Oak

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Additional Notes: divider

The name Quercus comes from the Latin genera for 'Oak Tree', of which there are around 600 species, roughly. They are in the Beech family, Fagaceae. Oaks are native to the Northern Hemisphere, with around 90 species being located in the United States alone.

We see that Oak was a sacred tree from many cultures in the past, its strength and beauty sure imprinting peoples from long ago- not to mention its durability for building materials of many sorts […] In Scandinavian myth, the Oak was sacred to Thor, the Thunder God […] Of all the trees, Oak was thought to be struck by lightening more often, and it was said to draw Thunder to it […] Pieces of Oak that had been struck by lightning were taken and used as amulets against lightning, as were Acorns.

Amber beads can be hung in an Oak tree for a time during the longest days of the year, and then removed for added potency in their use in healing work. If a Pentacle is burned or carved onto a piece of Oak wood, it can be carried as a protective talisman on a journey, or hung above the doors of a home for protection.

'Under the Witching Tree: A Folk Grimoire of Tree Lore and Practicum' by Corinne Boyer

Oak is known as King of the Grove, for this holy tree is the master of truth [...] The oak has been a symbol of strength and endurance for thousands of years, and is sacred in a wide variety of religious and spiritual beliefs [...] The oak has been here since before humankind, more than 65 million years ago. She is an elder god in the plant kingdom. All of our ancestors have befriended an oak tree, leaving traces of wisdom and enlightenment within their roots. Sitting under an oak tree and meditating, taking a nap, or simply resting in silence will connect you to ancestral wisdom [...] To journey with oak in your visions or dreams, you must visit an oak 13 times within 13 days, then wait patiently for [his] spirit to visit you in the dreamworld.

'Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants' by Juliet Diaz