Fabulous Folklore: The Major Oak

The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, is one of our oldest trees.

It stands near the village of Edwinstowe and has been present during the age of the Vikings, the Battle of Hastings and over 50 monarchs, which is just incredible.

It is propped up by girders and planks, which sparked an interesting conversation between me and my friend: should this incredible tree be supported in this way, or should we let nature take its course?

What do you think?

Have you been to see the Major Oak? Maybe you have made friends with another very old tree? I’d love to hear your tree stories!

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Wing Maze
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Yew
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Rats Castle
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Broadbean

Witchy Quotes: Hermann Hesse - Wandering

“Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life.

A tree says: A kernel is hidden in me, a spark, a thought, I am life from eternal life. The attempt and the risk that the eternal mother took with me is unique, unique the form and veins of my skin, unique the smallest play of leaves in my branches and the smallest scar on my bark. I was made to form and reveal the eternal in my smallest special detail.“

~ Hermann Hesse 

NEXT - Witchy Quotes: Rae Beth - Hedgewitch
NEXT - The Woodland Trust's 2022 Tree of the Year
NEXT - Personal Magick: Talking to the Trees

The Woodland Trust’s 2022 Tree of the Year

On Friday I learned from @thewitchesstone that this tree - the yew from Waverley Abbey in Farnham, Surrey - has won The Woodland Trust’s #treeoftheyear 2022. @woodlandtrust

I’m particularly happy about this because it’s a tree that has featured heavily in my lifetime. I’m originally from this part of Surrey, and this tree, thought to be more than 750 years old, has watched over many happy picnics and family days out. I have even featured on the Goths Up Trees website in February 2012 cradled in the branches of this beauty - as seen in the photo below. @gothsuptrees

This tree won with an impressive 16% of the vote, and I’m not surprised; this tree seems to be known by many people near and far. The Waverley Abbey tree will now go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year 2023 contest.

Have you ever visited this tree?

Many people don’t realise that one of the scenes from zombie film 28 Days Later, where the fugitives enjoy a brief countryside idyll down in the southwest before heading up the M1 to Manchester, was filmed here. 

Photo submitted to Goths Up Trees by Neil Geddes Ward.

Fabulous Folklore: My Personal Story About Talking Trees

I thought I’d share a story I told back in 2020. It’s a very personal story about a tree.

It’s not the tree whose shadow is featured in the picture, but a beautiful Oak I met on a sacred site many moons ago. I say “met” because this is where it gets interesting. The tree spoke to me.

Before I go any further, I’d like to point out that I know this story will sound far-fetched to some, and that by omitting certain details detracts from its credibility; but I must recall the story in the way that feels right.

I was visiting a hill fort at a particularly difficult time in my life, but I was making the most of the beautiful day I had been gifted. The Sun was shining, the birds were singing, and despite things being tricky, I was otherwise enjoying life.

My then-partner wandered off to look at something, and I made my way over to the most beautiful of Oaks. I wanted to stand beneath it, touch its bark, and connect in with it; this majestic being.

I cuddled the tree with my arms, and said hello. In my mind I told the tree how beautiful it was, and I was relaying some one-sided chatter before asking the tree what I should about my current situation. I never expected an answer. It was at once the voice in my mind, but also the voice of something ~ someone ~ else, too.

I decided my imagination was playing tricks on me, but I was aware that there was no way I could think and talk inside my mind at the same time. I did what I think anyone else would do, and I asked their name, which the tree told me. Please do not ask me to repeat the name, because I have promised to keep it a secret.

We conversed a little longer, but not wanting to be greedy or “push my luck” I thanked the tree for its insight, and ended the conversation. I stayed a little longer under the tree, happy but stunned, before moving on. An experience I will never forget, but one I no longer find extraordinary - several plants have revealed information about themselves since.

When I got home I was shocked to discover that I could not find anything under that name on Google.

Has anything unexpected like that ever happened to you? Tell me your witchy stories.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Fairy Rings

Fabulous Folklore: The Evergreens of Yule

Evergreens symbolise eternal life, and for hundreds of years we have practised the art of bringing the outside, inside; hanging them in our windows and doorways.

But what are the Evergreens of Yule, the sacred plants of the Winter Solstice? Please note that some of these plants are very poisonous.

