Druid Tree-Pentacle Tree-World Tree-Nature Based Altar Celtic Wood Carving

MEANING: A elements of the Pentacle; Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Spirit, are woven within the branches of this mighty Druid Tree. An outer band connects and weaves the energies into a harmonious whole of light, embracing the Eternal Cyclic nature of Life. The Tree is a common universal, archetypal symbol that can be found in many different traditions around the ancient world. The lore reaches back into humankind’s earliest symbology. They offer physical and spiritual nourishment, represent a patient period of rest in seed/nut form; a breaking through, lifting up, transformation as sapling; solid stability and endurance through the storms of life; a balance of the feminine, nurturing, yin (fruit, shade and protection) with the masculine active yang (the erect trunk a phallic symbol straining toward the sky). Trees are a magical, mystical presence supplying a stong, deep-rooted patience, essential to a wiccan/pagan/shamanic path. Some of the traditions where Sacred Trees are found are: Shamanic, Hindu, Egyptian, Sumerian, Toltec, Mayan, Norse, Celtic and Christian traditions. The World-tree is described in The Upanishads as “a tree eternally existing, its roots aloft, its branches spreading below.” The Ogham script is a writing system based on trees. It consists of twenty-five simple strokes centered on or branching off a central line. Also known as the "Celtic Tree Alphabet”, each stroke of the Ogham corresponds to a letter of the alphabet, which is in turn associated with a tree. Each tree has deep meaning. Often carved onto pieces of wood, known as wands, can be used for divination purposes. It is a powerful language of symbolism. A wonderful piece to enhance a nature-based spiritual practice.

THE CARVING: Our carvings are single pieces of western red cedar, designed and carved to be wall hangings.  Each carving begins as a 1 X 12-inch cedar board.  While we use power tools (Scroll Saw, Rotary shaft Tool, handheld detail sanders, etc.), we use no lasers, CNC machines or computer-operated cutting machines.  All work is done with our hands and eyes… 

We cut the 2-dimensional blanks with scroll and jig saws (double-sized custom orders have to be cut with a jigsaw). Carving is done with rotary shaft tools and disc grinders. The 80-grit sanding is the final phase of the carving process, removing the nicks and gouges from the carving tools, and finishes the shaping of the weave. The next 2 sandings with 120 and then 220 grit finishes the smoothing and polishing. They are finished with Clear Danish Oil to seal the piece, bringing out the grain and the color.