The Magic of Trees: A Guide to Their Sacred Wisdom & Metaphysical Properties - Tess Whitehurst 2017

Witch Hazel
The Trees

The dangling flowers of this mystical North American and Asian native appear between late fall and early spring. With properties related to bewitchment, divination, intuition, and the moon, while witch hazel is not actually a hazel, it is indeed a witch (if a tree can be a witch, and I think it can).

Since the 1700s, witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) bark and leaves have been distilled into an astringent that is widely used in skin care products to this day.

Magical Uses

Charm and Attractiveness

Do you desire to bewitch? Dried witch hazel leaves may be just the magical ingredient for you. Empower a small pinch of them in bright moonlight, and place it in a small muslin bag along with a moonstone that has been cleansed in running water. Hold the charm in both hands and feel the magical energies merging and mixing with your own to activate your most irresistible attractiveness and charm. Each month, you may choose one single day to carry the charm, and on that day you shall bewitch. (Just be careful not to abuse your power so that you don’t set in motion any unwanted karmic effects.)

Finding Water

Many believe that witch hazel was so named when European settlers discovered his usefulness in divining for water—also known as water witchery. Indeed, the tree’s alignment with water, the moon, and intuition, combined with his masculine utilitarianism, make his branches an excellent material for making a Y-shaped divining rod specifically for the purpose of finding underground water.

Intuition

Witch hazel has a decidedly lunar energy, as well as an intense alignment with water. These qualities together make him an amazing ally when it comes to getting in tune with, and honing, your intuitive abilities. If you have a burning question, you can call on witch hazel’s cool inner knowing to support you in discovering your answer. For example:

WITCH HAZEL DIVINATION SUPERCHARGE

Visit a witch hazel tree by moonlight. After pouring a libation of pure water around the roots, offer a moonstone as a gift, placing it at the base. Spread a white cloth and light a white candle. Ask your question aloud. Be sure to phrase it clearly and carefully, really tuning in to the energy of each word you’ve chosen. (You might want to already have it written down when you arrive.) Then perform a divination ritual of your choosing. For example, you might do a tarot, oracle card, or I Ching reading. Be sure to take your time and explore your deep intuitive understanding of the answer you receive.

Magical Correspondences

Element: Water

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Moon