Holly 

A protective plant due to its spiky, barbed nature; holly is seen to guard against evil spirits, and is used to bring good luck to the home at Yule. Water infused with holly was once sprinkled on newborn infants for luck and protection (“holly water”), such is its magickal and protective qualities. Holly is sacred to Holle, a figure also known as Old Mother Frost, and represents everlasting light and life force energy. It is seen as a good luck charm for men.

Ivy 

A symbol of immortality, ivy is magickally paired to holly, as seen in the festive song “The Holly and the Ivy”. It is seen as a good luck charm for women, and with its spiral pattern of growth, ivy symbolises the concept of eternity. It is often fashioned into wreaths and garlands. Magickal correspondences for ivy include healing and protection.

Mistletoe 

Another decorative (albeit poisonous) herb for the home, magickal correspondences for mistletoe often include protection, love, fertility and health. Because it grows betweeen earth and sky, it is useful for all sorts of liminal workings, and is considered to hold deep magick. Hung from a doorway it is a useful tool for gathering kisses! It has long believed to be protective against fires, which is helpful during the winter season.

Pine 

Making their way into our homes as Christmas Trees, the branches of pines bring comfort and joy. Cones from pines have historically been gathered to be used as charms to increase fertility. Pine needles can be used in incense for purification and protection, and other common magickal associations related to pine include healing, fertility and abundance.

Yew 

A tree of regeneration and rebirth, the yew is associated with eternal life. It is also deeply connected to raising the dead, the ancestors and their spiritual realms (perhaps due to its extremely toxic nature). 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: The Winter Solstice
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Wren's Day (26th December)
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Yule Tree 

Fabulous Folklore: The Yule Tree

Evergreen plants and trees have always had a special meaning for people in winter. They represent eternal life. Ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows, and many folk believed they would keep away the things that people most often worried about - things like ghosts, evil spirits, witches and illness.

Gradually, sacred tree imagery was absorbed by the Christian church, and Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition. It was in the 16th century that Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

In Britain, the tradition of decorating churches and homes with evergreens at Christmas was long established, but the custom of decorating an entire small tree came much later. As a child Queen Victoria had been familiar with the Christmas tree tradition; and Prince Albert, the cousin she married, was German. In 1846, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were sketched in the Illustrated London News with their children, standing around a Christmas tree. This had a huge impact on the way Christmas was celebrated in Britain: being very popular royals what was done at court immediately became fashionable, and wealthy British middle-class families immediately followed suit. By the 1890s the fashion had spread overseas to the United States, and large trees were en vogue. 

For me, the tree represents a few things. A symbol of the season, it also reminds me that the days will start to get a minute longer a few days after Solstice, around the 25th/26th - hence “the son (Sun) is born”. It is also a symbol of unity - many different belief systems from all across the world hold a festival of light at this time of year.

Growing up, the tree always went up after my mum’s birthday, which is the 14th December. Once the tree was up, the festive season had begun. 

Do you have a Yule or Christmas tree? What colour are your decorations? Are your decorations up yet? Do you have any special family traditions?

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Yule Evergreens

Fabulous Folklore: Yew

                

Yews (Taxus baccata) are easily Britain’s oldest native trees. Yews are considered “ancient” when they reach their 900th birthday, and can live for thousands of years longer, up to about 3000 years old.

They are often found in church graveyards, our cemetery being no exception, due to churches being built on sacred pagan sites, and due to a spate of church building after the Norman Conquest, which led to many being planted. In fact, it is very rare to find very old specimens of yew outside of church grounds; this beauty (pictured) is a fine example, and is found within the grounds of Waverley Abbey, Surrey.

The yew has been associated with death and eternity by both Christians and Pagans; perhaps because of the length of time they live. The Druids held the yew sacred, observing new trunks being rooted where old branches touched the ground; symbolising the cycle of death and rebirth. Thankfully, the representation of everlasting life was largely forgotten by the 17th century, as it is noted that yews probably wouldn’t have survived the religious destruction of the Puritans. They are planted in a very deliberate manner in churchyards, in relation to funeral processions, and in our cemetery they are dotted along the paths, crowning the entrances to the chapels. The remains of Anglo Saxon churches suggests they were planted around the building in a circle.

Although poisonous, yews have a rich magickal history. Sacred to Hecate, the Yew was said to purify the souls of the dead as they entered the underworld of Hades, and it is one of the five sacred trees in Irish mythology.

It is popular for decorations at Yule; firstly because it is an evergreen, but also because the winter solstice represents the cusp between the season of death and the season of life, the days soon getting longer.

