​Alder Tree - Fearn

Bruce Clifton

Winter

North

Earth

Alder Tree - Fearn

Pronunciation: (Fair - errn)  (faer n)
Lunar:  3rd Moon of the Celtic calendar (January to February) Capricorn to Aquarius
Moon Phase: New Moon/Waxing Crescent
Moon Name: Moon of Ice, Storm Moon, Snow Moon
Letter: F
Title: Chieftain
Height: (mature) up to 75ft - 25 mtr
Influence: Masculine
Age: Will live to see your grandchildrens, children
Legend: Be Heard, Share Wisdom, Hidden Curriculum.
Arch-Angel: Gabriel
​Element: Water
Chakra: Crown
Aura: Purple
Medicinal Qualities: A sprig of Alder to keep the cold away, A sprig kept under the pillow will aid arthritic joints also help fight off chesty or wheezy coughs. To turn the sap into an elixir (heavily diluted) will help cleanse the blood, liver, bladder from toxins. A tea can be made from the bark to aid diarrhea and reduce the pain from toothache.
Totem Entities: The Raven, Pike.
​
The spiritual meaning of the Alder tree is one of oracular abilities, the essence of the Alder Tree will enhance your own abilities to be heard and be seen to be doing so. There is a time to be heard, a time to be seen and a time to do both, the Alder Tree will blend the energies and encourage this to happen.

​The Alder is a solitary tree, he is happy to stand alone and offer protection to any that seek it. Used to make the shields for Celtic warriors and used to sink piles deep into river beds, craigs and lochs, this tree gives support and provides protection. Many a blacksmith has been pleased with the Alder, the smithy knowing yet more secrets the Alder brings, a hot furnace with hotter coals the coming of the iron age. The alder didn't just make the shields, it heated the furnaces to make the spearheads and arrows.

Bran the blessed is reputed to have led his followers to the White Mount in London where his head was buried, this leading to the legend of the Ravens at the Tower of London. The ravens said to have the oracular strength of Bran himself. Should Brans head ever be dug up or removed then London would fall to it's enemies.

The builders of Venice recognised the strength of the piles made of Alder and a lot of Venice today still stands on these piles. If this tree is cut it's sap will turn red, this contributed towards it's sacred status and the belief that it is unlucky to harm this tree. In many cultures the alder will be avoided this is also because it thrives in wet marshy earth, thus letting travellers know that a bog or marsh was underfoot. The roots of this tree go deep and are thick, so planted on river banks will bring solidity to the earth. Like his sister the Birch this tree promotes new growth around it but does not like family to be close, it's cones and catkins are carried away on the wind or drift away with the stream.

There are many legends surrounding the Alder Tree, it is known as a talking tree and is associated with Odin from the North, Bran a native to Prydain and Ireland, it is no coincidence that it is favoured by Ravens who nest in it's uppermost branches.
Odin had two Ravens that would be sent out each morning to return to him each night having collected information for the God.
Bran is said to have stretched his body across a river and allowed his troops to escape, but being caught himself he was beheaded, his head spoke to his followers for 7 years before being buried at what is now the Tower of London. His ravens to this day are kept at the tower as it is believed that should they leave then London will fall.
Bran the blessed is known to have the emblem of a raven in flight as his emblem, also the raven basking  in the sun. Beli Mawr his uncle is also known to have used these emblems and insignia.
If the Alder is cut then its sap will turn red, A ravens high shrill alert will travel for miles, alerting and calling to others. Odin is said to have had a horse with 8 legs and this tree is known for it's oracular abilities, in the same way Odin with his Horse and Ravens  collected and shared knowledge so this tree does the same.
It is known that being one of the first trees to flourish it attracts and feeds the first bees and birds of the coming year, it also allows the elementals to play beneath it's branches. It is known as the faery tree and is known to accomodate the water spirits and the king of the elves. 

The twigs, bark and leaves serve many purposes, the twigs and bark attract insects and so placed onto furniture infested with woodworm it will attract the wood worm away from your wood. The young leaves are sticky and scented these will attract fleas where once stuck they become prey to bigger insects.
The wood when burned is favoured by smithys because it is hot, it is favoured by cobblers because it is light. Many a pair of clogs have been made from this wood. ​

Ogham Tree Lore

Bruce Clifton

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