Author Description

Western magic has two distinct divisions: ritual and natural magic. Less controversial than ritual magic, natural magic has been openly practiced during times when witches were being excessively persecuted. One form of natural magic is based on the magical power of physical substances, such as Trees, herbs, metals, stones, perfumes, and resins. In her newest book, the author shows you how to work consciously with these energies to enhance and improve your life. In this spirit, she uncovers the importance of trees to the ritual and magical lives of two ancient Northern European cultures-the Germanic peoples and the Celts-that have long inspired modern Wiccan practices. She then outlines the roles trees play in Wiccan beliefs and their contributions to tools of the Craft. Because so much of our understanding of tree magic has been handed down from European pagan traditions, modern sources on tree magic are often focused on species native to Europe, where these traditions originate. This guide takes a different approach, focusing on 13 magical trees native to North America, to help the Witches of "the New World" ground their practice of tree magic more firmly on home soil. You'll learn about the history and lore of each tree, where it can be found in the U.S. and Canada, and (of course!) its energetic properties and magical uses. What's more, the magical workings included in the guide are all focused on one or more of the featured trees (though appropriate substitutions are always welcome)! Indeed, the book has all you need to embark on a new leg of your magical journey, including: -How trees were used in ritual and magic by our pagan ancestors -The significance of trees to Wiccan cosmology and ritual practice -Advice for forging (and deepening) personal magical connections with the trees that live near you -Profiles of 13 common magical trees-their history and lore, energetic properties, and magical uses -How to safely and respectfully h