Juniper Tree Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Myths
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Juniper Tree Facts
Great for adding depth and color to any landscape, Juniper is one of the most versatile trees that you can add to your garden. It is a coniferous tree belonging to the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae.
Juniper is an evergreen plant with thin bluish-green leaves on thick branches. Generally, the common Juniper Tree seldom reaches heights of more than 3 to 4 feet, but it has the potential to grow into a 30-foot tree.
It grows throughout the Northern Hemisphere and prefers wide spaces. It can withstand wind and full sunlight, thrives in unfavorable locations, and adapts to different soil pH. Typically, fire destroys or severely damages common Juniper. The lengthy germination time and low germination rates explain its slow post-fire recovery.
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Juniper Tree Uses
The stunning red heartwood and creamy white outer wood of the Juniper Tree are great for a wide range of woodworking projects. It may be used to create “cedar” chests and other pieces of furniture as well as wood paneling. Pencils can also be made from Juniper wood.
Its berries are most well-known as a gin flavor. In fact, gin’s name is derived from the Dutch word for Juniper, which is “genever”. Aside from that, it is also frequently used as a seasoning. The berries are almost solely utilized for these purposes, since Juniper oils in the leaves are toxic if ingested in higher concentrations.
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Juniper Tree History
The Juniper species was discovered by a German botanist named Philip Franz von Siebold during his travel to Japan. It is a member of the Cupressaceae plant family and thought to have originated from Northeastern Asia.
In the Western Esoteric traditions, the Juniper Tree has been used historically in connection with fire purposes, as a purifying herb, and as a substance to ward off sickness.
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Juniper Tree Positive Symbolism
The Juniper Tree symbolizes warmth and fire. This powerful fire-dominant tree suggests numerous connotations with fire, including energy, passion, and the sun. It also aids in warming up people.
During dark times, the Juniper Tree also symbolizes hope. Through the darkest of winters, the berries of the Juniper Tree have been able to provide people and animals with a steady supply of food and shelter.
Lastly, it also serves as a symbol of restoration and rejuvenation. It is a true land healer to give hope during difficult times, spreading the vital message of nature’s healing power due to its capability to flourish in locations where other trees cannot grow.
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Juniper Tree Negative Symbolism
The act of cutting down a Juniper Tree represents death, evil, and a bad omen. This is the reason why many Celtic and Norse traditions prohibit the cutting and using of Juniper wood.
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Juniper Tree Cultural Symbolism
It has been given a metaphorical meaning of power and protection in many ancient Indo-European civilizations. It is believed to defend people against metaphysical beings like evil spirits and illnesses.
In Iceland, Juniper and Rowan together can symbolize a bad omen. There is a belief that the Juniper Tree and the Rowan tree should not be planted on the same soil because they might burn each other out.
For Welsh people, the act of cutting down this tree symbolizes a certain death to the person within a year.
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Juniper Tree Zodiac Sign
In Western Astrology, the Juniper Tree belongs to the planet Sun. Its element is fire and its star sign is Leo.
In Chinese Astrology, Juniper’s zodiac animal is a tiger and its element is Earth. In the two opposing cosmic forces that maintain the harmony of the universe, Juniper serves as the Yang. Yang energy is the positive, bright, and masculine energy.
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Juniper Tree in Dreams
Seeing a Juniper Tree in a dream signifies the coming of happier and wealthier days away from depressive conditions. If you are a young woman who had an unsuccessful romantic relationship, dreaming of this tree portends a prosperous future. If you are sick, this could be a sign of quick recovery. However, if you are eating or gathering the berries of the Juniper Tree, it foretells trouble and illness.
Moreover, the act of planting Juniper means that you are creating your own opportunities and inviting positivity for a better and more successful life. If the Juniper Tree is dying, it means that you are having trouble seeing a clear path in your life and focusing on life’s negativities. So be sure to recognize the new opportunities and possibilities that are entering your life. Focusing on the negative things and happenings will not make you feel better and will only make the situation worse.
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Juniper Tree Omens and Superstitions
Juniper is one of the numerous aromatic shrubs that are thought to ward off bad spirits by burning it as incense. It is believed to promote lucky sexual relationships. In Tibet, it was used for both religious and therapeutic purposes.
Juniper aids psychic abilities, dissolves curses, and drives away snakes, when carried or burnt. It is said that if a person takes a bath with Juniper berries that have been soaked in wine or vinegar, then having the used water sprinkled around their yard afterward, he or she will meet someone to establish a close relationship with.
If placed at the door hanging, it protects against bad spirits and people. Wearing a sprig of the plant can shield you from mishaps and wild animal attacks. In addition, it is added to love mixtures to boost male virility. For ladies, it is used as a vaginal douche known as the “Hot Mama Douche” and said to make a guy eager to fall in love.
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Juniper Tree Mythology and Folklore
For ages, people have been aware of how useful the Juniper Tree is. Somewhat surprisingly, though, it doesn’t play a significant role in ancient mythology. The Juniper Tree represents Ashera, also known as Astarte in Syria, which is the Canaanite fertility goddess.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah was protected from Queen Jezbel’s pursuit by a Juniper with a heavenly presence. This tree also protected the young Jesus and his parents by serving as a hiding spot during their retreat into Egypt from King Herod’s soldiers.
