====== Oak ======
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latin_names: Quercus alba
folk_names: White Oak, Duir, Jove's Nuts, Juglans (Latin)
gender_tags: Masculine
planet_tags: Sun
element_tags: Fire
deity_tags: Dagda, Dianus, Jupiter, Thor, Zeus, Heme, Janus, Rhea, Cybele, Hecate, Pan, Erato
effect_tags: Protection, Health, Money, Healing, Potency, Fertility, Luck
----
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===== Ritual Uses =====
Since the oak was a source of food for early settlers in Britain as well as Europe, it came to be revered and worshipped far back into prehistory. The Druids (traditionally) would not meet for rituals unless an oak was present, and the very words "oak" and "Druid," some say, are related. Religious idols were fashioned from oak wood, and Witches often danced beneath the tree.
===== Magical Uses =====
A tree as long-lived and strong as the oak naturally offers magical protection. Two twigs of oak, bound with red thread so that they form an equal-armed cross, makes a potent safeguard against evil. It should be hung in the house.

Acorns placed in windows guard against the entrance of lightning, and a piece of oak wood, carried, protects its bearer from all harm.

If you can catch a falling oak leaf you shall have no colds all winter. When a sick person is in the house make a fire of oak wood and warm the house with it to "draw off" the illness. (Do this only if you have a fireplace, of course!). Carry an acorn against illnesses and pains, for immortality or longevity, and to preserve youthfulness.

Planting an acorn in the dark of the Moon ensures that you shall receive money in the near future. Carrying an acorn increases fertility and strengthens sexual potency.

Carrying any piece of the oak draws good luck.

There are other kinds of oak trees; each has the same basic powers, but each expresses those powers differently. Observing and asking the oaks can reveal to you the finer points of their powers.
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