Earth Magic: Trees as Magical Allies Part 1

This post was written as part of a series on Elemental Earth Witchcraft. The term Earth Witch is used within the post, but can apply to any person who works with nature and the earth on a spiritual/magical level, and most definitely can include both Vanatru an other heathens. 


Tree Magic
 
Yggdrasil, The World Ash 
          The tree is a natural living object which is perhaps most symbolic of the earth and its elemental energy. In myths from around the globe, the tree is depicted as a structure of support for the cosmos and the realms which reside within it. It is also deeply connected to the concept of fecundity and the flow of energy and life in the natural world. The image of the split section of the tree illustrates the cycles of the earth, and the cyclical movement of creative energy from dormancy to full bloom, life to death.

          Outside of the potent power of its symbolism, the earth witch realizes that each tree possesses a spirit and personality of its own. Wood sprites, tree wights, alfar and elves have all been associated with trees throughout pagan history. These folkloric creatures of the trees illustrate the concept that the living tree has some form of conscious intelligence. Even modern science has illustrated the responsiveness of plants to sound, speech, and emotion. Though much subtler in nature that our human consciousness, the earth witch realizes that these spirits can still communicate and interact with us in many ways.

          In earth based magic, we must remember that the living tree is a direct tap to the energy of the earth itself. It is sustained by it through the roots, and without its complex system of roots it will wither and die. As a result of this, the tree can become a natural source of energy for those who practice earth based magic. Of course we must remember that any relationship is a give and take. To simply demand energy without building a relationship of respect and partnership with it is unconscionable, not to mention impossible. If we believe that a tree has a conscious spirit, then naturally they also possess conscious choice. To demand energy from them would be much the same as going up to a stranger and demanding money for no reason. Foolhardy, to say the least.

          To an earth witch, a special tree is like a special friend. They may feed us energy and at times assist us in magical workings, but the benefits go far beyond the practical. Tending and caring for a tree can be quite meditative, and their company is among the gentlest and most comforting one might find. Listening to their silent speech and movements awakens our suppressed intuition. Their voices are whispers of wisdom which slide effortlessly into our psyche. To find a friend in a tree is one of the most basic of ways to connect with the energy of the earth, and learn to feel and manipulate that energy to our own will.

Connecting with Tree Spirits
There are many ways to initiate a relationship with a particular tree that you feel attracted to and wish to work with in the magical sense, or simply find as a friend. The best ways to connect are subtle and constant, and one must also remember that the passage of time is much different to them than it is to us. Prolonged, regular contact and gestures of kindness for months or even years is often required to build a real working relationship with a tree spirit.

Simple gestures speak most clearly to them. Any efforts to increase the health or well being of the tree are best. Some ideas include:

v Clear away any weeds or plants at the base which may stress or strain the root systems of the tree.
v Remove any parasitic plants which have grown or covered the visible parts of the tree.
v Trim away any dead or withered limbs which may be stressing the tree or hindering its growth
v Spread natural fertilizers or compost around the base of the tree, particularly during dormant seasons
v Plant a few bulbs or flowers near the tree, it will appreciate the company
v Offerings of water or other beverages are recommended, just make sure that your offerings don’t contain chemicals which may damage them.
v Speak to them, and listen. Touch them, and feel their energy. Simply sit with them in silence, their native language.

v Learn about the tree. What is its species? Is it male or female? Are there any simple things you can do to increase its health based on its natural characteristics?

This concludes Part 1. I will post Part 2 soon and explore some simply ways trees can become sources of energy for those who work with earth based magic and some simple techniques for healing in tandem with tree spirits. 

In Frith
Cena 


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