Keywords
Adaptability, Creativity, Inspiration, Resiliency

Historical Background and Folklore
This tree’s name comes from the Scottish hagberry, which means “marsh berry”. The fruit, sometimes called sugar berries, is used for food flavorings, jelly and wine. The making of hackberry wine may date back to the Neolithic (8000-7000 B.C.E.) settlement of Catal Hüyük in Turkey as it was one of the trees cultivated by the inhabitants.

This rugged tree has the ability to withstand drought (although it prefers moist areas), heat and wind. Hackberry also has a high tolerance to alkaline soil. As it matures, the trunk tends to take on a “corky” appearance. It has been used as a shade tree substitute for elms (with which it is related) after Dutch elm disease diminished their numbers.

Miscellaneous: resiliency in ability to grieve; sabbat: Mabon/Autumn Equinox

© Llewellyn - Whispers from the Woods

For more information, refer to the full text in Whispers from the Woods.