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Tree Symbolism

Spruce Tree Meaning, Symbolism & Magickal Uses [Explained]

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Written by: Tina Caro

We all know the spruce tree as a Christmas tree, but this tree has so much to tell about the past, ancient beliefs, and strong symbolism.

Today I want to spread some light on this tree, its story, and its magickal uses. Let’s see then what the spruce tree’s meaning is.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The spruce tree, with origins tracing back to ancient forests in Europe and North America, is steeped in rich cultural symbolism and historical significance.

Across various cultures, spruce trees have been revered for their evergreen nature, representing resilience, vitality, and the enduring spirit of life.

Spiritually, the spruce tree embodies qualities of protection, purification, and spiritual growth, making it a potent symbol for those seeking inner transformation and strength.

The magickal uses of spruce trees encompass a wide range of rituals, from purification ceremonies to invoking abundance and prosperity, harnessing the tree’s natural energies.

Origins of the spruce tree

Since ancient Egypt, the spruce tree was considered a tree of nativity. Under its branches was born the god Biblos, the prototype of the predynastic Osiris. In Greece, it was sacred to Artemis, the lunar goddess of birth.

Druantia, the Gallic goddess of the spruce tree, was considered the mother of the entire tree calendar. The spruce tree was also associated with the goddess of the new moon, called Kaineides, meaning “to bring new things”.

This tree, in Greece, was at the center of a spring rite in honor of the Great Mother: it was raised by naked men in the center of the market square, who, armed with mallets, struck an effigy of Mother Earth on the head to free the spirit of the new year.

By: duhovnost.eu

The spruce tree together with the birch is considered by the populations of northern Asia to be a cosmic tree. It was used as a maypole, surmounted by a wreath of flowers intertwined with its branches, to symbolize the Goddess.

In the pre-Christian world, it was associated with the Sun. At Christmas, on the occasion of the winter solstice, the tree was decorated with sweets, fruits, gifts, and candles, similar to rays, to support the star in its rebirth. The tree decorations were then interpreted in a Christian way: the candles symbolize the light that Christ dispenses to humanity, the golden fruits and gifts symbolize the spiritual life and love that He offers us.

Folklore/LegendSummary
The Legend of YggdrasilIn Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is the World Tree, often associated with a spruce or evergreen tree. It connects the nine realms and is a symbol of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
The Christmas TreeThe tradition of decorating a spruce tree as a Christmas tree is believed to have originated in Germany in the 16th century. It symbolizes hope, new life, and joy during the holiday season.
Table 1: Spruce Tree Folklore and Legends

The Christmas log that lights up on Christmas Eve to warm the baby Jesus is made of spruce and should only be consumed on the Epiphany. In ancient times it was the log that bestowed gifts on the little ones: according to the legend, greedy chestnuts came out of its trunk. Its ash would have protective and propitiatory virtues.

 

To protect homes in Germany, on New Year’s Eve, people cut spruce tree branches and nail them on their doors.

The Yakutis believe that shamans are born inside nests on the great spruce tree of the North. In Tyrol and Switzerland, it was said that the genius of the forest lived in an old spruce tree and had the task of watching over the livestock and guaranteeing prosperity.

In Savoy, spruce neutralized the evil eye and prevented lightning from striking; for this reason, the top was cut off so that the branches represented the five fingers of an open hand, as a sign of protection. Five was also the number sacred to the Goddess.

Spruce trees in different cultures

In Celtic lore, as in other traditions, the spruce tree is always associated with the winter solstice and is consecrated to the day of the birth of the divine Child. We are still faced with the myth of divine sunlight, with the dualism of death and rebirth that basically underlies the mythology of trees.

We are in the darkest time of the year: daylight hours are reduced to a minimum. Everything is muffled and slow; the beats of life are almost imperceptible if you walk in the woods during this period. Yet a majestic and silent force hovers in the air, an extremely vital presence watches over this season: the spruce tree, and with it all the evergreen trees.

CultureSymbolic Meaning of Spruce Trees
Native AmericanRenewal, purification, protection
CelticResilience, strength, wisdom
NorseEverlasting life, connection to the gods
ChineseLongevity, prosperity, good luck
SlavicImmortality, fertility, magical protection
Table 2: Spruce Tree Symbolism in Different Cultures

The populations of northern Asia considered it together with the birch, the Cosmic Tree, the divine ladder to reach the light, a supporting column, and a meeting point between heaven and Earth.

From the Middle Ages, the spruce tree became the classic Christmas tree; the peasants used to cut one in the woods to take it home where it was decorated with garlands, sweets, and candles. This custom was introduced in Latin countries rather late, precisely at the court of France in 1840.

What does the spruce tree mean spiritually?

The spruce tree means the divine light of Jesus who came down to Earth, but spiritually it means a strong link to the feminine, its evergreen state, and the ability to reproduce spontaneously. The myth refers to Artemis and the Moon, protector of women in childbirth and newborns.

artemis with a deer
Artemis with a hind, better known as “Diana of Versailles”. Marble, Roman artwork, Imperial Era (1st-2nd centuries CE). Found in Italy

The tree itself in its structure reminds us of its fronds of the long arms that descend to protect what is underneath.

For example, small spruce trees need the shade of mother spruce to grow up healthy and tradition has it that children with poor health were brought to rest under these large trees.

Once again, we are not surprised how science and tradition coincide in that the main properties of spruce trees are suitable for children with growth retardation and bone fragility.

Magickal uses of spruce tree

You can use the spruce tree for many different things and in different ways.

  • Cleanse the house and people of negativity burning some spruce tree essential oil, or if you can, a dried branch of it… just like you would do with sage and Palo Santo!
  • You can keep a fresh branch with you to promote renewal, luck, and abundance. If you are performing new moon rituals, you can use it to boost your practice and attract those gifts to you.
  • You can hang a spruce branch at home to protect your family and babies. This attracts the benevolence of the spirits of nature.
  • If you have a garden, plant a spruce tree to protect your house and attract amazing things!
  • You can use it to celebrate Yule, just around Christmas time!
  • If you want to boost its effect, you can use some crystals. The best stones to be associated with spruce are adularia, apophyllite, and pink chalcedony.
PropertyMagickal Use
ProtectionCreate talismans or amulets for personal safety
CleansingUse spruce branches in smudging or purification rituals
GroundingMeditate or visualize by a spruce tree for grounding
ProsperityCarry spruce cones or needles in a prosperity spell
HealingBrew spruce tea for physical or emotional healing
Table 3: Magickal Properties of Spruce Trees

Spruce Tree Correspondences in Nature-based Magick

CorrespondenceSpruce Tree Representation
ElementEarth
PlanetMercury
DeityFreyja (Norse goddess of love and fertility)
SeasonWinter
ColorGreen

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About
Tina Caro

Tina Caro is a witch with more than 10 years of experience, a yogi, an astrologer, and a passionate supporter of all things holistic! She’s also an owner of the website Magickal Spot where she discusses a variety of her favorite topics.

Magickal Spot has helped thousands of readers worldwide, and she’s personally worked with hundreds of clients and helped them manifest desires to have a happier and more abundant life.

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