It's the time of the year again to collect chestnuts.
Let's take a look at the folkore of this special nut.
The chestnut does not play a major role in European mythology, as it only arrived in Central Europe from Constantinople in the late 16th century.
However, its role in folk magic is all the more significant. Where chestnuts are stored, the room temperature increases noticeably. The old popular belief that chestnuts should be carried in a trouser pocket or a large quantity placed under the bed to prevent rheumatism (less commonly: gout, cramps, fever) probably stems from this observation. It is often pointed out that the chestnuts should be used in odd numbers or in threes.
A chestnut (carried in a trouser pocket) is also said to prevent serious injury in the event of a fall.
A large chestnut with a hole drilled in it and a piece of paper with your name written in it is said to have an equally protective effect. The hole is then sealed with a few drops of wax from a ritual candle, which is allowed to burn for this special protection. This type of talisman used to be hidden in carriages and is nowadays especially intended for car drivers and is therefore hidden safely (not rolling) in the car.
Symbol of abundance and prosperity
Chestnut trees are known to bear abundant fruit and have therefore come to symbolise abundance and prosperity in many cultures. In some cultures, chestnut trees were planted near houses and farms in the belief that they would attract prosperity and abundance.
According to tradition, to attract prosperity, you should wrap a banknote around a chestnut, put it in a green bag and only carry it with you when the moon is waxing.
The wood of the chestnut in magic
When carried in the hand, chestnut wood is said to give you new strength. It has a strengthening and comforting effect, especially in cases of heartache. A slice of a branch is particularly suitable as a talisman and is often carried in the hand. It should be rubbed with the thumb until it appears almost polished. The smoother the wood becomes, the better!
Chestnuts for love spells
Chestnuts have always been associated with love spells.
Give the first chestnut you find in the year to a loved one to protect them. Almost all of us probably performed this special spell with our parents or grandparents when we were children.
Transformation and renewal
The chestnut undergoes a process of growing, maturing and finally falling from the tree, which can be seen as a metaphor for transformation and renewal. It is therefore often used for this purpose. One possible way to use this symbol in practice for personal transformation and renewal would be through a ritual that mimics the life cycle of the chestnut.
Collection of the chestnut:
During a walk in nature pick up a chestnut. You can already focus on the intentions for transformation and growth.
Ritual environment:
For the rest of the action, you can, for example, light (colour-magically appropriate) candles or use incense - entirely according to your own preferences and depending on how elaborate you want to make the ritual yourself.
Labelling:
Words or symbols can then be written on the chestnuts with a waterproof pen to represent what is to be transformed or renewed.
Meditation:
In a quiet environment, sit down and hold the labelled chestnuts in your hands. You meditate on the changes you want to bring about in your own life.
Burying:
As a symbolic gesture of letting go and beginning a new life cycle, you bury the chestnuts in the ground and water them with rainwater. This represents the "death" or end of one stage of life and the beginning of a new one.
Observation and reflection:
In the following weeks, you visit the place where the chestnuts were buried to observe the changes in nature as well as in your own life.
Conclusion:
After a period of time that is considered meaningful (for example, a lunar cycle), return to the burial site. You could hold a small ceremony to celebrate the completion of this life cycle and confirm your own transformation. Or you could visit the spot again and again until you see the little tree sprout from the earth in the coming year. If you want to observe and accompany the entire cycle of renewal, a flower pot is also suitable for burying. You can then move the tree into the wild later.
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