The Oily Witch’s Guide to the Hazel Moon
Spiritual Wellbeing with Hazel Moon Magic
Oh, my darlings, welcome to the Hazel Moon, a sacred time in the Celtic calendar that beckons us from the 3rd September until the 2nd October. As the hazel tree reigns supreme, she brings with her a potent blend of wisdom, protection, and creativity. Can you feel her energy stirring in the air? It’s as if she’s whispering ancient secrets through the wind, and if you listen closely enough, she might just share her magic with you.
Meet Hazel: The Enchantress of Trees
Let me introduce you to the hazel tree, one of the oldest spirits in Britain—our wise and wondrous Corylus. Whether you spot her in a twisted, spiraled form or as a part of a woodland family gathering, her presence is undeniable. Standing tall, up to 12 meters high when left to her own devices, this beauty can live for 80 years, though under loving care, she can stretch into centuries. Isn’t that a fascinating contradiction? Our nurturing hand, instead of hurting her, helps her thrive for generations.
Her bark is smooth, a delicate grey-brown that starts to peel as she ages, and her bendy stems are lined with soft hairs. You’ll recognize her by her oval, blunt, and fuzzy leaf buds.
Hazelnuts: Nature’s Glowing Gems
Right now, her young hazelnuts are a sight to behold. These precious little pearls, cradled in their leafy homes, gleam a soft white before ripening into their golden-brown glory come September. A bountiful harvest of hazelnuts promises abundance and prosperity, so if you’re seeing lots of them this year, consider it a blessing from the universe.
Yet, not all is as harmonious as it seems—hazel dormice, the little creatures who rely on these nuts, are in decline in southern England. Perhaps this is our reminder that even in nature’s generosity, we must remain mindful stewards of the land.
A Tree of Many Faces
Hazel is a bit of an enigma, a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female parts. Technically, she’s monoecious, which means she bears flowers of both sexes but still needs pollen from another hazel to create her precious nuts. Her male catkins, those long golden tendrils, emerge to announce the arrival of spring, while her female flowers appear as tiny red bursts—small but mighty.
Celtic Magic and the Power of Coll
Ah, the Celts knew what they were doing when they named this tree Coll, the ninth letter in their Ogham alphabet. The hazel is sacred to Brigid, the goddess of poetry and inspiration, and if you find yourself drawn beneath her branches, it’s because her energy is stirring something deep inside you. She is a tree of life force, of creative fire, a muse for those of us feeling stuck or blocked. Lay your hands upon her trunk, sit quietly beneath her, and let her spirit reawaken yours.
Casting with Hazel: Magic and Protection
Hazel’s magic is undeniable, which is why I fashioned my wand from her twisted branches. She is a channel of white magic, a protector, a healer. Should you ever find yourself in a place where the air feels thick with malevolent energy (think Blair Witch vibes), draw a circle with hazel branches to shield yourself from harm. And if you feel like making a wish, craft a crown from her branches, wear it on your head, and let your desires fly free. The legends say your wish will come true, and I, for one, believe them.
Divining and Dowsing with Hazel
Hazel’s magic isn’t just for casting spells—it’s also for seeking out the unseen. Traditionally, hazel rods have been used for dowsing, finding underground water sources, and even tracking down lost treasures. This tree sharpens your intuition, so trust your gut and let her guide you where you need to go.
Hazel in Folklore and Healing
Long before we had modern medicine, our ancestors turned to hazel for protection. They’d leave branches on windowsills to guard against lightning or drive pins of hazel into their walls to shield their homes from fire.
Hazelnuts, meanwhile, are a treasure trove of health benefits. Packed with Vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, they nourish us from the inside out. Hazel’s oil, gentle yet effective, has been used to treat threadworm in children. Her leaves and bark, with their astringent and febrifuge properties, have been employed to reduce fevers and bring on sweats.
And if you’re feeling under the weather, try an old remedy from Pliny’s Natural History: crush hazelnuts and leaves into a tea to help with catarrh. Adding a touch of honey makes this brew even more soothing. Culpepper also suggests using a warm poultice of hazelnut shells to ease rheumatism.
Random Magic: Polishing Wood with Hazel
Need a little shine in your life? Take a whole hazelnut and use it to polish wood. It’s one of those delightful little tricks that brings hazel’s magic into the mundane.
Born Under the Hazel Moon
If the stars aligned for you under the Hazel Moon, then air is your element, Mercury your guiding planet, and Wednesday your power day. You are a natural communicator, someone who can convey ideas with wisdom and grace. Topaz and pearls are your stones, the crane your bird, and orange your lucky color. You have an extraordinary charm and a deep understanding of others, though you can be a bit moody in love. But don’t worry, your sense of judgment is spot-on.
Embrace the Magic of the Hazel Moon
Now is the time to immerse yourself in wisdom, knowledge, and creative energy. Dive into your magical workings, set intentions, and explore the realms of dream journeys. If you’re seeking something hidden, use a hazel dowsing rod to guide you, or simply sit beneath the moonlight and let your creative spirit flow. This is your time, Witchling, so gather your charcoal, let the magic of the hazel tree infuse your creations, and manifest your desires.
Go forth, under the Hazel Moon, and may her magic guide and protect you. 🌕✨Holistic wellbeing offer
