Sacred Foliage

 

 

Alder

The alder tree is highly water resistant, and as such was used by ancient Europeans to build edifices near or under water.  Its power in magic is its resiliency.  It teaches us to bend but never break, to go with the flow and accept positive changes.

If you find yourself in a rut, or if you are having trouble accepting that which you cannot change or control, alder can give you the courage to move foreward.

Find, make, or buy yourself a simple alder limb and consecrate it as your wand of changes.  When you find yourself resisting that which cannot be changed, take your wand and tap it on each of your chakra centers while saying:

Alder stronger than waters flow,
Help me learn that I must grow;
Not all things can be my way,
Let me learn this lesson today.

 

Ash

The ash wand has long been a favorite of many magical people.  The power of ash is in its ability to remain strong and unyielding, and yet appear to change and bend with our magical desires.  The ash can help us see things as they are rather than how we want them to be, and this can help us to plan our next step no matter what goals we seek.

Find, buy, or make a wand of ash and spend three nights in meditation over it, asking it to open your mind to the truths that you don't wish to see.  Take your favorite divination tool - tarot cards, runes, etc. - and wave the ash branch over it three times clockwise, saying:

I call on you, old ash, my friend,
Wood that seems unable to bend;
Strong as a bull and stubborn as youth,
Help me to see in this the truth.

Hawthorn

Over a century ago, the musical play H.M.S. Pinafore debuted on the London stage.  One of the songs from the score insisted that, "Things are seldom what they seem."  These words peronify the hawthorn-a tree that, in folklore, is much more than what it seems.  Even in modern Ireland you'd be hard-pressed to find someone willing to move or harm one for fear of upsetting the capricious fairy spirits who call it home.

When you need to know what is what, call upon the spirit of the hawthorn to assist you"

Fairies of the hawthorn, I ask,
A favor and a simple task;
Show me what is false and true,
And I will give a gift to you.

When you've recieved a vision of your answer, tie a pretty ribbon on the bush or plant a coin near its base in thanks.

Holly

The holly was a deeply masculine symbol to the Celts, on that represented the God and his polarity with the Goddess.  Its magical and ritual uses are numerous, and so are its gifts.

Often we don't know what it is we really need.  We're usually pretty sure we know what we want, but when we get it we end up reminded of the old adage "Be careful what you wish for."

During the Holly Moon, approach the holly as the embodiment of your father God, and ask if you may take a sprig of the plant.  Place it under your pillow for the next seven nights.  As you ready yourself to fall asleep, pray to the God for enlightenment.  Look into your dreams for answers.  During the day, be aware of things you haven't noticed before or opportunities that present themselves unexpectedly.

Oak

The oak is as masculine as the willow is feminine.  Its solar influence covers the peak of the Sun's power-a time when the nights are shortest and the days are hot and long.

The oak tree can teach us about endurance and fortitude when we're ready to give up on something we want.

If the fight has gone out of you, renew it during the Oak Moon.  Scour the earth for acorns, collecting one for each area in which you need a boost of courage:  mental, physical, or spiritual.

Empower the acorns by holding them close to your heart and saying:

From tiny acorns the oak does spring,
Stronger each year, with each new ring;
Teach your secret of strength to me,
Each new challenge overcome shall be.

Sleep with the acorns under your pillow and carry them with you until you overcome your obstacles.

Rowan

Rowan twigs and leaves have been used as talismans of protection for at least two thousand years.  In Wales, rowan trees were planted in graveyards to protect the spirits of the dead.

With graveyard vandalism becoming a growing problem in cities, small towns, and along isolated country roads, you may want to use some rowan magic to protect the resting places of your loved ones.

Take a handful of rowan leaves, dry and crumble them, and scatter them about the cemetary saying:

I call on the guardian of this keep,
To allow all here in peace to sleep.
Standing watchful night and day,
Keeping harm and mischief away.
In peace and comfort sleep the dead,
And spirits risen from the coffin bed;
Ward and guard this place of rest,
Rowan leaves protect the best.

Willow

The water-loving willow tree is sacred to the goddesses of the night and is ruled by the moon.  We can use its power to enhance our native psychic abilities.

Find a willow and sit at its base.  Meditate on opening your psychic centers.  Ask the tree whether its willing to help you.  If it is, stand and press your forehead against the bark while concentrating on an issue or unanswered questions you have on your mind.

Allow yourself to fall into as deep a meditative state as you safely can, and open yourself to the power of the willow.  You will get answers.  You should also ask the tree to show you what you need, not just what you want.

The willow governs creativity, and it can help you finish that sonata you've been composing, overcome writer's block, give you fresh ideas for a painting or sculpture, or show you a new way to move as you dance.

Edain McCoy

Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2004