The Mighty Oak Tree
Today I am writing about the second tree in the “Magical Trilogy” of trees – Oak, Ash and Thorn. It is said when these three trees are found together, you will find the Fae Folk for sure. Please feel free to check out my blog on the first tree, The Hawthorn Tree here:
The Oak Tree is represented by the Celtic Ogham “Duir” which literally means ‘Door.’ And this is where we get the word ‘Druid’ from as well. It means that the Oak tree, along with the word Druid, means the ‘doorway to knowledge.’ It has a very similar meaning and history across cultures from Slavic peoples to the Celts, to Greece and Eastern Europe according to the ‘Story Crow’ on Youtube. You can watch his video on the Folklore of the Oak Tree here:
The Oak is the mighty ‘King’ of trees. He is associated with the planet Jupiter, the Greek god Zeus, the Norse god Thor and the Celtic god Taranis, the lightning bolt, and the color purple or royal blue. The Oak is also known as a ‘Solar Tree’ and associated with the Summer Solstice, the 21st of June. The Oak is seen as having the attributes of protection, courage, strength, healing, growth, and paternal fatherly energy in a loving, good natured way. A happy, jolly type of tree they say, is the Oak.
Folklore
The Oak is another doorway to the spirit world and the kingdoms of the Fae, as well as the doorway to knowledge. And of course the Oak Tree is also associated with the ‘Oak King’ which is an archetype of the horned nature gods like Pan, Cernunnos and the Green Man. The Oak King rules from after the Winter Solstice until the Summer Solstice, as life is returning and renewing. His opposite, the Holly King, rules from after the Summer Solstice to the Winter Solstice, when fruits have been harvested and all life is now getting ready to hibernate for the cold months.
The best time to ask the tree for a branch to make a wand or other magical tool is during the ‘waxing’ part of the year or right at the height of the Summer. Then you may be granted a gift from the tree. But it is said to be not as powerful or even bad luck to take anything from the Oak after the Summer Solstice. Except for Acorns! If and when acorns have fallen in your path, the tree has already let them go and you may certainly pick some up, after asking nicely of course. And again, it is always respectful to leave a tiny bit of water for the tree, or perhaps a crystal, or some seeds for the birds and wildlife, as a thank you in return.
Which leads me to the folklore and magical properties of the acorns themselves! I love acorns. Many people know that you can carry them in your pocket for protection, prosperity and good luck. But they are also talismans for fertility, strength, growth and transformation. You can carry them on you or place them on your altar to attract positive energy to you overall. And they are a great item to include on your altar if you work with deities like Pan or Cernunnos, Cailleach or Cerridwen, Zeus or Thor. Some say if you place them on a windowsill during a full moon they will certainly draw luck and money to you. For more information on the magical acorn and their uses check out this awesome article I found here:
Healing Properties
Some may not think of the Oak Tree right away in terms of holistic health. Like with the Hawthorn tree which produces berries, or the Elderberry tree which has berries and flowers, all of which can be made into teas and tinctures. However, the Bark of the Oak Tree is actually an astringent and can help heal bleeding gums, sore throats and rashes when used as a gargle, rinse or compress. Oak twigs are naturally antibacterial and Indigenous peoples used them as toothbrushes. Which, incidentally cuts out plastic use and exposure to bacteria at the same time! After reading this article below, I am considering using an Oak twig myself instead of a toothbrush. I also did not know that you can actually eat acorns and they were once a staple food in North America, North Africa, Asia and other places. You can put them through a process to make flour out of them. I found this article by Abby Quillen, on the Oak and Acorn fascinating and informative. For more information, check out this great article here:
Thank you for joining me again! I hope you enjoyed reading about the mighty, majestic, King Oak 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 the Ash Tree. Or check out my other blogs on Green Living tips. Many fairy blessings!
-AF- The Grove Witch
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