Magical Properties Of Trees & Wood Species
Alder Wood:
Masculine Energy. Alder is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 18 March to 14 April. Druids associated this tree with the fox. The diety Bran considers this tree to be sacred.
Magical Properties: Alder wands are used for witch craft magick rituals concerning with charisma, journeys, self confidence, bravery, supervision skills, and spiritual growth. Also used in shielding the astral self from unwanted intrusion from other realms.
Apple Wood:
Female energy. The apple wand is symbolic of fertility, peace, plenty and joy. A tree that is sacred to Venus and the Celtic Goddess Rhiannon. Apple is a staple food of the elven and fairie realm.
Magical Properties: This is a powerful wood of choice for the witch when working with the fairie magick. Apple is a good wood for aiding in the propagation of skills, often used in love magick. Apple wood promotes peace and harmony, magick of light and the divine, and promotes visions.
Ash Wood:
Female and Effeminate Male energy are present in Ash 18 February to 17 March. Ash is closely aligned to the elemental Earth. Ash is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology. Greeks associated this tree with Neptune and Mercury. The Druids associated this tree with the adder. The Nords held this tree sacred to Woden (Odin), the Nordic World Tree, Yggdrasil, is an Ash tree and is considered to be the father of all trees. The Welsh associated this tree with the God Gwydion.
Magical Properties: The Ash wand is an excellent wood for promoting brain power, aids in communication, intelligence, wisdom, and promotes curiosity. Use this wood to remove mental blockages and aid in the promotion of word use and understanding. It is the wood of the writer, poet, and scholar. Promotes spiritual love and health. Protects against unwanted change. Brings balance to the mind. It is said that warts rubbed on the bark will be absorbed into the tree. Use for protection from drowning, magickal effectiveness, sea power, and healing. Ash is also used for protection, finding special roots, horse magick, enhances skills of arts and crafts, justice, weather magick, and for working with the magick of cave and wells.
Basswood Wood:
Basswood is sacred to the Greek Goddess Aprhodite and the Celtic Goddess Arianrhod, Goddess of the Stars and Queen of Heaven. Some associate this with the Celtic Tree of Life. Basswood is related with the element of Air.
Magical Properties: Basswood wands are used for creative endeavors, star magick, enlightenment, love, attraction, healing, and enchantments.
Beech Wood:
Male Energy and because it produces nuts it is closely related to the Oak. Associated with the Greek God Apollo and the Elves Sun Lord Obraash. The Celts used the nut of this tree to fodder the sacred swine. Norse tradition says that tablets of Beech were used to make the very first writing tablets for the runes, strong magick for working with the Nordic runes.
Magical Properties: Beech wands are used in the magick of divination. Reduces swellings and skin inflammations. Helps to balance mental health. Aspiration, desire, and victory are all key elements of this wood. Used while working with ancestors, old wisdom, and magickal research. Beech is a sacred wood of the summer solstice.
Birch Wood:
Male energy. Birch is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 24 December to 20 January. One of the first trees to naturally establish in cleared forests. It is a tree of new beginnings and establishments. Closely aligned with the element of water. The Druids associated this wood with the white stag.
Magical Properties: The Birch wand is used in many cleansing rituals. Birch is a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and diligence. Some use this wood to aid in the calming of emotions. The bark helps to heal wounds and burns. Many European communities use or have used, birch twigs to expel evil spirits. Some cultures utilize birch rods in rituals designed to drive out spirits of the old year. Controlled by Moon influences to include; birth, Lunar spells, healing, and protection. Birch by tradition has been linked to youth and new beginnings. Use in rituals that signify a new start of any endeavor.
Black Palm:
Wood Origin: Southeast Asia
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Jupiter, Sun
Elemental Association: Water
Other magical properties:
The most remarkable thing about this wood is that its primary property is that of magic. The wood is naturally aligned with magic, and enhances magical energy. Obviously this is a good choice as a material for sacred objects.
This wood is strongly aligned to water energy. It rejects all fire-related energies, and it would also not be useful for healing. It brings about positive changes, creates opportunities, and opens spiritual pathways. Good words to associate with this wood are: feeling, changing, growing, love, and art. This wood is excellent for gaining power and knowledge from nature (which is what magic is).
Black Walnut:
Wood Origin: North America and Europe
Gender Association: Feminine and Masculine
Planetary Association: Moon, Saturn
Elemental Association: Earth, Spirit
Other magical properties:
The best word to describe the energy of this wood is "introspective." It is not for those with flights of fancy, but rather for those who seek to explore their own personal energy and the "here and now." It is good for blocking out emotional energy so that one may focus upon the task at hand. This wood couples reason with intuition to help a person grow spiritually and to heal themselves from within. A quiet, unassuming wood, black walnut can help us to get in touch with ourselves and the Earth.
Bloodwood:
Wood Origin: Bolivia (South America)
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine
Planetary Association: Mars and Venus
Elemental Association: All 4 physical elements, fire, earth, air, and water
Other magical properties:
Bloodwood is a remarkable wood mainly for its ability to utilize elemental energies. The wood itself can channel and enhance the affect of all elemental energies, but the degree to which it can do so seems to depend upon the person utilizing the wood. This can be determined by your astrological sign.
Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Bloodwood would enhance your ability to utilize water energy if you are a Pisces far more greatly than if you were an Aries, for instance. Likewise, a Pisces may find bloodwood nearly useless when working with the element of fire, because that element is the opposite of the primary element of the Pisces.
Bocote:
Wood Origin: Mexico
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Sun, Jupiter, Mars
Elemental Association: All but air
Other magical properties:
Bocote represents the end of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. The extremely peaceful and positive energy of this wood can be utilized in a number of ways. It is excellent when used as tool to diagnose illness, chakras, or other health-related issues. It has a very powerful spiritual energy, which may bring with it either peace or inner turmoil. However, if it does bring turmoil, it is only to bring about the correct way of thinking or balance of energy in the end. Bocote has strong fire energy, related mostly to passionate love. It is also an inspiration for the artistic and creative mind, focusing on beauty and the Earth.
Bubinga:
Wood Origin: Equatorial Africa
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: (In order of importance) Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter
Elemental Association: Earth, Fire
Other magical properties:
Love is the most prevalent energy within this wood. This means that it would be best used for love magick or any matters related to emotional energy. It is a very spiritual wood, emotionally healing. It has very strong feminine aspects, emphasizing intuition, creativity, and nurturing. This is a wood with not one single negative attribute, which is extremely rare. It would be useful for any type of magick. But, the energies within the wood would be especially powerful if utilized for love magick, divination, and emotional healing. The power of this wood will be strongest at the full moon, weakest at the new moon.
Butternut:
Wood Origin: North America
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine
Planetary Association: Jupiter, Venus
Elemental Association: Earth, Fire
Other magical properties:
This wood brings wisdom and creativity to any situation. It will aid in finding the truths that others miss, often resulting in good fortune and wealth. An excellent gambler's wood, or a tool for promoting luck and affluence. Butternut will help make one's home and self image perfect, matching one's drive and passion. It will allow a person to shape their life as an artist shapes clay.
Canarywood:
Wood Origin: Africa
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars, Jupiter, and Venus
Elemental Association: Spirit and Air
Other magical properties:
Canarywood is a wonderful wood for healing the body and the soul. It offers strength, both spiritual and physical. Vigor, health, rejuvenation of the mind and body. It is a wood of spiritual inspiration, and would be excellent for spurring creativity and artistic expression. Being a spiritual wood, canarywood is an excellent tool for exploring the non-physical world. It would aid in astral projection and scrying. It also strengthens emotional bonds within the home.
Cedar Wood:
Associated with the Greek Goddess Persephone during her detainment in the Underworld. Also associated with the Celt Goddess Sezh that watches over the realm of fertility, herbs, and trees. Used by King Solomon, one of the greatest mystics of all time, in the building of the temple in Jerusalem.
Magical Properties: Cedar wands cleanses negative atmospheres. Used for the creation of sacred spaces. Related to longevity, protection, and preservation. Often used to summon helpful spirits during rituals and invocations.
Chechen:
Wood Origin: Central America, Mexico
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars, Mercury
Elemental Association: Spirit
Other magical properties:
Spiritual matters can often be conflicted or unclear. Chechen brings one the ability to gain spiritual strength, to overcome spiritual conflict. It will allow a person to question their own beliefs honestly, and come to needed and truthful conclusions. This wood is all about bringing beauty into life. It can help create a better outlook, improving both physical and mental health in the process. It is an amazing tool for those who have a difficult time breaking free from outmoded beliefs or ways of thinking, or who dwell upon negativity too much.
Cherry Wood:
Both feminine and masculine energies. Artemis, Morrigan, Tyr, Mars, Aries, Herne, and Ambash all consider this wood sacred. Associated with the elemental Earth.
Magical properties: Cherry wands are very centered and has very grounded energy. Earth energy is very well grounded, unwavering, and solid. Cherry is used in ritual to stabilize and focus. Cherry is often used for intuitive and insight and to overcome obstacles. This is an excellent choice for divination or medium work, as well as healing and love magic. Cherry is suited for use in hunting magick, working with animals and familiars, eroticism, unification of covens and groups, spells of detection, and amplifying spell work.
Cocobolo:
Wood Origin: South America
Gender Association: Very strongly Masculine
Planetary Association: Mercury, Jupiter
Elemental Association: Fire
Other magical properties:
Cocobolo is the wood of passion. Within it courses the energy of the flame, burning hot with desire, sexuality, ambition, adventure, even rage. A purely masculine energy radiates from the wood. This wood's energy would be a good tool for goal-oriented people. It will encourage ambition and achievement, and a thirst for knowledge and understanding in whatever the matter is at hand. Cocobolo boosts intuitive luck, but can lead to rash or hasty decisions. It's energy is adventurous, and may lead a person into danger or travel far from their level of usual comfort. This is not always a bad thing.
Desert Ironwood:
Wood Origin: North America
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Venus, Mercury, Moon
Elemental Association: Spirit, Water, Some Earth
Other magical properties:
Desert Ironwood is not the hardest wood in the world, but it is the hardest wood that does not contain a large amount of gum or resin content, meaning that it is bone dry. And as the name implies, it is extremely hard and heavy, maybe the third hardest wood on the planet. This makes it the most stable wood in the world, never cracking or warping and very resistant to climactic change. The energy of this wood is simply amazing. The image that comes to mind is that of an elderly tribal wise woman. She is never afraid, because she knows that life is a cycle ending in death. The mysteries and wonders of life are at her fingertips, because she is experienced enough to know a great deal, and wise enough to accept that which cannot be known.
This wood has a very dark, feminine energy. It brings a feeling of protection, steadfast knowledge that the darkness is no more threatening than the light. It brings the ability to explore the mysteries of life unafraid and to gain the knowledge there-in. Only then can one truly know all of the beauty of life.
