Trees and Their Symbolism

Apple - magick, youth, beauty, and happiness

Wands made from the wood of an apple tree are used to draw magick circles, and the fruit is used in love magick, Voodoo love charms, fertility charms, divinations, and immortality spells

Ash - sacrifice, sensitivity, and higher awareness

In Ireland, wands made of ash were used by the Druids in their magickal rites. Ash rods were used to magickally cure diseases in farm animals, draw magick circles, and keep serpents at bay.

Aspen - determination, overcoming fears and doubts

Beech - tolerance, past knowledge, softens over-criticism

Birch - new beginnings, cleansing of past, vision quests

The birch is used in purification rites and weather-working. The Witch's besom (broomstick) was traditionally made of birch.

Cedar - healing, cleansing, protection

Cherry - death and rebirth, new awakenings

Cherries are used in love spells, aphrodisiacs, and healing magick.

Cypress - understanding of role of sacrifice

The cypress is the symbol of the immortal soul, death, and sorrow. Its seeds were eaten to acquire strength, health, and youthfulness; and its fruit has been used in folk medicine.

Elder - birth and death, renaissance of Faerie Realm

The elder tree has always been associated with Witches and magick. In Ireland, elder sticks were said to be used by Witches as "magick horses." The Druids used wreaths of elder flowers as Beltane altar decorations and to keep evil influences away. All parts of the elder tree have been used in folk medicine. The Native Americans called it the "tree of music" and made magickal flutes from its branches.

Elm - strength of will, intuition

In England, the elm was associated with elven folk. It has been used by the santeros of Santeria in the casting of magickal spells.

Hazel - hidden wisdom, dousing, and divination

The hazel tree has always been associated with Witches (hence, "witch-hazel"). It is known as the "Tree of Wisdom" and is used in magick spells for immortality, protection, and healing. Hazel wands were believed to possess divinatory powers and have long been used by dowsers to locate water and treasures.

Heather - healing from within, immortality, and initiation

Holly - protection, overcoming of anger, spiritual warrior

Maple - balance, promis, practical expression of psychic

The maple tree is the symbol of reserve.

Oak - strength and endurance, helpfulness, continuity

The oak was regarded by Socrates as an "oracle tree" and was the most sacred of trees to the ancient Celtic Druids who believed its leaves to have powers to heal and renew strength. Acorns were eaten by Druids to prepare for prophesying.

Palm - protection, peace, opportunity

The palm is the Tree of Life and the dwelling place of the Goddess in many ancient myths. It is used in fertility rites and Santeria weather-working magick.

Pine - balance of pain and emotions, creativity, life, longevity, and immortality

Pine trees are often used by Witches in Europe and the US for protection, healing, and love spells. Pine incense is commonly used in counter-magick and purification rites.

Willow - magick, healing, inner vision, and dreams

Wands made of willow are excellent for use in healing rituals and moon-magick Some believe that the word "witch" originated from the ancient word for "willow" which meant "to bend."