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Trees N - Q
By CinnamonMoon
Oak Tree
*Nature-Speak/Ted Andrews
Keynote: Strength and endurance win out; open to new
spirit forces. The majesty of a mature oak always gives pause
for reflection. They radiate an aura of calm strength. The leaves
are green in the spring and summer and turn a bright russet-red
in the fall. It has the deserved reputation of being the king
of trees. It has one of the widest and most magnificent spreads
- particularly the white oak. There are two great groups of
oaks - the red and the white. The easiest way of telling the
difference is by examining the leaves. The veins in the leaves
of the red extend to beyond the edge of the leaf, like tiny
bristles. The veins of the white oak leaves never extend past
the edge. The oak was sacred to the Celts and Druids, and in
the Teutonic mythology it was associated with the energies of
Thor. It is a tree aligned with primal male force, which must
be controlled and expressed properly. It is a powerful symbol
of the male energy, the yang or electrical aspect of the universe
or individual. Thus, it is also aligned with all solar aspects
of the universe. When a wand or staff of oak is worked with,
its energy awakens great strength and endurance - even through
the most trying circumstances. It helps to manifest a stronger
and more active sense of helpfulness towards others, and it
opens us to more easily be helped by others.
Oak has strong ties to the realm
of nature spirits as well. The oak tree wand or staff provides
the energies to open the doorway to the inner realms and their
mysteries in meditation, magic and in real life. It awakens
greater strength and security in all pursuits. The acorn of
the oak is a symbol of fertility and fruition and the manifestation
of creativity. It may require one or two years for an acorn
to mature and they usually drop in the fall. Sometimes the presence
of the oak and its acorns is a sign that the fruit of your efforts
over the past year or two is about to be harvested. There are
a number of magical practices associated with the acorn. Carving
or painting it on your staff helps awaken this energy. It represents
the continuity of life. A great many magical practices arose
around the acorn, including placing them in windowsills to prevent
lightning strikes. Oak trees provide strength to everyone and
remind us that true strength is also gentle. Now is the time
to demonstrate your own strength and endure. The energy will
be there to do so and as a result new confidence and new spirit
forces will open to you.
The Magic of Mistletoe:
We cannot discuss the oak without also discussing the mistletoe.
It is a parasitic plant associated with it. it attaches itself
and grows in mature oaks. Birds carry the seed of its berry
to branches and forks of trees. (Attempts to grow it in soil
seldom work.) The mistletoe was sacred, and it was a predominant
symbol of the feminine energy and sexuality. Its white berries,
which grow in pairs, are reflective of the male testicles. This
plant has generated tremendous lore and magic. Mistletoe helps
us link with all lunar aspects within the universe. It manifests
energy of protection, particularly toward children or to the
child within. It reminds us to recognize the power and rhythms
of change reflected within the lunar cycles, and it also alerts
us to important dream activity.
Most people know about the tradition
of kissing under a mistletoe as a sign of friendship and good
will. In France, this practice is reserved for New Year's Day.
For couples in love, kissing under the mistletoe was considered
a promise to get married. A man standing beneath a mistletoe
cannot refuse to be kissed and such a kiss was an indicator
of romance or deep friendship. A woman who is not kissed while
standing beneath the mistletoe could not expect to be married
the following year. It has been used to develop an "invisibility"
or going unnoticed when desired, along with the ability to shapeshift.
The mistletoe was a powerful herb of the Druids, used primarily
for fertility and as an aphrodisiac. It was a symbol of rebirth
and the awakening of vision that could open the secrets of life
beyond the physical. Its energy awakens the vision of one's
soul life in the future. It can be attached to your staff with
ribbon or thread. Some people take the mistletoe from Christmas
each year to replace the mistletoe on their staff.
*The Master Book of Herbalism/Paul
Beyerl Mistletoe:
There are many uses for this herbe, it being one of the
primary herbes of the practitioner. It is used to bring fertility,
for either a child-to-be, or for a personal project of creativity.
The berries represent sexual potency, serve as an Aphrodisiac,
and are used with frequency in amulets for heightened sexual
experiences. Mistletoe has also been used to manipulate another
into fallin gin love with you (a nefarious practice, indeed).
