Magical Properties of Alder Trees

The Alder Tree is the third tree in the Celtic lunar year. It's name comes from the Old English ealdoer, which means "chief,"as in alderman. The tree is known for helping those who must resolve disputes see the truth from falsehood and so be able to grant justice.

The Greek word for Alder is clethera, which means "I confine" speaking to the Alders' protective qualities. It is also a tree associated with "the sight"as it is considered to posses psychic qualities. The tree is a favorite of Bran The Blessed and his raven.

Alder wood is used effectively in weather magick. Wands of Alder wood may only be gathered as fallen branches, for to cut an Alder returns all of it's power to the ground. The Alder wand may be used to summon the winds, rain and storms to nourish the land or return balance to the area. You can make a whistle of Alder to summon the four winds.

Alder wood wands also help supplement the inner strength needed to overcome adversaries when challenged and frightened. It bestows courage and represents the evolving spirit.

A Wand or Staff of Alder is for the Warrior. In the Celtic Story Cad Goddau, the Battle Of The Trees, the Alder tooks it's position on the front lines. Since it is the tree of fire, it is the hottest in a fight. The Alder is also known as the "Battle Witch" of all woods.

Photo by halifaxlight

Alder Moon

In the lunar tree calender of the Celts, the Alder tree is the 4th moon/month. The full moon of the month, is masculine in energy and works with the magical properties of spirituality, teaching, duty, and mental prowess. It's also the moon that controls weather magic. The full moon in the month of Alder, has been called the moon of utility, efficacy, and self guidance.

The energy of the Alder moon will boost you personal growth and self determination, enabling you to overcome obstacles and fears. It it also an appropriate time to reacquaint yourself with arcane knowledge, the seasons and shifting weather. The Alder moon has similar qualities to the Roman God Saturn, who is known as "the Teacher."

Photo By Charles Harkins

Druid Wands

The Ash is one of the sacred Druidic trees. The Ash tree is associated with positive enchantment and application of will to destiny. Ash is used in spell craft for sea power, ocean rituals, karmic laws, magical potency, healing, protection from drowning, love, rain making, women's mysteries, prophetic dreams, general protection, Prosperity, and health. Special guardian spirits reside in the Ash; This makes it excellent for absorbing sickness. In Greek legend, the nymphs of ash trees were called the Meliai. Rhea gave birth to the Meliai and the ash-tree sister nymphs tended the infant Zeus in her cave.

Ash is often used for making both mundane and magical tools. Tools with handles of Ash are more productive than tools made with other types of wood. Witches besoms are often made from Ash for the handle, Birch twigs for the brush and Willow for bindings.

Ash wands are good for healing, general and solar magic. Druid wands were often made of ash because of all of the magical properties and its straight grain. The spirally carved Druidic wand was made of Ash for this healing purpose. Such wands have been found in archaelogical sites in Wales which evidences indeed the powers of the Ash were reverenced and employed by the Druids.

The Celtic Tree Calendar

Tree: Birch

Month:December 24th - January 20th

Tree: Rowan

Month: January 21st - February 17th

Tree: Ash

Month: February 18th - March 17th

Tree: Alder

Month: March 18th - April 14th

Tree: Willow

Month: April 15th - May 12th

Tree: Hawthorn

May 13th - June 9th

Tree: Oak

Month: June 10th - July 17th

Tree: Holly

Month: July 18th - August 4th

Tree: Hazel

Month: August 5th - September 1st

Tree: Apple

Month: September 2nd - September 29th

Tree: Ivy

Month: September 30th - October 27th

Tree: Broom

Month: October 28th - November 24th

Tree: Elder

November 25th - December 21st