Apple Tree
*Nature-Speak/Ted Andrews
Keynote: Time for joyful giving; hidden knowledge, happiness and healing at hand.
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." This is one of the most famous sayings about apples. And most people are aware of it. Although this saying came from the 19th century, the popularity of the apple dates back much further. The Romans are usually credited with developing the wild apple into what we now know as the apple today. Plliny the Elder described three dozen different varieties. The apple was a fruit popular in Asia and throughout Europe. In fact, an apple was once considered an ideal Christmas treat. Even today, it is one of the most popular fruits in the world with over 7,000 varieties.
In America Johnny Appleseed has become a legendary figure, with the image of traveling across the country with apple seeds in his pocket and a bag of apples over his shoulders. He tossed the seeds as he walked, turning America into a country of apple trees. His real name was John Chapman and he cultivated apple nurseries as far west as the Ohio territory.
Apple trees come in amny varieties, bearing fruit of differing tastes and at different times. Different apples grow better in different regions, and many of the species of apples have been lost because they are not suitable for large scale marketing. Apples cannot always be grown in the Deep South because they do not get long enough periods of cold temperatures, which they need for a rest period each year in order to grow properly and produce fruit.
The trees have trunks and branches that twist. The fruit is high in flavor, fiber and flavonoids--antioxidants that improve the immune system. They are filled with vitamins and the eating of a raw apple is good for the teeth and gums.
The apple tree has many magical and healing characteristics. It is sometimes associated with the Tree of Knowledge. The apple was the "Fruit of Avalon" that could endow individuals with magical abilities. Staffs and wands made from an apple tree are often painted and carved to help awaken the magic. Most kids are aware of the apple divination technique for discovering who you will marry. As you twist the stalk, you recite the alphabet. When the stalk breaks, the letter you are at is the letter of your future spouse's first name.
Its mythology and folklore is great and entire book could be done on it alone. In Teutonic mythology, the apple tree is associated with youthfulness and beauty, helping to manifest opportunities to learn through choices. It helps us to focus and not divide our energies for greatest success. In Greek mythology, the apple tree grew in Hesperides and was sacred to Aphrodite. Apple is a tree that awakens true desires of the heart. Christianity has often distorted the fruit as a symbol of indulgence in forbidden desires, but its magical and mystical qualities are powerful. Its spirit is strong, gentle, giving and playful.
To the Native Americans, all fruit bearing trees were honored for providing food and more. The apple tree is a loving giver, especially when treated with love and respect by humans. It thrives on human contact and teaches the power of sharing.
The apple tree has had a long association with the Faerie Realm. The blossoms draw large numbers of faeries who help pormote feelings of happiness. The apple tree is also the home of the mythical unicorn. The unicorn is one of the most ancient archetypes of the natural world. The spirit of the apple tree works with the unicorn, and in the spring the spirit will often appear in the form of a beautifully enticing woman. Together they open the heart to new realms of love and giving.
Apple blossom is one of my favorite fragrances. I love the short time in the spring when my apple trees bloom and every breeze carries their scent. I use its fragrance when I teach work with the Faerie Realm. I always try to have it when guiding groups in meditation for connecting with the Faerie Realm.
Its blossoms are powerfully fragrant and in aromatherapy, the fragrance of apple blossom promotes happiness and success. Its energies are also cleansing to the astral body. It stimulates the need to make choices within our life, and its energy helps us to realize that we always have choices. Its appearance in our life as a sign or messenger is a reminder that there is abundance and happiness about for us. It reminds us of our dreams and our possibilities. It often heralds contact with spirit and especially contact with the Faerie Realm.
*The Language of Dreams/Patricia Telesco
Temptation to break personal taboos, or divine or societal laws. Responsible use of knowledge, skills, or wisdom. Matters of health: How the apple looks may have a direct bearing on how you're feeling. Appearing abundantly on a tree: A propitious sign that speaks of realizing your hopes. Only at the top of a tree: High ambitions that you may not be able to safely or effectively reach. Worm ridden: If you bite into an apple to discover a worm, this means that something isn't as good as it outwardly appears, especially someone's ethical codes. Arthurian: Longevity. King Arthur was taken to Avalong, the Isle of Apples, to live forever. Similarly, in Norse legends apples are used as a resurrection charm, and Hera's Tree of Life is filled with golden apples.