An Herbe of Immortality, Mistletoe is seen as a symbol of rebirth,
its energy containing the secrets of life beyond this, carrying
the soul far into the future. It is used as an Herbe of Protection
in nearly any manner imaginable and is traditionally hung over
the doorway with red thread or cord to bring harmony and protection
to the home. Recent custom gets us extra kisses when we pursue
this practice. Should you find the stalk of sufficient size,
it would make a very powerful magickal wand. The wood of the
herbe is also used to fashion the handle of ritual knives. Mistletoe
banishes all evil and negative energy, and brings good fortune
and joy to the user. Mistletoe used for magick should be gathered
at Midsummer, and household amulets are traditionally hung at
Midwinter. Mistletoe was held in such virtue by the Druids that
they would sacrifice two white bulls and gather the herbe with
a gold blade. This herbe may be used in rituals sacred to Odin.
As a Magickal Herbe, Mistletoe may be used in any positive workings.
Oak: The Oak was a most sacred
tree to both Romans and Druids. It is considered sacred to Jupiter
and Zeus, and the acorn may be worn as a symbol of fealty to
those Gods, or also to Bodeuwedd or Odin. The bark may be dried,
ground, and used as an incense to honor these deities. To keep
yourself surrounded by good luck, take two pieces of a small
branch, equal in length, and time them crossed with red yarn
to represent keeping oneself in perfect balance. Never gather
from an Oak which is host for the mistletoe. These trees are
best served by doing ritual beneath the branches, but the tree
itself should be left undisturbed. The mistletoe, however, may
be gathered, and is highly prized.
*The Secret Language of Signs/Denise
Linn
Many traditions throughout history, including ancient Russian,
German, Greek, and Scandinavian cultures, have assigned meaning
to the mighty oak. It is thought to be a world axis, as well
as symbol of powerful strength, solidarity, and steady progress.
*On Dreams/Mary Summer Rain
Mistletoe represents good intentions. Oak denotes an unyielding
personality; a lack of sensitivity.
*Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens,
and Superstitions/Zolar
Mistletoe: Certainly well-known is the traditional Yuletide
custom of kissing under the mistletoe. According to Norse mythology,
the goddess Frigg was so happy when her son Balder came back
to life that her tears turned into pearls on the mistletoe.
Because of this miracle, mistletoe was placed under her protection,
thereby preventing it from ever being used again for evil purposes.
As Frigg is the Goddess of Love and Marriage, kissing under
her mistletoe symbolizes protection for the love both people
express. Another name for mistletoe is "the golden bough."
This particular name comes from the fact that, when the plant
becomes dry, it's leaves take on a golden tinge. Mistletoe is
itself a parasite that springs from seeds deposited by birds
on the barks of trees. The woody "sinkers" are inserted
into the host plant, from which it derives its sustenance. It
is said the most magical of all mistletoe grows on oak trees.
It has also been known to grow on evergreens and conifers. According
to legend, if cut for magical purposes, a knife or sickle made
from gold had to be used. Pliny reported that the Druids did
exactly this, and took particular care to prevent the mistletoe
from touching the ground. (They believed that otherwise it would
lose its virtues.) A white-robed priest would cut the mistletoe
only on the sixth day of the moon, allowing it to fall into
his white cloak. Two white bulls were sacrificed after which
it was believed the plant's magic was assured. Placed in water,
the water was then distributed as a talisman against evil.
Some authorities hold that the custom
of kissing under the mistletoe is derived from the fertility
symbolism of the plant. For a woman to be kissed under mistletoe
was a magical way to ensure that she would bear children; the
plant was long used as an aphrodisiac. Pliny recalled that the
plant's healing properties were able to reduce epileptic seizures
and encourage fertility. Well known was the use of mistletoe
as protection against the evil eye, witchcraft, and the Devil.
It was often given to sheep and cows, after they had given birth,
for that reason. In Britain, mistletoe has long been associated
with Christmas (whereas, in Scandinavia, it is traditionally
associated with Midsummer). British folklore requires mistletoe
to be hung on Christmas Day or on New Year's Eve, left for twelve
months, and then burned. During the early nineteenth century,
renewed romantic interest in the Druids caused commercialization
of mistletoe and the erection of imitation "Stonehenges."
It was at this time that churchmen branded mistletoe as a "pagan"
plant and banned it from the church. One interesting pre-Christian
legend surrounding mistletoe holds its bright colorization was
the "flame of fire," seen by Moses in the burning
bush.
