Roots, Trees, & Woods
Beneath the soil, the true library of the earth stretches unseen — a tangle of roots, silent as veins, wise as ancestors. Trees are the standing stones of the living world: they record wind, whisper water, and cradle both gods and ghosts.
This archive explores the symbolism, medicinal uses, and spiritual resonance of trees, woods, and roots. Here you’ll learn why the ash bridges realms, how willow bends without breaking, and how oak’s steadfast energy has protected homes for centuries. From wandcraft to healing salves, the forest teaches the art of endurance.
🜂 A
Acacia Wood – A pale golden wood associated with the Sun and Air. Known for protection and spiritual strength, it is often used to build sacred tools and ward against negativity.
Aconite Root (Monkshood) – ⚠️ Deadly Toxic; do not touch or burn ⚠️ A dark, deadly root associated with Saturn and Water. Known for protection and transformation, it is often used symbolically to banish fear and shadow.
Adam & Eve Root – A paired orchid root associated with Venus and Water. Known for love and fidelity, it is often carried in pairs to strengthen romantic bonds.
Alder Wood – A reddish, water-loving wood associated with Fire and Water. Known for courage and balance, it is often used to bridge opposing energies in elemental magic.
Angelica Root – A fragrant white root associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for protection and blessing, it is often used to ward off evil and invoke divine guardians.
Apple Wood – A soft, sweet-scented wood associated with Venus and Water. Known for love and fertility, it is often used in charm carvings and romantic blessings.
Ash Wood – A strong pale wood associated with Jupiter and Air. Known for wisdom and connection between worlds, it is often used for staffs and divination tools.
Ashwagandha Root – A thick tan root associated with Mars and Earth. Known for vitality and courage, it is often used to restore strength and confidence.
Aspen Wood – A pale, trembling wood associated with Mercury and Air. Known for protection and communication, it is often used to repel fear and strengthen the voice.
🜃 B
Bamboo – A hollow, fast-growing wood associated with Mercury and Air. Known for flexibility and luck, it is often used in prosperity charms and wind chimes.
Banyan Tree – A vast sacred tree associated with Jupiter and Earth. Known for longevity and divine wisdom, it is often invoked in ancestral and meditative work.
Basswood (Linden) – A light, smooth wood associated with Venus and Air. Known for love and compassion, it is often used to soothe tension and heal emotional wounds.
Beech Wood – A pale, strong wood associated with Saturn and Air. Known for learning and clarity, it is often used for writing wands and wisdom charms.
Birch Wood – A smooth, white wood associated with Venus and Water. Known for renewal and purification, it is often used to cleanse energy and begin new ventures.
Blackthorn Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Thorn Hazard / Mild Toxicity ⚠️ A dense, dark wood associated with Mars and Fire. Known for defense and transformation, it is often used for protection wands and banishing work.
Boxwood – A fine-grained golden wood associated with Mercury and Earth. Known for patience and endurance, it is often used for careful, detailed magical carvings.
Buckeye (Horse Chestnut) – ⚠️ Toxic if Ingested ⚠️ A dark, polished nut wood associated with Jupiter and Fire. Known for luck and success, it is often carried as a charm for prosperity.
Burdock Root – A long, grounding root associated with Venus and Earth. Known for purification and protection, it is often used to cleanse negative energy and anchor the spirit.
Butternut – A pale, nut-bearing wood associated with the Moon and Water. Known for nurturing and flow, it is often used to attract gentle abundance and emotional healing.
🜄 C
Calamus Root (Sweet Flag) – A golden aromatic root associated with Mercury and Air. Known for command and eloquence, it is often used in spellwork to gain respect and persuasive power.
Carline Thistle Root – A gnarled, earthy root associated with Saturn and Fire. Known for banishment and endurance, it is often used to dispel unwanted influences and fortify courage.
Cedar Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Respiratory & Skin Irritant ⚠️ A reddish aromatic wood associated with Jupiter and Fire. Known for protection and cleansing, it is often burned to sanctify spaces and tools.
Celandine Root – A bright yellow root associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for clarity and success, it is often used to remove obstacles and attract favor.
Cherry Wood – ⚠️ Toxic if Ingested (Leaves, Bark, Seeds) ⚠️ A warm reddish wood associated with Venus and Water. Known for love and passion, it is often used to attract romance and creativity.
Chestnut Wood – A smooth brown wood associated with Jupiter and Earth. Known for abundance and grounding, it is often used in prosperity charms.
Cinnamon Bark – A warm, spicy bark associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for attraction and vitality, it is often used to ignite passion and drive.
