Here you will find some valuable and
as well as useful basic knowledge
about Sacred Trees and Woods, their character, properties, and ancient uses.
For those of you who have grown up you have lost your connection to the
wood from which you came, and for so many young and still growing, may these
talking leaves lead you back home to what you are.
For surely in the wood you will mend from the years of living what you
were not. But it has been said that “ if to children the truth is told,
that truth shall grow as
their lives unfold…”
You are advised to learn more, much more before assuming upon having read these brief passages, that you now possess the knowledge of the ancients…for this was only a breeze that moves the leaves in the Aspen Grove … there is so much more . And please always, always consult with those more experienced before endeavoring to administer the ways. Learn to be satisfied with small steps, each one a learning wonder, small steps for with a life we cannot blunder.
When
approaching ancient knowledge we should always look to the oldest and original
sources whenever possible, going back into the Grandmother energies. We have
endeavored to do this, and will with future and other Tales from the Wood
. With the hopes that we might supply you with a bit of basic awareness
information in honoring the grandmother of us all, our Mother Earth.
Remember that Trees can and have existed long before there were human
People, but without Trees, human People would soon cease to be... yet the trees
would go on dreaming, for the trees know they are eternity.
To
the Celts or Gaelic Peoples and as well many other peoples of the old world, it
was a common knowledge that certain trees held special significance as a fuel
for heat, cooking, building materials and weaponry, medicine so forth. In
addition to this however, many
woods also provided a powerful spiritual presence. So profound was their ancient
knowledge of the woods that it is said that the roman army during their time of
conquest of the northern lands in Europe would not enter the forest at night for
fear of what these Celts could conjure from the spirit world.
Throughout different cultures and geographic locations, specific Trees
varied in importance due mainly to what was prevalent and available in that
area. Those believed to be "sacred"
shared some universal traits. Spirit trees are usually of
unusual size, beauty, the wide range of materials they
provided, unique physical characteristics, or simply the power of the
tree's spirit could in certain understandings grant it a central place in the
folklore and mythology of a particular culture. The ancient and mighty oak, the
mystical yew, the magical fir, the willow, and so many others stand as reminders
of the power that trees continue to have in our lives. We need only expand our
understanding of the O’naturale…If one comes to the Wood in quiet humility,
and asks with pure intent they will be heard, and answered if they listen very
quietly to the primordial vices of the Elementals…
Trees are living beings, and not its but have clear and
distinct identities and character, and a strictly observed social order in the
Wood. which in essence posses an over soul. This is evidenced in today’s
perception in that all species seem for what ever reason have the ability to
communicate with other members of their species.
If this is unfamiliar territory to you I suggest you begin to search out
the data on your own by obtaining a copy of “The Magic Life of Plants” Trees
are recognized by the Indigenous People of this Turtle Island as being
“the Standing People. Each unique and filled with the essence and
energy and of the Elementals (many to each one) and Mother Earth. Each possesses
an aura of power which is often visible to those who walk in balance and
harmony. The ancient lore which surrounds a particular tree or wood often
reflects the power that our ancestors sensed of that species and drew from their
presence. The Tree knowledge is perhaps one of the oldest human forms of
knowledge and magic, and dare we say science.
Presented
here is a list of the Sacred Trees known to the Celts and Gaelic People, with a
few special ones from this land of the Turtle, for this was no strange place to
those bonnie souls who stepped foot upon these shores and raised their families
so long ago that it can only be remembered in Myth.
As well their properties prove the same to the understandings of many
Indigenous people here in North America. We
here in North America are mostly descendent from an Arctical People, known to
us in Myth as the Ring Lords, and legend has it that we all
in the Article regions share common teachings,
as well as origins which is what this information presented here is based
upon. There are those to the South
who would be called Tropical Peoples, the “Toltec” wisdom of the
Tropical People is deep and wise, when in that territory.
