Aspen
Keywords
Ancestry, Astral Projection, Communication, Courage, Eloquence,
Endurance, Harmony, Healing, Money, Peace, Protection, Rebirth,
Rejuvenation, Success
Historical
Background and Folklore
According to Cormac’s Glossary a rod of aspen, called a fé,
was used to measure a fresh grave to ensure its occupant would fit.
This is said to have given rise to aspen’s association with
death and ancestors. In the Táin Bó Cuailnge, aspen
was cut for the charioteers of the sons of Gárach for spears
to slay the Ulster hero Cú Chulainn. Although death is also
related to this story, endurance and courage were required of Gárach’s
sons.
Medicinally aspen has been used to alleviate fevers. The black poplar
is used for skin abrasions and to relieve pain and inflammation.
The buds, bark and leaves contain salicin, which is similar to aspirin. |
Aspens have soft white wood that is prone to breaking in storms. They
are one of the early trees to repopulate a forest after a fire or
other disaster, their shade providing a gentle “nursery”
for other trees. Aspens stabilize a damaged ecosystem, and like alders,
they are healers.
Associations
Elements: air, water
Energy: masculine (white poplar), feminine (black poplar)
Goddesses: Calypso, Frigg, Hecate, Morrigan, Persephone
Gods: Apollo, Hercules, Tyr, Zeus
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Zodiac:
Capricorn, Libra
Celestial Bodies: Mercury, Saturn, Venus
Gemstone: gray topaz
Colors: gray, silvery white
Ogham Character: Eadhadh – Letter: E
Ogham Character: Éabhadh – Letters: EA, CH, K
Rune Character: Peorth/Pertho – Letter: P
Dates: February 4 - 8, May 1 - 14 and August 5 - 13
Back Flower Remedy: fear of unknown things
Miscellaneous: death; west; sabbats: Mabon/Autumn Equinox
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