Magnolia Magick: Ancient Wisdom & Healing for Modern Witches

One of my favorite things to do when I am feeling unbalanced or chaotic is to sit under the healing branches of a magnolia tree. Within moments, the magickal energy of the tree soothes my soul and brings harmony to my heart. No other tree can bring me so quickly to a state of calm and restoration like this magnificent beauty. And I know I'm not alone. But why? What makes the magnolia such a source of comfort and peace for so many people? To find out, let us begin at the beginning and discover everything there is to know about this special Mother Goddess Tree.

Magickal Correspondences

Planets: Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus

Elements: Earth and Water

Zodiac: Taurus and Libra

Gender: Divine feminine (receptive energy)

Goddesses: Aphrodite (Venus), Freyja

History

The magnolia belongs to an incredibly ancient genus of plant life. Fossilized magnolia specimens have been found dating back one hundred million years. This means the tree originated back before bees even started pollinating flowers! That job was taken up by beetles and remains that way to this day. That is why the carpels of the magnolia flowers are so tough and sturdy—to avoid damage from the somewhat indelicate beetles. Because of this marvel of nature, the magnolia tree was one of the first flowering trees on our planet, which is why so many consider her the Mother Goddess Tree.

The magnolia tree can reach a height of twenty meters. They spread evergreen or deciduous trees or shrubs, most easily distinguished by their large, fragrant flowers, which can look like stars or bowls and come in shades of pink, white, purple, and yellow. These versatile trees can be found all over the world, so chances are, you have had the pleasure of gazing upon their abundant spender.

Lore

The two most notable stories surrounding the magick of the magnolia tree come to us from China and Japan.

The Chinese legend dates back centuries to a time when the brutal Hunhuzes attacked a peaceful village and killed everyone but one hundred girls. They spent ninety-nine days “enjoying” the girls and murdering one each night until there was only one girl left. Knowing what awaited her, she prayed to the earth for aid and protection. The next day, the savage warriors found no trace of the girl or the bodies of the other girls. Instead, a magnificent magnolia tree stood in the center of the village with one hundred pink flowers flourishing upon it. Enraged, the warriors tried to cut it down, but each branch that fell to the ground immediately sprouted up another tree with one hundred pink petals.

This folktale tells us that no matter how ugly and monstrous people become, beauty and peace will always triumph and can never be blotted out.

The Japanese legend tells us of a poor girl named Keiko who made and sold paper flowers. They did not fetch a good price, however, but she continued on because she loved them so. One day, a parrot flew to her window and told her that if she put a drop of her own blood on each paper flower, they would become real. But he warned that she must not give her last drop of blood or else she would die. Sure enough, as soon as Keiko placed a drop of her blood on the paper flower, it sprung to life...and fetched a much better price.

This allowed Keiko to escape poverty and enter affluent circles, where she met a man named Arthur, whom she soon married. But Arthur was more interested in material gains and pushed Keiko to work much harder than she wished. Wanting to keep his love, she foolishly gave her last drop of blood to her work and dropped dead. The last flower turned into a magnolia and sprouted upon the spot creating a tree that became revered all over Japan for its beauty.

This tale warns us not to give too much of ourselves to those who do not deserve it. We must employ ourselves in work that brings harmony to the soul, not just money into the bank, or else we will work ourselves to the last drop of life.

Medicinal Uses

The healing properties belonging to the magnolia are varied and extensive. They have been used all over the world for thousands of years to soothe common ailments in humans and animals alike.

In China, the flower buds are infused into a tonic that is used to unclog sinuses. They also use the buds as a natural anti-inflammatory.

But the healing doesn't end there. In various parts of the world, people have made tonics and salves to treat mouth problems like gingivitis, plaque, and toothache. These remedies also extend to mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression. And if that weren't enough, there is also evidence that magnolia can be helpful with weight loss, diabetes, high cholesterol, digestion problems, and even menopausal symptoms.

Please note that medical professionals do not recommend consuming the plant by mouth during pregnancy or before surgery where anesthesia will be used.

Symbolism

Due to its ancient roots, the magnolia tree is often associated with endurance, stability, and never changing grace. It has been on this planet for eons and, in that time, has created a relationship with the earth that humans could barely feign to imagine. However, when one establishes a relationship with a magnolia tree, then one can taste a little of what that feels like.

As mentioned earlier, magnolia flowers come in four different colors. What color the petals are decides which energy dominates the tree, so it is valuable to know the difference should you choose to work with its magick.

White flowers mean that the tree will be strong in the energies of purity, perseverance, determination, and modesty. This is a great tree to turn to when you need help summoning these qualities in your spell work.

Pink flowers represent shyness, joy, innocence, and sensitivity. Their energy is full of protection for the innocent and works great in spells intended to heal childhood trauma.

Yellow flowers are perfect for everything prosperity and health-related. They symbolize luck, loyalty, prosperity, abundance, and good health. Use some flowers in a prosperity spell and let good fortune follow.

Purple flowers also represent luck but with an added punch of fertility, courage, and beauty for good measure. These flowers are ideal for all things related to relationships and pregnancy. If you are trying to have a baby, then working with these flowers is a must. But again, please stay away from consuming them if you are pregnant. Instead, make wish bags, pendants, or salves out of the flowers and bark.