Ash Meaning and magickal uses
Also called European ash, Fraxinus
The world tree of Norse lore, for protection, wisdom and linking the realms.
- Intentions
- Protection, Wisdom, Healing, Divination
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- The Sun
- Day
- Sunday
- Parts used
- Leaves, wood, seeds (keys)
How to use it
- Even-ash leaf
In folklore, finding an ash leaf with an even number of leaflets brings luck. Press one in your book of shadows and make a wish.
- Protective staff
Ash wood is strong and flexible. A staff or wand of fallen ash suits travel, protection and journeying in meditation between the worlds. Thank the tree before you take anything from beneath it.
- Sea and travel charm
Carry a small piece of ash wood or a seed key when traveling, especially over water, as a traditional charm for safe passage. Tuck it in your bag or glovebox.
History and folklore
In Norse myth the great ash Yggdrasil holds the nine worlds in its roots and branches, and Odin hung upon it to win the runes. British and Irish folklore used ash for protection and healing charms, and babies were sometimes passed through a split ash sapling in old folk rites. Ash wood made spears, oars and tool handles. Today many ash trees are threatened by disease and insects, which makes honoring the ones that remain feel all the more meaningful.
The world tree of Norse lore, for protection, wisdom and linking the realms.
- Intentions: Protection, Wisdom, Healing, Divination
- Element: Water
- Planet: The Sun
- Day: Sunday
- Parts used: Leaves, wood, seeds (keys)
How to use it
- Even-ash leaf. In folklore, finding an ash leaf with an even number of leaflets brings luck. Press one in your book of shadows and make a wish.
- Protective staff. Ash wood is strong and flexible. A staff or wand of fallen ash suits travel, protection and journeying in meditation between the worlds. Thank the tree before you take anything from beneath it.
- Sea and travel charm. Carry a small piece of ash wood or a seed key when traveling, especially over water, as a traditional charm for safe passage. Tuck it in your bag or glovebox.
Works well with: Ansuz, Eihwaz, Water, Blue Candle, Sunday
Folklore
In Norse myth the great ash Yggdrasil holds the nine worlds in its roots and branches, and Odin hung upon it to win the runes. British and Irish folklore used ash for protection and healing charms, and babies were sometimes passed through a split ash sapling in old folk rites. Ash wood made spears, oars and tool handles. Today many ash trees are threatened by disease and insects, which makes honoring the ones that remain feel all the more meaningful.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.