Old Yew, which graspest at the stones

That name the under-lying dead,

Thy fibres net the dreamless head,

Thy roots are wrapt about the bones.

~Tennyson~

The Yew and Fairy Realm

 

A tradition is current in Mathavarn, in the parish of Llanwrin, and the Cantref  of Cyfeillioc, concerning a certain wood called Ffridd yr Ywen or the Forest of the Yew.  It is so called on account of the so called magical yew tree that grows exactly in the middle of the forest.  Under the tree there is a fairy circle called The Dancing Place of the Goblin.  There are several fairy circles in the Forest of the Yew, but the one under the yew tree in the middle has the legend connected with it. 

Many years ago two farm hands with the names of Twm and Iago journeyed to do a days work in the Forest of the Yew.  It was early in the afternoon when the forest began to fill with a thick mist.  The mist was so thick and blocked the sun to the point the young men thought that the sun was beginning to set, thus they prepared to journey home.  When they came to yew tree in the center of the forest, the mist was no longer there and the light of the sun had once again returned. 

Believing it was now too early too venture home they decided to lie beneath the great Yew tree and take a nap.  In time, Twm woke to find that Iago was no longer slumbering with him beneath the great yew.  Concluding that Iago had probably awaken before him and started his way home, Twm did likewise, having no reason to think different. 

 

As morning came and Twm went to fetch Iago for the next days work, he was perplexed to find that he was not there.  In fact he had not been seen since the previous day.  Being asked by several on the whereabouts of Iago, Twm finally admitted to their adventure the day before and how they had fallen asleep inside the fairy circle which lie beneath the great yew in the center of the forest.  They searched for days throughout the forest and the country side yet no sign of Iago could be found. 

 

Still wondering on the whereabouts of his friend as well as the stories that circled about the odd happenings in the forest, Twm decided to seek the advice of gwr cyfarwydd (a conjuror).  The man gave to Twm this advice and stressed that he follow it exactly.

 

Go to the same place where you and Iago had napped.  Return exactly one year from the time that he was last seen.  Make sure that it is the same day of the year and the same time of the day, yet do not step foot inside the fairy ring.  Stand on the border of the fairy ring and he will return with the fae to dance around the circle.  When he is close enough, grab hold of his hand and snatch him from the circle.

 

Twm did just this and rightfully so, Iago and the fairies came out and began to dance around the fairy ring.  As he circled near Twm, his hand was grabbed and Twm pulled him out. When questioned about his whereabouts and his slimmer look, Iago gave no information.  He only remembered his nap beneath the tree the year before.

'Plucked from the Fairy Circle' from

British Goblins – Wirt Sikes

Ancestral Connections–The Yew Fairy

As with the ancient Yew, the Yew fairy is likewise one of great wisdom.  She is the oldest of all tree spirits and thus her powers are the same.  Because she is said to carry such ancient wisdom, her message is often difficult to pass simply as mere words.  It is in the form of visions that she communicates with whom she chooses. 

 

In this manner she conveys a connection with the eternal as well as revealing an ancestral knowledge that may very well be long lost.  In doing so she often connects those of todays with those of years passed.  By being the conduit between two times,  something that may have been lost over the years can once again be regained in the child of today.

The Yew–Tree of Eternity

Green Man Tree Oracle - Ancient Wisdom from the Spirit of Nature

 

Planet – Saturn and Pluto

 

Element – Earth and Water

 

Symbolism – Tree of Life, Immortality, Rebirth, Change, Reincarnation, Longevity

 

Metal  - Lead

 

Birds – Eagle and Hummingbird

 

Colors – Black and Dark Green

 

Fifth vowel and last letter of the Ogham Alphabet Idho

 

Represents  the Winter Solstice- December 21st – Yule

With Age Comes Wisdom

I often think back during situations of my lifetime to words of wisdom that were spoke to me.  I will admit that I do it much more often now that I have aged somewhat myself then I did when I was of a younger age.  I think that could be true for many of us.  At a young age we tend to turn our ears away from words spoken to us as a means to help guide us a bit more straight in life.  But then when one is young we are ready to conquer the world and we wish to do it in our own manner, learning our own lessons… right or wrong.  It is human nature I guess.

