The Elder Tree

The elder trees ruling time is within the cycle of the thirteenth moon. This is also the end of the old year at the time of Samhain. This is where the elder derives its symbolism of endings and/or death. In this same vein, the druids and ancient Celts recognized the elder had natural banishing abilities. The essence of its leaves, and the odor of its pretty white flowers were proven to ward off pesky insects. This origin might have been expanded upon in Celtic lore where we learn branches were hung over doors to ward off evil spirits.

Right on the heels of its associations of banishment and death come the elder's attributes of rebirth and renewal. The elder earns its symbolism honestly as it has long been recognized as a prized medicinal tree. Everything from bark to berries has been used to treat all manner of ailments. The ancient Celtic people recognized its healing abilities and honored the elder for the gifts of good health.

Nature Connection:

• It is known as a trans-formative Celtic symbol because it is associated with the realm of fairies. Celtic lore indicates that if you stand near an elder tree at Midsummer's Eve, the land of the fairies will be revealed to your searching eyes. 

The Blackthorn

Among the Celts, this sacred tree was considered a portent of challenges ahead, but with the promise of improvement once we push through those challenges. The druids recognized that portents struggle intuitively in the formation of the blackthorn tree's growth. This tree has some wicked thorns that are ominous looking at best. When cut by these thorns the human flesh can turn septic quite rapidly.

In Autumn, the blackthorn turns a sulfurous yellow and when these leaves drop they expose a contorted body. This mangle imagery brought the concept of strife and suffering to the Celtic mind. These visual observations made the blackthorn a symbol of the spiritual life we shrink back from. When the blackthorn showed itself in oracle practices, it could be considered as a portent of war, illness or discouragement. It was a sign to get ready and brace yourself.

On the contrary, the Celts observed that this tree produced some of the sweetest berries among the sacred tribe of trees. However, these berries were at their most succulent after a hard frost. Again, we see symbolism of strife, but in this light we are shown that the blessing comes after the challenge. 

The blackthorn shows us that our very best fruits will come after major trials, setbacks, and tribulations. We we would do well to keep this in mind as we are in the midst of our challenges; we will come out on the other side better and sweeter than we were before.

Nature Connection:

• The blackthorn is a message that preparation is often the best solution for any difficulty. When we encounter the blackthorn in our experiences, it is time to honor the bounty we already have, and take practical measures to tie up any loose ends we might trip over in the future. The message of the blackthorn should not be observed as gloom. Rather, it can be a message of opportunity if we embrace our experiences as an avenue for growth.

The Reed

Today we may not classify the reed as a tree, but in the time of the ancient Celts their landscape held prolific reeds in swamp areas; some growing up to twenty feet tall. The druids considered the reed extremely important.

The reed was used for many purposes by the Celts. Specifically, they would weave reeds together to make thatched roofs on their homes, which may have lasted up to a decade or more. This is where the reed obtains its symbolism of protection. It is also a natural insulator, and the Celts honored it highly during cold, wet months. When macerated, the reed gives off a faint sweet smell. Because of this, this Celts would lay out pressed reeds as flooring in their homes to deodorize. This was also a practice of cleansing and purifying homes.

The reed gets its symbolism of communication from several sources. In the hands of a good craftsman, a reed would make a fine whistle, flute or recorder. These were highly prized amongst the people, particularly bards. Through these flutes and music the spiritually like-minded Celts would communicate amazing worlds of vision, heroism, and beauty.

Nature Connection:

• When the wind blow through a field of reeds, if you are still enough, you can hear a song meant just for your ears. If you've ever had the pleasure of hearing it, you know it is an eerie experience. The Celts viewed this as an Otherworld voice, and considered it a message of powerful importance.

They Ivy

Similar to the vine, the Celtic meaning of the vine deals with growth, renewal, friendship, connection and opportunity. It is also a symbol of vibrancy, as the druids admired its bright green hue. Often, sprigs of ivy would be woven into chain necklaces or head adornments to represent clarity of thought. 

The ivy gets its symbolism of connections and friendships because of its propensity to interweave in growth. The ivy is an example of the twists and turns our friendships take; but also a testimony to the long-lasting connection and bonds we form with our dear friends that last over the years. Another tribute to friendship, as well as the test of time, is the ivy's ability to grow in challenging environments. The ivy is incredibly durable and can withstand harsh conditions. This is symbolic of our ability to stand by our friends, no matter what.

