For centuries, trees have held a profound place in human spirituality, especially within the realm of witchcraft and folk magic. Trees have been revered as symbols of life, growth, protection, and connection to the divine. Across different cultures, certain trees carry specific magical associations, and their wood, leaves, bark, and even roots are often used in spells, rituals, and divination. This blog delves into the mystical world of trees and their significance in witchcraft, including examples of their rich folklore.
So grab your broomsticks, Ninjas, and let's 'jump the hedge' and uncover the secret uses of trees in witchcraft, along with examples you may want to add to your gardens!
The mighty oak is perhaps the most revered of all trees in witchcraft, often symbolizing strength, endurance, and protection. The oak has long been associated with gods of thunder and sky, such as Thor in Norse mythology and Zeus in Greek mythology. The oak tree was considered sacred in Druidic tradition, and rituals were often performed in oak groves. You can see from the stature of oak trees and their sheer size why they are prized for their characteristic of strength when used in Witchcraft for wands or spells.
In witchcraft, oak wood is used for making wands, staffs, and protective talismans. Oak leaves and acorns are commonly used in spells for strength, stability, and grounding. The oak is believed to be a portal to the faerie realm, and offerings of acorns are made to honour the fae.
In Celtic mythology, the oak was known as the "King of the Forest" and was believed to grant protection and wisdom. Druids considered the oak to be a source of divine knowledge, and mistletoe growing on an oak tree was thought to hold the ultimate magical properties. Druids would harvest the mistletoe with golden sickles during special ceremonies.
Now, I'm not saying everyone has the space to grow an oak tree. In fact, given their size, I would recommend not planting actual oak trees in most urban gardens. But why not consider the smaller and easier-to-manage evergreen oak?
Growing evergreen oak, specifically the Quercus ilex or the Holm Oak, is relatively straightforward when provided with the right conditions. This tree thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It grows best in full sun. Once established, the evergreen oak is drought-tolerant and can withstand dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for warmer climates. It keeps its leaves all year round!
Regarding growth, Quercus ilex can reach an ultimate height of 15 to 25 meters and typically has a spread of 10 to 15 meters. This tree's growth rate is moderate, averaging about 30 to 60 centimetres per year, particularly in its early years.
The rowan tree, also known as the "Witch Tree" or "Mountain Ash," has a rich history in folklore as a protector against enchantment and evil spirits. With its vibrant red berries and delicate leaves, the rowan is often planted near homes and gardens to ward off negative energy.
In witchcraft, rowan wood is used to craft protective amulets and charms. Its berries and leaves are used in rituals to strengthen psychic abilities, enhance protection spells, and connect with otherworldly forces. Rowan is often considered a tree of life, bridging the gap between the human and spirit realms.
In Scottish folklore, rowan trees were planted near homes and livestock to keep witches and malevolent spirits at bay. A sprig of rowan was often carried as a protective charm, and rowan wood crosses were hung over doorways for protection. It was also believed that witches could not pass through a doorway that had been blessed with rowan.
Growing Sorbus, commonly known as rowan or mountain ash, refers to several species, including Sorbus aucuparia (European Rowan) and Sorbus americana (American Mountain Ash), which are super easy. They make great small garden trees, given their compact habit, ease of soil types and lack of pruning. So, if you're a beginner gardener or witch, then this is the tree for your garden!
Sorbus species can reach an ultimate height of 8 to 15 meters depending on the specific species and growing conditions. They produce clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by bright red or orange berries in Autumn, which attract various wildlife, or you can use them in making Sorbus jelly!
The elder tree is a sacred symbol in witchcraft, often associated with transformation, death, and rebirth. Known as a tree of healing and magic, the elder is believed to house powerful spirits and fae. It is considered deeply connected to the cycles of life and death, making it a potent symbol in rituals involving change, endings, and renewal.
Elderberries and elderflowers are used in potions and brews to promote healing, protection, and purification. Elderwood wands are used in transformation, wisdom, and spiritual awakening spells. However, in many witchcraft traditions, cutting down an elder tree without permission from its spirit is considered bad luck.
