The Grand Portage Witch Tree is a significant landmark located in Grand Portage, Minnesota, United States. This iconic tree holds a great deal of cultural and historical importance for the Ojibwe Native American tribe. The Witch Tree, also known as the Manidoo-Giizhikens, is a solitary white cedar tree that stands tall on a rocky bluff overlooking Lake Superior. It is estimated to be over 300 years old and has become a symbol of spiritual significance for the Ojibwe people. According to Ojibwe legend, the Witch Tree is inhabited by a spirit or manidoo, which is revered and respected by the tribe. It is believed to possess powerful spiritual energy and is the dwelling place of benevolent spirits.
Morrin says it has become a peaceful place for people to unload their personal burdens.
In his book Minong -The Good Place , author Timothy Cochrane explains the Spirit Little Cedar Tree is the traditional place to bring prayers and offers for a safe crossing and fishing success. The lichen is very sensitive to air pollution, so we re happy that it grows so well here, says Seth Moore, wildlife biologist for the Grand Portage Band.
It is believed to possess powerful spiritual energy and is the dwelling place of benevolent spirits. The Ojibwe people consider this tree as a sacred site and often make offerings of tobacco, cloth, and other items to show respect and seek blessings. Furthermore, the Grand Portage Witch Tree holds historical importance in relation to the fur trade.
Spirit of Lake Superior
On Hat Point along the northwest shore of Lake Superior stands a gnarled elder of the Grand Portage Band of Minnesota’s Ojibwe people: Manido Gee-zhi gance, Spirit Little Cedar Tree. To reach it, one must pass through a grove shrouded by old man’s beard, an ethereal, light-green lichen. The lichen is “very sensitive to air pollution, so we’re happy that it grows so well here,” says Seth Moore, wildlife biologist for the Grand Portage Band.
At the bottom of a steep trail waits the tribe’s sentinel, a northern white cedar, or arborvitae, in which a spirit is said to dwell. The species, Thuja occidentalis, grows slowly on cliff faces and in northern swamp forests. The earliest written record of this aged specimen is from the French Canadian explorer Sieur de la Vérendrye in 1731, who called it a mature cedar at the time.
The Witch Tree, as it was later named, likely began life in a fissure in the granite rock that lines the lake. There it survived gales, ice floes, and blizzards—for a time. Then an unknown event, perhaps a lightning strike, damaged the tree’s crown but left its main root alive. A root sprout arose, entwining the original trunk.
As the rock fissure in which the cedar grew slowly weathered, a deep path cracked open. The tree’s roots followed, extending into the lake. Manido Gee-zhi-gance became halfland, half-water. Beneath the surface, fish dart among the roots. Above the waves, the tree’s branches offer a safe haven to the eagle and the raven.
“When you go to the Witch Tree,” says Don Hoaglund, a Grand Portage Band member, “you’re stepping into a different world.” The tree was the sacred ground for prayers for a safe crossing of Lake Superior and for fishing success, writes Timothy Cochrane in Minong—The Good Place: Ojibwe and Isle Royale. Offerings of tobacco and ribbon—and earlier, vermilion—were placed in its tortuous branches. The gifts, it was hoped, would appease Mishipizheu, the Underwater Lynx. Mishipizheu, the Ojibwe whispered, dwelled in a lair in the lake’s depths. The tradition continues today. Visitors—who must be accompanied by a member of the Grand Portage Band—leave tokens in the tree’s arms.
For all its powers, the Witch Tree nearly met its end some thirty years ago: its rocky promontory, which was in private hands, came up for sale. “The guy who owned the land had a little shack where he used to sell souvenirs of the tree,” says Hoaglund. "People were taking pieces of it, destroying the Spirit Tree little by little.”
Hoaglund and fellow band member Bill Corcoran teamed up with Rick Novitsky, then-director of the Grand Portage Band’s natural resources department, to rescue the tree. Forming the “Friends of the Witch Tree,” they raised $85,000 to purchase the land. The last payment was made in May 1990. “We had to save it,” says Novitsky. “It embodies the determination and resilience of the Ojibwe people.”
Where there is life, however wizened, there remains spirit.
The area where the tree is located was a major portage route used by fur traders in the 18th century. The Ojibwe people played a crucial role as middlemen in the fur trade between European traders and other Native American tribes. The Witch Tree served as a landmark for these traders, guiding them through the difficult terrain and ensuring safe passage. Today, the Grand Portage Witch Tree continues to be a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Ojibwe people and their deep connection with the land and spirits. The tree stands as a symbol of resilience and reverence, preserving the traditions and stories of the past for future generations to learn and appreciate. In conclusion, the Grand Portage Witch Tree is an ancient white cedar tree that holds great cultural and historical significance for the Ojibwe people. It is regarded as a sacred site and embodies the spiritual beliefs and traditions of the tribe. This landmark serves as a reminder of the Ojibwe's role in the fur trade and their deep connection with the land. The Witch Tree continues to be a symbol of reverence and cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world..
Reviews for "The Legacy of Witchcraft at Grand Portage Witch Tree"
1. Amy - 2/5 stars - The Grand Portage Witch Tree was a disappointment for me. Firstly, the story felt very disjointed and confusing. It jumped from one plot point to another without much coherence. Additionally, the characters were flat and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. The pacing of the book was also an issue. It started off slow and then rushed through important scenes, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book.
2. John - 1/5 stars - "Grand Portage Witch Tree" was a complete waste of time for me. The plot was weak and predictable, lacking any originality or excitement. The writing style was also subpar, with awkward phrasing and grammatical errors that made it a chore to read. The characters were 1-dimensional and uninteresting, failing to evoke any emotional reaction from me. I had high hopes for this book, but it fell far short of my expectations. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this one.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Grand Portage Witch Tree" but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The story felt repetitive and cliché, following the typical tropes of supernatural fiction without adding anything new or interesting. The dialogue was unrealistic and forced, making it difficult for me to become immersed in the story. The pacing was also inconsistent, with slow sections that dragged on and fast-paced scenes that were hard to follow. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre at best and wouldn't recommend it.
4. Mike - 1/5 stars - I couldn't finish "Grand Portage Witch Tree". The writing was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to understand what was happening. The characters were poorly developed and lacked any redeeming qualities, making it impossible for me to care about their fates. The plot was also poorly executed, with too many subplots that didn't add anything meaningful to the story. I found myself bored and frustrated while reading this book, and ultimately gave up on it. I would not recommend it to anyone.