Pine is valued for its associations with fertility, purification, and immortality. It is also associated with the planet Mars, and the elements of Earth and Air.
Pine is usually burned during Yule and other winter rites, and its branches are used to sweep the forest floor in preparation for winter rituals.
A cross of pine branches placed before an unused fireplace is done to keep evil from entering.
Pine branches are hung over sick beds as a preventative measure and to help the healing process.
Crushed and dried pine needles are mixed with juniper and cedar and burned to purify and scent the home.
Pine resin can be gathered right from the tree and burned as incense to clear negative energies. The smoke also repels evil and sends the negative force back to its source.
Cones are carried as fertility charms and pine nuts are eaten for the same effect.
A pine cone is gathered on midsummer’s day and one seed a day is eaten to become immune to the sun’s heat.
A pine bath was made to help stimulate the skin, strengthen blood vessels, and to help with kidney and bladder diseases. You would gather small branches, sprigs, and cones, and cut them in pieces. Simmer for half an hour in fresh water. The decoction is strained and added to a warm bath. Afterwards you would follow it up with a quick, cold shower.
It is an old custom to place fresh pine boughs on a coffin during funeral rites and at burials. Pine being a symbol of immortality is seen as a fitting salute to the departed.
If you plan to cut pine branches or use any part of the pine tree, make sure to tell the tree what you are about to do and why. Be sure to leave a gift as thanks such as coins, tobacco, pour a drink, etc.
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Karatsu 唐津 in Saga prefecture 佐賀県 on the island of Kyushu 九州 is just a one-hour train ride away from Fukuoka 福岡 and a nice day-trip. Karatsu is known for its fine pottery, karatsu-yaki 唐津焼 which is influenced by Korea. The city offers a splendid castle, overlooking the city and the karatsu bay. Karatsu castle 唐津城 dates back to 1608 but the current building is yet another concrete rebuild from 1966. It is a museum and for a small fee, you can enter and climb up to the top, enjoying a splendid view of the city and the ocean.
Another great spot is a place called Niji no Matsubara 虹ノ松原 (rainbow pinery), a long forest of pine trees next to a wonderful beach. There is a tourist information and omiyage shop near the karatsu train station where you can rent bycicles for free and I would strongly recommend doing that, because you can cycle around freely and see the whole town. It’s perfect for swiming and sightseeing, so Karatsu is a full recommendation if you’re staying at Fukuoka or nearby.
“The God of the universe - the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and e-minor, loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing, love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss.” ~ Francis Chan [Large Pine, c.1905 - Paul Cezanne]
• Chan, senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, Calif., offers a radical call for evangelicals to consider and emulate in this debut guide to living “crazy” for God. Chan’s own life compels him to live with urgency, and with good reason. His mother died giving birth to him, his stepmother died when he was nine, and his dad when he was 12. As a pastor, Chan says that conducting weekly funerals for people younger than himself has likewise sobered him to life’s unexpectedness and frailty. More: https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781434768513
• Paul Cézanne (January 19, 1839 - October 22, 1906) was a French artist and Post-Impressionist painter whose work laid the foundations of the transition from the 19th century conception of artistic endeavour to a new and radically different world of art in the 20th century. More: https://www.paul-cezanne.org/biography.html
