Magical and Medicinal Uses of Pine

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars
Element: Air
Powers: Exorcism, Fertility, Immortality, Longevity, Peace, Protection, Resilience

Magical Uses and History: The pine tree is an evergreen gymnosperm, meaning it doesn't lose its leaves during the winter months and produces cones instead of flowers. The genus Pinus evolved sometime at the end of the Cretaceous in Laurasia, a supercontinent that broke into North America and Asia. There are numerous species of pines, each with its own unique folklore, but some of their correspondences overlap heavily among different cultures. One of these correspondences includes longevity and everlasting life.

As previously mentioned, pines are evergreens, keeping their leaves throughout the winter months instead of losing them like deciduous trees. This perpetual state of vibrant life, even in the harshest conditions, gave rise to the idea that pines were a symbol of immortality, longevity, and perseverance. In Chinese culture, pine is regarded as one of the "Three Companions of Winter," as it was able to survive the harsh, unrelenting cold and wind of winter, standing upright in even the worst of conditions, leading to its association with perseverance and integrity. According to Confucius, "Only in the cold winter does one know that the pine and the cypress are the last to shed their leaves," meaning that harsh environments are a test of human character.

Across the continent in Phrygia (modern Turkey), the pine was deeply connected with the mortal-become-god Attis. According to some myths, unbeknownst to Attis, Cybele fell in love with him as she watched him grow. Eventually, Attis fell in love with another, King Pessinus' beautiful daughter, which made Cybele incredibly jealous. As punishment, Cybele drove Attis mad, causing him to run crazy through the mountains, where he finally stopped at the base of a pine tree, where he castrated himself and later died from his wounds. From Attis' blood arose the first violets, while the pine tree watched over Attis' spirit as Zeus resurrected his body as a favor to Cybele. Attis then becomes Cybele's consort, representing death and resurrection in the yearly cycle. To celebrate his rebirth, the priests of Cybele and Attis would cut down a pine tree, cover it in violet, and bring it to the shrine at Mt. Dindymus. This myth was later adopted by both the Romans and Greeks, further integrating the pine as a symbol of everlasting life.

In more recent history, the pine has become a symbol of perseverance among the Japanese as they have survived both the earthquake and the tsunami in March of 2011, which left the city of Rikuzentakata in ruin. The surrounding forest of roughly 70,000 pine trees was completely destroyed except for one lone pine, which became the national symbol of resilience and strength. Unfortunately, the tree later died due to root rot caused by excessive salt buildup, and it was cut down in September 2012, but the symbolism still remains.

Older Japanese pine myths also speak of the pine's association with immortality, more specifically with their use as homes to the kami, Shinto gods and goddesses. According to Shinto belief, the kami use the branches of pines to descend to earth and often reside in the branches. As such, it is customary to see at least one pine in every Shinto shrine. Furthermore, the pine is viewed as a watcher who brings people together and watches over their lives and souls in death. Despite the fleeting life of humans, the pine remains steadfast, fostering its association with longevity and immortality. Because of its connection to the spirit realm, pine makes a great addition to altars, spells, and rituals to honor deities or ancestors, for spirit communication, or during funeral rites.

In Egypt, pine resin was used as a component in embalming mixtures, helping to preserve bodies long after death. Across the Mediterranean, pine resin was used to waterproof ships and seal joints, while the wood of pines was prized for its ability to withstand decay. As such, pine became associated with Poseidon, god of the sea, and was often included in festivals and rituals dedicated to said deity. Needless to say, each of these uses further supports pine's correspondences with immortality, resilience, longevity, and perseverance. As such, pine can be used in spells and rituals to promote immortality and resilience, or to enhance the longevity and resilience of a spell. Pinecones collected during midsummer were believed to make a person bulletproof, and therefore can be used in protection spells as well as immortality spells. Furthermore, its ability to resist decay and water damage makes pine ideal for spells and rituals to protect travelers, particularly those who will be traveling on the water or swimming. Pinecones and needles can be fashioned into protection charms and hung about the sea vessel or given to the person to wear.