Coltsfoot Root – A fibrous root associated with Venus and Air. Known for healing and peace, it is often used in charms to soothe arguments and ease breathing.
Comfrey Root – A black, healing root associated with Saturn and Water. Known for restoration and safety, it is often carried for protection during travel or recovery.
Culver’s Root – A strong, bitter root associated with Mars and Fire. Known for cleansing and courage, it is often used in renewal spells and to banish fear.
Cypress Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Allergenic Smoke ⚠️ A fragrant evergreen wood associated with Saturn and Water. Known for transformation and mourning, it is often used in death and rebirth rituals.
🜁 D
Dandelion Root – A deep taproot associated with Jupiter and Air. Known for divination and wishes, it is often used to call spirits and grant guidance in dreams.
Devil’s Bit Root – A short, forked root associated with Saturn and Fire. Known for protection and independence, it is often carried to defy control and assert free will.
Devil’s Shoestring – A fibrous vine-root associated with Mars and Earth. Known for protection and luck, it is often tied above doorways to repel evil and break curses.
Dogwood – A pale, smooth wood associated with Venus and Air. Known for devotion and resilience, it is often used to mend bonds and encourage loyalty.
Douglas Fir – A rich green conifer wood associated with Jupiter and Earth. Known for stability and strength, it is often used in grounding and prosperity work.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena) – ⚠️ Caution – Mildly Toxic to Pets ⚠️ A red-sapped tree associated with Mars and Fire. Known for courage and magical potency, it is often used to strengthen spells and ward off harm.
Driftwood – A sun-bleached, sea-worn wood associated with the Moon and Water. Known for release and renewal, it is often used to banish sorrow and invite peace.
🜂 E
Ebony – A deep black wood associated with Saturn and Earth. Known for protection and power, it is often used for ritual tools and banishing work.
Elder Wood – ⚠️ Toxic if Ingested (Raw Plant Material) ⚠️ A sacred hollow wood associated with the Moon and Spirit. Known for communication with spirits, it is often used in necromancy and fae magic.
Elecampane Root – A fragrant golden root associated with Mercury and Air. Known for joy and health, it is often used to uplift the spirit and ease sorrow.
Elm Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Allergenic Dust ⚠️ A sturdy reddish wood associated with Venus and Earth. Known for love and grounding, it is often used in charm boxes and healing rituals.
Eucalyptus Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Toxic if Ingested / Fume Irritant ⚠️ A pale aromatic wood associated with Mercury and Air. Known for purification and vitality, it is often used to clear sickness and restore energy.
🜃 F
Fennel Root – A pale aromatic root associated with Mercury and Fire. Known for courage and longevity, it is often burned to drive away fear and attract strength.
Fig Wood – A soft, light wood associated with Venus and Water. Known for fertility and abundance, it is often used in charms for prosperity and fruitfulness.
Fir Wood – A fragrant evergreen wood associated with Earth and Air. Known for endurance and clarity, it is often used to refresh energy and strengthen resolve.
Frankincense Tree (Boswellia) – ⚠️ Caution – Respiratory Sensitivity ⚠️ A sacred desert tree associated with the Sun and Spirit. Known for divine connection, it is often used symbolically in prayer and enlightenment rituals.
🜄 G
Galangal Root – A spicy red-brown root associated with Mars and Fire. Known for power and victory, it is often used to win legal battles or boost confidence.
Garlic Root (Bulb) – A pungent white root associated with Mars and Fire. Known for banishment and health, it is often hung to ward off illness and negative spirits.
Gentian Root – A bitter yellow root associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for strength and purification, it is often used to break hexes and restore vigor.
Ginger Root – A knotted tan root associated with Mars and Fire. Known for passion and prosperity, it is often added to spells to accelerate results and increase potency.
Ginkgo Tree – A fan-leaved ancient tree associated with Mercury and Air. Known for memory and longevity, it is often used to enhance mental clarity and recall.
Ginseng Root – A human-shaped root associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for vitality and luck, it is often carried to attract health, longevity, and fortune.
Goldenseal Root – A yellow-gold root associated with the Sun and Earth. Known for healing and purification, it is often used to cleanse wounds and repel negative energy.
Grapevine – A woody vine associated with Venus and Water. Known for joy and connection, it is often used to celebrate love, creativity, and sacred union.
Gravel Root – A woody brown root associated with Saturn and Earth. Known for stability and employment, it is often used to gain favor or secure steady work.
Guava Wood – A fragrant tropical wood associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for vitality and good fortune, it is often used in charm carvings for success and renewal.
🜁 H
Hawthorn Wood – A thorny, protective wood associated with Mars and Fire. Known for courage and fae protection, it is often used in boundary magic and love spells.
