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Ashwood Trees

Properties: Rebirth, mysticism, magic, enchantment, transformation, destiny, femininity, balance, the ocean, prophetic dreams, weaving, prosperity, protection, healing, love, the world tree, Amirdrassil Deities: Mother Moon, Mu'sha, Aviana, Aessina, Ohn’ahra, Q’onzu, Shadra, Mazu Elements: Water, Air, Spirit Guardians: Dryads, owls, ravens, spiders, faerie dragons, wildkin, wisps Moon Phase: Waxing

The World Mother Ash is one of the most sacred trees to Druids. It forms a triad with Oak and Thorn (often represented by Hawthorn or Blackthorn or both depending on practice). It is also considered by many to be the divine feminine counterpart to the divine masculine Oak in this triad and thus is heavily associated with the Mother Moon and G’hanir. In some Kaldorei Druidic theories of thought the Ash represents the greater cosmic world tree or the center of the universe by which all planes of reality connect. Some Druids of the Moon take this theory further still and claim that Elune Herself is this center figure of the universe through which all planes are connected thereby making Her the cosmic world tree itself through which all things are balanced. 

In this practice, invoking the phases of Elune allows druids to “traverse” the cosmic world tree. By invoking her brightest phases one may travel up into the Dream or the boughs of this cosmic world tree or access the plane of water or air. In theory, invoking Elune’s darker phases may allow one to access the darker realms of the Dream like the Blighted Lands by descending this cosmic tree to the darker roots of Death, Shadow, and Decay. Since the blooming of Amirdrassil, the new world tree’s connections between life and death has reinvigorated this discussion of the cosmic world tree model as the tree serves as a perfect example for the theory by linking two realms to one another through reality itself. 

Since the Nightmare’s defeat in the Legion invasion and the Cenarion Circle’s ongoing talks with the Thornspeakers of Kul Tiras, discussion of these darker branches and roots of the tree of life are becoming more common while still hushed in Nighthaven. Especially with these new reports of this “Unseeming” from the Isle of Dorn. Many fear it may be yet another dark root of the cosmic world tree that has remained undiscovered or the possibility that the Nightmare was much more deeply rooted in the Dream far earlier than we first believed.

Some scholars of this theory speculate that Lake Elune’ara or the Rift of Aln may be the transition point to the “darker” roots of the cosmos or to areas of the Dream like Thros. The Lake and its pure waters serve as the reflection of Elune’s brightest phases and the Rift its counter reflection in shadow. It’s speculated then that the presence of the Twisting Nether and the Great Dark Beyond in the Rift serves as the chaotic flow of spirit and decay through the cosmos as the two elements do in the trees of reality - the macro scale of the cosmos reflected in the trees of our world. In both Shamanic tradition and the magical study of Telemancy the Twisting Nether serves as a method to travel between the planes therefore in the cosmic world tree model the Twisting Nether may serve as its branches, trunk, and roots through which the cosmos may be explored and similarly with the Great Dark Beyond. While a somewhat heretical thought to those of the Eluntie faith, this model of thought suggests that the Twisting Nether and Great Dark Beyond are just as much a part of Elune Herself as any other force. Just as She shifts between light and dark so too is the Twisting Nether a place where Light and Void clash and as a Goddess of Balance the Great Dark Beyond would be yet another reflection still.

The curious Loa Q’onzu has seen a slight rise in worship in Nighthaven. Their claimed ability to traverse between planes has given them a new association with the Ashwood tree as this symbol of the great cosmic world tree.

Ashwood Lumber Properties and Uses Because of these associations with Elune and the cosmos some Ashwood trees are considered to be “moontouched” or “star touched.” Wildkin, wisps, dryads, and faerie dragons are often drawn to old growth Ashwood trees. When any of these gather in great numbers around an Ashwood or a grove this is how woodworkers know the tree and area is “moontouched” or “star touched.” The wood of these trees naturally retains astral and restorative magics absorbed from the environment and requires almost no enchantment to access this magic. Because of this the lumber is used in the creation of wands, magical staves, enchanted bows,and in other magical and ceremonial uses. The preferred Kaldorei method of harvesting the wood is from already fallen Ashwood trees or through the help of wisps to harvest wood without hurting the tree.