 

Yet through time we store those morsels of truth and guidance back in a corner of our minds.  As time progresses we are more apt to rummage through the old boxes and take them out again.  Many times we will even mount them and admire and live by them.  After of course we have learned from them.

 

It is usually the aged that silently sit back and watch the young do their thing.  A smile crosses over their face when no one is looking as they think back to a time they themselves were the same.  Some are graced with the ability to translate their message so that it may be listened to and possibly even acted upon.  Yet many know better than to speak up and offer a piece of their wisdom learned through the years. It is usually not until such relics have passed on that we realize the wonderful treasures that were hidden in their words.  Sadly too often it is not until then that we realize the worth of what they gave us and the loss of what we did not take.

 

It is believed that the Yew may very well be the oldest living tree.  Much of this belief is attributed to the manner in which it grows.  It can grow to great size.  Eventually through time it will begin to decay and start to hollow out.  Still determined and resilient a  new sprout will come forth from the soft compost of the decay allowing it to continue its existence. 

 

It is not just in this manner that it continues it life span.  Its branches also re root  and eventually will grow into trunks of new trees.  Because of this small new trees can be found around the area of the yew. If transplanted these trees will grow easily into new Yews themselves.  The prolific nature of the Yew can be found in many forms. Its continual manner of rebirthing itself makes it easy to see how it is associated with transformation and regeneration. 

 

I liken it to the phoenix.  Who through its fiery death will always come forth from the ashes and once again thrive.  Each time being more adept and capable to adapt to its surroundings and circumstances.  The yew allows nothing, save mere destruction, to end its cycle.  In truth even that may not be able to annihilate it.  It has survived for millions of years with evidence pointing it back to the Triassic era.  Translated to something most would understand, that is 200,000,000 years

 

Imagine the wisdom that such a life  could tell.  Living such a span of time and silently watching all that transpired around it.  The changes that came and went.  The secrets that were whispered beneath it as it stood and listened. The wonderful stories it could weave for us. The wonderful lessons it could teach.

My Journey With the Yew

I find it odd that in all my writings in regard to Celtic Tree Lore that I never dove deeper in to the incredible Yew.  Coming into my life last fall with such vigor, it made a point of gaining my attention.  Not in a quick manner, yet one which developed over time. Much like the Yew itself.

Morsel by morsel I learned of its beauty and wisdom.  Each time a piece was found I was eager to start searching for the next.  I eventually reached a point of almost craving its nourishment. Likewise a feeling of hunger would come if I waited too long to satisfy my cravings.  

Despite its warnings of toxicity in almost every manner, save its berry, I still could not keep myself from it.  It called me like that pint of Ben and Jerry's I keep hidden in the back of my freezer.  Knowing I should eat sparingly, yet finding it hard to control myself.
 
I promised to share some of my treats with friends and followers, thus here I am. I warn you though, a taste of such delicacies may capture your curious palate as well.  In the days to follow a morsel will be laid out for you.  Will you come casually at first, out of curiosity.  Only to find yourself waiting for the next plate to be set on the blogging table?  We will see.. My hope? You will do just that and when this series is complete you may find yourself missing your daily treat and even then yourself go and forage for your own tender morsels. 

Bon Appetit…..

Rowan–The Protecting Dragon

For those of you who have followed my blog for a time you will remember previous post surrounding Celtic Tree Lore.  This is an area which is very dear to my heart as the willows which surround my home as well as the wee (which is not so wee anymore) oak which I nurtured from a twig have all help to show me the wonderful relationship that one can have with such creatures if they allow themselves to be open.  I have had much comment and question in regards to these post.  Therefore I am going to bring them back and try and probe a bit deeper than before into their attributes as well as the magic that each of them can give to us. 

