Trees
As so often happens in our modern lives, I sometimes tend to let the problems of my everyday life take over my mind. At these times, I find that the only thing that can truly heal me and clear my mind, is to head for the nearest forest to clear my mind and get my perspective back. As I walk along through the woods beside a large creek, I look to my right and notice a huge Oak Tree. Stories come back to life in my mind of faeries and elves who are spawned by Father Oak. Looking closer, I see a face in the bark of this ancient tree. A strong face, ancient, but gentle. This face is as real to me, as the doe I see not 10 yards away. With his arms he seems to be beckoning me closer. As I step closer, I notice that some of the roots of this tree are hanging bare over the edge of the bank. Closer still, I see that these roots are in the shape of a cradle. I sit down in the cradle of these roots and they seem to have grown there, just waiting for me to come along and be held in their embrace. I'm suspended there securely by roots that are all that is between me and the water several feet below. Leaning my head back and watching the ducks on the water, I begin to feel myself relax. It's as if Father Oak is giving me his strength. I begin to feel renewed by the energy of the tree who holds me like his child. All my problems seem to drop from my shoulders into the water below me. I am in a state of utter peace. Both with the world around me, and myself. I sit there for an undetermined length of time. Finally, I climb out of my cradle and head back down the path that I tread such a short time ago, feeling renewed and energized.
To work with trees in the Craft is a wonderful thing. Theirs is a power and energy very easy to tap into. If treated with respect, they will be there for you always. May your eyes and heart always be open to the Love and Beauty to be found in Nature.
The following is a list of trees, and the powers associated with each. This list can be used as a guide for making wands, or for spells that request the help of the tree. It is a good idea to visit the tree several times before you work with it.
Apple love, divination, healing Alder protection, help in making choices Ash protection, healing, all purpose wands Bamboo protection Beech divination Birch purification, blessings Blackthorn truth, overcoming resentment and confusion Cedar protection, prosperity Cherry love, divination Dogwood love, purification Elder exorcisms, sacred to the Faeries Elm protection Fir prosperity Furze guidance Hawthorne sacred to the Faeries and Maiden Goddesses Hazel creative energies Holly energy, guidance Maple health, prosperity Mesquite healing Oak stamina, lust, fertility Orange employment, gaining wisdom Peach love Poplar astral projection Rowan healing, protection, psychic enhancer Willow love, healing, fertility, moon magic, wishing Yew changing attitudes, new directions