Honestly
one can make little use of the
Toltec ways in the Northwest highlands of, Montana or Canada, and like wise when
Articles visit the Tropical regions. The elementals involved are very different
in nature. In the story telling,
and imagination of would be Shamans who gather information and then recite that
information for the sake of the story…well be thee enlightened that Elementals
are territorial, and have their own rules that more than often do not resemble
those of their human cousins…There is a whole other world of wonderment in the
“Toltec” knowledge. This author has spent many years working with the
Shamans of both. And as well has been intimately involved with the geomancy of
the lands of both. I have long been a bridge builder, in the keeping of the
ancient mission of the Eagle and the Condor…also in the wisdom of
the Dragon to which both sides owe their gift of magic, clairvoyance, and
wisdom… as it was foreseen by the ancient Messah before this time.
The
Tree People spoken of here are represented in alphabetical order not in any
order of importance. Importance
again depends greatly upon geological region and the specific culture, and even
subculture for the great tribes of this world have long ago vanished form the
land. Although there’s a rumor
that they are returning, and throughout the mountains of this world communities
are beginning to form. Also there is the understanding that many of you need to
be reawakened to this knowledge at this time for very soon it will become very
important in your lives once again. The time of the Great Shift is at hand…in
fact it is already occurring.
As
one travels this world, and maintains an open mind through the experiences… it
soon become apparent that the knowledge shared by various cultures admittedly in
many instances seems to have an uncanny comparative value.
Like little reflective droplets of wisdom each reflecting the other.
There is a commonly known legend amongst the People who are familiar with Tree
Spirit Energies that says that if one lets themselves merge with a great tree
and sink into the roots of that great tree, the tree has the ability take away
their heart sickness, and malady of spirit and become renewed For the trees are
in harmony with the Wind Spirits and all voices from time immortal can be heard
upon the wind, thus all knowledge is shared in this way as well. The trees will
help you send release, and as well receive and understand the different aspects
and elements of our reality.
It
is said that is you have a problem that you cannot figure out the solution to,
you can go to a great tree and speak of your concerns asking the tree to move
that energy to the top branches and send your message
or receive your answer to the Wind . And it well known that the wind
carries all things over the
mountains and even the great oceans…as well it can send the message into the
very heart of the Earth… and speak to the Crystals that hold all information
from ages past. And magic, well magic is not of the devil, rather anti-magic is
of the devil, and I hear that angels are performing magic all the time… tis
true…
Please
keep in mind that those we refer to as the Celts were comprised of many peoples
from many land and understanding. The term Celt actually does not refer in the
ancient tongue at least to any particular culture. It meant quite literally when
into contemporary English “ The
Strangers” and was a term used to identify the strange nomadic People who
often came upon their Dragon ships and were to be found intermingled amongst the
northern Peoples. They followed away that came down from a very ancient peoples,
that we can barely remember. These people were the originators of the Myth of
the Ring Lords and the ways and understandings of Odin . The Celts in the true
sense of it were a composite
People. These people whose ancestors were far more ancient then most would
admit…knew these lands and navigated the waterways, and wood many, many
centuries before the three little Spanish ships sailed into the Caribbean
Islands and the age of conquest began for these the Mother Lands of the Western
Hemisphere.
Let us Begin…
ALDER
(Fearn)
The Alder was sacred to the Druids and to the Celtic Peoples everywhere.
The pith can be easily pushed out of green shoots to make flutes or whistles.
Several shoots bound together by cordage, can be trimmed to the desired length
for producing the note you want and used to entice Air elementals. The old
superstition of "whistling up the wind" is said to have begun
with this custom.
APPLE
(Quert)
It has been said that if you
cut an apple into three pieces, then rub the cut side on warts, saying:
"Out warts, into apple be." And then bury the pieces … as the apple
decays, the warts will disappear. Use apple cider in any old spells calling for
blood or wine. Apple indicates choice, and abundance to the Northern folk, and
is useful in love and healing magic. There are properties within the apple that
make an excellent remedy for a weak pancreas.
ASH
(Nuin)
Druid wands were often made
of ash because of its straight grain, as were their arrow and as well their
bows. Ash wands are good for healing, general and solar magic. Try putting fresh
ash leaves under your pillow to stimulate psychic dreams. In the old times this
was the favored stem of the Native Americans Sacred Pipe, and often used for
their bows.
BIRCH
(Beith)
Known sometimes as the Lady of the Woods, Paper Birch and White Birch. Carefully gather strips of the bark at the New Moon. With red ink, write on a birch strip: "Bring me true love." Burn this along with a love incense, saying "Goddess of love, God of desire, Bring to me sweet passion's fire." To which the specific name of a god/goddess may be added. Or cast the bark into a flowing stream or lake, saying …” this message of love, I set free, to capture the essence of love and return it to me that it may be known." Remember always… It is unwise to use this incantation and ritual directed toward a specific person as that would violate the rule of non- manipulation. If ignored it can have drastic repercussions. If love is to come to you, it must be of that persons free will to do so. The state of Love has no master, and is always a willing thing that exists of its own accord often without reason of rhyme. There is a certain growth that can be found high up in older birch trees that when burned is an excellent imbalances of the mind and also eases the pain of a broken heart. Ash was also used as an anti Inflamitory, Antiseptic, and as an Analgesic. Ity was useful in Skin care, and used for dealing with dermatitis, dull, and conjested skin conditions arose. For the Body it came in handy as a stimulant for poor circulation, arthritis, and articular pain.
BLACKTHORN (Straif)
Blackthorn is a winter tree and is in the Rose family actually. Its white
flowers appear even before the leaves in the early spring. It is black barked
with vicious thorns and grows in dense thickets.
The wood is used in the making of the cudgel shillelagh and Blasting Stick. Used
in ceremony Blackthorn can bring
clarity for the right action, and can be used as a shield to our personal psyche
in the circumstance where strong occurrences of fate or outside influences
suddenly appear that must be heeded to and dealt with under unfavorable
conditions.
BROOM
Also known as Scotch Broom. It can be substituted for furze (gorse) at
the Spring Equinox. Although considered a bush by most it is in maturity a
member of the wood family. The Gaelic’s say it holds the "Physician's
power" because of the properties of its diuretic shoots and as well a
poultice when applied to the area where the bones are broken will enhance the
healing and netting of the bones. For
cleansing of your ceremonial area if you sweep your outside ritual areas with it
will purify and protect against
negative energies. Burning the blooms and shoots calms the wind. Be cautious if
you plant Broom however, it is voracious and will quickly multiply.... Also this
plant is toxic when taken internally and in excess it can induce hallucinatory
experiences not of the enjoyable
kind…
CEDAR
( WHITE OR FLAT)
,. Ancient Celts used the Cedar oil of the Arbor Vitae, White or Yellow
Cedar to preserve the heads of enemies taken in battle. To draw Earth energy and
ground yourself, place the palms of your hands against the ends of the leaves,
or enjoy the smell of a warm fire of cedar wood. To purify the air from negative
energies again the sap is burned like an incense, however remember there is a
turpentine factor and this should be done lightly in the open air.
This is not the red or Sweet Cedar of the North . Cedar is a natural
deodorant, and disinfectant. However the White Cedar or Flat Cedar as it is
sometimes called, does have turpentine in it which makes it a good
anti bug spray and is not recommended for internal use under any
circumstances.
RED CEDAR OR PERFUME CEDAR
Called by the people of the North West the Tree of Life, it is a very
ancient species some reaching the age of several thousands of years old … that
is where these ancient giants have not been cut down. Indigenous to the Pacific
North West and Canada this tree has amazing healing properties. It is used to
nurture the nervous system , Also as a stimulant without having the harsh
effects of caffeine, and as anti- fungal, and intestinal cleanser against
certain parasites Also it was used as a natural birth control element, and as a
cleanser of the uterus, other female organs and the organs in general.
The Red Cedar is said to have the ability to pull the wisdom from the
inner Earth, the ancient remembrances. and stimulate the dream time, and enhance
ones powers of clairvoyance.
Healing
properties include uses as an Antiseptic, Astringent, Sedative, Elevating,
Grounding, Opening for psychic work and third eye, crown chakra, Tonic for
glandular system, nervous system and respiratory system .Immune system care for
colds, flu.
ELDER
(Ruis)
Also called the Ellhorn, Elderberry, Lady Elder. Sacred to the White Lady
and Midsummer Solstice. The Druids used it to both bless as well as to curse.
Standing under an elder tree at Midsummer, can be like standing in a Faerie Ring
of mushrooms, it is said that this action will help you see the "little
people." Elder wands can be used in casting and declarations , Keep in mind
that like many of the ancient
methodologies there exist within their use, the negative as well as the positive
effect. Used often to drive out evil spirits or malevolent thought forms. Music
played on panpipes or flutes of elder is said to have the same power as the
wand, if not more so. Wine made from the Elderberry can soothe the stomach and
ease the mind.
ELM
(Ailim)
Elm is a fibrous, tan-colored wood that takes on
a slight sheen to it when dried. Elm is often associated with the Mother
or the Earth Goddesses, and was said to often be the
abode of faeries, explaining Kipling's injunction; "The Ailim
be the lady's tree; burn it not… or cursed ye'll be". Elm wood is
valued for it's resistance to splitting, and the inner bark was used for cordage
and chair caning. Elm adds stability and grounding energies to any magic. Elder
is also a good reducer of fever and the aches that accompany this condition…
Fir is a very tall slender
tree that grows in mountainous regions on the upper slopes. Fir cones respond to
rain by closing and the sun by opening. Fir can see over great distance to the
far horizon beyond and below and is a transmitter of ones message upon the wind,
as well the Fir is an because of these same reasons a receiver of things. Fir
induces high views and long sights with clear vision of what is beyond and yet
to come. The needles of the Noble Fir were used to make a tea which cleansed the
body, and soothed the troubled mind… it
is milder yet similar to Red Cedar in this way.
Other known
healing properties are Antiseptic, Astringent, Sedative, Elevating, Grounding,
Opening for psychic work and third eye, crown chakra, Tonic for glandular
system, nervous system and respiratory system .Immune system care for colds,
flu.
FIR
(SILVER)
(Ailim)
Sometimes called the Birth Tree. For the needles would be burned at childbirth to bless and protect the mother and baby. The sap was often made into an incense and can ease the unstable mind, and lungs as well as purify the air when sickness and evil spirits that may be about. Other traditional uses were for relieving muscle aches, anxiety and stress , and a favorite for colds and flu type infections. It is anti fungal, and helps breakup the mucus in the lungs resulting from bronchitis, and pneumonia.. and is a base for many a cough syrup in 0lden times.
FURZE
Also known as Gorse, or Whin. Its golden flowers are usually
associated with the Spring Equinox. Wood and blooms are burned for protection
and preparation for conflict of any sort. Also they help ward off unwanted
intrusions into the psyche as it opens the mind to new and clear thought.
HAWTHORN
(Huathe)
Sometime called the May Tree or White Thorn. Wands were made of this wood
and are said to be of great power when dealing with matters of the heart. The
blossoms are highly erotic to men, and yet calming to women. Hawthorn was used
for protection, relationship and marriage spells. Hawthorn is also good for the
ailing heart, and unbalanced rhythms of same, and a good blood booster.
HAZEL (Coll)
Wands
made of this wood symbolize white magic and healing and were a favorite of those
who held the knowledge of the ancient faerie lore. Forked sticks were used
as dowsing tools to find water or buried treasure.
If outside and in need of magical protection quickly draw a circle around
yourself with a hazel branch. To enlist the aid of plant fairies, string
hazelnuts on a cord and hang up in your house or ritual room. Magically, hazel
wood is used to gain knowledge, wisdom and poetic inspiration.
Hazel is also good for balancing the hormones and quieting the mind. The
nuts can be dried and ground into a delightful flour to make breads, and cakes.
Hickory
represents the strength that is characteristic of its wood. Often used as
walking sticks and handles for war clubs, and lances because of its tenacity
and ability to harden like iron when dried. It is used often in
ceremonial fires as it burns long and slow while producing a very hot and clean
flame. A tea was made from the inner bark of the hickory and the nuts were
blanched. The tea it is said
produced iron will to warriors while in battle, while the nuts later dried
created a nourishing if not slightly bitter gruel to sustain one in the field.
HOLLY (Tinne)
A beautiful white wood with
an almost invisible grain; looks very much like ivory. Holly is associated with
the death and rebirth symbolism of winter in both Pagan as well as
ancient Christian lore and is important to the Winter Solstice. Which is
why it is associated with the Christmas wreath,
it is a welcoming energy, and bespeaks of a warm and friendly heart. In
Celtic legend there is a story of Gawain (representing the Oak King of
summer), who fought the Green Knight, who was armed with a holly club to
represent winter. It is one of the three timbers used in the construction of
chariot wheel shafts. It was used in spear shafts also. The qualities of a spear
shaft are balance and directness, as the spear must be hefted to be thrown the
holly indicates directed balance and vigor to fight if the cause is just.
Holly may be used in spells having to do with sleep or rest, and to ease the
passage of a soul from this plane to the next. A bag of leaves and berries
carried by a man is said to increase his ability if his intent is pure, again
like many methodologies there exist within the ability of the holly a negative
well as the positive effect for attracting women.
JUNIPE
Its berries were used with
thyme in Druid and Grove incenses for visions. Juniper grown by the entrance to
a home is said to discourage thieves. The mature berries can be strung and hung
in the house to attract love. Also the Juniper Berry makes a strong tonic for
flues and infections when taken lightly, and was the base element in the
preparation of gin.
Other traditional uses were for energy, and stamina, relief from exhaustion. Ease inflammation and spasms,, improving mental clarity, and memory recall, cellular cleansing, and a a dieuretis. the berry should be avoided when pregnant, or if you have weak kidneys. Emotionally for some reason it lessons guilt, feelings of unworthiness, and depression. also calms tendencies for empathy, and defensive paranoia.
The
staff of life in the north from Nova Scotia (New Scotland)
to Alaska. The sap creates Maple syrup which in its pure form
is the honey of the wood. Having rejuvenating properties, and used as a
sweeter for many foods, it strengthens the blood, and when mixed with seed and
dried berries was often used a a for of Pemmican, sustaining those traveling
through the wood. Also it raises the body temperature slightly, and thins the
blood thusly was a favorite in winter when sustain and endurance were needed.
Another use of the sap is in the creation of a lovely beverage that
soothes the mind and stimulates the male genitalia, thus the Maple was used in
many ceremonies where it was required to rejuvenate the intimacy of the
relationship that had gone awry.
MISTLETOE
Sometimes called Birdlime, All Heal or Golden Bough. It was an extremely
sacred tree of the Druids, it was some times called the Sperm of the Gods due
most probably to the white fluid that is within and the flowers it
produces…also that it never touches the ground, living rather off its host
tree. and ruled the Winter Solstice. Be wary for the berries are poisonous!
Bunches of mistletoe can be hung as an all-purpose protective herb. The berries
are used in love incenses and to transmute the effects of poisons.. A tincture
was made from Mistletoe leaf that when rubbed on the gums and mixed with clove
not only take away the pain of toothache but kills the infection that is the
cause. Used in the tiniest of
amounts the mistletoe is healing, however too
much and it is as deadly as hemlock.
Mistletoe is a chameleon and changes it character, and appearance based
upon the host tree that it entwines itself upon.
This is the masters Herb, and if the properties of Mistletoe are properly
studied it is one of the
ingredients that can sustain life through illness.
It was also used as a natural form of birth control thus gained it
reputation of the lovers herb.
“ Kiss me under the Mistletoe” became a custom because one was safe
in having intimate relations with out fear of unplanned pregnancy, also it was
helpful in the cure of many venereal diseases…but again take the utmost of
care for it is said that if the Mistletoe touches the Earth it will loose its
Faerie Powers..
OAK
(Duir)
Oak has been considered sacred by just about every culture that has
encountered the tree, but it was held in particular esteem by the Celts because
of its size, longevity, and nutritious acorns. The oak was the "King of
Trees" in a grove. It is often
the symbol of the Tree of Life, and the Kabalah.
Oaks grow upon the remains of other oaks, and create a tannic acid which
is excellent for tannin hides and warding off unwanted parasite plants to its
young. “From little acorns the
Mighty Oak does grow..” the acorn was a food source which when blanched to
remove the tannic acid is quite present, as well as an excellent source of
protein.
The Oak most often grows where the ancient Firs have been burned due to
lightning, also Oak tends to favor
the hilly country over the plains when left to their own devices…Also in the
constant recycling of one generation to the next, upon the dust of their
predecessors it reflect well the chain of human genetics. As well it represents
in this fashion the continuation of life ever after, the eternal process of
birth and rebirth. Thus Magic wands were often made of its wood which was strong
like Hickory, and sweet smelling when burned in ceremonial fires of
purification..
The Oak is a strong attractor of lightning and often the little black
bohgi stones that are produced by lightning when it strikes are to be found
beneath its roots. To the Celts they were referred to as Oak galls or as Serpent
Eggs, were used in magical charms. It was said that acorns gathered at night
under the full moon held the greatest fertility powers.
The
Druids Priests and Priestesses listened to the rustling oak leaves and the wrens
in the trees for divinatory messages. Burning oak leaves purifies the
atmosphere. It can be used in spells for protection, strength, success and
stability; the different varieties will lend their own special 'flavor' to the
magic.
The
universal tree. What you may ask would the Olive be doing in an description of
sacred trees of the northern Arctical
Peoples… So important and sacred was the Olive Tree to all people that when
different peoples came to where they grew it was considered sacred ground, They
would come from many lands to gather and trade for the oil and leaves all were
under a agreement of peaceful terms… ahh
the magic of where the worlds of the Arctical and the Tropical
came to meet could it be that this is where the Olive branch became the
universal symbol of peace? One can
only wonder. For it is said that
even Alexander in his moment of glory held closest to him the Gaelic guard of
the northlanders.
Perhaps
it is here with their brief sojourn with the Mesopotamian
Emperor –God that the Gaelic People came to know the properties of the
magical Olive Tree with its many uses. Olive oil was used cooking and as a lamp
oil, it was used for ointments and perfumes.
Also the extract of the Olive leaf is one of the strongest anti-
bacterial agents on the planet, and natural anti-biotic… this only touches the
versatile Olive Tree which has many other healing qualities earning it the
reputation of the universal tree which many believed was brought to Earth by the
Gods.
If
I could only share with you a small portion of the Ogham writing I have
encountered here in the South West alone, never mind from Main to Oregon to the
Baja of California. If it were
possible you would understand that there is no question as to the presence of
the ancient Celt and before them the Article People who inhabited this land long
before Columbus stumbled into the Caribbean Islands.. the water ways and trails
from the East coast to the West coast from
Alaska to the lands of the Tropicals in
Maya land and Peru…here is where they embraced the Scared Pinion.
Mood
enhancer, purifier, deodorant, food staple, source of protein, Aromatic, and
vegetable source for Calcium. Like its cousin the pine and noble fir, the sap of
the Pinion is made into an incense, and use to purify and chase away
negative spirits, and heal the lungs from fungus and bacteria...
It’s wood is so sweet when burning that in ancient times it was traded
with the tribes of the South and East for its high regard as a ceremonial wood.
Like cedar it has a high tolerances against insects, and rot and was used
in a home to make furniture. The influence of the aromatic qualities of the
Pinion causes gentle feelings and emotions to be commonplace.
A tea made from the pinion nuts is
said to give the person the ability to go for long durations and sustain with
very little water…
The Pine tree is an evergreen, its old title was "the sweetest of
woods." It was known to the Druids as one of the seven chieftain trees of
the Irish. Mix the dried needles with equal parts of juniper and cedar and burn
to purify the home and ritual area. The cones and nuts can be carried as a
fertility charm. A good magical cleansing and stimulating bath is made by
placing pine needles in a loose-woven bag and running bath water over it. To
purify and sanctify an outdoor ritual area, brush the ground with a pine branch.