 Nature Connection:

• As a symbol of survival and determination, the ivy seems to be virtually indestructible and will often return after it has suffered damage. This is an example of the human spirit and the strength we all have to carry on, regardless of how harrowing our setbacks may have been.

The Vine

The druid meaning of the vine in Celtic lore is ripe with symbolism. The druids classified anything with a woody stalk as a tree. Grapevines are more likely to come up in conversation when discussing this topic, however, it was more likely the blackberry vines captured the hearts of the ancient Celts. In the druid perspective, the vine earned its symbolism from its growth patters. They recognized the vine grows opportunistically, and would dig-in wherever feasible in order to gain a strong foothold to assure its own growth.

In spite of the philosophical urgings to take things as they may come, the thorns of these vines are symbolic of defending or protecting ourselves when necessary. The vine is a theme repeated over and over in Celtic art. Interconnections and winding vines are commonly seen on tapestries, writings, knot work, and carvings. Since the ever-watchful Celts discovered the predominant growth pattern of the vine, they associated it with they symbol of eternity and renewal. Being, as the vine seems to grow in a spiral. Cool, huh!

Nature Connection:

• The vine is a powerful metaphor of "going with the flow" or "growing where you are planted." It is a message that when we observe the best of our environment and stay in a relaxed, flowing state of mind, we will be more likely to gain our highest advantage.

The Apple Tree

For obvious reasons the ancient Celts considered the apple tree a treasure. It's brilliant blooms, ranging from pink to white, have a light of aroma that lifts the spirits of all who pass by. The ancient Celts would decorate bedchambers with the apple blossoms as a fertility gesture and tribute to the beauty and bounty life provides.

After the glory of the blossoms come the fruit of the apple. Druids recognized the powerful trans-formative qualities experienced when consuming the apple. It was thought the fruit could transport the eater to other worlds, typically of a paradise. Further altered states could be induced by pressing the apples and allowing them to ferment over time, thus producing a hard cider.

Even the formation of the trunk, in various poses, was said to have a female form to it and was considered a beacon of fertility. The wood of the apple tree was often burned during fertility rites and festivals carried out in the winter months. These were demonstrations to beckon bountiful abundance upon the return of spring as well as symbolically insure a healthy and long-lasting ancestry.

Nature Connection:

•  The Celts recognized all of the features of the apple tree and viewed it as pleasing in every way. It was even a symbol of creation, as well as an emblem of art and poetry. The meaning of the apple tree is also associated with virtue and the tree is a symbol of motherhood.

The Hazel Tree

One look at the hazel tree and it's easy to see why the Celtic meaning deals with creativity, and why the druids held it in such high regards. The hazel's unusual branch formations make it a delight to ponder, and was often used for inspiration in art, as well as poetry. 

The bards, ovates and druids of the Celtic day would intently observe its crazy branches. Doing so would lead them into other worlds of delightful fantasy. Similar to the way our modern imaginations can be captured by a good movie, the creative Celts were artistically motivated by the seemingly random and wild contortions of the hazel.

A more commonly known fact is that the hazel is considered a container of ancient knowledge. Ingestion of the hazel nuts is proposed to induce visions, heighten awareness, and lead to epiphanies. The legend of Fionn MacCumhail tells of his gaining the wisdom of the universe by simply coming in contact with the essence of the hazel nut.

He did this through the salmon, which were known to eat the hazel nuts that  dropped around a sacred pond encircled by nine hazel trees. It was fabled that from their diet of the nuts, the salmon were keys to infinite knowledge. Fionn burned his finger while preparing a soup of these very salmon. Instinctively, Fionn thrust his finger in his mouth to soothe the burn and by this slight contact he became enlightened.

Interestingly, today we find that the hazel nut has proven to be a brain food. The nut, itself, contains double the protein and healthy fats making it a natural nourishment for brain function.

Nature Connection:

• When you are creatively stuck or your intellectual growth seems stagnate, call upon the energy of the hazel tree. Better yet, eat a few hazelnuts, or make a necklace from them. Often, such necklaces were worn for protection as well as to illicit visions.

The Holly

The Celtic meaning of the holly deals with ruling the wintery realms with style, dignity and honor, even in the midst of a great challenge. Just as the oak tree is the king of the green realm and ruler of the lighter half of the year, the holly is its counterpart. Holly is the ruler of the white realm, the king of the darker half of the year. When all other creations have lost their blush and gone formant for the winter, the holly can be found brightly verdant against the stark white landscape. This serves as a symbolic reminder of many beatitudes.

