Ogham Tuesday: White Poplar/Éabhadh

White Poplar grows well enough in many circumstances to be a problem, gaining up to 130 feet in height quickly. It grows eagerly on woodland edges, where it spreads by sucker and forms colonies of tall trees that sway in the breeze. 

As with Aspens, its silver-green foliage tremble in the slightest breeze. White Poplar flowers and catkins are small and unremarkable but its height and bark have a lot of ornamental interest. First introduced to the US in the 1800s, it quickly “escaped” cultivation and is considered invasive in many states these days. They do best in a setting where their suckers can’t interfere with septic systems and their roots won’t disturb sidewalks. 

When White Poplar comes up in a reading, it’s a signal to take a step away from the tangle of your problems. Floating above the situation for a moment often yields a different perspective or maybe an appreciation for patterns that are less visible when we’re up close. Much like you can manage buoyancy underwater with breath control, you can tap into the wisdom of White Poplar to help you both DIS-engage and RE-engage with intent.  

Keywords include: buoyancy, floating, disentanglement, disassociation, solitude, distant, awareness, detail, alternatives, crossroads, delight, discovery, allies, management, planning, meditation, trance

Guidance might include:

• Take a breath. Let it out. Do that a few more times before making your next choice.

• Consider whether you’re expanding into areas that are healthy and useful. 

• Adjusting your “focal length” in this situation might reveal a pattern or options you hadn’t noticed before. 

Questions or cautions might include:

• Does this situation NEED your involvement, or can you wait and see what happens?

• How might quick action create the risk of instability?

• Can you afford to let a decision wait for a bit?

What connections do you see? 

Blessings,

Nicole

~ Nicole (Nikki, sometimes Saffron Hare) is founder and general manager at Nine Fires Press. Her Druidic practice has included solitary, small-group, and congregational worship, with a focus on liturgy and seership. She is studying for her Master Gardener certification, rehabbing an underground home in the Midwestern US, and loves to fall in love with bad ideas.

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