Hazel Wood – A pale brown wood associated with Mercury and Air. Known for wisdom and divination, it is often used to craft wands and scrying tools.
Hellebore Root – A dark, poisonous root associated with Saturn and Water. Known for banishment and invisibility, it is often used symbolically — ⚠️ toxic; do not handle bare.
Hemlock Wood (Conifer) – ⚠️ Caution – Misidentification Risk ⚠️ A light evergreen wood associated with Saturn and Earth. Known for purification and transition, it is often used to cleanse sorrow and anchor strength.
Hickory Wood – A dense, strong wood associated with Mars and Earth. Known for resilience and endurance, it is often used to fortify charms and rituals for perseverance.
High John the Conqueror Root – A dark, glossy root associated with Mars and Fire. Known for success and mastery, it is often carried as a charm for confidence and luck.
Holly Wood – ⚠️ Toxic if Ingested ⚠️ A smooth, bright wood associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for protection and luck, it is often used in Yule rituals and defense against dark magic.
Horseradish Root – A sharp, white root associated with Mars and Fire. Known for protection and purification, it is often grated to repel negativity and boost courage.
🜂 I
Iris Root (Orris) – A violet-scented white root associated with Venus and Water. Known for love and attraction, it is often powdered into sachets or perfumes to draw romance.
Ironwood – A heavy, nearly unbreakable wood associated with Mars and Earth. Known for grounding and stamina, it is often used in protective talismans and binding spells.
Ivy (Woody Vine) – ⚠️ Toxic – Skin Irritant ⚠️ A climbing plant with woody stems associated with Venus and Water. Known for fidelity and spiritual connection, it is often used to strengthen bonds or rituals of union.
🜃 J
Jacaranda Wood – A lilac-hued wood associated with Jupiter and Air. Known for creativity and expansion, it is often used to inspire art and magical innovation.
Juniper Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Smoke Irritant / Pregnant Sensitivity ⚠️ A fragrant evergreen wood associated with Mars and Fire. Known for purification and protection, it is often burned or carved into charms to banish negativity.
🜄 K
Kauri Wood – A pale fossilized wood associated with the Sun and Earth. Known for preservation and memory, it is often used to honor ancestors and protect sacred relics.
Kukui (Candlenut Tree) – ⚠️ Toxic if Ingested ⚠️ A glossy wood associated with the Moon and Fire. Known for illumination and clarity, it is often used to bring truth to hidden matters and guide the lost.
🜁 L
Laurel Wood (Bay Tree) – ⚠️ Caution – Essential Oil Toxic in Quantity ⚠️ A glossy green wood associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for victory and prophecy, it is often used to crown success and invoke divine insight.
Lemon Wood – A bright yellow wood associated with Mercury and Air. Known for cleansing and positivity, it is often used to refresh energy and banish melancholy.
Licorice Root – A sweet brown root associated with Mercury and Water. Known for command and persuasion, it is often used to strengthen personal influence in relationships.
Linden (Basswood) – A soft, smooth wood associated with Venus and Air. Known for harmony and compassion, it is often used in healing and peace rituals.
Locust Wood – ⚠️ Toxic if Ingested / Irritant Dust ⚠️ A dark, resilient wood associated with Mars and Earth. Known for endurance and strength, it is often used in protective amulets and grounding rituals.
Lodgepole Pine – A resinous pine wood associated with Jupiter and Fire. Known for clarity and purification, it is often used in sacred fires and cleansing ceremonies.
Lovage Root – A long, fragrant root associated with Venus and Water. Known for affection and cleansing, it is often used to attract admiration and purify the aura.
🜂 M
Madder Root – A red-staining root associated with Mars and Fire. Known for strength and courage, it is often used to empower protective charms.
Mahogany Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Allergenic Dust ⚠️ A creamy, fragrant wood associated with Venus and Water. Known for beauty and spiritual awakening, it is often used to attract love and gentle transformation.
Mandrake Root – ⚠️ Caution – Allergenic Dust ⚠️ A humanoid-shaped root associated with Saturn and Earth. Known for power and transformation, it is often used symbolically in fertility or spirit work.
Maple Wood – A pale golden wood associated with Jupiter and Water. Known for balance and generosity, it is often used to harmonize energy and attract financial stability.
Marshmallow Root – A soft, mucilaginous root associated with Venus and Water. Known for comfort and healing, it is often brewed to soothe pain or grief.
Meadowsweet Root – A gentle, fragrant root associated with Jupiter and Air. Known for joy and harmony, it is often used to bring happiness and good news.
