PLANT NAME:  Ash
KNOWN BY OTHER NAMES:  Nion
GENDER:  Masculine
PLANET:  Sun
ELEMENT:  Fire
DEITIES:  Uranus, Poseidon, Thor, Woden, Neptune,
Mars, Gwydion
POWERS:  Protection, Prosperity, Sea Ritual, Health
RITUAL USES:  The ash, to the ancient Teutons,
represented Ygdrasill, or the world tree, which was their
conception of the universe, and was therefore reverenced.
MAGICAL USES:  Carve a piece of ash wood into a solar
cross (equal-armed) and carry as a protection against
drowning while at sea.  It is also used in sea rituals, for it
represents the powerful which resides in water.  The leaves of
the ash when placed beneath the pillow induce prophetic
dreams.  It is, as with most trees, considered to be protective. 
A staff of ash hung over the doorpost wards off malign
influences, and at one time a garter made of green bark was
worn as a protectant against the powers or sorcerers and
conjures.  The leaves are also scattered to the four directions
to protect a house or area, and are used in protective sachets
and spells.  Healing wands are sometimes fashioned of ash
wood, and a few ash leaves placed in a bowl of water next to
the bed, left overnight, will prevent illness.  The water should
be discarded each morning and the rite repeated each night. 
If any person or animal has been bitten by a snake, make a
circlet of ash twigs and tie it around the victim's neck
(whether is be human or otherwise) and it will cure them. 
(of course, it would not hurt to get the snakebite kit out and
call a doctor as well) This spell probably works because
snakes have an innate fear of the ash tree, they will not crawl
over its wood.  If you burn ash wood at Yule, you will
receive prosperity, and poppets may be caved from the roots
of ash.  The ash attracts lighting so don't stand beneath one
during an electrical storm.  If you wish your new-born to be a
good singer, bury it first nail parings under an ash tree.  And
to gain love of the opposite sex, carry the leaves.