The ancient Celts would bring holly into their homes for their bright, cheerful disposition. They were also considered a symbol of good luck. Just as the oak attracts lightning, holly repels lightning. It was often planted around homes for protection from lightning, and for this reason it is viewed as a symbol for protection. Interestingly, science has actually discovered the distinct leaf-shape of the holly acts as a natural repellant for electric energy, making the holly's protective significance more than just lore.

As the ruler of winter, the holly is also associated with dreams and the subconscious. Druids would often invoke the holly energy for assistance in dream work as well as spiritual journeying.

Nature Connection:

• When you are feeling the walls of life cave in on you, call upon the holly. Invoke its protective qualities and you will soon find you no longer need to be on the defensive. The holly will protect and bolster you to victory.

The Magnificent Oak

The oak tree is considered a cosmic storehouse of wisdom embodied within its own strength. Ancient Celts observed the oak's massive growth and impressive expanse. They took this as a clear sign that the oak was to be honored for its endurance and noble presence.

Anciently, wearing oak leaves was a sign of special status among the Celts. Today we see artistic renditions of the "Leaf Man" in which a man's face is covered in leaves. This is an evolution of lore that dates back to earth based spirituality in which the regal power of the oak was recognized and honored.

There are accounts that trace the name "druid" to duir, the Celtic term for the oak. More interestingly, the actual translation of duir is door. History indicates the spiritually advanced Celts would access the ethereal planes of higher thought.

The oak's status was, and still is, undeniable. Further merit to its regal presence is its tendency to attract lightning. This was considered hugely powerful among the ancients and is associated with one of their foremost gods, Dagda. (I'll be introducing a new page for gods and goddesses.) The oak is a life-affirming symbol due to its attraction, size, and longevity; Oaks are known to easily surpass 200 years of age.

Nature Connection

• The oak is a living legend representing all that is true, wholesome, stable, and noble. When you are in need of stability and strength in your life, envision the oak in your minds eye. (This is good for meditation practice.) Picture yourself drawing into its endless energy waves; soon, you find yourself sharing its power. Live your life as the oak; become generous with your gifts and, like any good ruler, share your bounty with others.

The Hawthorn

The Celtic meaning of the hawthorn tree deals with balance and duality. The hawthorn is full of contradictions, none of which went unnoticed by the soul-minded Celts. In May, the hawthorn is all its glory of bloom and growth. Its blossoms are nestled tightly among the hawthorn's large and lethal looking thorns. Here we see the first of several juxtaposition, giving this tree/shrub its colorful reputation in history.

Being excellent herbalists and botanists, ancient Celts understood the superior medicinal value of hawthorn leaves and blossoms. However, it was considered a bad omen to bring its branches inside the home. This is largely due to the smell of cut branches (being the same as decaying flesh. We see witness of life-giving aspects as well as associations of death within the same symbolic tree. Weird, right?

Ironically the hawthorn is imbued with male energy, however, it is historically a symbol of fertility and associated with the female goddess form. So, what do all of these contradictions mean? The hawthorn is a standing testament to the idea of duality: it is a perfect depiction of the yin/yang concept.

The Celts understood the power of balance. They also knew that what could not be attributed to specific outcomes indicated a great source of magic. In other words, that which cannot be explained contains immense power.

Nature Connection:

• The hawthorn is to be respected in all its diversity and duality. It is a symbol of union of opposites, and serves as a message for us to be more accepting of the unconventional.

The Willow Tree

The Celtic meaning of the willow has a long history of symbolism associated with metaphysical and ritual practices. Traditionally, the willow was and is used in ceremonies intended for enhancement of psychic abilities. Many uses and associations can be traced back to our Celtic ancestors' observations of the willow tree in their natural environment. Druid priests, dryads, bards and ovates all recognized the willow's affinity to watery domains.

The willow also carries a deep association with the moon; another powerful symbol of intuitive energy. This is easily seen when we recognize the moon's influence over the waters of the earth; it moves the tides, pulling fluids to and fro with her own wax and wane.

Upon recognizing these natural unions, ancient Celtic spiritual leaders considered the willow a container for water/moon attributes and thus utilized its wood and branches to invoke deeper connections to their intuitive purposes. The Celts understood that the willow was instrumental in bringing about psychic visions that produced a clearer understanding of the world in which they lived.

