Spiritual Meaning of The Osage Tree, it’s “Apples” & “Monkey Balls”

The Osage Tree is an ancient tree that has been here since The Ice Age. Its fruit was eaten by animals like the Woolly Mammoth. However, the fruit of The Osage Tree, or “Hedge Apples”  or “Horse Apples” as they are often called, are now inedible to most modern animals.

Many North American tribes utilized the prized wood of The Osage Tree for many uses. The wood of The Osage Tree is extremely dense & strong. It is highly flexible & durable which made it the best choice for crafting archery bows. The wood of The Osage Tree is also rot resistant and burns hotter than most any other tree. The wood was so sought after that it became considered very valuable as currency and trade. It was so valuable in warfare, that tribes fought over land that The Osage Tree inhabited. 

The fruit of The Osage Tree is often called “Hedge Apples” because early settlers used The Osage Trees as “Hedges”, akin to living fences. Their thorny nature created the perfect all natural barbed wired protection, and their strong, dense nature offered a stable buffer against the wind in open space and the expansive prairies of the Midwest. 

Spiritual Meaning & Magickal Uses…

The Osage Tree Itself Represents…

~ Boundaries & Protection

~ Practical Creativity 

~ Resilience, Endurance, Adaptability

~ Warding of Pests 

Osage Tree Fruit, “Hedge Apples” or “Horse Apples”…

~ Practical Creativity – The brain-like look of the green fruit connects to the mind. It invites you to find unique, but practical solutions for everyday issues. 

~ Evolution, Endurance, Resilience, Adaptability, Timelessness & Ancient Wisdom – The fruit evolved over time to be eaten by megafauna during The Ice Age, showcasing its strength over time to endure, adapt as needed and evolve. It reminds us of our inner strength, stepping to occasion to survive against all odds. 

~ Protection & Boundaries: In some folklore, the fruit is said to keep away insects and pests, and is placed near doorways or closets to keep them away.

The Spikey “Monkey Ball” of The Osage Tree…

~ Making Spiritual & Practical Boundaries – Using these balls in protective & defensive magick is beneficial, as the round & spikey shape of the balls help you focus to keep unwanted energy & people out of your space. They serve to assist in setting spatial boundaries, both physically and energetically. They can be incorporated into any protective working; used in a mojo bag, soaked in spring water to make protection water, ground up and used with herbs in the dressings for candle magick. They can be placed in any area that you want to rid negativity and bring in extra protection and a firm boundary. You can place them inside closets, in the corners of rooms, or even create a decorative talisman that you can hang in your windows or doorways. If you don’t want your magick to be visible by others, you can simply put them inside a chiffon mojo bag or the like, tucked away in a drawer or other hidden place in the area you wish to fortify or remedy. 

~ Connection To Innate Creativity – Use the “Monkey Balls” in meditation to activate your child like wonder, awe & creativity. The odd, spikey fun shape is enough to spark your curiosity. Don’t ever forget how magickal and wondrous this amazing Mother Earth is, and all the ways She can show us what we are capable of, and remind us of the gifts we have within!