Yew

The berries of the European Yew (Taxus baccata), I've seen a lot of berries on the Yews this year. The religious/sacred nature of the Yew to the peoples of Europe is well documented and shown by the number of folklore traditions associated with it, both oral and written.  In both the Celtic and Norse traditions the Yew was seen as the tree of life; it has been suggested that the Yggdrasil of Norse cosmology, traditionally referred to as an Ash tree is in fact a Yew.  Whilst to the Celts saw the Yew as associated with immortality and the ancestors, testimony to its enduring significance to cultural groups of Germanic origins (Celtic, Saxons and such like) was its adoption by the Christians. Even today the Yew is still frequently found in Christian graveyards, and at one time every church yard would have held one.  It should be remembered that although associated with immortality all parts of the tree (except the fleshy part of the berry) are very poisonous, with the needles becoming more poisonous when dried. So no messing, be careful. There's no doubt though that the Yew still holds a magical place in our consciousness and is always met with reverence.