August is the time when we get to harvest what we have grown and also it is the time to harvest all the amazing plants and fruits that nature has provided for us. Celebrating Lughnasadh is the perfect way to show our thanks to the Earth for her abundance. One tree that is know globally is the Apple Tree. It is the 10th tree of the Celtic Tree Ogham and it represents abundance, gratitude, cleansing and open hearted generosity. Because we are living in a time of abundance, I wished to talk today about the Apple Tree, a tree that is all giving. In order to receive the gift of abundance and receive the wisdom from the tree, take the time to sit with one and open your energy to receive. As is the way with nature, it is best to give something in return, any natural offering is good, especially one high in nitrogen as you are helping to feed the soil and the tree.
For those of you who don't know what the Ogham is (pronouced oh am), it is an ancient Irish alphabet used by the druids and Celtic people. It was used to memorize and store information with each symbol holding deep meaning and wisdom, similar in a way to the Runes. The were carved mainly on stone and there are examples to be found in Ireland, Wales and Scotland. There are two manuscripts in existence that recorded the symbols and meanings of a Tree Ogham, a Flower Ogham and a Bird Ogham, which looks at them as an alphabet system but also with more elaborate descriptions that give us an idea in to their spiritual significance also.
These two books are theBook Of Ballymote written in 1391 and the Book Of Lecan written in 1416. Each letter/ symbol of the Ogham is called a fedha or few and they represent a tree or a shrub and their underlying wisdom and energy.
As I have already stated the apple tree is the 10th Tree of the Tree Ogham. The apple Tree is all about abundance, it teaches us to give with an open heart, to trust in the fact that when we allow ourselves to commit fully to something, then when we put our heart into projects,into our dreams, then we can create them and on top of that we will be replenished. The apple tree gives so much fruit and holds so much medicinal value that it is speaking out to us to give in order to receive, to celebrate what we have and to share in our abundance. We have all heard that in order to receive, we have to be open to receiving. Let our generosity overflow like the apple tree and in time you will see that you have opened the door to receiving. Allow ourselves to bring abundance into our lives, let go of any feelings that hold you back, because you are worthy, Affirm and be thankful for all that you have in this present moment.
Healing Properties of the Apple Tree
Both the wild crab Apple tree and the cultivated Apple Tree have the same healing properties. From my experience the wild apple trees are a bit more potent in their healing, as is the way with all things wild.. All parts of the apple tree hold medicinal value, the bark, the leaves, the fruit, the peel and the blossom, as I have and keep stating this tree really is all about abundance and that is clearly seen when the whole tree and it's fruit are hugely beneficial. Harvest the flower/blossom in the Spring and the fruit in the late Summer, early Autumn
The Bark
The bark itself is really helpful in bringing down fevers, I am usually not one to go near the bark of a tree as I see it as the protective layer. But if you do feel inclined to use some of the bark, place take small pieces and never in a circle as this can kill the tree. The bark would then be placed in boiling water and left to infuse, whilst covered for at least 20 minutes.
The Leaves
You can chew the leaves and make a poultice to treat inflamed swellings, boils or infected bites, as the leaves have both astringent and antiseptic qualities. I am a big fan of having my first aid kit to hand and what better way then being able to use the leaves of some of the trees around you.
The Fruit
I love apples, I really believe that they are very underrated and are sometimes ignored when more tropical fruits are on offer. But they are one of my favourites, I love to bite into a crisp juicy apple, there is nothing better. They have long been seen as a cure all. They are really beneficial for the digestive system and really help with the digestion of other foods. Grated apple is great to eat if you have parasites, especially first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. They are also great to treat both diarrhoea,and constipation and also hypertension and gastric problems. As the saying goes, An apple a day keeps the doctor away. They are also great for your teeth. And Always eat organic raw apples, you want your body to get the best and you want your body to heal in the most natural way.
A poultice made from boiled or roasted apple is great for treating wounds as apples are anti inflammatory and antiseptic. You can also use the boiled fruit for sore or inflamed eyes once it has cooled down of course. Apple juice is really good for burns, scalds and sprains. To be honest apples are amazing for so many different things. We all should be growing and eating apples daily. They really are literally 100's of reasons to eat this delicious fruit.
The Flower
You can make a tea from the apple flower/blossom and as well as tasting delicious the tea it helps with digestion and is also great for your skin. When drank at night time it really helps you get a good nights sleep.
Apple Blossom Flower Essence
Healing Properties: Apple blossom flower essence purifies the emotions, assists the body in ridding itself of poisons from the past, and restores hope to one’s inner life. The flower remedy goes to the ‘core’ healing, and opens one to the inner ‘star’ that resides within the heart. This essence has a way of purifying the aura so that one may bear the fruit of new dreams and aspirations. Apple blossom remedy connects one to the 'goddess' energies, the divine feminine, an extends one's pursuit toward abundance. It is a kind of inner health and a radiating glow of the soul.
http://www.powerfloweressences.com/apple-blossom-flower-essence
There has also been a lot of research done on the healing properties of apples and this site has access to a lot of those research articles, for anyone who wishes to have more information.
I have a natural faith in the jewels that nature creates and provides for us. When we treat ourselves naturally we are treating ourselves holistically. As with every herb, tree and plant there healing properties go beyond the physical. The apple is no exception. It is a tree that is connected to the heart, to love, it helps us to open up and cleanse ourselves both physically and mentally, as it is one and the same. Every physical symptom is linked to a feeling, to an underlying issue that we have not resolved. When we choose to treat ourselves naturally then we choose to heal our selves fully. It may take longer to see results but that is because it is treating not just the symptom but the actual core of your problem. Have faith and trust in this way of healing. It will bring with it so much more clarity and lead you to a life of abundance, a life make rich by deepening your connection to the earth.
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