Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020

Cedar Cedrus
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

energy clearing, spiritual development, protection, healing

Cedar, with her spicy, resinous scent, is native to the mountains of the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region. Widely known for her enchanting aroma and whimsical presence, she has been used through history for her ability to preserve and for her strength against the elements.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Not only is cedar a natural moth-repellent, she also can repel bacteria and fungi. She can prevent dandruff and soothe the aches of arthritis. She’s also a natural sedative, and her scent can help you get a good night’s sleep, though for most people her calming presence invites clarity, helping to release all distracting thoughts so you can focus.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

Cedar is most commonly valued for her ability to sanctify and create a ritual space. Burning cedar can dispel any negativity and turn the most mundane of places (your messy bedroom, the neighborhood park, even your car) into a sacred space. As cedar is also a symbol for longevity, she is useful for healing spells, or you can simply carry her around or keep her in the home to invite a good, long, healthy life. Place cedar over your front door to keep out negativity, especially ill-willed spirits. Burning cedar while meditating raises the conscious mind into high frequency, boosting psychic abilities. Cedar is a great partner when you’re communicating with your ancestors, as she will protect and amplify the connection.

PLANT WISDOM

Cedar has been associated with death: In the past, cedar oil preserved the heads of enemies killed in battle, the wood was used to make coffins, and to communicate with the dead. Cedar has taken on this identification with death, but that is not her natural state! She represents life—abundant, joyful, peaceful life. This vibrancy helps you connect to your higher self, to spirit, and to the Earth—in fact, I see her as a triple goddess in the plant kingdom. Ask her to visit you in dreams only if you are physically with the tree itself, as speaking directly to the cedar tree is the only way to invite her in, but once you do, she will then be with you forever, bringing dreams that are vivid and full of messages.