About Oak
The oak is the king of trees — sacred to the Druids, to Zeus, Thor and many others. The Oak King rules the light half of the year, and an acorn carried in your pocket brings luck and long life.
The acorn is a classic small luck-charm, tied to the Oak King half of the Wheel of the Year.
History & folklore
The oak was sacred to Zeus, Jupiter, Thor and the Dagda, and oak groves were the Druids' temples. The Oak King rules the light half of the year until the Holly King defeats him at Midsummer. Acorns on window sills were said to protect the house from lightning, since oaks were so often struck.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Strength, protection, luck
- Latin name
- Quercus robur
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- Sun
- Best day
- Sunday
- Moon phase
- Waxing moon — for drawing things toward you
- Intentions
- Protection, Confidence
Ways to work with it
- Carry an acorn for luck and strength.
- Place an acorn on the windowsill to protect the home from lightning, as old lore says.
- Honour an old oak with a simple offering of water.
Growing & gathering
Oaks grow across Europe and North America. Collect acorns in autumn and dry them before carrying. Fallen oak leaves and twigs make lovely altar decorations.
Raw acorns are bitter and upset the stomach. Acorns and oak leaves are toxic to dogs and horses.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
JuniperProtection, love, exorcism
CedarPurification, protection, healing
WormwoodPsychic power, protection, calling spirits
HollyProtection, luck, YuleCorrespondences 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.