Yew should never be used by the lay herbalist due to its toxicity.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: My Personal Story About Talking Trees

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Evergreens of Yule

NEXT - The Woodland Trust's 2022 Tree of the Year

Fabulous Folklore: Oak Galls

Galls are defined as a growth on a plant that are caused by another organism. In the case of the Oak marble gall (pictured) found on pedunculate oaks, they are caused by a tiny wasp, Andricus kollari, which measures about 1.5mm long.

Around May or June a sexual female lays her eggs in the developing buds of an oak tree, usually in an immature or unhealthy specimen. Chemicals from the adult and the developing wasps cause the formation of the gall.

Oak apple galls are caused by Biorhiza polliza, and oak knopper galls are caused by Andricus quercuscalicis; two other types of wasp, producing two other types of gall.

Until the early twentieth century, oak galls were used in the production of ink. The Book of Magical Charms, a handwritten manuscript written in England in the seventeenth century, containing numerous passages regarding charms for things such as healing toothache, was written in oak gall ink.

Oak galls could also be used for divination. Three galls were dropped into a basin of water to see if a child was bewitched. If they floated, the child wasn’t enchanted, but if they sank, the child was.

They were also used to predict the weather. If a maggot was found inside on St. Michaelmas Day (29th September) the weather ahead would be pleasant. If a spider was found, ruined crops, if a wasp was found, moderate weather, and if nothing was found serious disease would occur all year.

Oaks are associated with my home town. I’m going to buddy these galls with some peridot to make a necklace or bracelet.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Oak Apple Day

Simple Magick: 25 Ideas for Creating a Forest Altar

Yesterday’s prompt for the @witch.with.me hashtag challenge was “Forests & Trees” and it got me thinking about the witchy things you can forage from the forest floor for use in spells and on altars:

Acorns 

Oak Galls 

Pinecones

Conkers 

Feathers

Ferns 

Rowan berries 

Leaves 

Twigs

Nuts 

Antlers

Bones 

Fur

Moss 

Stones

Remember to always follow the Countryside Code - respect others, protect the natural environment, and enjoy the outdoors.

To create a Forest Altar add to your foraged items:

Potted plants 

Shades of green and brown 

Deity statues, for example Herne the Hunter, Elen of the Ways 

Altar cloth with forest/trees/leaves/mushroom print 

Forest sounds - birds singing, wind blowing, rainforest, thunderstorms and rain

Green, brown and cream candles 

Table top fountain

Wooden candle holders and incense holders 

Green and brown crystals for example tiger’s eye and moss agate 

Musky incense such as sandalwood or patchouli

Have I forgotten anything? If so let me know in the comments! And if you found this post helpful don’t forget to Save it in the folder for later.

NEXT - Simple Magick: Using Black, Pink & White Salt in Witchcraft
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Evergreens of Yule 

Fabulous Folklore: The Battle of the Holly & Oak Kings

The rebirth of the Sun is such a huge cause for celebration that many witches mark the occasion by bringing the outside in; to signify the solar turning of the tides, and the return and commencement of the growing season. This is usually in the form of evergreens; plants that retain their green leaves throughout the year. Bay, holly, ivy, mistletoe, photinia, and cedar are all examples of evergreens, and many of them are symbolic in some way.

The holly is one such symbolic plant.

Stemming from Celtic mythology, but common in many folklore traditions, the Oak King and the Holly King - personifications of the winter and summer - are two brothers that rule over the land, sharing their rule. They are, in effect, two parts of the same thing; the waxing and waning of the yearly cycle of Earth.

The Holly King reigns from midsummer to midwinter - a waning period of increasing darkness - and represents darkness, destruction, and decay.

At Yule, the Oak King, Lord of the Summer, representing expansion, light, and growth, is reborn, ready to take the throne for the period of increasing light.

At the solstices the brothers collide; light and dark battling to decide who will win the Crown of the Year, and reign over the coming months.

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Oak Galls

Fabulous Folklore: The Yule Tree

The festivities have started on the Cemetery; the Spirit of Yuletide has been invited into our space. The tree is up!

Evergreen plants and trees have always had a special meaning for people in winter; they represent eternal life. Ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows, and many folk believed they would also keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness.

Gradually, sacred tree imagery was absorbed by the Christian church, and Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition that we know now; in the 16th century devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

In Britain, the tradition of decorating churches and homes with evergreens at Christmas was long established, but the custom of decorating an entire small tree was unknown until roughly two centuries ago. Queen Victoria had been familiar with the Christmas tree tradition as a child; and after her marriage to her German cousin Prince Albert, the custom became even more widespread. In 1846 they were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas tree. Being very popular royals what was done at court immediately became fashionable; and wealthy British middle-class families immediately followed suit, with this fashion spreading overseas to the United States.

Personally, for me, the tree is not only a reminder of the season and the fact that the Sun will soon return at the Solstice; but it is a symbol of unity - many different belief systems hold a festival of light at this time of year.

Do you have a Yule or Christmas tree? What colour are your decorations? Are your decorations up yet? Do you have any special family traditions?

Recipe: Faery Berry Jam

Tread quietly,

O people, hush!

For don’t you see,

A spotted thrush,

One thrush or two,

Or even three,

In every laden elder-tree?

They pull and lug,

They flap and push,

They peck and tug,

To strip the bush;

They forsaken

Snail and slug;

Unseen I watch them, safe and snug!

The Elderberry Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker

As there are so many connections between faeries, and elderberries and blackberries; I call this my Faery Berry Jam.

FAERY BERRY JAM

Ingredients:

800kg Blackberries

200g Elderberries

1kg Jam Sugar (added pectin)

2 Lemons, juiced

Butter, small nob (optional)

Method:

1. Put a saucer in the freezer.

2. Combine the sugar, lemon juice, and berries.

3. Heat on a low heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved.

4. Turn the heat up and cook on a rolling boil for ten minutes, being sure to stir, so that no fruit burns or sticks to the pan. Skim off any scum.

5. Put a small blob of the mixture on the saucer, and leave aside for a minute. 

6. Push the mixture with your finger - if it wrinkles the mixture is ready.

7. If it doesn’t wrinkle, cook for another 5 minutes and then try again. Keep trying until it’s ready.

8. When the mixture is ready, stir in the butter to dissolve any scum. (I personally don’t bother).

9. Pour into sterilised jars, top with a waxed disc, and add the lid. Do this when hot.

10. Store in a cool, dark place. 

NEXT - Recipe: Elderberry Vinegar
NEXT - Autumn Equinox Blessings!
NEXT - Magickal Places: The Goddess Temple - Glastonbury

Fabulous Folklore: All Hail the Blackberry!

One of the best things about the arrival of autumn is blackberries! I’m always overtaken with an urge to create from the hedgerows at this time of year, it must be survival instinct to prepare for winter.

The Bramble (Muin) rules over the 10th lunar month in the Celtic Ogham - 2nd-29th September. (Some sources replace Muin with Vine.)

I love Blackberry, she is very direct, and firm in her demand for respect. And it’s not just her brambles! I got stung by intertwining nettles when picking these.

Bramble is used in healing, money, and divination magic - use leaf, thorn, and twig in mojo bags and charms. Bramble is also very good for prosperity magic in relation to wellbeing - for food, shelter, and creative endeavours related to financial success.

There is an abundance of Bramble stories and lore. Some say that as Blackberries ripen, their colour represents aspects of the Triple Goddess: first green (Maiden), then red (Mother), and then black (Crone).

Some say Brambles offer protection against vampires. Planted near the home the vampire will be distracted, obsessively counting the berries and forgetting what he is about!

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Blackberry

NEXT - Recipe; Faery Berry Jam

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Yew

Fabulous Folklore: Blackberry

Blackberry ~ Rubus fruticosus

Also known as Bramble, Bumble-Kite, Bly, Brambleberry, Scaldhead, Dewberry. It’s not a berry as such - it’s an aggregate fruit made up of tiny "drupelets."

There is an abundance of Bramble folklore. British stories say that Michaelmas (29th September) is the last day that Blackberries can be picked. This is the day that St Michael cast the Devil from Heaven. He fell out of the sky, landed in a Blackberry bush, and cursed the berries. He scorched them with his fire (it’s notable that leaf miner appears on the leaves around this time), and urinated and spat on them, making them unpalatable (it’s true that Blackberries aren’t that nice after this date). Consequently, Blackberries are known as the “Devil’s Fruit” by some people in the U.K.

Manx folklore states that the first berries of the season should be left for the Faery Folk. If you ignore this advice then any berries you eat thereafter will be full of grubs!

It was once believed that Bramble had healing powers; sick people passed through the loop of a branch were believed to be cured of rheumatism, whooping cough, rockets and hernias.