This wood will enhance artistic expression, bringing a fresh look to life. It will change one's mode of thinking, and allow one to accept life changes gracefully and with a calm wisdom.
Ebony (Gabon):
Wood Origin: Africa, the Gabon region
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine, equality
Planetary Association: Venus
Elemental Association: All 5 (fire, water, earth, air, spirit)
Other magical properties:
Positive luck, balance of energy, Ebony is well-known as the most powerful magical wood. Scott Cunningham, trusted writer of over 30 books about magic and the occult, writes about ebony, "Ebony wood is protective and so is used in making amulets. Ebony wands give the magician pure, unadulterated power." The power of ebony is non-discriminating. It is useful for any magical practice and with any element. It is especially useful in spells dealing with the home, love, and Venus.
Ebony (Macassar):
Wood Origin: Celebes Islands, Maluku and Borneo (Asia)
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine, equality
Planetary Association: Venus, Jupiter
Elemental Association: All 5 (fire, water, earth, air, spirit), emphasis on Water
Other magical properties:
Power to change, positive luck, balance of energy, breaks down social barriers. Ebony is well-known as the most powerful magical wood. Scott Cunningham, trusted writer of over 30 books about magic and the occult, writes about ebony, "Ebony wood is protective and so is used in making amulets. Ebony wands give the magician pure, unadulterated power." The power of ebony is non-discriminating. It is useful for any magical practice and with any element. Macassar ebony differs slightly from the energy of Gaboon ebony, in that it is more cantered around emotions and intuition. This wood would be especially useful in the seeking of spiritual knowledge and exploring intuition and emotion. It would not be especially useful for healing. Historically, this wood was used in the handles of Samurai swords.
Elder Wood:
Masculine energy. Elder is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 25 November to 23 December. The Elder is also said to be the tree used in the crucifixion of Christ. Associated with the Celt Goddess Cailleach Beara and the Raven. Some have considered this tree to be unlucky due to its association with the crucifixion, or it may one of those nasty rumors started by the church in order to combat belief systems outside their on scope of a limited belief system.
Magical Properties: Elder wands are most often used in Faerie Magic, banishment, magical arts, protection from evil, imagination, change, and healing.
Elm Wood:
Feminine energy. Often referred to as the home of the fairies. It is known to for its ability to ward away lightening. Associated with the Great Goddess in crone stage. Relative to the elements of both Earth and Air.
Magical Properties: Use of the Elm wands is strong in magic used concerning endurance, fertility, horticulture, passage thru death and phases of life, rebirth, and invocation of the Goddess. Elm adds stability, grounding, and focus to spell working.
Eucalyptus:
Wood Origin: Australia, Various
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Mars
Elemental Association: Earth
Other magical properties:
One of the strongest healing woods known, eucalyptus trees have been used for medicines for centuries as well as for ritual items pertaining to healing. The energy of this wood is good and pure, clean like the earth from which it is born. This wood is highly recommended for any purpose combating illness or promoting good health. Eucalyptus is also primarily associated with positive luck, especially if related to knowledge. For instance, using eucalyptus in a ritual seeking a positive result to pending news (tests, interviews) would prove beneficial. Worn as a charm, this wood would promote positive luck for the wearer. It is also an excellent tool in divination.
Hawthorn Wood:
Masculine energy. Hawthorn is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 13 May to 9 June. Considered sacred by the Celtic summer flower maiden Olwen, also associated with the owl. This tree is also sacred to Aquarius and the windlord Vashaan. It was often planted in the parameters of a cottage for protection. It is believed that fairies live in the hedges of Hawthorn especially if near ash or oak. Associated with the element of Air.
Magical Properties: Hawthorn wands open insight, provides psychic protection, encourages creativity, used to make charms, aids in the development of self confidence, purification, develops patience, detects magic since it is deeply magical from outer realms, used in weather working, banishment of evil spirits, concealing magic, chastity, male potency, and fairy magick.
Hazel Wood:
Feminine energy. Hazel is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 5 August to 1 September. Associated with the elements of Fire, Air, and Water. Manannan Mac Lir, the Celtic Sea God, considered the wood to be sacred. Druids associated with the fish Salmon. Aligned with the Greek Goddess Aphrodite and the Celtic Goddess Danu, known by the elves and Arianrhod.
Magical Properties: Artistic ability, magical knowledge, and optimism are provided by the enchanting use of Hazel. The energy of hazel wands promoted love and creativity allowing a person to move beyond self-serving modes of existence. Hazel is the bringer of change. Hazel also promotes creative expression, eloquence, and art of all types. This was the most common wood used to create wands in the ancient Celtic traditions. Also used in magic spells for wisdom, creativity, intelligence, navigation, inspiration, and wrath.
Hickory Wood:
Masculine energy. Hickory is sacred to the Celtic God Lugh and the Greek God Apollo. Hickory is closely related to the oak and many of those properties apply.
Magical Properties: Use this wand in magic that seeks direction, abundance, wholeness, and general acquisitions. It can be a source for developing leadership skill and creating an influence of presence.
Honey Locust Wood:
Loved by the fairy because of its thorns that protects fairy clearings.
Magical Properties: A mighty wand of protection and bindings. Use while working with the fairy realm. Some use this wood with spells that deal with beauty and physical appearances.
Holly Wood:
Feminine energy. Holly is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 8 July to 4 August. The sacred spear of Odin was made of Holly. The Roman god Mars rules over this mighty wood. Related to the elemental Earth. Associated by Druidic tradition to the grand majesty of the Unicorn. The Smith God Govannon considers this wood to be sacred.
Magical Properties: Purity, strength, logic, power transfer, protection. Holly wands are often used in magic concerning sleep. It is said that a man who carries the leaves and berries of holly is irresistible to women. Since the story of the ruler ship of the Holly King and the Oak King deal with cycles and rebirth, it is often used in magic to ease the loss of loved ones to death. It also carries properties of the sacred, material advance, physical revenge, and beauty.
Ivy Wood:
Masculine energy. Persephone considers this wood to be sacred. Druids related this to the Butterfly. Guinevere the fairy bride rules over this wood.
Magical Properties: Determination, strength, optimism, spiritual growth. Ivy is a fine wand for protection, good against wayward spirits and angry elementals, ensures success in business and all new endeavors.
Katalox:
Wood Origin: Central America
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Saturn, Jupiter
Elemental Association: Earth, Water
Other magical properties:
Katalox is primarily a wood of balance, especially the balance between light and darkness. It helps one achieve self-knowledge, the ability to see one's own life as others might, and to decide which aspects may be out of balance or in need of correction. It allows one to feel "at home" in their own skin, complete by acknowledgement of the whole self and seeing the whole of reality, not just the parts people often wish to see. Useful both for those who dwell too much in the light, having a difficulty coping with death, sorrow, or mysterious subject-matter, or those who constantly dwell in darkness, refusing to let the light in. Balance is the key. This wood brings about acceptance on many levels. For those who have anger issues, Katalox is an excellent tool for overcoming them. The wood is introspective and grounding, slowing anger and allowing one to think clearly and see situations in a more logical and understanding manner. This wood is a wonderful tool for change. Those who have a difficult time coping with change will find that they are able to accept and learn from change better. Those who have a difficult time bringing about change in their life will find it easier to do so. This is also an excellent tool for exploring divination, mysteries, and other forms of "dark" spirituality.
Kingwood:
Wood Origin: Brazil
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine
Planetary Association: Saturn, Moon, Jupiter
Elemental Association: Spirit, Water
Other magical properties:
The primary energies of this wood are strength and protection. It is associated with the very assertive masculine and the warrior-feminine. It will block out unwanted energy, forming an impenetrable protective barrier. This wood brings with it the ability to exert one's will upon the world, creating needed or desired change. The power of this wood blasts away all ambiguity. It will allow one to discover their true spiritual path, locking in only the most sincere beliefs, allowing the rest to fall away. It clarifies confusion. This wood is an excellent healing wood, closely tied with willpower. It would also be excellent for luck magic or divination. Also excellent for curses or other offensive magic, this is not a wood for novices or the untrustworthy.
Koa:
Wood Origin: The Hawaiian Islands
Gender Association: Split between masculine and feminine, different associations for each
Planetary Association: Masculine: Jupiter, Saturn, Sun and Mercury
Feminine: Moon, Venus, Sun, Mercury
Elemental Association: Masculine: Water Feminine: Fire
Other magical properties:
Koa is one of the most curious of woods we can have the pleasure of working with. It has both a masculine and a feminine side, almost completely separate. Masculine properties: The energy associated with the masculine aspects of this wood are duality and balance, like the tides. This energy is deeply connected with the ocean, which is alternately giving and destructive. To truly utilize the masculine properties of this wood, one must be able to recognize and become comfortable with the ebb and flow of its energy. Deity: Kanaloa, Hawaiian God of the Sea Feminine properties: Cantered around the element of fire, Koa in its feminine aspect brings creativity, beauty, and wisdom, and strength. It also brings a fiery energy, capable of destructive power or the power to overcome strife. Deity: Pele, Hawaiian Fire Goddess
Leopardwood (Lacewood):
Wood Origin: Australia
Gender Association: Both masculine and feminine
Planetary Association: Mars and Venus
Elemental Association: Water
Other magical properties:
Leopardwood is very useful in divination, especially obtaining news from afar. It is also associated with positive luck, a gambler's wood. The energy of this wood is overall very positive, and it would be an excellent wood for use in almost any ritual or spell, but especially those dealing with luck or divination.
Lignum Vitae:
Wood Origin: South America and parts of Europe
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine
Planetary Association: Sun, Jupiter, Venus
Elemental Association: Earth, Water
Other magical properties:
The hardest, densest wood in the word, Lignum Vitae means "long life" in Latin. This tree is also called the "Tree of Life" as well as "Iron Wood." The wood is so dense and heavy that it will not even float in water. It comes with a long history and legend. This naturally green wood has been used for time untold in construction due to the fact that it is so hard and dense. Because it has a large amount of resin within it as well as its density, it is naturally lubricated and was thus used as ball bearings on ships. The greatest legend about this wood is that Merlin the Wizard carried a staff and/or wand made from Lignum Vitae. This legend appears in both literature and ancient writings about the legend of Camelot. If true, it is hardly surprising. The energy within the wood is perfectly suited to a great man such as Merlin. This wood has a profoundly positive energy. The overall energy of the wood can be summed up as "the power and strength of goodness." Its strong connections with the sun, Jupiter, and luck energy make the wood an ideal tool for any worker of positive magick. The energy about the wood is very healing, in both physical and spiritual matters. The energies within the wood would also be excellent for divining information from far away as well as close to home. This wood represents the end of strife and the beginning of a new, positive, cycle.
Lilac Wood:
A favorite of the forest nymphs and where they are surely Pan is close. Lilac is sacred to the Greek Twins Gemini. Associated with the element of Air.
