Home
TWG Radio
Introduction
The Elements
Wheel of the Year
Liber Scriptorium
News
Online Journals
Chatroom
White Goddess Forum
Articles
Book Of Shadows
Guestbook
Pagan Resources
Witches Almanac
Divination
The Tarot
The Goddess
The Gods
The Paranormal
Herborium
Photo Galleries
Historic Sites
Site Map
Contact

The Great Wonders Of Nature
The Dying Sun King
The Lighted Path
Catechism Of The Goddess
Circle Of Fire
I
Remebering
Awake!
Summers Thought!
The Dreaming
Echoes of the Dreamtime

MagicFolk

The Yew Tree




(The Yew Tree in Conduit Court of Skipton Castle)


Standing in the Conduit Court, so-called because it was the termination of the spring water supply, of Skipton Castle; stands a famous Yew tree planted by Lady Anne Cliford in 1659 after the restoration of the Castle.

Yet the tree has a long association with pagan and ancient cultures. It is seen as a symbol of life, yet is a common feature in graveyards across Europe as a guardian against evil and negative forces. Staves of Yew were kept in pagan graveyards in Ireland where they were used to measure corpses and graves. The tree which stays green throughout the year and extremely long lived, in excess of 2,000 years, emphasises the dualistic natural of its associations.

This smooth, gold-coloured wood with a wavy grain has long been associated with magic, death, rebirth and the runes. In Norse Mythology the Yew tree is represent by the Rune Eihwaz and is one of the two centre runes. The yew is one of two trees that is associated with Yggdrasil, the world tree.

The Yew Tree is the lucky tree for Capricorns and it is said that a sprig of yew placed under the pillow will ensure that you will meet the person of your dreams who will love and protect you from harm. Yew is also said to enhance magical and psychic abilities, and to induce visions. (Please Note: All parts of the tree are poisonous except the fleshy covering of the berry.)

One of it's constituents is a compound known as Taxol. This is an excellent antimitotic. Currently it has just passed phase 3 clinical trials for cancer treatment. Long long way from being a cure but if the action it has on cells can be identified it could resolve many unanswered questions.

DISCLAIMER:
Please be aware that this information is provided solely for informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to using any herbs or treatments made from herbs.

Yule - Dec 21st/22nd
Imbolc - Feb 2nd
Ostara - Mar 21st/22nd
Beltane - April 30th/May 1st
Lithia - June 21st/22nd
Lammas - July 31st/Aug 1st
Mabon - Sept 23rd/24th
Samhain - Oct 31st

More on the Sabbats »

Yule - June 21st
Imbolc - August 1st
Ostara - September 21st/22nd
Beltane - Oct 31st/Nov 1st
Lithia - Dec 21st/22nd
Lammas - Feb 1st/2nd
Mabon - March 21st
Samhain - April 30th/May 1st

More on the Sabbats »

Stonewylde