Scottish Mahogany, Irish Mahogany, King of the Forest, Tree of the Fairies. Celtic Name: Fearn.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Alder tree (Alnus glutinosa) is rich in tannins, which have astringent properties and make it a valuable resource for tanning leather.
Medicinally, Alder bark has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea, toothaches, and even as an antiseptic for wounds.
In Celtic folklore, the Alder is associated with the god Bran, symbolizing protection and transition, and its wood was used to make shields and boats.
In magical practices, Alder wands are believed to enhance intuition and divination, making them a preferred tool for witches and druids.
Constituents
Between 16-20% tannins in young shoots and the bark of the trees. The bark also contains phenolic glycosides, lignans, emodin, and triterpenes. The leaves contain flavonoid glycosides, specifically hyperoside, and resin.
Medicinal Uses
As an astringent, tonic, antiviral (especially for herpes), hemorrhagic, antibacterial, emetic, vulnerary, febrifuge, anti diarrhoeal, lymphatic, and possible anti-inflammatory.
The leaves were traditionally added to a bed to treat rheumatism. They are just as easily added to a duvet for the same effect.
| Healing Property | Description | Area/Aspect of Healing |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Provides protective energies and shields from negativity | Physical, emotional, and energetic protection |
| Purification | Clears and cleanses the environment and energy | Spiritual, emotional, and energetic purification |
| Soothing | Offers a calming and soothing effect | Emotional and mental soothing |
| Balance | Promotes balance and stability | Restoring harmony and equilibrium |
| Transformation | Facilitates personal growth and transformation | Supporting inner changes and growth |
They are also used to treat inflammation and burns, especially breast inflammation.
As an astringent, it treats bruising, swelling, mouth ulcers, and sore throats. It is also used to combat eczema, acne, and impetigo. The cones are used to treat hemorrhage and haematuria.
Can be used to cleanse the blood and tissue and well treats rhinitis.
The whole plant is used to be rid of fleas in the house.
Associations
- Planets: Moon, Mars
- Elements: Fire and Water
- Crystals: lapis lazuli, amethyst
- Animals: ravens, hawks, seagulls
- Color: purple
- Deities: Odin, Bran, King Arthur, Apollo, Astarte, Aphrodite, Pan, Lugh, Orpheus, Branwen, Arianrhod
Magical Uses
As it is associated with both the Moon and Mars, and Water and Fire, there is an obvious connection with the balance between emotions and with actions. It’s also used when facing all that you’ve recently avoided.
Because of its fantastic dyeing properties, it has strong associations with spinning and fabric making.
| Use/Purpose | Description | Magical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Divination Tool | Use Alder twigs for divination or dowsing | Enhances intuition and connection to spiritual realms |
| Protective Charm | Create protective charms using Alder twigs or cones | Guards against negative energies and entities |
| Ritual Firewood | Burn Alder wood in rituals for purification and cleansing | Cleanses the space and releases stagnant energy |
| Healing Wand | Carve and craft a healing wand from Alder wood | Channels healing energies and intentions |
| Sacred Offering | Present Alder leaves, twigs, or cones as an offering | Honors and invites the blessings of the Alder tree |
Making whistles of the shoots is quite easy as the pith of a shoot is simple to push out, making it possible to create Panpipes with the shoots and cutting them at different lengths, then tying them together. This holds great sway over the four winds and Air Elementals, in fact, “whistling up the wind” is said to have started with Alder whistles.
Because it is a tree that allows access to the faerie realms, it is not good fortune to cut one down, as it is a charm against malevolent fairies. Water sprites are said to protect the tree, so again, be wary of cutting it down.
A really fascinating property of the tree is because of its love to be near water (you’ll find them growing near rivers/streams), the wood does not rot when submerged in water but increases in hardness.
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How do I make my own attraction oil for candles, etc.
https://magickalspot.com/herbal-oils-and-salves/