Magical Properties: Lilac wands are good for magic dealing with romance, love, and passion. Superb when utilizing magics for the realm of intellect, communication, mental concentration. Enhances sexual pleasure. Lilac provides protection during travel. When dealing with illusion magic, this wood is very adequate, as with the divining arts.
Mahogany (Genuine):
Wood Origin: Honduras
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Earth, Mars, Mercury, Moon
Elemental Association: Primary: Earth - Secondary: Fire
Other magical properties:
Mahogany is an interesting wood mainly because, while most woods have a variety of differing uses, this one is very specialized. This wood is very focused on fertility, growing. It has a very powerful bond with the Earth, and will channel Earth energy better than any other. Secondary to fertility, this wood has other uses as well. Enhancing intuition, strengthening bonds with blood relatives (especially the mother/son relationship), and exploring and clarifying goals are all possible uses for Mahogany. This wood would not be good for divination.
Mahogany (African):
Wood Origin: Africa
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Moon
Elemental Association: Primary: Spirit - Secondary: Fire
Other magical properties:
This is one of the most spiritually focused of all woods, and would be best used in magic dealing with anything non-physical. Divination and spiritual growth and guidance are its primary properties. It is also an excellent wood for healing spells, though mostly for emotional and spiritual healing.
Maple Wood:
Maple has both Feminine and Masculine energy. Libra and Virgo consider this tree to be sacred. Associated with the elements of Spirit and Water. The great horned owl is the sacred bird of this tree.
Magical Properties: Some cultures primarily use Maple wands for spiritual healing. Maple is a traveler's wood. It enhances intellectual pursuits, acquiring knowledge, and communication. Spells concerning art, beauty, binding, and abundance should consider using this wood. The gypsies believe Maple brings gold and that eating the seeds draws love.
Marblewood:
Wood Origin: South America
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars
Elemental Association: Earth
Other magical properties:
This wood has an extremely grounded energy, while at the same time being very intense. It will react strongly to the passion of the individual using it, helping to achieve goals and remove conflict through strong and decisive action. It is a VERY strong healing tool, drawing energy up from the Earth itself for this purpose. It would be useful for all types of healing, from animals to plants, physical healing to emotional healing. It encourages empathy and compassion, enhancing feelings of love and affection.
Marblewood enhances positive luck, helping to bring situations that are out of the control of the individual to a positive end. A wood that will aid a person in all areas of learning and artistry, it removes blockages that prevent forward movement in life. This will enhance creativity for artistic pursuits as well as removing the obstacles that might interfere with academic achievement.
Mopane:
Wood Origin: Zimbabwe
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars, Saturn
Elemental Association: Air
Other magical properties:
Communication and awareness are the two main energies present in this wood. It has the ability to add or remove blockages from communication. This makes it excellent for treating communication disorders, such as speech impediments or autism. It is also a good tool for blocking out unwanted communication, both physical and spiritual in nature. This wood helps one let go of past pains and move forward in life. It brings a general positive energy, making past hurts seem not as important. It will aid in planning out and attaining future goals.
Myrtlewood:
Wood Origin: North America
Gender Association: Balanced masculinity and femininity
Planetary Association: Venus, Jupiter, Mars
Elemental Association: Primary: Earth - Secondary: Fire
Other magical properties:
This wood is all about balanced energy. Oftentimes, people will focus only on one or two details of their lives, neglecting the rest. This wood's energy helps us to step back and see the big picture, not getting overwhelmed by the details. It helps to balance the energies within us or a situation. Myrtlewood will aid in decision making, but not luck. This wood is very versatile. It is good for healing, creating abundance, and for nurturing passionate love. However, it has a very honest energy and will not tolerate deception or "creative truth" in any of your workings with it.
Oak Wood:
Strong Masculine energy. Oak is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 10 June to 7 July. The Druids associated the oak with the Wren. Closely aligned with the elements Earth, Water, and Spirit . The Oak is considered to be the most powerful and the most sacred to the Druids. Wizards consider this the most amplified wood to use to in spells that work with time and counter spells. Sacred to the Irish God Dagda.
Magical Properties: Truth, steadfast knowledge, protection. Oak wands bring vitality and long life. To the ancient Celtic people, oak was the protector, provider, benevolent king of the trees. Utilized as a healing wood, and very will grounded considering its strong connection to the earth. This wood helps center the mind, allowing it to focus on the task at hand and ignore distractions. Oak help promote both observation and intuition. Oak magic inspires bravery, presence, leadership skills, prosperity, and strength.
Olivewood, Bethlehem:
Wood Origin: Israel
Gender Association: Masculine Primarily, Feminine Secondary
Planetary Association: Sun Primary, Moon Secondary
Elemental Association: Air, Spirit, Water (In order of strength)
Other magical properties:
Bethlehem Olive Wood is obtained from tree trimmings in the holy olive orchards in and around the holy city of Bethlehem in Israel. This wood obviously has a very strong symbolism for Christians, as it is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. Like all woods, this beautiful wood also has many unique energetic properties. This wood is foremost an amazing aid in communication of any type. It opens the mind to intuitive and empathetic energy, allowing you to truly gain insight into other's thoughts and actions. This wood is also remarkable in its ability to aid in communication with spirits and the dead.
With powerful spiritual energy, having this wood in your possession will help bring about the situations that create spiritual growth. It attracts such situations into your life. It will create a "holy" atmosphere in the home, helping in all aspects of spiritual life. This wood will aid in learning and finding the true path of knowledge. It will do this by creating positive change in life, keeping a person from falling into stagnant patterns of thought and action. For this reason, it is an excellent tool for those who are trying to find their path in life, or those who find their learning halted by habit. Finally, this wood is an amazing tool for healing. However, it relies almost entirely upon the will and passion of the healer themselves. A person who is truly committed to healing would find this wood will boost their abilities wonderfully.
Olivewood, Italian:
Wood Origin: Italy
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Saturn, Sun
Elemental Association: Earth, Spirit
Other magical properties:
Balance between the spiritual and physical aspects of life is often difficult to attain. The central energy within this wood brings about this balance. It will allow a person to travel between the spiritual and physical words at ease, and thus is an excellent tool for astral projection or communication with spirits or the dead. This energy is somewhat chaotic due to its extremely powerful connection with the spiritual realm, and may bring unwanted communication as well. The spiritual journeys brought on by this wood can bring about self-love and a balance of energies, as well as a greater understanding of life and death and rebirth.
Osage Orange Wood:
Masculine energy. Associated with the elements of Spirit, Earth, and Fire. Named after the Osage tribe of the Great Plains region.
Magical properties: This wood is famous for its ability to repel household pests and resist rot. Recommended to use this wand in magicks dealing with astral healing, spirit guides, and animal guides. This wood aides in the pursuit of goals and passions.
Padauk:
Wood Origin: Africa, Gabon region
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars
Elemental Association: Fire
Other magical properties:
A powerful yet chaotic wood, Padauk is not at all recommended for those new to The Craft. The energy of this wood is constantly changing, randomly fluctuating. It would, however, be an amazing wood for healing magic if one could learn to harness the chaotic energy within. In the hands of the inexperienced, it would likely do more harm than good.
Pear:
Wood Origin: Various, a commonly grown fruit wood
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mercury, Sun
Elemental Association: Earth, Fire
Other magical properties:
Extremely earth-centric energy, very grounded. This type of wood is best used for healing, and will appeal mostly to those who have a passion to heal. This wood would not be useful for spiritual exploration, such as astral projection, divination, etc, but is extremely useful in earth-centric matters. It brings a creative, inspiring energy to the home. This wood is excellent for use with money and prosperity spells.
Pink Ivory:
Wood Origin: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Sun, Mars
Elemental Association: Spirit, Water
Other magical properties:
Pink Ivory was the royal wood of the Zulu people of Africa. Legend states that the Zulu king would carry a staff crafted from this wood, as well as ornamental jewellery, and any others caught possessing the wood of the Pink Ivory tree were to be punished by beheading. This included foreigners in their own country and abroad. Many have said that this legend was simply invented by the Africans to drive up the price of the wood as an export item, but that is unclear. It is a protected tree in South Africa, and only cut down by limited permit, making it one of the most rare and expensive crafting woods in the world. The tree itself is a fruit-bearing tree, and the fruit is traded in marketplaces across southern Africa. Energetically, this wood is strongly associated with the sun, spiritual healing, and strength. "Change" and "growth" are the key words for this wood. It gives the power to bring about needed change in one's own life, to learn and grow toward healthy goals. It grants the ability to leave the past behind, and look to the future, a brighter future not marred by the baggage of our past. This is especially true in home situations, where home life is a burden. It allows one to see and feel their home anew, leaving behind past hurts, or to seek a new home if that is desired. Spiritually, this wood is not a good tool for communication with otherworldly spirits, but an excellent tool for healing one's own spirit or the spirits of other living people or animals. It will aid in magic that seeks to heal emotional hurts, or cure inhibitions that cripple social behaviour. It will aid in opening channels of communication between people (or between people and animals). This wood is also an excellent tool for love magic, or magic having to do with luck or wealth.
Poplar Wood:
Masculine energy. Plato makes a reference to the use of Black popular and Silver Fir as an aid in divination. Aligned with the elements of Spirit, Water, and Fire. Influenced by the power of Venus.
Magical properties: Poplar wands have an incredibly diverse energy, allowing it to be an all-purpose wood for magickal workings. The diversity of the energy in this wood makes it useful for evocation as well as banishment rituals. It is also strong with the elements of hope, rebirth, and divinations.
Purpleheart:
Wood Origin: Central and South America
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Venus and Mercury
Elemental Association: Spirit, Air
Other magical properties:
A spiritual wood, purpleheart is excellent for use in divination magic. It also enhances energy dealing with creativity and knowledge. One of the best woods when dealing with spiritual healing and health issues, purpleheart would be especially useful in eradicating the negative energies that create strife in the home.
Redheart:
Wood Origin: South America, various
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Jupiter, Sun, Moon
Elemental Association: Earth, Water
Other magical properties:
Containing an overall bright and carefree energy, redheart is an excellent wood for those seeking to be able to focus more on the "here and now" rather than dwelling on past or possible future events. It allows one to follow their whims, set aside their fears, and move their life in an overall positive direction. It does not distract one from real threats, but rather removes the fear and doubt that can cloud our judgment and make us imagine things worse than they may actually be. This wood will aid a person in finding their personal truth, free of self-deception. Self-esteem is not to be underrated. Most of us live under certain assumptions about how people view us or our beliefs that may not be entirely accurate. The power of this wood will help a person set aside those assumptions, to feel free to speak their mind and express their views without fear of what others may think. It is a freeing energy, without self consciousness or darkness and doubt. It allows us to see this life for what it is, not what we imagine it to be, and to love it.
