# Sacred Irish Trees đŸŒČ **URL:** \ **Category:** Witchy Wisdom\ **Created:** [February 10, 2020, 5:06pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934 "2020-02-10T17:06:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2020, 5:06pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/1 "2020-02-10T17:06:08Z")
I’m sure we’ve all seen the Celtic Tree of Life, right? If you haven’t, here’s a picture
 ![image](https://spells8s3.b-cdn.net/original/1X/a51ea49e894be2266b5551e0f6e3c3d5fd1731c1.jpeg) Image from [Mythologian](https://mythologian.net/tree-life-meaning-symbolism/) There isn’t a lot of historical context or information regarding what we see as the Celtic Tree of Life - only speculation about where it comes from and why it is important. However, in Irish Paganism, culture, and history, **trees are extremely important**. According to Lora O’Brien, an Irish _draoĂ­_ and Priestess of The MorrĂ­gan, early Irish law was decided upon by the Gaelic Brehons. These were well-educated men and women of Old Irish society. It was originally an oral tradition, but the rulings were later written down by Christian Monks. You can find more information about the Brehon Law down below. > During the times of Brehon / Gael Law / Celtic Irish Law, there was no police force or prisons in Ireland. The Brehons (male and female) were arbitrators who remembered the laws in poems and had to be able to recite them when needed. A Brehon is not really a judge - its more like an arbitrator whose responsibilities included preservation and relevant interpretation of existing laws. Their status was displayed by the wearing of a torque around their necks. We are told in the old manuscripts that it would tighten chocking them if they told untruths and it would only loosen when the truth was told in place of falsehoods. Their interpretations were made public and could be challenged, so they had to stick to truth. This is very unlike the English Law system we suffer at present because today the ‘legal wigs’ stick only to the word of law as written and not to the intention of the wrongdoer. [1] ![image](https://spells8s3.b-cdn.net/original/1X/4459083fd86ee14aa494e9a5a74dce38263f9356.jpeg) Image from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/rock-sea-juniper-summer-crimea-2543062/) Now you might be wondering what the heck any of that has to do with trees. Well, trees were so sacred to the Old Irish that they had laws regarding specific trees. These trees were also broken down into sub-sections based on the importance of the particular tree. If someone were to harm the tree in question, there would be payment required. The more important the tree, the higher the payment. ## The 28 Principal Irish Trees The categories of trees were broken down as follows, and these are considered to be the 28 principal Irish trees. [2] ### The most valuable and noble are the _airig fedo –_ ‘lords of the wood’. - Dair ‘oak’ (Quercus robur, Quercus petraea) - Coll ‘hazel’ (Corylus avellana) - Cuilenn ‘holly’ (Ilex aquifolium) - Ibar ‘yew’ (Taxus baccata) - Uinnius ‘ash’ (Fraxinus excelsior) - Ochtach ‘Scots pine’ (Pinus sylvestris) - Aball ‘wild apple-tree’ (Malus pumila) ### Then the _aithig fhedo_ – ‘commoners of the wood’. - Fern ‘alder’ (Alnus glutinosa) - Sail ‘willow, sally’ (Salix caprea, Salix cinerea) - ScĂ© ‘whitethorn, hawthorn’ (Crataegus monogyna) - CĂĄerthann ‘rowan, mountain ash’ (Sorbus aucuparia) - Beithe ‘birch’ (Betula pubescens, Betula pendula) - Lem ‘elm’ (Ulmus glabra) - Idath ‘wild cherry’ (Prunus avium) ### The _fodla fedo_ are the ‘lower divisions of the wood’. - Draigen ‘blackthorn’ (Prunus spinosa) - Trom ‘elder’ (Sambucus nigra) - FĂ©orus ‘spindle-tree’ (Euonymus europaeus) - Findcholl ‘whitebeam’ (Sorbus aria) - Caithne ‘arbutus, strawberry tree’ (Arbutus unedo) - Crithach ‘aspen’ (Populus tremula) - Crann fir ‘juniper’ (Juniperus communis) ### And least valuable are the _losa fedo_ – ‘bushes of the wood’. - Raith ‘bracken’ (Pteridium aquilinum) - Rait ‘bog-myrtle’ (Myrica gale) - Aitenn ‘furze, gorse, whin’ (Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii) - Dris ‘bramble’ (Rubus fruticosus aggregate) - FrĂłech ‘heather’ (Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea) - Gilcach ‘broom’ (Sarothamnus scoparius) - SpĂ­n ‘wild rose’ (Rosa canina) Again, it can only be speculated why these trees were considered sacred to the Old Irish community. Maybe they were sacred for their crop-producing ability like the Oak. Maybe there were sacred for their religious ability like the Juniper. We can’t know for sure, but what this goes to show us is how the Old Irish lived _in connection with the land._ This is something that I am trying to bring back into my own life and religious practice, _and I think everyone can benefit from that same idea._ ### So, why is the Tree of Life significant? It probably has something to do with the idea of all realms being connected - land, sea, and sky. The roots of the tree dig deep, and the branches of the tree reach tall. Trees are a representation of life around us and we can easily connect to them. They can offer healing, grounding, and energy to us. They can also offer us mundane things like shade, food, and structure. Whatever the case may be, the Tree of Life has a different significance for everyone. * * * [1] [Brehon Law](https://www.celticdruidtemple.com/brehon-law.html) [2] [Sacred Irish Trees - Lora O'Brien - Irish Author & Guide](https://loraobrien.ie/sacred-irish-trees/) [3] [The Brehon Laws: A Legal Handbook](https://www.libraryireland.com/Brehon-Laws/Contents.php) ---
