The Yew Tree
The Yew Tree is known as a tree of death, but also of rebirth and immortality. It is another tree associated with connecting you to your ancestors and to the Underworld. Therefore, it can be associated with the Season of Autumn and the Sabbat Samhain. Interestingly, this tree often grows in graveyards, therefore tying it to death and transformation even more. The fact that they are grown in cemeteries or graveyards is often seen as a symbol of ‘everlasting life,’ as they are representing something growing, even from a place of death.
History and folklore
The Yew tree is a sturdy and flexible wood so it was often used to make Welsh and English longbows for arrows. The story of Robin Hood can be tied to this tree as he always had his long bow with him made from the Yew. Today we do use Yew wood in some furniture, floors and paneling.
This tree is also one of the trees rumored to be the famous “Yggdrasil’ that the Norse God Odin hung from for 9 days and nights. There are a few trees said to be the “Yggdrasil’ or ‘Tree of Life’ depending on which culture or region you are researching. To the Norse, it was usually the Ash Tree. To the Germanic tribes it was the Oak Tree. But to some English, Welsh and Celtic lore, they believe it may have been a Yew Tree. However, there is still much debate about this.
For a great tale of Odin and the Tree of Life, Yggdrasil, told by my favorite authority on trees, check out the “Story Crow” on Youtube. You can find his video on the Yew Tree and the legend of Odin here:
The Yew is also connected to some goddesses like Hecate and Artemis. Hecate is associated with death, necromancy and crossing the hedge, and Artemis as goddess of the hunt, was said to have her arrows tipped in yew poison. For more on the folklore of the goddesses or a great recipe to connect with your ancestors using the Yew, check out this great blog I found here:
Another really cool piece of folklore says that the roots of every Yew tree in a graveyard stretches into the mouth of the dead. Therefore, it is thought to be a way for the dead to have a voice forever.
Magical properties
This tree is said to be a very strong protector, especially when traveling or ‘hedge riding’ between worlds or when practicing Necromancy and connecting with the dead. It also enhances your psychic abilities. Druids held these trees in high regard, as when they grew in groves, they created liminal spaces where the veil between worlds was thinner. Yew was also often used to carve runes and oghams, therefore imbedding these tools of divination with the power of life over death, or immortality. And finally, as mentioned above, as they are connected with death, it is a great tree to use in ancestral veneration. Perhaps by using some yew wood to carve an ancestors name into, or putting some yew sticks or leaves in a simmer pot on your altar. A precise recipe using Yew leaves for this purpose can be found in the aforementioned blog.
Just be careful!! The Yew is quite toxic and poisonous! Wear gloves, open a window, and do not ingest it!
Healing properties
The berries, leaves, and sap are all quite toxic on this tree. So unfortunately, this is not one that you can drink a tea from or make a tincture with for healing. However, it is very interesting to note that it has been used to formulate medicines like ‘Taxol’ to treat certains types of cancer like lung, breast and ovarian cancer. Many species of birds can eat the outer coating called (arils) and some mammals also can, like squirrels. But otherwise, most mammals and humans cannot ingest any part of the Yew Tree. You can find more info here:
https://www.kew.org/plants/yew
Green Living Tip:
Stop using those ziplocs bags! The plastic is terrible for you, your family, and the environment! Try washable and reusable silicone bags instead to store your sandwiches and leftovers. Like these here you can find on Amazon.com:
Plus you will save yourself some money in the long run!
Thank you for joining me again to talk about the Yew Tree! As always, be good to yourself, each other and Mother Gaia! Take any small step you can towards living a Greener Life! And join me for my next blog on trees/plants/herbs. Many fairy blessings!
-AF- The Grove Witch
One response to “The Yew Tree”
Great post! Always very informative.