One custom suggests that branches
of mistletoe be attached to the door of newlyweds to bring them
happiness. yet another suggests placing it in front of their
bedroom to ward off nightmares. It is said that one must never
take all the boughs off a mistletoe plant, or it will bring
bad luck. It is believed that, if one hangs mistletoe in a tree
with a swallow's wing, all the cuckoos in the area will assemble
there. According to English traditions, Saint Vitus's dance
can be cured by drinking water in which mistletoe berries have
been boiled. Should mistletoe not be burned on Twelfth Night,
it is said that all the couples who kissed under it will be
enemies before the end of the year! Often cited is the belief
that mistletoe was regarded by the Druids as sacred, since its
leaves grew in clusters of three. Although three has been held
the number of the Trinity, Church decorations often excluded
mistletoe, because of its pagan associations. In American folklore,
the belief is that should an unmarried girl stand under mistletoe
and not be kissed, she will not be married that year. Similarly,
should she refuse to be kissed, she will die an old maid. Among
Southern blacks belief holds that a preparation of mistletoe
will dry up mother's milk. Potions of berries are often administered
to produce fertility, as an antidote to poison, and to ward
off epilepsy and convulsions.
Oak: Since ancient times,
the oak, due to its strength, durability, and longevity, was
the most sacred tree in Europe and Scandinavia. In Scandinavia,
it was sacred because mistletoe, worshipped by the Druids, grew
on its branches. According to the ancient Jews, Jacob buried
the "foreign gods" and the earrings of his household
under the Oak of Shechem. It was also said the followers of
Baal conducted their sacrifices below an oak tree or in an oak
grove. The Oracle of Zeus at Dodona was in an oak wood. The
temple of the priestess dedicated to Zeus was placed so that
the rustling of oak leaves would bring her answers to her questions.
it is legendary that the ship Argo of the Argonauts was constructed
from oaks from this grove. Hence, on timber could speak and
advise the voyagers in a magical way. For the Romans, Jupiter
was reputedly sheltered by an oak at his birth. In yet another
Roman legend, acorns were man’s first food until replaced
with corn by Ceres, the Roman Goddess of Agriculture. So sacred
was the oak to the Druids and Gauls, that the Christian missionary,
St. Boniface, was ordered to actually destroy a sacred oak at
Hesse in Germany. In Ireland, oaks were considered one of the
"seven noble trees" that could not be cut down without
payment of a fine. In general, so great was the fear of damaging
or cutting an oak tree, that, when one was felled, it was said
to give a shriek or groan that could be heard a mile away. In
Scandinavia, the tree was held sacred to Thor and was known
as the "thunder tree." In actuality, though, the oak
tree is so prone to being struck by lightning that, In Sussex,
a rhyme says: "Beware of the oak, it draws the stroke."
Oak branches were often kept in homes as a protection against
lightning, however. In time, these were replaced by acorns,
which eventually gave rise to the acorn shape on the shade pulls
often found on modern window shades.
Oak leaves were commonly believed
to protect one from witchcraft. So strong was the belief in
its efficacy against spells that the heathen king, Ethelbert
(A.D. 522-616), required St. Augustine to preach to him under
an oak tree, which would protect him from any spell the Christian
might attempt to cast on him. The Romans often made crowns of
oak leaves that were held to symbolize bravery. The oak leaf
crown was their highest award for winning a battle, destroying
an enemy, or saving the life of another soldier. Contemporary
military honors reflect this tradition in awarding "oak
clusters." Newly married couples would often dance around
an oak tree for good fortune. A single oak tree planted at a
point on the parish boundary, called the "gospel oak,"
is another relic of past beliefs. On Rogation Day (one of three
days preceding Ascension Day, the fortieth day after Easter),
processions went around "beating the bounds" of each
parish, stopping to read various gospel verses under each boundary
oak tree. Oaks were often planted at crossroads and were believed
to cure certain illnesses.
Charles II was reputed to have been
saved at the Battle of Worcester by hiding in the branches of
the Boscobel oak. Once restored to the throne, Charles declared
May 22 Shich-Shack Day, royal Oak Day, or Oak Apple Day. (A
shick-shack was an oak twig, possibly bearing an oak apple.)
It was required that everyone had to wear one on this holiday,
and anyone not doing so would be beaten with nettles. In the
afternoon the shick-shack was replaced by a bunch of ash leaves.
It is said St. Louis held his Court of Justice under an oak.
Henceforth, all oaths taken under that tree, especially one
with twin trunks, could not be broken without danger. Likewise,
an ancient method of litigation required placing both litigants
under an oak. Whoever was touched by the first leaf to fall
was presumed innocent and the victor in the trial. According
to a Cornish belief, a nail driven into an oak tree cures toothaches.
According to a Welsh tradition, all one's sores will be healed
by rubbing a piece of oak on the left hand in silence on Midsummer's
Day. One can cure hernias by embracing an oak tree, and the
same act is believed to assure women that their husband will
be virile and they will mother many children. Last, mention
must be made of the gall fly, a small parasitic insect, which
frequents oak leaves often found on the ground. Should one find
a small gall fly, tradition requires that it must be opened
and examined. Should it contain larva inside, wealth was on
the way. Should it be a small fly instead, bad news was expected.
