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Witch Hazel

Keywords
Chastity; Courage, Healing, Inspiration, Protection

Historical Background and Folklore
Witch hazel is best known for the distilled astringent extract made from its bark, leaves and twigs. The word hamamelis in its name means that it bears flowers and fruit at the same time. Hamamelis has also been interpreted as meaning that it resembles the apple tree. The word “witch” comes from the Old English word “wice” or “wych” and meant a plant that had pliant branches. It is derived from the same Indo-European root word as the Middle English “wiker” (wicker). This was also applied to magical people who were believed to “bend” things to their will. The name “hazel” has been give to the witch hazel because its leaves are very similar to the hazelnut tree.

In England and Colonial America, forked branches were used for dowsing as well as love divination. This tree is associated with Samhain because the common variety blooms at that time of year. Perhaps its power and magic comes from its ability to bloom when most other plants are at rest during the winter.

Associations
Elements: earth, fire, water
Energy: masculine

Zodiac: Libra
Celestial Bodies: Saturn, Sun
Color: dark green
Ogham Character: Amhancholl – Letters: AE, X, XI
Miscellaneous: Druidic wisdom; strength of will; northwest; winter; sabbat: Samhain

© 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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