rivendellrose | trees, wands, and druids

There was mention somewhere a while ago of the symbolism of Voldemort's wand being made of yew. So I did a bit of research online... it all fits with what I've read elsewhere, but I'm gonna keep working on this. I'm intrigued.

Yew: The Yew tree is sometimes regarded as the most sacred tree to the druids with it symbolism of death and rebirth (due to the fact that the outer tree dies and a new tree grows within). It represents transformation & reincarnation and may be used to enhance magical/psychic abilities as well as induce vision. All parts of the yew are poisonous apart from the berry covering and it was used to poison weapons, it was also used to make bows.

I can see Voldemort really getting a kick out of the poisonous wand thing.

Holly: Holly is associated with the cycle of death and rebirth representing winter winning over summer. With this symbolism in mind it is good for spells that involve sleep or rest. Because of its bristles and its use in making spears it is closely associated with combat and protection, warding away evil spirits and also signifying the virtues of balance and directness. It is favoured during the winter season as lucky with its beautiful leaves and berries being very colourful against the dead landscape giving hope for the following summer during the dark months.

Hmm... rather appropriate for Harry. I wonder about the spells involving sleep or rest... Combat and protection, warding away evil... that's perfect. Balance and directness... hopefully as he grows up.

Willow: The Willow is regarded as feminine and is closely associated with the moon and water. It is seen as a melancholic tree representing sadness, it is believed sitting underneath it will soothe the emotions and banish depression and sadness. In addition it was associated to love, healing, rhythms, and the gaining of eloquence, inspiration, growth and skills. It is said to protect from enchantment.

Lily Potter is listed as having a willow wand, and Ron's new wand is willow, also. I think it's very appropriate for Lily... not sure what's up with it as Ron's.

Oak: Oak has always been respected by nearly all world cultures. Admired for its strength and size it represents strength, endurance and power. Because it is often struck by lightening it has become associated with having the ability to attract inspiration, wisdom and illumination. Oak galls were known as Serpent Eggs and were used in magic and charms. It has also been associated with fertility. The oak is considered very sacred to the druids and there name has even been linked as a derivative of duir (oak).

Unsurprising that Rowling would give this wand to what seems to be her favorite secondary character - Hagrid.

Hopefully I'll be able to find information about mahogany somewhere... the site I'm using (here) is focused on druidic meanings, so there aren't any trees listed that aren't native to England... I think mahogany is a tropical wood, isn't it?

Anyway.... fun stuff. I'm happy.

ETA: One last thing. Lilly: This symbolizes sorrow and is closely associated to death. It is used to symbolize danger,caution and deadly beauty. Yup.