So, at this point at least, unless I find anything else ² to indicate it predates Kipling, it looks like the idea of oak, ash, and thorn as a ‘fairy triad’ is a modern concept.

Tree Song – The Kipling Society A Tree Song – The Kipling Society

i’m scared, if i’m honest, and part of me wants to stay here for ever. but most of me knows we have to carry on. “This really resonated with me. I dabbled with tarot on and off since my teen years, but it was the passing of my father that really drew me to the cards. While Harrison peppers in plenty of flora and fauna names her presentation of the worm’s-eye-view natural world never feels more than superficially informed. She never conjures a sense of deep knowledge or immersion. We’re told to care about the natural world - or rather, chided for not doing so - but the book doesn’t do much to convince of its wonder and value. She isn’t overly critical of humans, rather they are portrayed as impressive inventors who are nonetheless blind to the destruction they cause. Harrison encourages ‘noticing’ children (and adults!) to act as best they can to protect the extraordinary, ordinary world around them, before it fades away completely. But the English are strangely quiet about their deep past; disconnected, embarrassed. It’s a curious thing, for the country is full of living reminders of its mythical history and prehistory, from the green men on the lintels of old churches to maypoles and even Christmas trees. But the English have nothing to rival the Mabinogion. They have no W B Yeats or Dylan Thomas, diverting old myths through new channels. What are the foundation myths of the English? Who are their folk heroes? When they look for a mystical past, why do they turn to the Celts? Where did they come from, who built their landscape? Why are the barrows silent and where have the faeries gone?

Irish-American Witchcraft: Oak, Ash, and Thorn – the Irish-American Witchcraft: Oak, Ash, and Thorn – the

I thought this book was a really lovely tale, highlighting how important taking care of the environment is, from the perspective of the wild life being most effected by our actions.

Cumulus, Burnet und Moss sind Hidden Folk - kleine Naturgeister, die seit Jahrhunderten in einem hohlen Baumstamm inmitten eines verwilderten Gartens leben und sich um Flora und Fauna ihrer unmittelbaren Umgebung kümmern. Doch als ein Frühjahrsunwetter ihr Zuhause zerstört und Cumulus beginnt, durchsichtig zu werden, müssen sich die drei unweigerlich auf eine abenteuerliche Reise aufmachen... This children’s book is ideal for: all readers aged 9 + (and everyone who has an imagination and cares about planet earth). I’m still not sure I entirely understand the concept behind the so-called fairy triad, of the oak, ash, and thorn, but it is clearly a belief that has value to many people and which many have seized onto and incorporated into their own spirituality. There is something about the idea of the three trees that appeals to people on what can only be a deep level, in the same way that other newer beliefs appeal to people. Whether it is new or old oak, ash, and thorn together have become an important concept in many different traditions, and for the people who believe in its value, ultimately, its source should matter less than its efficacy. References All in all, I think the simple lessons and childlike nature of this book is not only relevant in our busy world, but are also extremely valuable lessons for all of humanity, if we only take the time to listen to them openly and non-judgementally. The story follows the journey of three little people – Moss, Burnet and Cumulus, as they travel from the relative safety of their home in the garden of 52 Ash Row (Suburbia, Ash), to the dangers of The Hive (City, Thorn) via the springtime countryside (Oak).