Barnacle | Bay | Beech | Birch

BARNACLE (GOOSE) TREE

In the thirteenth-century this strange legendary tree was believed to be able to produce geese, or fowl of similar kinds in Scotland (UK). A tree with similar attributes was thought to grow in Guadeloupe but called the 'Oyster Tree' according to Bishop Fleetwood. (See also Mystical-WWW Birds : Geese)

BAY

The Ancient Greeks held the Bay tree in high esteem. The tree was dedicated to the God 'Apollo' and his son 'Aesculapius' and seen as sacred. Aesculapius was the God of Medicine, and hence the Bay was believed to have curative powers, being used in may remedies. To ensure protection during storms people once carried branches of the Bay tree overhead as it was believed that this tree was never struck by lightning. Yet if placed on a fire it was thought that it was possible to tell from the sound of the branches burning whether prosperity or misfortune was to follow. The branches made a wonderful cracking sound if positive omens were promised, but silent and the observer should take care within the near future.
If the leaves were seen to wither then traditionally it was thought that someone in the locality would die.

BEECH

It is said that the God and Goddess Apollo and Athena sat in a beech tree having transformed into vultures. The legend tells of how the two Gods sat and watched the fight between the Trojans and the Greeks.
The sacred grove of trees of 'Dodona', in Epirus, Ancient Greece, is the place where a temple was erected to Zeus. The Beech tree was said to be able to convey the message from Zeus to the worshipper. Revered as the God of Thunder it is thought that the association with the tempestuous weather form stems from here as this place was alleged to have more storms than anywhere else in Europe. The temple was situated by a great Oak tree. The presence of Zeus at the temple was thought to be signified by the rustling of the tree. Large bronze gongs were hung in the tree and the sound that came forth when the wind blew was said to resemble the sound of thunder rolling across the sky. The message from the oracle was thought to be given through other trees that were planted here.
Near Tusculum there was a hill called 'Corne' where Pliny tells of a grove of Beech trees could be found. The grove was sacred to the goddess Diana, and it is said that all the trees looked as if they had been neatly manicured, as though 'art had fashioned them'. The orator Crispus was often said to find peace and rest under the Beech trees, feeding the roots with wine.
Amongst other light shiny barked trees the beech has always been a favourite of lovers shown by the many carvings of names or symbols on the bark.

'As You Like It' : William Shakespeare
'Oh Rosalind! These trees shall be my books,
And in their barks my thoughts I'll character;
That every eye, which in this forest looks,
Shall see thy virtue witness'd every where.
Run, run, Orlando; carve on every tree,
The fair, the chaste, and unexpressive she.'

Diviners in search of water hidden underground are known to often use forked branches taken from the Beech tree traditionally called 'Wishing Rods' (also Apple, Hazel and Alder). (See Mystical WWW Trees & Divining Methodology). (See Mystical WWW Tree Legend 'Herne the Hunter').

BIRCH

Birch trees have been traditionally reputed to be the favourite trees of mythical creatures which inhabited Russian Forests known as 'Forest Devils' or 'Genii of the Forest'. These creatures were said to view the world from the top of the trees. Able to transform their shape at will, said to be the same height as trees when in the forest and as small as the smallest blade of grass when on open land. Cutting Birch branches and placing them in a circle with the points towards the centre was said to provide a way of the forest devils appearing.
Placing a branch of the Birch tree above the front entrance to a property was thought to provide protection from any evil spirits and misfortune.
A Russian tale tells how the Mother of God is thought to sit at the top of a Birch tree on the Island of Buian.
In Estonia the Birch tree is considered to be symbolic of all their beliefs and the country itself. Legend tells the story that a man was asleep under the tree and a peasant woke him. A change in the weather was coming and to save the man from getting wet the peasant thought it best to help him avoid the storm. The stranger thanked the peasant saying 'When, far from thy country and experiencing homesickness, thou shalt see a crooked Birch, strike it and ask : 'Is the crooked one at home?''. The man thanked the peasant for his help and went on his way. It is said that when the man was later a soldier in Finland he became homesick. Remembering what the peasant had said, he was suddenly surprised by the appearance of a crooked birch. As the soldier was repeating the expression, he was shocked to see the peasant to appear. The peasant called upon the spirits that were known to him. He asked the spirits to relieve the man's suffering. Instantly the soldier was transported to his home with a knapsack full of shining silver.
The bark of the Birch tree was traditionally used in ancient times for writing as it is extremely durable. The bark has a smooth texture and had a light satin colour, of which many fossilised examples have been unearthed.