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Cypress Chips
This tree is ruled by
Saturn and
often connected to death. It is used
magickally in binding and releasing, to
increase longevity, for easing grief and
finding comfort and safety in time of loss.
It symbolizes the soul and represents
reincarnation and resurrection.
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The Hades Connection
Cypress is sacred to
Hades ("the unseen"; the Roman equivalent,
Pluto, came from the Greek euphemism for
Hades, Pluoutos--precious wealth of the
earth). He was the son of two Titans,
who lived before Olympus. He split the
rulership of this planet with Zeus (heaven)
and Poseiden (sea). Hades was the least
popular of the Greek gods, although in later
depictions he was connected to the riches of
the earth, which could be mineral or
vegetable. He was stern, ferocious in
battle, and just. His symbols of power
are the two-pronged fork, the cornucopia, and
the staff, and he is usually depicted as dark
and heavily bearded. No temples were
built to him, but he did have worshippers,
especially after the growth of mystery
religions. They averted their eyes from
his likeness while worshipping him and banged
their hands on the ground so he would hear
them. He was later connected not just to the
underworld but to all the goodness of the
Earth as well, such as grain and minerals. The
picture shows Hades and Persephone, goddess of
the harvest and wife of Hades. She is holding
a sheaf of wheat and a hen (the rooster is
under her throne). Hades is holding a branch
of pomegranates, with which he tempted
Persephone, and an offering bowl.
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Other Magickal Connections
Not surprisingly, cypress is
also linked to elemental
Earth,
especially in the form of the Phrygian goddess
of earth and caves, Cybele/Kybele. She
ruled over the natural world, wild animals,
dark magick, and revenge. Agrippa, however,
connects cypress (and all scented wood) to
Mars. Here's
a nice
incense recipe with a strong Earth slant
that includes cypress.
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Cypress chips 1 oz. $5.00
Try the cypress essential
oil
Uses in
Witchcraft & Magic:
Protection Spells
Hexing, Cursing, "Black" Magic
Death and Resurrection
Honoring Hades
Healing Rituals
Saturn Herb
Other fragrant woods:
cedarwood,
chinese
red pine,
white
sandalwood
Nice Incense
Recipe with an Earth Slant
3 parts
Juniper
2 parts Cypress
2 parts
Myrrh
1 part
Patchouli
1 part Sage
1/2 part Orris
root.
© 2004, 2009
Alchemy Works; No reproduction without
permission
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