Tree Lore
Ash:
Folk Names:Birch:
Folk Names:Magical workings in this moon will add strength and momentum to these rites. To communicate well with the Goddess, meditate in a birch grove. For magical parchment, gather her bark only by a tree chosen by one that has been struck by lightning (chosen by Thor). Used for Earth Mother magic. Birch is used to make sets of runes for divination by gathering the wood during the waxing of the moon.
Dragon's Blood Palm:
Folk Names:
Hazel:
Mistletoe:
Folk Names:Mistletoe is used for protecting one from lightning, diseases, misfortunes, fires, by being carried or placed in the appropriate spots. If placed in a cradle it will protect the child from being stolen by fairies and replaced with changelings. A ring carved of its wood will ward off sickness when worn and the plant will cure fresh wounds quickly if carried. Carried or worn for good luck in hunting, mistle is also used by women to aid in conception. It is used in spells to capture that elusive state of immortality and to open locks. If laid in the bedroom beneath the pillow, hung on the bedpost, or by the door, it provides restful sleep and beautiful dreams. Burned it banishes evil, and if worn around the neck allows its wearer to attain invisibility.
During December the stems carry flower buds which take on a golden tint and the moon forces are the strongest in the closed flowers. Mistle gathered during Winter Solstice is best for fertility. During the Summer Solstice, the power of the sap is at its max with a rose pink quality and is best for protection.
American Mistle contains amines tyramine and betaphenylethylamine that stimulates the heart and central nervous system, raises the blood pressure, causes contractions in smooth muscles (like uterine), and aids in childbirth. However both contain toxic proteins and have only recently been tested on animals since its toxicity is too high for human experimentation. Work has been done with cancer cells in laboratory cultures with V. album and has shown miraculous benefits to stopping cancer and therefore someday validating the ancient Druid cure for cancer. Mistletoe under FDA regulations cannot be used on humans because it slows the heartrate dangerously, causes hallucinations, convulsions, increased blood pressure, heart attacks, cardiovascular collapse, and death. Administered as a potion it can impact fecundity to any barren animal and is a remedy against all kinds of poison
Oak:
Folk NamesIf this card, rune, stave is chosen, it means one will be secure and strong in their pursuits and that the doorway to inner spirituality will be opened to them with chastity, protection, and determination. It represents primeval strength and the ability to overcome and survive (Murray). Oak represents the Druid's final stage of initiation, or the Class of Druid. He is considered King of the forest both venerable in age and form. Because it often gets struck with lightning, it displays the ability to attract the energy, inspiration, and illumination of the Sky father or thunder God Taran. (Carr-Gomm) Oak symbolizes the ability to receive sudden illumination from above, strength, solidarity, continuity of tradition, and endurance. Druids often taught under oaks.
"Oak has been considered sacred by just about every culture that has encountered the tree, but it was held in particular esteem by the Norse and Celts because of its size, longevity, and nutritious acorns. One of the oldest modes of divination was that of interpreting the voice of the supreme deity in its rustling. Oak is associated with Allah, Balder, Cybele, Dagda, Dianus, Erato, Hecate, Heracles, Herne, Janus, Jehovah, Jupiter, Melkarth, Pan Perkunas, Rhea, Thor, and Zeus. The oak may be associated with Gods of thunder and lightening because of its habit of being hit by lightening during storms." ( Christopher Windsmile ).
Rowan:
Folk Names:Choosing this rune, card, or stave, helps one retain control of all their senses, so one can distinguish bad from good, harm from help, using spiritual strength to turn away anything that threatens ones serenity and purpose.
Walking sticks or magician staves are made of this wood for safe night journeys. Rowan is carried on ships to prevent the ships' involvement in storms, and kept in houses to guard against lightning, and if planted on graves will keep the deceased from haunting. If grown near stone circles it can aid in magical potency. (Cunningham, p. 190-191) It is also used to protect one from witches or as wood to fuel the fires to burn witches. A rowan that grows out of another rowan (known as "flying rowan") is specially potent against witches and their magic, and as a counter-charm against sorcery. Rowan protects against enchantment and is used to make rune staves ,for metal divining, and to protect cattle from harm (attaching sprigs to their sheds).
Rowan is also used during rites of the 2nd moon - the moon of vision for rites of knowledge and divination ( This is based on the Celtic calendar of the 13 moons and represents the Moon of astral travel and vision, healing and empowerment.) If the branches are gathered at Beltane (May Day) they can be tied with red yarn hung above openings to protect your dwelling. The Scots would plant rowan near their houses to protect from lightning and evil. The berries and leaves are dried and burned to invoke/banish spirits, fairies, familiars, elements, and the Earth Mother. Rowan wood was burned by druids of opposing armies to summon spirits-to take part of battle. The Silver Branch that is often carried in Druid rites and ceremonies, is usually made of Rowan, to celebrate and honor the Goddess.
Wilow:
Folk NamesYew:
Description: