Nine Sacred Woods of Beltane

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Nine Sacred Woods of Beltane

From Terri Paajanen,Your Guide to Pagan / Wiccan Religion.

The nine kinds of wood used in the Beltane fireOne of the best-known Celtic traditions for Beltane is the lighting of the Beltane fires. These huge fires were set to welcome back the sun for the light (summer) half of the year. All the hearth fires were extinguished on May Eve, and then they were relit the next day from the Beltane fires. The fires were started with nine sacred woods, each with various magickal properties. People would gather and dance around the fires through the night, jumping over the flames to ensure a successful and prosperous summer.

Birch - The Goddess, or female energy Oak - The God, or male energy Hazel - Knowledge and wisdom Rowan (Mountain Ash) - Life Hawthorne - Purity and fairy magick Willow - Death, sacred to Hecate Fir - Birth and rebirth Apple - Love and family Vine - Joy and happinessThese 9 woods are mentioned in the Wiccan Rede: "Nine woods in the cauldron go, burn them quick and burn them slow." Some longer versions of the Rede include lines about all 9 woods: "Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.Birch wood in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.Oak in the forest, towers with might in the fire it brings the God's insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning- adds its strength to the bright fire burning. White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.But - Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be."