Magic & Spellcraft Library

Tree Lore
Alder: The Alder is a fairy tree that can be contacted for divination and worked with as an oracle. The bark is astringent, and will also stimulate the kidneys if taken as a tonic. The bark can also be infused in oil to make a skin salve that will ease and improve skin conditions such as exzema and psoriasis. Alder bark tincture greatly eases and usually heals completely toothache, mouthsores and ulcers. The wood from the Alder tree is traditionally used to make magical whistles and flutes. It is a tree of healing and transformation. Tuning in to an Alder tree will bring contact with the King of the Fairies or the spirit of the British Celtic hero, Bran. Alder teaches us about the gift of intuition, In spellcraft, Alder bark is a useful ingredient for spells connected with protection and awareness of difficulties. Alder aids in finding and bringing about resolutions.
Apple: Sacred Apple trees are said to cover the isle of Avalon, a magical place where unicorns live among the apple trees. Apples in legend are the food of the gods and goddesses. Cider, cider vinegar and apple juice are made from the pulp. Apple cider vinegar treats yeast infections and apple tree bark tea aids billiousness, fever, the liver, boils and gripes. Share an apple with your partner to encourage abiding divine love. Apple blossoms are often thrown at handfastings and have been strewn along the walkway to the church at weddings, bringing protection and divine blessings for the newly wed couple. The goddess Brighid spent time musing with poets beneath an apple tree. Cutting an apple in half reveals a five pointed star containing the seeds of new growth and the five aspects of the pentacle.
. Ash: Traditional Druid wands and staffs are made from Ash wood, because this tree connects the inner and the out realities of being, the two worlds. Witches often use Ash for the handle of their besoms because of it's protective qualities, whilst in times gone by, it was said that a circle of Ash twigs would protect against snakes. Ash is said to cure all illness, and it provides encircling protection for whomever passes through it's branches. Ash is said to beparticularly healing for babies and children. The leaves of Ash are a common ingredient in spells for divination and prophesy. Placing Ash leaves by your bedside provides protection through the night. Native Americans have traditionally used Ash as a herbal remedy for it's analgesic properties and anti-inflammatory qualities. It is said to greatly improve gouty arthritis when taken as a tonic.
Beech: These majestic trees are both wise and very old. Large Beech trees will be hundreds of years old, since the tree lives for about 900 years. Beech bark may be used in spellcraft for wish spells and also for spells for wisdom. Tuning in to a Beech tree will help you learn wisdom, especially of the ancient kind. The tree teaches us to learn from experiences and listen to our higher selves. Beech is also good for use in warding spells and cleansing rituals. It can be added to incense to cleanse and ward a room or space. In healing Beech is useful for skin remedies to treat swellings and wounds. Meditation underneath a Beech tree brings in-sight.
Birch: The tree of rebirth and fertility. Birch symbolises the season of Spring. The leaves and bark are astringent for the skin. The sap is an ingredient in herbal cosmetics. In skin creams Birch helps Psoriasis and Exzema; it can be added to shampoo to combat greasy hair. As a tonic, Birch is diuretic and a laxative, it eases pain, reduces inflammation/swelling, and increases perspiration. It has a soothing effect in aftershaves. Birch is also said to expel evil spirits from the body. The old punishment of being 'birched' stems from this idea. Birch twigs are useful gift for handfasting; they are said to increase fertility. In Aromatherapy, Birch Oil is used to allieviate depression and 'ill mood'. Birch twigs are often used in a witche's besom. Birch beer is a popular drink made from Birch sap. Birch vinegar can also be made by distilling the sap. Birch is an excellent ingredient for 'letting go' spells or work involving 'release' in preparation for new beginnings. Herbal Birch bark is usually from Black Birch or Silver Birch trees.
Blackthorn: A small branch of Blackthorn makes a good handle for besoms and it is often used for walking sticks. Blackthorn is a fiercely protective tree that grows low to the ground to form a thicket with sharp thorns. The tree is traditionally used in hedgerows as a protective barrier surrounding fields and property. Blackthorn is also known to keep out evil spirits and unwanted energies. The berries added to wine ingredients in winemaking will enhance and crisp up the flavour. Blackthorn essence can be used on the tongue to cleanse the energy and release negativity. The tree aids in facing difficult situations with courage and bravery.
Cedar: The tree provides stability and strength to those who need it. The Cedar nut oil can be used in aromatherapy massage to allieviate stress and stress related conditions. Cedar oil has been used for thousands of years in skincare since the Ancient Sumerians. Pregnany women should not use cedar oil. Cedar nut oil is high in concentrated vitamins E & F and it can calm colds, muscle tension and coughs. Rub the oil at the appropriate location. Cedra oil is antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, fungicidal and sedative. Cedar essential oil is different from the nut oil and should not be taken internally. The essential oil from Blue Cedar, when warmed will clear and cleanse spaces, manifest dreams, provide healing and aid in excorcism. The cedra is slow growing and Red varieties can live up to 2,000 years old.
Elder: Twigs can be used in spirit communion, vision quests and scrying. Ancient Druids meted out justice beneath the Elder. The bark and tincture can be used to ease toothache and may ease epilepsy. Elderberry wine is a popular home brew red wine that is easy to make, whilst the wood has been traditionally used to make flutes for enchanting nature spirits. Elderflower champagne is a home brew recipe that is popular, providing a sparkling white wine, whilst the flowers can also be used in an infusion or tea to cleanse the blood. Elderflower cordial is becoming well known for this purpose too. Any branches from the Elder which are damaged, regrow, and so it is said that the Elder symbolises the wheel of life and the cycle of rebirth.
Hazel: This is a tree of learning and teaching. Forked twigs of Hazel can be used in divination of all kinds and are particularly favoured for divining water. Druids often made their staffs from Hazel wood, and the nuts were carried and mused upon by poets. Pins of Hazel were used to protect dwellings from fire. Hazel infusions can be drunk or gargled to soothe sore throats and coughs. Tuning in to the spirit of the Hazel enhances healing, poetry and divination skills and teaches how to inspire others.
Heather: Heather can be used in a tea or infusion that if drunk regularly will dissolve kidney stones and increase milk supply in nursing mothers. Drinking the tea regularly will also prevent stones from forming. A salve made from Heather oil will help heal snake bites, eye infections and infections of the spleen. Heather honey is known for it's wonderful taste and aroma and benefits general health. Hather is good for healing gout, coughs and sore throats. Drinking Heather infusions will treat cystitis and are also an anti-microbial. A sprig of heather placed on your vehicle brings luck for the journey, and Heather can be used in good luck spells of all kinds. Druids believed Heather to be a cure-all for illnesses of all types, be they spiritual, physical, mental or emotional.
Holly: Holly eases mistrust and jealousy arising from the shadow self. The tree also prtects and guards against evil spirits. Holly leaves were soaked in bath water to extract their juices and then removed. Children and babies would be bathed in the water to protect them. Meditating with Holly brings balance and strength to complete and succeed over challenges. Holly wards off unwanted influences and attentions and as such can be used to decorate the home. Holly was traditionally carried by celtic men for good luck and for the wisdom to know when to defend and when to fight. For Druids the magical evergreen powers of Holly symbolised eternal life and it was thought to protect against lightening strikes. In Druid lore, cutting down a Holly tree brings bad luck. A traditional Yuletide decoration for the home and altar.
Ivy: Sacred to Osiris and also Dionisis. Sprigs can be used to decorate the home or to carry or wear for good luck. It is also said that carrying a sprig of ivy increases fertility in women. The leaves and woody stems can be used in a poultice for their anti-bacterial properties on wounds and absesses. Extracts of the wood are included in herbal skin creams for treating burns, warts, impetigo, skin eruptions, neuralgia, swollen joints, toothache and cellulite. Skin treatments with ivy extract will also act as a painkiller, anti-itch and anti-inflammatory. Not to be taken internally. Ivy leaves can be used in spells to aid open mindedness, soul group work and assistance to others.
Maple: This is a hard, pale, fine-grained wood. All maple species can be tapped to make syrup and sugar, and these were a vital resource to early North American settlers. In north-eastern North America, the annual 'sugaring-off' usually coincides with the vernal equinox, making it one of the first signs of spring. Maple syrup made from the sap of the tree has healing benefits because it is an anti-oxidant and contains the mineral manganese which helps the body with health enzyme production. Maple syrup can also be used as an alternative to refined sugar. Maple syrup supports the immune system and increases the white blood cell count. Maple wood shavings or leaves can be used in success and abundance magic.
Mistletoe: Sacred to the Norse pagans and also to the Druids, Mistletoe was deemed a master healer, having both feminine and masculine energies. For the Norse people mistletoe was sacred to the love goddess Freya, and warriors refused to fight in it's presence. Hanging mistletoe over a doorway is said to encourage love, and engender peace within the household. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe originates from this view. In magic mistletoe is worked as a symbol of love, peace and purity, and it can aslo be used in altar decorations to symbolise fertility, love and sexual potency. Mistletoe should not be taken internally and may cause skin reactions since the berries are poisonous.
Oak: According to folklore, if the Oak blooms before the Ash the harvest will be good. Oak is the king of the trees, living for many thousands of years, and guarding the sacred realms worshipped by the Dagda. Druis venerated the Oak and would clear mistletoe from it's boughs using a golden sickle. Acorns have long been said to prtoect against lightening, and for this reason they were carved onto stone buildings in medieval times. Zeus, Jupiter, Hercules, The Dagda (The Chief of the Elder Irish gods), Thor and all other Thunder Gods. Oak tincture or salve will heal bleeding gums, and pal essence or infusion will heal gout. Druids taught the young under the branches of the mighty oak, and held the trees wisdom with care and ceremony. Oak symbolises endurance and triumph, it is a masculine energy and the so the wood is used to make Athames, wands and staffs.
