“Willows at the waterside stand
Ready to help us to the Summerland.”

— Unknown

The Nine Sacred Woods of the Bonfire

These 9 woods are considered sacred because they are based on the first nine trees in the Celtic tree calendar, and are listed in a long-form version of the Wiccan Rede. They are used in ritual fires, especially at Beltane, to honor the Goddess and the God, to purify and draw magick, and to connect with the life force, the ancestors, and the faerie. The nine woods are:

• Birch: represents the Goddess’s wisdom and inspiration
• Oak: represents the God’s insight and strength
• Rowan: represents the life force and power
• Willow: represents the ancestors and remembrance
• Hawthorn: represents purification and clear sight
• Hazel: represents wisdom and learning
• Apple: represents love and healing
• Grapevine: represents joy and fertility
• Fir: represents rebirth and immortality

The Wiccan Sacred Forest

A Short Story

Once upon a time, there was a young witch named Hazel who wanted to celebrate Beltane with her coven. She had heard of a sacred forest where the nine sacred woods grew, a forest that was blessed by the Horned God and the Goddess. She decided to go on a quest to find the sacred forest and gather some wood for the ritual fire.

She packed her bag with some essentials: a cloak, a compass, a knife, some bread and cheese, and a book of spells. She also wore a necklace with a pendant of the Horned God, which she had received from her grandfather. She set off on her journey, following her intuition and the signs of nature.

She traveled through many lands and faced many challenges. She met friendly animals and helpful spirits, but also encountered hostile creatures and dark forces. She used her magick and her wits to overcome the obstacles and protect herself. She also learned many lessons along the way, such as courage, compassion, patience, and balance.

After many days and nights, she finally reached the sacred forest where the nine sacred woods grew. It was a magnificent sight: a lush and green forest with trees of different shapes and sizes. She could smell the fragrance of the flowers and hear the song of the birds. She felt a warm and gentle energy that filled her with awe and joy.

She entered the forest with reverence and gratitude. She looked for the nine sacred woods that she needed for the ritual fire: birch, oak, rowan, willow, hawthorn, hazel, apple, grapevine, and fir. She found them all in different parts of the forest. She thanked each tree for its gift and cut a small branch with her knife. She also left an offering of some bread and cheese for the spirits of the forest.

She gathered all the branches in her bag and made her way back to the edge of the forest. She was about to leave when she heard a voice behind her:

“Who are you and what are you doing in my forest?”

She turned around and saw a man standing before her. He was tall and handsome, with long brown hair and a beard. He wore a green cloak and a horned crown. He had piercing green eyes that looked at her with curiosity and kindness.

She recognized him as the Horned God, the ancient god of fertility, life, death, and resurrection. She bowed before him and said:

“I am Hazel, a witch of the Clan of the American Eagle. I came to your forest to gather some wood for the Beltane fire. I hope I have not offended you or your consort, the Goddess.”

The Horned God smiled and said:

“You have not offended me or my consort, Hazel. You have shown respect and gratitude to the trees and the spirits of this forest. You have proven yourself to be a true witch, a true servant of the divine.”

He then reached into his cloak and took out a pendant of the Goddess. He handed it to her and said:

“Take this as a gift from me and my consort. It is a symbol of our love and blessing for you and your coven. Wear it with pride and honor.”

Hazel thanked him for his gift. She put it on her necklace next to the pendant of the Horned God. She felt a surge of power and joy in her heart.

She hugged him and said goodbye. She left the sacred forest with a smile on her face and a song in her heart.

She returned to her home with new knowledge and new power. She shared what she had learned with others who wanted to know. She practiced what she had been taught with love and respect. She celebrated Beltane with her coven in a glorious ritual fire.

She never forgot the sacred forest, the Horned God, or the Goddess.

And they never forgot her.

“Magic, indeed, is all around us, in stones, flowers, stars, the dawn wind and the sunset cloud; all we need is the ability to see and understand.”

— Doreen Valiente