By Isabella @TheWandCarver
Instagram: @iseabail_witchwriter
Are you ready to climb trees with me again? I am on a journey to write about trees we often don’t have where I live or… possibly we do, and I simply haven’t paid them any mind until now. I can’t say I’ll be expert at writing on subjects I have not worked with personally, but I feel I can at the least pull together into one blog all the useful information you need to work magick with if you do have access to these. And now, on the very magickal Acacia tree!
Folklore
Acacia is steeped in lore, particularly from the Egyptians. The ancient Egyptians made funeral wreathes of Acacia leaves and the Hebrews planted a sprig of evergreen Acacia to mark the grave of a departed friend. Acacia is also revered by the Egyptian gods and goddesses as it is believed the very first gods were born beneath its branches in Heliopolis. The stern of the celestial boat of Ra was made of Acacia wood and it was sacred to the Goddess Isis.
The ancient Egyptians used the Nile Acacia for enlightenment and talking to the gods. Their spiritual guide was not Hathor or Isis, but Osiris. Osiris was the first god to be born from under the Acacia tree, in their beliefs, and all else followed. The legend remains today that the spirit of Osiris is in every Acacia tree on the Nile…nee, all Acacia trees.
Magickal
If you wish to become a spiritual leader, it is believed you should fashion a wand from Acacia wood for it is thought to increase your integrity, authority, and confidence if you so charge it to be; all of which you will need to have to fulfil this role.
You can use Acacia leaves dipped in your homemade holy water to sprinkle your altar or any other items you wish to consecrate.
If you wish to communicate with the dead, Acacia leaves burned in a loose incense on a charcoal is effective. This is also an effective way to induce spiritual phenomena and develop personal psychic power by opening your mind; adding Frankincense and Myrrh can be used to intensify the effect. Acacia leaves are especially powerful when attempting to contact the dead and should be rubbed into white candles but not worn on the body while attempting such work. Acacia symbolises the afterlife.
Acacia is used in spells related to protection and psychic power and the dried gum [gum Arabic from Acacia senegal] is used as a base for many incenses, as well as . Combine with sandalwood to make an incense to aid in meditation. The leaves may also be burned on charcoal to increase personal power and the resin is how most of us use it mixed with loose herbs and woods on a charcoal.
If you are fortunate enough to have an Acacia tree growing near, it is an effective way to have your petitions heard by your god[s] and/or goddess[es]. Many years ago, the famed Charles Darwin came upon an Acacia tree in Patagonia where the village people revered it as a Divine altar. They would leave offerings beneath it along with their requests. Perhaps you can find a way to create your own Acacia altar.
Health
Apparently, Acacia is available in supermarkets. To be fair, I have never gone in search for it to use as a health aid or a food enhancer. However, Acacia has apparently been used in medicine for a great number of years and I assume, if you know how to use it correctly, it is of great benefit. However, as always, please see your general practitioner before embarking on any home health remedy. And I do not mean Dr Google.
Acacia is often used in topical treatments to help wounds heal. Doctors, scientists, and researchers believe that this effect may be due to some of its chemicals, such as alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids. In one study, a species of acacia known as Acacia caesia was tested on rats as part of a topical wound treatment. It led to quicker wound healing than the standard treatment.
The extract of a species of acacia known as Acacia catechu, sometimes called black khair, can be used in dental products like mouthwash to prevent gingivitis. Powdered Acacia can also be used in a type of herbal toothpaste that’s been shown to clean teeth without being too abrasive to the surface of your teeth. An older study, Trusted Source from 1999 showed that this herbal tooth powder cleaned and cleared well over two-thirds of tooth plaque, and nearly 100 percent in some cases.
Acacia gum contains water-soluble dietary fibres [WSDF] that are not only good fibre for your diet but also helpful in keeping your cholesterol under control. One study showed that taking 15 grams of Acacia gum in liquid form every day helped manage the concentration of plasma cholesterols in blood. Although published in 1992, this is the most comprehensive study on the effects of Acacia gum on the blood to date. WSDF can also help you maintain a healthy weight and is good for general cardiovascular health. The American Food and Drug Administration [FDA] even made changes to regulations to recognise the beneficial use of Acacia as a good fibre source in many popular foods, including cereals, juice, and yoghurt.
Because it’s known to relieve irritation and inflammation, Acacia gum can also help control coughs. The properties of Acacia gum allow it to be used in solutions to coat your throat and protect the mucus in your throat from irritation. Using Acacia for coughs can keep your throat from becoming sore as well as ease or prevent symptoms, including losing your voice. I don’t think I trust sucking on the tiny gum Arabic resins I burn in my censor…
The Acacia greggii plant, found in the United States and Mexico, can be used to help stop blood flow in gashes, wounds, and other surface cuts. Pouring an Acacia-infused tea on cuts is an especially effective remedy. This can be helpful for stopping heavy bleeding and washing bacteria from the cut.
Potential risks
Ask your doctor before consuming any form of Acacia to make sure you won’t have an allergic or drug interaction reaction. Acacia senegal has been found to interact with the efficacy of some medications. For example, it may prevent some antibiotics from being absorbed.
Some forms of Acacia contain toxic chemicals that could cause hair loss, affect your digestive tract’s ability to take in nutrients, and stunt growth. Do not consume a form of Acacia that you’re not familiar with. Also be sure to consult your doctor or an expert before taking any form of Acacia that hasn’t been processed for use in food.
Acacia is often found already processed in foods, but it’s also available in ground, powder, or whole form at your supermarket. The studies above show that anywhere from 15 to 30 grams of Acacia per day is a safe dose but talk to your doctor before giving it to younger children or older adults. They may suggest adjusting dosage to avoid any potential digestive or absorption issues.
Corresponces
Planet: Sun
Element: Air, Spirit
Gender: Masculine
Powers: Fidelity, Immortality, Psychic Abilities, Protection
Deity: Osiris, Astarte, Ra, Zeus, Isis and Diana
Sabbat: Litha
Folk Names: Cassie Flower, Catechu, Egyptian Thorn, Gum Arabic, Cape Gum
I hope you enjoy the new tree series. Many thanks for reading and warmest blessings to all whom this way wander x
Sources
The Magic of Trees, by Tess Whitehurst
Healthline.com
WytchenCrafts 