Oak Moon - June 10th - July 7th
The Celts called this month Duir, which some scholars believe to be derived from the Sanskrit word dwr and means door, symbolising the threshold between seasons, and the root word of Druid. The Oak King rules over the summer months, and this tree was sacred to the Druids.
At the time of Oak moon, the trees are beginning to reach their full blooming stages. The mighty Oak is strong, powerful, and typically towers over its neighbours. Sturdy and strong they are often found as landmarks, guarding the parish boundaries, as well as often being the focal point of village life. Meetings or 'moots' were held under their branches, disputes settled, oaths sworn, and truth spoken ~ all silently witnessed by the Oak King.
The Oak can be used in spells for protection and strength, fertility, money, health, healing, abundance, love, self-love, charity, forgiveness, success, and good fortune. Carry an acorn in your pocket when you go to an interview or business meeting, bringing you good luck.
A folk remedy states that if you catch a falling Oak leaf before it hits the ground, you'll stay healthy the following year.
Oaks are thought to be Zeus/Jupiters favourite residence on Earth. Some Oaks have become famous oracles, announcing the God's prophecies in the whispers and rustlings of their leaves and branches.
The sacred midsummer-night's fire was stacked with oak logs, signifying the dying sun. Yet, the sacrifice of the Oak King is not a loss, but rather an offering to Mother Earth, so She will bear the fruits that will not only sustain us through the dark half of the year, but also provide the seeds from which the following season's growth will be born.
Deities associated with Oak –
Brighid, The Dagda, Janus, Dianus, Cybele, Rhea, Pan, Erato, Hekate, Zeus, Jupiter, Thor, lightning, thunder, The Wild Hunt, King Arthur’s round table.
The Oak is also loved by the Fae.
Magical uses -
Acorns placed in windows are said to ward off lightning and beings that would scare us at night; they will also attract luck.
Acorns can be born in pockets to ward off storms, to prevent the bearer from getting lost, and protect from evil intent. They are also carried as charms for immortality, longevity, fertility, to ward off illness and preserve youthfulness.
Three acorns can be made into a charm to attract youthfulness, attainment, and beauty in life. This charm should be bound with the maker’s hair and blessed at every Full and Dark moon of a year, and then worn.
A leaf worn on the neck and next to the heart will allow the wearer to not be deceived by the world at large.
A few leaves in bath water will cleanse body and spirit. If a sick person is in your house, light a fire of Oak wood to draw out the illness.
Because the Oak is thought of as a male tree, athames, and certain male-aspect wands and staves are especially potent when made of its wood. The wood can also be used to make religious idols.
Sources –
The Woodland Trust
A Kitchen Witch’s World of Magical Plants & Herbs by Rachel Patterson
www.thegoddesstree.com/trees/oak
www.ecoenchantments.co.uk
Image from Unsplash