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The Magic of Trees: A Guide to Their Sacred Wisdom & Metaphysical Properties
Bring positive change and nourishment to your body, mind, and spirit by connecting with the deep wisdom and power of trees. Featuring detailed descriptions of the magical and energetic properties of more than one hundred trees, this comprehensive guide shows you how to work with them―physically and spiritually―through rituals, spells, aromatherapy, visualization, and more. Trees are symbols of the interconnectedness of life and represent the interwoven web of everything magical. The Magic of Trees helps you tap into that web and enrich your life. From Acacia to Yew and many others in between, each tree has an encyclopedic entry that features its history, magical uses, medicinal uses, and correspondences. With this book's guidance, you'll find that the trees around you can be beloved friends, teachers, and magical partners. Praise : "A truly comprehensive magical tome on trees, written in the enchanting style and depth that only Tess Whitehurst can bring to the page. This one belongs in every witch's library."―Deborah Blake, author of Everyday Witchcraft
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
24 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Tess Whitehurst
56 books153 followersTess Whitehurst (Central California) is a spiritual teacher who focuses on magical practices, mindfulness, and self-love. She has appeared on the Bravo TV show Flipping Out and her writing has been featured such places as Writer's Digest, Llewellyn's annuals, and Spirit and Destiny magazine. In addition to authoring many books and oracle decks, she is the founder and facilitator of Wisdom Circle, an online magical community and learning hub.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 26, 2018
“Listen to the trees as they sway in the wind.
Their leaves are telling secrets. Their bark sings songs of olden days as it grows around the trunks. And their roots give names to all things.
Their language has been lost.
But not the gestures.”
~~ Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration
This book is beautifully written and laid out, but I thought that it was a book on nature, and in some way it actually is, but it is more on metaphysics and healing by use of parts of trees, with even some tree hugging. Some of it is factual, but other things you have to take the author’s word for it, or as she did, use your intuition.
There was a time when I would have loved this book, but that time is past. Where she draws on facts, in regards to the healing properties of plants, I like the book, but when she begins talking about Greek gods and goddesses, my mind closes down. I am just not interested in gods and goddesses. And I am not a tree hugger in that I don’t literally hug trees as I saw one psychic do in the 70s; I am just a lover of trees and realize that just having them around you is healing enough.
Note: I thank NetGalley for letting me read this in return of an honest review. I wish I had liked this book better, but I know many people will just love it.
Their leaves are telling secrets. Their bark sings songs of olden days as it grows around the trunks. And their roots give names to all things.
Their language has been lost.
But not the gestures.”
~~ Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration
This book is beautifully written and laid out, but I thought that it was a book on nature, and in some way it actually is, but it is more on metaphysics and healing by use of parts of trees, with even some tree hugging. Some of it is factual, but other things you have to take the author’s word for it, or as she did, use your intuition.
There was a time when I would have loved this book, but that time is past. Where she draws on facts, in regards to the healing properties of plants, I like the book, but when she begins talking about Greek gods and goddesses, my mind closes down. I am just not interested in gods and goddesses. And I am not a tree hugger in that I don’t literally hug trees as I saw one psychic do in the 70s; I am just a lover of trees and realize that just having them around you is healing enough.
Note: I thank NetGalley for letting me read this in return of an honest review. I wish I had liked this book better, but I know many people will just love it.
dnf
July 7, 2018DNF
Hug a tree, eat organic, use homeopathic remedies or essence of plants for everything, avoid GMO's, and so on. This book read more like a natural health book then the magical properties of trees.
Hug a tree, eat organic, use homeopathic remedies or essence of plants for everything, avoid GMO's, and so on. This book read more like a natural health book then the magical properties of trees.
January 10, 2017
Rating: 4.5
I received this book in exchange of an honest review from NetGalley.
The librarian in me was jumping for joy to see all the details that went into this book: from the table of contents, organizing the trees by alphabetic order, to including three appendixes. Not only is this a great resource book, it’s a terrific reference book with the ability to jump to your desired section with ease!
