Celtic Tree Lore - Astrology of the Hazel

he Hazel represents those born between August 5th and September 1. They are given the nickname of the Knower. If you are born under the energy of the Hazel tree, organization and efficiency are part of your make up most likely. Much like the Holly sign, the Hazel sign is naturally gifted academically and excel in the classroom.

Hazels’ are well informed on subjects they care about. This sometimes makes them appear like a know-it-all to others. Yet they are genuinely smart and usually know the right course of actions because of their impressive knowledge base.

Hazel’s have an eye for detail and like things to be “just so”. This need for order and control can lead to compulsive behavior. A Hazel has a knack for numbers, science, and things that utilize your analytical skills. Hazels like rules although they usually make them rather than play by them.

Those born under the sign of Hazel are best paired with those born under the Hawthorn and Rowan sign.

Celtic Tree Lore - Uses of the Hazel Tree

here are only a few medicinal used for the Hazel. The main virtue of the tree being Wisdom. The nuts at one time was worn as a talisman for a healthy life which was thought to be gained from the wisdom of the Hazel. Some think it has the power to cure fevers, diarrhea, and excessive or heavy menstrual flow. Though many think these to be only wives tales.

If by chance one has the luck to find a double hazelnut, it is thought that it can carried as a charm to prevent toothache. An equal armed cross made of Hazel laid on a snake bite is said to draw the poison out.

When it comes to magical uses, Hazel is best associated with divination. One of the best methods known is that of the use of a dowsing rod made from Hazel. Typically a dowsing rod has two forks off its main stem making it shaped like the letter Y. the two forks are then gripped and the fore fingers along the forks, so that the tail end of the pod points down toward the ground to begin searching. It is said that a good dowsing rod of Hazel “squeal like a pig” when held under water. The art of dowsing is still used to this day to locate water, oil, and other minerals.

The Hazel nut is also associated with fortune telling. In Scotland, on Halloween, an old custom of love divination is still practiced. Two hazelnuts are given the names of lovers and placed on burning embers. If they burn quietly and remained side by side, the lovers were considered faithful, but if the nuts crack, split, or roll apart, they are considered to be ill matched and one of them possibly unfaithful.

In the making of wands, one crafted of Hazel wood is used specifically for bringing forth magical inspiration. They can also be used to divine suitable places to work magic. To create a Hazel wand, find a tree that has yet to bare fruit, and at sunrise on a Wednesday the day ruled by mercury, cut a branch with a single stroke. The Hazel is considered to be most powerful during the early spring while its sap is still rising, and in Autumn when its sap and energy is fully contained within ready for its harvest of nuts.

The nuts of the Hazel were commonly used to bring luck by stringing them together and hanging them in the house. When eaten the hazelnuts are said to increase fertility or if eaten before divination to increase inspiration.

Lastly supple twigs of Hazel were woven together into crowns and called “wishing caps” which when worn and if one wished very hard would make the wish come true. Sailors would wear them during storms as a means of protection. Twigs of Hazel can also be placed on the window ledge to protect a home from lightning.

Celtic Tree Lore - Legends of the Hazel

azel is known for its attributes of wisdom as well as the inspiration of creativity it gives. Such creativity can be seen in the tree itself because of its unusual branches that grow in curious shapes, such s the corkscrew hazel.

Its association with the heart chakra comes from the legend that the hazel stood at the heart of the faery realm. When a hazel is found growing with an apple and hawthorn tree it is said that these three mark the boundary of a magical place.

In mythology the Hazel is attributed to the god Mercury. Mercury was the messenger of the gods and also the god of commerce, cleverness, travel and thievery. He is often depicted with a staff or wand of Hazel and wearing a broad rimmed traveling hat and sandals. A Hermes (the greek version of Mercury) when he was only a few hours old he escaped from his cradle and went in search of adventure. Later feeling hugrey, he stole two oxen from Apollo and hid them in a cave where he killed them and ate them. When Apollo discovered what had happened, Hermes played to him on a lyre which he had made by stretching cords across a tortoise shell.

Apollo was so charmed by his music that he allowed him to go unpunished. In gratitude Hermes gave the lyre to Apollo. Apollo in return gave Hermes a magical Caduceus made of Hazel. It was said to bestow wisdom, wealth, and prosperity on its owner by turning everything it touched into gold.