Blackberries make the perfect ritual food, and are often left as offerings to nature spirits and Faery Folk. They are said to offer protection from earthbound spirits. 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Fairy Rings  

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Bittersweet

Personal Magick: Talking to the Trees

Today’s prompt over at @witch.with.me is Tree Magick, and I’m going to bare my soul again by telling you a very personal story about a tree.

Now, it’s not the tree in the picture - which is a sequoiadendron giganteum, or “Wellingtonia” which stands proudly in our cemetery - but a beautiful Oak tree I met at a sacred site, many moons ago.

I say “met” - and this is where it gets interesting - because the tree spoke to me.

Before I go any further, I’d like to point out that I know this story will sound far-fetched to some (though probably not you guys), and that omitting certain details detracts from its credibility; but I must recall it in the way that feels right.

I was visiting a hill fort at a particularly difficult time in my life, but as is normal for me, I was enjoying my trip and making the most of the day I had been gifted. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and despite things being tricky, I was otherwise enjoying life.

My then-partner wandered off to look at something, and I made my way over to the most beautiful of Oaks; I wanted to stand beneath it, touch its bark, and ‘connect in’ with this majestic being.

I held the tree, and in my mind asked the tree what I should about my current situation.

I never expected an answer...

It was at once the voice in my mind, but the voice of something - someone - else, too.

I decided my imagination was playing tricks on me, but was aware that there was no way I could think and talk inside my mind at the same time.

I did what I think anyone else would do, and I asked their name. Please do not ask me the name, because I have promised to keep it a secret.

When I got home I was shocked to discover that I cannot find anything under that name on Google.

We conversed a little longer, but not wanting to be greedy or “push my luck” I thanked the tree for its insight, and ended the conversation. I stayed a little longer under the tree, happy but stunned, before moving on. An experience I will ever forget.

Has anything unexpected like that ever happened to you?

NEXT - Personal Magick: My Kitchen Apothecary
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Wishing Trees
NEXT - Simple Magick: 25 Ideas For Creating A Forest Altar

Simple Magick: Make a Protective Rowan Necklace

About ten days ago I spoke a little about Rowan, and how it has long been praised in folklore for its magical properties. The Rowan’s wood and berries are used in a lot of folk-magic, and a necklace from the berries is said to protect the wearer from harm. The red berries counter any magic aimed at the wearer, and protect the wearer from bad spirits when carrying out Shamanic-type work. Rowan is also said to help the wearer focus when working with energies from magic realms. A Rowan necklace or garland will last for many years when stored in a dry place.

“Rowan twigs and strings of red,

Deflect all gossip, harm and dread”

1. Gather your berries. September is ideal, however I was late and gathered mine in the first week of October.

2. Measure and cut a piece of red cord. This is the traditional colour for making Rowan charms, and of course the vibrant colour adds to the energy of your protective magic.

3. Thread the Rowan berries on to the thread using a large darning needle. It is customary to place a knot between each berry, however I didn’t bother with the knots, and added a small wooden bead instead.

4. When you are finished hang your necklace or garland somewhere warm and dry. An airing cupboard or greenhouse works well. The berries will shrivel and darken as they dry out.

My necklace has had about ten days to dry out; as you can see it’s wrinkly and getting darker - quite a contrast to when I first made it.

Scroll down to my earlier post if you’d like to see the necklace in its beginning stage, and learn more about Rowan. 

NEXT - Simple Magick: 30 Low Energy Magickal Correspondences 

Rowan Magick: The Witch's Tree

The Rowan has long been praised in folklore for its magical properties. A necklace from the berries is said to protect the wearer from harm. Whilst it’s often referred to as a Mountain Ash it’s not actually an Ash at all, and is a member of the Rose family instead.

Typically, September is the month to gather and use Rowan berries ~ I know, I know, I’m a tad late this year ~ and consequently my berries are a bit fat!

The Rowan’s wood and berries are used in a lot of folk-magic, and this beautiful tree is believed to have come from the Faerie realm.
Its berries are used for wine and potions to increase second sight, for healing, and for staying strong whilst fasting. The blossom end of the berry has a natural pentagram, adding to its protective properties.

Today I made a Protective Rowanberry Necklace, choosing to thread some brown wooden beads in between each berry to make it my own.
You can also make protective charms from Rowan twigs and red thread to hang in your car, office or over the doors in your house.

“Rowan twigs and strings of red,
Deflect all gossip, harm and dread”