Should one find a spider instead, famine in the area was more
than likely.
*The Language of Dreams/Patricia
Telesco
Mistletoe: Invincibility. Teutonic warriors carried mistletoe
into battle as protective amulets. Setting aside bad feelings
out of respect for a common belief or need. In Scandinavian
regions, warring groups who met underneath this plant put away
their weapons for the day. Among Druids, a plant that heals
all wounds and protects the bearer. What is it in your life
that needs healing? romantic advances. A favored holiday tradition
is to kiss anyone caught beneath the mistletoe. A dream key
to unlocking a specific door in your life. The German philosopher
and theologian Albertus Magnus recommended this plant as a magical
key that could open any locked door, including doors to the
hidden realms of the earth.
Oak: In northern Europe, this
tree is strongly affiliated with god figures, including Jupiter,
Thor, and Zeus, giving it a masculine overtone, with the acorn
becoming an emblem of fertility. Strength, firm foundations,
and longevity. In folk beliefs, the oak's roots delve as far
into the earth as its branches reach toward the sky. An oak
filled with acorns portends a promotion and financial increases.
Bravery and charity that benefits others. In Rome, any hero
who saved the life of a citizen was crowned with a wreath of
oak leaves and acorns.
Olive Tree
*Nature-Speak/Ted Andrews
The olive tree has wonderful foliage and a terrific resistance
to harsh conditions. And in most traditions it is the Tree of
Peace. It is also known as the Tree of Honor, and it has ties
to Athena, Poseidon and Zeus. There is always peace if we do
not allow ourselves to be affected by outside circumstances.
The olive tree embodies the spirit and archetypal energies of
harmony and peace of mind. Olive trees remind us to manifest
greater inner strength and faith as true forces - not just as
beliefs. It promises the energies of renewal and rejuvenation
- restoring a zest for life. It is also linked to the process
of regeneration - in physical healing and in spiritual unfoldment.
It can serve as a catalyst to access the levels of consciousness
that leads to better inner guidance and deeper levels of clairaudience.
It increases sensitivity, and renews the individual's hope and
will to enjoy life.
*The Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens,
and Superstitions/Zolar
According to legend, the olive tree produces a magical oil that
will protect one against drunkenness and increase virility when
drunk for nine days in a row. Exactly when and where the olive
was first cultivated remains a great mystery, but it is highly
likely that it was known to the
ancient Egyptians. The first biblical reference to it is in
the story of the Great Flood. When Noah released a dove from
the ark, it came back with a freshly plucked olive leaf in its
mouth (Genesis 8:11). Noah then knew it was safe to come out
of the ship, so both the tree and the bird have become symbols
of peace. The Garden of Gethsemane in which Christ pondered
his fate was an olive grove (Matthew 26:36). (In fact, whenever
a garden is mentioned in the Bible, it is highly likely that
an olive orchard is meant.) Olive trees are traditionally long
lived. Even when cut down or burnt away, the root will sprout
again.
According to the Greeks, Athena (Minerva
was the Roman equivalent) made the olive tree to bear fruit.
She and Poseidon fought over the possession of Attica. Poseidon
either caused a saltwater spring to gush by striking it with
his trident or he created a horse. (The legend varies.) Athena
caused an olive tree to appear. Since this was considered a
more valuable gift, Attica was given to Athena. Thus, the city
of Athens was itself named after her and forever held her as
their particular goddess. On early Attic coins an olive branch
was often portrayed. Likewise, goats were sacrificed to Athena,
since they often harmed olives. According to Herodotus, Xerxes
dreamed he was crowned with an olive wreath, which vanished
instantly, symbolizing a hollow victory before his Greek expedition.
In the Greek Harvest Festival, the olive was a primary symbol.
In more recent times, a tree branch known as the "harvest
may" was often used. This, or laurel, was often decorated
with fruits of the earth and ribbons, and was then carried in
procession until finally fixed over a farm door. Left over a
year in this same spot, it was believed to guarantee growth
of further crops.
In Christian folklore, when Adam
died, the angel guarding Eden gave Seth seeds of olive, cedar,
and cypress. These were placed in Adam's mouth. They later sprouted
from his grave, forming a triple-trunked tree. Legend has it
that this tree held the symbolic leaf plucked by Noah's dove.
Likewise, beneath this same tree David wept, and it was this
same tree that Solomon cut down. Another tradition holds that
this same tree became one of the crosspieces of the cross upon
which Christ was crucified. In medieval times, olive was a protection
against lightning, witchcraft, and evil spells.
