Apple Trees
Properties: Healing, rebirth, divination, magic, love, Otherworlds (the Dream, Ardenweald, etc), and Gāhanir Deities: Mother Moon, Eonar, Aviana, Aessina, Ursol, Aliothe, Qāonzu 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 Shanādo to us all, naturally teaching us lessons in the cycle of seasons and the balance between Spirit and Decay.Ā 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 Gāhanir 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 Sisterās 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 Theroāshan in their first attempts to transition their consciousness to the Dream. A Shanādo will have their Theroāshan 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 inĀ The Legend of Applebeard. For as he slumbersĀ he dreams of forests far and unknown to him. If no apple tree is near, a Shanādo 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 Theroāshan 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 treeās 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.
