Cult of the trees
The Slavic worship of our rooted relatives
The original Slavs were forest people. After migrating from the grasslands of the Eurasian steppes thousands of years ago, they settled in the thick woodlands and marshes of Central Europe. These mysterious landscapes no doubt helped give rise to the dark mythology of forest creatures like the leshy and Baba Yaga.
In spaces such as these, the trees are all encompassing. Their roots below the feet, trunks at eye level, and canopies above the head. There is no other landscape so consumed by the natural world (except maybe the depths of the ocean).
This is important to note, because in the southern desert lands or eastern grasslands, the stars were consulted for divine guidance. We can see this in the extensive study of astrology in places like Persia and India. Yet in the forest, the stars are concealed. The gods didn’t rule from above. Rather, they were all around in this wild place they called home.
And what is more divine and awe-inspiring in a place such as this than the trees? Their long lifespans, provisions of food and medicine and imposing presence made them the perfect home for the gods of the forest people. Not only that, but the entire universe of the Slavs was associated with their world tree, the oak. In the roots resides Nawia, the realm of the dead. The trunk is Jawia, realm of the living. Within the branches is Prawia, realm of the heavens. The tree represented a bridge between all realms. Everything revolved around the trees.
It isn’t surprising then that a cult of the trees emerged within the Slavic culture. Instead of building temples, they held ceremonies around large oak trees. Wooden fences were built around these designated trees. This is also where ancient weddings, meetings and sacrifices took place.
Every tree held specific gods or spirits, not just the mighty oak. Each one had a specific nature and medicine. Statues of the gods were carved out of these sacred trees and placed in groves. It is said that each village also had its own sacred tree with which offerings and prayers were given.
I’ve personally always been drawn to tree medicine, and knowing the importance of it in Slavic culture provides another link we can use to connect to our roots. We don’t need temples, textbooks, or any other tools if we have just one tree. The secrets of the past are all here.
Let’s talk about the most important trees in Slavic worship, along with how we can tap into tree medicine in our own practice.
Oak: of course there is no tree more holy than the oak. This is where the root of Slavic cosmology resides. The god Perun lives in the branches while Veles lives in the roots. Not only was it the place where all realms resided, but it represented strength and regeneration. It was a symbol of hope and perseverance to the people. The bark, leaves and acorns are all quite astringent, making it a medicine of toning and tightening of lax tissues.
Linden: at a close second is the linden. Often associated with Mokosh and Dziewanna, and later Mary, linden is a representation of the feminine. It is the perfect balance to the masculine energy of the oak. Its branches were used in magical ceremonies to catch evil spirits and vampires while providing protection from lightning and dark magic. The leaves and flowers are still revered today for their heart-centered calming medicine, especially those who suffer from nervous palpitations. Interestingly, even after Christianization, lindens were often planted near churches and on top of graves as a shield against evil.
Apple: the common apple was a potent tree associated with love and fertility. The goddess Lada was most often the patroness of this tree. Apples played important roles in wedding ceremonies and courtships. While Christianity depicts the apple tree as a source of temptation, it is said that Prawia (Slavic version of heaven) is a beautiful garden filled with the fertile apple tree. Some regions also consider it a prophetic tree. By sleeping under its branches you may receive dreams of the divine nature. The Slavs considered it an aphrodisiac, perhaps another reason for its demonization by the Church. As a rose family member, it makes sense that the apple may actually hold some mild aphrodisiac properties. The leaves and bark are astringent. The pectin in apples has been shown to draw out heavy metals while its flavonoids can lower blood pressure and inflammation.
Birch: as the maiden tree, birch is associated with Bereginya, “The Keeper”, who is sometimes seen as either a goddess or a nature spirit, similar to the rusalka. Birch, like the maiden, is seen as a symbol of purity. She radiates warmth, renewal and harmony. In the spring, her sap is tapped and drank as a brew for vitality and strength after a long winter. Birch leaves were often used in baths and healing ceremonies. The bark is also soothing to sore joints and muscles as it contains the pain-relieving compound of salicylic acid.
Rowan: while I can’t find a definitive source on what god the rowan tree is associated with, I have found some reports that leshy, the forest guardians, were often left gifts under a rowan. Its bright red berries look like drops of blood dripping from the sky. They are quite bitter, making them good for stimulating digestion, but not so great for jelly-making. Like many trees, it was a being of protection. But it was also a favorite tree of the old wise women and witches. Its branches were used for blessing cattle and other livestock in the spring. Trees were planted around homes to ward off negative energies.
Hawthorn: the goddess of death and rebirth, Marzanna, watches over hawthorn. The long sharp thorns is said to repel vampires. One prick from the tree is said to cause instant death to such beings, so in the olden days a single thorn from the hawthorn was placed in the belly button of one believed to come back to life. This made the hawthorn one of the most powerful amulets against evil forces. Though it is also said that the tree itself could also be associated with evil as a place where demons and witches gather. Either way, the berries, flowers and leaves of hawthorn are good medicine. They are a tonic for the heart, helping to strengthen the cardiovascular system and soothe the nervous system.
Willow: the whimsy of the willow is attributed to the god Jarilo, god of spring. Just as the tree is a symbol of spring, the willow was thought to bring good health to those who would whip themselves with its branches. Its adaptive flexibility was thought to mirror itself in those who worked with its medicine. The branches were used to build wattle fences and garden beds. If you have willow nearby, try making your own wattle with willow branches. It’s a deeply soothing project that looks beautiful.
If you have any of these trees growing near you, one of my favorite ways to connect with them is to create mandalas or earth altars of sorts at their roots. Working with found materials brings me into a meditative sort of presence that clears the mind and opens it up to the deeper language of the trees.
There are no rules to this practice. I don’t usually have a picture in my mind of what the altar will become, I just let it unfold as I go, adjusting until everything feels like it is in its place. Once finished, take time to sit with it and the tree. See what comes through. This is an ideal time to harvest some of its medicine if you would like.
Some other ways to work with the trees are to harvest some of the twigs from the tree to burn and use as a ceremonial smoke, which was common in the past. You can also adorn the branches of a tree with flowers, garlands, written prayers, cloth or other decorations as tribute.
However you decide to work with the trees, remember that no matter where you ended up, the trees are a link to the oldest parts of our culture.
This feels so affirming. My grandpa was from Poland, and my dad always described him as a true woodsman. He was a carpenter, and always exploring the forest. My dad and his brothers are all true woodsmen too, and I also feel most at home in the woods. It feels amazing to learn this is likely because of our ancestral connection to the trees!