Whispers from the Woods: The Lore & Magic of Trees [Paperback]

Sandra Kynes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 8, 2006

A walk in the woods makes it easy to understand the awe and reverence our ancestors had for trees. It speaks to something deep and primal within us-something we don't hear as often as we should.

By exploring a variety of mysteries and traditions of trees, Whispers from the Woods helps readers get reacquainted with the natural world and find their place in the earth's rhythm. Covering more than just Celtic Ogham and tree calendars, this book includes meditation, shamanic journeys, feng shui, spellcraft, and ritual. In addition, it has a reference section with detailed information on fifty trees, which includes seasonal information, lore, powers, attributes, and more.


Finalist for the Coalition of Visionary Resources Award for Best Wiccan/Pagan Book

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kynes, who has written about pagan spirituality previously in Gemstone Feng Shui and A Year of Ritual, helps readers to incorporate the wisdom of trees in this how-to guide. She begins with an overview of the biological and historical importance of trees, touching on multiple ancient mythologies in a breathless and rather unfocused introductory survey. Better are the subsequent chapters, which elucidate various techniques for trying tree magic. She begins by suggesting that readers forge connections with trees through means both physical (the yogic tree pose) and spiritual (performing "tree meditation," though it's not clear that this differs substantially from traditional meditation). She offers a tree calendar, discussing which trees are associated with which months and seasons, makes suggestions for using trees in spellwork and explores how to engage trees in shamanic journeys and quests. The book's second half offers specific information on 50 kinds of trees and their magical properties. Kynes's book is carefully researched and generally well presented, though sometimes she loses the literal forest for the trees. For example, her chapters on the Ogham, an ancient Celtic musical scale, can be overly detailed for the novice practitioner who may not be initially aware of how the Ogham relates to trees. Overall, though, this is a useful guide for druids and pagans. (Feb.)
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About the Author

Sandra Kynes is an explorer of Celtic history, myth, and magic, and is a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Her curiosity has taken her to live in New York City, Europe, England and New England. Spiritually, her inquisitiveness has led her to investigate the roots of P agan belief and study ancient texts such as the Mabinogion. In addition to leading healing circles and women's rituals, she is yoga instructor, massage therapist and Reiki practitioner. Sandra’s writings have been featured in Llewellyn's Magical Almanacs, Spell-a-Day and Witches Calendars under the name Sedwyn. Her books include: Gemstone Feng Shui (2002), A Year of Ritual (2004), Whispers from the Woods (2006), and The Altar: Place of Meditation and Transformation (2007).

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (February 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738707813
• ISBN-13: 978-0738707815
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,602 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Paganism
  • #98 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Plants > Trees

More About the Author

I describe myself as an explorer of Celtic history, myth and magic. My curiosity has led me to investigate the roots of my beliefs. Through the years I have been working to integrate my spiritual path with my everyday life in order to live my truth.

One thing I have discovered is that I tend to see the world a little differently than most people. I like finding underlying similarities and connections and then crafting new ways to interact with the world around me. These investigations have resulted in six books so far. Visit my website at www.kynes.net

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Leafy Lists, July 3, 2006

By 

W. Martin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Whispers from the Woods: The Lore & Magic of Trees (Paperback)

This book is subtitled "The lore and magic of trees." When I opened the package it came in and saw that I became very excited. I have always felt that trees had a great deal to teach me and looked forward to learning what I could about their magic. You might call me a natural born tree-hugger. Even before I knew about the Pagan Path, I would commune with the trees in the woods behind my childhood house. I was thrilled to be able to read a book with trees as the focus.

Unfortunately for me, the book written by Ms. Kynes seemed to be dedicated to the usage, understanding and creation of Ogham. Ogham is a style of rune system based on lines and crosshatches that symbolize a limited number of letters. According to the author, Ogham's history, origins and even pronunciation is in dispute. I'll have to admit that the author was very thorough in including as much material on the many different Ogham as she could, but much of what she presented was very dry. The book consists listing of fact after fact with little to break up the endless listings.

If you are interested in either learning to use Ogham or want a book dedicated to properties and correspondences of many popular varieties of trees, this book is an excellent resource. Part Two of the book has entries in alphabetical order of 50 common trees. Each entry consists of a few paragraphs about the tree's history, uses and mythology. The entries also include Latin names, seasonal details, various attributes and correspondences as well as what ritual uses the wood is most often associated with.

There is also an appendix entitled "Tools" that I found very insightful. I would have liked to see this section enlarged and moved to the front of the book. The directions for making the various tools (in addition to creating your own personal Ogham) deserve more than the short section in the back.

Someone who is already actively practicing can best use this book. The listings can be useful for someone who is interested in making sure they have the perfect tools for their workings. However, for this old kitchen witch, I found little of interest to me or applicable to my needs.

W. Lyon Martin Author/Illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child"

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An in-depth guide like no other for wiccans, pagans, and students of metaphysics, April 3, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Whispers from the Woods: The Lore & Magic of Trees (Paperback)

Whispers From The Woods: The Lore & Magic Of Trees is an informed and informative guide to the spiritual, mystical, and metaphysical aspect of trees. Chapters discuss the basics of Celtic Ogham and tree calendars, the role of trees in ritual and spellwork, how to incorporate trees in one's meditative practice, and much more. The second half of Whispers From The Woods is an alphabetical catalog of dozens of common tree species, from Alder, Elm, and Hickory to Oak, Spruce, and Yew. Each entry discusses how the species is perceived in folklore, ritual, and pagan beliefs, and a list assigns each species special connections to specific zodiac signs, gods and goddesses of world mythology, celestial bodies, and the like. An in-depth guide like no other for wiccans, pagans, and students of metaphysics.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!, August 27, 2006

By 

BibliophilePagan (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Whispers from the Woods: The Lore & Magic of Trees (Paperback)

This book is a delightful read- it takes the concept of incorporating the spiritual aspect of trees into our daily spirituality. It talks about using tree energy, and provides fifty types of trees with good references for each to start with. I love the fact also that the author includes a ton of excercises to try out as for how you want to incorporate tree energy, instead of just one or two. She even describes how to construct wands and walking sticks for those that have never done it. This book is chock full of ideas and info, and is a great read.