The Celtic Year - Poplar

As the Wheel turns into the reds and golds of the autumnal glow, the natural world is a flame with the majesty of crisp air, crunchy leaves and greying skies. The Poplar is so very expressive of this time and it is no wonder that with its September display of delicate goldening the Poplar was given the title of sacred to to Mabon.

Associations

Polarity:    Feminine

Element:    Water

Sabbat:     Mabon

Symbols:    Magick of the Joy; the Aging Year; Resurrection; Hop

Deities:     Ua-Ildak, Hecate, Egeria,

Planet:       Jupiter; Saturn and The Sun

Animals:     Whistling Swan;

Colour:      Rufous (Reddish-Brown or Rust Colours)

Crystals:    Amber; Citrine; Sapphire; Swan Fluorite

               

Medicinal & Herbal Uses:

  ·        Stew poplar leaves into a tonic which can be used to treat a fever. This infusion has also been used in treating chronic diarrhoea

  ·        The spring buds of a ‘Balm of Gilead’ can also be made into a tonic or stimulant. Developing this tonic further into a tincture to aid ailments of the chest, stomach and kidneys. This tincture can also ease the symptoms of rheumatism and scurvy.

   ·        There is a sap excreted from the buds which can be boiled down with oil to create a healing ointment effective against bruises, swellings and skin disorders.

   ·        Poplar buds steeped as a tea can be used to ease the aches and pains of rheumatism and arthritis.

Magickal Uses:

   ·        Poplar buds can be used to make charms to aid if financial struggles and attract money.

   ·        Flying ointments, which are used to glide on the back of the wind in astral travel can be enhanced with Poplar buds. There is a recipe from Medieval times which consisted of Cinquefoil, Poplar leaves, soot and Bat’s Blood obtained in the wake of New Moon.

·        Associated with the rune ‘Berkano’.

·        Leaves that tremble, their whisperings bring messages from the God & Goddess to be divined by those hear it, it is therefore considered an oracle by many.

·        Known as ‘the shield-maker’, Poplar would make an excellent protection wand or the leaves and buds scattered as a circle perimeter.

·        Plato inferred that the Black Poplar can be used in conjunction with the Silver Fir to aid in divination. The Silver Fir being a tree of hope; the Black Poplar, a representation of loss of hope.

·        Enlist the help of Poplar for magicks involving transformation, passage and success.

·        Use Poplar for ritual fires (including the Belfire) as its pretective qualities will add to the ritual significantly.

·        Protection being possibly the most prominent of the ability of Poplar, all magicks requiring a protective air can be greatly enhanced by its properties.

·        The Balm of Gilead can be used in magicks to help cure grief, homesickness and the blues in general.

·        Help to mend a broken heart by using Balm of Gilead buds in a red charm bag. Keep such a charm close to your heart. These buds can also be kept under the pillow to aid in healing the heart of love forsaken.

·        Balm of Gilead resin is useful when added to a tincture to ‘fix’ the scent more permenantly.

·        Carry Poplar to increase your resolve and determination against the pressures of daily life.

·        An aspen leaf placed under the tongue is said to encourage eloquence in language, traditionally a gift of the Faerie Queen.

Other Information:

·        Latin names: Common Poplar (Populus Balsamifera); Trembling Poplar (Populus Tremuloides); Balm of Gilead (Populus Candicans)

·        Folk names: All Poplar – Popple, Alamo, Aspen; Trembling Poplar – American Aspen, White Poplar or Quaking Aspen; Balm of Gilead – bombagillia.

·        Known as the Tree that Transcends Fear and the Tree of Heroes.

·        In the Lakota nation the Poplar is known as the sacred World Tree. The Sun dance ceremony is a custom whereby a Poplar is carefully cut and lowered, then is re-erected at the centre of the dance circle. The tree is never tot ouch the ground when being carried, then green branches, a buffalo skull and eagle feathers were used to decorate the tree for the ceremony.

·        Heracles wore a crown of poplar leaves in honour of his victory over giant Cacus and retrieving Cerberus from Hades. The darkened surface of poplar leaves is therefore said to be coloured by the smokey fumes of Hades.

·        The Black Poplar is considered a funeral tree, sacred to Hecate as a Goddess of Death, to Egeria and to Mother Earth.

·        The Grove of Persephone, located in the Far West was said to contain Black Poplars and old Willows. The coffin makers of ancient Ireland used a measuring rod made of Aspen; apparently to remind the souls who have departed this life that death is not the end.

·        It is told, in Christian Lore that ‘quaking’ Poplar/Aspen was used to construct the cross on which Jesus sacrificed himself and the leaves of the tree quiver when they remember this.