*On Dreams/Mary Summer Rain
Olive applies to a positive, beneficial element in one's
life.
*The Secret Language of Signs/Denise
Linn
This can be a sign of peace. Are you offering the olive branch
of peace to someone?
*The Master Book of Herbalism/Paul
Beyerl
This has been a most sacred herbe for many cultures. It is held
sacred to Athena, Poseidon, and Zeus, and may also be used in
the honor of all Solar Deities. The oil of the Olive was preferred
for the sacred temple lamps of the Greeks. Olive Oil is used
to consecrate incense burners and thuribles. Interestingly,
it is said that Moses granted military exemption for those men
who worked in the Olive groves cultivating the herbe. Honor
is usually associated with Olive, and it was used to crown the
Olympic victors. Olive, either the leaf or the oil, may be used
in rituals to honor either human or deity. It may be used to
dress the candles, to anoint the person, or to bless the holy
water. Olive is one of the traditional fixative bases for ritual
oils.
Orange Tree
*Nature-Speak/Ted Andrews
Keynote: Trust emotions and reams; time to release fears.
All citrus trees have qualities in common. Their energy and
fragrance is always cleansing. Their flowers are most abundant
in the spring but only about 2% of all citrus flowers actually
produce fruit. The flowers though are usually so abundant that
even this small percentage is enough to ensure a good crop.
Citrus trees are also long lived. They can last as many as 100
years if cared for properly. There are primarily three types
of oranges. All speak to our sensitivity in some manner. The
navel is thick-skinned and sweet tasting. It is often a reminder
that we may need to be a bit more thick-skinned as well. Are
we being overly sensitive? Or are we being too thick-skinned
and insensitive? The common orange is thin-skinned and very
juicy. It often reflects how close our emotions are to the surface,
and we may need to control them a bit more. The third type is
the blood orange, which has a reddish skin and juice, and of
all the oranges, it ripens first - usually in the spring. It
can be a reminder that our emotions are tied to our physical
health and so they must be balanced. The orange color of the
fruit reveals much about the qualities of this tree. Orange
is a color associated with emotional energy - positive and negative.
The tree, it fruit and its fragrance stimulate clarity of emotions.
It can assist us in releasing emotional trauma gently. As a
messenger, it is usually speaking to us about something emotional,
present within our life. The orange tree spirit brings calmness
to highly charged states. Its energies can aid in the development
of counseling abilities, and it can stimulate dreams that provide
clues to deep-seated fears or fears of unknown regions. Orange
trees speak of a need to release tensions held within the subconscious.
A wand or staff from an orange tree can be used to create intense
thought-forms. The color of orange should be used in designs
on this staff. Aligning with this tree through a staff can manifest
an energy that assists the development of conscious astral projection,
the rising on the planes. This can help us realize that it is
time to release our fears.
*Magical Herbalism/Scott Cunningham
Orange blossom: To make a person in the mood for marriage,
wear this oil. Many women add it to their daily baths to build
up their attractiveness. Sometimes known as "Mantrap."
Enough said!
*On Dreams/Mary Summer Rain
The fruit portrays the nourishing benefits of utilizing
our inner energies for the benefit of others. Orange Stick comes
as a warning to "clean up" one's behavior and/or manner
of interacting with others; utilize more honest methods.
*Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens,
and Superstitions/Zolar
Orange when given as a gift between lovers, oranges encourage
their affections. Brides who wear orange blossoms are held to
have good luck. Since the orange is a prolific "fruiting"
plant, however, the bride may not wish this kind of luck!
*The Language of Dreams/Patricia
Telesco
Because of its high vitamin content, this symbolizes good
health or things that are good for you. An emblem of the triune
nature of humankind (body-mind-soul), because the tree bears
flowers, leaves, and fruit simultaneously. Buying oranges portends
prosperity. In the Middle Ages, oranges were a highly valued
and expensive commodity.
In the East, dreaming of oranges
represents extending good wishes for joy and abundance to those
you care about. Controlling an unruly nature. Orange slices
were originally put in drinks, believing they would prevent
drunkenness. In this case, stopping the "inebriation"
becomes a metaphor for self-regulation.
Russia: Faithfulness. Orange flowers
were sometimes part of a bride's bouquet for this reason.
Palm Tree
*Nature-Speak/Ted Andrews
Keynote: Group protection; maintain peace through past
learnings. Palm trees are tall, unbranched trees. They have
a crown of large cleft leaves. They are common to southern areas
of warm, often arid climate. The palm is the Tree of Peace.
