Oak . . . .
(Quercus alba or spp.) Also known as Tanner's Bark, White Oak, and Common Oak. A Druid Holy tree, the oak was the King of trees in a grove. Oak bark and galls are astringent and antiseptic. Oak bark provides tannin and as leather tanners seemed immune to tuberculosis, the bark was used for treatment of the disease. Parts Used: Inner bark (cambium) and young leaf.
	The oak tree is the tree of Zeus, Jupiter, Hercules, The Dagda (The Chief of the Elder Irish gods), Thor and all other Thunder Gods. The royalty of the Oak needs no enlarging upon. The Oak is the tree of endurance and triumph, and like the Ash, is said to count the lightings' flash. The Oak is a male wood which is ideal for the construction of any tool that needs the male influence such as Athames, certain wands and staffs. The midsummer fire is always Oak and the need fire is always kindled in an Oak log.
Magical Uses: The Oak is a tree of the sun, and sacret to Brighid and the Dagda. Druids do not celebrate unless in the presence of an oak, yew, ash, or other sacred tree. Oak symbolized abundance, fertility, longevity, protection, and the ability to withstand the lightening blasts of spiritual awareness while remaning firmly rooted in the material. All parts of the tree are powerful protective charms, which bring healing. Today many believe there is no wand as sacred as one that has been made with Oak. A tree as long-lived and strong as the oak naturally offers magical protection. Oak Galls, known as Serpent's Eggs, were used in magical charms. Acorns bring fertility and acundance to any edeavor. Carry one for luck. Acorns gathered at night hold the most fertility powers. The Druids and priestesses listened to the rustling oak leaves and the wrens in the trees for divinitory messages. Burning oak leaves purifies the atmosphere. Acorns are easily used as symbols of fertility. They can be strung as beads, set in the temple for decoration or, dried and ground into flour for some of the best ritual cakes to be found. Acorns can be adapted into amulets and Tokens. Modern Lore keeps the Oak as one of most sacred trees. many believe that the Yule log should be of Oak. When it is but ashes, those are strewn throughout the land to bring good fortune and wealth in the coming year. The bark of the Oak may be dried and powdered and used to unite one with the Gods and Goddesses. Oak is used to bring protection against the ferocity of the elements and the dangers of life, and we use oak to ask for divine assistance in having our needs met. Interesting Bits: Ancient Celtic oaken figures have been found at the source of the Seine. Oak wood was used for crypts in the Hallstatt and LaTene cultures, Celtic cultures distinguished by their unique styles of art. Sprays of oak, along with mistletoe, have been found in an ancient oak coffin. The oak is portrayed as a supernatural tree in the story of Lleu, whose mother forbade him to marry an ordinary female. Oaks should be cut down in the waining moon. Be certain to give the tree spirit three day's warning so it can vacate and find a new home. Plant an acorn nearby to facilitate this process. Beware of oaks during thunderstorms, as they tend to "draw the flash." The oak is also a tree of Jupiter.
Oakmoss . . . .
(Pseudevernia prunastri) The Arabs use ground Oak Moss to leaven bread. It is collected as a violet-scented fixative and an oleo-resin, extracted for perfumes and soap. Native Americans used it when binding wounds. Parts Used: Whole Plant, Oil Magical Uses: Use to attract money. Also use for clairvoyance, divination exorcism, hex-breaking, inspiration, prosperity and widsom. Other Uses Used as a fixative. To invoke the elementals
Olive . . . .
	(Olea europaea) Also known as Oliver. Olive oil was traditionally burned in the temple lamps and used as an anointing oil to aid healing. Magickal Uses: To cure a headache, write Athena's name on an olive leaf and press it against your forehead. Athenian brides wore crowns of olive leaves to bring fertility. It is also believed that when eaten, olives ensure the sexual potency in men and induce lust. Olive leaves bring peaceful vibrations to a room. Hang the branches over the door and on the chimney for protection from evil and lightning. Wear to bring luck.
Orange (Sweet) . . . .
(Citrus sinensis) Also known as Love Fruit Magical Uses: In China the orange is considered a symbol of luck and good fortune. Add the peel to prosperity powders, incenses and mixtures. Use in love sachets and mixtures; the dried peel and seeds for love affairs; the blossoms to those with the intent of a wedded bliss. Add the fresh or dried blossoms, or the distilled water from the flowers, to the bath to become more attractive. To gleam the answers to a yes or no question eat an orange. Then count the number of seeds. An even number, the answer is no; an odd, the answer is yes. Orange juice may be a substitute for wine at rituals. Drinking an infusion of orange peels will guard against drunkenness.
Orchid . . . .
	(Orchis spp.) Also known as Levant Salap, Sahlab (Arabic), Sahleb, Salep, Saloop, Satyrion. One of the common flower symbols of love in Western culture. These plants are said to be the food of satyrs. In Greek tradition, Orchis, the son of a nymph and a satyr, was killed for insulting a Bacchanalian priestess. His father then turned him into a flower, orchid, which bears his name.
Magickal Uses: It has been long held that the dried root can be used in potions and elixirs which would cause the object of desire to fall in love with the practitioner. The tuber may be dried whole and carved into an amulet or talisman to represent love and romance. Burn with musk oil for sexual passion. The powdered root is considered by many as an aphrodisiac, capable of increasing sexual potency. Include the orchid root in the feast or cup of the Great Rite to help both partners embody the deities in which creation is magickal or for ritual preparation for love-making when conception is desired. The gift of an Orchid flower has far more magick behind it than many would believe. It should not be given lightly, for the giving of an orchid flower sets romantic energies in action. Orchid flowers or roots are ideally suited for Handfastings. Add the flowers to wreaths, crowns, and bouquets, or place some of the root in the chalice.
Orris Root . . . .
(Iris florentina) Also known as Florentine Iris, Queen Elizabeth Root Parts Used: Root Magical Uses: The root of this plant is used for attracting love, protection and divination. Carry the whole root; add the powder to sachets, sprinkle on your sheets, clothing and body and home. The powder is also known by the name Love Drawing Powder. In Japan the leaves and roots are hung from the eaves of the home or added to the bath for protection. To use in divining, attach a small piece of the root to a string, cord or piece of yarn and use as a pendulum.
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