Dogwood

What this is

Dogwood (Cornus florida). The flowering dogwood, a Saturnian tree of Capricorn whose hard, close-grained wood was prized for tools that must hold true. A herb of loyalty and binding faith, kept on the hearth for the household's constancy and used to seal a sincere wish.

What it governs

Dogwood answers to Saturn and the element of Earth. Its seat in the zodiac is Capricorn, and its day is Saturday, when its virtue runs fullest. It strengthens with the waning moon. In the old practice its office is plain: A small cross of dogwood wood on the hearth for household loyalty.

Its properties

In the Galenic reckoning dogwood is cool and dry, and that temperament is the whole key to its work. The part you take is the bark. Its working colour follows Saturn, black and indigo; its metal is lead, its stones are jet, onyx, its number 3, and on the Tree of Life it threads up to Binah. It carries well on the body, kept in a pocket or a small sachet and it is gentle, safe to use as the practice describes.

Where else it appears

Faithful binding everywhere: a small cross of dogwood on the hearth for household loyalty in old American custom; the wood carved into a wishing-token said to grant a sincere desire; planted for protection and steadfastness. To make a thing hold and stay true, one hard wood, hearth and charm.

Where you meet it on the Oracle

In the Green Kingdom you meet Dogwood on Today's Herb, Angelic Herb, Today's Gathering, and Herb of the Hour. When it surfaces it counsels you toward its one office: a small cross of dogwood wood on the hearth for household loyalty. As the Angelic Herb it stands under Cassiel; read its rising as that intelligence laying a hand on your day, with Saturn's patience, limit, and depth. As Today's Gathering it marks a plant to take up now, while the waning moon and the day are with it.

Why it matters

Dogwood binds in faith. Its whole nature is constancy, the thing that holds when others give. It asks you to be sincere in what you commit to, because it answers truth and not mere wanting.

Correspondences

planet

Saturn

element

Earth

zodiac

Capricorn

number

3

sephirah

Binah

day

Saturday

colour

black, indigo

metal

lead

stone

jet, onyx

tarot

Judgement