It has a powerfully calming energy associated with it. Its spirit
can provide protection for all members of a group with whom
you are connected. It can also provide protection from a group
with whom you are connected. The leaves alone have been rumored
to prevent evil from entering into an area. Do you need to examine
more closely with whom you associate or align? The palm makes
a wonderful staff or wand for group work. The desert palm has
become a part of the gardens worldwide - wherever it can be
grown. In many places, it is now seen as a native plant where
it might not actually be. Hawaii is one such place, where it
is known as the hula palm. The first European to discover the
desert palm was a Franciscan priest, Juan Crespi. He spotted
it near Baja, California. It is different though from the cabbage
variety in Florida. Native Americans would often cut the bud,
which gives all of the leaves, and then they would roast it
and eat it. Unfortunately, this is one of the ways to kill all
growth of the palm. The bud of the desert palm though retains
its leaves as long as possible, even when they have died. It
clings to them and they become a kind of armor for the stem.
This reflects itself in the keynote of protection for this plant.
Palm is often a reminder that the past, no matter how long faded,
still serves a purpose and will always be a part of us. The
palm tree alerts us to celebrate or to produce something worth
celebrating. The wind blowing through them stirs a longing within
observers. It is an easy plant to grow indoors, providing a
protective energy for the home environment. It is a reminder
to look for and realize the divine within. It can be a messenger
for members of the angelic hierarchy.
*Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens,
and Superstitions/Zolar
The word Phoenicia means "land of palms," which was
how the ancient Greeks and Romans described this part of the
world. A traditional Arab saying is that the palm has as many
uses as there are days in the year. In North Africa, the fruits
of the palm are eaten; oil is produced from its kernels (which
themselves provide food for livestock); an intoxicating beverage
is made from its sap; the leaves are used for thatching, walling,
and fencing, and for making matting and baskets; rope is made
from the string-like material found at the head; and should
the tree die, its trunk is used to provide timber. In the Old
Testament is found the following: "And he carved all the
walls of the house roundabout with carved figures of cherubs
and palm trees..." (I Kings 6:29.) A number of coins of
ancient civilizations, including those of Tyre and Sidon, exemplify
this tree. In A.D. 70, for example, the Emperor Vespasis struck
a coin showing a woman weeping beneath a palm. In biblical times,
branches of palm trees were often carried on special occasions,
eventually becoming symbolic of martyrdom. It first became customary
to carry palm fronds in processions during the time of Judas
Maccabeus. The fronds themselves were mixed with myrtle on the
right side and citron on the left. After being carried at the
Feast of the Tabernacles, they were kept at home and were said
to bring luck and protection during the coming year. For Christianity,
palms are carried on Palm Sunday in remembrance of the day Jesus
entered Jerusalem, with people waving palms and strewing His
path with them. In actuality, however, Romans cut olive and
laurel branches in ancient times to celebrate the return of
spring. As early Christians believed the angels brought palm
fronds to carry their souls up to heaven, a custom arose of
burning these on All Soul's Day. The arising smoke was said
to assist souls released from purgatory to reach heaven.
Christian pilgrims were often known
to carry staffs of palms, giving rise to their becoming known
as "palmers." Another Christian legend is about a
man named Offero, who, wishing to see Christ child, was told
he should assist the disabled. To bring this about, Offero carried
people over a dangerous river, using as a support a palm staff.
On one stormy night, a child asked to be carried over. In doing
so, Offero found the small burden becoming heavier and heavier;
nonetheless, he managed to stagger across. The child bid him
thrust his staff into the ground. Once he did so, it put out
leaves and fruits. When this happened, Offero realized he had
carried the Christ child. So converted, he later changed his
name to "Christ Offero," Christopher, meaning "Christ
bearer." Yet another legend holds that the palm was one
of the four trees from which the cross that crucified Christ
was made. hence, in those countries where palms were not normally
grown, a piece of palm was held invaluable as a talisman to
drive off evil spirits. A cross made of its leaves was believed
to keep away lightning, and should one chew some of the leaves,
fever would be driven away. In American folklore, the tradition
of making palm leaf hats remains of unknown origin. In Connecticut,
before the Civil War, bales of palm leaves were shipped so that
village women and girls could braid it into hats. It is told
that enterprising townsmen would pick up the hats and parcel
them out to peddlers, who sold them throughout the United States.
According to one tradition, whatever the nature of the wind
that blows on Palm Sunday will be the predominant force for
the rest of the year. Some say this is only true for "that"
special wind that blows during the reading of the gospel accompanying
the Palm Sunday church service. Another weather superstition
holds that, on Palm Sunday, should the sun shine clear, fine
weather (and a good harvest of corn and other fruits of the
earth) will surely follow.
