Locust
Keywords
Balance, Friendship, Perseverance, Protection, Strength
Historical
Background and Folklore
The bark of the locust tree has a wavy texture and has been described
as “Rorschach-like”, an attribute that made one locust
tree the focus of miraculous apparitions in August 1999 when locals
near Colt Park, Hartford, Connecticut, claimed to see a vision of
the Virgin Mary.
Locust trees have been described as sinister because of the thorns
that can grow six inches and longer on its trunk. Native Americans
used the thorns for spear points and animal traps. Shoots, bark
and leaves of the black locust are poisonous, which may have added
to its dark reputation.
The black locust has been known as a place to bury “evil things”
because it has been associated with the Dark Mother aspect of the
Goddess. As one who protects, she neutralizes harmful and negative
energy. |
The locust tree mentioned in The Bible and other ancient sources is
the carob tree, a native of the Mediterranean area and Middle East.
Food made from its pods was called St. John's bread because it was
believe that this was the only thing he ate during his time in the
wilderness.
Associations
Elements: earth, water
Energy: feminine
Goddesses: Cerridwen, Hecate, Morrigan, Sekmet |
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