Rosewood (Bolivian):
Wood Origin: Bolivia
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Mars, Moon, Venus
Elemental Association: Spirit, Fire
Other magical properties:
This wood's energy is primarily feminine, and focused on spiritual, intuitive health and beauty. Bolivian Rosewood is motherly, spiritual, and nourishing. It lends a boost to intuitive thought and feeling, and is thus excellent in divination and scrying. A healing wood, rosewood can be used in all healing rituals but is especially effective in spiritual healing. In matters dealing with beauty, rosewood can be very effective. Carried or worn as a charm, this wood will enhance female beauty and feminine grace. It would be good for love spells as well, but only those conducted with maturity and wisdom. Frivolous energies will not be enhanced by this wood.
Rosewood (East Indian):
Wood Origin: India
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Moon, Venus, Saturn
Elemental Association: Fire, Earth, Some Water
Other magical properties:
East Indian Rosewood has a very magical energy, but that of dark magic, mystery. Darkness is not a negative thing, but it is that which is not usually focused upon, the hidden things in life that escape the notice of most people. This wood will help a person work with these energies. For this reason, this wood is highly recommended for all magic involving divination, communication with the dead, and internal truth. In addition, this wood is excellent for magic involving health and beauty, physical things that you can see and touch. Physical healing or the clearing up of cosmetic flaws would be good uses for this wood. A very grounded wood, it can also help bring about positive change, even if that change does include some conflict. It can help bring about a feeling of being at home.
Rosewood (Honduran):
Wood Origin: Honduras
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Venus, Saturn, Moon
Elemental Association: Spirit, Water, Fire, Air (in order of strength)
Other magical properties:
Being a member of the rosewood family, this wood shares many properties with other rosewoods while also having a distinctly different energy all its own. Unlike some other rosewoods, Honduran Rosewood is not purely feminine, allowing a small amount of masculine energy to also come through. The most powerful energy within the wood is spiritually focused. It would best be used for creative therapy and healing. This is a life-changing, positive, feminine energy. Like most rosewoods, this wood is excellent for love magick and bringing passion into life. Also like most rosewoods, it is good for bringing about change and for boosting intuitive or psychic abilities. But unlike other rosewoods, the energy of Saturn allows this wood to also block out unwanted energies in magickal workings. This can be excellent for isolating only the desired aspect of the wood.
Rowan:
Planet: The Sun, Mercury
Element: Fire
Symbolism: Protection and Inspiration
Stone: Tourmaline
Birds: Duck, Quail
Color: Green
Deity: Brigantia, Brigid, Virgin Mary, Thor
Sabbat: Imbolc, Candlemas
Folk Names: Delight of the Eye, Mountain Ash, Quickbane, Ran Tree, Roden-Quicken, Roden-Quicken-Royan, Roynetree, Sorb Apple, Thor's Helper, Whitty, Wicken-Tree, Wiggin, Wiggy, Wiky, Wild Ash, Witchbane, Witchen, Witchwood
Sagebrush:
Wood Origin: Western United States
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Sun
Elemental Association: Fire, Spirit
Other magical properties:
Though considered an unsightly desert weed by most people, the Native American people held the sagebrush plant in particular reverence. It was the only wood they used to burn in their sweat lodges, creating a greasy dark smoke that helped them achieve a higher state of consciousness. In their culture, this wood could not be collected until the collector was spiritually purified.
Not surprisingly, the primary energy of this wood is cleansing and purifying itself. It helps to clear away negativity and doubt, helping a person to focus on their true passions and to gain valuable insights. It reveals needed goals, and creates drive. It can help a person remove the obstacles they have found placed between themselves and the things they seek in life, by removing blockages within oneself. This would also be an excellent tool for divination, but not with dark energy. It would not help with scrying, but would be an aid in meditative divination or spiritual journeys.
Sassafras Wood:
Native Americans and early settlers considered sassafras to be a cure all for all sorts of ailments. The root bark was once believed to be a curative, capable of treating everything from headaches to malaria, fever, liver problems, stomachaches and colds. In addition, the wand was believed to increase hunger. The wood, which continues to be used in furniture, was often used in flooring and bedsteads because people believed the sassafras fragrance would drive away bedbugs and other pesky insects.
Magical properties: Early settlers also believed that beds made from sassafras would drive away evil spirits and give people restful sleep. Eases problems with the digestive system. Burying money near the roots of a Sassafras tree brings prosperity.
Tulipwood:
Wood Origin: Brazil
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: The Moon and Venus
Elemental Association: Water
Other magical properties:
Tulipwood is part of the rosewood family. It carries with it many of the traits of other rosewoods, with a few unique traits as well. A very powerful feminine energy radiates from this wood. It would be extraordinary if used in moon magic, and anything having to do with creativity, intuitions, and beauty, and natural cycles. This would be an excellent wood for divination. The primary element of this wood is water. Water usually brings with it a calm and peaceful effect. However, the energy of this wood contains the full spectrum of water energy, both peaceful and destructive. It is as though the very energy of the Goddess rests within the wood; beautiful and serene, yet powerful and proud. The wood carries an overall positive energy, and also may be used to bring about affluence and wealth. One of the most powerful woods we have ever encountered, with a very diverse and potent energy.
Vine Wood:
Masculine and feminine energies are present in Vinewood. Vine is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 2 September to 29 September. Druids associated this wood with the Swan. Considered sacred by the Tuatha De Danaan Gods of Irish Mythology.
Magical Properties: Vinewood wands encourage spiritual initiation, faerie work, joy spells, excitement, rebirth., sacred knowledge, and authority.
Wenge:
Wood Origin: Tropical West Africa
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Saturn, Venus
Elemental Association: Fire, Air, Spirit
Other magical properties:
Wenge is not only a beautiful wood to look at, but also a wonderful magical tool. It possesses a very relaxed energy, encouraging slow, even thought. It is the perfect tool for meditation, especially for those who have trouble slowing their thoughts. It is also a healing wood, useful for a variety of physical as well and emotional healing applications. Worn as a charm, this wood would create a more even mood and cantered thought. It would also calm the temper and encourage learning. This wood is not for the impatient, if they hope to utilize it for quick power.
Whitewood:
Wood Origin: Romania
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine
Planetary Association: Saturn, Moon, Sun
Elemental Association: Air
Other magical properties:
Anyone who has purchased cheap lumber at a hardware store that is not specifically labelled pine has probably purchased whitewood, usually imported from Romania. It is a very fast growing tree related to the pine tree, but without the aroma or prevalence of sap.
This wood contains a very dark energy. Darkness is that which is mysterious and often frightening to people. It is extremely useful for many types of magic, including divination, communication with the spirit world, death, and exploring the mysteries of life. This wood is protective, allowing one to explore their dark side without getting lost within it. Overall, this wood helps one understand things that most people choose to ignore or may not even know exist. It can bring healing through communication, and a general comfort through knowledge. It is a very grounded wood, despite the prevalence of air energy.
Willow Wood:
Feminine energy. Willow is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 15 April to 12 May. Willow is strongly aligned with the element of water and associated with the element of spirit. The Druids associated this tree with the hare. Diana, Hecate, Astarte, Ceridwen, Arianrhod, Rhiannon, and Omulan all consider this to be a very sacred tree.
Magical Properties: Willow wands are strong in the cycles of life dealing with death and rebirth, change, the will. It is a very emotional wood. Willow can add vital energy to the sick and elderly. Some say that burning willow can soothe and guide the souls of the recently deceased. Willow wood is the very essence of magick, not just the mere making a tool into a magical one, willow makes the tool magickal. Willow will align itself to the inner will of the party that shares its energy. The stronger the will, the more effective the wood. Willow is extremely useful in healing. It is also good for love spells and rituals involving emotion. It strengthens the third eye, and is a great tool for divination as well.
Yellowheart (also known as Satinwood):
Wood Origin: Various, from Florida USA to Brazil
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars, Saturn, Moon
Elemental Association: Water is strongest, but exhibits energy in all elements but fire
Other magical properties:
This wood contains a very powerful, and often strange, energy. Though it is overall positive, it is a wood highly influenced by luck and the energies which surround it. The results may be unpredictable, though usually not dangerous. The wood is highly in tune with the planet Mars. Mars brings both strife and war, or the energy to overcome these things. In this case, the energy is very tied up with life energy as well, possibly indicating that the wood could be used to influence health issues, both spiritual and physical. Water energy is the strongest elemental force within this wood, and with it the cyclical energy of the moon. Water brings a peaceful energy, a stillness. This energy will be strongest on the full moon, and nearly nonexistent during a new moon. The most interesting aspect of this wood is the prevalence of the planet Saturn. Saturn blocks Venus and the element of Fire in this wood's energy, keeping creative thought, desires, and ambitions at a minimum. This would be highly useful for meditation, though may be a hindrance in other endeavours.
Yew, Pacific:
Wood Origin: North America, Pacific Northwest
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mercury, Jupiter, Moon
Elemental Association: Earth, Spirit
Other magical properties:
Though not European Yew, the Pacific Yew is nearly identical to the species of tree that was used to create the infamous English Longbow. This species of Yew was instead used by the native people of North America to make spears and bows of great power and sacred history. The main property of the Pacific Yew is focus. It grants the ability to block out the things that do not matter and concentrate on the matters at hand. It is an amazing aid in the pursuit of knowledge and goals. It brings a balance of the physical and spiritual worlds, the ability to concentrate on either with equal clarity. Not a recommended wood for divination or luck, but highly recommended for use with the pursuit of goals, including love.
Zebrawood:
Wood Origin: Africa, Gabon region
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Moon
Elemental Association: Air
Other magical properties:
The primary associations of this wood are the moon, love, luck, wisdom, creativity, and beauty. It is the only wood we have encountered that has absolutely no masculine energy. Though there is a very positive energy about this wood, it is not recommended for healing magic. It would, however, be an excellent tool in dealing with love magic, and anything relating to feminine energy or the moon. It would also be a good tool for divination.
Ziricote:
Wood Origin: Central and South America
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Sun, Saturn, Moon
Elemental Association: Fire
Other magical properties:
A somewhat peculiar wood in that, despite its very strong masculine energy, it is primarily a nurturing energy. Often we associate masculinity with aggressive behaviour or violence, but this is not always the case. When describing the energy of this wood, the best analogy is that of the protective and nurturing father. This wood is extremely protective in nature, and would be an excellent tool for those doing shielding spells or who are in need of added defensive energy. It will bring about a peaceful feeling in the home, free of danger. Ziricote is an excellent tool for bringing love into one's life. It does this by helping a person to love themselves, encouraging a positive self image. For those with self esteem issues that keep others at bay, this would be an invaluable resource. An assertive wood, it will help a person take strong and decisive action. Not a boost in luck energy, this wood relies instead on making choices, cause and effect. It would be a great aid to those who find that they are unable to make up their minds about things, or who are easily distracted. Finally, this wood is an excellent healing tool. Like the flame cleanses, this wood can burn away illness and negativity. It also encourages clear communication between people.
