Correspondence Activity: Research and list your local flora.
Flora of Northern Texas, Part 1
The most common tree to be found in Northern Texas is the Cedar Elm tree. It is a deciduous tree native to Southern North America and is seen in countless areas of Texas. This is the only tree that flowers and seeds in Fall in the area as well. Folk names include the “Elven Tree” and simply Elm too. The name “Elven Tree” comes from it having been noted to be a tree that was used for coffins commonly, but most importantly it is in folklore seen in the Underworld or at crossroads leading to the land of faerie.
It’s correspondences include Mercury and Saturn, the colour turquoise, the element of Water, and communication and relationships.
Medicinally, Elm is known to aid in menstrual pains if drinken in tea or added to external wounds. It also aids cold, cough, diahreha and internal bleeding if an infusion from the inner bark is used.
Metaphysically, it aids in balancing of the heart and attracting love, protection, and aids in sharpening psychic abilities. Carrying it can attract love, but also protect from lightning strikes supposedly.
----
One of the largest types of trees, an evergreen, the Live Oak is common in North Texas. To the point we often even have streets named ‘Elm’ and ‘Oak’ in many cities in Texas. (Both Denton and Dallas feature “Live Oak St.” and “Oak” and “Elm” streets.) They commonly stand up to 50 feet tall and have stout trunks of 4 feet in diameter. They love well-drained soil and appreciate dryer areas. Formally used in shipbuilding for how sturdy their wood is as well as wagon wheel hubs. Nowadays you primarily see it used as a landscaping tree for its great amount of shade that it provides. The Texas specific species, Live Oak, is actually smaller than most Oak trees and also are multi-trunked typically. They have prized naturally curved limbs of great beauty. It’s roots mimic it’s upper part as however large and long the top is, is how deep and vast the roots are below.
It’s correspondences include Jupiter, Mars, the element of Water, the symbolism of sovereignty, rulership, power, strength and endurance, generosity, protection, justice, nobility, honesty and bravery. Associated with the colour Gold as well as the metal Gold. This is the tree most associated with The Green Man mythos. It’s Sabbat is the Summer Solstice. Folk names include “Jove’s Nuts” and “Juglans.”
Medicinally, in its bark carries strong astringent properties. Internally it helps diarrhea and dysentery. It can externally be used to treat hemmorhoids, inflamed gums, and wounds or eczema.
Magically/metaphysically, they say to dream of resting under an oak tree means you will have a long life and wealth. Climbing one means your dreams means one’s relative will have a hard time in the near future. Fallen oak in dreams corresponds to loss in love. - Carrying and acorn from an Oak tree will aid in fighting off illnesses, pains, and is symbolic for immortality. Carrying any piece of oak draws in good luck as long as one asks for permission and shows gratitude to the Oak. It also is a tree associated with the boosting of energy levels and the ability to manifest our goals. Oak was also the traditional wood burnt at Litha. Oak trees are considered metropolises for fae folk. Some say the oak is one of the most powerful and sacred of trees.
---
An evergreen tree that keeps its foliage year round as well, the Eldarica is fond of dry and hot areas like North Texas. They also tolerate cold climates too, so fit right in to Texas’ oddball weather patterns where we sometimes get incredibly bitter cold winters that shift back to insanely hot at Spring and Summer. They grow between 30 feet and 60 feet tall with a spread of 25 to 40 feet at maturity. They give off a delicate mild fragrance and are commonly planted as wind breaking plants, though they are the most open and airy tree to be native to North Texas. It is known as the Afghan, Mondel, Elder or Calabrian pine as well in history.
Correspondences include the planet Mars, the elements of air and fire, the stone of Emerald and symbolism of birth, abundance, health, fertility, fortune, and love. Its colour is black. It also is associated with the rune “K” or Kenaz. Other folk names for it include the “Windmill Palm” or the “Blume (dragon’s blood)”
Medicinally, it is an antiseptic, expectorant and tonic. Infusion of the needles makes for an inhalent to relieve congestion. Needle tea can also aid with healing the bladdar and urinary tract, as well as kidney problems. The needles and shoots are rich in vitamin C. Cones and needles in the bath helps with breathing disorders, skin issues and rheumatic pain. It’s essential oil is used in aromatherapy for antiviral, antiseptic and bactericidal. It also doubles as a deodorant. Metaphysically medically, it is good to help with suffering of guilt or having a hard time being satisfied with one’s achievements. A renewal of energy can be gained from sitting under a pine tree and spending time meditating with it.
Magically, it attracts prosperity and purifies ritual areas and new homes. It helps one “Stay the course” during difficult times. A pine wand or pine cone kept on an altar will ward off evil influences. Carrying the pine cones will increase the fertility of one’s life (either in mind, creativity, or physical fertility.) It also aids against the pains of old age. Floor washes in pine oil cleanse a space of negativity and ward off illness. Throw pine needles into a winter’s fire for protection, or burn pine incense for purification and divination. Pine branches also help on the bed or under the bed to ward off sickness. Hanging a pine branch over the main door of your house also is known to ensure continuous joy within. The tree encourages taking the overview, encouraging objectivity and farsightedness as well as the importance of cleansing negativity.
In part 2, I will go over shrubbery and grasses.
