![]() In Britain we regarded ash as a healing tree. In Norse Viking mythology, ash was referred to as the 'Tree of Life'. The ash tree was thought to have medicinal and mystical properties and the wood was burned to ward off evil spirits. In European mythology, holly was associated with Thor, God of Thunder. Holly trees were traditionally known for protection from lightning strikes, so were planted near a house. Holly trees were often used as boundary trees planted in the hedgerows to prevent the passage of witches, who were known to fly along the tops of hedges.įolklore suggested that holly wood had an affinity for control, especially of horses, and most whips for ploughmen and horse-drawn coaches were made from coppiced holly. It was also said that the trees are magical and one should always ask permission from the tree to cut a branch and a useful gift should be given to the tree in return. The Romans believed holly kept witches away! Decorations for the house should also be burnt in the garden for continual good luck throughout the year. There is a widespread belief that cutting down a whole holly tree will bring bad luck! Hanging holly leaves around the house was also thought to keep evil spirits away and used as a charm against house goblins. No harm could befall a traveller who sought shelter under the branches of a beech tree. In parts of Europe it was the custom for maple branches to be hung around a doorway to prevent bats from entering the building. For the purpose of wind magic, sticks are only gathered from ‘wind-blown’ branches. When used in fairy magic, it is believed that alder is the secret doorway used by the fairy folk to pass from one realm to another.Īlder wood makes a good wand for wind and weather magic. As such, many people feared alder trees and the Irish thought it was unlucky to pass one on a journey.Īlder wood is said to protect the heart and chest. When cut, the pale wood turns a deep orange, giving the impression of bleeding. From Scotland to Cornwall similar crosses made from rowan twigs and bound with red thread were sewn into the lining of coats or carried in pockets. On the Isle of Man crosses for protection were made from rowan twigs, worn by people and hung inside on the Eve of May Day each year. Pieces of the tree were carried by people for personal protection. In the British Isles the rowan has a long history in folklore as a tree which protects against enchantment. If she found it again she would keep it as a charm until her husband appeared. That night she would dream of her future husband. Young girls in Northern Counties eagerly awaited the first blossom and the girl who found it would break it and leave it hanging. Hawthorn crowns were plaited and left out for angels and fairies to dance around and bless people. Hawthorn is regarded as a sacred tree, great misfortune was threatened to come to those who destroyed it. Henry VII claimed Hawthorn as the badge of the House of Tudor because at the Battle of Bosworth the crown was stolen from Richard III and hidden in a hawthorn bush. He courts the May Queen and wears hawthorn blossom in his leafy costume. ![]() The May King is also known as the Green Man. The May Queen is dressed in blossoms of hawthorn for May Day. Traditionally apples have been wassailed over by country folk to ensure a good crop.Īs they are the symbol of plenty, felling an apple tree has always been said to bring bad luck. In Celtic times apples were considered the food of the Gods. When an apple is cut diagonally it shows Aphrodite’s 5 pointed star. ![]() ![]() AppleĪphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, has the symbol of the apple. Traditional broomsticks are made of birch twigs. When birch is burned it aids concentration and uplifts the spirit.ĭried leaves of birch used to be used to charm a baby’s cot, giving the child strength to cast off any weakness and give the best start in life. In some parts of England hazel nuts were carried as charms. Stirring jam with a hazel twig prevents it from being stolen by fairies! A hazel rod is supposed to protect against evil spirits, as well as being used as a wand and for water-divining. Hazel has a reputation as a magical tree. ![]()
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