Sacred and Silent ~ The Everlasting Yew

On occasion we are blessed with an occurrence in our lives that touches us deeply.  I am of the belief that too often such opportunities are lost to us because of the multitude of noises we allow to clutter our thoughts and mind each day.  Such moments are often sitting silently not in the foreground but in the shade of life. 

 

Some time back I read “The Sin Eaters Last Confession” as well as “Walking With the Sin Eater” by Ross Heaven.  (Another such blessed occurrence in my life).  Although I loved both books tremendously, the one thing that seemed to stay with me more than anything from them was to take my time walking through nature (as well as life).  Tromping along heavy footed, not looking where you are going will almost always assure that you will step on something that you should have taken the time to savor.  I have implemented this act into my life and have been rewarded in so many ways.  From the tiny little blue flowers that cover my yard in the early months of spring to my wonderful experience and true introduction to the Yew Tree.

 

I had wrote about the Yew in my earlier Celtic Tree Lore series.  I had regurgitated all the attributes of it and its many forms of symbolism as well as uses etc.  Yet I did them without a personal connection to this wonderful tree.   I love how life has this wonderful little way of helping us to learn from our folly at times.  This was my experience with the Yew. 

 

Once a people pleaser I think forever a people pleaser.  Even when you come to grip with the fact that you can not make everyone happy all the time, you still have a yearning to try as best you can.  This is somewhat my motto with my crafting of runes.  It took some time to come to a point where I felt I could actually craft a set of runes for someone else.  I have always felt that the crafting of ones own tools is best and infuses the strongest amount of strength into them.  Yet because of consistent requests I finally began to do so for others.  Still I wanted to help incorporate as much as I could of the one requesting them into my crafting.  This included an attempt to craft from any type of wood requested if I was able to obtain it.  My first experience with this was mesquite, which I was able to obtain via my son who was working in the Texas Panhandle near New Mexico, a place where Mesquite grows in abundance.  It was a lovely experience and likewise I obtained a special love for the wood. 

 

My courtship with Yew was a bit more drawn out and lengthy.  A set which was requested in October of 2012 and did not get filled until just this last month, a time of almost six months.  What started as a customer who did not know what form of wood she wanted took a winding road of decision until she finally arrived at the Silent Yew.  Her explanations for its choice via correspondence coupled with my own research on the tree would lead me on a journey of respect, admiration and a sincere adoration for the tree.  She eventually sent me a branch from a Yew she had in her yard. Upon its arrival let me say it was love at first sight.  A beautiful branch of almost 5 feet with foliage still attached.  

 

As I said earlier, it is always best when the experience can be a personal one.  The lessons seem to stay with one longer and the imprint and connection is that much stronger.  In the coming days, I would like to share with you some of the wonders I have come to learn from the Yew.  I hope you will come and take the journey with me. 

The Yew

The wind has sighed upon my leaves
Through many ages passed
A sheltered place for he who grieves
Beneath my branches vast

I reach above towards the sky
`Midst ancient slabs to dwell
O touch me and you yet shall die
Beware the tolling bell

Behold my splendid aspect fixed
Against the falling sun
As there I stand, alone, betwixt
All heav`n and everyone

(Magnificent her posture be
Her shadow softly falls
Upon all those now ever free
Laid down behind stone walls)

Enfolded deep within my boughs
I`ll bear your wearied soul
To carry you, not e`er to rouse,
Then meetly deem you whole

To thus transform and so renew
All set beyond this earth
Deliver each as pure and true
And grant e`erlasting birth

Valerie Dohren ~

The Lore of the Ent–Shepherd of the Forest

Being a lover of trees it is no surprise that I take great fondness in Ent lore.  For those of you who may not know what an Ent is…. An Ent is a race in Tolkien’s Trilogy “Lord of the Rings”.  They were the shepherds of the forest and themselves resembled  giant trees.  Although they did so in a very slow manner, they were able to travel and converse when the need or desire arose. They were an ancient race, if not one of the first.  They were first woken by the Elves it is said and slowly taught to speak and help the Elves themselves learn their language.  