Alder Wood:
Masculine Energy. Alder is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 18 March to 14 April. Druids associated this tree with the fox. The diety Bran considers this tree to be sacred.
Magical Properties: Alder wands are used for witch craft magick rituals concerning with charisma, journeys, self confidence, bravery, supervision skills, and spiritual growth. Also used in shielding the astral self from unwanted intrusion from other realms.
Apple Wood:
Female energy. The apple wand is symbolic of fertility, peace, plenty and joy. A tree that is sacred to Venus and the Celtic Goddess Rhiannon. Apple is a staple food of the elven and fairie realm.
Magical Properties: This is a powerful wood of choice for the witch when working with the fairie magick. Apple is a good wood for aiding in the propagation of skills, often used in love magick. Apple wood promotes peace and harmony, magick of light and the divine, and promotes visions.
Ash Wood:
Female and Effeminate Male energy are present in Ash 18 February to 17 March. Ash is closely aligned to the elemental Earth. Ash is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology. Greeks associated this tree with Neptune and Mercury. The Druids associated this tree with the adder. The Nords held this tree sacred to Woden (Odin), the Nordic World Tree, Yggdrasil, is an Ash tree and is considered to be the father of all trees. The Welsh associated this tree with the God Gwydion.
Magical Properties: The Ash wand is an excellent wood for promoting brain power, aids in communication, intelligence, wisdom, and promotes curiosity. Use this wood to remove mental blockages and aid in the promotion of word use and understanding. It is the wood of the writer, poet, and scholar. Promotes spiritual love and health. Protects against unwanted change. Brings balance to the mind. It is said that warts rubbed on the bark will be absorbed into the tree. Use for protection from drowning, magickal effectiveness, sea power, and healing. Ash is also used for protection, finding special roots, horse magick, enhances skills of arts and crafts, justice, weather magick, and for working with the magick of cave and wells.
Basswood Wood:
Basswood is sacred to the Greek Goddess Aprhodite and the Celtic Goddess Arianrhod, Goddess of the Stars and Queen of Heaven. Some associate this with the Celtic Tree of Life. Basswood is related with the element of Air.
Magical Properties: Basswood wands are used for creative endeavors, star magick, enlightenment, love, attraction, healing, and enchantments.
Beech Wood:
Male Energy and because it produces nuts it is closely related to the Oak. Associated with the Greek God Apollo and the Elves Sun Lord Obraash. The Celts used the nut of this tree to fodder the sacred swine. Norse tradition says that tablets of Beech were used to make the very first writing tablets for the runes, strong magick for working with the Nordic runes.
Magical Properties: Beech wands are used in the magick of divination. Reduces swellings and skin inflammations. Helps to balance mental health. Aspiration, desire, and victory are all key elements of this wood. Used while working with ancestors, old wisdom, and magickal research. Beech is a sacred wood of the summer solstice.
Birch Wood:
Male energy. Birch is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 24 December to 20 January. One of the first trees to naturally establish in cleared forests. It is a tree of new beginnings and establishments. Closely aligned with the element of water. The Druids associated this wood with the white stag.
Magical Properties: The Birch wand is used in many cleansing rituals. Birch is a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and diligence. Some use this wood to aid in the calming of emotions. The bark helps to heal wounds and burns. Many European communities use or have used, birch twigs to expel evil spirits. Some cultures utilize birch rods in rituals designed to drive out spirits of the old year. Controlled by Moon influences to include; birth, Lunar spells, healing, and protection. Birch by tradition has been linked to youth and new beginnings. Use in rituals that signify a new start of any endeavor.
Black Palm:
Wood Origin: Southeast Asia
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Jupiter, Sun
Elemental Association: Water
Other magical properties:
The most remarkable thing about this wood is that its primary property is that of magic. The wood is naturally aligned with magic, and enhances magical energy. Obviously this is a good choice as a material for sacred objects.
This wood is strongly aligned to water energy. It rejects all fire-related energies, and it would also not be useful for healing. It brings about positive changes, creates opportunities, and opens spiritual pathways. Good words to associate with this wood are: feeling, changing, growing, love, and art. This wood is excellent for gaining power and knowledge from nature (which is what magic is).
Black Walnut:
Wood Origin: North America and Europe
Gender Association: Feminine and Masculine
Planetary Association: Moon, Saturn
Elemental Association: Earth, Spirit
Other magical properties:
The best word to describe the energy of this wood is "introspective." It is not for those with flights of fancy, but rather for those who seek to explore their own personal energy and the "here and now." It is good for blocking out emotional energy so that one may focus upon the task at hand. This wood couples reason with intuition to help a person grow spiritually and to heal themselves from within. A quiet, unassuming wood, black walnut can help us to get in touch with ourselves and the Earth.
Bloodwood:
Wood Origin: Bolivia (South America)
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine
Planetary Association: Mars and Venus
Elemental Association: All 4 physical elements, fire, earth, air, and water
Other magical properties:
Bloodwood is a remarkable wood mainly for its ability to utilize elemental energies. The wood itself can channel and enhance the affect of all elemental energies, but the degree to which it can do so seems to depend upon the person utilizing the wood. This can be determined by your astrological sign.
Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Bloodwood would enhance your ability to utilize water energy if you are a Pisces far more greatly than if you were an Aries, for instance. Likewise, a Pisces may find bloodwood nearly useless when working with the element of fire, because that element is the opposite of the primary element of the Pisces.
Bocote:
Wood Origin: Mexico
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Sun, Jupiter, Mars
Elemental Association: All but air
Other magical properties:
Bocote represents the end of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. The extremely peaceful and positive energy of this wood can be utilized in a number of ways. It is excellent when used as tool to diagnose illness, chakras, or other health-related issues. It has a very powerful spiritual energy, which may bring with it either peace or inner turmoil. However, if it does bring turmoil, it is only to bring about the correct way of thinking or balance of energy in the end. Bocote has strong fire energy, related mostly to passionate love. It is also an inspiration for the artistic and creative mind, focusing on beauty and the Earth.
Bubinga:
Wood Origin: Equatorial Africa
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: (In order of importance) Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter
Elemental Association: Earth, Fire
Other magical properties:
Love is the most prevalent energy within this wood. This means that it would be best used for love magick or any matters related to emotional energy. It is a very spiritual wood, emotionally healing. It has very strong feminine aspects, emphasizing intuition, creativity, and nurturing. This is a wood with not one single negative attribute, which is extremely rare. It would be useful for any type of magick. But, the energies within the wood would be especially powerful if utilized for love magick, divination, and emotional healing. The power of this wood will be strongest at the full moon, weakest at the new moon.
Butternut:
Wood Origin: North America
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine
Planetary Association: Jupiter, Venus
Elemental Association: Earth, Fire
Other magical properties:
This wood brings wisdom and creativity to any situation. It will aid in finding the truths that others miss, often resulting in good fortune and wealth. An excellent gambler's wood, or a tool for promoting luck and affluence. Butternut will help make one's home and self image perfect, matching one's drive and passion. It will allow a person to shape their life as an artist shapes clay.
Canarywood:
Wood Origin: Africa
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars, Jupiter, and Venus
Elemental Association: Spirit and Air
Other magical properties:
Canarywood is a wonderful wood for healing the body and the soul. It offers strength, both spiritual and physical. Vigor, health, rejuvenation of the mind and body. It is a wood of spiritual inspiration, and would be excellent for spurring creativity and artistic expression. Being a spiritual wood, canarywood is an excellent tool for exploring the non-physical world. It would aid in astral projection and scrying. It also strengthens emotional bonds within the home.
Cedar Wood:
Associated with the Greek Goddess Persephone during her detainment in the Underworld. Also associated with the Celt Goddess Sezh that watches over the realm of fertility, herbs, and trees. Used by King Solomon, one of the greatest mystics of all time, in the building of the temple in Jerusalem.
Magical Properties: Cedar wands cleanses negative atmospheres. Used for the creation of sacred spaces. Related to longevity, protection, and preservation. Often used to summon helpful spirits during rituals and invocations.
Chechen:
Wood Origin: Central America, Mexico
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars, Mercury
Elemental Association: Spirit
Other magical properties:
Spiritual matters can often be conflicted or unclear. Chechen brings one the ability to gain spiritual strength, to overcome spiritual conflict. It will allow a person to question their own beliefs honestly, and come to needed and truthful conclusions. This wood is all about bringing beauty into life. It can help create a better outlook, improving both physical and mental health in the process. It is an amazing tool for those who have a difficult time breaking free from outmoded beliefs or ways of thinking, or who dwell upon negativity too much.
Cherry Wood:
Both feminine and masculine energies. Artemis, Morrigan, Tyr, Mars, Aries, Herne, and Ambash all consider this wood sacred. Associated with the elemental Earth.
Magical properties: Cherry wands are very centered and has very grounded energy. Earth energy is very well grounded, unwavering, and solid. Cherry is used in ritual to stabilize and focus. Cherry is often used for intuitive and insight and to overcome obstacles. This is an excellent choice for divination or medium work, as well as healing and love magic. Cherry is suited for use in hunting magick, working with animals and familiars, eroticism, unification of covens and groups, spells of detection, and amplifying spell work.
Cocobolo:
Wood Origin: South America
Gender Association: Very strongly Masculine
Planetary Association: Mercury, Jupiter
Elemental Association: Fire
Other magical properties:
Cocobolo is the wood of passion. Within it courses the energy of the flame, burning hot with desire, sexuality, ambition, adventure, even rage. A purely masculine energy radiates from the wood. This wood's energy would be a good tool for goal-oriented people. It will encourage ambition and achievement, and a thirst for knowledge and understanding in whatever the matter is at hand. Cocobolo boosts intuitive luck, but can lead to rash or hasty decisions. It's energy is adventurous, and may lead a person into danger or travel far from their level of usual comfort. This is not always a bad thing.
Desert Ironwood:
Wood Origin: North America
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Venus, Mercury, Moon
Elemental Association: Spirit, Water, Some Earth
Other magical properties:
Desert Ironwood is not the hardest wood in the world, but it is the hardest wood that does not contain a large amount of gum or resin content, meaning that it is bone dry. And as the name implies, it is extremely hard and heavy, maybe the third hardest wood on the planet. This makes it the most stable wood in the world, never cracking or warping and very resistant to climactic change. The energy of this wood is simply amazing. The image that comes to mind is that of an elderly tribal wise woman. She is never afraid, because she knows that life is a cycle ending in death. The mysteries and wonders of life are at her fingertips, because she is experienced enough to know a great deal, and wise enough to accept that which cannot be known.
This wood has a very dark, feminine energy. It brings a feeling of protection, steadfast knowledge that the darkness is no more threatening than the light. It brings the ability to explore the mysteries of life unafraid and to gain the knowledge there-in. Only then can one truly know all of the beauty of life.
This wood will enhance artistic expression, bringing a fresh look to life. It will change one's mode of thinking, and allow one to accept life changes gracefully and with a calm wisdom.
