September 6th, 2015

I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos on my day off, and also did quite a bit of work on my "Scrapbook of Shadows". Here's what I was working on.

I added some more decor to my Celtic tree month pages. We have some holly trees by my residence hall, so I picked one up and pressed it. The other lead is a piece of ivy from our garden at home. I'd like to add more to this still, but this is what I've got at the moment.

Here's the last Celtic tree month page. It definitely needs some plant samples, so I'll have to either find or draw some sometime. The right page is adorned with packaging from a bar of soap I got at Fairy Fest a few years ago. I added a tiny feather I found coming back from brunch this morning, and also wrote in a summary of how to make a magickal hand wash as demonstrated by Ashera Star Goddess on YouTube.

I have these pages mostly covered up because a lot of the information is pretty personal to me (not that you could read it, anyway, as blurrily as my laptop took these photos), but these pages were about my power animal, or patronus, the Hummingbird. 

Here's a detail of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird I drew in the corner. 

I also put up another video today, talking about how I got into the Craft. If you're interested, a lot of it is things I haven't talked about much on here. 

Scrapbook of Shadows

I continued adding to my little BOS today. I really like how it's developing. Here are a few sample photos. Sorry about the blurriness; the light quality in my living room could stand to be improved.

First, my book blessing pages. On the left, I glued a tag one of my mom's friends made me a long time ago. I wrote a short incantation on it invoking the elements to protect and guard my book. The right page is occupied by an "ancient Egyptian" blessing used on the show Babylon 5 which always resonated with me: "God be between you and harm in all the empty places where you must walk." Cursory research is inconclusive on whether or not the blessing actually is Egyptian or if the show's writers simply made it up, but some sites anyway cite it as being from the 18th dynasty of Egypt. Authentically Egyptian or not, I find the words to be powerful ones.

On the next two pages is a prayer to Athena which I found here. As I am currently developing a relationship with Her, it seemed appropriate to include a prayer to Her first thing. I also glued in a tiger lily petal, and a sunflower petal, both from our garden.

Long-time readers may remember the posts regarding the Celtic tree months I did several years ago. I collected a lot of information, but it never made its way into my working BOS. Today, I dug up those posts and summarized their contents. I also took some leaves belonging to the trees under discussion and pasted them in. The birch leaf was wide enough that I created a foldable insert for it so that it would not cover up my writing. I also used a crayon to do some leaf rubbings on the right page, but the thickness of the paper stopped that from working very well. The tree month section spanned several pages, but those aren't finished yet, as I'll be adding more as I come across trees of the right varieties. 

Seven new pages today! That's pretty good, I think, and I like how they're looking!

July 21st, 2014

The last couple of days have been pure insanity, so allow me to catch you up on some of the Pagan things I've been doing.
On Thursday, my family went to a local Botanic Gardens for the afternoon. Besides lots of pretty flowers, I saw some things relevant to this particular blog:

This, if you can't read the sign, is Artemis Silver Sage. Sage is a wonderful herb of purification, and if you were doing a working with the Goddess Artemis or any of her sacred animals, it might be worth the research to find some at a garden center. Besides its purifying qualities, this particular Sage has the added benefit of having leaves that are positively downy with fuzziness.

There was this depiction of Pan on a dry fountain in the English garden.

Outside the English garden, someone had crafted a statue titled "The Guardian" with these massive Quartz crystals set in the center; the whole matrix was longer than my forearm. Whether or not the artist actually has the crystals empowered to act as a Guardian of the garden, I couldn't say. Nevertheless, one could absolutely use crystals around the home for protection as desired.

The three trunks in the center of this picture belong to an Alder tree. I immediately thought of my blog when I saw it, because for some unfathomable reason, my "Celtic Tree Month: Alder" post is still my most popular, with over 5,200 views at this time. Here's a photo of one such tree I can actually claim to have taken!

There was also a big grove of birch trees which I felt had to be included. Birch is sacred to many deities, and is particularly noted in Wicca as being a tree of the Goddess.

On Friday, I went downtown with a friend to see a showing of A Midsummer Night's Dream (it was brilliantly done), and Saturday was spent at the zoo. Yesterday was occupied primarily by church and work, and now, finally, I have a moment to sit an catch up.

