Aspen ordinary, deciduous tree, is ubiquitous in Asia and Europe. Many myths and legends are associated with it. Its leaves have a thin stalk, so they begin to fluctuate from the light blow of the breeze. Aspen is characterized by rapid growth and small trunk thickness.
Cursed tree
It is believed that aspen is able to drive away evil spirits. And the existing legend of the curse only adds aspen mysticism and fuels interest. It is generally believed that the cross on which Jesus was crucified was made of aspen, and the repentant Judas committed suicide on the same tree. The angry Lord cursed the aspen, and therefore she trembles with fear. Since ancient times, it has not been used in the construction of houses, believing that the family will tremble from poverty and misfortune.
Energetics
Since ancient times, people have had faith in the special, magical power that plants possess. A tree, endowed with powerful energy and able to protect against everything bad, was considered an aspen. Recognizing its peculiarity and strength, people were wary of its properties. They believed that if you fall asleep in her shadow, then she is able to draw out energy. And then a headache, apathy and fatigue will fall on a person.
It was not worth hiding during a thunderstorm under an aspen. It was believed that this tree has long been favored by devils and lightning always tries to get into them. To protect the house from dashing people and from evil spirits, aspen trees were planted near the house.
Aspen as a defense against evil spirits
Before the advent of Christianity, the Slavs believed in the saving power of this tree, and in pagan festivities, especially on the night of Ivan Kupala, they tried to protect their cattle from sorcerers with aspen branches. To do this, twigs were stuck into the walls of buildings where cattle were kept.
In the superstitions and traditions of many peoples, aspen was considered an effective and effective tool in the fight against witchcraft and the action of otherworldly power. A dead sorceress or witcher was burned at the stake from aspen logs. At the moment of the sorcerer's agony, in order to facilitate the exit of the soul, an aspen peg was driven in the house.
But the most effective way to prevent the activities of accomplices of unclean forces after death was the custom of pumping stake from aspen into the chest. But why, thanks to this method, was it possible to calm the vampires and other undead?
- This tree can absorb energy. Including the negative, which it redirects to a different state, to water or land.
- Aspen has solid wood. A stake made from it will not break at the right time.
Aspen stakes are always made from
living wood. Before you start making the stake, you must read the prayer. The tool for fighting the unclean should be small, with sharpened one end. There is no fixed size or standard for this gun. Length and thickness depend on the purpose of use. If the goal is only to stick a pointed pole in the chest, then a small peg is enough. When it is required to pierce the coffin and the body, a length of about a meter is needed here. The diameter depends on the size of the branch or
trunk of the tree from which the stake will be made from evil spirits. It is worth considering that a thin stake can break, and with a weighty one it will be difficult to manage.
Aspen stakes. The subtleties of manufacturing
Aspen stake (photo - above) requires special manufacturing methods. When processing a freshly cut branch, it is generally not customary to clean it from the bark. This was rationally foreseen by our distant ancestors: since the stake is driven in only once, it will be good if it begins to sprout, so that the sorcerer or vampire, already pierced by the tip, could not get out.
Cutting an aspen stake, how to make it sharp? There is a belief that the device is lined with an ax, and to give a tip at the end of the branch, three strokes are enough. At the same time, a certain ritual must be observed. With the first blow it is said: "In the name of the father," with the second - "and the Son" and with the third - "and the Holy Spirit, amen."
A rope is wound at the top of the stake. She plays the role of a hilt. At the time of use of the gun, it is under the palm of the hand and insures against the event of slipping of the hand. In addition to this practical function, the rope also serves as a talisman. Winding it up, as if creating a magic circle. It is not customary to apply any inscriptions or symbols to the stake. Although it is believed that a carved cross does not hurt and may even help.
Aspen pegs must be placed in water, and it is desirable that it be pre-consecrated. Next, you must read the prayer “Our Father” several times. Then the stakes are connected in the shape of a cross and nailed over the doors of the house.
Aspen stake as a talisman
The stake is considered a powerful amulet endowed with power, thanks to which you can balance the energy of the house. It is believed that aspen stakes must be driven in where the unsteady boundary between the real and the other world passes . And this, first of all, the corners of the home.
Aspen stakes in the corners were driven into the ground during the construction of houses and farm buildings. It was believed that this would help avert misfortune and prevent adversity and contention in the family. They were pre-soaked for some time in consecrated water. After that, they drove into the ground and sprinkled with the remnants of holy water. Pegs were checked periodically. And as soon as they began to rot, they were replaced with new ones.
The healing properties of wood
Traditional healers used aspen to treat many ailments. Considering it an unclean tree, the Slavs were sure that any disease could be transferred to it.
- With the help of aspen, hernia, childhood fears and headaches were treated.
- The patient’s hair was hammered into the trunk, clothes were hung up, believing that the tree would take the disease.
- Applying an aspen log to the legs, cramps were treated.
- The dried aspen kidneys were mixed with oil and treated for burns, ulcers, wounds.
- The juice of the tree was rubbed with lichens and warts.
- In the winter, aspen bark was used as food to restore strength.
- Young shoots fed cattle.
Modern man already ironically refers to the beliefs of distant ancestors and does not attach much importance to everything that relates to superstitions. It is clear that eccentric or folklore enthusiasts can afford to keep aspen stakes at home. But maybe a couple of small, graceful woods will really help to eliminate troubles, secure the house and maintain a positive balance in the family environment?