Ebony (Gabon):
Wood Origin: Africa, the Gabon region
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine, equality
Planetary Association: Venus
Elemental Association: All 5 (fire, water, earth, air, spirit)
Other magical properties:
Positive luck, balance of energy, Ebony is well-known as the most powerful magical wood. Scott Cunningham, trusted writer of over 30 books about magic and the occult, writes about ebony, "Ebony wood is protective and so is used in making amulets. Ebony wands give the magician pure, unadulterated power." The power of ebony is non-discriminating. It is useful for any magical practice and with any element. It is especially useful in spells dealing with the home, love, and Venus.
Ebony (Macassar):
Wood Origin: Celebes Islands, Maluku and Borneo (Asia)
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine, equality
Planetary Association: Venus, Jupiter
Elemental Association: All 5 (fire, water, earth, air, spirit), emphasis on Water
Other magical properties:
Power to change, positive luck, balance of energy, breaks down social barriers. Ebony is well-known as the most powerful magical wood. Scott Cunningham, trusted writer of over 30 books about magic and the occult, writes about ebony, "Ebony wood is protective and so is used in making amulets. Ebony wands give the magician pure, unadulterated power." The power of ebony is non-discriminating. It is useful for any magical practice and with any element. Macassar ebony differs slightly from the energy of Gaboon ebony, in that it is more cantered around emotions and intuition. This wood would be especially useful in the seeking of spiritual knowledge and exploring intuition and emotion. It would not be especially useful for healing. Historically, this wood was used in the handles of Samurai swords.
Elder Wood:
Masculine energy. Elder is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 25 November to 23 December. The Elder is also said to be the tree used in the crucifixion of Christ. Associated with the Celt Goddess Cailleach Beara and the Raven. Some have considered this tree to be unlucky due to its association with the crucifixion, or it may one of those nasty rumors started by the church in order to combat belief systems outside their on scope of a limited belief system.
Magical Properties: Elder wands are most often used in Faerie Magic, banishment, magical arts, protection from evil, imagination, change, and healing.
Elm Wood:
Feminine energy. Often referred to as the home of the fairies. It is known to for its ability to ward away lightening. Associated with the Great Goddess in crone stage. Relative to the elements of both Earth and Air.
Magical Properties: Use of the Elm wands is strong in magic used concerning endurance, fertility, horticulture, passage thru death and phases of life, rebirth, and invocation of the Goddess. Elm adds stability, grounding, and focus to spell working.
Eucalyptus:
Wood Origin: Australia, Various
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Mars
Elemental Association: Earth
Other magical properties:
One of the strongest healing woods known, eucalyptus trees have been used for medicines for centuries as well as for ritual items pertaining to healing. The energy of this wood is good and pure, clean like the earth from which it is born. This wood is highly recommended for any purpose combating illness or promoting good health. Eucalyptus is also primarily associated with positive luck, especially if related to knowledge. For instance, using eucalyptus in a ritual seeking a positive result to pending news (tests, interviews) would prove beneficial. Worn as a charm, this wood would promote positive luck for the wearer. It is also an excellent tool in divination.
Hawthorn Wood:
Masculine energy. Hawthorn is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 13 May to 9 June. Considered sacred by the Celtic summer flower maiden Olwen, also associated with the owl. This tree is also sacred to Aquarius and the windlord Vashaan. It was often planted in the parameters of a cottage for protection. It is believed that fairies live in the hedges of Hawthorn especially if near ash or oak. Associated with the element of Air.
Magical Properties: Hawthorn wands open insight, provides psychic protection, encourages creativity, used to make charms, aids in the development of self confidence, purification, develops patience, detects magic since it is deeply magical from outer realms, used in weather working, banishment of evil spirits, concealing magic, chastity, male potency, and fairy magick.
Hazel Wood:
Feminine energy. Hazel is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 5 August to 1 September. Associated with the elements of Fire, Air, and Water. Manannan Mac Lir, the Celtic Sea God, considered the wood to be sacred. Druids associated with the fish Salmon. Aligned with the Greek Goddess Aphrodite and the Celtic Goddess Danu, known by the elves and Arianrhod.
Magical Properties: Artistic ability, magical knowledge, and optimism are provided by the enchanting use of Hazel. The energy of hazel wands promoted love and creativity allowing a person to move beyond self-serving modes of existence. Hazel is the bringer of change. Hazel also promotes creative expression, eloquence, and art of all types. This was the most common wood used to create wands in the ancient Celtic traditions. Also used in magic spells for wisdom, creativity, intelligence, navigation, inspiration, and wrath.
Hickory Wood:
Masculine energy. Hickory is sacred to the Celtic God Lugh and the Greek God Apollo. Hickory is closely related to the oak and many of those properties apply.
Magical Properties: Use this wand in magic that seeks direction, abundance, wholeness, and general acquisitions. It can be a source for developing leadership skill and creating an influence of presence.
Honey Locust Wood:
Loved by the fairy because of its thorns that protects fairy clearings.
Magical Properties: A mighty wand of protection and bindings. Use while working with the fairy realm. Some use this wood with spells that deal with beauty and physical appearances.
Holly Wood:
Feminine energy. Holly is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 8 July to 4 August. The sacred spear of Odin was made of Holly. The Roman god Mars rules over this mighty wood. Related to the elemental Earth. Associated by Druidic tradition to the grand majesty of the Unicorn. The Smith God Govannon considers this wood to be sacred.
Magical Properties: Purity, strength, logic, power transfer, protection. Holly wands are often used in magic concerning sleep. It is said that a man who carries the leaves and berries of holly is irresistible to women. Since the story of the ruler ship of the Holly King and the Oak King deal with cycles and rebirth, it is often used in magic to ease the loss of loved ones to death. It also carries properties of the sacred, material advance, physical revenge, and beauty.
Ivy Wood:
Masculine energy. Persephone considers this wood to be sacred. Druids related this to the Butterfly. Guinevere the fairy bride rules over this wood.
Magical Properties: Determination, strength, optimism, spiritual growth. Ivy is a fine wand for protection, good against wayward spirits and angry elementals, ensures success in business and all new endeavors.
Katalox:
Wood Origin: Central America
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Saturn, Jupiter
Elemental Association: Earth, Water
Other magical properties:
Katalox is primarily a wood of balance, especially the balance between light and darkness. It helps one achieve self-knowledge, the ability to see one's own life as others might, and to decide which aspects may be out of balance or in need of correction. It allows one to feel "at home" in their own skin, complete by acknowledgement of the whole self and seeing the whole of reality, not just the parts people often wish to see. Useful both for those who dwell too much in the light, having a difficulty coping with death, sorrow, or mysterious subject-matter, or those who constantly dwell in darkness, refusing to let the light in. Balance is the key. This wood brings about acceptance on many levels. For those who have anger issues, Katalox is an excellent tool for overcoming them. The wood is introspective and grounding, slowing anger and allowing one to think clearly and see situations in a more logical and understanding manner. This wood is a wonderful tool for change. Those who have a difficult time coping with change will find that they are able to accept and learn from change better. Those who have a difficult time bringing about change in their life will find it easier to do so. This is also an excellent tool for exploring divination, mysteries, and other forms of "dark" spirituality.
Kingwood:
Wood Origin: Brazil
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine
Planetary Association: Saturn, Moon, Jupiter
Elemental Association: Spirit, Water
Other magical properties:
The primary energies of this wood are strength and protection. It is associated with the very assertive masculine and the warrior-feminine. It will block out unwanted energy, forming an impenetrable protective barrier. This wood brings with it the ability to exert one's will upon the world, creating needed or desired change. The power of this wood blasts away all ambiguity. It will allow one to discover their true spiritual path, locking in only the most sincere beliefs, allowing the rest to fall away. It clarifies confusion. This wood is an excellent healing wood, closely tied with willpower. It would also be excellent for luck magic or divination. Also excellent for curses or other offensive magic, this is not a wood for novices or the untrustworthy.
Koa:
Wood Origin: The Hawaiian Islands
Gender Association: Split between masculine and feminine, different associations for each
Planetary Association: Masculine: Jupiter, Saturn, Sun and Mercury
Feminine: Moon, Venus, Sun, Mercury
Elemental Association: Masculine: Water Feminine: Fire
Other magical properties:
Koa is one of the most curious of woods we can have the pleasure of working with. It has both a masculine and a feminine side, almost completely separate. Masculine properties: The energy associated with the masculine aspects of this wood are duality and balance, like the tides. This energy is deeply connected with the ocean, which is alternately giving and destructive. To truly utilize the masculine properties of this wood, one must be able to recognize and become comfortable with the ebb and flow of its energy. Deity: Kanaloa, Hawaiian God of the Sea Feminine properties: Cantered around the element of fire, Koa in its feminine aspect brings creativity, beauty, and wisdom, and strength. It also brings a fiery energy, capable of destructive power or the power to overcome strife. Deity: Pele, Hawaiian Fire Goddess
Leopardwood (Lacewood):
Wood Origin: Australia
Gender Association: Both masculine and feminine
Planetary Association: Mars and Venus
Elemental Association: Water
Other magical properties:
Leopardwood is very useful in divination, especially obtaining news from afar. It is also associated with positive luck, a gambler's wood. The energy of this wood is overall very positive, and it would be an excellent wood for use in almost any ritual or spell, but especially those dealing with luck or divination.
Lignum Vitae:
Wood Origin: South America and parts of Europe
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine
Planetary Association: Sun, Jupiter, Venus
Elemental Association: Earth, Water
Other magical properties:
The hardest, densest wood in the word, Lignum Vitae means "long life" in Latin. This tree is also called the "Tree of Life" as well as "Iron Wood." The wood is so dense and heavy that it will not even float in water. It comes with a long history and legend. This naturally green wood has been used for time untold in construction due to the fact that it is so hard and dense. Because it has a large amount of resin within it as well as its density, it is naturally lubricated and was thus used as ball bearings on ships. The greatest legend about this wood is that Merlin the Wizard carried a staff and/or wand made from Lignum Vitae. This legend appears in both literature and ancient writings about the legend of Camelot. If true, it is hardly surprising. The energy within the wood is perfectly suited to a great man such as Merlin. This wood has a profoundly positive energy. The overall energy of the wood can be summed up as "the power and strength of goodness." Its strong connections with the sun, Jupiter, and luck energy make the wood an ideal tool for any worker of positive magick. The energy about the wood is very healing, in both physical and spiritual matters. The energies within the wood would also be excellent for divining information from far away as well as close to home. This wood represents the end of strife and the beginning of a new, positive, cycle.
Lilac Wood:
A favorite of the forest nymphs and where they are surely Pan is close. Lilac is sacred to the Greek Twins Gemini. Associated with the element of Air.
