Tree Magick

Since earliest times, when the earth was covered with primeaeval forests, tree worship was part of the religious experience. There have been sacred groves and sacred trees from early times on, as the origins of Teutonic words for temple/church (“Hain”) indicate.

The pre-Christian Celts practiced a so called “Green World Magick” (or Magick of the Woods). They invented and used the Ogham, the Celtic Tree Alphabet. This old alphabet was found on stones. At their time it was carved in staves and in standing stones, especially in Ireland and Great Britain. The old name for the tree alphabet is Beithe Luis Nion.

This ancient Celtic tree alphabet was used by the followers of the Old Religion to construct a language of the trees that could be used in conjunction with the subtle energies of each of the trees and their different magickal symbolisms.

When translated from the ancient tongue we find reference to the following trees:

Elm, Birch, Hazel, Oak, Aspen, Alder, Ivy, Yew, Rowan, Ash, Pine, Willow, Elder and Spindle. These trees among others should be studied more thoroughly in the course of time.

In the last few years several other alphabets were added to the Ogham, i.e.: River Ogham; Color Ogham; Bird Ogham; Foot, Nose and Hand Ogham.

Also individual trees of particular species have been revered, the kind varying depending on the divine force they represent.

Oak and Cedar are obvious examples of male /father power symbols, as Willow and Hazel are female/mother power symbols; and the androgynous Pine, the world bearing Ash as well as the Yew representing the World of the Dead have their place in folklore.

The symbolism of the trees and their subtle energies are very important in the construction of any magical tool. A complete description of the various woods and their uses should be researched thoroughly. This can be done according to personal need.

When cutting fruit, leaves, boughs, twigs, nuts, etc. from trees it is customary to leave an offering to the spirit of the tree. – A gift requires a gift (law of return). Acceptable gifts could be: a vow of action, money, food, a libation, a small present or at least a prayer of thanks.

In contrary to our critical, rational and mechanic understanding of the world (Weltverstaendnis) we can find the wisdom of the healing properties of trees in the ancient knowledge of the unity of all being.

Plants and trees are able to perceive our thoughts and emotions even beyond a distance of several miles. From old traditions we can learn that humans can connect with the plant spirits through magickal rituals, and that healers, shamans and shamankas talk to and with the spirits of the plants and their Devas, before they acquire the help of their healing or magickal properties. They offer presents to the plant spirit, and the plant or parts thereof may only be harvested, if the spirit of the plant has agreed to it. Otherwise the healing power will not be working.

North-American Indians are aware of the fact that they get charged with the subtle energy of the tree they embrace. Plants and trees are considered higher developed beings and honored accordingly.

In modern biology these energy fields are called morphological planes; C.G.Jung called it the Collective Subconscious that includes not only mankind but also all of nature and other complex systems.

Tree Aphorisms

Saturday, Saturn: Saturn, whose sacred ore is lead, speaks to you through the trees of the dark forest, Firs, Beeches and Cypresses:

Oh, you of the human race,
feel the responsibility for the troubles of your time and all of mankind.
Face the challenge life is presenting to you with heartfelt sincerity.

Sunday, Sun: It is the tall Ash vibrant with light, the tree of the golden sun that speaks to you:

Oh, you of the human race,
walk this earth in a straight and high-minded manner.
Do not waste yourself to anything unworthy.
Be aware of your human nobility.

Monday, Moon: It is the silvery moon of May that speaks to you through the Cherry Tree blossoming, whose flowers will carry fruit in summer:

Tuesday, Mars: It is the gnarled Oak Tree, the servant of the iron Mars that speaks to you:

Wednesday, Mercury: It is the lively and restless Mercury who speaks to you through the living growth of the Elm with its winged seeds:

Thursday, Jupiter: Jupiter to whom tin is sacred, speaks to you through the Maple Tree with its fingered leaves, the tree of Jupiter:

Friday, Venus: Venus, to whom copper is sacred, speaks to you through the virginal and white-glowing Birch that is flatly rooted and drinks much light:

Rudolf Steiner already realized the relationship between certain trees and planets in the 1920s; Celts and Germanic tribes even much earlier.

Nowadays modern scientific technology can measure the frequencies.

They were measured during the winter months and reactions of the trees could be registered when the moon was in conjunction and/or opposition to the appropriate planet.

These correspondences are correct:

Saturday - Fir, Beech, Cypress

Sunday - Ash

Monday - Cherry Tree (and also Willow)

Tuesday - Oak

Wednesday - Elm

Thursday - Maple

Friday - Birch

Sources:

Blamires, Celtic Tree Mysteries (Baum-Magie)

Aburrow, The Enchanted Forest

Kindred, The Sacred Tree

The Tree Ogham

Lüdeling, Steine, Baeume, Menschentraeume

Hageneder, Geist der Bäume

Salocher/Buchser, Enertree

Strassmann, Baumheilkunde

http://groups.msn.com/WiccanPlayground/whattreedidyoufallfrom.msnw

About the Author: Lamia Tesenisis is a Priestess and Hierophant in the Fellowship of Isis and the Temple of Isis. She is a Herenach in the Grove of Elen of the Ways and Llew of the Silver Hand. Lamia has been active in the Pagans in the Military program through the Temple of Isis. She is founder and head of a very active teaching center in Germany. She and her husband attend the Convocation at Isis Oasis every year, and act as the Coordinators of the Muses Symposium, Temple of Isis Chapter.

Poem, "Oak Tree" and Article © Lamia Tesenisis. All rights reserved.