As many of my followers are probably aware, I am off to college next month and have been scrambling to get things ready. On Saturday, I found a marvelous little couch at a garage sale for $20 that will be perfect for my dorm - I'm considering it a Goddess-given miracle. Additionally, I was able to get a bunch of books from the library yesterday, so expect posts in the near future regarding the metaphysical subjects I'm now perusing.

Celtic Tree Month: Birch

The Celtic name for this month is "Beth", pronounced "beh", and celebrates the Birch tree. Birch is a broad-leafed hardwood of the genus Betula, and is in the same family as Alder, Hazel, and Hornbeam (the first two of which are other sacred trees to the Celts). Birch trees and shrubs tend to be of a medium size, with small samara fruit. They are typically found in well-drained, often acidic, soils, and are considered a pioneer species, meaning that they are often the first trees to return after a fire or other disaster.
Folklore surrounding the Birch is plentiful. In Gaelic legend, the Birch is closely associated with Tir na Nog, the Otherworld of the faeries and the Sidhe. To the Celts, brooms, or besoms, made of birch had a purifying quality and were used to drive away evil spirits. During handfasting rituals, the couple would jump over a broom made of Birch; for a long time, the "besom wedding" was legal. Birch were also used in Beltane celebrations as a living maypole - as one of the first trees to grow leaves in the spring, the Birch is an obvious symbol of fertility. The spring goddess Eostre, from whose name comes both "Easter" and "Ostara", was associated with the Birch, as was Frigga, Thor, and Freya from the Norse pantheon. Siberian shamans make their own use of the Birch, notching a Birch twig nine times during an initiation rite to represent the nine steps to heaven. In North America, some Native Americans prized Birch for its practicality in canoe and paper making, and also used the bark to ritually wrap their dead.
Magickally speaking, many cues can be taken from the Birch tree's mythological background - today, wood and leaves from the tree can still be used to make besoms, to ward negativity, and for aid in love. Birch can be burned at Samhain, Beltane, and Yule, and can form the traditional Yule log and Maypole. The wood can likewise be used in dealings with faeries and nature spirits, whether to call the friendly ones or banish the not-so-friendly ones.
Both the leaves and the inner bark of the tree are edible; either can be eaten raw. The inner bark can be added to soup, or can be ground and used as a flour. Made into a tea, it is diuretic, can help cure other minor illnesses, like fever, and makes a good antiseptic. The leaves have similar properties. Birch sap is also edible, and though it is infrequently tapped (it's less sweet than maple sap), it can be turned into a molasses-like syrup or be fermented into beer or vinegar.

November 25th, 2012

Happy Elder Moon, everyone! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, today is the first day in the Celtic month honoring the Elder tree.
The Elder tree belongs to the genus Sambucus, and can be found in temperate to sub-tropical regions in both the North and South hemispheres. The tree's flowers are found in branching clusters, often white in color, and later produce berries that are a dark blue to black. The berries are a valuable food source for many birds, and planting the Elder tree around the home is an excellent way to support native animal species.

