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Yew
Keywords
Ancestry, Change, Death, Divinity, Flexibility, Immortality, Longevity,
Rebirth, Strength
Historical
Background and Folklore
The yew is also associated with the Goddess because it is an evergreen
that does not seem to die each year, thus symbolizing her immortality.
The Greeks and Romans used yew wood for bows, which began its association
with death. The Latin, taxus, in its name comes from the ancient
Greek word meaning “bow”. In addition, the Celts frequently
used yew wood for spears and shields. In later times yews were planted
at burial sites because it was believed that they stood as a gateway
to the Otherworld. Grave goods from the late 5th century B.C.E.
in Germany included jewelry with depictions of yew foliage and berries. |
Symbolizing wisdom, stability and sovereignty to the Celts, yew was
one of the five great trees of Ireland—the Tree of Ross. Because
it rarely grows in the woods with other trees, it was considered mysterious
and special.
Associations
Elements: air, fire, water
Energy: feminine and masculine
Goddesses: Badb, Banba, Cailleach Beara, Hecate, Hel/Holle
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Gods:
Dagda, Hermes, Loki, Lugh, Odin
Other Beings/Characters: Gwion/Taliesin, Medb
Zodiac: Capricorn
Celestial Bodies: Jupiter, Mars, Saturn
Color: dark green
Gemstones: emerald, yellow jasper
Ogham Character:Iodho – Letters: I, J, Y
Rune Character: Hagal – Letter: H
Rune Character:Eoh/Eihwaz – Letters: E, EI
Rune Character:Elihaz – Letter: Z
Date: December 20
Miscellaneous: accessing the Otherworld; communication with the
dead; west; sabbats: Ostara/Spring Equinox, Samhain, Yule/Winter
Solstice
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© Llewellyn - Whispers from the Woods
For more information, refer to the full text in Whispers from
the Woods.
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