Yew Tree Ogham Meaning
Yew tree Latin: (Taxius baccata) is the last letter of the traditional tree of the Ogham Alphabet. The letter, I, Celtic translates to Ioho, Idho. The planet associated in Astrology is Saturn. The Element for the yew tree is Earth. With its totem Animal the Eaglet.
Yew is one of the nine sacred woods, used to light the ritual fires of the fire festivals. The nine woods are the Willow of the streams, the Hazel of the rocks, the Alder of the marshes, the Birch of the waterfalls, the Rowan of the shade, the Yew of resilience, the Elm of the brae, and the Oak of the sun. The ninth wood is uncertain but was possibly Holly or Ash.
Spiritual Meaning Of Yew Tree
The spiritual meaning of Yew is a rebirth and regeneration It’s the completion of a cycle marking the ending of one phase and the beginning of another. A spiritual initiation. A life-changing experience of inner change and transformation.
The yew tree has a rich spiritual meaning across many cultures and traditions. In Christianity, it is seen as a symbol of resurrection and eternal life.
The tree’s long life span and evergreen nature also make it a symbol of endurance and perseverance. The yew’s bark, leaves, and berries have been used in medicinal and magical practices for centuries, further adding to its spiritual significance.
Yew Tree Symbolic Meaning
Groves can be seen in graveyards and churches all around the United Kingdom due to their association with death and immortality. Their roots are said to grow into the open mouths of the dead as a symbol of rebirth.
Yew can live for thousands of years – thus its title the “Yew of Resilience.” The nature of the Yew is to root its own branches in the surrounding soil and thus ensure its own immortality. Yew is a very hard wood and difficult to work with. It’s inner strength and outer flexibility makes it ideal for making bows. Wands made of Yew are considered extremely powerful.
The ancient Druids were said to have bathed the dead in Yew to bring them back to life – this one or the next. The wisdom of the Yew Fairy is beyond words, but usually, comes to you with vision. The Greeks would sacrifice a black bull wreathed in yew to Hecate – the goddess of death.
Burn yew needles to communicate with the dead. As the guardian of rebirth and resurrection, it is an ideal wood to access your ancestors and the spirit realms. It reminds us that there are other levels of existence. Its ultimate lesson is the transcendence of death. and with your ancestors. © Psychic Medium Ian Scott