The Elder Mother

In popular folklore, the Witches' association with the tree varies - some stories say that the Elder tree will ward off Witches, while others say that it is under the tree where Witches may congregate. Elder wood is one of those trees mentioned in the Wiccan Rede; unlike its compatriots, however, the Wiccan is warned that "Elder is the Lady's tree; burn it not, or cursed ye'll be". Other stories tell us that instruments made from Elder wood produce a sound that the Faeries find most favorable. Accordingly, it is said that on Midsummer's eve (Litha), one can find the Faerie folk making merry beneath the Elder trees. Like the Rowan, the Elder is considered protective - the Rowan guards the front of the house, and the Elder protects the back. These protective qualities extended to the business world as well - Elder trees were often planted near bakeries and dairies to protect the food and prevent evil from touching it. However, any food actually left under the tree was considered a gift for the Faeries, and couldn't be reclaimed. In Scandinavian mythos, Elder trees had a guardian spirit known as the Elder Mother, and any damage done to the tree could invoke her wrath. It is from this spirit that the tree may have gotten its name.
Many spells for beauty call for elderflowers - and with good reason! The cosmetic industry has gotten clued into this, and employs Elder derivatives in skin cleansers and eye lotions. If you are looking to freshen up your exterior, infuse warm water with a teaspoon or two of elderflowers and chamomile; then empower, and use daily as a facial cleanser. The tree's protective qualities are just as strong today as they were hundreds of years ago, and growing an Elder in your yard invites friendly Faeries while warding off negative influences. Elder wands have the same protective power as the tree does (JK Rowling clearly did her magickal research!), as does music played on an instrument made of Elder wood. Before cutting an Elder branch for any reason, be sure to respectfully ask the Elder Mother for permission, and leave an offering in thanks (a piece of cake, water, a stone, etc.). The leaves and berries can be used in spells to turn away negativity.
The flowers and berries of the Elder tree are edible, and are often used in foodstuffs in European countries. The flowers can be pressed into a drink known as elderflower cordial. An extract from the flowers is turned into a syrup, typically found in drinks, baked goods, and sweets. Both flowers and berries are also found in everything from yoghurt to wine, fruit pies, marmalade, and more. However, it should be noted that the leaves, branches, twigs, and seeds of the Elder tree can contain small amounts of cyanide, that, when consumed in large quantities, can be toxic. Think apple seeds, here.

October 28th, 2012

Welcome to the month of the Reed! Although some modern Pagans refer to this as the Elm month, the Celts used this time to celebrate their native water reeds. "Reed" is the general term for tall, grass-like plants that inhabit wet places. All species belong in the order Poales. Reed beds are found in waterlogged places such as floodplains and estuaries. Beds with more than 20 cm of surface water during the summer are called Reed swamps, whereas those with water at or below surface level are known as Reed fens. Because the plants grow poorly in acidic soil, succession often takes over in places like bogs, replacing the reeds with a hardier plant.
In mythology, a number of stories relate to the Reed. One Greek legend tells us that the forest god Pan was pursuing a beautiful young nymph. He chased her to a river, where she transformed into the first Reeds. The wind blew, and Pan was so struck by the beautiful noise the wind in the Reeds made that he took some, bound them together, and formed the first Reed, or Pan, pipes. The infamous Pied Piper is also said to have played on Reed pipes; he first led a plague of rats out of town, and then the town's children to punish the townsfolk for not properly thanking him.
Reeds can be used to make besoms, which are then employed in ritual to brush away negative energy.  The same besom can be hung in the house to continue repelling negativity. One can take a cue from the above myths and construct or purchase a set of Reed pipes, to be used in ritual (Samhain, anyone?). This time period is also one for divination, especially scrying, and seances. Spirit and energy work is appropriate at this time. In ancient times, Reeds may have been soaked in fat as a cheap alternative to candles.
From what I have seen online and elsewhere, although Reeds are not usually poisonous, they don't make very good eats, either.

September 30th, 2012

Today is the beginning of the Ivy Celtic Tree Month (in spite of the fact that Ivy isn't actually a tree). The Celts called this month Gort.

The word "Ivy" encompasses 15 species belonging to the genus Hedera, native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The plants have been introduced to North America as well, though some varieties are considered invasive. On ground level, Ivies are creepers, not exceeding more than 20 cm in height, but once they find a surface to climb, can grow to well over 30 feet tall. Such surfaces include rocks, trees, homes, and other structures where the vines can get a grip on the surface. Young vines are tender and flexible, allowing them to wrap around new material, but as the vines mature, they become woody and firm, much like a small tree trunk. The berries produced are typically bitter and are dark purple or black. Ivy is frequently pollinated by bees and small birds.
Ivy was a plant sacred to the Roman god Bacchus, god of wine and pleasure. According to legend, Baccus' son died, and out of pity, Gaia transformed the boy's body into the Ivy plant. In Egyptian lore, Ivy was connected with the Sun God, Osiris. A Cornish legend recounts the love of the knight Tristan and his betrothed, Iseult. As is typical in most such stories, Tristan was slain in battle, and out of mourning, Iseult died as well. A vengeful king, who had desired Iseult, ordered their graves to be placed far apart, but an Ivy plant grew from each grave. The two plants met, and twined around each other.
Magickally appropriate for Samhain, Ivy is related to rebirth and resurrection. Additionally, one can take a cue from the third myth and use Ivy in matters of the heart and strengthening positive relationships. The plant can be used to create a magickal barrier around your person, shutting out negative influences and energies. It is useful in cooperation, protection, and healing, and ensures fertility. Some folklore recommends boiling Ivy twigs in butter and using as a salve to reduce sunburn; only try this if you can say without a shadow of a doubt that the plant you are using is not Poison Ivy.
Although many birds and other forms of wildlife consume Ivy berries, both the plant and fruit are poisonous to humans, and should not be consumed. The berries aren't deadly, but consumption of them can have unpleasant side effects; luckily, they don't taste good, anyway, so we aren't missing anything.