 

The best known Ent is probably Tree Beard.  He of course was the keeper of Merry and Pippin for a time during the movie version of the “war of the Ring”.  Although if by chance you read the book, you will also know of Quickbeam or Bregalad as he was sometimes called.  He as a younger Ent.  Definitely not as mature as the others.  It was his job to guard over the Rowan groves.  His name “Quickbeam” is another word for Rowan or Mountain Ash.  Being younger he was not always as patient as the older Ents.  His second name “Bregalad” means hastiness, something that an Ent is not usually associated with.  It was Quickbeam who first wanted to attack Saruman and Isengard.  He had seen first hand the destruction of many of the rowan groves in which he was entrusted.

 

Although from a book thought fiction, I can not help but wonder what the trees of today must think.  It was said that as time continued, the Ents themselves began to slow and take less of a part in the world.  This decision helped them to become more “treeish”.  They did not travel as much and thus found a suitable place to stay for long periods of time.  When this was done in many cases, they would take root and remain, thus becoming more as a tree then an Ent.  Still I am sure that they kept their slow sense of observance.  Watching the world as it traveled by in time.  The acts of nature as well as man was surely part of their daily show.  I have always found that trees hold a sense of deepness to them, especially the trees that seem to have been for years and years.  What must they have seen.  What secrets they could tell.  I often go among the trees and just listen.  They hold so much inside… they have so much to tell and so few who will listen.  Like the tale of Ents it is not a task that can move quickly.  It is one of patience and  quietness.  Yet if one gives the time and a willful ear, who knows what one may hear. 

 

Blessings

An Interview with Mother Moon - Conclusion

Q: Do you wear or own any Celtic Motifs? (such as jewelry, tattoos, art or so on?) I wear a Celtic cross which some call a witches cross. In earlier days I wore a cross at all times. It gave me comfort and peace. As I allowed myself to embrace the beliefs I held I felt that wearing the cross no longer was appropriate yet I wanted to wear something. I searched until I found my necklace. It called to me and so I embraced it. I also wear a collection of silver Celtic designed rings. A pinky ring with a green stone, a larger one with a garnet and a larger Celtic ring design.

 

I have wanted to get a tattoo for some time yet have not as of yet found the symbol I would like. I am leaning heavily towards a replica of my necklace.

 

Q: If you do, what means the most to you? I once had a small pinky ring of Celtic design with a small garnet. I loved that ring until one day that I lost it. Now in its place I wear the one with the green stone. I have lost this ring off of my fingers many times. Even outside in my yard it has fell from my finger. Yet each time I lose it I am always reunited with it. I have come to believe that it is a lucky symbol. It means a great deal to me and I never take it off. (unless of course it chooses for fall from my finger)

 

Q: What makes you like Celtic Lore enough to write about it? It has inspired me in many areas of my life yet most of all it has inspired me in a spiritual sense. It has brought questions to me as a person going through life yet if I ask for answers, in some way it always seems to answer. I do not ever mean to push or shove my beliefs onto anyone. I feel that each ones spiritual journey is a personal walk that they must take alone. There are always guides along the way to help us see a bit more clearly yet the path we travel is one of solitude or it should be. Because of the things I have been shown and the things I have learned I feel it is only right that I share. What one does with such information is completely up to them. It may speak to some and say nothing to others. That is not for me to decide. Yet to keep the knowledge I have to myself I feel is not right. I would want someone to tell me if I was about to walk off a cliff. It doesn't necessarily mean that I would not still walk off the cliff but I would do it in a completely different manner.

Q: Has it influenced you any other ways? It has influenced me in regards to the way I act towards people. It has helped me to become for accepting of differences in those who do not believe as me. I used to be somewhat pushy in regards to trying to make others see what I was saying. I see now that it is not for me to say. We each have the struggles we have and it is not necessarily our place to tell others how to deal with such struggles. It is our place to be there for them.

