Woodspirits
Wood Spirits
They are known by several names :-
WoodSpirit, Tree Spirit, Green Men, Forest Spirit, Wild Man,
Savage Man, and Woodwose.
Whatever you call them, the next time you go out for
a walk through the woods, keep an eye out for one of these
elusive creatures.
In the 15th Century, Europeans believed that evil
spirits lived in the dense forests. They believed that when the
men went out to hunt for food and never returned that the evil
spirits of the woods had taken them.
Legend has it they also believed that the trees
maintained the good and most powerful of all the spirits.
So before entering the forest they would knock on the trees to
wake up the sleeping spirit to protect them.
This where the saying "knock on Wood" or
"touch wood" came from.
They are most often glimpsed as a green man with
leaves for their beard and hair, the Wood Spirit is said to be
Lord of the Forest and Natural Things. Seeing one is said to be
very lucky, and European villagers used to go out on regular
hunts, hoping to find a Wood Spirit to foretell the future of
their village.
They are extremely strong. Wood Spirits can tear an
opponent limb from limb and can tame any wild animal,
including ferocious dragons and skittish unicorns. At the same
time, they are gentle with the maidens, children, and men of
good heart.
It is said that the forest will stand for as long as
the Wood Spirit remains to keep order. And if you're lucky
enough to see one, health, happiness, and good fortune will
be yours. However, that does not happen often.
Wood Spirits would rather see than be seen. Most sightings
are by children or by the pure of heart.
When you take your Wood Spirit home, give it a place
of honor, a place where it will feel as part of the family.
If you do these things, your Wood Spirit will bring his gentle
wisdom, humor, and luck into your home.
Legend also has it that If you receive a gift of a
"Wood spirit" carving, you must concentrate on good thoughts
and gently blow into the face of the spirit thus bringing the
talisman to life.
Hopefully the spirit will bring you the blessings of good fortune, good health and happiness.