While many cultures view the pine as a symbol of immortality, others regard it as a symbol of peace and prosperity. In North America, the Haudenosaunee, known in the West as the Iroquois, recount the story of Dekanawidah, who united the five warring tribes with the aid of a white pine known as the Tree of Peace. According to the stories, which combine both reality and myth, Dekanawidah called the warring tribes together to meet under the Tree of Peace, which was uprooted so all who attended could cast aside their weapons into the gaping hole left behind by the giant white pine. An underground stream carried their weapons away as the tree was replanted. Its roots stretched far and wide out into the cardinal directions, while its branches grew to encompass all those below. The needles grew in groups of five, representing the five nations that had come together in peace. On top of the tree perched an eagle who acts as a protector of the Peace. If any other nation wished to join the League, they would have to follow these Great White Roots of Peace to the source and shelter beneath the tree. As such, pine, specifically white pine, has become associated with peace.

Because of the pinecone's phallic shape, some cultures viewed the pine as a symbol of sexuality and lust, particularly masculine sexuality. The Greeks and Romans used pinecones to tip thyrsus wands or staves of the maenads, or women followers of Dionysus, the god of prosperity, fertility, and hedonism. These wands and staves were used during sacred religious rituals and fêtes, and are believed to have represented Dionysus's potent masculine sexuality. Across the continent, pine was commonly planted after a couple was wed, sometimes near the door where the wedding was taking place, to encourage a healthy and fruitful marriage. As such, pine needles and cones can be carried to increase fertility and sexual potency, particularly for men, or used in spells and rituals for similar purposes.

Finally, the pine is associated with protection. While I cannot find specific lore detailing where this lore originated, it is likely because of the pine's association with immortality. If the pine encourages an extended life, then it stands to reason that it can protect the user as well. Pine needles are often burned or scattered on the floor to drive away evil or unwanted negative energy, or used in baths to cleanse. Pine needles can also be burned to reverse spells and even send them back to their caster. Placing pine needles above one's bed is said to prevent illness, or placing them above doors, windows, and fireplaces to keep unwanted entities out. Because of its association with protection, it is partially believed that the pine was brought inside during Yule or Christmas, not only as a symbol of joy and immortality, but also to protect the inhabitants of the home during the long and dark winter months when untoward spirits were said to roam freely in the night. Needless to say, pine is the perfect addition to protection spells and rituals.

Pine can be used in a number of spells, including:

      Lust Spells

      Protection Spells

      Exorcism

      Immortality Magic

      Peace Spells

      Fertility Rituals

Medicinal Uses: Many varieties of pine can be used in herbal medicine, but for the sake of this article, I am going to focus on the medicinal properties of Pinus sylvestris, also known as Scots Pine, Scotch Pine, Baltic Pine, or European Red Pine. If you wish to use a different pine variety, please consult reputable sources or an herbalist before creating any remedies. Scots pine needles, young buds, and twigs can be used to treat respiratory infections such as bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, and sinusitis, and some studies have found it useful in treating asthma symptoms. This is due to the needles' anti-catarrhal properties, which help relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes and reduce and remove mucous from the body. Its stimulating nature also makes it good at treating arthritis and rheumatism, both internally and externally. Traditionally, Scots pine needles have been added to baths to relieve fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia. It is also naturally antiseptic, making it a great wash for minor cuts and scrapes.

Preparation and Dosage: To create an infusion, combine 1 cup of boiling water with 1/5 teaspoon of needles. Allow to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. As a tincture, take 1-2 milliliters up to three times a day. To create a steam inhalant, bring 2-3 cups of twigs to a boil with 4 pints of water. Simmer for 5 minutes before draping your head with a towel over the pot and inhaling the steam for 15 minutes. Repeat as needed. To create a bath tea, combine 3 handfuls of twigs and needles with 1.5 pints of water and soak for one hour. After an hour, bring the infusion to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes before adding it to your bathwater.

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