*On Dreams/Mary Summer Rain
Palm tree will usually have a spiritual connotation. Recall
surrounding dreamscape elements for further clarification. Palm
Sunday defines and attitude of spiritual reverence.
Peach Tree
*Nature-Speak/Ted Andrews
Keynote: Longevity; blessings through artistic endeavors.
Peaches are one of the most popular home-grown fruits. Their
flowers in the spring though are very susceptible to late frosts.
Peaches and nectarines are essentially the same fruit. The only
difference is that the peach has a fuzzy skin. The peach tree
is tied to awakening hidden wisdom, as with all fruit-bearing
trees. In this case, though, the archetypal energies behind
it can help the individual to develop a new realization about
immortality and how it can be attained. The peach tree staff
alerts us to beneficial activities associated with youth and
the prevention of the aging process. Contact with peach trees
renew and re-activate our life force, the Kundalini. It stimulates
artistic energies, along with innovative applications of them
within our present life endeavors. It activates energy within
the aura that is calming to our emotions and those we meet.
*The Secret Language of Signs/Denise
Linn
This is an uplifting sign.
Life is peachy. Life is good. Enjoy life and live it fully.
*On Dreams/Mary Summer Rain
Peach constitutes satisfaction; a desired element.
*Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens,
and Superstitions/Zolar
For the Chinese, peaches are considered symbolic of longevity
and immortality. Peaches in the celestial orchard were believed
to ripen only once every three thousand years. Placing sprigs
of peach blossoms over one's front door will keep evil spirits
away, say the Chinese. In the north country of the United Kingdom
tradition holds that when leaves of a peach tree fall before
autumn, a murrain or calltel disease is expected.
*The Language of Dreams/Patricia
Telesco
Generally an emblem of wisdom, except in the East where peaches
are given the additional attributes of a happy marriage and
long life. In China, the flowers that bear peaches are used
within the home to avert negativity. If tensions have been high
with your family lately, now's the time to begin the healing
process. Among Taoists, a source that offers productive energy,
especially in a sexual sense. This idea seemed to hold true
in other cultures too, as the Greeks attributed the fruit to
the rule of Venus, and Albertus Magnus recommended eating peaches
as an aphrodisiac. A sarcastic visual pun that indicates a situation
or person you find less than "peachy."
Pine Tree
*Nature-Speak/Ted Andrews
Keynote: Balance strength and softness; emotional protection
and healing. Pines have a resinous wood and needles for leafs,
usually bundled in groups of 2, 3, or 5. When doing nature hikes
with students, I would teach them to count the number of needles
in a bundle to determine if the pine was red or white. If there
are 5 needles per bundle, it is a white pine. There are five
letters in the word "white" and five needles are in
a white pine tree bundle. It is a simple way of identifying
the pine. No other tree has a greater role in American history
than the white pine. It was the most abundant tree in the northern
range Pioneers used to say that a squirrel could live its lifetime
moving through the pines without ever coming down. Trees that
stood 150 feet tall greeted early settlers. On the present site
of Dartmouth College, a pine tree was measured at 240 feet.
The pine trees were gold to the early settlers. It was the only
great export of early New England. The white pine because of
its size, softness, strength and light weight was ideal for
ship masts, and since England was the king of the seas, it was
a valuable commodity. it would eventually become one of the
major economic factors leading to the American Revolution. Laws
were passed in England to restrict and stop American settlers
from cutting and selling what England claimed as its own. In
fact, one of the first flags of the revolution had the emblem
of the white pine. From ships, to covered bridges, to homes
to railway ties, the white pine was an important player in the
development of America.
There is a variety of pines. These
include the red pine, jack pine, scrub pine and more. Of all
of these, the red pine has always been a companion to the white.
It has a more colorful bark of armor-like plates, adding to
the idea of it being a tree whose energy helps protect emotions.
But no matter what type of pine it is, they all have energy
of protection and their fragrance is always soothing to emotional
states. The pine tree has great mysticism as well. The pine
tree was the Sacred Tree of Mithra. It also has ties to the
Dionysian energies and mysteries. It is balancing to the emotions,
and it awakens the divine spark, which resides within the heart
chakra for true salvation as divined through occult and Gnostic
Christianity. Pine comes from a word that translates as "pain,"
and its essence helps alleviate pain within on many levels.
It was also a tree sacred to Poseidon, who helped make its essence
cleansing and protective against all forms of negative magic.
The pine helps to repel evil.
Pine trees are very personable and
very communicative. You must be careful what you say around
a pine tree or you will hear it softly whisper it to other trees.