 

Q: How so? Many times this entails simply sitting and being still. My tree lore has helped me with this as to get to know nature one has to sit and be still and listen. Not to our minds or thoughts but to the simple sounds that surround you. One also has to be attentive to the smallest of detail and realize its effect on that around it. It can make one so much more aware of the huge impact they may have on the environment around them.

 

Q: How do you think Celtic Culture has influenced people of today? There are still many today that even though they may not realize it they in some way celebrate and acknowledge Celtic ways. So many of the holidays that celebrate today were replicas (adjusted slightly) of pagan festivals celebrated long before the church. Yet as a means to "convert" the pagans, the church designed like holidays with different names of course to take their place. They incorporated just enough of the previous theme to make the pagans feel they were still celebrating their old ways. Prime examples of such events:

 

*Yule and  Christmas

* Samhain and Halloween

* Ostara and Easter

I think also that in many family and cultures there are traditions passed down through the ages that still hold glimpses of the old ways to them. This can be seen in cooking ways as well as old remedies to help colds, upset stomachs and such. When my granddaughter lived closer, each winter I had a special tea that I would make. We would drink a cup at the beginning of winter along with some special fairy cakes I would make. We would never get colds yet all those around us would. We told them that is was due to the tea and cakes yet they laughed at us. I have tried to pass such bits down to her as she grows. I keep a book for her of tiny tidbits and such for when I am gone. In her I hope the tradition continues as I feel assured it will

 

Q: Do you know anyone else who has been influenced by the Celtic World? I think there are many. I do not necessarily go around asking of making a point to note how I may feel one is affected. Yet like I mentioned earlier, it can be seen in many ways and some are ever so slight. I watched an old Scottish woman make shortbread once. She was infatic about the manner in which she combined the ingredients and also about the markings that were to go on the top as it baked. I asked her why and she looked at me and said so that the blessing will be good and the eater will receive it.

 

Also I know many that as they prepare their gardens each spring that certain rituals must be held and performed before the ground is tilled, the seed is sown, and the crop is harvested. There are more than likely many who partake in such rites that no one knows about. A simple toss of salt over ones shoulder, although some think is just an old wives tale is the purification of the area around oneself from the evil that may be present.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? I think that regardless what ones heart may be calling them to do in regards to the answer to the many questions that come to all of us throughout our lives, we should all be open to at least listening. There are so many influences in so many forms that attempt to tell us these days that this is wrong and this is right. Take this pill and it will do this. We become so excited that there is actually something that will fix this that we fail to continue to listen to what it could also cause in its place. We are a world of fast moving, high rising, got to do better than before people. We have lost the simple secrets that the world has to offer us. They have not gone anywhere , although we with our ways of improvement will see that that will not always remain the case.

 

There will come a time when there will be no more time to "fix things". It may not happen in my life, your life of anytime soon after that, yet the time will eventually come. Although we have been raised to believe that we are not doing good unless we are creating a new, we are being led astray. Technology is the snake in the Garden of Eden we have been given.

Thank you for joining me in the sharing a little of myself.  Blessings

An Interview with Mother Moon - Part Two

Q: How have Celtic Tree Lore come to interest you? When we first moved to where we live now, at the bottom of our yard was a small straggly oak tree. It was no more than a twig sticking out of the ground. I tended it, gave it water and pruned it each year so that as it grew a pleasant shape would take form. The first witch bottle I ever created I buried beneath the slight shade of it. The spot where I buried it remained bare for three years. After that time the grass finally grew. The tree has grown through the years and now I can no longer reach to the top of him to trim him if needed. It has become a friend to me.  It is a place I go to at times of contemplation and pondering. It is this relationship with this small oak as well as with the many willows that encircle my pond that brought me to look more into Celtic Tree Lore. I developed a respect and love  for trees that before I did realize was possible. I realize and acknowledged them as living beings and I look at them and behave differently with them than before.

