I love the beauty of the fall colors of trees, but did you know the ancients’ considered trees of mystical wisdom? They believed trees embodied the universe. Their branches represented the heaven, their trunks the earth, and the roots the underground. Some cultures believe trees to be animated and have souls. To cut a limb or fell a tree is to wound them and make the trees bleed. The person who injures the tree suffers the same fate in the form of sympathetic magic. Ancient Celt Druids and some early Germans had a strong affinity with trees and used clusters and groves as sites of worship. In Russia, Aspens laid on a grave of a witch prevent her spirit from riding out at night to terrorize people. Elderwood was used for wands and amulets against evil, but the person must ask its permission of the spirits that dwell in the tree before cutting it or will receive bad luck.
Trees are associated with the beginning of life, fertility, and mystical wisdom. In Scandinavian folklore, the Yggdrasil immortal tree of life exists in religion and myths. Sacred trees have been worshipped as dwelling places of deities and nature spirits. Oracles would go into oak groves and ask questions. They listened to the answers from the rustling and whispers of leaves. Tribes in Australia believe souls of the dead inhabit trees and are consulted for advice and wisdom. In Africa, pregnant women dress in clothes made from sacred tree bark to protect them against hazards of delivery.
Certain trees repel witches, fairies, and evil spirits and are fastened on doors, stables, and houses. These include ash, rowan, birch, hazel, holly, oak, hawthorn, and bay. In graveyards, yew and rowan are planted to keep spirits from wandering at night.
I’m not saying I agree with all this, but isn’t it fun to learn about history and lore during the Halloween season?