Pine: As an evergreen, Pine symbolised eternal life and immortality for the ancient Druids. It's folk description is the 'sweetest of woods'. Pine is an androgenous tree, and does not require male/female fertilisation. Ancients worshipped the Pine because of it's appearance of being a 'spiral within flame'. Many people find it extremely soothing and calming to be near Pine trees. In Aromatherapy and magick the scent has powerful cleansing effects on the worker and the space and is also rejuvinating and stregthening. The scent of pine allieviates guilt, and dreams of pine trees could mean underlying guilt issues are present. The needles and cones make excellent midwinter altar decorations.
Poplar: The Poplar teaches success in the face of adversity and overcoming challenge to succeed despite material pressures. foretells rain by turning it's leaves. Poplar is good as an ingredient for use in money spells and abundance work. Dried Poplar bark can be added to incense mixes to help with astral travel and out of body experiences. The tree has a mastery of languages and connects strogly with the four winds. Poplar may also be planted to protect property boundaries, avenues and homes. Poplar buds can be mixed with oil to make a balm for pain relief. Rubbed on the throat and chest this balm will ease coughs. Rubbed on the skin it will ease skin problems of all kinds. The bark scrapings of the poplar,may be boiled to make a nutritious infusion that can be drunk daily.
Rowan: The Cornish and Scottish Celts carried the ancient symbol of the equal length cross made from Rowan wood to protect against evil influences of all kinds. The Rowan is a faery tree that protects from enchantment and deception or trickery. Rowan wood is the second choice for bow makers of the middle ages after Yew for making bows. If you cut a Rowan berry in half it reveals a five pointed star that can be meditated on for the five aspects of the pentagram. Wands made from Rowan wood were sometimes hung over doorways to prtect the occupants from harm and to ensure good fortune. For herbalism, Rowan wood is Diuretic, Astringent, Haemostatic, Vulnerary, Febrifuge, Digestive, Expectorant, Demulcent, Anti-Scorbutic and Vaso-Dilator! A decoction of the bark cleanses the blood, and treats diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach.
Spindle: The tree is named for a popular use of the wood: making spindles, bobbins and knitting needles. The fruit of the tree is a powerful insecticide, whilst the bark yeilds red and yellow dyes. The tree has come to symbolise community spirit and togetherness, and meditating under the tree will help you to heal and release past emotional wounds. Tuning in to the tree will also energise the soul and help you in the completion of tasks. Spindle tree leaves and shoots are harmless but the berries are deadly to sheep and small rodents, and also kill lice and other insects. The tree is sometimes known as 'louse-berry'. The sappy wood can be used to clean time pieces, although working with the wood without protection is sometimes reported as inducing vomiting by carvers and artisans. Cows adore the Spring shoots of the Spindle tree, whilst sheep and goats will eat the leaves.
Silver Fir: The Fir tree was sacred to Pan and Odin, and the Moon Goddess Artemis. Fir can be used as an incense instead of pine. It is often a wood of choice for making musical instruments. Fir wood shavings added to an incense burner will offer a clear view of the present and the future and will aid in shape-shifting work and spells for change. Weather witches may read the cones for signs of wet or dry weather approaching. In Germany, to cure the gout, a knot would be tied to one of the twigs of a young fir tree with the words "God guard thee my fir tree, I bring thee my gout". Poachers would swallow the seeds of a fir tree found growing upwards before sunrise on St.John's Day, and this was believed to render them invisble from detection. The Fir is also used in transference rituals.
Willow: A mixture of Sandalwood and Willow bark shavings makes a useful incense for burning during magickal work involving conjuring spirits from the Otherworld. Willow wood is also used in making Lunar wands for Moon and triple goddess workings. Willow will ease and soothe the painful feelings connected with jealousy and bitterness. The Willow is strongly connected with the rythmic element of water and the feminine aspect of the divine. The Willow was also sacred to Hecate, Circe, Hera, and Persephone. It is often used to symbolise the death aspect of the triple goddess and popular with Witches in Greece. The name 'weeping willow' is named for a Hebrew psalm that mournes the captivity of Hebrews in Babylon by the willows. Used in love, fertility and healing spells and rites. Use Willow in magic for healing, psychic energy and inspiration.
Woodbine/Honeysuckle: In Celtic lore, the Woodbine holds a strong connection to the lapwing. It teaches about realising dreams and goals and about reaching for the sky whilst staying true to the self. Honeysuckle's scent is comforting and teaches self love and joy, whilst a tincture works well against internal infections. Leaves and flowers may be steeped in warm oil overnight, strained and then the oil applied as a skin soother and salve. A poultice may also be made from the leaves to treat skin irritation.Infusions are made from the leaves and drunk for internal maladies.
Yew: Often planted in graveyards because of it's connection with death and the afterlife, the wise Yew holds many secrets about life, death and rebirth. It symbolises transformation, reincarnation and eternal life. Druids often slept beneath a Yew tree to engender visions from the vapours emitted by the leaves during the summertime. The Yew grows from within itself, by sending forth new branches from it's old and ancient trunks. It teaches us how to grow within to effect outward change and also how to use old experiences to bring forth new growth and rejuvination. Meditation with a Yew tree is for advanced practitioners only, since it does take the practitioner to the lower worlds to engender change.