Magical Properties: Lilac wands are good for magic dealing with romance, love, and passion. Superb when utilizing magics for the realm of intellect, communication, mental concentration. Enhances sexual pleasure. Lilac provides protection during travel. When dealing with illusion magic, this wood is very adequate, as with the divining arts.
Mahogany (Genuine):
Wood Origin: Honduras
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Earth, Mars, Mercury, Moon
Elemental Association: Primary: Earth - Secondary: Fire
Other magical properties:
Mahogany is an interesting wood mainly because, while most woods have a variety of differing uses, this one is very specialized. This wood is very focused on fertility, growing. It has a very powerful bond with the Earth, and will channel Earth energy better than any other. Secondary to fertility, this wood has other uses as well. Enhancing intuition, strengthening bonds with blood relatives (especially the mother/son relationship), and exploring and clarifying goals are all possible uses for Mahogany. This wood would not be good for divination.
Mahogany (African):
Wood Origin: Africa
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Moon
Elemental Association: Primary: Spirit - Secondary: Fire
Other magical properties:
This is one of the most spiritually focused of all woods, and would be best used in magic dealing with anything non-physical. Divination and spiritual growth and guidance are its primary properties. It is also an excellent wood for healing spells, though mostly for emotional and spiritual healing.
Maple Wood:
Maple has both Feminine and Masculine energy. Libra and Virgo consider this tree to be sacred. Associated with the elements of Spirit and Water. The great horned owl is the sacred bird of this tree.
Magical Properties: Some cultures primarily use Maple wands for spiritual healing. Maple is a traveler's wood. It enhances intellectual pursuits, acquiring knowledge, and communication. Spells concerning art, beauty, binding, and abundance should consider using this wood. The gypsies believe Maple brings gold and that eating the seeds draws love.
Marblewood:
Wood Origin: South America
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars
Elemental Association: Earth
Other magical properties:
This wood has an extremely grounded energy, while at the same time being very intense. It will react strongly to the passion of the individual using it, helping to achieve goals and remove conflict through strong and decisive action. It is a VERY strong healing tool, drawing energy up from the Earth itself for this purpose. It would be useful for all types of healing, from animals to plants, physical healing to emotional healing. It encourages empathy and compassion, enhancing feelings of love and affection.
Marblewood enhances positive luck, helping to bring situations that are out of the control of the individual to a positive end. A wood that will aid a person in all areas of learning and artistry, it removes blockages that prevent forward movement in life. This will enhance creativity for artistic pursuits as well as removing the obstacles that might interfere with academic achievement.
Mopane:
Wood Origin: Zimbabwe
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars, Saturn
Elemental Association: Air
Other magical properties:
Communication and awareness are the two main energies present in this wood. It has the ability to add or remove blockages from communication. This makes it excellent for treating communication disorders, such as speech impediments or autism. It is also a good tool for blocking out unwanted communication, both physical and spiritual in nature. This wood helps one let go of past pains and move forward in life. It brings a general positive energy, making past hurts seem not as important. It will aid in planning out and attaining future goals.
Myrtlewood:
Wood Origin: North America
Gender Association: Balanced masculinity and femininity
Planetary Association: Venus, Jupiter, Mars
Elemental Association: Primary: Earth - Secondary: Fire
Other magical properties:
This wood is all about balanced energy. Oftentimes, people will focus only on one or two details of their lives, neglecting the rest. This wood's energy helps us to step back and see the big picture, not getting overwhelmed by the details. It helps to balance the energies within us or a situation. Myrtlewood will aid in decision making, but not luck. This wood is very versatile. It is good for healing, creating abundance, and for nurturing passionate love. However, it has a very honest energy and will not tolerate deception or "creative truth" in any of your workings with it.
Oak Wood:
Strong Masculine energy. Oak is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 10 June to 7 July. The Druids associated the oak with the Wren. Closely aligned with the elements Earth, Water, and Spirit . The Oak is considered to be the most powerful and the most sacred to the Druids. Wizards consider this the most amplified wood to use to in spells that work with time and counter spells. Sacred to the Irish God Dagda.
Magical Properties: Truth, steadfast knowledge, protection. Oak wands bring vitality and long life. To the ancient Celtic people, oak was the protector, provider, benevolent king of the trees. Utilized as a healing wood, and very will grounded considering its strong connection to the earth. This wood helps center the mind, allowing it to focus on the task at hand and ignore distractions. Oak help promote both observation and intuition. Oak magic inspires bravery, presence, leadership skills, prosperity, and strength.
Olivewood, Bethlehem:
Wood Origin: Israel
Gender Association: Masculine Primarily, Feminine Secondary
Planetary Association: Sun Primary, Moon Secondary
Elemental Association: Air, Spirit, Water (In order of strength)
Other magical properties:
Bethlehem Olive Wood is obtained from tree trimmings in the holy olive orchards in and around the holy city of Bethlehem in Israel. This wood obviously has a very strong symbolism for Christians, as it is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. Like all woods, this beautiful wood also has many unique energetic properties. This wood is foremost an amazing aid in communication of any type. It opens the mind to intuitive and empathetic energy, allowing you to truly gain insight into other's thoughts and actions. This wood is also remarkable in its ability to aid in communication with spirits and the dead.
With powerful spiritual energy, having this wood in your possession will help bring about the situations that create spiritual growth. It attracts such situations into your life. It will create a "holy" atmosphere in the home, helping in all aspects of spiritual life. This wood will aid in learning and finding the true path of knowledge. It will do this by creating positive change in life, keeping a person from falling into stagnant patterns of thought and action. For this reason, it is an excellent tool for those who are trying to find their path in life, or those who find their learning halted by habit. Finally, this wood is an amazing tool for healing. However, it relies almost entirely upon the will and passion of the healer themselves. A person who is truly committed to healing would find this wood will boost their abilities wonderfully.
Olivewood, Italian:
Wood Origin: Italy
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Saturn, Sun
Elemental Association: Earth, Spirit
Other magical properties:
Balance between the spiritual and physical aspects of life is often difficult to attain. The central energy within this wood brings about this balance. It will allow a person to travel between the spiritual and physical words at ease, and thus is an excellent tool for astral projection or communication with spirits or the dead. This energy is somewhat chaotic due to its extremely powerful connection with the spiritual realm, and may bring unwanted communication as well. The spiritual journeys brought on by this wood can bring about self-love and a balance of energies, as well as a greater understanding of life and death and rebirth.
Osage Orange Wood:
Masculine energy. Associated with the elements of Spirit, Earth, and Fire. Named after the Osage tribe of the Great Plains region.
Magical properties: This wood is famous for its ability to repel household pests and resist rot. Recommended to use this wand in magicks dealing with astral healing, spirit guides, and animal guides. This wood aides in the pursuit of goals and passions.
Padauk:
Wood Origin: Africa, Gabon region
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars
Elemental Association: Fire
Other magical properties:
A powerful yet chaotic wood, Padauk is not at all recommended for those new to The Craft. The energy of this wood is constantly changing, randomly fluctuating. It would, however, be an amazing wood for healing magic if one could learn to harness the chaotic energy within. In the hands of the inexperienced, it would likely do more harm than good.
Pear:
Wood Origin: Various, a commonly grown fruit wood
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mercury, Sun
Elemental Association: Earth, Fire
Other magical properties:
Extremely earth-centric energy, very grounded. This type of wood is best used for healing, and will appeal mostly to those who have a passion to heal. This wood would not be useful for spiritual exploration, such as astral projection, divination, etc, but is extremely useful in earth-centric matters. It brings a creative, inspiring energy to the home. This wood is excellent for use with money and prosperity spells.
Pink Ivory:
Wood Origin: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Sun, Mars
Elemental Association: Spirit, Water
Other magical properties:
Pink Ivory was the royal wood of the Zulu people of Africa. Legend states that the Zulu king would carry a staff crafted from this wood, as well as ornamental jewellery, and any others caught possessing the wood of the Pink Ivory tree were to be punished by beheading. This included foreigners in their own country and abroad. Many have said that this legend was simply invented by the Africans to drive up the price of the wood as an export item, but that is unclear. It is a protected tree in South Africa, and only cut down by limited permit, making it one of the most rare and expensive crafting woods in the world. The tree itself is a fruit-bearing tree, and the fruit is traded in marketplaces across southern Africa. Energetically, this wood is strongly associated with the sun, spiritual healing, and strength. "Change" and "growth" are the key words for this wood. It gives the power to bring about needed change in one's own life, to learn and grow toward healthy goals. It grants the ability to leave the past behind, and look to the future, a brighter future not marred by the baggage of our past. This is especially true in home situations, where home life is a burden. It allows one to see and feel their home anew, leaving behind past hurts, or to seek a new home if that is desired. Spiritually, this wood is not a good tool for communication with otherworldly spirits, but an excellent tool for healing one's own spirit or the spirits of other living people or animals. It will aid in magic that seeks to heal emotional hurts, or cure inhibitions that cripple social behaviour. It will aid in opening channels of communication between people (or between people and animals). This wood is also an excellent tool for love magic, or magic having to do with luck or wealth.
Poplar Wood:
Masculine energy. Plato makes a reference to the use of Black popular and Silver Fir as an aid in divination. Aligned with the elements of Spirit, Water, and Fire. Influenced by the power of Venus.
Magical properties: Poplar wands have an incredibly diverse energy, allowing it to be an all-purpose wood for magickal workings. The diversity of the energy in this wood makes it useful for evocation as well as banishment rituals. It is also strong with the elements of hope, rebirth, and divinations.
Purpleheart:
Wood Origin: Central and South America
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Venus and Mercury
Elemental Association: Spirit, Air
Other magical properties:
A spiritual wood, purpleheart is excellent for use in divination magic. It also enhances energy dealing with creativity and knowledge. One of the best woods when dealing with spiritual healing and health issues, purpleheart would be especially useful in eradicating the negative energies that create strife in the home.
Redheart:
Wood Origin: South America, various
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Jupiter, Sun, Moon
Elemental Association: Earth, Water
Other magical properties:
Containing an overall bright and carefree energy, redheart is an excellent wood for those seeking to be able to focus more on the "here and now" rather than dwelling on past or possible future events. It allows one to follow their whims, set aside their fears, and move their life in an overall positive direction. It does not distract one from real threats, but rather removes the fear and doubt that can cloud our judgment and make us imagine things worse than they may actually be. This wood will aid a person in finding their personal truth, free of self-deception. Self-esteem is not to be underrated. Most of us live under certain assumptions about how people view us or our beliefs that may not be entirely accurate. The power of this wood will help a person set aside those assumptions, to feel free to speak their mind and express their views without fear of what others may think. It is a freeing energy, without self consciousness or darkness and doubt. It allows us to see this life for what it is, not what we imagine it to be, and to love it.