 

Q: What exactly is Celtic Tree Lore? Celtic Tree Lore encompasses a wide variety of subjects. Some examples are as follows:

 

* Following the Celtic tree calendar which is similar to that of the zodiac yet the signs are represented by trees.

 

* Following or using the Ogham . It is believed that Oghan was first started by Ogma the Celtic father figure and Sun God while others think it is a making of the druids. It is an ancient Celtic alphabet that is still used by some today. Each symbol is made up of straight lines and represents a particular letter. It is written vertically and read from left to right. The Ogham can also be used as a form of divination. In this case some take a small stick from each tree represented and carve its symbol onto it. To read the Ogham in this manner one would pull sticks from a bag or toss them from the bag and then read. Much like that of reading tea leaves. I myself have a tarot deck of Ogham. It is much more intricate than the average set of oracle cards and the readings are usually over a broader spectrum of time.

 

* Although not necessarily connected the reading of Runes is part of Tree Lore at least for me. Runes, like the Ogham is not a spoken language but a set of symbols which represent letters and/or sounds. I create my own runes from the willows that I have on my property. It is with the working of the wood and the concentration of the creation of each rune/symbol that has brought me much insight.

 

* Then there is the simple admiration and conservation of the tree itself. Each tree has a personality of its own. Each one is characteristic of specific attributes and abilities for various things. Such as in medicinal manners, magical manners and creative manners. Studying the many qualities that each tree has and learning how to use them to their largest benefit is probably the largest part of Tree Lore.

 

Q: What is your favorite? My favorite if you are speaking of Tree Lore is the study of trees in general. It has fascinated me to learn the many helpful traits that trees have. As I said earlier, technology has rendered man somewhat ignorant when it comes to sustaining himself if by chance he was found to be without his "iphone" I myself am guilty of this. Yet I also have the added ammunition of my knowledge of trees and plant life in regards to how each can assist me with various things that may befall me if I was to find myself in a situation.

 

Q: Has it influenced the way you think? Very much so. I have learned that being still can lend itself to teaching one a great amount of things. A simple slow walk around my yard can bring me so much knowledge. I have learned to read the weather, the seasons as they are coming or going and more. It has influenced me to respect myself and not necessarily feel that I have to rely on the synthetics that man makes to replace the natural things we already have.

 

Q: Has Celtic Lore in general inspired you? There was a time when I was fearful of allowing the questions and thoughts that circled my head to be spoken or known by those around me. I felt as if I would be shunned or laughed at. Although that outcome is still possible today I do not fear it as I did. I have learned through example where the truth really lies and it is not necessarily where some may think. People of older times took heed to the signs that nature and those leading it attempted to show them. They were blessed for doing so. Man today attempts to manipulate the world around him.  He attempts to do as he feels that it should be, forgetting that it was here long before he was. So yes, I think Celtic Lore has greatly inspired me or at least made me realize my place.

 

Join me tomorrow for the conclusion of my interview. Blessings

An Interview With Mother Moon

Recently I was asked to help out with a senior thesis paper that a friend was working on. She was writing on Celtic tradition and influence and she wondered if I could help her out. At first I was not sure if I was the right person to request help from yet it sounded like it would be fun so I agreed. The help she requested was really quite simple. She only asked that I respond to a questionnaire that she had designed. Set up in somewhat of an interview form, I received the questionnaire a few days back.

When I first saw the questions once again I worried. (You know me, thinking too much). But I began at the top and commenced to answer each one. As I finished I was quite glad that I had accepted. Not only did the questions make me think about what it is that I believe and stand for, they also gave me more confidence in that stance. I decided to share the questions and answers with all of you as a means to let you see once more another side of me. A deeper side of what I believe and also what it is that has brought me to this place. This is somewhat long so I will be breaking it up over the next few days. I hope that you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed completing it. I also hope that sparks a bit of a fire in you to re-examine your beliefs and teachings. 