 

With today being Chinese New Year as well as the beginning of the year of the Dragon, it seems only fitting that we start off with the Rowan tree.  January 21st, was the beginning of the Tree Month of Rowan. Associated with the dragon, the Rowan tree is a symbol of protection and defense. Believing that Rowan could ward off evil spirits the Celts often used it on a daily basis.  During the festivities of Beltane, garlands of Rowan would be fashioned and tied with string which had been dyed red using the Rowan berry.  These garlands were then put on livestock as well as the animals stalls to ward off evil.  One might even see a cow with springs of rowan hanging from her tail held only by the brightly red strings. 

 

Rowan trees intentionally were  planted in churchyards to protect and watch over the spirits of the dead. As the body was being carried to the churchyard for burial, it would be sat beneath a Rowan during any stops needing to be made.  This insured that the soul which had departed would not be taunted by any evil before it was finally laid to rest. 

 

Bracelets made of rowan berries were worn by the women as a means of protection.  As well as cross necklaces fashioned from rowan wood.  Such wooden crosses were also often placed at the head of a newborn’s cradle as a means of protection.  It was believed that a child who was born with exceptional beauty or charm was often sought out by the fairy folk.  The Rowan was believed to keep the fairy from doing such mischief.  

 

Many believe that Rowan has the power to protect one from the mischief of fairies.  As this may be true, the Rowan is also a tree which is most loved and cherished by the wee folk.  It is believed that anyone found harming a Rowan runs the risk of bringing upon themselves the wrath of the fairies. It is through the method of grave illness that the fairies are said to  get their revenge.  However I do not believe that anyone should harm any tree for no reason.  There is an old Irish legend  called the Forest of Dooros.  It was said that the fairies which lived in this forest loved the Rowan tree.  Even more so they loved to partake of the Rowan berry.  Nothing seemed to bring them more delight.  As they ventured from fairyland to mortal land they would bring the berry as nourishment.  Yet on one occasion one of the berries brought from fairyland fell to the ground without them knowing .  From this berry grew a great Rowan tree.  The berries which it bore tasted sweeter than honey itself.  It was said that if one ate just one it would render then drunk.  If one ate two berries they would live for a hundred years.  If they continued and ate three berries they would become as if they were thirty years old again, and thus stay that way for a hundred years.  They fairies knew that their magic needed protection.  They asked a great giant named Sharvan to watch over the tree for them.  Sharvan had a keen liking for the human kind, especially at meal time.    This being the case, very few who have ventured forth to partake of this treat have ever been heard of again. 

 

The Rowan tree is one of great power and much depth.  If you find yourself blessed to be a part of a Rowans life, do not take it lightly.  They bring with themselves great ability, as well as greater understanding of that which most do not know.   

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 Month of Ivy

eginning September 30th through October 27th we celebrate the Celtic Tree month of Ivy.  Although Ivy is not what most consider a tree, it still holds its place among the others in Celtic Tree Lore.  Its uses and importance are just as strong as that of the Oak or Hazel. In the coming weeks we will examine a few of these important traits. 

Ivy is a wild evergreen climbing vine that attaches itself to other trees as well as stone walls and other surfaces. It climbs such surfaces by fibers that grow our from every part of the stem. These fibers resembles roots and have small disks at the end by which it attaches itself to the roughness of the tree or wall it is climbing. If by chance the ivy finds soil or a deep crack the fibers will then become roots. These roots act as a means to obtain nourishment for the stem as it climbs. When this is done to another tree, the ivy can actually injure the tree it is attached to by taking of the trees life resources to aid itself.

Ivy only produces flowers when the branches get above their support. The flowering branches are bushy and come out from the climbing stem with flowers at the end of each shoot. Usually an ivy will flower during Autumn if there is enough sunlight. They appear as small clusters of greenish white or yellow . They can continue to bloom until late December. There bloom is scentless yet still they are a good source of food for birds, and insects during the cooler months when there is usually no other food source.