Because of these natural astral and restorative qualities many associate the tree with G’hanir, the Mother Tree, Aviana, and Aessina. Many druidic healers and Sisters of Elune chose to have staves or other instruments crafted from Moontouched or Startouched Ashwood because it serves as a natural powerful focus to the power of the Dream or the Goddess and is seen as natural source of power and a gift of the Goddess. Ashwood seeds may also be used by powerful druidic healers to bring the spirit back to fallen party member in battle. In doing so the seed and its latent restorative magic is consumed. 

Kaldorei Sailors often widdle effigies or idols of a crescent moon from Ashwood to protect them while at sea. The token is either left at a moonwell, a temple, or worn on their person in hopes that the Goddess grants them calm seas. 

Effigies of Ohn’ahra or Mu’sha are also carved from limbs of Ashwood trees that have fallen in storms or great gusts of wind. The fallen wood is said to capture that potent energy and channel the power of the Loa or the whispers of Mu’sha for the Earth Mother to hear.

The wood of an ash tree can be woven into baskets, dreamcatchers, and many other wards, runes, etc. Because of this weaving quality many associate it with Lady Sathrah and in some Troll traditions it is associated with the spider Loa Shadra as well.

Rituals of the Ashwood - In many groves the Ashwood is carved with spirals to symbolize the tree's connection to the Dream and possibly to the greater cosmos. - Sleep with fresh Ashwood leaves to stimulate prophetic dreams or to aid in accessing the Dream or or to dreamwalk. - Wood from an Ashwood tree is used to create wards against scrying, divination, or dreamwalking.

- Incense created from this wood is used in rituals related to astral projection in reality or to other planes through the Twisting Nether.

- Water collected from beneath an Ash tree is said to be protective against negative energies, enchantments while raising healing ones and fight off illness.

- Tonics and beverages can be made from Ashwood and take on many of its properties.

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The Legend of Applebeard

Our story begins in a time before history, when the trees were young and Kalimdor was whole. Under the great boughs of G’hanir in its peaceful shadows rested an Ancient that would be known as Applebeard. 

Each morning the songs of the birds greeted the Ancient, telling him stories of a new beautiful continent called Kalimdor and all they had seen and learned. The birds then feasted on the fruits of G'hanir, causing uneaten seeds to fall from the Mother Tree’s great branches. Some say over time these seeds fell onto Applebeard and the dew from G’hanir nourished them. Others claim Applebeard himself started his existence as a fallen branch of G’hanir. Whichever is true in time his knowledge grew and his own branches and beard began to bloom with beautiful blossoms. One night the Ancient admired the blossoms in his branches and leafy beard in the pools of calm water beneath G’hanir. There he whispered a wish under the full moon to see this Kalimdor, wander its lands, and learn more than the birds themselves. The Ancient fell into a long slumber and dreamt of a great green forest ever bathed in sunlight, then another in eternal moonlight. He heard a voice. “Spread my seeds across Kalimdor, Ancient one. Be my voice.” When he awoke he found himself in a new land. The blossoms on his branches and beard had faded and in their stead were now glossy, red fruits. He wandered this great new land with wonder. Each valley, river, mountain, and lake was more grand than the next. On his travels he learned and saw much. Then he came to meet an peculiar owl. It was flightless with antlers cresting up to the sky, what we know as Owlkin and Moonkin. “Whooo are yoooou?” The peculiar owl asked. “I am Ancient.” He replied. “Doo you have a name?” The peculiar owl asked. “I have no name. I am the forest and the forest is me.” He replied, offering the Owlkin an apple from his beard. And so the two continued at length, the Owlkin ever asking questions and the Ancient ever answering. Soon Owlkin from all over the forest came to eat his apples and have him answer their questions until his fruit was gone. “I grow weary, Owlkin.” He said. The Ancient bade them to watch over him as he slept and so they agreed as he had shared his knowledge with them. 

Time passed and he dreamt of realms beyond his understanding, deep indigo forests that never ended, until he heard a voice. “Spread my seeds across Kalimdor, Ancient one. Be my touch.”