Q: What is your name?
Janie Sheik

Q: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I am a woman of middle age, I live in rural Oklahoma and have done so all my life. I am a mother of three plus one step daughter. I also have the privilege of being a grandmother of three with another on the way.

Growing up in Oklahoma ie: the Bible Belt had an interesting effect on my spiritual upbringing. My mother was a native German with a spiritual background of strict Lutheran mixed with folk beliefs. My father grew up in a home which observed the Jehovah Witness religion (something I did not learn until I was much older). We were not regular church goers however I enjoyed my early experiences in the "Christian" churches.

I enjoy the out of doors and anything to do with nature. My favorite past time is tending my yard. Gardening is in my blood and its skills were handed down to me from my grandmother and father on my paternal side. They taught me the lessons of tending the earth and giving homage to her for what she returned. I also love to grow and harvest my own herbs and wild flowers. I try to propagate from my already established garden, others gardens, or the wild itself. I find peace in the quiet of nature and it has become my favorite place to go to when it seems that life is going too fast.

Q: What is "Mother Moon's Message" (ei. It's concept and how it came to be)? For as long as I can remember, I have loved to write. The number of journals I have accumulated over the years can attest to this. I have written poetry, short stories, children stories, as well as I aspire to one day write a trilogy. I have always wanted to attempt to publish some of my work yet my timid ways have kept me from doing so. Someone suggested that I start a blog as a means to work on my writing as well as to express myself in an outward manner. I started Mother Moon in July of 2009 and it grew into a love. It was a manner to express many of my beliefs and opinions that before I was unable to do as the audience was more vast than a mere rural country town. It has given me confidence and allowed me to be more firm in my spiritual stance. It has also led me to some wonderful people from all over the world whom I would not have met otherwise. It has helped my mind and views to expand to a much broader prospective allowing me to become what I believe to be a much better person.

As for the name of Mother Moon, I have always been quite fond of the moon especially when she is full. When I was a little girl I had a memory of sitting on the kitchen cabinet, my feet in the sink and gazing out the window at the moon. As I did so, a woman (who for many years I thought to be my mother) would tell me stories about the moon and her cycles and the power and magic she held. As I grew older and I related the story to my older sister she told me such things never happened. I went to my mother and she agreed that she had never stood beside me in the darkness of nighttime and tell me stories of the moon. She did however verify that on many occasions she would find me asleep on the kitchen cabinet in the mornings when she would awake. The moon still calls to me and her glow has comforted me many a time. The stories I remember, still aid me today in life. It seemed only fitting that if I was to start a blog in regards to myself and my writings that it should include Luna, as she has influenced me in so many ways.

Q: How have you come to be interested in the Celtic Culture? The Celtic culture has been a fascination of mine since I was young. It probably began with the kinship to the earth that I was taught by my grandparents, especially my grandma. Yet as I grew, I loved reading the stories of King Arthur and always felt drawn to their lore. It was not until much later in life that I searched deeper into the culture and such.

Q: Have you learned anything that is particularly interesting? If I was to say one thing that stood out particularly interesting to me it was the connection to nature and the effects that it has on everyday life. I think that we as people have become blind to the abilities that were given to us when we embarked on this journey of life and evolution. There was a time when man acknowledged what the earth could do for him, mainly because it was a necessity to prosper. Yet in today's world and with the advancement of technology such ways and things have been lost or even forgotten. Stories and tricks of the trade that were passed down within family and such is no longer as important as it was in years past. It is something that I fear if man does not take heed to soon that there could be many that could suffer due simply to their complacency.

Q: How has Celtic Mythology influenced you? As I said before Arthur and the tales of Excalibur have always been dear to me. I have also always had a fondness for Avalon and the stories of its existence. I liken it to the draw that modern day Christians have to the garden of Eden. It resembles somewhat a place of paradise to me.

As for the many Celtic gods and goddesses I have not felt the draw to follow into more detail on them, that is to the point that I would say I worship any of them individually. There are a few though that I tend to associate with more than others. Brigid, for example. She is the associated most with home and its upkeep. She also has influence in healing, druidic activity, wisdom and so on. She is also a Tuatha De Danann.

