<shamelessly pinched> <G> The Mighty Oak The oak, representing the sun, and the element fire, is king of the forest and the doorway to the mysteries and to other realms; it symbolizes fertility, longevity, protection, healing strength, potency, luck, money, solidarity, balance, endurance, continuity of tradition, and great wisdom; it represents primeval strength and the ability to overcome and survive. The oak represents the seventh moon-the moon of strength-and is good for sacrificial rites. The oak has been considered sacred by nearly every culture that has encountered it. Druids worshiped and taught under the oaks; the oak grove assists in rites of magickal protection, power collecting, power focusing, and spells of stability. The oak is sacred to the spirits of lightning because it can be struck by spiritual blasts of enlightenment and still keep a firm footing in the earth; because it is often struck by lightning, it represents the ability to attract inspiration, illumination, and energy. Classically, magickal wands and staves are made of its branches (after asking the tree's permission, of course, and leaving a small gift or a libation in return); created by the waxing or full moon, these were potent tools. Oak galls, known as Serpent's Eggs, were used in magickal charms; acorns gathered at night held the greatest fertility powers. They would carry acorns for luck. Acorns planted by the dark of the moon bring financial prosperity. The oak is incredibly strong, yet pliable; its wood makes a hot blaze for heating the house; it is the finest building material that can be found and provides strength and stability to anything constructed of its wood. The Druids listened to the rustling oak leaves and to wrens in the tree for divinatory messages. Burning oak leaves purifies the atmosphere. Marriages were often conducted under oaks. Often a marker in countryside boundaries. Oak wood is traditionally burned at bonfires. The pig, sacred to the Celts and to the spirits, relishes oaks for their nutritious and tasty acorns. Acorns placed in windows guard the house from lightning and harm. If one catches a falling oak leaf, they will be free from colds all winter. Oak fires draw off illnesses. Carrying acorns can: prevent illness and pain, increase longevity and fertility, strengthen sexual potency, and preserve youthfulness. Oak is used for tanning; a dye can be made from its bark; and the acorns can be used as fodder for animals ************************************************************ Kath <mzmouser@earthlink.net> ~`* `*' `*' `* `*' `*' *' `*' *' `*' `* `*' *' `*' ~~~ "So live that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip." --Will Rogers