Trees    Trees are an intricate part of our physical world. We build with them, home and furnishings. They provide paper, pencils, glues, and sealants. However, the most important factor in our relationship with trees is the oxygen they suppy. Without them, life as we know it would cease to exist.     Trees are an important part of the magical world. Their leaves, flowers, roots, and bark often comprise the main ingredients in incense, oils, powders, and washes. They are uses for tool-making and altar construction. Magical symbols are carved into their wood and used as divinatory devices.    While all portions of the tree can boost magical work, some parts just work better than others when it comes to specific acts of magic. According to celtic beliefs, trees can be classified in a specific order of magic power ~ Hawthorn, Hazel, Elder, Willow, Ash, Holly, Birch, and Oak. In the Drudic tradition an additional 5 types of sacred trees make up the celtic tree calendar ~ Birch, Rowan, Ash, Alder, Willow, Hawthorn, Oak, Holly, Hazel, Vine, Ivy, Reed, and Elder. The following information is a starting point for tree-lore and its uses ~ Modern Calendar Correspondences  October 28 - November 24  Reed  November 25 - December 22   Elder  December 24 - January 20    Birch  January 21 - February 17  Rowan  February 18 - March 17  Ash  March 18 - April 14  Alder  April 15 - May 12   Willow  May 13 - June 19  Hawthorn  June 10 - July 7   Oak  July 8 - August 4   Holly  August 5 - September 1  Hazel  September 2 - 29   Vine  September 30 - October 27  Ivy     Common Trees Apple ~ Sacred to to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, the gifts of this tree (especially the blossoms) go far in efforts of love, romance, and friendship. The fruit is also used as a symbol of the Craft, for when sliced crosswise the seeds and core form a pentagram. For this reason, gifts of the apple tree are also used to add power to every type of magic. Alder ~ In legend apple orchard islands are surrounded by alders for protection. It is identified with the god Bran, it is thus the lord of birth, death, generation, and destruction, of sexual and spiritual power that can both liberate and destroy. The alder adds strength in competition or contentious situations, granting tenacity and determination, allowing one to remain true to his principles and decisions. Ash ~ A symbol of stability, it is a sacred world tree of northern religions and the tree most associated with regional sun gods. It represents the linking of inner and outerworlds. Good for removing and cleansing internalized strife, mental protection, and sea magic. Birch ~ Birch gifts work best in efforts involving new beginnings and fresh starts Because the birch is sacred to Thor (and stripping them may incur his wrath) take care to harvest its gifts only from a tree thats been struck by lightening, or from twigs and branches on the ground. Elder ~ Sacred to the goddess and Midsummer Solstice, burnt in honour of the deity as an offering. It is a small tree covered with edible, fragrant blossoms in the summer and berries in the autumn, commonly used for jams, wines, and medicinal syrups. This sacred tree of Ireland was used to both curse and bless, and yet it was forbidden to break a single twig. Fir ~ Because this tree is an evergreen, its gifts are often used in matters of immortality and infinity issues, such as karma and reincarnation. They also work well in matters of good health and physical energy. (note : some species of fir are poisonous) Hawthorn ~ One of the most powerful trees. Grown in hedges, they protect holy ground, while also being respected as faery trees. Use the branches as smudge sticks, and the leaves, bark, and thorns to break bad habits and negativity. Because the beloved of faery, the blossoms are used in matters of freedom. The hawthorn stands at the edge of the Otherworld. Hazel ~ Considered the tree of wisdom, promoting fertitlity, poetry, and knowledge. The nuts are said to bestow all knowledge to whoever eats them, and are eaten before divination. Hazel has been widely believed to protect against witches. Holly ~ With its warrior-like bristles, the holly tree is a tree od protection; it repels unwanted spirits. When brought into the home it symbolizes a willingness to share ones's space with the natural elements during the cold, harsh winter. Oak ~ Represents the god, is king of the forest and the doorway to the mysteries to other realms; it symbolizes longevity, protection, healing, luck, solidarity, balance, endurance, continuity of tradition, and great wisdom. It is also a symbol of primeval strength and the ability to overcome and survive. It is sacred to the gods of lightening because it can be struck by spiritual blasts of enlightenment and still stay firmly rooted; because it is often struck by lightening, it represents the ability to attract inspiration, illumination, and energy. Rowan ~ Sacred to the goddess Bridgit. Known as the Tree of Life and protection, it is commonly planted beside homes to repel evil spirits and negativity. Use the leaves and berries in incense, washes, and oils to increase psychic abilities and divination skills, and keep a few twigs in the house to protect from lightening and storm damage. To promote good health and physical energy, always carry a piece of rowan in purse or pocket. (note : the fruit is poisonous) Willow ~ Sacred tree of Hecate, this tree is strongly linked to lunar aspects, asociated with feminity, love, healing, and death. It was believed that willow groves held such powerful enchantment that artisans of all types sat among these trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills, and prophecies.The leaves and bark also work well for healing efforts when added to oils, teas, or incense.