Herbal Allies for the Winter Solstice

There are 36 pines in North America to choose from. The White Pine is a magnificent tree reaching up to 100 feet in height. These evergreens are easy to spot, especially in the winter months. Count the needles to determine the species. The Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) is the only species in Eastern North America with 5 needles. Pines are conifers and are among the oldest of plants, flourishing just after the glacial period and before the advent of broad-leaved trees. Scots pine is the only tree from northern Europe to have survived the Ice Age. Clumps of pine are believed to act as ley-line markers.

First Nations Stories

In the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legend, there was a terrible conflict between five different nations of people. This conflict was rooted in cycles of pain, revenge, and chaos. A messenger of peace sent from the Great Spirit, the “Peacemaker,” sought to unite the five warring tribes. After convincing them to unite, they came together to make peace, but they still carried their weapons. The Peacemaker uprooted a White Pine tree and had them throw all of their weapons into the hole. He then replanted the tree, and the underground waters carried away the weapons. On the tree, the needles grew in clusters of five, to represent the five nations who came to find peace. The roots of the tree spread out in four directions, to the north, south, east and west; the roots are called the roots of peace. An eagle perched on top of the tree to watch over the roots of peace. Under the tree, the branches spread wide for all to gather. It is from this Native American story that we can understand why the White Pine, Pinus Strobus, is called the “Tree of Peace” and why the White Pine carries such power here on our landscape. In today’s post, we explore the White Pine and his peaceful energy, examining the mythology, magic, medicine, and uses of this incredible tree.

Flower Essence

Self Love – Self Acceptance – Self Forgiveness

For self-reproach, guilt, those who blame themselves, self-condemnation, often assuming responsibility for a situation that is not their fault. They are discontented and critical of themselves, over-conscientious, apologetic and over-humble. The constant effort they make to improve themselves may lead to tiredness and depression. Helps to alleviate any feelings of guilt. [Barnard: Guide to the Bach Flower Remedies]

Doctrine of Signatures

Trees in general have deep roots, strong trunks, and a lot of strength to withstand weather and time. When looking at a pine tree, we may perceive its rootedness mirroring its array of branches and leaves swaying up toward the heavens. Trees resemble the human form in standing position. The shapes of the pine’s branches and needles are quite intricate, visually mimicking the delicate chambers of our respiratory system. Pine has strong lung tonic support with antibacterial and antioxidant properties (Grieve, 1971). Energetically, the lungs can hold grief and sorrow. One of its many virtues, pine opens the airways helping to clear stuck energy bringing calm and stability. It is called the tree of peace, and rightfully so (Bennett, 2014).

Plant Spirit Medicine

White Pine, both physically and energetically, appears to be able to draw things out. In order for the process of healing to happen, we must pull all of the old pain and festering wounds and allow peace to flow within us. The White Pine, in its work of peace, does this for us. Drawing out past anger, sadness, and pain so that peace can take place. This can happen on every level: physical, emotional, relational, spiritual. Pine more generally can be used as a “pick me up” by placing a few drops of pine oil or fresh pine needles in a bath for general tiredness, especially if one has been “burning the candle at both ends” so to speak. Plant Spirit bathing is a wonderful way to work with the spirit of pine.

Magical Properties

Attracting prosperity, purifying ritual areas and new homes, helping "stay the course" during difficult times. A pine wand or pine cone kept on the altar wards off evil influences. Carry pine cones to increase fertility and have a vigorous old age. Floor washes with pine oil cleanse a space of negativity and ward off illness. Throw pine needles into winter fires for protection or burn pine incense for purification and divination. Place pine branches over the bed to keep sickness away, or to aid the ill. Hang a pine branch over the main door of your house to ensure continuous joy within.

Mythology

Pine is associated with Attis, love of the goddess Cybele. When he was unfaithful, she changed him into a pine tree. Her son, Zeus, seeing her regret decreed that the pine should stay green throughout the year as a consolation. Attis is one form of the dying and resurrecting god of Nature, giving pine (despite its evergreen status) a strong link with the cycles of living.

Lesson of the Pine

from The Wisdom of Trees by Jane Gifford

From its lofty position above the tops of most other trees, the pine reminded ancient peoples of the importance of taking the overview, encouraging objectivity and farsightedness. We are advised to cleanse ourselves of negativity, neither dwelling on mistakes nor apportioning blame. Pine is a symbol of the elevated mind and the birth of the spiritual warrior.

Let's walk the seasons of the year together in our Journey Through the Wheel of the Witch course. Each online journey will be filled with history, ceremony and rituals as well as traditional prayers and songs meant to be shared in celebration of the quarterly and cross quarterly holy-days.  You will learn how to deepen your connection with the Earth and Spirit and take aways skills, tools, ceremony and rituals that you can utilize in the years to come. Together, we will honor the ancestors, ancient rites of passages, elementals and healing herbs associated with each each of the Sabbats. Registration is currently open at an introductory price until January 11th.