#treemonth

[thespiritualsoul]

Celtic Tree Month - The Rowan Tree

From Jan. 21st - Feb. 17

Irish Druids once considered the Rowan tree as 'The Tree of Life,' however it also represents astral travel, personal power, success, divination, psychic powers, working with the dead, and (especially) protection. A charm carved from the wood of a Rowan tree will keep the wearer from harm, even Norsemen used the branches to create rune staves of protection. Also, when searching or creating a wand, Rowan wood is considered very powerful. 

This Celtic tree month is all about psychic awareness and protection. The Rowan tree will help guide us closer to our spiritual selves as we seek connection with the other side. This tree has a bright and beneficial energy allowing for psychic insights and visions between the spiritual realms, whilst protecting us from negative energies/entities. 

Rowan tree fruit is used for many medicinal purposes including...

Fruit produces a Fehling's solution, which when mixed with other solutions provides for a blood sugar test

Tones tissues and reduces secretions and discharges

Increases secretion and elimination of urine

Fresh juice used as a gargle for hoarse/sore throat and inflamed tonsils

This is also a perfect time of year (along with Imbolc) to celebrate initiations, whether you become a part of a  new group, or wish to perform a self-dedication.

"O rowan fair, upon your hair how white the blossom lay! O rowan mine, I saw you shine upon a summer's day, Your rind so bright, your leaves so light, your voice so cool and soft: Upon your head how golden-red the crown you bore aloft!"

from The Two Towers, J.R.R. Tolkien

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Happy Rowan tree month! Be looking out for a self-dictation ritual within the next week and plenty of other Imbolc goodness!  

Sources: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/moonphasemagic/ss/Celtic-Tree-Months_3.htm http://www.faeriekeeper.net/faeriefestival0121.htm 

[thespiritualsoul]

Celtic Tree Month - The Elder Tree From Nov. 25 - Dec. 22

This period of the Winter Solstice represents a dark time when we may fall back onto past regrets within this year or still holding the weight from the long gone past. Regret is healthy, and has a purpose in life when used to create a learning opportunity for ourselves. No one on this earth is perfect, and with each mistake comes the opportunity to learn valuable life lessons.

The Elder tree teaches us to look back on past regrets and release them, which allows for healing and spiritual growth. It's healing powers release pent up negativity and replaces it with renewed wisdom and a heart full of love.

If you don't have an Elder tree near you...

Look for Elderberry tea, wine, preserves

Print out pictures for your altar, or set a picture as your background (as a reminder of it's significance)

Find an herbal remedy at your local organic store

Please remember that Elderberry's are poisonous until cooked!

An Elder Tree Spell to Release Regret

Find a quite place, then ground and center yourself through meditation. Focus your energy on the Elder tree through tea, wine, focusing on Elder tree photographs (perhaps light a red candle). Divide a piece of paper into two columns, writing your regrets from the previous year in the left column, and the lessons learned from the experience in the right column. Draw the Ogham symbol for the Elder (Ogham symbol Ruis, located on bottom left of image above) on the folded paper. Feel your regret empty from your heart into the paper. You may recite the following charm;

"Elder Tree, I now cast away All these regrets that stand in my way I summon your power and keep lessons learned As I banish regret my sorrow is spurned!" 

Take the paper and bury it outside in the earth. If you were drinking the Elder tea or wine, our some over the burial. As the paper becomes one with the earth, your regrets will dissipate and your heart will heal.

I really hope this helps some of you! This year has been a big stepping stone in my life and I have plenty of regrets to accompany it. So, if you're like me I suggest taking in the full potential of this time for renewal.