Celtic Trees ~ Ash

Merry Meet,

Another take on a wonderful Celtic tree, the Ash!

Month of Ash

The Celtic Year

18^th February – 17^th March

The Latin Names:     Over 29 species of Fraxinus and part of the olive family.

Fraxinus Americana                        Fraxinus Excelsior

(White Ash )                                      (Common Ash)  

                             Fraxinus Nigra

     (Black Ash)

                                               

Celtic Names:             Nuin, Fuinseog

Folk and Common:      Nion

Parts Used:                Bark, Leaves, Wood, Sap, Twigs, Flowers

Divine Association

Gods: Hel, Holle, Odin, Poseidon, Neptune, Nemesis, Bel, Lir, Manannan, Thor, Mars, Uranus, Gwydion

Goddesses: Eostre, Frigg, Minerva

Symbolism

Polarity: Masculine

Element: Fire, Water

Celtic Month: February

Sabbat: Imbolc, Ostara

Planetary Ruler: Sun, Neptune

Colour: Pale Blue, White

Stone: Turquoise, Lepidolite, Green Beryl,

Bird: Common Snipe

History

The Ash is the tree featured in the ‘Hanged Man’ card of a tarot deck.

Sacred to Odin, as Ash is often known as the Yggdrassil in many Scandinavian nations.

In Norse mythology, the Yggdrassil supports the Universe, has three main branches and is believed to have sprung from the beginning of time out of primordial slime and ashes. 

The tree associated with the sea God, Poseidon, due to its watery association.

Ash is supposedly a serpent repellent.

The Ash is frequently used as the ‘Yule Log’.

Ash is one of the three sacred trees to the Druids; along with Oak and Thorn.

Frennett (frenetic chaos), a substance used by berserkers, may have been made from Ash bark.

 Magical Properties

Protection:

Ash talismans make a wonderful protection amulet.  Ash wood was used for spears and shields since it was known as a protective wood. Placing Ash berries in a cradle prevents the child from being traded for a changeling by an evil faery.  Ash is excellent at keeping unpleasant people and psychic vampires at bay.

Prophetic Dreams:

The leaves of an Ash tree, when kept under a pillow during sleep, will induce prophetic dreams.

Inner Self:

The month of Ash is a great time to do magical workings on your inner self.

Also properties of:

Magical Potency, Spiritual Journeys, Karmic Laws, Healing, Rain-Making, Women’s Mysteries, Love, Sea Rituals, Prosperity, Health

Other Magical Uses:

 Besom & Magical Tool Handles – A tool made from Ash is said to be more productive than if made from other woods.

 Herbal Usage

Laxative & Diuretic:

Sap from the ‘flowering Ash’ has a sugary exudates which can also be used as a laxative.

Ash bark can also be used as a mild laxative as well as a diuretic.

Astringent:

The bark was used to treat liver disease and rheumatism.

During Spring, use the leaves and ‘tender-tops’ in a fasting tea to help ease constipation and help with weight loss.

Weight Loss:

Ash leaves and the tender tops can be used in the spring to make a fasting tea that is a diuretic and can be used as a help for weight loss.

Immune System:

Ash bark is known as a liver and spleen cleanser and can make the immune system stronger.

Also properties that help with:

Reducing Fever, Malaria, Kidney Infections & Intestinal Parasites.

More Information

Ash, with Oak & Hawthorn make up the triad of powerful faery trees.

You can plant the branches from the tree and it will continue to grow.

The Ash is often called The Unicorn Tree, because unicorns are supposed to be fond of the tree. To catch a glimpse of a unicorn, carry Ash wood or leaves.

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Brightest Blessings

☆ ☽✪☾ ☆