*On Dreams/Mary Summer Rain
Plle symbolizes good health. Apple pie signifies aspects one most closely identifies with as representing the home hearth. Applesauce denotes a pleasant blending of ideals.
*Magical Herbalism/Scott Cunningham
Apple Blossom: Wear to promote happiness and success. Anoint candles during love rituals. Add to bath to aid relaxation.
*The Master Book of Herbalism/Paul Beyerl
Apples are considered sacred to Aphrodite, and may be offered in rites of her honor. The juice of the apple may be shared in those rituals, and the seeds or bark of the apple may be used as incense. In some places there is a custom of planting an apple as a gift for this lovely Goddess.
Among Earth Religions, the Apple is sometimes eaten for good luck at the celebration of Hallow's Eve, when it is felt that the circle of seasons makes a dramatic turn. Thus, one can bring about deep internal changes. The Greeks held the Apple as a source of wisdom, said to grow on a tree of life in the garden as Hesperides.
*Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens, and Superstitions/Zolar
If ever there was a piece of fruit that got bad press, it was certainly the apple, for it was this that Eve gave Adam to eat. Hence, one of the earliest superstitions was to only eat an apple that had been rubbed clean; otherwise the "evil one," Satan himself, would appear.
Ever since the Roman occupation of Europe, the apple has been held as a sacred tree. In fact, a 7th century poem states that a man who cuts down an apple tree must pay a fine of one cow. An early Irish poem calls for the sacrifice of a living creature in payment for felling an apple tree.
In essence, the apple stands for immortality, eternal youth, and happiness. Arabs believed that the apple had curative powers, as well, and in Scandinavian mythology, the gods keep themselves young by eating the golden apples of Idun, Goddess of Youth and Spirngtime.
Among Welsh legends, after death, kings and heroes live in a paradise of apple trees called Avalon, possibly derived from the Welsh word for apple, "afal."
An American superstition holds that, if the sun shines through the boughs of an apple tree on Christmas Day, the fruit will be abundant the next year. Gamblers are said to count an apple's seeds to find a lucky number to bet on. Everyone has heard the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Another old English proverb says, "A bad woman can't make good applesauce."
To find a future husband, a young girl could twist the stem fo an apple for each letter of the alphabet. When the stem finally broke, the last letter spoken was thought to be the first initial of her true love's name. Maidens had other methods of divining the future, as well. For example, if one stood in front of a mirror with an apple, sliced it into 9 pieces, stuck each piece on the point of a knife, and held it over her left shoulder, she would see in the mirror the image of her future husband. A variation was to let a girl pare an apple and fling the skin over her left shoulder. In the twists of the sking would be found the initials of her future husband's name. Both practices should be done on Halloween.
In the United States, the most famous story connected with apples is that of Johnny Appleseed, the name given to John Chapman, an eccentric who roamed the frontier planting apple trees wherever he went. Often called the American Saint Francis, Chapman spent 48 years of his life roaming around the frontier barefoot and dressed in rags, wtih a sack of appleseeds over his shoulder.
An Austrian custom holds that an apple cut on Saint Thomas's night can foretell the future. If there is an even number of seeds, a marriage is promised.. Should one of the seeds be cut through, it means trouble. If two seeds are cut, death or widowhood is promised. In some countries it is customary to place an apple in the hands of a dead child, presumably to symbolize innocence. Finally, one must remember that it was an apple that fell on the head of Isaac Newton, inspiring his discovery of the law of gravity.
*The Secret Language of Signs/Denise Lynn
An apple is a sign of healing potential, wholesomeness, health, and vitality. An apple can also mean temptation such as Eve faced in the Garden of Eden.
