After the horrific ice storm that looked to destroy much of the tree growth in the Midwest I want to honor these magnificent creations. I am amazed in the aftermath of the storm at their amazing power and strength. Many that were thought doomed are now looking tall and proud even with massive broken limbs still hanging up high in their boughs.I will again quote the writings of Ted Andrews as he relates the spiritual significance of the Â*different species.

Â* Â* Â* TREES AND THEIR SPIRITS

Â*Any tree can be a doorway into the faerie realm. Any tree can be a source of energy and creativity in it's own way. By opening to those spirits, faeries and elves associated with the trees, we are invoking the energy of the tree itself into our life.
Â*Each tree and each tree spirit has it's own unique qualities. Many of these are characterized by the various elves and spirits that surround it. These beings can help us in many areas of our lives. If we are paient, tree spirits will share their energy and their knowledge.
Â* The following list is in no way complete. It is provided only to give you a starting point in recognizing, understanding and working with the energies of the various tree spirits. As you will see, some of these trees are connected to fantastic creatures that are associated with the faerie realm (i.e. the phoenix, dragons, unicorns, etc.) Learning to attune to the spirits of the tree will help you connect with and understand the role and energies of them as well.
Â*There is much that we can learn from every tree if we learn to feel the loving caress of the shade it provides and hear it's soft whispers in the rustling of it's leaves.
Ted Andrews

ALDER
Â*The spirit of the alder tree is very protective, and it has great knowledge about prophetic scrying with the use of water and mirrors. When it leaves the tree, it will often take the form of a raven.

APPLE

The apple tree has many magical faerie characteristics associated with it. It is the home to one of the fantastic creatures found within the faerie realm...the unicorn. Traditionally, the unicorn lives beneath the apple tree. The apple blossoms draw out great numbers of flower faeries in the spring who promote feelings of happiness in those who are near, The spirit of this tree holds the knowledge of eternal youth and beauty. Its spirits will often take the form of a beautiful enticing woman who can open the heart to new love.

ASH
Â*The ash tree has great mysticism and power associated with it. In the Norse tradition, it was called Yggdrasil, the great tee of life. It is a doorway to many diminsions of the faerie realm. Its spirit is strong and holds the knowledge of how events and people are linked together. It can teach the magic of poetry and how to weave words into powerful effects.

BIRCH

The birch is a magical tree, and its spirit can connect you to many aspects of the elemental realms of life. It has great antiquity, and it is sometimes known as the "lady of the woods." It is a doorway whose energy can connect you with all of the beings and goddesses of the woodlands (including the wood nymphs). The bark should never be taken without permission, but once achieved this wondrous spirit can demonstrate how to use a staff made from birch to pass from the mortal realm to the faerie realm and back again.

CEDAR

Â*This tree and its spirit are both protective and healing. It also has ties to the unicorn of the faerie realm..as the unicorn keeps its treasures in boxes made of cedar. This spirit brings calm and balance to emotions and can stimulate inspiring dream activity.

CHERRY

Â*Just as the apple tree is the home of the unicorn, the cherry tree is home to yet another of those fantastic creatures of the faerie realm, the phoenix. The spirit of this treee is often fiery in appearance. It has the ability to bring individuals to the threshold of a new awakening.

ELDER
Â*The elder tree is sacred to those of the Druid and Celtic traditions. It is the tree of birth and death, beginning and end. Its spirit is that of transition. It teaches how to awaken opportunity to ease out the old and build the new. This tree can be a doorway to link with mother goddess in many forms.
Â* This tree's spirit has knowledge of great magic. She can provide and add power to even the slightest of wishes. The elder spirit facilitates contact with all the beings of the woods, including the dryads and other wood nymphs. She is the mother who protects her groves and all of her children within them. It is the ideal tree spirit to connect with to awaken a renaissance with the faerie realm.

ELM
The elm is the tree of intuition. Its spirit holds knowledge of how to awaken it to its fullest. It can teach how to hear the "inner call." There is always great elf activity around this tree, so much so,that if balance is not used it is easy to become faerie charmed. This tree's spirit is so sensitive that it will mourn when other members of its family are cut down. It holds knowledge of empathy and compassion.

HAWTHORN
Â*The hawthorn is sacred to the faeries and elves. They hold great love for this tree and its spirit. This is the tree of magick...all of the magic found within the faerie realm, as well as protection against their magick. You must learn to be patient with the hawthorn spirit or those inner realm doors wil not be opened to their fullest. This spirit can stimulate growth and fertility in all areas of your life, making it seem enchanted to others.