The Tuatha De Dananm is  referred to as the fairy folk or the Sidhe. The manner and existence of the fae has influenced me greatly and has much to do with my ability as well as progress in regards to my tending of the earth. It is not something I openly speak of often as it brings about odd looks by many yet if asked if I believe in fairies, I would have to say of course.

Ceridwen, the Welsh goddess of rebirth and inspiration also is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine. Viewed by many as a darker goddess I find her to be a woman with a fierce motherly instinct which lends her to do what she must to protect and further her children. She may not always do what is the best method to eventually come to such conclusions yet her intentions are good. Something I think any mother can relate with in some form.

Q: Are there any stories or themes that stand out? As stated earlier , The fairy folk have greatly influenced me, especially in recent years. It is a relationship that calls for patience and time, something that many people to not have these days or do not make time for. Yet the rewards that one can glean from such activity is beyond what they could imagine. One has to allow themselves to go to a place where most do not believe of its existence.   This in itself can be most difficult as what we are thought of by others these days is so very important to some.

I have tended garden alongside the fairies that reside in my area. It has been quite the honor to be allowed to share in their presence. I have received small trinkets as gifts from them as well. Tiny bobbles that I hold quite precious.

Return tomorrow for Part Two of my Interview.  Blessings

Celtic Tree Lore - The Alder

The Song of the Alder Fairy

by Cicely Mary Barker

By the lake on river side

Where the Alders dwell,

In the Autumn may be spied

Baby catkins, cones beside -

Old and new as well

Seasons come and seasons go

That's the tale they tell.

After Autumn, Winter's cold

Leads us to the Spring;

And, before the leaves unfold,

On the Alder you'll behold

Crimson catkins swing!

They are making ready now

That's the song I sing.

  

Alder is a charm to be used against not so good fairies.

Water sprites are said to protect Alder trees;

So think twice before doing any harm to one.

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.

Celtic Tree Lore - Elder Myth & Folklore

uch of the folklore associated with the Elder tree has ties to Christian lore. In an attempt to suppress earlier pagan beliefs, the Elder was used as a representation with a negative persona.

An example of this is the story of Judas Iscariot. Judas was the apostle who told the Romans where to fine Jesus before his crucifixion. Realizing what he had done and feeling his guilt he hung himself on an Elder tree. Reference to this story can be found back as far as the 14th century. Although to consider the size of a Elder tree (rather small) it is a bit confusing as to why Judas would chose it as the his tool to end his life.

Another story which has ties to Christian lore, tells how the Elder was one of several trees whose wood was used to make the Cross on which Christ was crucified. Because of this act the Elder was said to have been punished for its part in this act. Its’ size and stature forever to be effected for the part it played. An old couplet states this reference best: “Bour tree – Bour tree; crooked rong, Never straight and never strong; Ever bush and never tree, Since our Lord was nailed to thee”.

The Elder is also strongly connected with magic and witchcraft in many countries. This association therefore lends itself to many folktales. One example is the story about Hylde-Moer or the Elder-tree Mother. Hylde-Moer was said to live in the Elder tree and her task was to watch over the tree. If anyone attempted to cut the tree down and use any of its wood for any purpose (especially in the making of furniture) Hylde-Moer was said to follow them home and thus haunt them. There is a story of a woodcutter who once cute down an Elder tree in order to make a cradle for his newborn son. Each time the child would be placed in the cradle, Hylde-Moer would appear and pull the baby by its’ legs. This action of course made the baby cry and would allow him no peace or anyone else until he was picked up out of the cradle. As in any tree, if one wishes to cut an Elder, one must always ask permission. In the case of the Elder, after asking permission, one must wait until Hylde-Moer grants consent by remaining silent.