Celtic Tree Month: Vine

Autumn is on the way, and with it the Vine month, which focuses specifically on the powers of the grapevine, used extensively by the Celts in wine-making.

Grapevines are one of the oldest plants ever cultivated. Egyptian hieroglyphics show the making of wine, and many historians estimate that wine-production has been occurring for at least 8000 years. The grape is the seed of a deciduous vine, occurring in clusters rather than individually. The grapes can be dark blue, black, yellow, green, pink, and orange, most of which are descended from a European variety. A few rarer species can be found in the Middle East and Asia.
In Christian lore, wine is used in the Eucharist as a symbol of the blood of their god. They are also mentioned at leats twice in the Jewish Torah. In Greek mythology, on the other hand, wine was the speciality of the god Dionysus (also god of revelry and theatre) and his satyr friends. In Roman myths, Dionysus is referred to as Bacchus, leading to the modern word "bacchanalia", meaning a typically alcohol-induced frenzy. Egypt, where wine played a major role in daily and religious life, had its share of vine god/desses, including Geshtinana, also known as the "Lady of the Vine", and Asar, who, in addition to playing a major role in the afterlife, judgement, etc., was a god of agriculture, responsible for wine and beer.
In magick, grapes are a popular symbol of abundance at harvest time, and as a Mabon symbol are second perhaps only to the apple. The vine and fruit thereof increase fertility and mental prowess. The plant is useful in spells both for the garden and money (going back to that overlying theme of abundance). It can be used in workings for balance, to enhance one's goals and ambitions, and, if desired, to connect to the Dark Goddesses.
As I'm sure almost all of you are aware, while we may not eat the grapevine, the grapes themselves are perfectly edible! Grapes can be enjoyed raw, cooked into jellies and jams, dried as raisins, added to fruit salads, fruit cocktail, and jellos - the possibilities are almost endless!

August 5th, 2012

Welcome to the Celtic Tree Month of Hazel! A special shout-out here to my friend Hazelnut, whose name comes the fruit of the Hazel tree. The word for Hazel in Celtic is Coll, meaning "the life force inside you". This is the time of year that Hazelnuts start appearing on trees, and the harvest can begin (notice how this corresponds in timing to Lammas, the first grain harvest of the year). The Hazel genus, Corylus, is a group of deciduous trees and large shrubs. They produce flowers in early spring before the leaves develop, with the male catkins being pale yellow, and the female catkins being a bright red. The nuts are largely spherical, 1 - 2 cm in diameter, and with a hard husk completely covering the inner nut.