In English folklore, the elder tree was believed to be home to the Elder Mother, a powerful and protective spirit. To cut wood from an elder tree, one had to ask the Elder Mother for permission or risk incurring her wrath. Elder branches were used to make protective charms, and the leaves were worn to guard against illness.
Growing elder trees, specifically Sambucus nigra (European Elder) and Sambucus canadensis (American Elder), is relatively easy for new gardeners. They shape well as small trees or shrubs and can be hard-pruned if they get too big. These wonderful little trees make a magical addition to any garden and can even be grown in containers if space is short!
Elder trees can reach an ultimate height of 3 to 6 meters and typically have a spread of 2 to 4 meters. Their growth rate is fast, averaging about 60 to 120 centimetres annually, especially in their early years. In late spring, they produce fragrant white flowers, which are followed by dark purple berries in late summer.
The willow tree is closely associated with the moon, water, and feminine energy. Its graceful, drooping branches and affinity for water make it a symbol of intuition, emotions, and healing. Willow trees are sacred to many goddesses of the moon and water, such as Hecate, Selene, and Artemis.
In witchcraft, willow wood is used in rituals for divination, dreaming, and enhancing psychic abilities. Its association with the moon makes it a powerful tool for those who work with lunar cycles and water magic. Willow branches can be woven into protective talismans or used in love and healing spells.
In European folklore, willow trees were thought to possess the ability to speak to those who listened closely. It was believed that the wind passing through the willow's branches could carry messages from the spirit world. Witches would sit beneath willows to receive guidance and prophetic dreams, making the tree a potent symbol for divination.
Willow trees are renowned for their fast growth rate, often reaching heights of 10 to 15 meters within just 5 to 10 years. Under optimal conditions, willows can grow up to 1.5 meters per year, particularly during their initial growth phase, which staggers most gardeners! They thrive in moist, well-drained soils and prefer full sun, contributing to their rapid expansion. Their vigorous growth makes them particularly attractive for erosion control along riverbanks and shorelines.
However, despite their appealing growth characteristics, willow trees have some drawbacks. Their extensive root systems can become invasive, potentially damaging nearby structures, drainage systems, and underground utilities by drawing too much moisture out of the ground and causing settlement issues.
Additionally, willows are prone to certain pests and diseases, such as willow beetles and cankers, which can affect their overall health and longevity. Furthermore, their wood is relatively soft, making them more susceptible to wind damage and breakage, especially in severe weather conditions. Probably not for the small gardens but if you have a large garden with plenty of space and wet ground, let willow run rife!
The yew tree, Taxus baccata, has long been associated with death, rebirth, and immortality due to its longevity and ability to regenerate. Its dark, evergreen foliage and toxic properties have earned it a mysterious and revered place in many cultures. Yew trees are often found in churchyards and graveyards, symbolizing the connection between life and death.
In witchcraft, yew is used in rituals concerning death, transformation, and ancestral communication. It is also a symbol of eternal life, often used in magic to bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Celtic mythology considered the yew tree a gateway to the Otherworld. Its ability to regenerate from seemingly dead branches made it a symbol of resurrection. Druids would perform rituals under yew trees to communicate with the dead, seeking guidance and wisdom from their ancestors.
Yew trees thrive in well-drained soils and adapt to most common garden soil types, including sandy, clay, and chalky soils. It is not often grown in smaller gardens as they are quite blocky as an evergreen tree. They really need space and a sizable garden to be fully appreciated. Yews grow best in full sun to partial shade, with at least four hours of direct sunlight daily. Established yew trees are drought-tolerant, although young trees benefit from regular watering, particularly during dry spells.
In terms of size, yew trees can reach heights of 10 to 20 meters, depending on the species and growing conditions. The canopy typically spreads between 5 to 8 meters, giving them a dense and bushy appearance. If that puts you off, they make excellent hedge plants for evergreen boundaries.
