"Of old the aspen was a tree of heroes, whose crowns of trembling leaves gave them the power not only to visit the Underworld, but also to return safely.
Similarly, the aspen crowns people placed in ancient burial mounds may have been to allow the spirits of the deceased to return to be reborn.

Aspis, the aspen’s Greek name, means shield and amongst the Celts its lightweight wood was indeed favoured for making shields. These shields were more than mere physical barriers between warrior and enemy. People thought they had magical qualities to safeguard the bearer from psychic as well as physical harm. The protective nature of the “shield tree” extended to the general population too. Like the rowan, it was a popular choice of tree to plant close to a dwelling. Aspens were also said to be able to protect buried treasure.

The Latin name of the aspen is Populus tremula, the trembling poplar. The aspen has distinctive round leaves with wavy edges and pale undersides. They grow on long, flattened stalks giving the tree the appearance of shimmering in the wind. They also make a distinctive rustling, whispering sound “. . . as if they were spattered by rain” (Mabey, 1996). In many cultures and religions people associate the wind with the voice of Spirit. In the boughs and leaves of the aspen the wind finds a distinctive voice to inspire those who would listen. The movement of the wind through the canopy and the sun dappling through the leaves can have a mesmerising effect. This can encourage a contemplative and meditative frame of mind. Aspen’s magical reputation has “done much over the years to facilitate legends of people disappearing from under it into the land of Faerie” (Paterson, 1996).

Aspen’s Gaelic name is critheann (pronounced cree-an) as in Sron a crithean in Ardgower, (the Gaelic verb for tremble being crith). Highlanders also thought of aspen as a magical tree. An aspen leaf placed under the tongue would make the bearer more eloquent, traditionally a gift of the Faerie Queen. Furthermore there were several Highland folk taboos, including those against using the wood for fishing or agricultural implements, or in house construction. These suggest that the aspen may have been considered a faerie tree on a par with the rowan which has similar taboos."

- Treesforlife (Source cannot be linked).

Aspens have long signified conquering your fears and shadow selves as well.

"Ebha, Eadha corresponds to the letter E in the Ogam alphabet and is associated with the Aspen tree. This symbol represents endurance, courage and self-confidence.

Eadha pronounced: Ed-yuh

Status: Shrub

Element: Air

Gender: Masculine

Powers: Eadha is the messenger of the wind, creating a shield and beating adversity.

Keywords: Overcoming, willpower, sensitivity, adversity, help and rebirth, preventing illness, resistance, shield, association with speech, language and the winds, ability to endure and conquer problems, doubts, conquering fear, self-confidence.

Deities associated with Aspen: Persephone, Hades.

Interesting Spiritual Information: It has the power to protect you from your fears, injury and death, it can even intervene between you and your worldly problems. The aspen can help you with the power of speech and language because of its association with the wind (the messengers of the gods).

Ogam Healing: Ability to endure hardships; Adversity; Anxiety; Apprehension; Asking for help in things; Conquer problems, doubts and fears; Endurance; Fears of the unknown; Night terrors; Preventing illness; Rebirth; Resistance; Self-confidence; Self-love; Speech and language; Strengthening will power; Terror; Epilepsy syndrome (FIRES); Protection from fear, worries, paranoia; Sciatica (back pain); Sore throats; Fevers; Urinary tract infection; Menstrual cramps; Period pain; Cystitis; Gonorrhoea; Muscle ache; Externally for cuts and wounds; Rheumatism; Arthritis…

More Medical information and in-depth healing suggestions can be found in my book The Beginners Book of Ogam Tree Healing, or by attending one of my workshops.

Notes: There are legends about the aspen dancing in answer to the Sidhe (fairies), whose secrets are carried on the wind. Pagan Irish had a rod or ‘Fe’ of aspen, marked with Ogam to measure bodies and graves. The association with the sidhe is suggestive of a mediator between worlds. For some ogam practitioners, aspen is placed in the forfeda Ae, with the meaning of grove or meeting place (represents communication, resolution and justice).

Folklore: It is known as the trembling tree or quivering tree due to its leaves and branches continuous movement during the smallest of breezes. It is also called the whispering tree because of its rustling leaves. In ancient days the wind was regarded as the messenger of the gods and because of this, the aspen was considered sacred. The tree is however more known

for its pagan powers which allowed communication with the gods and entrance into the Fey lands."

-Martyshamanichealing (source cannot be linked)