Another folktale is that of the Rollright Stone Circle. The Rollright Stone Circle is near the village of Long Compton in Oxfordshire. It is said that these monoliths are the remains of an invading Danish King and his men who had come to conquer England. As the king and his men were approaching Long Compton, an old witch appeared and gave them a challenge. The challenge was as follows: “Seven long strides shalt thou take; an if Long Compton thou can see, King of England thou shalt be”. The village itself is hidden behind a low mound which is locally known as Archdruids barrow.

As the King had taken his seven strides he still could not see the village, so the witch called out again : “As Long Compton thou canst not see, King of England thou shalt not be. Rise up stick and rise up stone, For King of England thou shalt be none. Thou and thy men hoar stones shall be, And I myself an Elder tree.” With those words spoken, the King became the known as the “King Stone”. A lone stone which stands out alone. A group of five upright stones huddled together are known as the “Whispering Knights” while the stones forming the circle itself are known as the “King’s Men”.

Celtic Tree Lore - The Elder Tree

ovember 25th through December 23 marks the Celtic tree month of Elder, making it the 13th tree of the year. The word Elder is derived from the old Anglo-Saxon word “aeld” which means fire. If one removes the pith (soft center) from an Elder branch a tube is formed. These tubes were once used as pipes for blowing up fires. Bellows were also made from Elder for the same use.

The Elder is kin to the Honeysuckle. This association can be seen in the Elder’s method of growth. At the base of a sapling, stems appear each growing upright. After they have grow to some length due to weight probably they bend over creating a curve on top of which a new bud appears. From this bud a new stem grows upright and the process continues. The stems can reach a size of two feet in diameter, which indicates several years of growth yet this size is not often found.

The bark of the Elder is rough, somewhat corky to the touch and light brown to grey in color. The branches however are smoother and its twigs are a bright green color. The wood of the Elder is hard and heavy. It is white in color and has a fine close grain. It is easily cut and polishes well. Some of the uses for Elder wood are small toys, fishing rods, and a variety of musical instruments.

The leaves of the Elder consist of five leaflets attached to a central stalk. Once the leaves have formed its’ flower buds begin to grow and usually it is in full bloom by June. The flowers consist of five white petals. In between each petal there are five yellow stamens.

Elder trees can commonly be found growing in old country gardens and often times cemeteries. This is because it was thought that wherever an Elder tree grew was considered a sacred space protected by the Elder Mother. Because of this the Elder tree has often been associated with death. In older times the dead was often laid out on Elder branches as well as crosses used as grave markers were made of Elder wood. It is believed if a cross made of Elder wood sprouts , it is a clear sign that the departed person whom it represents is happy and has been welcomed into Elysium, the blessed realm of the dead.

Celtic Tree Lore - The Astroloty of Reed/Broom

hose born under the sign of the Reed (October 28 through November 24) are known as the Secret Keepers. They are known to dig deep inside to the real meaning of things to eventually discover the truth that is hidden beneath layers of distraction.

The Reed is one who has no problem getting to the heart of a matter to find its true core. They love a good story and be easily drawn in by gossip, scandals, legends and lore. These characteristics can also make the Reed an excellent historian, journalist, detective, or archeologist.

The Reed love people because they represent a diversity of meanings for them to interpret. The Reed have an ability to enourage people to open up and talk to them telling them things that they may not tell others. Although at times they can be a bit manipulative, they have a strong sense of truth and honor.

Reeds are practical people who enjoy making themselves useful to others. They will often be found organizing charity or other events. They love to use their hands and are not afraid to get them dirty. Others are attracted to them for their artistic abilities and their imagination.

Reed people join well with other Reeds as well as Ash or Oak signs.

Celtic Tree Lore - The Mythology and Folklore of Reed/Broom

he Reed or Broom has always been associated with music, mainly because of its use in the making of pipes and flutes. The Greek God Pan for example played a Reed pipe. In mythology we know the story of Pan and Apollo who entered into a contest with one another to determine who could play the sweetest music. Pan played his panpipes while Apollo played his lyre. Pan was chosen as the winner which in turn angered Apollo who in his rage turned Pan into half man and half goat.