**Author:** ![Francisco](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/francisco/32/352_2.png) [@Francisco](https://forum.spells8.com/u/Francisco)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2020, 5:49pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/2 "2020-02-10T17:49:32Z")
I love learning about Irish lore and culture! I think it’s great that they had laws regarding hurting trees! đŸŒČ Thanks for sharing, I feel these topics are very useful for those in their Irish pagan quest! ---
**Author:** ![roxanne](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/roxanne/32/1117_2.png) [@roxanne](https://forum.spells8.com/u/roxanne)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2020, 8:50pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/3 "2020-03-05T20:50:53Z")
I love Irish culture, well I am Irish
 lol but so much to learn and remember
 ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2020, 9:58pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/4 "2020-03-05T21:58:43Z")
I love learning about Irish culture as well ❀ my ancestors are Irish and I feel a large calling to that part of the world. ---
**Author:** ![roxanne](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/roxanne/32/1117_2.png) [@roxanne](https://forum.spells8.com/u/roxanne)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2020, 2:16am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/5 "2020-03-06T02:16:11Z")
My Grandpa and Grandma came from Ireland to Ellis Island in 1920. ( I think 1920 might have been 22) so I have the Irish in me for sure. ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2020, 3:45pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/6 "2020-03-06T15:45:51Z")
Definitely! Mine family came over much earlier than that lol during the Irish Famine in the 1700s - but my heart is definitely there for sure ❀ ---
**Author:** ![andrea\_d](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/andrea_d/32/482_2.png) [@andrea\_d](https://forum.spells8.com/u/andrea_d)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2020, 4:26pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/7 "2020-06-21T16:26:36Z")
I’m with you @MeganB. My Irish ancestors also came over during the early 1700s, but I am so drawn to the emerald isle and all things Celtic. I’m still a baby witch, so I’m curious how you incorporate your interest/love of your Irish heritage into your practice. Anything you’re willing to share? ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2020, 4:40pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/8 "2020-06-21T16:40:45Z")
Hey Andrea 😊 I’m actually an Irish pagan, so my practice stems from Irish spirituality in general and not Wicca. I actually have a YouTube channel, podcast, and website that has some info on it. I’m currently driving across the country right now because we’re moving lol but it is something I talk about often. I’ll post the links here if you’re interested. > **[Home ⋆ Round the Cauldron](https://www.roundthecauldron.com/)** > > Round the Cauldron is run by a spunky woman with a background in Wicca and a current love of witchcraft and the Irish Gods. Join Me here at Round the Cauldron for a podcast and educational articles! [www.youtube.com/roundthecauldron](http://www.youtube.com/roundthecauldron) ---
**Author:** ![andrea\_d](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/andrea_d/32/482_2.png) [@andrea\_d](https://forum.spells8.com/u/andrea_d)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2020, 9:22pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/9 "2020-06-21T21:22:43Z")
Sweet! Thank you. I am also Irish pagan rather than wicca so this will be a great resource to have. Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2020, 9:35pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/10 "2020-06-21T21:35:47Z")
You’re welcome! I also recommend checking out LoraObrien.ie - they’re a native Irish Draoi and Priestess to The Morrigán. They also have a YouTube channel and help run The Irish Pagan School [https://irishpaganschool.com/](https://irishpaganschool.com/) and they occasionally have free classes 😊 ---
