Oaks

Compilation and Indexing by
Michael P. Garofalo

October 1, 2007

 

       In 2007, this webpage was moved to:  http://www.egreenway.com/druids/treemag2.htm.

        It is now updated and maintained at Trees: Lore, Spirituality, Magic, Folklore.

 

 

Quotations      Links     Bibliography     Quotations     Notes

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliography and Links

 

  Key Facts about the Oak

 

 

 

Quotations

 

"The oak tree is one of the most famous of magical trees, and is considered sacred in many parts of the world. It has been
associated with the World Tree and creation myths in which the first human was born from its leaves.   The oak tree is
associated with lightening and thunder and is the tree of the gods of thunder, including the Norse god Thor, the Greek
god Zeus, the Roman god Jupiter and the Irish god, the Dagda. The oak is also the tree of the white mare and the
Welsh goddess Rhiannon and the Egyptian god Thoth. Its root system is easily as large as the upper part of the tree,
making it one of the strongest and long lived of trees.  The druids favored the mighty oak as it was believed to impart
divine knowledge. The leaves of the oak whispered secrets, and the acorns were considered magical. When eaten, the
acorns would give magical powers and the gifts of prophecy. The oak tree sometimes bears mistletoe, a parasitic plant
that is also known as the Golden Bough and which is considered sacred. In fact it is believed that oak groves throughout
Europe are haunted with the spirits of druids performing their rituals. The old saying “fairy folks are in old oaks” reflects
the belief that the roots of the oak tree provide passage to the underworld and the realm of the fairy.  The oak tree is the
tree of the Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day of the year, and traditionally its wood is used for the Yule fire. It is
at this time that the sun is reborn and the days start getting longer. It is said that the Oak King rules this time of year
(from Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice, at which point the Holly King takes over). Known for its strength and its |
powers of protection, a piece of the Yule log is kept in the house to offer its occupants protection over the coming
year. At the next Yule time that piece of wood is used as kindling for the new Yule log."
Deanna Joseph   

 

 

 

Planting a Pin Oak (deciduous) and four California Live Oaks (evergreen). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

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Michael P. Garofalo, All Rights Reserved

 

 

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