Mesquite Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Smoke Irritant ⚠️ A dense desert wood associated with Mars and Fire. Known for endurance and determination, it is often burned in rituals of renewal and resilience.
Mulberry Wood – A golden, fibrous wood associated with the Moon and Water. Known for intuition and creativity, it is often used to open the third eye and nurture inspiration.
Myrtle Tree – ⚠️ Caution – Essential Oil Sensitivity ⚠️ A small evergreen associated with Venus and Water. Known for love and purification, it is often used to strengthen bonds and invite blessings of harmony.
🜃 N
Nutmeg Tree / Root – ⚠️ Toxic in High Doses ⚠️ A tropical evergreen associated with Mercury and Fire. Known for luck and psychic power, it is often used to attract fortune and sharpen intuition.
🜄 O
Oak Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Tannin Overexposure ⚠️ A strong, sacred wood associated with the Sun and Earth. Known for strength and endurance, it is often used to empower magic and protect the home.
Olive Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Allergenic Sawdust ⚠️ A smooth, golden wood associated with Venus and Air. Known for peace and wisdom, it is often used in blessings and reconciliation rituals.
Orange Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Photosensitizing Oil ⚠️ A fragrant, warm wood associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for joy and prosperity, it is often used to uplift energy and attract success.
Orris Root (Florentine Iris) – A pale violet-scented root associated with Venus and Water. Known for love and divination, it is often used to attract partners and enhance intuition.
🜁 P
Palm Wood – A light, flexible wood associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for victory and devotion, it is often used in celebrations of triumph and new beginnings.
Palo Santo Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Ethical & Respiratory Warning ⚠️ A sacred, aromatic wood associated with the Moon and Air. Known for cleansing and blessing, it is often burned to purify energy and invite peace.
Peach/Plum/Pear Woods – ⚠️ Toxic if Ingested (Seeds / Bark) ⚠️ A smooth, pale wood associated with Venus and Water. Known for love and sensuality, it is often used in charm-making and romantic spells.
Pecan Wood – A strong, grounding wood associated with Earth and Jupiter. Known for prosperity and protection, it is often used to attract abundance and ward off hardship.
Peony Root – A reddish root associated with the Moon and Water. Known for protection and beauty, it is often worn to avert misfortune and attract grace.
Pine Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Resin Sensitivity ⚠️ A fragrant evergreen wood associated with Mars and Fire. Known for cleansing and vitality, it is often used to dispel illness and renew the spirit.
Poke Root (Pokeweed) – ⚠️ Toxic – Contains Phytolaccatoxin & Phytolaccigenin ⚠️ A deep red root associated with Mars and Fire. Known for banishment and curse-breaking, it is used symbolically only.
Poplar Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Allergic Dust ⚠️ A soft, white wood associated with Mercury and Air. Known for transformation and communication, it is often used to channel messages or release stagnant energy.
Potato Root – A starchy, grounding root associated with Earth and Water. Known for fertility and manifestation, it is often carved for sympathetic magic.
🜂 Q
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🜃 R
Redwood – A towering, ancient wood associated with Jupiter and Earth. Known for protection and longevity, it is often used to ground spiritual energy and guard sacred spaces.
Rosewood – ⚠️ Caution – Respiratory Sensitizer ⚠️ A rich, pinkish wood associated with Venus and Spirit. Known for compassion and healing, it is often used in heart-centered spells and meditation.
Rowan Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Mildly Toxic Berries ⚠️ A pale wood with red berries associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for protection and foresight, it is often used to ward off enchantments and evil spirits.
🜄 S
Sandalwood (true wood) – A golden, fragrant wood associated with the Moon and Spirit. Known for peace and divinity, it is often burned to deepen meditation and attract blessings.
Sarsaparilla Root – A sweet woody root associated with Jupiter and Fire. Known for health and passion, it is often used in potions to draw love and prosperity.
Sassafras Root / Wood – ⚠️ Toxic – Carcinogenic (Safrole Content) ⚠️ A sweet, spicy wood associated with Jupiter and Fire. Known for luck and vitality, it is often used in prosperity and success charms.
Senna Root – A bitter medicinal root associated with Saturn and Air. Known for release and purification, it is often used in banishing or cleansing rituals.
Sequoia – A massive ancient wood associated with Jupiter and Earth. Known for legacy and preservation, it is often used to represent eternal wisdom and endurance.
Snakeroot (Black or White) – A coiled, potent root associated with Mars and Fire. Known for protection and strength, it is often used to ward off hexes and dark spirits.
Solomon’s Seal Root – A jointed, white root associated with Saturn and Water. Known for wisdom and spiritual authority, it is often used to seal spells and strengthen boundaries.