The fruit or berry of the ivy do not ripen until the following spring . Although this is true they still are a good source of food through the winter for birds and other wildlife. . When the berry does finally ripen it is likened to the size of a pea and are black or deep purple in color. They are not pleasant to taste and have a slightly resinous smell.

Although the ornamental covering that Ivy lends to the objects it climbs, left untended, it can become an aggressive invader. It can not only harm the tree it is connected to but alto others. Growing untended in the woods its dense growth and abundant leaves form a thick canopy that can keep the sunlight from reaching other plants below.

In early times ivy leaves were often given to cattle for food yet it was not something that they enjoyed eating. Likewise deer and other wildlife will eat them during winter only when there is nothing else. The wood that comes from Ivy is very soft and was seldom used. The wood is very porous and it was thought that it had the property of separating wine from water by filtration. Yet this was soon realized that the wood absorbed its color and the wine lost some of its flavor so it did not catch on.

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 - The Hazel Tree

eginning this Thursday, August 5th and continuing through September 1 is the Celtic month of the Hazel tree. The Hazel is considered a tree of knowledge especially in Ireland. The nuts from the Hazel are considered to be a symbol of great mystical wisdom. There are 15 different species of the Hazel tree. The fruit which comes from the Hazel is the filbert nut or hazel nut as it is more commonly known.

The Hazel is more like a large shrub then a tree. Its average height is 12 to 20 feet. It is another tree like the Willow which prefers to live in damp places such as near ponds or streams. The nut which comes from the tree though will do better if it is grown where the land has good drainage.

The wood of the Hazel is a whitish red and has a close and even grain. Such items as walking stick, fishing rods, and baskets are often made from the wood. Another use is after the wood has been burned , the charcoal is used in the making of crayons and gunpowder.

The flowers of the Hazel appear in January, although sometimes they have been seen as early as October if they reside in the right climate. Both men and female flowers appear on the same tree yet in different and distinct clusters.

An Irish legend concerning the Hazel has been passed down through the ages. It is associated with the River Shannon. It is said that Connla’s Well which is at the foot of Culicagh mountain in County Cavan which is believed to be the source of the River Shannon. The well is said to be surrounded by nine Hazel trees, which produce both flowers and fruit (representing beauty and wisdom). As the nuts fall into the well, the salmon that live in the well then feed on them. The number of nuts that each salmon eats will then become the number of spots that will appear on their bodies. The salmon which come from the River Shannon are prized by fishermen. Many believe them to possess great wisdom because of the knowledge they received due to the nuts of the Hazel tree.

Celtic Tree Lore - The Hawthorne

awthorne comes from the Anglo-Saxon word, haegthorn which means hedge thorn and the Old Saxon word haw which means hedge. Beginning May 13th and continuing through June 9th, the Celtic Tree Month of the Hawthorne takes place. For many years, the Hawthorne has lined the hedge groves of England. In the Middle Ages it was referred to as the May tree. It was called this because of the blooms that covered the tree during the month of May. Garlands of the blossoms were hung over doorways during the Beltane celebration.

The Hawthorne is part of the triad of faerie trees. Ash and Oak being the other two. They are said to represent the three realms of underworld, middle world, and upper world. All three trees are often used for the traditional Maypole which is an important part of the Beltane celebration. Hawthorne is also one of the nine sacred woods for a sabbat fire in which it represents purity.

Although the Hawthorne was highly celebrated during the month of May and Beltane, it was considered unlucky at any other time of the year. This was due largely to the early Christian church in its attempts to sway pagans away from their pagan ways. With the Hawthorne’s close ties to the faeries the priest would manipulate so called faerie pranks into evil misdeeds. Drawing the pagans away from the actual Beltane festivities was another thing, as it was a time to celebrate the sexual union of Goddess and God and sexuality in general. It was not as easy to convince the pagans to not participate.

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