Tess Whitehurst starts with, “I like to write books that I would like to read” and I could see that great care and consideration went into this book. While reading the Orientation opening I could feel myself becoming lulled into the book by the calm, serene writing style of Whitehurst. She combines history, science, the magical and the metaphysical in this book. I highly recommend reading the Orientation first (for those who love to jump ahead) as you may learn something new.
Each of the trees are broken into section explaining the history, magical uses, psychic abilities, magical correspondences, and more. Each tree is given individual attention to focus on what makes it special- healing, beauty, fairies, protection, and even mentions (not all) if you want to make a wand out of it. (Plus much more, as I don’t want to spoil the enjoyment of the book). As you learn about each tree you can see the depth and variety that the author used to create this book. The illustrations are a nice addition but the author recommends using a book to distinguish the difference betweens trees, as it can be hard.
While this book may not be for everyone, the people that do feel pulled towards it will most likely find that this is will quickly become a book that they will want in their collection. I can’t wait to buy it for my library and try out some of the recipes!
I received this book in exchange of an honest review from NetGalley.
The librarian in me was jumping for joy to see all the details that went into this book: from the table of contents, organizing the trees by alphabetic order, to including three appendixes. Not only is this a great resource book, it’s a terrific reference book with the ability to jump to your desired section with ease!
Tess Whitehurst starts with, “I like to write books that I would like to read” and I could see that great care and consideration went into this book. While reading the Orientation opening I could feel myself becoming lulled into the book by the calm, serene writing style of Whitehurst. She combines history, science, the magical and the metaphysical in this book. I highly recommend reading the Orientation first (for those who love to jump ahead) as you may learn something new.
Each of the trees are broken into section explaining the history, magical uses, psychic abilities, magical correspondences, and more. Each tree is given individual attention to focus on what makes it special- healing, beauty, fairies, protection, and even mentions (not all) if you want to make a wand out of it. (Plus much more, as I don’t want to spoil the enjoyment of the book). As you learn about each tree you can see the depth and variety that the author used to create this book. The illustrations are a nice addition but the author recommends using a book to distinguish the difference betweens trees, as it can be hard.
While this book may not be for everyone, the people that do feel pulled towards it will most likely find that this is will quickly become a book that they will want in their collection. I can’t wait to buy it for my library and try out some of the recipes!
June 30, 2020
One of my favorite things to do is to walk outside. If I can walk in the woods that’s even better. Part of the reason that I love walking in the woods is the energy from all the different trees. It’s just so relaxing. What if you had a guide to help you understand all the energy that those trees were giving you? Did you know that different types of trees have different energy?
Tess is one of my favorite authors and I was very excited to see that she wrote a book on the wonderful energies that trees can bring us. It’s a tremendous guide to many trees that you will find, the energy they have and how you can work with them to further your magickal practice. It would be a great book to add to your magickal collection.
She really has done a wonderful job introducing you to a wide variety of trees and the beautiful energy that they can bring you when you work with them. She teaches you how to work with them. You can incorporate them into your magickal work, rituals, healing work and even just spend some time relaxing with them. With work and the right teacher you will find that you can have the most wonderful relationship with trees. Tess is that teacher. If you’ve ever wanted to work with trees or enhance your knowledge of working with trees I know you will enjoy what she teaches you in The Magic of Trees.
You can grab your copy here: The Magic of Trees
I hope that you have a magickal day!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong
Tess is one of my favorite authors and I was very excited to see that she wrote a book on the wonderful energies that trees can bring us. It’s a tremendous guide to many trees that you will find, the energy they have and how you can work with them to further your magickal practice. It would be a great book to add to your magickal collection.
She really has done a wonderful job introducing you to a wide variety of trees and the beautiful energy that they can bring you when you work with them. She teaches you how to work with them. You can incorporate them into your magickal work, rituals, healing work and even just spend some time relaxing with them. With work and the right teacher you will find that you can have the most wonderful relationship with trees. Tess is that teacher. If you’ve ever wanted to work with trees or enhance your knowledge of working with trees I know you will enjoy what she teaches you in The Magic of Trees.