It was a common practice amongst pre-colonial Native Americans to place dried
needles in their bedding, to wart of licem fleas and other parasitic insects.
the resin was burned like incense to clear up lung infections, and bring quick
sates of calmness to the mind, and assist with the rhythms of the heart.
ROWAN
( MOUNTAIN ASH)
Also known as Mountain Ash, and sometimes referred to as Witch's wood and
Sorb Apple by the Mountain folk, the Rowan has long known for its properties as
an aid and protection against enchantment. Sticks of the Rowan were used to
carve Runes on. Rowan spays and crosses were placed over cattle in pens and over
homes for protection. Its lovely red berries feed the birds in winter, are
especially poisonous to humans… so
don’t touch. The orange to red berries have a tiny pentagram on them which is
a universal and ancient symbol of protection. “The five pointed star is the
star of man... for five is the number of man… and the ages he will know.”
The
Rowan tree indicates protection and control of the senses from enchantment and
beguiling. The Rowan was sacred to the Druids and the Goddess Brigit who’s
chief element was fire and the color of the berry of the Rowan when ripe is a
flame bright orange…. The Rowan is
a very magical tree used quite commonly for the making of wands, rods, amulets
and in the casting of spells. A forked Rowan branch like the Hazelnut and Willow
makes an excellent dowsing tool for locating water and as well for locating
metal and other forms of divination.
WALLNUT
For
medicinal purposes let the fruit of it be gathered accordingly, which you shall
find to be of most virtues while they are green, before they have shells. The
bark of the Tree doth bind and dry very much, and the leaves are much of the
same temperature: but the leaves when they are older, are heating and drying in
the second degree, and harder of digestion than when they are fresh, which, by
reason of their sweetness, are more pleasing, and better digesting in the
stomach; and taken with sweet wine, they move the belly downwards, but being
old, they grieve the stomach; and in hot bodies cause the choler to abound and
the head-ache, and are an enemy to those that have the cough; but are less
hurtful to those that have a colder stomach, and are said to kill the broad
worms in the belly or stomach.
If
they be taken with onions, salt, and honey, they help the biting of a mad dog,
or the venom or infectious poison of any beast, &c. Caias Pompeius found in
the treasury of Mithridates, king of Pontus, when he was overthrown, a
scroll of his own hand writing, containing a medicine against any poison or
infection; which is this: “ Take two dry walnuts, and as many good figs,
and twenty leaves of rue, bruised and beaten together with two or three corns of
salt and twenty juniper berries, which take every morning fasting, preserves
from danger of poison, and infection that day it is taken. The juice of the
other green husks boiled with honey is an excellent gargle for sore mouths, or
the heat and inflammations in the throat and stomach.”
The
kernels, when they grow old, are more oily, and therefore not fit to be eaten,
but are then used to heal the wounds of the sinews, gangrenes, and carbuncles.
The said kernels being burned, are very astringent, and will stay lasks and
women's courses, being taken in red wine, and stay the falling of the hair, and
make it fair, being anointed with oil and wine. The green husks will do the
like, being used in the same manner. The kernels beaten with rue and wine, being
applied, help the quinsy; and bruised with some honey, and applied to the ears,
ease the pains and inflammation of them. A piece of the green husks put into a
hollow tooth, eases the pain.
The
catkins hereof, taken before they fall off, dried, and given a dram thereof in
powder with white wine, wonderfully helps those that are troubled with the
rising of the mother. The oil that is pressed out of the kernels, is very
profitable, taken inwardly like oil of almonds, to help the colic, and to expel
wind very effectually; an ounce or two thereof may be taken at any time. The
young green nuts taken before they be half ripe, and preserved with sugar, are
of good use for those that have weak stomachs, or defluctions thereon.
The
distilled water of the green husks, before they be half ripe, is of excellent
use to cool the heat of agues, being drank an ounce or two at a time: as also to
resist the infection of the plague, if some of the same be also applied to the
sores thereof. The same also cools the heat of green wounds and old ulcers, and
heals them, being bathed therewith. The distilled water of the green husks being
ripe, when they are shelled from the nuts, and drank with a little vinegar, is
good for the place, so as before the taking thereof a vein be opened. The said
water is very good against the quinsy, being gargled and bathed therewith, and
wonderfully helps deafness, the noise, and other pains in the ears. The
distilled water of the young green leaves in the end of May, performs a singular
cure on foul running ulcers and sores, to be bathed, with wet cloths or sponges
applied to them every morning.
