Celtic Tree Compendium I
The Oak (Quercus)
Oak (Fagaceæ)
‘Faerie folks live in old oaks’
The oak tree. Illustration for Moral Songs by Mrs CF Alexander (Masters & Co, 1880)
Āc (Old English) Dair (Irish) Darach (Scottish Gaelic) Derwen (Welsh) Darragh (Manx)
gender: Masculine
planet: Sun
element: fire
associated deities: Dagda; Dianus; Jupiter; Zeus; Thor; Herne; Cerridwen; Cernunnos; Janus; Rhea; Cybele; Hecate; Pan; Erato;
magical properties: protection; health; money; healing; potency; fertility; luck; longevity; inner-strength; courage; self-determination;
parts used: leaves; bark; acorn; galls;
properties: astringent; anti-inflammatory; aids in digestion;
uses: throat infections; acute diarrhoea and bleeding; fevers; tonsillitis; laryngitis; kidney stones; burns and scorches;
spirit retinue: primacy, lordship, coronation, passage, nutriment, compunction, enrichment, hardness, rigidity, priapism, kingly jurisdiction, seminal prowess, solitary genius.
Steven Noble
The 7th tree of the cycle, the Oak is at the centre of the Wheel of the Year, representing the doorway to the second half, where days will begin to shorten and darkness will increase.
It is known as the celestial tree of the Celtic Druids, sacred to the Dagda (Good God and Creator of the ancient Irish Gaels), representing the Tree of Life, sacred to Thor. Oak, ‘King of the Forest’ or ‘Lord of the Forest’, with its unique capability of growth and endurance and a life-span of centuries offers a doorway to one’s inner spirituality. On Midsummer’s Eve it shall gift us with its potent protective nature reflected by its solar powers.
Oak was thought to draw thunder to it and was certainly believed to be struck by lightning more often than any other tree. It is said that pieces of Oak that had been struck by lightning were great used as amulets against (you guessed it) lightning.
Elves and faeries may dwell in Oak branches within its leaves. Acorns were said to be the pipes that leprechauns smoked out of and their cups were known to be fairies shelter. Look out for the Good People specially coming up to Midsummer’s Eve. And try not to get taken to the Otherworld, you’ll most likely end up as a maid!
The Fairies Oak, Bruce Kendall
“The ancient trees host spirits and under an oak tree, wisdom can be revealed if one knows how to listen and how to hear.”1
Human sacrifice victims of the Druids were crowned with Oak leaves and the sacrificial fires were kindled with Oak wood. The practice of planting a tree over a grave, or burial under a tree, was an ancient way to revive and transfer the spirit of the deceased into the tree itself.
Acorn Fairy, Cicely Mary Barker
When Oak leaves curl up it foretells hot weather.
‘To dream of Oak in beautiful foliage was a very good sign, but to dream of a blasted Oak, was a great warning - sudden death. To dream of an Oak without foliage tells of poverty in old age, while seeing the tree with acorns tells of great wealth. To see many young Oaks in a dream tells of having many brave sons.’2
Acorn, the symbol of fecundity and immortality, can be carried as an amulet for youth and vitality. Dreaming of acorns is a sign of good fortune to come and planting an acorn under a New Moon ensures that one shall receive money in the future.3
An oak tree. The forests of Bessarabia, Aurel Bonta
The bark when taken young and fresh can be ground used in teas, tinctures and snuff. It is highly astringent and particularly useful for ulcers, haemorrhages, haemorrhoids and varicose veins. Acorns, grated into warm milk can be taken to relieve diarrhoea. The fresh green leaves make an excellent wine.4
For an Oak tea, ‘simmer 1 tsp. inner bark per 1/2 cup water, for 20 minutes. Take 1/4 cup, 4 times a day.’ 5
The Oak has such a vast presence in the folklore of the world that it is impossible to depict everything here but as with any tree within the Greenwood, to get to know it best, you must spend time in its presence and communicate with it. It shall tell you all the secrets it’s been holding for milenia… if it deems you worthy of them!
References and further reading suggestions6
Under the Witching Tree, Corinne Boyer
Ibid
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
The Devil’s Plantation, Nigel G. Pearson
Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore, Ellen Evert Hopman
All the mentioned above; Breverton’s Complete Herbal; The Witch’s Cabinet, Corinne Boyer; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Sacred Tree, Glennie Kindred; The Tree Ogham, Glennie Kindred; The Hedgerow Handbook, Adele Nozedar; Discovering the Folklore of Plants, Margaret Baker.