than the author appeared to do from what I can see.

I'm from Australia so we don't really get those trees in my area.

To be honest I really couldn't even begin to say what tree's are common there. Not even really sure one could say that New Zeland and Australia have the same fauna types.

The author live in Missouri, if that helps at all with why she may have picked the trees for the directions

Truthfully I think it was just selecting names. It's aimed at Pagan's so it has to have Oak in it. Well at least that is the way it feels to me reading the selection. Perhaps judgemental on my part but given what I have seen in those few lines and the faulty truth of it I do not think I shall put any effort into reading her works.