White
Poplar (Eadha) – (Aspen)
The
tree with most concerns over earthly and material aspects of life. It is also
concerned with finding the spiritual determination to face the hardships that we
endure through the course of our lifetime. The Poplar tree has the ability to
resist and to shield, an ability with languages and speech, and a close
relationship with the winds.
Its wood was used to make shields, flooring, matches and arrows. Its buoyant wood is also used for oars and paddles and is ideal for carving. Cattle, deer and goats eat the leaves of White Poplar or Aspen.
Its
leaves move with the slightest breeze and it is known as the talking tree. Aspen
always demands you to listen to what it has to say, clicking furiously and
snapping like a thousand wings in the wind, and the whispering like a million
butterfly wings in the spring breeze. the aroma of the Aspen gentles the spirit,
and sooths the soul, bringing focus to thought and emotions .Once achieved, this
state brings us to the threshold of great visions and clairvoyance.
Willow (Sailee)
Also known as White Willow, Tree of Enchantment and Witches' Aspirin.
Once of the seven sacred trees of the Irish, and of course a sacred tree to the
Druid. The willow is a Moon tree sacred to the White Lady, Its groves were
considered so magical that priests, priestesses and all types of artisans sat
among these trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills and prophecies. For a
wish to be granted, ask permission of the willow, explaining your desire. Select
a pliable shoot and tie a loose knot in it while expressing what you want. When
the wish is fulfilled. return and untie the knot. Remember to
thank
the willow and leave a gift.
The
Willow posses strong feminine energies and reflects the female and lunar rhythms
of our life. She is water-seeking, being another water-loving tree like the
Alder. The Willow offers protection against damp diseases and modern herbal
practitioners extract the salicin from her bark to be used in such illnesses as
rheumatic fever. Willow works well with your female aspects, a side that we,
both male & female, do possess. The female gift of fertility is also
represented by the Willow.
YEW
(Ioho)
Also known as English Yew and European Yew. Another important tree to the
Winter Solstice and the deities of death and rebirth. It is a beautifully
smooth, gold-colored wood with a wavy grain. The Irish used it to make dagger
handles, bows and wine barrels. The wood or leaves were laid on graves as a
reminder to the departed spirit that death was only a pause in life before
rebirth. All parts of the tree are poisonous except the fleshy covering of the
berry, and its medicinal uses include a recently discovered treatment for
cancer. The yew may be the oldest-lived tree in the world. Ancient yews can be
found in churchyards all over Britain, where they often pre-date even the oldest
churches. There are some convincing arguments for it being the original
'World-tree' of Scandinavian mythology. It is said that a tea made from the Yew
was sometimes used to enhance magical
and psychic abilities, and to induce visions.
*There
is a concern when dealing with Yew trees in that the Pacific Coast Yew has
certain toxic qualities when taken in excess this is not the case with the
Montana Yew
MORE
TO COME …
*It is not
always possible to be aware of all the aspects of all things and post all
stories. These are but small pieces of information and are not by any means the
entirety of the story. After all humanity is a collective consciousness. There
are so many wonderful stories about the Magical powers of trees from other parts
of the world, we’d love to hear about these. If you have a story about the
sacred properties of a tree or wood we would love to hear from you. Again please
keep in mind this article is intended for your entertainment, an general
knowledge. It is not intended to serve as a prescription for the remedy of any
illness. then again if you Doctor doesn't know about these properties of
the woods explained in this article, I would recommend discernment in
blindly taking that DR's prescribed remedy as well
If you have any stories of your own and are willing and interested in
sharing some of your wisdom stories of the Wood with others Please E-mail us
your story or write us at
Wolf
Lodge Foundation
223
N Guadalupe St. # 178,
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
Or E- mail us at
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