Spruce Wood – A clean, resinous wood associated with Earth and Air. Known for healing and purification, it is often used in renewal rituals and grounding magic.
Sumac (non-poisonous species) – ⚠️ Caution – Misidentification Risk ⚠️ A bright red wood associated with Mars and Fire. Known for vitality and courage, it is often used to strengthen confidence and will.
Sweet Flag Root (Calamus) – A golden, fragrant root associated with Mercury and Air. Known for eloquence and command, it is often carried for success in persuasion or leadership.
Sweetgrass Root – Fragrant root used for cleansing, protection, and inviting positive spirits. Often braided and burned to attract benevolent energy.
Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar) – ⚠️ Caution – Allergenic Sap ⚠️ A star-leaved tree associated with Venus and Water. Known for beauty and transformation, it is often used to balance emotion and renew joy.
Sycamore Wood – A pale, sacred wood associated with the Sun and Air. Known for protection and immortality, it is often used in ancestor and solar rites.
🜁 T
Tallow Tree – ⚠️ Caution – Irritant Sap ⚠️ A soft wood associated with the Moon and Water. Known for purification and adaptability, it is often used to cleanse the emotional body and invite calm.
Tamarind Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Allergic Reaction Possible ⚠️ A dark, dense wood associated with Mars and Earth. Known for grounding and restoration, it is often used in healing rituals and purification.
Tamarisk – ⚠️ Caution – High Salt Content ⚠️ A hardy desert tree associated with Mercury and Air. Known for endurance and banishment, it is often used to protect boundaries and ward off decay.
Teak – ⚠️ Caution – Allergenic Dust ⚠️ A golden hardwood associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for resilience and prosperity, it is often used to manifest success and protect ventures.
Thorn Apple Root (Datura) – ⚠️ Deadly Toxic – Tropane Alkaloids ⚠️ A pale twisted root associated with Saturn and Shadow. Known for spirit communication and transformation, it is used only symbolically.
Tobacco Root (Nicotiana) – ⚠️ Toxic – Nicotine Poisoning Risk ⚠️ A sacred root associated with Fire and Spirit. Known for offering and transformation, it is often used ceremonially to honor ancestors.
Tormentil Root – A small, red-tinted root associated with Mars and Earth. Known for protection and strength, it is often used to anchor courage and resist illness.
Tulip Tree – A tall, elegant wood associated with the Sun and Air. Known for grace and potential, it is often used in spells of renewal and achievement.
Turmeric Root – A golden orange root associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for purification and prosperity, it is often used to banish sorrow and invite abundance.
🜂 U
[none]
🜃 V
Valerian Root – A strong-scented brown root associated with Venus and Water. Known for peace and sleep, it is often used in dreamwork and to calm emotional storms.
Vetiver Root – A fibrous, earthy root associated with Saturn and Earth. Known for grounding and attraction, it is often burned to draw wealth and steady energy.
Vine Root (Grapevine / Climbing species) – A twisting, woody root associated with Venus and Water. Known for connection and creativity, it is often used in binding charms of love and artistry.
🜄 W
Walnut Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Allergenic / Toxic to Horses & Small Animals ⚠️ A dark, strong wood associated with Saturn and Air. Known for wisdom and protection, it is often used in spellwork for mental strength and clarity.
Wild Ginger Root – A fragrant reddish root associated with Venus and Fire. Known for love and luck, it is often used in charm bags or anointing blends.
Willow Wood – ⚠️ Caution – Salicylate Sensitivity ⚠️ A silvery, graceful wood associated with the Moon and Water. Known for healing and intuition, it is often used in divination and emotional release.
Wormwood Root – A bitter, grayish root associated with Saturn and Air. Known for protection and spirit contact, it is often used symbolically — ⚠️ toxic if ingested.
🜁 X
[none]
🜂 Y
Yarrow Root – Fibrous root linked to protection, healing, and courage. Often used in love spells, protective charms, or for psychic strength.
Yew Wood – ⚠️ Deadly Toxic – Contains Taxines ⚠️ A dark, sacred wood associated with Saturn and Death. Known for transformation and immortality, it is often used in ancestor rites.
🜃 Z
Zebrawood – A striped exotic wood associated with the Sun and Air. Known for balance and uniqueness, it is often used to harmonize dual energies and celebrate individuality.
Zelkova – A smooth, ancient wood associated with Jupiter and Earth. Known for stability and honor, it is often used to ground power and strengthen personal legacy.
To work with wood is to borrow strength from something older and more patient than yourself. Leave offerings when you harvest. Speak softly when you carve. The forest is alive, and though it forgives much, it forgets nothing.
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