In Celtic mythology, the nine Hazel trees that grew around a sacred well at the source of the river Shannon were said to possess great wisdom. The nuts fell into the river, where they were then eaten by salmon (a fish sacred to the Druids), giving them the great wisdom in turn. Supposedly, the number of spots on the salmon showed how many nuts they had eaten. In a similar Druidic legend, one fish ate all the Hazelnuts, and a Druid master, seeking great wisdom, ordered the fish to be caught and cooked. His apprentice did so, but while the fish cooked, the grease splattered on the apprentice's thumb. He sucked the grease off the finger, thus taking all the fish's wisdom, and later went on to become Fionn Mac Cumhail, one of the greatest figures in Irish mythology. Because of the prominence of the Hazel in the mythos of this region, felling a Hazel tree often had severe consequences. On occasion, the wood was used to light funeral pyres, and wands made of Hazel were buried with important figures. In Roman mythology, the Hazel was sacred to Mercury (known as Hermes in Greek legend). According to Roman belief, Mercury killed some of the bulls sacred to Apollo for dinner, and as such, sang Apollo a song while playing his lyre to make up for it. Apollo so loved the music that he did not punish Mercury, and gave him the famed Hazel-wood Caduceus in exchange for the lyre.
Magickally, anyone who read the above legends could guess the Hazel's association with wisdom. Hazel wands and staffs can impart wisdom and poetic energy to its bearer. If one is to make a Hazel wand, the traditional time to cut the branch is sunrise on Wednesday, Wednesday being the day sacred to Mercury. Stringing the Hazelnuts together and hanging about the house is a way to draw good luck, and the same Hazelnut strands can be given to bridesmaids as gifts signifying wealth, wisdom, and good health. The nuts, when empowered, can ward off excessive menstrual flow, fever, and diarrhoea. They can also increase fertility. Additionally notable is the Hazel's association with divination. Dowsing rods, in particular, are traditionally constructed from Hazel wood.  These dowsing rods are Y-shaped branches, with the two top prongs being held loosely by the diviner. When the bottom section moves of its own accord, this is considered a "hit". Dowsing rods can find water, mineral deposits, lost objects, and even people and pets.
While the tree itself isn't particularly edible, Hazelnuts are nutritious and tasty, providing protein, and are easily stored. They can be ground and mixed with bread flours, roasted, added to candy, and substituted for many other tree nuts. These days, Hazelnuts are often eaten in luxury delicacies, such as chocolate. Many even take Hazelnut-flavored cream in their coffee!

July 8th, 2012

For the past month on the Celtic calendar, the tree of note has been the Oak. Today, however, is the first of the Holly month. Personally, I find this a significant representation of the Oak and Holly King story, as the Holly King cast down his twin not long ago, at midsummer. The Holly month, called Tinne by the Celts, is a time of masculine energy.

Holly, or Ilex, is a genus of 400 to 600 species of flowering shrubs. The genus is spread worldwide, in evergreen and deciduous forms, both in the tropics and in temperate climates. Holly flowers are small and white, usually with four petals. Unlike many species, the members of the Holly genus typically have distinct male and female flowers, which grow on separate plants (there are exceptions, however). Pollination occurs through bees and other insects. The fruits of the Holly, typically called berries, are actually drupes, and ripen in the winter. Because the drupes are available when most food is scarce, the Holly is an important source of food and shelter for many birds and animals.
Mythologically speaking, Holly was considered by the Druids a gift to keep the earth beautiful when the sacred Oak lost its leaves. It was also associated with the aforementioned Holly King, the patron of the Winter Solstice festivals. Later, the Romans hailed Holly as being sacred to Saturn, and so used the plant to decorate images of Saturn and as a method of honoring him during the festival of Saturnalia. Centuries later, early Christians avoided Roman persecution in their Christmas rites by using the Saturnalia Holly. Hence, Holly was adopted into Christian tradition as well. In European lore, although boughs of Holly could be taken for decoration, and the berries used for animal feed, to cut down an entire tree/shrub was considered bad luck. Some people went out of their way to avoid hurting the trees, and believed that they had protective qualities. The Holly was believed to keep houses from being struck by lightning, and was cultivated as a protective barrier. As such, it became associated with thunder gods, like the Norse Thor. Interestingly, modern science has shown this ancient legend to hold some ground - the distinctive shape of the Holly leaves and spines act as a sort of natural lightning conductor, protecting the Holly itself, as well as nearby objects.
In magick, use Holly to access masculine energy, and consider carving masculine tools (an athame handle, wand, etc.) out of Holly. In related fashion, some traditions hold that a proper athame ought to be consecrated with holly incense. Its protective properties remain relevant also; hanging a Holly bough in the home will bring good luck and safety. Holly can be worn as a protective charm, and soaking Holly in moon-bathed water for several hours will create Holly water, which when sprinkled around people acts as a blessing, and when sprinkled in the home acts as a cleanser. Holly is associated with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and can be used in a Lammas ceremony as easily as in one meant for Yule. It can help people cope with death, and brings calm, sweet dreams.
Holly is not known for being edible - indeed, eating the berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The plant is considered toxic to humans and should not be ingested.

June 11th, 2012

It came to my attention last night at about 10:30 that yesterday was the beginning of the Celtic Tree Month of Oak. For whatever reason, I was thinking that was next weekend. As such, I shall do my little spiel today, yes?
The Oak month is Duir in Celtic, and may have meant "door". Many scholars theorize that Duir was the root word of Druid. The Oak is a tree or shrub in the Quercus genus, and has about 600 different species. Oak is native to the northern hemisphere, and can be deciduous or evergreen, ranging from temperate climates to tropical. The flowers are catkins, and the fruit is the omnipresent acorn, also known as a cupule.
In Greek mythos, the oak is Zeus' sacred tree, and at his oracle in Dodona, an ancient oak forms the temple's central structure. The priests of Zeus would interpret the god's word by listening to the rustling of the oak's leaves. In Baltic mythology, that is, the myths of the Lithuanian region, the Oak is sacred to Perkons, god of thunder, like Zeus to the Greeks. Even the Celts followed the relation to thunder - Taranus, the thunder god, was associated with the tree. The Norse continued the association: Thor's tree was the Oak. Some scholars speculate that this was because the Oak is the largest tree native to Europe, and therefore was most frequently struck by lightning. Regardless, the Oak has a strong connection to the weather, particularly storms.
In magick, the Oak is an extremely versatile wood. It can be used in spells for strength, prosperity, good fortune, fertility, money, and success. According to legend, catching a falling Oak leaf before it touches the ground ensures good health in the coming year. Also, and acorn carried in the pocket will bring success to a business meeting. The ashes from a burned piece of Oak will protect one against lightning and fire, although on the other hand, Oak could be used to draw a storm during drought. The burning of the leaves has a purifying effect, and can be used as an alternative to incense. Oak is also closely tied to masculinity, making it a traditional wood for carving masculine tools: the athame, staff, etc.
*A note to the wise: Oak, like other trees, is said to be the home of the Fey. Oak is a powerful and sacred tree, so any wood, leaves, etc. taken from a tree must be repaid with a sacrifice of some kind. Water and/or natural fertilizer is a good place to start, but tokens such as hair, stones, etc. are also acceptable.
Acorns make excellent snacks, although other parts of the tree are less edible. The White Oak in particular provides acorns that may be sweet enough to be eaten raw. (The White Oak can be identified by the rounded edges of the leaves.) However, the acorns can also be boiled or roasted, then dried. As such, the acorn can be eaten like a nut, dipped in syrup to make candy, or ground into flour. Acorns contain natural, healthy fats, and are rich in protein.

May 13th, 2012

Today is the first day of the Celtic Hawthorn Tree Month! Huzzah! Ironically, we picked today to go to the local Arboretum, since it was also Mother's Day. Now, the Hawthorn, also called the Thornapple, or Huath, to the Celts, is a part of the rose family, Rosaceae, native to the temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Hawthorns grow as shrubs and small trees, averaging five to fifteen meters in height, and they bear a kind of pome fruit, with typically thorny branches. The fruit, sometimes known as a "haw" contains a small pit, and the flowers that precede them are important to many nectar-eating insects.
In mythology, the Hawthorn is a symbol of hope; the Greeks used it in wedding procession, and those branches that are in bloom by May 1st may be used in Beltane rituals. Even in Christian lore it is rumored that Jesus' "crown of thorns" came from the Hawthorn tree. In Croatian lore, it is the wood of the Hawthorn, sharpened into a stake, that can kill the vampire, and the tree has an exceptionally strong tie to the Fey. Don't hurt the tree, or they will find you!
In magick, the tree has many uses. The Celts used Hawthorn wood for rune inscriptions, and a piece of cloth tied to the tree branch as an offering will bring healing. Also, since the tree is in flower at Beltane, it is tied to the raw masculine side of fertility, and the element fire. One hoping to conceive will find the Hawthorn month profitable, and using the wood in a fertility rite will help usher forth results. Since the tree has such a strong connection to the Fey, using it with other woods sharing that energy, Apple and Oak in particular, can call the faeries into circle.
The fruits of the Hawthorn are indeed edible, and are made into a host of spreads: jaws, jellies, etc. They can also be made into wine; however, the berries are rarely eaten raw. The flower petals are likewise edible, and early in the year, the leaves are tender enough to make a salad.

April 15th, 2012

First, a personal update: last night marked the final performance of my high school's spring musical, so I should be home a great deal more now to write up my blog posts. Huzzah!

~~~~~~~~~~

In other news, I shall continue my monthly saga of the Celtic tree months. Today begins the month of Willow, called Saille (Sahl-yeh) by the Celts. The Willow belongs to the genus Salix (from Latin sal-, meaning near, and -lis, meaning water), which includes approximately 400 species of deciduous trees and shrubs. They grow in moist soil, are found primarily in the northern hemisphere, and are extremely cross fertile, meaning that both natural and cultivated hybrids are common. The most popular example of such is the Weeping Willow, which is a cross between the Peking Willow from China and the White Willow from Europe. All Willows have sap heavily charged with salicylic acid (similar to the active ingredient in aspirin, and used in many acne treatments), and the roots are typically stoloniferous, or runner-producing. Indeed, the roots of the willow are extremely tough, and in some varieties will happily grow even from parts of the plant well above the ground. With regard to flowers, the willow produces catkins that are both male and female, and are generally purple or orange.
The Willow is prevalent in mythology and legend from across the globe. In Japan, the tree is associated with ghosts, and the Japanese believe that wherever one grows, a ghost may appear. Similarly, the Willow is frequently planted in or near European graveyards, and in China, the branches of the Willow are employed during the Qingming, or "tomb-sweeping", festival. At this time, the god of the underworld allows the dead to return temporarily, and as these spirits may not always be welcome, the Willow is said to ward them off. Some Christian churches in northern Europe use Willow branches instead of palms on Palm Sunday, and in Wicca, the Willow is mentioned in the Rede as being one of the Nine Sacred Woods, and is used to guide the dead to the Summerland. It is also common in rites of fertility. In ancient Greece, for example, willow leaves were placed in the beds of infertile women, which was believed to call mystical snakes from the underworld to cure them. In later times, the association was switched, and willow was used to drive snakes away. Today, a pregnant woman may place an article of clothing under a willow tree, and if that night even a single leaf falls on the cloth, the woman will be granted an easy childbirth by the spirit of the Willow. The tree is also sacred to poets, as the wind whistling through the branches is said to inspire the mind.
Because of its connection to the dead, Willow is commonly associated with the element Spirit. Burn Willow to help ease the spirit of the deceased, and use it to bring new energy to the elderly or sick. Since the tree deals with the cycles of life, change, and will, it can be employed in magick dealing with those things. It is also associated with the element Water, and is an excellent wood to use in making a water-dowsing rod. Further, it is tied to feminine energy, and can be employed in love spells, or spells to aid in womanly matters. According to tradition, willow bark is to be used to bind sacred and/or magickal objects together. A besom, for instance, will traditionally have an Ash handle and Birch twigs for the broom, bound with Willow. It is also a popular wood in carving wands and talismans.
Willow bark is edible, and is frequently made into teas to reduce rheumatism, indigestion, and whooping cough. To make a willow decoction, useful for soothing inflamed tonsils or gums, soak three teaspoons of willow bark in cold water for two to five hours, before boiling. Then strain, and drink a glass daily.

Celtic Tree Month: Alder

Today is the first of the Celtic Tree Month of Alder, known as Fearn by the Celts. The Alder tree, in the birch family, is deciduous, with simple serrated leaves. The tree also flowers, with long male catkins and shorter female catkins on the same plant. The trees are mostly pollinated by wind, but bees also act as pollinators. The Alder is particularly noted for its role in nitrogen fixation, having large nodules in the roots, wherein live small bacterium that absorb nitrogen from the air and greatly improve soil quality. For anyone who passed 9th grade biology, the Alder is a pioneer species, meaning that it spreads to new areas and prepares previously barren area for the species that follow it. The timber has been used historically for building bridges and foundations, as the wood is very water-resistant.
According to Welsh legend, the Alder tree was sacred to Bran the god-giant. Like the tree sacred to him, Bran made his body into a bridge in order to invade Ireland and help his sister, Branwen. Unfortunately, Bran's head was cut off, and was buried under the modern-day Tower of London. Supposedly, the ravens living in the tower and Bran's sacred birds. Interestingly, it is also said that the Alder fairy can fly in the form of a raven.