You can grab your copy here: The Magic of Trees
I hope that you have a magickal day!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong
November 15, 2016
This review was originally published on NetGalley.
It's the first time that I review a book like this one, about magic and healing and I can say I enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed reading the introduction, it shows the passion of the author. The style of writing is beautiful and somehow relaxing and reassuring.
The depth of research on each tree is very good, doesn't leave any detail out and it's very informative. The way the "The Trees" chapter is organized is brilliant.
Absolutely loved the cover, it's beautiful and a great representation of what the book is about.
Read my other reviews at: http://booktraveller.weebly.com/
It's the first time that I review a book like this one, about magic and healing and I can say I enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed reading the introduction, it shows the passion of the author. The style of writing is beautiful and somehow relaxing and reassuring.
The depth of research on each tree is very good, doesn't leave any detail out and it's very informative. The way the "The Trees" chapter is organized is brilliant.
Absolutely loved the cover, it's beautiful and a great representation of what the book is about.
Read my other reviews at: http://booktraveller.weebly.com/
February 12, 2017
Thorough & encyclopedic format.
August 23, 2018
First, I would just like to comment on what a lovely person Tess Whitehurst is. I had the pleasure of joining her New Moon Ritual on her Facebook page for this November new moon, and she just glows with light, joy, and love. I am honored to have the opportunity to be introduced to her work, and as this is my first (or really second) impression of her, I feel like I've been kissed with magic.
I've always found trees to be magical and necessary elements to life. If you saw my apartment, one of the first things you may notice is how much of it is embellished with different forms of the Tree of Life, or the World Tree. They are older than man, and are, in many ways, the essence of what set us apart from the other known planets. As a lover of nature and science enthusiast, there isn't a day that passes where I am not fascinated or curious about the brilliance of the raw world that surrounds us. There is an entire universe they dwell in beyond the state in which we interact with them from day to day through furniture, paper, medicines, and salads.
Whitehurst goes through a myriad of trees and describes each one from various perspectives of faith, culture, agriculture, medicine, and magical correspondence. The detail is very impressive, and Whitehurst clearly did her research. I love all the different aspects she pulls from to enrich every single one so carefully and delicately. In the back, you will find a useful Appendix that lists each tree that fits under different uses and intentions. Then you have each tree that fits beneath a particular element and planetary correspondences.
This is not a scientific encounter with the plants that give us breath, it delves into the spirituality and cultural uses that connect us with them. If you're looking for a comprehensive overview of different tree species, this is definitely not for you. As one who believes that "anything is possible unless proven impossible," I was able to read this book with an open mind. From an outsider, this might look like the Hippie's Bible, but there is a lot that can be learned from such a deep and intimate study. There are paths and cultures that have a reason for finding a connection with nature important, and that does not necessarily mean they are wrong simply because one may not understand. I, however, find my grounding in nature, as it is the one thing that stays consistent as the sun and moon.
I read a digital version of this book which, although wasn't the final draft, was a bit difficult to go through. It's possible that if there is a future ebook available, it will be more user friendly than my version. However, as this is more of a resource that can be used for reference, having a physical copy would likely suit best. I would prefer it!
Whitehurst's love and soul poured out in this book is beautiful and enlightening. For my own application, there was a lot I was able to take from it. It is very well organized and filled with endless amounts of information. If you study the metaphysical at all, this is a wonderful addition to your collection.
I've always found trees to be magical and necessary elements to life. If you saw my apartment, one of the first things you may notice is how much of it is embellished with different forms of the Tree of Life, or the World Tree. They are older than man, and are, in many ways, the essence of what set us apart from the other known planets. As a lover of nature and science enthusiast, there isn't a day that passes where I am not fascinated or curious about the brilliance of the raw world that surrounds us. There is an entire universe they dwell in beyond the state in which we interact with them from day to day through furniture, paper, medicines, and salads.
Whitehurst goes through a myriad of trees and describes each one from various perspectives of faith, culture, agriculture, medicine, and magical correspondence. The detail is very impressive, and Whitehurst clearly did her research. I love all the different aspects she pulls from to enrich every single one so carefully and delicately. In the back, you will find a useful Appendix that lists each tree that fits under different uses and intentions. Then you have each tree that fits beneath a particular element and planetary correspondences.
This is not a scientific encounter with the plants that give us breath, it delves into the spirituality and cultural uses that connect us with them. If you're looking for a comprehensive overview of different tree species, this is definitely not for you. As one who believes that "anything is possible unless proven impossible," I was able to read this book with an open mind. From an outsider, this might look like the Hippie's Bible, but there is a lot that can be learned from such a deep and intimate study. There are paths and cultures that have a reason for finding a connection with nature important, and that does not necessarily mean they are wrong simply because one may not understand. I, however, find my grounding in nature, as it is the one thing that stays consistent as the sun and moon.
I read a digital version of this book which, although wasn't the final draft, was a bit difficult to go through. It's possible that if there is a future ebook available, it will be more user friendly than my version. However, as this is more of a resource that can be used for reference, having a physical copy would likely suit best. I would prefer it!
Whitehurst's love and soul poured out in this book is beautiful and enlightening. For my own application, there was a lot I was able to take from it. It is very well organized and filled with endless amounts of information. If you study the metaphysical at all, this is a wonderful addition to your collection.
February 6, 2017
I finished this book awhile ago and took some time to digest its contents. This is such a lovely book, full of a lot of great information. Tess Whitehurst's The Magic of Trees: A Guide to Their Sacred Wisdom & Metaphysical Properties is such a great resource into tree magic. Without a doubt, you can tell Whitehurst put a lot of work and energy into this collection.
First, this book has beautiful images images. I adore the black and white drawings of the trees and other nature elements. These clean, crisp images not only are great for reference but the are ascetically pleasing. At first glance, they remind me of images in an vintage fairy tale storybook my mom owned. Since I adored that tome, I immediately felt a fondness for this book.
The book is set up into very user-friendly sections. There is an opening orientation chapter, providing background on tree magic and how to use the book. This section is not drawn out, but does give the reader a nice platform for getting the most out of her well-written work. The next section is about the trees themselves, and Whitehurst covers a lot of different trees. Each tree has its own section, exploring many different aspect of the tree including symbolism, attributes, petitions, and magical correspondences to name a few. The back of the book has three appendices, which I appreciate in a resource material. These appendices help facilitate searching for a specific magical use the reader may want to explore, elemental correspondences and planetary correspondences.
If you have a magical predilection, I recommend this book for your library. I can see referencing this book before doing spellwork, ceremony or ritual, nature meditations and so much more. Since trees are a integral part of the many landscapes, incorporating them into spiritual practices is an ancient and time-honored tradition that you could bring into your own life easily with this book by your side.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
First, this book has beautiful images images. I adore the black and white drawings of the trees and other nature elements. These clean, crisp images not only are great for reference but the are ascetically pleasing. At first glance, they remind me of images in an vintage fairy tale storybook my mom owned. Since I adored that tome, I immediately felt a fondness for this book.
The book is set up into very user-friendly sections. There is an opening orientation chapter, providing background on tree magic and how to use the book. This section is not drawn out, but does give the reader a nice platform for getting the most out of her well-written work. The next section is about the trees themselves, and Whitehurst covers a lot of different trees. Each tree has its own section, exploring many different aspect of the tree including symbolism, attributes, petitions, and magical correspondences to name a few. The back of the book has three appendices, which I appreciate in a resource material. These appendices help facilitate searching for a specific magical use the reader may want to explore, elemental correspondences and planetary correspondences.
If you have a magical predilection, I recommend this book for your library. I can see referencing this book before doing spellwork, ceremony or ritual, nature meditations and so much more. Since trees are a integral part of the many landscapes, incorporating them into spiritual practices is an ancient and time-honored tradition that you could bring into your own life easily with this book by your side.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
May 27, 2018
Magical!
November 22, 2023
This was an ok book. I liked learning about the different trees. It just wasnt what I was expecting so I am a bit disapointed.
December 2, 2016
See full review @ The Indigo Quill
First, I would just like to comment on what a lovely person Tess Whitehurst is. I had the pleasure of joining her New Moon Ritual on her Facebook page for this November new moon, and she just glows with light, joy, and love. I am honored to have the opportunity to be introduced to her work, and as this is my first (or really second) impression of her, I feel like I've been kissed with magic.
I've always found trees to be magical and necessary elements to life. If you saw my apartment, one of the first things you may notice is how much of it is embellished with different forms of the Tree of Life, or the World Tree. They are older than man, and are, in many ways, the essence of what set us apart from the other known planets. As a lover of nature and science enthusiast, there isn't a day that passes where I am not fascinated or curious about the brilliance of the raw world that surrounds us. There is an entire universe they dwell in beyond the state in which we interact with them from day to day through furniture, paper, medicines, and salads.
Whitehurst goes through a myriad of trees and describes each one from various perspectives of faith, culture, agriculture, medicine, and magical correspondence. The detail is very impressive, and Whitehurst clearly did her research. I love all the different aspects she pulls from to enrich every single one so carefully and delicately. In the back, you will find a useful Appendix that lists each tree that fits under different uses and intentions. Then you have each tree that fits beneath a particular element and planetary correspondences.
This is not a scientific encounter with the plants that give us breath, it delves into the spirituality and cultural uses that connect us with them. If you're looking for a comprehensive overview of different tree species, this is definitely not for you. As one who believes that "anything is possible unless proven impossible," I was able to read this book with an open mind. From an outsider, this might look like the Hippie's Bible, but there is a lot that can be learned from such a deep and intimate study. There are paths and cultures that have a reason for finding a connection with nature important, and that does not necessarily mean they are wrong simply because one may not understand. I, however, find my grounding in nature, as it is the one thing that stays consistent as the sun and moon.
I read a digital version of this book which, although wasn't the final draft, was a bit difficult to go through. It's possible that if there is a future ebook available, it will be more user friendly than my version. However, as this is more of a resource that can be used for reference, having a physical copy would likely suit best. I would prefer it!
Whitehurst's love and soul poured out in this book is beautiful and enlightening. For my own application, there was a lot I was able to take from it. It is very well organized and filled with endless amounts of information. If you study the metaphysical at all, this is a wonderful addition to your
First, I would just like to comment on what a lovely person Tess Whitehurst is. I had the pleasure of joining her New Moon Ritual on her Facebook page for this November new moon, and she just glows with light, joy, and love. I am honored to have the opportunity to be introduced to her work, and as this is my first (or really second) impression of her, I feel like I've been kissed with magic.
I've always found trees to be magical and necessary elements to life. If you saw my apartment, one of the first things you may notice is how much of it is embellished with different forms of the Tree of Life, or the World Tree. They are older than man, and are, in many ways, the essence of what set us apart from the other known planets. As a lover of nature and science enthusiast, there isn't a day that passes where I am not fascinated or curious about the brilliance of the raw world that surrounds us. There is an entire universe they dwell in beyond the state in which we interact with them from day to day through furniture, paper, medicines, and salads.
Whitehurst goes through a myriad of trees and describes each one from various perspectives of faith, culture, agriculture, medicine, and magical correspondence. The detail is very impressive, and Whitehurst clearly did her research. I love all the different aspects she pulls from to enrich every single one so carefully and delicately. In the back, you will find a useful Appendix that lists each tree that fits under different uses and intentions. Then you have each tree that fits beneath a particular element and planetary correspondences.
