Celtic Tree Lore – The Ash

The Ash is often called the tree of enchantment and magic. What a perfect tree to represent this time of year. February 18^th thru March 17^th is the time of the Ash. It is a time of rebirth and renewal. It is the time before spring when the crocus and daffodils are starting to peek out of the earth. It is a time when the Bradford pear trees as well as the dogwood are covered in a coat of white flowers. It is a time when the animals begin their mating dance bringing forth little ones in the near future. It is a time of newness.

The Ash also shares this time with the Astrology sign of Pisces. Both are considered water signs. Being water signs, the trait of emotions come into play often. Both are not fond of criticism and often do not handle it well.

The Ash is often referred to by the phrase, "by oak, ash, and thorn". The Druids believed that the great oak represented the male energy, the Hawthorn (or thorn), the feminine energy, and the ash balanced the two. When one found the three trees growing closely together, this area was a special place. It was thought that the faery could be seen as well if one  communicated with them in such locations.

The Astrology of the Ash Tree

or those born under the sign of the Ash (February 18 - March 17) many of the same attributes that are associated with the sign of Pisces apply.  Imaginative, intuitive, and naturally artistic, as well as withdrawn and moody at times.  Such people are said to be in constant touch with their inner muse and are easily inspired by the nature around them.  Often called the Enchanter because of their inspirational personality, people are comfortable in their presence and actually seek them out.  People born under this tree may at times be thought of as recluse and hermit like however this is usually not so.  It is just a result of their deep immersion into their creative vision and development.  Such people are usually in a constant state of self renewal and put little if any value into what others may think of them.  Ash signs are said to partner welll with those born under the Willow and the Reed. 

Magical Uses of Ash

ecause of its straight grain, Ash is often used in the making of magickal wands or healing staffs.  Ash wands are said to be best used in the magick of healing, general, and/or solar magick.  The traditional Yule log is also generally made of Ash.  It is thought to bring light to the hearth during the winter solstice. 

When it comes to the other parts of the Ash tree, they likewise are known for their magical abilities.  Finding an ash leaf with an equal number of sections on both sides of the center vein is considered lucky and often used in the making of love charms.  Finding a double leaf also holds the same attributes.  In older times, if a person  possessed an ash tree on their property they would be unlucky in love if seeds did not appear each year.  The leaf of an ash is also considered to work well in regards to the urging of physic dreams  Other such uses for the ash can also be found in attraction spells, dispelment of negativity, divination (especially with the seeds), and spells used in seeking inspiration. 

Change and the Ash

hange..... Ash, is said to represent the power to create change via decisive and powerful action.  It urges us to not sit still and just "accept" a situation.  Yet to be assertive and create the change necessary to make it happen as it should. 

Change is not always a welcomed thing yet many times quite necessary.  The acceptance of such can make the transition to the next stage of any situation much easier then if we fight it.  Continuous evolution is the process of life and  thus how we grow and learn.   As opportunity comes to you to enjoy the process of change and growth, may you likewise be as the Ash and have a strong and assertive stance to the coming changes that occur.  Blessings

The Ash

ebruary 18 will begin the month of Ash in the Celtic tree calendar.  Soon clusters of small flowers along with the wing seeds will appear.  Ash is a wood of strength and flexibility.  It was often used for bows, arrow shafts, and the spokes of of wheels in time of old.  Today it is most widely used for sports equipment such as bats, snow shoes and more.  The Ash is truly native to Great Britain  although in America it is represented by other species of trees  that closely resemble the true Ash.  Known as the Venus of Woods it is often considered helpful or lucky in the ways of love.  Examples of this:  an ash leaf placed in ones left shoe was believed to result in eventually meeting ones future spouse.