Celtic Tree Month of Ash
The
common ash is a major tree of the lowland forests in much of Europe. It is the
third most common tree across Britain and is often the dominant tree in the
woods. It has deep, penetrating roots that sour the soil, making it tricky for
other plants to grow beneath it. The Ash
is an important timber tree because it is so tough, strong and flexible.
In the past it was used by the Anglo-Saxons for their spears and
shield-handles. More recently other uses include tool handles, furniture,
sports equipment, walking sticks, tent pegs, oars, gates, wheel rims, and even
aircraft wings on the De Havilland Mosquito which flew in World War II.
There
are few trees that feature so prominently in the mythologies and folklore of
many cultures than that of the Ash Tree. Probably the most well known Ash
tree is the Yggdrasil or World Tree of Norse mythology, this inspiring tree has
been revered and honoured for centuries as the connecting path between heaven
and earth. The tree was seen to span the
universe: its roots in hell, its branches offering support to the heavens and
with Earth at its trunk. Yggdrasil was
the Cosmic Ash upon which Odin hung for nine days until He discovered the
runes. It was also the horse of Odin, who like the mare of Muhammad, bore him
to the skies for a glimpse of heaven.
In Celtic cosmology in particular it connects the
three circles of existence - past, present and future. In Greek tradition it was said that Zeus
created humans from Ash trees. On-Niona was the Gaulish Goddess of the Ash
groves. The Irish word for Ash, Nion, was also the word for heaven, Nionon. The
Icelandic word Aske meant “blaze of great fire”, Ash being one of the best fire
woods (especially when burned green!) as well as leading to the fires of
enlightenment. Considered a Solar tree, its wood is used for the Yule Log.
Druids carved charms from its wood. Ashen divining rods were cut on Summer
Solstice. A Druidic Ash wand decorated with spirals was found on Anglesey.
Flower: Wood Anemone
Diety: Lir, Gwydion, Odin
Ash bark can make an infusion that is a mild
laxative and diuretic. The rood bark is the most potent with astringent
properties, and was used to treat liver diseases and arthritic
rheumatism. Other uses include reduce fever, treat kidney and urinary
infections, expel intestinal parasites, and treating malaria.
Correspondences
Ogham
Name : Nuin
Letter
: N
Month:19th
February – 17th March
Colour
: Green
Animals
: Snake, snipe
Planet:
Neptune
Gemstone: Coral
Sources
British-trees.com
A Druids Herbal – Of Sacred Tree Medicine by Ellen Evert
Hopman
Photos by Sunchylde Dryadmoon
I love that you included the medical uses for ash. I will keep in mind, I love herbalism.
ReplyDeleteHaving lost my Ash this past fall - is the UK having the same problem with the Emerald Ash as we are having in the Midwest USA?
ReplyDeleteHi Homelight, unfortunately yes we are having problems with Ash tree disease :-(
ReplyDeleteSo interesting.....thank you
ReplyDelete