Hoodoo How We Do : Cypress – A Tree of the Dead

Hoodoo How We Do : Cypress – A Tree of the Dead January 10, 2022

swamp cypress
Swamp cypress tree image. Copyright Free.

Cypress is a majestic plant. It exists between the land and water rising high above all it can see. It is used around the world for magickal protection, longevity, curse removal, and psychic connection to the dead. Let’s dive deep into this plant’s watery roots.

Death and Transformation

Alchemy-works.com tells us traditionally ” in Europe, coffins were built of cypress and funeral garlands and wreaths made of its branches to represent eternal life. This magick herb is sacred to Hades (“the unseen”), the god of the Underworld and thus of both death and earthly riches, who was stern, ferocious in battle, and just. Cypress is also the tree of the Blood Moon (October) and is linked to elemental Earth, not only through Hades but especially in the form of the Phrygian goddess of earth and caves, Cybele/Kybele. She ruled over the natural world, wild animals, dark magick, and revenge. Cypress represents life after death and comfort for grief.” I’ve have often used this botanical as part of my offerings for ancestors and the beloved dead. It may also be helpful to place a piece in your pocket during funerals or times of grief.

Cleansing and Protection

Fresh cypress branches, or dried if absolutely necessary, can be used to perform a cleansing blessing on yourself or your space. Prepare a mixture of spring water, florida water, and tap water from your home. Loosely tie a few branches of cypress together with a natural white string or cord, use this to dip in the water and sprinkle about yourself and home. Repeat as often as necessary.

Grounding and Earthing

The plant Cypress is connection to the element of earth. It can be used to connect with our planet and our place in it. It can also be used to performing workings relating to the Earth- like finances or home. For this purpose it is best to use incense or the actual plant included in the spell.

 

As always if you have enjoyed what your read here please remember to like, comment and share !

About Lilith Dorsey
Lilith Dorsey M.A., hails from many magickal traditions, including Afro-Caribbean, Celtic, and Indigenous American spirituality. Their traditional education focused on Plant Science, Anthropology, and Film at the University of R.I, New York University, and the University of London, and their magickal training includes numerous initiations in Santeria also known as Lucumi, Haitian Vodoun, and New Orleans Voodoo. Lilith Dorsey is also a Voodoo Priestess and in that capacity has been doing successful magick since 1991 for patrons, is editor/publisher of Oshun-African Magickal Quarterly, filmmaker of the experimental documentary Bodies of Water :Voodoo Identity and Tranceformation,’ and choreographer/performer for jazz legend Dr. John’s “Night Tripper” Voodoo Show. They have long been committed to providing accurate and respectful information about the African Traditional Religions and are proud to be a published Black author of such titles as Voodoo and African Traditional Religion, 55 Ways to Connect to Goddess, The African-American Ritual Cookbook, Love Magic, the bestselling Orishas, Goddesses and Voodoo Queens and Water Magic. You can read more about the author here.

Browse Our Archives