The Medicine & Magic of an Oak Tree

earthbound acorn

dreams

the light seeker's journey 

Recently, I entered the above poem in a haiku poetry contest. No, I was not among the winners, but at least I can repeat it here as a tribute to the wondrous life cycle of the OAK TREE. I've heard it said that trees serve as channels that reach upward, connecting us to the light of the sun, to the cosmos and ultimately to the heavens. And unless some hungry or acquisitive squirrel finds and needs it first, the process all begins with a single acorn that drops from the mother tree...amazing indeed!

I would say the Oak is my favorite tree, but I could say that about so many trees for one reason or another. Yet, there must be a special significance to this, the Quercus spp for me. Most Oak tree varieties thrive in climates with a higher elevation than where I currently live, but they strongly resonate with me anyway. When I look around my home, there's a scattering of acorn decor, and much of our furniture is made with the wood of the sturdy Oak. This in itself speaks volumes, and I'll have to think more on it.

Perhaps it would help to look into the distant past, maybe even to lifetimes rooted in other places and eras when trees, specifically Oak forests, held a greater deal of medicine and mysticism rather than just being a source of building material. Even the National Parks Service article that highlights this tree begins: "It’s hard to talk about oak trees without slipping into tales of myth and legend. Oaks appear so often in the story of humanity that it could scarcely have been written without them - literally."

Going way back to the days of the Ogham alphabet, an ancient Celtic lettering system that includes 25 tree symbols as its code,

Oak (in this case Quercus robur) was given its own particular meaning and purpose. Botanist and medical biochemist Diana Beresford-Kroeger who was also trained in Irish lore and plant medicine calls this tree the "darling of the Celtic world." Dair or Duir as it is named in the script, is one of several trees sacred to Druidic physicians. These magical healers are often portrayed wielding staffs likely made from Oak trees as symbols of power, and many of their gatherings and ceremonies were said to take place in the protective groves of Oak forests.

Ancient medicines extracted from the Oak then and now are many. One example that Beresford-Kroeger cites as being still in use results from heavy winds that twist the dense canopy of a tall, very mature Oak. This causes the trunk to release a liquid that was called dubh or black water. In contemporary medical biochemist speak, she describes this substance as a natural polymer called a gallo-tannin that is used today as a shielding and healing agent in burn wards.

For anyone interested, there's an impressive list of other modern medicinal uses credited to twelve species of Oak trees listed on the US National Institute of Health website.

Oak also holds a special place among the 38 flower essences that make up the Bach Flower Remedy healing system, one that relies on the vibratory resonances of certain plants to balance unstable emotions. Creator of this system, Dr. Edward Bach, looked to the enduring energy of the Oak to help those who possess these same personality qualities of indomitable strength and fortitude. According to Bach, these steadfast individuals can become exhausted when they refuse to see the wisdom of stopping to take a break from what they perceive as their duty to persevere. Working with the essence of Oak can help to restore a sense of balance between responsibility to self and others.

This particular relation to emotional stability comports with the spiritual significance of the Oak since it is so closely connected to the tree's physical characteristics of strength and endurance. Oak energy is grounding like the tree's deep roots, and it is said to help us connect to the peaceful and healing vibes of the forest that resides in our collective memory.

These don't look like Oak trees in the background, but our meditating Druid friend does suggest a peaceful vibe!

Beresford-Kroger cites a "Druidic legend" surrounding the Oak claiming that "the tree is the beating heart of the planet and that a time will come when people will repair these sacred oak woods, beginning in County Clare, Ireland. The legend says that the idea will catch the world like a wildfire."

At this point, one can only support the planting of Oak trees in such areas where they are a native species and hope for the legend to prove true. But for now, when you spot an acorn, be sure to marvel at the nurturing potential it has to make such a positive impact on the earth!

Ask any squirrel.

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As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:

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For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!