Another valuable traits of the willow is its flexibility. The willow is one of the few trees that can bend in outrageous poses without snapping. This is a powerful metaphor for those of us on a spiritual path. The message here is to adjust with life rather than fight it. Further testimony to its adaptability is the willow's ability to not only survive, but thrive in some of the most challenging conditions. The willow is a prolific grower, often taking root from a single branch that has fallen into some marshy bog.

Nature Connection:

• The willow reminds us to take heed of its lesson: Keep growing in stature and continue to reach higher, no matter where you are planted.

The Alder Tree

The Celtic meaning of the alder deals with giving and nurturing. Namely, its root system provides rich nutrients to the soil, more so than other trees. The alder can successfully restore poor soil conditions back to health. Primarily in wetlands, the alder's root system is often submerged in watery areas. The Celts observed their roots serving as intricate shelter systems to fish, specifically trout and salmon. The alder's leaves easily decompose in the water providing rich nutrients to all manner of water creatures.

These acts of generosity and shelter against harsh conditions can be translated in our own lives. By simply standing firm in our own positive environment, we can affect those around us in positive ways. By emitting our signals of tranquility and peace, we are enhancing the lives of other just by sheer association.

Within the realm of fire, the alder's coloring transmutes into a fiery orange after it is cut, indicating to the Celts that the alder secretly harbors sacred flame within its roots. Although a poor firewood, alder makes a pristine grade of charcoal and was perfect for steadily hot conditions utilized to forge fine Celtic weaponry.

Nature Connection:

• The alder reminds us that we have hidden powers within us that if tapped, proved magnificent resources that allow us to live out our highest ideals.

The Rowan

For its balance of beauty and hardiness, the rowan has long been honored by the Celts. They believed that the rowan spoke to them with a clear message: look deeper, see through the object before your eyes and you will encounter visions into the world beyond the one you physically know.

The wood of the rowan is traditionally used for divination tools and object such as runes and wands. Rowan branches are the prime choice for divining rods, and druids also crafted this wood into staffs. They maintained the rowan as a sacred container for protective energy. It resonates a high vibration that naturally transforms negative energies. This is why it is revered as a protective symbol.

We see more evidence of this protective energy in the white flowers of the rowan. Gorgeous, bold, and crisp, these white flowers are symbolic of cleansing and safekeeping. From these flowers, crimson berries bloom. At the base of each berry is a tiny five-pointed star, an ancient symbol of protection which lends further merit to the protective qualities of the rowan tree. These berries attract all kinds of songbirds and the Celts interpreted this as a positive omen; a blessing of goodwill, honor and peace.

The rowan is also incredibly diverse in its growth; often growing inside other trees, in craggy riverbeds, and in other seemingly impossible locations. This is a powerful analogy for us to find our divine connection in unorthodox places. Sometimes our highest calling is discovered when/where we least expect it.

Nature Connection:

• Call upon the energy of the rowan when you are in need of clarity in your current life situation, or protection from negative vibrations that you may be encountering. Consider the fresh vibrancy the rowan has to offer combined with the clean bright berries that seem to sing out cheerfully through the forest. Such visions and invocations will transform your own vibrations, causing you to see more light and promise infused in your days.

The Birch Tree

The birch tree is highly adaptive and able to sustain harsh conditions with casual indifference. Proof of this adaptability is seen in its easy and eager ability to repopulate areas damaged by forest fires or clearings. Bright and beautiful, the birch is a pioneer, courageously taking root and starting anew to revive the landscape where no other would before.

This is a powerful metaphor for our lives. The birch asks us to philosophically go where no other will venture. It asks us to take root in new soils and light our lives with the majesty of our presence. Paradoxically, while the birch is a brilliant symbol of renewal, it is also symbolic of stability and structure. The druids also held the birch as the keepers of long-honored traditions.

Associated with the sun, the birch tree is a solar emblem, and facilitates passion, energy, as well as growth. This solar association is paralleled when we learn the druids carried birch bark with them as kindling. Birch serves as a perfect fire-starter as it will start to burn even when damp. This makes it a prized fire starter over most other wood types.

Nature Connection:

• The druids believed the birch asks us to serve our fellow man with a fire in our hearts. In this respect, the birch reminds us that even if our spirits are dampened by the set backs in life, we can always catch fire from the spark of passions that drive us to divinity.