Fir

This tree belongs to the triple aspect Goddess in Celtic lore, offering learning, choice and progress. The tree is sacred to many Goddesses: Artemis (the Greek Goddess of Childbirth), Diana and Druantia among them. It is also sacred to the Gods Osiris and Attis, both who were imprisoned in Fir/Pine trees.
According to Celtic tree mythology, the Silver Fir is the tree of the day of the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice. This usually takes place on December 20th or 21st, although it does sometimes occur on the 22nd or 23rd (check your calendar as it changes from year to year). Latin name: Abies alba. Celtic name: Ailim (pronounced: Ahl’ em). Folk or Common names: Common Silver Fir, Balm of Gilead Fir, Balsam Fir, American Silver Fir. Parts Used: Needles, wood, sap Magical History and Associations: The Silver Fir is associated with the moon and with the planet of Jupiter. Its colors are piebald and light or pale blue. Its birds are the eagle and the Lapwing, and its animal association is the red cow. Its stones are Tourmaline and Amber – and it is a feminine herb. This tree belongs to the triple aspect Goddess in Celtic lore, offering learning, choice and progress. The tree is sacred to many Goddesses: Artemis (the Greek Goddess of Childbirth), Diana and Druantia among them. It is also sacred to the Gods Osiris and Attis, both who were imprisoned in Fir/Pine trees.
Magickal usage: Burn to cleanse a room of negative vibes. This is a wonderful incense for healing and strengthening the physical, emotional, and spiritual body. The scent opens the heart and increases endurance.
The Silver Fir is used for magick involving power, insight, progression, protection, change, feminine rebirth, and birth. The Silver Fir and the Yew are sisters standing next to each other in the circle of the year and their foliage is almost identical. However the Yew is known as the tree of death and the Silver Fir is the tree of birth or rebirth. The Silver Fir was a sacred tree to the Druids who felt that it stood for hope. The Silver Fir wood is used for shape-shifting and magic involving change, since it offers a clear perception of the present and the future.


The wood chips are sometimes used as incense and the wood can be used in the construction of magickal musical instruments. Burning the needles of the Silver Fir or sweeping around the bed with a branch that has been blessed will protect a new born baby and its mother. In the Orkney area of Scotland, the new mother and baby are ‘sained’ by whirling a fir-candle three times around her bed.
For a ‘Weather Witch’ the cones of the Silver Fir warn of wet weather and foretells when a dry season approaches. Charms made of Fir can be given as good luck tokens to departing friends. In its appearance (and in its current, and undoubtedly ancient, use) the Silver Fir is the quintessential Yule tree. Its branches can be used as decorations at Yule time either as wreaths or as garland, where it will provide protection for the household and its occupants.
Across the world, the fir tree is probably most recognizable symbolically as a Christmas tree. Early Christians decorated their Christmas firs with apples and candles, symbolizing the knowledge and acceptance of Adam and Eve’s original sin and the light of Christ, respectively. Joined together on the tree, they believed that they were emulating Christ vindicating humanity.
Thus, centuries followed in which Christians viewed the fir tree as symbolic of the “Tree of Life”. All of this is quite curious, though. The symbolic meaning of a Christian holiday, ironically, originated in pagan culture. In paganism, the evergreen fir served as a representative of the stamina required to endure and survive the winter months.
The time between December 25 and mid January presents the coldest days of the year. Pagan lore dictates that this was the time when evil spirits were at their strongest. Massive evergreens served as protectors from them and, when covered with candles, they could light up even the darkest, coldest, and most wicked of nights.
Furthermore, the fir trees were (and continue to be) symbolic of the cyclical nature of life, including death and rebirth. Scandinavian and Norse traditions followed a similar route of interpretation with firs, decorating them around the time of the winter solstice. Read about Wiccan Yule Sabbat.
During this time each year, people burned the trees to celebrate the life that perseveres even through the most tough and frigid times of the year. These rituals are a celebration marking the end of an old year and the start of a fresh one.
Specific parts of the mighty fir tree were also specially noted for symbolism. As said above, the solid and straight trunk was representative of leading a life that is honest and true to yourself. We only have this life to make our mark, and people often waste much of it by behaving in a way that lives up to others’ expectations. While it can be important (and kind) to do things in order to make someone else happy, individuals can only truly be fulfilled if they follow their own path.
Fir cones, the fruits of fir trees, are also significant from a spiritual perspective. The fir was viewed as one of the earliest weather forecasters, as the cones were responsive to atmospheric conditions. When the sun shines, cones open up and are receptive, while impending rain causes them to close. Following these observations, people have also deemed firs as signifiers of keen perception and accurate prophecy.
As with other trees, the Celts also found grand and significant symbolic meanings in the fir tree. In fact, this tree was identified as one of the nine sacred woods used in a special ceremonial fire, the sabbat. The main attributes that Celtic Druids found while admiring this particular tree include honesty, dedication, and fairness, as you can observe the tree growing straight upward.
The strong trunk reminds us of the cruciality of possessing a strong core, which for us refers to our true character and values. On a softer note, firs frequently grow together in groups, a sure symbol of friendship and sociability. They remain green and blue throughout the year, reminding us to care for and cherish our life-long connections and relationships.
Additionally, fir tree symbols were meant to signify a long and healthy life, as long as the viewer kept his/her focus on making progress and practicing resilience during tough times. These green giants have exceptionally long lives themselves, in addition to the fact that they typically live in challenging climates with shoddy soil. Firs symbolism stands for power of determination and perseverance. Celts also appreciated the importance of remembering the past, learning from one’s mistakes and cherishing the wonderful times. Life is a gift and fir trees serve to remind us to not take that for granted.
Lastly, many believe that firs were used as burial markers at Celtic and Druid grave sites. The graves of important members of society, such as chiefs and war heroes, could then be identified from great distances. This, too, goes along with the theme of reverence and respect for the past, including those who have made their mark.
No matter which belief system you connect with most, though, one thing is certain: the fir tree has many lessons to teach us. All we have to do is open our heart and mind.