Keywords
Creativity, Divination, Fertility, Healing, Inspiration, Introspection, Knowledge, Luck, Marriage, Protection, Reconciliation, Wisdom

Historical Background and Folklore
The attribute “creativity” can be seen in the tree itself, which is known for its unusual branches that grow in curious shapes, especially the variety known as “corkscrew hazel”. Its association with the heart chakra comes from the legend that the hazel stood at the heart of the faery realm. When hazel is found growing with apple and hawthorn, it is said that these mark the boundary of a magical place.

Hazel was considered a tree of wisdom by the Celts. Hazelnuts are believed to impart wisdom to whoever eats them and are particularly helpful if eaten before divination. In ancient legend, nine (a sacred number as three times three) hazel trees grew around the Well of Wisdom (also sometimes referred to as the Pool of Life) and their hazelnuts fed the Salmon of Knowledge.

Hazel branches used for divining rods were said to be particularly potent if cut on Midsummer’s Eve. Divination power with hazelnuts was said to be at its peak on Samhain.

Other Beings/Characters: faeries, Milesians
Zodiac: Gemini, Libra, Virgo
Celestial Bodies: Mercury, Sun
Color: dark blue
Gemstones: amethyst, lapis lazuli, blue sapphire
Ogham Character: Coll – Letters: C, K
Dates: August 5 - September 1 (Celtic tree calendar); March 22 - 31 & September 24 - October 3
Miscellaneous: knowledge of secrets; heart chakra; east; Connla’s Well (Ireland); sabbats: Beltane, Samhain

© Llewellyn - Whispers from the Woods

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