When he woke his branches and beard were full of blossoms once more and everywhere that the Owlkin had eaten his apples, full grown trees now stood. Around him a village of Owlkin - young ones had now become elders and young ones now learned lessons from the Elders he had told them when they were young. 

The Owlkin greeted him as ‘Applebeard’ and told him of all that had passed while he slept. He bade them farewell and left them with his knowledge and a grove of apple trees.

Applebeard now wandered again, studying the young plants and trees, speaking with them and learning their secrets until his blossoms faded and the ruby fruit returned. Soon after he crossed paths with a lone wolf caught in Blackthorn. It gnawed at and thrashed against the bramble, causing themselves greater harm. “Leave me alone.” It growled. “I can help.” Applebeard replied, but the wolf snapped at him and continued to thrash alone.

The wolf continued and Applebeard waited until, fully exhausted, the wolf admitted defeat. “I… need your help.” The wolf said. Applebeard said nothing more and released the wolf from the Blackthorn. Applebeard had learned of the dark power of the Blackthorn from the other trees and its ability to drive some to madness. He fed the wolf his apples and spent cycles tending to them, applying all the knowledge that the trees had offered him and their healing properties. When all his apples were gone and the wolf was healed. “I grow weary, brother wolf.” “For your help I will watch over you.” Replied the wolf. So Applebeard slept, dreaming once more of distant forests until a voice came to him. “Spread my seeds across Kalimdor, Ancient one. Be my sanctuary.” When Applebeard woke, now with branches and a beard of blossoms, he found the wolf was not alone. In his sleep the wolf had found others of his kind and everywhere that the wolf had eaten his apples, full grown trees now stood and the Blackthorn now replaced with Hawthorn.The Ancient bade the wolf and his found family farewell and left them with his generosity and kindness.

Applebeard wandered to the north until his branches were full once more with fruit. There he met a mother bear and her cubs. Her head was hung low and she looked weary. “What troubles you, mother bear?” He asked. “The rivers are barren of fish and all the caves are occupied for the winter that approaches. I know not what to do.” The mother bear sighed completely defeated. “I may be your sustenance and shelter, mother bear.” The Ancient found a safe place and asked the rocks to move. There his feet sprouted roots and created a cave for them to rest. For a season he fed the family his apples, played with the cubs, and told them of his travels and all the lessons he learned from the Owlkin and the ferocious tenacity of the wolf. Then winter came Applebeard’s roots protected the bears as he slept. 

When they awoke with the coming of spring, Applebeard’s branches had bloomed once more and a grove of apple trees had sprouted all around them. “You will always find safety here.” He said to the bears. The mother bear and her cubs thanked him and he continued on his journey across all of Kalimdor when it was young.

Some say that every apple tree came from Applebeard as he wandered across Kalimdor spreading the apple seeds of G’hanir throughout the land as the Mother Tree spoke to him. Other’s say that the voice he heard was the voice of the Goddess Elune herself. The apple for some shows a divine connection to both. What we know is that the most ancient of trees remember Applebeard for his generosity and wisdom and so shall we. 

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Beech

Properties: Generosity, nourishment, protection, wisdom, ancient places and knowledge Deities: Cenarius Elements: Earth Guardians: Keepers, Dryads

Some of the first lessons of Cenarius granted to the Kaldorei were written on beech. To this day Druidic incantations are written on thin slices of this wood. Whatever words are inscribed take on the power of the spirits, Wild Gods or the Gods themselves.

Rituals Transcribe your wish or spell on a piece of beech and then bury it. Say a simple prayer as you return the wood to the Earth Mother and then it will manifest.

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Apple Trees

Properties: Healing, rebirth, divination, magic, love, Otherworlds (the Dream, Ardenweald, etc), and G’hanir Deities: Mother Moon, Eonar, Aviana, Aessina, Ursol, Aliothe, Q’onzu Elements: Spirit, Decay Guardians: Moonkin, hippogryphs, harpies, owls, ravens, wisps

As many are told in their earliest druidic lessons the blossoms and fruit of the apple tree are also tied to some of the most powerful times of the Druidic and Elunarian year - Byltan and Samha, when dawn and twilight are at their most equal in spring and fall and veil between planes becomes thin. Because the apple blossoms bloom as Byltan approaches and produce their fruit in preparation of Samha, these trees hold great significance to the cycle itself and are often seen as representations of the cycle of generosity.

