Ogham, the Celtic Oracle of the Trees, by Paul Rhys Mountfort, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, 2001Ĭeltic Tree Magic, by Elizabeth Pepper, The Witches Almanac, Ltd.Our appreciation of trees seems to peak in the autumn months as we witness the splendorous colour of leaves falling from broadleaf trees. The Book of Ogham, the Celtic Tree Oracle, by Edred Thorsson, Llewelyn Publications, St. The Wisdom of Trees, by Jane Gifford, Sterling Publishing, New York, 2001Ĭeltic Tree Mysteries, Secrets of the Ogham, by Steve Blamires, Llewelyn Publications, St. Tree Wisdom, The Definitive Guidebook, by Jacqueline Memory Paterson, Thorsons Publishing, San Francisco, 1996 The Heritage of Trees, History, Culture and Symbolism, by Fred Hageneder, Floris Books, Edinburgh, 2001 The Spirit of the Trees, Science, Symbiosis and Inspiration, by Fred Hageneder, Floris Books, Edinburgh, 2000 Warriors and Guardians: Native Highland Trees by Hugh Fife, Argyll Publishing, 1994 Gaelic Dictionary by Malcolm MacLennan, Acair and Mercat Press Publishers, Edinburg, 1979 Witches used Rowan to increase their psychic powers, for spells of healing, success, protection and often used the wood for their magic wands. Rowan is also called the Witch Tree, or Wicken Tree, and can be used for divining precious metals, just as hazel can divine water. Walking sticks made of rowan are used to protect the user from the spirits of the woods. Twigs tied in a cross with red thread are affixed to doors and barns to keep the inhabitants and livestock from being enchanted, saying this charm, ‘Rowan tree and red thread, will put witches to their speed’. In the Christian era, the twigs have been used for protection against witches, sorcery, negative magic and the Evil Eye. Rune staves were often cut from the rowan tree for amulets by the Norse people who invaded Scotland. However according to Elizabeth Pepper, Rowan is a Scottish word, derived from the Gaelic rudha-an, which means ‘the red one’. Most sources maintain that the word ‘Rowan’ is derived from the Norse word rune, which means charm or secret, and runa, which is Sanskrit for the magician. In America, the Rowan is usually referred to as Mountain Ash. Rowan is also associated with dragons and serpents – sacred Rowans were once guarded by dragons. Rowan is one of the nine sacred woods burnt in the Druids’ Beltaine fire. Ancient Bards considered the Rowan the ‘Tree of Bards’, bringing the gift of inspiration. The Druid Ovates and Seers burnt Rowan in rites of divination and to invoke spirits, and Druids used Rowan wood in rites of purification. The Druids burnt Rowan on funeral pyres, for it also symbolized death and rebirth. It was one of the trees sacred to Druids and used for protection against sorcery and evil spirits. Rowan twigs were placed above doorways and barns to protect the inhabitants against misfortune and evil spirits. Modern interpretations of the Celtic Ogham place Rowan, called Luis, as the sacred tree of February. Scottish Fairies were said to hold their celebrations within stone circles protected by Rowan trees. Rowan trees planted near stone circles in Scotland were especially powerful. Spindles and spinning wheels were traditionally made of Rowan in Scotland and Ireland. Rowan is one of the trees associated with Saint Brighid, the Celtic patroness of the arts, healing, smithing, spinning and weaving. ‘Scottish tradition does not allow the use of the tree’s timber, bark, leaves or flowers, nor the cutting of these, except for sacred purposes under special conditions.’ (Fife) The Rowan tree is one of the most sacred trees in Scottish folk tradition.
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