**Author:** ![andrea\_d](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/andrea_d/32/482_2.png) [@andrea\_d](https://forum.spells8.com/u/andrea_d)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2020, 9:47pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/11 "2020-06-21T21:47:40Z")
Perfect! I’m new to this path so this is awesome. BTW
 just tried to download some of your freebies and keep getting “file not found.txt”. Will you post them again once you’re settled in the new home? ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2020, 9:58pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/12 "2020-06-21T21:58:54Z")
Yeah, I definitely will! I’ve been finding little issues here and there with my site since I upgraded my hosting and SSL cert lol ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2020, 1:59am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/13 "2020-06-30T01:59:47Z")
@andrea_d Hey there, just wanted to update you and let you know that I fixed the downloads on my printable pages - they should all work now. Now I just need to go through and fix the rest of the download links for my transcripts lol let me know if you have any questions! ---
**Author:** ![andrea\_d](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/andrea_d/32/482_2.png) [@andrea\_d](https://forum.spells8.com/u/andrea_d)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2020, 2:16pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/14 "2020-07-01T14:16:34Z")
Thanks Megan! I responded via email but not sure that went through right. So wanted to make sure I said thanks!! ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2020, 5:28pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/15 "2020-07-03T17:28:11Z")
You’re welcome! And no, your email response didn’t go through lol I don’t know why, though! ---
**Author:** ![RyuWyn](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/ryuwyn/32/20709_2.png) [@RyuWyn](https://forum.spells8.com/u/RyuWyn)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2022, 9:46pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/16 "2022-01-17T21:46:41Z")
Thanks a lot for sharing, Megan. I’ve learned lots about trees, there are some that are really beautiful! ---
**Author:** ![elizabeth46](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/elizabeth46/32/37368_2.png) [@elizabeth46](https://forum.spells8.com/u/elizabeth46)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2023, 3:33pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/17 "2023-05-13T15:33:10Z")
Thank you. I happen to live in the middle of the forest and I am in love and awe of the beautiful and powerful trees I live amongst! It’s so cool reading about the history of the different types! and how best to incorporate them in magic. Thank you again, this is so interesting I loved it!! đŸ„°đŸ’– ---
**Author:** ![Heav3n](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Heav3n](https://forum.spells8.com/u/Heav3n)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2023, 7:19pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/18 "2023-05-13T19:19:46Z")
Thank you for sharing this information, I actually got a Tree of Life necklace back in 10/10/2020. The synchronicity lol. It was a free gift with just paying shipping and I couldn’t pass it up. I have always been fascinated with The Tree of Life. Pic for cuteness 😛 ![image](https://spells8s3.b-cdn.net/original/3X/0/d/0d3775650e154e7397914a9178178da7bcb37508.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![marsha](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/marsha/32/84702_2.png) [@marsha](https://forum.spells8.com/u/marsha)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2023, 7:40pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/19 "2023-05-13T19:40:03Z")
Hello 👋 @elizabeth46 It’s nice to meet you! I’m Marsha an eclectic witch from Colorado. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains ⛰ with lots of Pine trees đŸŒČ all around and I love trees too. I just wanted to welcome đŸ€— you since this is the first time you have posted! With love ❀ and magick đŸ’« always ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2023, 11:40pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934/20 "2023-05-13T23:40:20Z")
@elizabeth46 – You’re very welcome! đŸŒČ What an amazing thing to live in the middle of the forest 😍 I’m not in the forest but I am surrounded by huge Southern Live Oak trees and you’re right, it’s such a magical experience! _Also, welcome to the forum!_ @Heav3n – Of course! đŸ„° I love the Tree of Life – I have a diffuser necklace around here somewhere that has the tree of life on it. I used to wear it all the time. Now, I can’t wear it for too long. It’s a bit heavy and it irritates my skin – but it’s still a beautiful piece! Maybe I can find pictures of it one day. [Next page](https://forum.spells8.com/t/sacred-irish-trees/934.md?page=2)