February 18th, 2012

Today begins the Celtic Tree Month of Ash, or Nion. The tree belongs to the Fraxinus genus, which includes 45 - 65 species, and is actually classified in the same family as Olive trees and Lilacs. While most species are deciduous, some subtropical species are evergreen. Ash trees produce samara fruit, the ever-popular "helicopter seeds".
One of the three trees sacred to the Celts, Ash is present in mythology throughout Europe. According to Norse Legend, the world-tree, or Yggdrasil, was Ash, as was Odin's spear. Further, the first man was born of an Ash tree. Elsewhere in Europe, Ash leaves (or circles drawn with Ash boughs) was said to repel snakes. Conversely, Irish folklore holds that the shadow of the tree is damaging to crops. The Greeks also included the Ash in their mythos, as the Meliae were nymphs of the Ash tree. Interestingly, there is a parallel between Greek legend and the Norse. It was said that the Meliae, who, as you recall, were spirits of the Ash tree, later created mankind, similar to Norse legend, where man was created from the Ash.
Magickally speaking, Ash has many uses. The tree is actually sacred to the God Lugh, celebrated at Lammas (Lughnasadh), and because of its divine connection, it has long been believed that a tool, magickal or mundane, will be more productive when made of Ash than a tool made with any other wood. Therefore, Ash can be used in ritual to increase magickal potency. However, be careful when collecting Ash wood, as those who disrespect the trees frequently find themselves in with a bout of supernatural consequences. The tree is further associated with spiritual journeys and prophetic dreams, as well as divination, making Nion a particularly good time to do magick for personal introspection. European folklore dictates that an ash leaf will remove skin disorders, such as boils and warts, and other folk magick calls for carrying an Ash leaf in the pocket to ensure good fortune.
Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find conclusive information over the internet whether or not the Ash is poisonous. If someone has any information about this, please contact me. In the meantime, I recommend not inhaling the smoke of the tree, nor do I recommend ingesting it in any way.