Yew trees are characterized by their dark green, needle-like leaves and rich, red berries known as Arils,. These arils are attractive to birds but toxic to humans. Their longevity and ability to be shaped through pruning make yews popular choices for hedges, topiary, and ornamental landscaping. Yews live for hundreds of years, so it's once you plant one it is there for the foreseeable future!
Hawthorn, often referred to as the "Fairy Tree," is a sacred symbol in witchcraft, associated with protection, love, and fertility. The hawthorn is believed to be a favorite dwelling place of the fae, and harming or cutting down a hawthorn tree is considered a serious offense in many folk traditions.
In witchcraft, hawthorn blossoms are used in love spells and charms to promote fertility and passion. Its thorny branches are used in protective magic to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. Hawthorn is also a tree of May Day celebrations, symbolizing the renewal of life and love.
In Irish folklore, hawthorn trees were believed to be the gateways to the fairy realm. Cutting down or disturbing a hawthorn tree was thought to bring bad luck, and farmers would go to great lengths to protect any hawthorn trees growing on their land. The tree's association with Beltane, the Celtic festival of fertility, highlights its role in love and fertility rituals.
Hawthorn trees thrive in well-drained, loamy soils but are adaptable to various soil types, including clay and sandy soils. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, making them versatile and resilient for most UK gardens if you can tolerate their thorns! Great as a deterrent in the garden from unwanted intruders or neighbours' children.
While they grow best in full sun, they can also tolerate partial shade, which adds to their adaptability and will slow down their ultimate growth, which can be useful in small gardens. Regular watering is essential when the trees are young, but once established, they become relatively drought-tolerant, needing additional water only during prolonged dry periods. They are hardy trees and can withstand cold winters. For optimal growth, hawthorns should be planted at least 4 meters apart to allow for proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
In terms of size, hawthorn trees typically reach a mature height of 4-9 meters, depending on the species. They develop a broad, spreading canopy, with a spread of about 4 to 8 meters. With proper care and the right growing conditions, these trees form a dense, rounded crown, producing stunning spring blossoms and vibrant red berries in the fall.
The birch tree, with its distinctive white bark, is a symbol of purification, new beginnings, and renewal. In many cultures, birch trees are used in cleansing and purification rituals, sweeping away the old to make way for the new. Birch is associated with the goddess Brigid and is considered a tree of protection and rebirth.
In witchcraft, birch wood is used in brooms (besoms) for sweeping away negative energy, and its bark and leaves are used in purification rituals. Birch is often planted to bring good fortune and new opportunities.
In Norse mythology, the birch tree was sacred to Frigg, the goddess of motherhood and home. The birch was also one of the first trees to grow after the glaciers retreated, symbolizing renewal and hope. Witches would use birch branches to craft brooms for cleansing rituals, sweeping away negative energies and purifying sacred spaces.
Birch trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soils but can adapt to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Best suited to heavy wet soils though where they thrive! They are not fussy about light levels and can be planted in full sun or part shade. They require consistent moisture, particularly when young, and benefit from regular watering during dry periods, as they do not tolerate prolonged drought conditions.
In terms of size, birch trees can reach a height of 10 to 30 meters, depending on the species and growing conditions. Their canopy typically spreads to about 4 to 8 meters. Birch trees are known for their slender trunks and distinctive white or silver bark, which peels off in thin layers. With their elegant, airy form and attractive foliage, birch trees are a popular choice for both small gardens and show gardens like Chelsea Flower show, given their visual appeal and neat vertical habit.
The ash tree holds a prominent place in witchcraft and mythology, symbolizing connection, healing, and balance. Interestingly, the Latin name for the ash tree is Fraxinus excelsior. The word Fraxinus comes from the Latin word for "spear", which comes from ash wood used to make soldiers' spears. Its association with the World Tree or Yggdrasil in Norse mythology highlights its importance as a cosmic link between the realms of heaven, earth, and the underworld. Known for its resilience and strength, the ash tree is often used in spells to promote protection, health, and prosperity.