Pan is thought to be the offspring of Hermes. He was thought to haunt the woodlands, hills and mountains. Pan was known for dancing through the woods playing his pipes. He was somewhat of a lusty leader of the satyrs and loved nothing better than to chase nymphs. He was often associated with Dionysus for this reason. Pan’s symbol was the phallus and of old he was invoked for the fertility of flocks or an abundant hunt.

In folklore the Pied Piper of Hamelin also played a magical tune on a pipe made from reed. It was this song that was said to rid a town of a plague of rats. It was said that in 1284 the Pied Piper was hired to rid the town of Hamelin of a plague of rats. He walked through the streets playing a magical tune on his pipe. When the rats heard the music they would follow him. The piper then led the rats all the way to the banks of the river Weser where all the rats fell into the water and drowned. The town council then refused to pay the piper for his work.

The piper then walked the streets again only this time he played a different tune. On hearing the music he played, all the children in town began to follow him as he led them out of town and into the foothills of the mountains. They were led to a secret entrance into the mountains where they entered and vanished never to be seen again. After this disappearance the spirits of the piper and the children are to forever haunt the town of Hamelin.

Celtic Tree Lore - Reed/Broom - Magical and Medicinal Uses

s a healing herb, Broom has been around for some time. It was well known to the ancients and can be found in early writings of Virgil (70-19 BC). In a passage from John Gerard’s Herbal of 1597 it states. “The decoction of the twigs and tops of broom doth cleanse and open the liver, milt, and kidnies”.

Henry VIII used to drink a water infusion made from the flowers of Reed/Broom. He believed it acted as a guard against his overindulgences. Reed/Broom is often recommended in herbal remedies for bladder and kidney afflictions. Broom juice in large doses can disturb the stomach and bowels and is therefore more often used with other diuretics, rather than used alone. A word of caution: regardless of what you may read, specialized advice should be sought out in the use of Reed/Broom. Experimentation is not an alternative to be considered when dealing with any herb that is considered toxic.

In regards to magical uses of Reed/Broom ritual wands are often made of it. Sweeping the ground with Reed/Broom will clear the area of any unwanted influences. Earlier last month I used my home made broom which sits next to my front door to sweep my house as I did my cleansing.

In older times, Reed/Broom was hung in the house to keep all negative energies out. An infusion was also sprinkled throughout the house when needed to help detour poltergeist activity. Reed/Broom is most often used to expand awareness; journeys to other realms, soul retrieval, rituals to bring harmony to ones life, protection of the home, and balancing ones energies.

Celtic Tree Lore - Reed and/or Broom

eginning October 28th and continuing through November 24th we celebrate the Celtic Tree Month of Reed. Reed actually is more of a shrub like plant and in some places (such as England) is better known by its folk name “Scotch Broom”. Entwined in this period is the Celtic New Year or Samhain (October 31). What better representation than the broom. The Reed symbolizes purification, protection, and fertility. Wands made of reed were often symbols of authority.

Reed or broom is a densely growing shrub plant and is indigenous to England and the temperate regions of Europe and northern Asia. It is often found in abundance on sandy heaths and pastures where it grows wild. Once established, Reed can grow to a height of over 8 feet. The stems are mostly leafless yet some leaves can grow around the base.

The flowers of the Reed are very fragrant and about ¾ inch long. Their color can range from light yellow to orange with crimson wings. They bloom from April to July and occur on plants as young as 2 years old. However they are far more abundant on plants of 4 years or more. Bees are usually attracted to the Reed’s flowers yet not because of their sweet taste. They enjoy the abundance of pollen found there.

The broom seldom grows large enough to furnish useful wood, but when its stems acquire a sufficient size it is beautifully veined and being hard provides valuable material for veneering. It is most commonly used for making brooms, brushes, and basketwork.

Reed was best known for its use as roofing for homes. Thatch roofs used to be cheap and plentiful. It was a perfect insulator to keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer.