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| The ancient Celtic people had
a sound practical knowledge of (and respect for) the properties,
powers and energies of trees – they even had a calendar
corresponding to them. There’s nothing wrong with hugging
a tree! Here are just some of the healing and magical properties
associated with different types of wood from one of the earth’s
most majestic inhabitants. |
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The apple symbolises healing, love and beauty. It is excellent for
detoxification, eliminating toxins on all levels and bringing in spiritual
energies. It can also transform negative emotions.
Ash symbolises strength and a deep understanding of how all things
are linked and connected. It unites the past, present and future and
the continual cycle of birth and rebirth. It enables harmony with
surroundings, feeling in tune, and promotes flexibility and security.
Cedar reduces turmoil by physically cleansing and bringing a fresh
breath of air to anyone resisting a necessary change. It clarifies
messages from the higher self and the universe and promotes a peaceful
flow.
Bay retains, and can pass on, strong vitality and energy. It helps
to release blocked and suppressed emotions and brings the spiritual
into the physical.
Beech helps to free the mind from limitations and to reconnect with
a higher purpose. It gives confidence and hope and promotes clear
self-expression. It also helps relaxation and releases held-in trauma.
This powerful, dense tree is also known as Sloe and La Mere du Bois
(meaning "the mother of the woods"). Its vicious black thorns
make it protective and impenetrable and wands or staffs made of this
wood possess great power. Blackthorn can return evil to the sender,
so should be used carefully with integrity and love.
Chestnut harmonises the flow of energy and helps to ease anxiety caused
by contrast and difference. Very grounding, it helps to promote clarity
of mind and intuition and encourages inner peace.
Elder symbolises regeneration and was used medicinally by ancient
Britons, Celts and Romans who believed it to be a ‘cure all’.
Elder brings stability, love and forgiveness, and enhances feelings
of self-worth. Good for calming aggression, it is also beneficial
during times of transformation and change.
Elm can bring purification and cleansing. It is excellent for re-energising
the tired mind and balancing the drained or over-emotional heart.
It gives the desire to move on and alleviates feelings of failure,
despondency and inadequacy.
Field maple balances the heart, especially when reaching for love.
It aligns the heart chakra and attunes it to higher love. Field maple
brings understanding and contentment to those who are overwhelmed
with responsibility or remorse for past mistakes or accidents.
Hazel is a tree of immortality and wisdom and makes an excellent all-purpose
wand or staff or meditation and study tool. It can help to unfold
creativity as well as direct towards inspiration and inner guidance.
It gives the ability to receive and communicate wisdom and brings
stability and focus to facilitate the integration of useful information.
Hawthorn is the very protective and feminine sister to Blackthorn.
It stimulates the healing power of love, encourages trust and forgiveness
and helps to cleanse the heart chakra. Hawthorn also helps with relationships,
personal growth and spiritual awareness.
A tree of warrior magic and spiritual strength, Holly contains potent
life force and calls us to recognise inner strengths. With protective
qualities, Holly balances the mind and helps to alleviate agitation
and aggression.
Lilac activates all the chakras, and eases tension throughout the
body - especially the spine. The Lilac is closely connected with nature
spirits.
Magnolia helps learning from past experiences and clarifies true identity.
It eases restlessness and confusion and helps to maintain balance
during difficult changes. Magnolia promotes a sense of freedom and
relaxation.
The Oak is, perhaps, the most honoured of trees and was once considered
to be the father of mankind. The king of the forest, the roots of
the Oak are said to extend as far underground as its branches do above,
making it a symbol of the law "as above, so below". The
Oak represents stability, strength and protection, and teaches persistence
and endurance.
The Rowan is associated with protection and its berries are marked
at the base with a pentagram - the universal sign of protection. Rowan
helps attune to the energies of nature and the cosmic perspective,
allowing a deep understanding of the universe.
Birch symbolises new starts and beginnings. It is very healing and
gives the ability to experience beauty and tranquillity. It helps
with tolerance of others and self, and is excellent for difficulties
with self-expression.
Spindle wood energises the soul. It promotes understanding of the
self’s true nature and needs, accessing shadow-self energies
in an integrated and positive way. Spindle increases security and
reduces the need for comparison with others.
Sycamore raises energy levels and is excellent for treating lethargy.
Sycamore brings harmony and relaxation, an increased awareness of
the sweet and beautiful things in life, and is good for lifting heavy
moods.
Willow is a tree of immortality, and teaches about taking control
of destiny. It is particularly good for clearing discontentment, both
with the self and others. Strongly associated with water, it strengthens
intuition and gives inspiration.
The Yew represents everlasting life, continual rebirth, direct contact
with the past and the wise woman/sage wisdom deep within. It also
speaks of new growth springing from the death of the old self, or
old ways of thinking. The Yew protects from harm by activating the
highest spiritual values of survival and protection.
With
thanks to Lucinda Rockett, Matter of Energy.
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