WITCH HAZEL

In North America, there is a plant that resembles the European hazel.  This plant, witch hazel, has a long history of use by Native Americans.  It has similar bushy growth habits and size to the European hazel and many similar uses.  In the US, it is also known as winter bloom or snapping alder.

Witch hazel typically grows as an under story bush of hemlock, beach, or oak forests.  It has beautiful yellow flowers in late fall and produces seed pods that are not used for food.  This is the bush that is used to create witch hazel astringents and the flexible shoots and branches are used for tools.

Like European hazel, witch hazel has been used for protection, luck, and divination.  According to dowsers, witch hazel creates excellent dowsing rods for finding both water and lost or hidden treasures.  Witch hazel's best magic is the magic of hope.  The brilliant sunny blooms shine as the rest of nature is going to sleep.  It serves as a reminder that even during the dark times of winter, life remains.  There is always room for joy and hope.  And, sometimes, when everything seems dark, that is the time to shine.