Rosewood (Bolivian):
Wood Origin: Bolivia
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Mars, Moon, Venus
Elemental Association: Spirit, Fire
Other magical properties:
This wood's energy is primarily feminine, and focused on spiritual, intuitive health and beauty. Bolivian Rosewood is motherly, spiritual, and nourishing. It lends a boost to intuitive thought and feeling, and is thus excellent in divination and scrying. A healing wood, rosewood can be used in all healing rituals but is especially effective in spiritual healing. In matters dealing with beauty, rosewood can be very effective. Carried or worn as a charm, this wood will enhance female beauty and feminine grace. It would be good for love spells as well, but only those conducted with maturity and wisdom. Frivolous energies will not be enhanced by this wood.
Rosewood (East Indian):
Wood Origin: India
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Moon, Venus, Saturn
Elemental Association: Fire, Earth, Some Water
Other magical properties:
East Indian Rosewood has a very magical energy, but that of dark magic, mystery. Darkness is not a negative thing, but it is that which is not usually focused upon, the hidden things in life that escape the notice of most people. This wood will help a person work with these energies. For this reason, this wood is highly recommended for all magic involving divination, communication with the dead, and internal truth. In addition, this wood is excellent for magic involving health and beauty, physical things that you can see and touch. Physical healing or the clearing up of cosmetic flaws would be good uses for this wood. A very grounded wood, it can also help bring about positive change, even if that change does include some conflict. It can help bring about a feeling of being at home.
Rosewood (Honduran):
Wood Origin: Honduras
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Venus, Saturn, Moon
Elemental Association: Spirit, Water, Fire, Air (in order of strength)
Other magical properties:
Being a member of the rosewood family, this wood shares many properties with other rosewoods while also having a distinctly different energy all its own. Unlike some other rosewoods, Honduran Rosewood is not purely feminine, allowing a small amount of masculine energy to also come through. The most powerful energy within the wood is spiritually focused. It would best be used for creative therapy and healing. This is a life-changing, positive, feminine energy. Like most rosewoods, this wood is excellent for love magick and bringing passion into life. Also like most rosewoods, it is good for bringing about change and for boosting intuitive or psychic abilities. But unlike other rosewoods, the energy of Saturn allows this wood to also block out unwanted energies in magickal workings. This can be excellent for isolating only the desired aspect of the wood.
Rowan:
Planet: The Sun, Mercury
Element: Fire
Symbolism: Protection and Inspiration
Stone: Tourmaline
Birds: Duck, Quail
Color: Green
Deity: Brigantia, Brigid, Virgin Mary, Thor
Sabbat: Imbolc, Candlemas
Folk Names: Delight of the Eye, Mountain Ash, Quickbane, Ran Tree, Roden-Quicken, Roden-Quicken-Royan, Roynetree, Sorb Apple, Thor's Helper, Whitty, Wicken-Tree, Wiggin, Wiggy, Wiky, Wild Ash, Witchbane, Witchen, Witchwood
Sagebrush:
Wood Origin: Western United States
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Sun
Elemental Association: Fire, Spirit
Other magical properties:
Though considered an unsightly desert weed by most people, the Native American people held the sagebrush plant in particular reverence. It was the only wood they used to burn in their sweat lodges, creating a greasy dark smoke that helped them achieve a higher state of consciousness. In their culture, this wood could not be collected until the collector was spiritually purified.
Not surprisingly, the primary energy of this wood is cleansing and purifying itself. It helps to clear away negativity and doubt, helping a person to focus on their true passions and to gain valuable insights. It reveals needed goals, and creates drive. It can help a person remove the obstacles they have found placed between themselves and the things they seek in life, by removing blockages within oneself. This would also be an excellent tool for divination, but not with dark energy. It would not help with scrying, but would be an aid in meditative divination or spiritual journeys.
Sassafras Wood:
Native Americans and early settlers considered sassafras to be a cure all for all sorts of ailments. The root bark was once believed to be a curative, capable of treating everything from headaches to malaria, fever, liver problems, stomachaches and colds. In addition, the wand was believed to increase hunger. The wood, which continues to be used in furniture, was often used in flooring and bedsteads because people believed the sassafras fragrance would drive away bedbugs and other pesky insects.
Magical properties: Early settlers also believed that beds made from sassafras would drive away evil spirits and give people restful sleep. Eases problems with the digestive system. Burying money near the roots of a Sassafras tree brings prosperity.
Tulipwood:
Wood Origin: Brazil
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: The Moon and Venus
Elemental Association: Water
Other magical properties:
Tulipwood is part of the rosewood family. It carries with it many of the traits of other rosewoods, with a few unique traits as well. A very powerful feminine energy radiates from this wood. It would be extraordinary if used in moon magic, and anything having to do with creativity, intuitions, and beauty, and natural cycles. This would be an excellent wood for divination. The primary element of this wood is water. Water usually brings with it a calm and peaceful effect. However, the energy of this wood contains the full spectrum of water energy, both peaceful and destructive. It is as though the very energy of the Goddess rests within the wood; beautiful and serene, yet powerful and proud. The wood carries an overall positive energy, and also may be used to bring about affluence and wealth. One of the most powerful woods we have ever encountered, with a very diverse and potent energy.
Vine Wood:
Masculine and feminine energies are present in Vinewood. Vine is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 2 September to 29 September. Druids associated this wood with the Swan. Considered sacred by the Tuatha De Danaan Gods of Irish Mythology.
Magical Properties: Vinewood wands encourage spiritual initiation, faerie work, joy spells, excitement, rebirth., sacred knowledge, and authority.
Wenge:
Wood Origin: Tropical West Africa
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Saturn, Venus
Elemental Association: Fire, Air, Spirit
Other magical properties:
Wenge is not only a beautiful wood to look at, but also a wonderful magical tool. It possesses a very relaxed energy, encouraging slow, even thought. It is the perfect tool for meditation, especially for those who have trouble slowing their thoughts. It is also a healing wood, useful for a variety of physical as well and emotional healing applications. Worn as a charm, this wood would create a more even mood and cantered thought. It would also calm the temper and encourage learning. This wood is not for the impatient, if they hope to utilize it for quick power.
Whitewood:
Wood Origin: Romania
Gender Association: Masculine and Feminine
Planetary Association: Saturn, Moon, Sun
Elemental Association: Air
Other magical properties:
Anyone who has purchased cheap lumber at a hardware store that is not specifically labelled pine has probably purchased whitewood, usually imported from Romania. It is a very fast growing tree related to the pine tree, but without the aroma or prevalence of sap.
This wood contains a very dark energy. Darkness is that which is mysterious and often frightening to people. It is extremely useful for many types of magic, including divination, communication with the spirit world, death, and exploring the mysteries of life. This wood is protective, allowing one to explore their dark side without getting lost within it. Overall, this wood helps one understand things that most people choose to ignore or may not even know exist. It can bring healing through communication, and a general comfort through knowledge. It is a very grounded wood, despite the prevalence of air energy.
Willow Wood:
Feminine energy. Willow is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology 15 April to 12 May. Willow is strongly aligned with the element of water and associated with the element of spirit. The Druids associated this tree with the hare. Diana, Hecate, Astarte, Ceridwen, Arianrhod, Rhiannon, and Omulan all consider this to be a very sacred tree.
Magical Properties: Willow wands are strong in the cycles of life dealing with death and rebirth, change, the will. It is a very emotional wood. Willow can add vital energy to the sick and elderly. Some say that burning willow can soothe and guide the souls of the recently deceased. Willow wood is the very essence of magick, not just the mere making a tool into a magical one, willow makes the tool magickal. Willow will align itself to the inner will of the party that shares its energy. The stronger the will, the more effective the wood. Willow is extremely useful in healing. It is also good for love spells and rituals involving emotion. It strengthens the third eye, and is a great tool for divination as well.
Yellowheart (also known as Satinwood):
Wood Origin: Various, from Florida USA to Brazil
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mars, Saturn, Moon
Elemental Association: Water is strongest, but exhibits energy in all elements but fire
Other magical properties:
This wood contains a very powerful, and often strange, energy. Though it is overall positive, it is a wood highly influenced by luck and the energies which surround it. The results may be unpredictable, though usually not dangerous. The wood is highly in tune with the planet Mars. Mars brings both strife and war, or the energy to overcome these things. In this case, the energy is very tied up with life energy as well, possibly indicating that the wood could be used to influence health issues, both spiritual and physical. Water energy is the strongest elemental force within this wood, and with it the cyclical energy of the moon. Water brings a peaceful energy, a stillness. This energy will be strongest on the full moon, and nearly nonexistent during a new moon. The most interesting aspect of this wood is the prevalence of the planet Saturn. Saturn blocks Venus and the element of Fire in this wood's energy, keeping creative thought, desires, and ambitions at a minimum. This would be highly useful for meditation, though may be a hindrance in other endeavours.
Yew, Pacific:
Wood Origin: North America, Pacific Northwest
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Mercury, Jupiter, Moon
Elemental Association: Earth, Spirit
Other magical properties:
Though not European Yew, the Pacific Yew is nearly identical to the species of tree that was used to create the infamous English Longbow. This species of Yew was instead used by the native people of North America to make spears and bows of great power and sacred history. The main property of the Pacific Yew is focus. It grants the ability to block out the things that do not matter and concentrate on the matters at hand. It is an amazing aid in the pursuit of knowledge and goals. It brings a balance of the physical and spiritual worlds, the ability to concentrate on either with equal clarity. Not a recommended wood for divination or luck, but highly recommended for use with the pursuit of goals, including love.
Zebrawood:
Wood Origin: Africa, Gabon region
Gender Association: Feminine
Planetary Association: Moon
Elemental Association: Air
Other magical properties:
The primary associations of this wood are the moon, love, luck, wisdom, creativity, and beauty. It is the only wood we have encountered that has absolutely no masculine energy. Though there is a very positive energy about this wood, it is not recommended for healing magic. It would, however, be an excellent tool in dealing with love magic, and anything relating to feminine energy or the moon. It would also be a good tool for divination.
Ziricote:
Wood Origin: Central and South America
Gender Association: Masculine
Planetary Association: Sun, Saturn, Moon
Elemental Association: Fire
Other magical properties:
A somewhat peculiar wood in that, despite its very strong masculine energy, it is primarily a nurturing energy. Often we associate masculinity with aggressive behaviour or violence, but this is not always the case. When describing the energy of this wood, the best analogy is that of the protective and nurturing father. This wood is extremely protective in nature, and would be an excellent tool for those doing shielding spells or who are in need of added defensive energy. It will bring about a peaceful feeling in the home, free of danger. Ziricote is an excellent tool for bringing love into one's life. It does this by helping a person to love themselves, encouraging a positive self image. For those with self esteem issues that keep others at bay, this would be an invaluable resource. An assertive wood, it will help a person take strong and decisive action. Not a boost in luck energy, this wood relies instead on making choices, cause and effect. It would be a great aid to those who find that they are unable to make up their minds about things, or who are easily distracted. Finally, this wood is an excellent healing tool. Like the flame cleanses, this wood can burn away illness and negativity. It also encourages clear communication between people.