In magick, the Alder is well known for having divinatory properties, and therefore this month is characterized by prophecy and getting in touch with one's own intuition. If you are musically inclined, consider carving a flute out of an Alder shoot, and using it to call spirits of Air. Similarly, the tree has connection to the Fey, and charms made of Alder can be used to contact them.
While the Alder is not poisonous, it's also not known for being particularly tasty. The catkins of some species are edible, but due to a highly bitter flavor are generally left for a means of survival only. On the other hand, the bark was common among the Blackfoot Native Americans as an infusion to cure tuberculosis and lymphatic disorders. Now, I personally do not recommend that if you have tuberculosis you go out and make tea with Alder bark; indeed, unless you are an expert forester and know without question that bark from a specific tree is safe to ingest, I would highly advise against it. However, the Alder was also used by the Native Americans as an ingredient for smoking mixtures, so if you happen to have an Alder tree nearby, you might consider using fallen branches in your spring bonfires.

February 19th, 2012

I learned something quite interesting today. Apparently, Mars went into retrograde on January 24th, and will continue passing through this phase until June 19th. For those of you not particularly familiar with astrology, "retrograde" is when a planet appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. When this happens, that planet exerts a particularly strong force on earth, and tends to create intense situations in areas that the planet rules. Mars dictates male relationships, physical challenges, and risk-taking inclinations, so during a period of retrograde, these may become more pronounced in one way or another, for good or for bad.

Currently, Mars is moving through Virgo, and will therefore increase introspective thought. Since we are also currently in the Tree Month of Ash, this is the ideal time to work on deciphering hidden motivations and inner truths. People with a mutable sign, including (obviously) Virgo, as well as Sagittarius, Pisces and Gemini, will be most affected by this period. This retrograde will also cause worries over weight, nutrition and healthcare. Therefore, people with jobs relating to the former may experience a period of instability.

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.

January 21st, 2012

The Celts divided the year into 13 months based off the lunar cycles. Each month then corresponded with a tree. Today marks the beginning of the Rowan Month. Rowan - of which common names include Witch Wood, Thor's Helper, and Rune Tree - is actually a member of the Rose family, growing up to 50 feet in height, with white flowers in May and red berries in winter. It thrives in poor (or overworked) soil where other species will not grow, and has been found across Europe near ancient settlements and stone circles. The word "Rowan" supposedly comes from Old Norse: "Raun", the Norse word for the tree. Another possible origin is from the Finnish Goddess Rauni, who came down to earth and took on the form of the Rowan tree.
Rowan has long been considered a magickal wood, being utilized by the Celts for astral travel, personal power, and success. Norse people used the wood as staves for protection, and a small branch with runes carved into it could protect its bearer from harm. Similarly, the Celts further believed in Rowan's protective qualities, and so wore necklaces made from the berries, and placed branches of the plant around livestock and in the home. In some countries, Rowan has been planted in graveyards to help the dead move on, and many old coffins are made of Rowan wood. Other legends tell of fairies who flock to the trees, and that to do one damage is to invoke the wrath of the Fey. In Ireland, the fairies were said to live in the Forest of Dooros, where they did nothing but eat the berries of the Rowan, brought from Fairyland.
Today, while magickal properties of the past are still applicable, some more recent uses of the wood connect it with the masculine divine and with the element of fire. It is likewise used for healing, courage, and fertility.
Unlike the plants I have talked about in the past, Rowan is non-poisonous. Although the berries contain a possible carcinogen, this is easily neutralized by cooking. They contain high levels of Vitamin C and are natural, mild laxatives. The berries are made into jams, pies, wine, and tea. The tea of the Rowan berry helps to solve problems with the urinary tract. The bark is also used medicinally to treat problems with the blood and stomach.