Hazel

Has traditionally been used for divining underground water. The Celts believed hazelnuts gave one wisdom and inspiration. There are numerous variations on an ancient tale that nine hazel trees grew around a sacred pool, dropping into the water nuts that were eaten by salmon (a fish sacred to Druids), which absorbed the wisdom. Whoever ate the salmon would then receive infinite wisdom.

“The Hazel Branch” from Grimms’ Fairy Tales claims that hazel branches offer the greatest protection from snakes and other things that creep on the earth.

Herbal Usages

Can be used in the draining and restoring elasticity of lungs. The nuts are a good source of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, fatty acids and protein. The nuts can be powdered and added to mead or honeyed water to help with a cough.

Magical Usages

Is one of the nine traditional woods burned in the Balefire by the Druids at Beltane, burned for wisdom. Known in ancient times as the “Tree of Wisdom”.

Can be used for spirit contact, manifestation, protection, prosperity, wisdom, dreams, divination, dowsing, knowledge, marriage, inspiration, wrath, fertility, intelligence, reconciliation, poetic inspiration, anti-lightning charm.
A couple of twigs bound with gold or red thread to form a solar cross is carried for protection and good luck. The mistletoe that grows on Hazel protects you from being bewitched. Sleep under a hazel tree and you will have vivid dreams.

Twigs, nuts and branches should be gathered after sunset on Samhain. However, you musn’t cut Hazel with a knife, but a flint.