Olive
Keywords
Abundance, Balance, Fertility, Fidelity, Fruitfulness, Harmony,
Healing, Hope, Longevity, Marriage, Peace, Potency, Prosperity,
Rebirth, Reconciliation, Security, Success, Victory
Historical
Background and Folklore
Olive is a slow-growing tree that does not produce a crop unit it
is approximately eight years old. From 8 to 35, it is very productive
and after 150 years it begins to slow down. After 200 years, young
shoots at the base of the trunk take over and create a new tree.
This gave rise to its association with immortality.
The highly-valued olive tree was domesticated in the Mediterranean
area approximately 6,000 years ago.
The Egyptians employed the use of olive oil in the mummification
process, but it was the ancient Greeks who integrated the use of
the olive with everyday life. Winners of early Olympic competitions
were awarded jars of olive oil and crowned with a wreath of its
leaves. Its use in sacred rites was considered essential and those
who were employed in its cultivation were exempt from military service.
The olive tree has frequently played a part in mythology. One legend
tells of Athena striking the ground with her spear to bring forth
the olive tree as a gift to humans. The Bible mentions an olive
branch that a dove brings to Noah, signifying hope and signs of
new/renewed life. |
It has been used medicinally to treat a number of ailments. As a “healer”,
it seems appropriate that the United Nations has incorporated it into
its logo and symbol of peace.
Associations
Elements: air, earth, fire, water
Energy: masculine
Goddesses: Amaterasu, Athena, Minerva, Pele
Gods: Apollo, Hercules, Horus, Ra, Zeus |
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Other
Beings/Characters: archangels Michael and Raphael, unicorns
Zodiac: Aquarius, Aries, Leo
Colors: blue, gold
Celestial Bodies: Mercury, Moon, Sun
Gemstone: lapis lazuli
Date: September 23
Bach Flower Remedy: exhaustion after mental or physical effort
Miscellaneous: use for elemental balance; immortality
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