Sacred Trees in Early Ireland
Early Irish law was based on decisions made by the Gaelic Brehons, learned men and women of old Irish society who took on the responsibilities of the Judge.
It was an oral tradition, but the rulings were recorded by later Christian monks and priests, and so we have surviving Brehon Law manuscripts from the 700s.
The system remained in use despite many changes through Irish history, with native laws only specifically banned by the English in 1600.
The Brehons called their lawsĀ FenechasĀ ā the law of the freemen of Gaelic Ireland, and it was a civil (not criminal) code which focused on payment of compensation for harm done, rather than punishment. Irish trees were revered and protected as an essential part of each community, and recognised as both sacred and valuable.
A text calledĀ Bretha Comaithchesa, which means ājudgements of neighbourhoodā, specifically regulated how Irish society dealt with harm done to trees. Damage to an especially valuable tree such as an oak or yew was a more serious offence than to a less prized tree, so 28 principal trees and shrubs are divided into four classes, with different rules applied to each group.
The 28 Principal Irish Trees
The most valuable and noble are theĀ airig fedo āĀ ālords of the woodā.
- Dair āoakā (Quercus robur, Quercus petraea)
- Coll āhazelā (Corylus avellana)
- Cuilenn āhollyā (Ilex aquifolium)
- Ibar āyewā (Taxus baccata)
- Uinnius āashā (Fraxinus excelsior)
- Ochtach āScots pineā (Pinus sylvestris)
- Aball āwild apple-treeā (Malus pumila)
Then theĀ aithig fhedoĀ ā ācommoners of the woodā.
- Fern āalderā (Alnus glutinosa)
- Sail āwillow, sallyā (Salix caprea, Salix cinerea)
- ScĆ© āwhitethorn, hawthornā (Crataegus monogyna)
- CĆ”erthann ārowan, mountain ashā (Sorbus aucuparia)
- Beithe ābirchā (Betula pubescens, Betula pendula)
- Lem āelmā (Ulmus glabra)
- Idath āwild cherryā (Prunus avium)
TheĀ fodla fedoĀ are the ālower divisions of the woodā.
- Draigen āblackthornā (Prunus spinosa)
- Trom āelderā (Sambucus nigra)
- FĆ©orus āspindle-treeā (Euonymus europaeus)
- Findcholl āwhitebeamā (Sorbus aria)
- Caithne āarbutus, strawberry treeā (Arbutus unedo)
- Crithach āaspenā (Populus tremula)
- Crann fir ājuniperā (Juniperus communis)
And least valuable are theĀ losa fedoĀ ā ābushes of the woodā.
- Raith ābrackenā (Pteridium aquilinum)
- Rait ābog-myrtleā (Myrica gale)
- Aitenn āfurze, gorse, whinā (Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii)
- Dris ābrambleā (Rubus fruticosus aggregate)
- Fróech āheatherā (Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea)
- Gilcach ābroomā (Sarothamnus scoparius)
- SpĆn āwild roseā (Rosa canina)
King of the Woods
Letās take for an example the mighty Oak. A mature Irish Oak (Quercus Robur) can live for more than 500 years, and grow 130ft tall. One of these trees supports over 250 species of insect, and over 300 different types of lichen, which form the food chain for a multitude of birds. Oaks grow acorns, a feast for many wild creatures, who can also make a home in the tree ā whether theyāre nesting in branches or curling up at the roots. Humans also benefit greatly from each and every tree, so itās no wonder the oak is known as the āking of the woodsā. In Irish itās calledĀ dair,Ā and shares a root with the word for magic and druid āĀ draoĆ. The practical value of the oak in Brehon Law is said to be āits acorns and its use for woodworkā; the acorn crop was particularly useful for fattening pigs, while oak-timber is the finest for fences and buildings.
Why Connect to Trees?
Tree energy is unique and incredibly healing. Trees can help humans to:
- Ground Ourselves ā centre our spirit within our body, and directly connect to the earth.
- Heal Ourselves ā particularly for old and deep emotional wounds.
- Discover Our Ancestors ā bridge the generational gaps of time and link to our past.
- Clear Our Physical Blockages ā cleanse impurities and pain or obstructions we have collected.
- Connect to Other Worlds ā trees exist in worlds of earth and sky, carry water and create air.
How to Connect to a Tree
First, find one thatās physically convenient to you ā in your garden or where you work maybe? Youāll want to build a relationship, so the occasional flying visit will not do. Go and look at it, really look at it. Stand back and take in its overall form and growth habit. See how the leaves are shaped, the patterns they form on stem or branch ā notice every part of it.
Feel the sphere of energy, or aura, around the tree. It is formed in circles, and can be quite large; the outer ring will match roughly with the overall spread of branch and root. Step up to, then inside the energy circle. If you move slowly and close your eyes youāll feel a slight push, a feint resistance as you step through, and again through each interior ring as you make your way to the trunk.
Find a comfortable spot and stand or sit with your back leaning against the tree. Sense how you are safe inside its energy circle. Take off your shoes and touch the earth beneath your feet. Put your hands to the bark of the tree, or flat on the soil beneath it, and let energy flow from the crown of your head, down your spine, and out of your body, down into the earth.
Allow your body to refill with fresh energy as you breathe air into your lungs, and pull the treeās healing power through the top of your head and down into the centre of yourself. Let it circle and flow through you. Spend some time; see what thoughts come to mind.
When you feel refreshed, step away and thank the tree for the connection that day.
Visit the tree again soon!
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Loved the story. My great grand father was born in Derry (Londonderry now I believe and came to New Zealand. I have always felt a loss and an ache in my heart. The Irish songs and stories filted down and got lost. Today I heard your story and cried. I know now what has caused a deep loneliness thats been tudding at my heart. Its the loss of the Irish heart. I know my heart iIrish Pagan. And although I dont understand the Gaelic words in my head. My heart does and reaches out for my lost roots. . Thank You so much. I could talk on and on. Im not computer savy so hope I can stay linked to your class etc. How can I not.
I meant tugging at my heart.((typing error)
Tlazohcamati Lora, great article. Best greetings to you! Odilia
Maybe two years ago, my mom and I found a mulberry sapling trying to make for the sun behind our shed, we then moved it to a more optimal location. There was a period of transplant shock, but it’s loaded with berries now.
I remember telling it, “by my will, you shall live” not long after transplant. I also remember giving it some energy to meet that declaration.
I completed my first guided journey today and envisioned a tree and it’s root system. This article has been helpful in adding to my understanding of this vision.