With spring finally here, symbols of renewal and life are everywhere. The change in season also heralds the time of Easter, where many celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. One of the symbols associated with this joyous holiday is the palm, laid at Jesus’ feet as he rode triumphantly into Jerusalem. This article takes a closer look at this powerful tree and its spiritual uses.
The African oil palm was used extensively for centuries in the spiritual practices of West Africa and South Africa. Though many of the palm fronds we encounter during Easter come from the Mexican Fan and Date palms, the spiritual applications are quite similar.
In the Bible we find this special tree mentioned several times. We find them mentioned as objects of decoration inscribed on the walls of Ezekiel’s temples. We read of the Israelites encountering them after they left Egypt in Exodus. They are mentioned in the Song of Songs and also in Revelation. From these passages we get a sense of how the palm acquired its reputation for victory and nobility.
So how can you use the palm in spiritual work? For simplicity, we’ll work with the two types most likely seen on Palm Sunday: the Mexican Fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) and the Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera). If you can get the fronds from a church, all the better.
A fan palm can be used to waft the smoke of your incenses while praying to add power to your rituals. Date palm leaves are ideal for this. Verses of Scripture or words of power can be written on the frond segments for an added effect.
If you like working with the Psalms, Psalm 92 gives an excellent verse to create wealth, stability and success. Write your name out three times on a petition paper and write Psalm 92:12 over it. Add to it a pinch each of cedar wood, pine resin, and frankincense and fold into a packet. Place this in the soil of an indoor palm tree and keep it by your front door. Every week on watering, pray the Psalm over it.
To make a healing ointment, write the name of the afflicted on two fan palm fronds. Fold it into a palm cross and pray over it each day as it dries. When dried completely, burn the leaves to ash. Mix the ash with crushed Balm of Gilead or a healing herb of your choice, and a little palm or Holy oil. Apply to the person directly (or their dollbaby) until conditions improve.
Even if Easter is not part of your spring practices, there’s elements of this very special time that can help bring renewal, healing and a victorious life.
