Olive - Ancient Sacred Tree

Most ancient tree of agriculture
Generations of character in gnarled beauty
Support the heart, Support the brain
And sacred oil for ceremony
Carry the herbs, anoint the blessing
Peace, wisdom, and prosperity

The olive is an ancient agricultural crop with its origins lost in time.  There is evidence of cultivation that dates back at least 8000 years and oil production for at least 6000 years.  Not only is this an ancient agricultural crop, the trees themselves can be ancient, with some of them living over 2000 years.  Over time, these beautiful trees develop the gnarled character of a wise old man.  Through most of the recorded history, most of the olives were grown for the production of oil.  This is true today as well with 90% of the olives being used for olive oil.

Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils on the planet.  It is supportive of heart health, brain health, and digestive health.  The olive tree and olive oil are medicinal and the olive oil is an exceptional carrier oil for herbs for medicine, flavor, and fragrance.  Unfortunately, olive trees have fairly specific growing conditions that most places can't easily replicate.  That leaves the rest of us buying olive oil, compensating, or learning how to grow olives in containers.  Which ever route you choose, olives and olive oil have exceptional cultural and energetic power.

Olive oil and wood have been seen as suitable for sacred and ritual purposes throughout recorded history.  Olive oil was used in ancient Egypt and ancient Greece for ceremony, offerings, and anointing.  Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have found sacred uses for olive oil.  Pagan and shamanic spiritual traditions also use olive oil and leaves in ritual and ceremony.  Olive oil was used to anoint ancient athletes and the leaves were used to honor great athletes, wisdom keepers, and States people.  An olive branch or tree as a gift is said to bring peace and harmony.  Olive branches in negotiations is believed to bring peace and harmony to those negotiations.

As a symbol of peace and an energetic embodiment of peace, this herb is useful in bringing peace and harmony into a household or a space.  If you steep olive leaves in rain water for 3 days, you can use that water to clean and bless your house.  Put leaves in the corners of each room to keep the household peaceful and harmonious.  Or you can scatter the leaves in a space to spread peace and harmony.  Olive branches are said to create a divine connection and a sacred space for healing and peace to take hold.

Olive is a protective herb for spaces and people.  An olive branch hung over the door guards the home from lightning and keeps all evil from entering the home.  If you hang an olive branch from the chimney, it will also protect the home from lightning and evil.  If you want to protect your ritual tools, yourself, and the space, scatter some olive leaves and anoint yourself, your candles, and tools with olive oil.  If you want to give a little extra protection, use the olive oil to draw a pentagram on the candle, tools and yourself.

Olives, olive trees, and olive oil have brought abundance and wealth to those who grow the trees.  You can capture this essential energy in your own workings and life by using olive with intention.  Wear olive leaves or carry an olive leaf in your pocket or wallet to bring good luck and wealth.  Use olive oil to create a money oil by steeping basil, mint, and cinnamon in a jar of olive oil.  Let this steep for 2 weeks, then strain the oil.  Use this oil to anoint candles, your wallet, and your tools to draw in wealth, abundance, and good luck.

Olive is an energy of fidelity and fertility in relationships and marriage.  If a male eats olives, it is supposed to ensure fertility and lust.  If a woman wears a wreath of olive leaves, it is said to ensure her fertility.  Olives in the home is said to promote fidelity in the relationship.

olive oil is one of the premium carrier oils for aromatic herbs for healing and ceremony.  The leaves, oil, flowers, and wood are all useful for healing ceremonies, spells, and rituals.  The olive is said to bring wisdom and thoughtfulness in your dealings.

Meditating on, or considering the olive tree in your contemplations carries with it a number of lessons.  As a symbol of peace and a teacher of integrity and responsibility, the spirit  of the olive insists that we own our decisions and take responsibility for our own lives.  It brings an inner knowledge and acknowledgement that leaves nothing left to hide.  When you can do this, it allows a greater lived integrity within yourself and a greater sense of peace.  It encourages authenticity, cleansing, and choices that serve us in a more healthy way.

The source for this article is Olive Plant Profile by Manitu Okahas.