About Cedar
Cedar is a long-lived, fragrant wood of purification, protection and healing. Cedar chests guard cloth from moths, and the wood guards homes and sacred spaces in many open traditions.
Burned in many open traditions for spiritual cleansing.
History & folklore
The cedars of Lebanon built Solomon's temple, and cedar oil was used in Egyptian embalming. In many cultures, cedar is burned for purification and prayer. Its insect-repelling scent made it the traditional wood for chests holding precious fabric.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Purification, protection, healing
- Latin name
- Cedrus spp.
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- Sun
- Best day
- Sunday
- Moon phase
- Waning moon — for protection, clearing and letting go
- Intentions
- Cleansing, Protection
Ways to work with it
- Place cedar chips in a wardrobe or chest for protection.
- Burn a little cedar to cleanse a space.
- Keep a small piece of cedar wood on your altar.
Growing & gathering
True cedars grow in parks and large gardens. Cedar chips and blocks are sold for wardrobes and make easy magical supplies. Check what species you're using, as many 'cedars' are something else.
Ventilate when burning. Many trees sold as 'cedar' are junipers or thuja. Thuja oil is toxic.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
LilacProtection, banishing negativity
ParsleyPurification, protection, lust
VervainProtection, purification, love
Sage (Garden)Cleansing, wisdom, protectionCorrespondences are traditional associations gathered from folk practice and modern craft books. They vary between sources, and they are not medical advice. Read our editorial approach.