Celtic Trees ~ Alder

Merry Meet,

The following is my overview of the Alder tree.  I may have more to add at a later date but for now I am happy with it:

Month of Alder

The Celtic Year

18^th March – 14^th April

The Latin Names:     Over 35 species of Alnus and is part of the Birch family.

Alnus Glutinosa         Alnus Incanna            Alnus Cordata

 (Common Alder)       (Grey Alder)                (Italian Alder)

                                               

Celtic Names:           Fearnóg

Folk and Common:      Else, Elise, Els, Alisa

Parts Used:              Bark, Leaves

Divine Association

Gods: Bran, Apollo, Odin, King Arthur, Phoroneus, Nechtan, Manannan Mac Lir,

Goddesses: Cailleach Beara

Symbolism

Polarity: Masculine

Element: Fire, Water

Celtic Month: March

Sabbat: Ostara

Planetary Ruler: Neptune

Colour: Purple

Stone: Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli,

Bird: Hawk, Seagulls, Raven

History

In Greek tradition, the Alder is sacred to Phoroneus, the inventor of fire.

In German tradition, the Alder is associated with the Alder Woman of many names - Else, Elsa, Elise – which are all forms of Anglo-Saxon’s Alor and Gothic Alisa, both meaning Alder.  She appears as a seductive woman, who teaches the all-too-lustful males a lesson by changing into a hairy or bark-like creature.  There is more lore about her within the Wulfdietrich Saga and is similar to Merlin in Welsh tradition.  In short she is similar to that of the Celtic Goddess who marries a mortal king, she is the spirit of the surrounding land.

The young Alder is smooth and greenish brown, later turning a dark brown or grey.  Alder is rich in protein and attracts woodworm, which is why it is not popularly used in building.  Although, once under water, Alder becomes extremely durable which explains is use for bridge and lake-side foundations, as well as water pipes, pumps and sluices.

Alder was used to make artist charcoal.  The wood produces red dye, the bark produces black dye and the leaves produce green dye.

  Magical Properties

Success:

Spells to aid success in your business and academic ventures work well at this time of year. Sow the seeds of your success now.

Elementals:

Several shoots bound together by cordage, can be trimmed to the desired length for producing the note you want and used to entice Air elementals. The old superstition of "whistling up the wind" began with this custom.

Also properties of:

Release, Shield and Foundation, Determination, Discrimination and Inner Confidence, Royalty, Anti-drowning, death and water spells

Other Magical Uses:

Alder helps you face up to the things you've been avoiding.

 Herbal Usage

Skin Disease & Burns:

Bags filled with heated Alder leaves help can be a useful remedy..

Mouth Ulcers & Tonsillitis:

Make a gargle from leaves and bark of Alder as a cure. 

Muscular Aches & Stiffness:

Alder oil and essence can relieve stiffness and damp diseases, enabling us to move forward with flexibility and comfort.

Anxiety:

Alder tree essence is invigorating, and it also reduces nervousness. 

Chills

Make a tea from Alder bark to remedy this.

Other Uses:

Alder bark can be used as a treatment for inflammation, rheumatism and diarrhoea.

The Alder also has properties of Astringent and Diuretic.

More Information

It also was believed that Alder allowed access into the faery realms.

Unless you know what you are doing with Alder, it is best not to use it for magical purposes.  Up until the 20^th century, only Druids could handle Alder without penalty and many believed that it was unlucky to handle Alder at all.

The pith is easily pushed out of green shoots to make whistles.

Save the Alder

Woodman, spare that tree!
Touch not a single bough!
In youth it sheltered me,
And I'll protect it now.

General George P. Morris

☮ ❤ & ツ

Blessed Be

SRM

☽✪☾