*Nature-Speak/Ted Andrews
Keynote: Time for joyful giving; hidden knowledge, happiness and healing at hand.
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." This is one of the most famous sayings about apples. And most people are aware of it. Although this saying came from the 19th century, the popularity of the apple dates back much further. The Romans are usually credited with developing the wild apple into what we now know as the apple today. Plliny the Elder described three dozen different varieties. The apple was a fruit popular in Asia and throughout Europe. In fact, an apple was once considered an ideal Christmas treat. Even today, it is one of the most popular fruits in the world with over 7,000 varieties.
In America Johnny Appleseed has become a legendary figure, with the image of traveling across the country with apple seeds in his pocket and a bag of apples over his shoulders. He tossed the seeds as he walked, turning America into a country of apple trees. His real name was John Chapman and he cultivated apple nurseries as far west as the Ohio territory.
Apple trees come in amny varieties, bearing fruit of differing tastes and at different times. Different apples grow better in different regions, and many of the species of apples have been lost because they are not suitable for large scale marketing. Apples cannot always be grown in the Deep South because they do not get long enough periods of cold temperatures, which they need for a rest period each year in order to grow properly and produce fruit.
The trees have trunks and branches that twist. The fruit is high in flavor, fiber and flavonoids--antioxidants that improve the immune system. They are filled with vitamins and the eating of a raw apple is good for the teeth and gums.
The apple tree has many magical and healing characteristics. It is sometimes associated with the Tree of Knowledge. The apple was the "Fruit of Avalon" that could endow individuals with magical abilities. Staffs and wands made from an apple tree are often painted and carved to help awaken the magic. Most kids are aware of the apple divination technique for discovering who you will marry. As you twist the stalk, you recite the alphabet. When the stalk breaks, the letter you are at is the letter of your future spouse's first name.
Its mythology and folklore is great and entire book could be done on it alone. In Teutonic mythology, the apple tree is associated with youthfulness and beauty, helping to manifest opportunities to learn through choices. It helps us to focus and not divide our energies for greatest success. In Greek mythology, the apple tree grew in Hesperides and was sacred to Aphrodite. Apple is a tree that awakens true desires of the heart. Christianity has often distorted the fruit as a symbol of indulgence in forbidden desires, but its magical and mystical qualities are powerful. Its spirit is strong, gentle, giving and playful.
To the Native Americans, all fruit bearing trees were honored for providing food and more. The apple tree is a loving giver, especially when treated with love and respect by humans. It thrives on human contact and teaches the power of sharing.
The apple tree has had a long association with the Faerie Realm. The blossoms draw large numbers of faeries who help pormote feelings of happiness. The apple tree is also the home of the mythical unicorn. The unicorn is one of the most ancient archetypes of the natural world. The spirit of the apple tree works with the unicorn, and in the spring the spirit will often appear in the form of a beautifully enticing woman. Together they open the heart to new realms of love and giving.
Apple blossom is one of my favorite fragrances. I love the short time in the spring when my apple trees bloom and every breeze carries their scent. I use its fragrance when I teach work with the Faerie Realm. I always try to have it when guiding groups in meditation for connecting with the Faerie Realm.
Its blossoms are powerfully fragrant and in aromatherapy, the fragrance of apple blossom promotes happiness and success. Its energies are also cleansing to the astral body. It stimulates the need to make choices within our life, and its energy helps us to realize that we always have choices. Its appearance in our life as a sign or messenger is a reminder that there is abundance and happiness about for us. It reminds us of our dreams and our possibilities. It often heralds contact with spirit and especially contact with the Faerie Realm.
*The Language of Dreams/Patricia Telesco
Temptation to break personal taboos, or divine or societal laws. Responsible use of knowledge, skills, or wisdom. Matters of health: How the apple looks may have a direct bearing on how you're feeling. Appearing abundantly on a tree: A propitious sign that speaks of realizing your hopes. Only at the top of a tree: High ambitions that you may not be able to safely or effectively reach. Worm ridden: If you bite into an apple to discover a worm, this means that something isn't as good as it outwardly appears, especially someone's ethical codes. Arthurian: Longevity. King Arthur was taken to Avalong, the Isle of Apples, to live forever. Similarly, in Norse legends apples are used as a resurrection charm, and Hera's Tree of Life is filled with golden apples.
*On Dreams/Mary Summer Rain
Plle symbolizes good health. Apple pie signifies aspects one most closely identifies with as representing the home hearth. Applesauce denotes a pleasant blending of ideals.
*Magical Herbalism/Scott Cunningham
Apple Blossom: Wear to promote happiness and success. Anoint candles during love rituals. Add to bath to aid relaxation.
*The Master Book of Herbalism/Paul Beyerl
Apples are considered sacred to Aphrodite, and may be offered in rites of her honor. The juice of the apple may be shared in those rituals, and the seeds or bark of the apple may be used as incense. In some places there is a custom of planting an apple as a gift for this lovely Goddess.
Among Earth Religions, the Apple is sometimes eaten for good luck at the celebration of Hallow's Eve, when it is felt that the circle of seasons makes a dramatic turn. Thus, one can bring about deep internal changes. The Greeks held the Apple as a source of wisdom, said to grow on a tree of life in the garden as Hesperides.
*Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens, and Superstitions/Zolar
If ever there was a piece of fruit that got bad press, it was certainly the apple, for it was this that Eve gave Adam to eat. Hence, one of the earliest superstitions was to only eat an apple that had been rubbed clean; otherwise the "evil one," Satan himself, would appear.
Ever since the Roman occupation of Europe, the apple has been held as a sacred tree. In fact, a 7th century poem states that a man who cuts down an apple tree must pay a fine of one cow. An early Irish poem calls for the sacrifice of a living creature in payment for felling an apple tree.
In essence, the apple stands for immortality, eternal youth, and happiness. Arabs believed that the apple had curative powers, as well, and in Scandinavian mythology, the gods keep themselves young by eating the golden apples of Idun, Goddess of Youth and Spirngtime.
Among Welsh legends, after death, kings and heroes live in a paradise of apple trees called Avalon, possibly derived from the Welsh word for apple, "afal."
An American superstition holds that, if the sun shines through the boughs of an apple tree on Christmas Day, the fruit will be abundant the next year. Gamblers are said to count an apple's seeds to find a lucky number to bet on. Everyone has heard the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Another old English proverb says, "A bad woman can't make good applesauce."
To find a future husband, a young girl could twist the stem fo an apple for each letter of the alphabet. When the stem finally broke, the last letter spoken was thought to be the first initial of her true love's name. Maidens had other methods of divining the future, as well. For example, if one stood in front of a mirror with an apple, sliced it into 9 pieces, stuck each piece on the point of a knife, and held it over her left shoulder, she would see in the mirror the image of her future husband. A variation was to let a girl pare an apple and fling the skin over her left shoulder. In the twists of the sking would be found the initials of her future husband's name. Both practices should be done on Halloween.
In the United States, the most famous story connected with apples is that of Johnny Appleseed, the name given to John Chapman, an eccentric who roamed the frontier planting apple trees wherever he went. Often called the American Saint Francis, Chapman spent 48 years of his life roaming around the frontier barefoot and dressed in rags, wtih a sack of appleseeds over his shoulder.
An Austrian custom holds that an apple cut on Saint Thomas's night can foretell the future. If there is an even number of seeds, a marriage is promised.. Should one of the seeds be cut through, it means trouble. If two seeds are cut, death or widowhood is promised. In some countries it is customary to place an apple in the hands of a dead child, presumably to symbolize innocence. Finally, one must remember that it was an apple that fell on the head of Isaac Newton, inspiring his discovery of the law of gravity.
*The Secret Language of Signs/Denise Lynn
An apple is a sign of healing potential, wholesomeness, health, and vitality. An apple can also mean temptation such as Eve faced in the Garden of Eden.
