The 14th of September is Holy Cross or Holy Rood Day and is
the beginning of the nutting season.
It is also called Devil's Nutting day.
The hazel nuts which are collected today have
magical properties, if you can find a double nut
this will ward off rheumatism, toothache
and the spells of witches.
But do not pick them too early as the hazel is a
powerful tree, it's wood is used for divining rods
and to gather its nuts unripe is unlucky or even dangerous.
All the hedgerow trees and bushes are beginning to fruit,
a heavy crop presages a hard winter.
Many Hawes, many snows.
The rowan is the most powerful of all plants against evil and witchcraft.
Hang it above your door or plant in the garden. It will protect against the influence of witches and faeries: while rowan wood used in coffins will prevent the dead from walking.
Rowan tree and red thread
Hold the witches all in dread
The Perpetual Almanack of Folklore
