To the Celts and many other people of the Old World, certain trees held special significance - as a fuel for heat, cooking, building materials and weaponry. In addition to this however, many woods also provided a powerful spiritual presence. The specific trees varied between different cultures and geographic locations, but those believed to be "sacred" shared certain traits. Unusual size, beauty, the materials they provided, their unique physical characteristics, or simply the power of the tree's spirit, could grant it a central place in the folklore and mythology of a culture. Even our modern culture finds that certain trees capture our imagination. The mighty oak, the mystical yew and many others are reminders of the power that trees have on our lives. Trees are living things, filled with the essence and energy of the Elementals and Mother Earth, with an aura of power that is visible to those who are in total balance and harmony. The lore that surrounds a particular tree or wood often reflects the power the old ones sensed and drew from their presence.