Aspen is a deciduous tree, ubiquitous in Asia and Europe. Many myths and legends are associated with it. Its leaves have a thin stalk, so they begin to sway from a light breeze. Aspen is characterized by rapid growth and small trunk thickness.
Cursed tree
Aspen is believed to ward off evil spirits. And the existing legend about the curse only adds mysticism to the aspen and stirs up interest. It is generally accepted that the cross on which Jesus was crucified was made of aspen, and that the repentant Judas later committed suicide on the same tree. The angry God cursed the aspen, which is why it trembles with fear. It has not been used in the construction of houses since ancient times, believing that the family will tremble from poverty and adversity.
Energy
Since ancient times, people have believed in a special, magical power that plants possess. Aspen was considered a tree endowed with powerful energy and capable of protecting against everything bad. Recognizing its peculiarity and strength, people were wary of its properties. believedthat 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 under the aspen during a thunderstorm. It was believed that this tree was long chosen by devils and lightning always tries to get into them. To protect the house from dashing people and from evil spirits, aspens were planted near the house.
Aspen as protection from evil spirits
Before the advent of Christianity, the Slavs believed in the saving power of this tree, and on 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 legends of many peoples, aspen was considered an effective and effective tool in the fight against witchcraft and the action of otherworldly forces. A dead sorceress or witcher was burned on a fire of aspen logs. At the moment of the sorcerer's agony, in order to facilitate the exit of the soul, an aspen peg was driven into the house.
But the most effective way to prevent the activities of accomplices of impure forces after death was the custom of driving a stake from aspen into the chest. But why was it that this method was able to calm the vampires and other undead?
- This tree can absorb energy. Including the negative one, which it redirects to a different state, to water or earth.
- Aspen is a durable wood. A stake made from it will not break at the right time.
Aspen stakes alwaysmade from living wood. Before you start making a stake, you need to read a prayer. The tool for fighting the unclean should be small, with one end sharply sharpened. There is no fixed size and standard for this weapon. Length and thickness depend on the purpose of use. If the goal is only to stick a pointed pole into the chest, then a small peg is enough. When it is required to pierce the coffin and the body, then a length of about a meter is needed here. The diameter depends on the size of the branch or tree trunk from which the stake from evil spirits will be made. It should be borne in mind that a thin stake can break, and a heavy one will be difficult to manage.
Aspen stakes. Manufacturing details
Aspen stake (photo - above) requires special manufacturing methods. When processing a freshly cut branch, it is generally not customary to strip 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 starts to sprout so that the sorcerer or vampire already exactly pierced by the point cannot get out.
Cutting an aspen stake, how to make it sharp? There is a belief that the device is cut with an ax, and three blows are enough to give a point at the end of a branch. In this case, it is necessary to observe a certain ritual. With the first blow it says: “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 around the top of the stake. She plays the role of a handle. At the time of using the toolit is located under the palm and insures in case of slipping of the hand. In addition to this practical function, the rope also serves as a talisman. Winding it, as if creating a magic circle. It is not customary to put any inscriptions or symbols on the stake. Although it is believed that a carved cross will not interfere and may even help.
Aspen pegs must be placed in water, and it is desirable that it be pre-consecrated. Next, you must definitely read the prayer "Our Father" several times. The stakes are then tied together in the shape of a cross and nailed over the doors of the house. Kol 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 there is a shaky border between the real and the other world. And these are, first of all, the corners of the dwelling. Aspen stakes in the corners were driven into the ground during the construction of houses and outbuildings. It was believed that this would help avert trouble and prevent misfortune and discord in the family. Previously, they were soaked for some time in consecrated water. After that, they were driven into the ground and sprinkled with the remnants of holy water. Pegs were checked periodically. And as soon as they started to rot, they were replaced with new ones. 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. Modern man is already ironic about the beliefs of distant ancestors and does not attach much importance to everything related to superstition. It is clear that eccentric people or people who are fond of folklore can afford to keep aspen stakes at home. But maybe a couple of small, dainty pieces of wood can really help ward off trouble, secure the house and maintain a positive balance in the family's habitat?
Aspen stake as a talisman
Healing properties of the tree
