|
Written by Cerridwen
|
|
Sunday, 02 August 2009 18:59 |
Druid priests used to use this method of divination to answer prayers of guidance. They would collect twenty small sticks from different trees, each with the shoots taken off. Each tree would have a different meaning. To remember which stick comes from which tree it is also advisable to place a small marking to differentiate between sticks.
The sticks would be placed in a cylindrical container, and possibly a piece of cloth would be placed on the floor so the twigs would scatter upon it. Following a prayer for guidance the container holding the twigs would be shaken three times causing the twigs to scatter upon the cloth, the closer the twigs were to the one asking for guidance the more relevant they were to the question, or another interpretation is that the distance from the diviner was the distance of time between the events the twigs reflected. The twigs that failed to fall or did not land on the cloth were not used in the reading.
Examples of woods that may have been used are:
Oak: A God tree which symbolises authority, strength, endurance, earthly power and plenty. It could also be a midsummer tree.
Ash: A God tree of kingship, craftsmanship, protection on journeys and guidance in practical matters. It is also the Norse Tree of Knowledge from which Odin gained the runes.
Rowan or Mountain Ash: A Goddess tree. Used to ward off magickal and practical harm.
Apple: A Goddess tree, representing gaining knowledge and wisdom. The fruit itself represents light and hope.
Sycamore: A God tree, it is a symbol of offered or received love, as well as craftsmanship and care. It’s a spring tree and is often from where Jack-in-the-Green peers forth.
Holly: A God tree which is a symbol of sacrifice and life reborn. Sacrifices made will be repaid threefold. It is also a winter tree, associated with Yule.
Yew: A Goddess tree, which symbolises eternal life, death and rebirth. It also stands for changes in the pattern of things, old ages, patience and stability in the long term.
Horse-Chestnut: A child’s tree, representing youth, folly, games and sport. It is also a spring symbol of life and promise. As the horse is the oldest form of transport it represents journeys.
Hawthorn: A Goddess tree of protection. It can show that surprise gifts or outings may be on the horizon. It is also the Maiden’s tree.
Elder: A Goddess tree of the dark part of the year, the bringer of spirit, prophecy and visions. When this tree appears in a reading there will be revelations.
Willow: A Goddess Tree of healing both body and soul. It can mean uncovering the roots of a problem.
Pine: A God tree used for travel, protection and comfort. It can mean that wishes may be granted if they are truly spoken.
Laurel: A symbol of divine protection, law or a barrier to something. It will help you focus on the crux of a matter such as a long running dispute, to help you solve it.
|
|
Last Updated on Sunday, 02 August 2009 19:05 |
Divination 
