Elm
Keywords
Birth, Compassion, Empathy, Endurance, Grounded, Healing, Intuition,
Love, Protection, Rebirth, Stability, Wisdom
Historical
Background and Folklore
Industrially, elm wood has been prized because it is resistant to
splitting and free from knots. Even though most elms are ornamental,
their strong timber makes them valuable, and their tough, fibrous
inner bark can be twisted into rope. In Europe during the Middle
Ages and Renaissance elm was used for furniture, chests and coffins,
as well as keels and bilge planks on ships. Part of the chariot
found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb was made of elm.
One reason that elm became associated with the Goddess was because
of its common V-shaped twin trunks and graceful chalice shape. The
elm has been described it as having “Gothic-arched sylvan
splendor” It is also associated with burial mounds and considered
a symbolic doorway to eternal life. It has been called “dark
and brooding” which may be connected to its attribute of empathy.
This tree is said to be very sensitive to damage inflicted on other
elms.
Like the chestnut tree, the American elm has fallen victim to a
fungus and full-grown trees are difficult to find. If you have one,
consider it a blessing from the Great Mother. |
Dreaming of an elm tree indicates hope coming to fruition. If you
dream that you are under an elm, pleasant social activities are ahead
for you.
Associations
Elements: air, earth, water
Energy: feminine
Goddesses: Cerridwen, Danu, Gaia, Hel/Holle, Ran
Gods: Dionysus, Loki, Odin |
|
Other
Beings/Characters: elves, faeries
Zodiac: Capricorn
Celestial Bodies: Mercury, Saturn
Colors: blue, greenish-brown
Gemstone: moss agate
Ogham Character: Ailm – Letter: A
Rune Character: Gyfu/Gebo – Letter: G
Rune Character: Man/Mannaz – Letter: M
Dates: January 12 - 24 and July 15 - 25
Bach Flower Remedy: when you are overwhelmed by responsibility
Other Associations: inner spiritual progress when dealing with the
darker side of self; sabbat: Yule/Winter Solstice; use when comfort
is sought
|