The apple tree serves as a Shan’do to us all, naturally teaching us lessons in the cycle of seasons and the balance between Spirit and Decay.  After the rest of winter Spirit and Life blooms and in time creates fruit. In turn if not consumed or pruned that fruit will fall to decay and rot. However, for those that do not see the world in cycles and balance they see the beautiful fruit becoming putrid and falling to the earth as a tragedy and waste of potential. As Doril we know that when the apple falls to decay it begins a new phase of life. One where it feeds the soil and insects below giving life to new trees or the apple tree itself. And so after the rest of winter does the cycle begin again. The apple tree is a reminder of this balance and cycle. Because of these lessons the Apple tree is closely associated with the cycle on a grander scale between the Dream and Ardenweald, a cycle that repeats in measurements of moments and eras. Interest and study in the realm of Ardenweald has only grown since the shattering of the veil and the blooming of Amirdrassil. During many moots and discussions of the cycle in Moonglade has the apple tree become a symbol for the lifecycle of Wild Gods, Loa, and nature spirits - each like an apple in the greater cycle and cosmic tree. When one falls it transitions to another phase of being in the long slumber either being reborn or sustaining others just like the humble apple.

A Gift of Elune While some tie the tree to G’hanir there are Druids of the Moon who believe that the apples are a gift from the Goddess Elune herself and her gardens. They say that the blossoms are a manifestation of her tranquility and each apple is blessed with a star inside to show her love. Some Druids of the Moon believe the Tear of Elune and the Sister’s Tear which seeded Amirdrassil are cosmic apple seeds from Elune herself.

Druidic Uses Some Druids of the Branch plant an Apple tree in their grove as a promise to stay. This is for two symbolic reasons, one for its symbol as a tree of community and the other for its protection. During the corruption of Val'sharah by the Nightmare, apple trees were some of the last to fall to corruption leading some to believe the tree held some natural resistance to the corruption if even for a short period. It's also believed that lightning will not strike an apple tree so it may serve as a ward from natural disasters as well. As such many druids will make wards of protection from apple branches or its blossoms, fruit , and/or wood as reagents for protective spells.

Some teaching methods use these properties of transition to aid Thero’shan in their first attempts to transition their consciousness to the Dream. A Shan’do will have their Thero’shan sleep beneath an Apple tree at the peak of a Full Moon. The theory being that the tree may serve as a guide for the mind. We find a similar lesson in The Legend of Applebeard. For as he slumbers  he dreams of forests far and unknown to him. If no apple tree is near, a Shan’do may take a fallen branch of an apple tree and tie silver bells to it. As the wind passes through the chimes it is said the mystical singing of Elune may be heard and lull Thero’shan into a trance and transition with greater ease. With the blooming of Amirdrassil some have begun to apply this method to the great tree and sleep under its boughs or fashion similar chimes with fallen branches of Amirdrassil in hopes of visiting Ardenweald. Though I have yet to hear if any have been successful.

Should you wish to fashion a chime like this for your own use or use the wood of apple trees in a staff or wand I offer a word of caution, never cut down a branch of an apple tree. Only take that which has naturally fallen and thereby freely given. To do so otherwise is said to bring bad luck and twist spells.

Rituals of the Apple Tree - If you wish to use Apples as regents in your spells it is commonly believed that if you pick apples between the new moon waxing to the full moon you will receive the abundance of the goddess either in consumption of the apple or any spells pertaining to it. An apple picked in the waning moon is said to also bring bad luck or is used in more baneful practices to curse another. - Apple trees may serve as wishing trees for Byltan or other occasions. Write your wish for the coming season on these thin strips of beech wood. Next, take a silver bell, ribbon, and some cider and approach the tree. Knock three times to awaken the spirit inside, pour some cider as an offering, and whisper your secret to the tree. Last, tie the ribbon to the tree’s branches and when the ribbon weathers away your wish will be granted. - Spells practiced underneath an apple tree may bring love and health. As will apple blossoms and the oil made from those blossoms. - Sleeping beneath an apple tree may grant someone visions of the Dream or Ardenweald. - Food made with apples may also bring any of its properties to the consumer.