Alnus
"1 am the Shining Tear of the Sun"
Winter Cymraes March 1995
Alder is the third Tree of the Celtic lunar year, considered a Fire Moon since Fearn is the very Battle-Witch of all woods, the one hottest in the fight, receiving this reputation in the epic poem "The Battle of the Trees." In this poem, Alder fought on the front line, showing courage and enthusiasm.
Alder grows in wet soils in humid, cool temperate regions. It is a native of
Europe, North America and Asia, locally naturalized in South eastern Canada
and North Eastern United States, common to wet places over the northern hemisphere.
Alder is a member of the Birch family, considered a cousin to both Birch (Beith)
and Hazel (Coll), having flowers and seeds born in catkins in the same manner.
Usually found near streams - as is the case with Willow (Saille) it does not
thrive well on dry ground. Commonly, the wood has been used for pumps, troughs,
sluices and for bridge building. It resists water, the timber fending of decay
indefinitely underwater. Its beams were used in the underwater construction
of the Celtic lake dwellings found in present-day Switzerland. Although a poor
fuel Tree, as the likes of Willow, Poplar and Chestnut, it yields the best charcoal,
continuing the image as a Fire Tree.
For this reason Fearn is thought to contain Fire Energy, giving it its ability
to resist water. Fearn was also seen to fend off the destructive power of Winter,
signifying the Spring's dew and the year's true start. Since Fearn blooms in
early Spring, one of the most prevalent images is that of the Tree lifting the
house out of the floods of Winter.
Fearn has a long history. Its name derives from the Old English, ealdor, meaning
'chief', relating to the office of the aIderman. In The Odyssey, Alder is the
first of the three Trees of resurrection - along with White Poplar and Cypress
- forming the protective wood around the cave of Calypso, the daughter of Atlas.
The Greek word for Alder, clethera, is derived from cleio, meaning "I close"
or "I confine." In legend, paradisal Apple orchard islands are surrounded
for protection by Alder Trees.
Alder also has the unusual capacity to render three different dyes. Red is produced
from the bark, green from the flowers and brown from its twigs. These dyes represent
three of the four Elements - Fire, Water and Earth. The red dye was traditionally
used to dye the faces of Sacred Kings in ritual. The green dye was associated
with the clothing of the Faeries, who may be regarded as survivors of earlier,
dispossessed tribes and also coincides with the legend of the Green Man. The
use of these dyes seems to be very ancient.
It is identified with certain Gods - Bran, the Celtic God; the Greek Phoroneus
who was the inventor of fire (which Prometheus brought to Man); the Scandinavian
Ellerkonig; and, the Roman Saturnus. Fearn also symbolizes the planet Mars due
to its inherent Fire nature. In its relationship to Mars, it can be seen as
the lord of birth, death, generation and destruction, of sexual and spiritual
power that can both liberate and destroy. The gemstone associated is the Ruby,
the flower the Broom. The Ruby has been worn as protection against the plague
and pestilence and its powers, as those of Fearn, are said to promote courage,
boldness and vitality. The Broom has a history as a restorative.
Of its magical uses, whistles to call up the North Wind are made of the wood
and divining rods of Alder were often used by Witches to make rain.
Spiritual qualities of Alder are directly attributable to its appearance and
water-resistant abilities. Since its buds grow in spirals, it has become a symbol
of resurrection and new life.
Because Fearn is a harbinger of Spring, displaying a hardy survival to the rigours
of Winter, this resurrection image and protective power is reinforced.
Its keyword in divination is 'foundation'. When Alder appears it gives great
strength in contentious situations or competition, granting tenacity and determination.
Fearn's spiritual protection in disputes, allows for oracular strength but asks
you to be true to your principles - your foundation - and thus to remain steadfast
in decisions based upon this quality. The challenge of Fearn is to have the
knowledge of when to act, to allow change and when to remain quiescent. It may
also indicate that you fear defeat to such a degree that your courage is impaired
and you may hesitate when action is necessary. Alder tells you that you must
listen to your inner voice, be receptive to its message. By the same token,
since resurrection is called for, maintaining a youthful approach and demeanour
may be helpful.
Sacred Tree and Grove Planting Programme