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Spindle Tree

Keywords
Cleansing, Comfort; Divination, Honor, Inspiration, Poetry

Historical Background and Folklore
The wood of this tree has been popular for making lace spindles, knitting needles, skewers and birdcages because of its hardness. The spindle and the act of spinning are powerful female symbols. Various goddesses are credited with teaching humans this craft, which was vitally important for survival and comfort. Spinning was one form of woman’s work that was highly prized—prior to the industrial revolution cloth was a valuable commodity. In addition to keeping her family clothed, an industrious woman could also provide for them by spinning enough to sell or trade. While “spinster” has come to have a negative connotation for an unmarried woman, however, the woman who could spin well would not be trapped as anyone’s dependent.

The spindle was the tool of The Fates, daughters of the goddess Necessity, who fashioned the destiny of humans. In Norse Pagan tradition, the spindle is a symbol of magic. Another name for the constellation Orion was “Freya’s Spindle”. Spinning is associated with Athena because she was credited with being the inventor not only of womanly arts, but all arts.

Associations
Element: water
Energy: feminine
Goddess: Athena, Frigg/Freya, Minerva, The Fates
Other Beings/Characters: Frau Hola

Celestial Body: Orion
Color: pale yellow
Ogham Character: Oir – Letters: OI, TH
Miscellaneous: attaining quests; divination; spiritual work; feminine power; seeking true self; community spirit; southeast; sabbat: Imbolg

© Llewellyn - Whispers from the Woods


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


More About Trees

Our Relationship with Trees

Tuning into the Energy of Trees

A Seasonal Tree Meditation

Woods Oracle - Wisdom from the Trees

Ogham – A History

Ogham – Introduction to the Alphabet

A Calendar of Trees and Seasonal Rituals

The Trees

      
Alder Elm Juniper Pine
Apple Fir Laurel Reed
Ash Gooseberry Linden Rowen
Aspen Gorse Locust Spindle Tree
Bamboo Hackberry Magnolia Spruce
Beech Hawthorn Maple Sycamore
Birch Hazel Mesquite Vine
Blackthorn Hearther Mimosa Walnut
Cedar Hickory Mistletoe Willow
Cherry Holly Myrtle Witch Hazel
Chestnut Honeysuckle Oak Yew
Cypress Hornbeam Olive  
Elder Ivy Palm  
       
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