I used to demonstrate this with groups when I served as a trail
guide at Brukner Nature Center. I would take the group to the
pine woods and have them sit. I would then tell them that you
had to be careful about whispering secrets around pines because
the pines would hear and they would pass the secret on. If you
hear pines whispering (the sound of the breeze rustling through
them), others would soon know your secret. I would then have
them all make whispering sounds to each other. Within a minute
or two, a breeze would always come through and the pines would
rustle and whisper in response. And because they are a taller
tree, they easily pass those whispered secrets on. Pine has
an archetypal energy and message about eliminating our feelings
of guilt and balancing over-emotionalism. The pine spirit is
kind and sensitive and loves contact with humans. It soothes
emotions and always reminds us that we should make decisions
best from as clear a perspective as possible. The pine heightens
our psychic sensitivity, while balancing the emotions as well.
It reminds us to express our creative energies without feelings
of guilt and without allowing others to overly influence or
manipulate.
*The Master Book of Herbalism/Paul
Beyerl
The resin of Pine may be gathered, dried, and used as an incense.
It has the quality of cleansing a space of negative energy.
Pine is also very effective as a Countermagicke Herbe, repelling
evil energy and returning it to its source. Pine is held sacred
to Poseidon, and using the pitch of the tree to caulk a boat
gives it magickal protection upon the waters.
*The Language of Dreams/Patricia
Telesco
The scent of pine in a dream reflects either a need for cleansing
and purification of some type, or refreshment for one's energy.
The scent of pine was regularly used in sick rooms for both
purposes. Long lasting results from your labors. Pine trees
stay green through the winter, implying immortality. Sticky
situations, clingy emotions, or barbed conversations: Pine needles
are quite sharp and often bear tacky sap that seems to get on
everything with which they come in contact. Are you being likewise
prickly or sticky in the way you deal with people or a personal
circumstance?
*Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens,
and Superstitions/Zolar
Pine cones are said to be excellent weather prophets. They will
remain open when the weather is fine, but close when rain is
on the way.
*On Dreams/Mary Summer Rain
Pine scent denotes a "refreshing" of one's interconnectedness
with nature. The Pine tree pertains to "natural" abilities'
one's bonded relationship to nature.
*The Secret Language of Signs/Denise
Linn
Pine is an excellent cleanser and purifier. Pine emits negative
ions, which create a healing electrical charge in the air. This
sign may mean that it is time to purge your body and purify
your life. Are you always pining away or longing for someone
or something?
Poplar Tree
*Nature-Speak/Ted Andrews
Keynote: Endure and pursue your dreams; time to manifest.
The poplar tree is a beautiful, fast growing tree with quite
an extensive and strong root system. It can grow quite tall
and some species have the ability to grow quickly in arid conditions
and without much coddling. The wonderful spirit of this tree
has the ability to teach the average individual how to make
dreams and projects manifest quickly, yielding great rewards
in the shortest time possible (often and noticeably within a
year's time). This message is a reminder of the possibilities
in life and that opportunities are never lost. They do come
back around. This is reflected not only by its quick growth
but also by the fact that its leaves turn golden (with all its
symbolism) in the fall, and when they drop off, masses of vertical
branches are etched against the sky. The spirit of the poplar
tree awakens and reminds all people of the possibilities in
life. She reminds us all that all of life's experiences have
gold within them, and that we all can rise and grow to great
heights. The spirit of the poplar tree is most concerned with
the earthly and mundane matters of the people in her environment.
She teaches us how to endure the hardships of life and to keep
our roots strong. She will help us overcome our personal fears
and self-doubts that may block our endeavors. She reveals to
us lost and forgotten memories of our dreams through the gentle
whispers of her leaves with every breeze. The poplar message
often encourages and leads us to the many avenues and means
of manifesting dreams. An old form of tree magic involved planting
a wish or a dream with a tree. As the tree grows, its spirit
works to manifest and aid the growth of your wish or dream.
With no tree is this easier, for the spirit of the poplar loves
to show all people that we are never given a hope, wish or dream
without also being given opportunities to make them a reality.
*On Dreams/Mary Summer Rain
Poplar tree relates to a personal talent that has blossomed
in an accelerated manner.
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Libraries
are on this row
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INDEX
Page 3
(Main Section, Medicine Wheel, Native Languages &
Nations, Symbology)
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INDEX
Page 5
(Sacred Feminine & Masculine, Stones & Minerals)
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©
Copyright: Cinnamon Moon & River WildFire Moon (Founders.)
2000-date
All rights reserved.
Site
constructed by Dragonfly
Dezignz 1998-date
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