In witchcraft, ash wood is used to craft wands, staves, and magical tools that enhance communication, divination, and healing work. Ash leaves are often used in herbal sachets or as incense to promote protection and attract good fortune. The ash tree’s energy is thought to bring balance and harmony, making it ideal for rituals of grounding and spiritual connection.
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil, the World Tree, is often depicted as an immense ash tree connecting the nine worlds. It is said that Odin hung himself on Yggdrasil for nine days and nights to gain the knowledge of the runes, symbolizing sacrifice and enlightenment. In English folklore, ash trees were believed to cure illnesses. People would pass sick children through a split ash tree in the hope of healing them, believing that the tree would absorb the sickness and promote recovery.
Ash trees are known for their super fast growth rate, especially in their early years, which is why you see them springing up in woodlands almost overnight. Under optimal growing conditions, they can grow between 60 to 90 centimetres per year. This rapid growth is typically observed in young ash trees, particularly when they are planted in well-drained, fertile soils with plenty of sunlight.
As they mature, the growth rate may slow down slightly, but healthy ash trees can still reach full maturity heights of 15 to 30 meters, depending on the species and environmental factors. With proper care, including regular watering and appropriate spacing, ash trees can establish a robust structure and develop a dense canopy. They generally achieve their full height within 20 to 30 years, making them popular for those seeking quick-growing shade trees for landscapes or forests. Especially if you need privacy in a garden, but be warned these trees are not for small urban garden spaces!
The hazel tree is a powerful symbol of wisdom, inspiration, and divination in witchcraft and Celtic mythology. Known for its association with sacred wells and the Salmon of Wisdom in Irish legend, the hazel tree embodies the pursuit of knowledge and mystical insight. Hazel wands are highly valued for channelling energy and enhancing psychic abilities.
In witchcraft, hazel nuts are often used in spells to increase fertility, manifest desires, and promote prosperity. Hazel rods or branches are used in dowsing and divination practices, as they are believed to detect hidden energies and water sources. The hazel tree’s connection to inspiration and knowledge makes it a powerful ally for those seeking enlightenment and guidance.
In Irish mythology, the hazel tree is associated with the Well of Wisdom, where nine magical hazel trees drop their nuts into the water, feeding the Salmon of Knowledge. It is said that whoever eats the salmon gains all the world’s wisdom. In folklore, hazel rods were used by witches and wise women to find hidden things, such as water, minerals, or lost items, through the practice of dowsing. Hazel nuts were also carried as charms to promote wisdom and protect against evil.
Hazel trees love damp or even heavy clay soil and will thrive in tricky sil types, making them great garden trees. They can be grown as multistem trees or single canopy trees, which will appeal to the garden designer in you!
In terms of size, hazel trees usually reach a height of 3 to 8 meters, depending on the species and growing conditions. They typically have a bushy, rounded form with a canopy spread of about 3 to 5 meters. Hazel trees are notable for their attractive, serrated leaves and produce edible nuts known as hazelnuts, which are highly valued for their flavour and nutritional content. Their ability to regenerate from coppicing, where they are cut back to ground level, makes them popular in traditional hedge-laying and sustainable forestry practices.
If this witchcraft guide to trees has lit a spark of interest, why not learn more about how to design your own garden?
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Throughout the ages, trees have played a vital role in the practice of witchcraft, symbolizing wisdom, protection, transformation, and the cycles of life. Whether used in spellcraft, as guardians of the spirit realm, or as sacred symbols in folklore, trees provide a deep connection to nature’s magic. From the protective rowan to the mystical elder, the world of trees offers endless enchantment and spiritual guidance for those who walk the path of the witch.
On an ecological note, it is important that we continue to plant trees, even in small urban gardens, to help reduce climate change and flood risks. There really is a small tree in every garden. So where will this new knowledge take you, Ninjas?
Blessed be!
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