Zurück
European woods: their use, properties and symbolic meaning
Wood has always been a fundamental material for human civilization, both for practical and artistic purposes. In Europe, there is a wide variety of tree species, each with its own specific properties and uses. Some of these woods have not only practical but also symbolic significance dating back to ancient times. Various European woods are presented here, along with their traditional and modern uses and their energetic significance and association with the planets.1. robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Uses: Robinia, also known as “acacia”, is particularly hardy and durable. It is often used outdoors, for example for garden furniture, fences and terraces. The wood is extremely resistant to weathering and pests, which is why it is also used in shipping and construction. In art, robinia wood is valued for its hardness and vibrant play of colors.
2. sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa)
Uses: The sweet chestnut is particularly durable and moisture-resistant, which is why it is often used for furniture, park benches and also in architecture. The wood has a striking, attractive grain and is also used for interior furnishings.
Sculptures: Due to its workability and durability, sweet chestnut is a popular material for sculptures that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Energetic significance and planetary association: The sweet chestnut is attributed to the planet Venus, as it stands for beauty as well as harmony and love. Its wood promotes creative work and positive energies.
3. cedar (Cedrus)
Use: Cedar wood is known for its resistance to pests. It is traditionally used for furniture, cabinets and wood paneling, as it exudes a pleasant, aromatic scent.
Sculptures: Cedar is excellent for making sculptures, although it does have a tendency to crack vertically. The wood is soft enough to be worked well, but remains stable and resistant to weathering.
Energetic meaning and planetary association: Cedar is associated with the planet Saturn, which stands for stability, structure and protection. It is also considered a wood of protection and spiritual purification.
4. cypress (Cupressus)
Use: Cypress is a hardy wood with a very intense odor.
In my experience, however, it rots when exposed to moisture.
It is often used for works of art. Cypress wood is known for its durability and resistance.
Sculptures: Cypress is an excellent wood for making sculptures, it has a fine structure, but like most softwoods it is prone to stress cracking. It remains well preserved even after many years and has an elegant, light color with the dark knots looking like eyes.
Energetic meaning and planetary association: The cypress is associated with the planet Mars, symbolizes endurance and strength and is a protective wood that protects against negative influences.
5. dogwood (Cornus)
Use: Dogwood is a very hard and dense wood that is mainly used for smaller works of art and decorative objects. It is also used for furniture and small craft projects.
Sculptures: Dogwood wood is ideal for creating fine details in sculptures. It is strong and easy to work with.
Energetic meaning and planetary association: Dogwood is attributed to the planet Mars, as it stands for assertiveness and determination.
6. hazelnut (Corylus avellana)
Use: Hazelnut is traditionally used for furniture and smaller craft products such as baskets and fences. The wood has an interesting, sinuous grain that makes it an attractive material for artistic work.
Sculptures: Due to its flexibility and natural growth habit, hazelnut is ideal for building sculptures, especially for organic and imaginative designs. However, only for very small sculptures.
Energetic meaning and planetary association: The hazelnut is associated with the planet Mercury and promotes wisdom, intuition and creativity. The hazelnut holds the gateway to Frau Holle.
Hazelnut wood also offers good protection against useless energies.
7. lime tree (Tilia)
Use: Lime wood is soft and easy to work with, which is why it has always been used in sculpture. It is also a popular wood for furniture and is important in the music industry for the construction of musical instruments such as guitars and pianos.
Traditionally, the carvings in churches are made of lime wood, and the specific scent in churches actually comes from the lime tree.
Sculptures: Lime wood is the ideal material for sculpture due to its softness and workability. It is particularly widespread in folk art.
Energetic significance and planetary association: Lime is attributed to the planet Venus and stands for harmony, beauty and emotional balance.
8. Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra)
Uses: Swiss stone pine wood is known for its longevity and ability to thrive in extreme climates. It is used for furniture and in timber construction as it is both robust and aesthetically pleasing.
Sculptures: Due to its good workability and pleasant fragrances, Swiss stone pine is well suited for the production of sculptures, especially indoors.
Energetic meaning and planetary association: Swiss stone pine is associated with the planet Jupiter and is considered a symbol of protection and spiritual purification. A Swiss stone pine spray in the bedroom in the evening creates a calm, relaxed atmosphere.
9. elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Use: Elder wood is relatively soft and is often used for smaller craft products, such as spoons or jewelry. In the past it was also used for magic wands and ritual objects.
Sculptures: Elder is more suitable for smaller and delicate sculptures, especially those associated with spiritual or magical themes.
Energetic meaning and planetary association: Elderberry is associated with the moon and symbolizes transformation and the connection to spiritual levels. In the Middle Ages it was common to have an elder bush on the north side of the house, the elder was given the woman's monthly blood and the afterbirth, this created a close bond and the bush could bring much healing to the family.
10. boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
Use: Boxwood is hard and compact and is traditionally used for fine woodwork, carving and woodturning. It is very hard-wearing and durable.
Sculptures: Due to its hardness and fine grain, boxwood is often used for small, detailed carvings.
Energetic meaning and planetary association: Boxwood is associated with the planet Saturn and stands for structure, discipline and spiritual guidance.
11. walnut (Juglans regia)
Use: Walnut wood is known for its dense, dark brown color and its use in high-end furniture, flooring and interior finishes. It is one of the finest woods in Europe.
Sculpture: Walnut is often used for sculpture and fine craftsmanship as the wood is both stable and aesthetically pleasing. The core often stands out dark from the lighter wood around the edges.
Energetic meaning and planetary association: Walnut is attributed to the planet Mercury and stands for intellect, knowledge and clarity.
12. ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Use: Ash wood is known for its flexibility and strength. It is used for furniture, sports equipment and in traditional craftsmanship.
Sculptures: Ash is very suitable for larger sculptures and woodwork due to its stable structure and workability, but is not suitable for outdoor use. However, it also cracks easily due to stress.
Energetic meaning and planetary assignment: Ash is associated with the planet Uranus and stands for innovation, freedom and transformation; the world tree of the Celts was also an ash.
13. mulberry tree (Morus)
Use: Mulberry wood is very strong and heavy, but is often used for furniture and craft products. It has a uniform texture and is easy to work. The wood appears somewhat similar to robinia, but when exposed to sunlight it takes on a wonderful orange or rather curry color.