This is not a scientific encounter with the plants that give us breath, it delves into the spirituality and cultural uses that connect us with them. If you're looking for a comprehensive overview of different tree species, this is definitely not for you. As one who believes that "anything is possible unless proven impossible," I was able to read this book with an open mind. From an outsider, this might look like the Hippie's Bible, but there is a lot that can be learned from such a deep and intimate study. There are paths and cultures that have a reason for finding a connection with nature important, and that does not necessarily mean they are wrong simply because one may not understand. I, however, find my grounding in nature, as it is the one thing that stays consistent as the sun and moon.
I read a digital version of this book which, although wasn't the final draft, was a bit difficult to go through. It's possible that if there is a future ebook available, it will be more user friendly than my version. However, as this is more of a resource that can be used for reference, having a physical copy would likely suit best. I would prefer it!
Whitehurst's love and soul poured out in this book is beautiful and enlightening. For my own application, there was a lot I was able to take from it. It is very well organized and filled with endless amounts of information. If you study the metaphysical at all, this is a wonderful addition to your
February 10, 2017
The Magic of Trees A Guide to Their Sacred Wisdom & Metaphysical Properties by Tess Whitehurst will be published by Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. this Jan 8th and it treats the sacrality of trees.
Why trees are so important in our existence?
Because our life will be followed from the beginning to the end by wood. Wood is a warm and familiar material able to give us warmth and able to let us feel well.
Every tree is sacred although Celts thought that there were certain types of trees more sacred than others for example.
The author will follow the reader through an interesting magical trip where trees are evoked, trees are searched, hugged, taken in the proper consideration in a reality, the one where we are living in where what we are missing the most is poetry and the ability of the enchantment and dream.
A tree is viscerally important for our existence. Under a big tree we can find restoration in a very warm day, we can organize a picnic, we can read a book. Trees accompany our existence. My father loved trees. He planted many fruits trees. He always said me a tree live a long life like a human being although soon or late it will a die for a reason or another just as a man will do one day.
Many kind of trees taken in consideration from A to Z for discovering the magic that there is in every tree and the most important factor why a tree can be important for our life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Llewellyn for this book.
Why trees are so important in our existence?
Because our life will be followed from the beginning to the end by wood. Wood is a warm and familiar material able to give us warmth and able to let us feel well.
Every tree is sacred although Celts thought that there were certain types of trees more sacred than others for example.
The author will follow the reader through an interesting magical trip where trees are evoked, trees are searched, hugged, taken in the proper consideration in a reality, the one where we are living in where what we are missing the most is poetry and the ability of the enchantment and dream.
A tree is viscerally important for our existence. Under a big tree we can find restoration in a very warm day, we can organize a picnic, we can read a book. Trees accompany our existence. My father loved trees. He planted many fruits trees. He always said me a tree live a long life like a human being although soon or late it will a die for a reason or another just as a man will do one day.
Many kind of trees taken in consideration from A to Z for discovering the magic that there is in every tree and the most important factor why a tree can be important for our life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Llewellyn for this book.
October 6, 2020
The Magic of Trees by Tess Whitehurst
384 Pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Release Date: January 8, 2017
Trees, Environmentalism, Magic Studies, Celtic
This is a wonderful reference book on trees. The book is divided into two parts. The first part is short and provides an orientation and methods for tree magic. The second part makes up the majority of the book. It contains information on almost 100 trees. There are also three appendices with magical, elemental and planetary correspondences.
Each tree has a description along with magical uses and correspondences. The author does a wonderful job researching each tree with meanings and its associations. If you love trees and want to build a closer connection with them, I highly recommend this book.
384 Pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Release Date: January 8, 2017
Trees, Environmentalism, Magic Studies, Celtic
This is a wonderful reference book on trees. The book is divided into two parts. The first part is short and provides an orientation and methods for tree magic. The second part makes up the majority of the book. It contains information on almost 100 trees. There are also three appendices with magical, elemental and planetary correspondences.
Each tree has a description along with magical uses and correspondences. The author does a wonderful job researching each tree with meanings and its associations. If you love trees and want to build a closer connection with them, I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews