Celtic Tree Lore - The Alder

The Song of the Alder Fairy

by Cicely Mary Barker

By the lake on river side

Where the Alders dwell,

In the Autumn may be spied

Baby catkins, cones beside -

Old and new as well

Seasons come and seasons go

That's the tale they tell.

After Autumn, Winter's cold

Leads us to the Spring;

And, before the leaves unfold,

On the Alder you'll behold

Crimson catkins swing!

They are making ready now

That's the song I sing.

  

Alder is a charm to be used against not so good fairies.

Water sprites are said to protect Alder trees;

So think twice before doing any harm to one.

Celtic Tree Month - Alder Witching Rods

he Alder tree is most commonly used in general weather magic. Alder wood is said to be a good choice for divining rods. Such rods can be used to dowse for water, ley lines, or even lost objects.  Other such names for this divice is dowsing rod or witching rod.  There are two types of divining rods.  The Y shape and the L shape. 

In the case of the Y shape, the two ends are held closely to ones body, about mid waist.  As one walks slowly the item which is sought will cause the point to bend downward to its location.  In the case of the L shape rods, each rod is held in each hand.  As one walks forward the item which is sought will cause the points to cross when its location is found. 

Other magical uses include the use of Alder in healing spells and divination, especially in regards to scrying. It is said that the Alder can aid in the clear sight in regards to an issue which may be troubling you. Its presence giving you shelter from outside emotional influence which will enable one to see things which earlier they may have overlooked. Alder is also known for its ability to cure the surrounding trees around it. It has the ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen, which is needed for trees as well as other plants to grow healthy.

Celtic Tree Month - Alder and Its Relationship to the Elements

n relationship to the elements, Alder is connected to air, water, and fire. Young branches can be harvested and easily turned into whistles by cutting both ends. The inside or pith is soft and can easily be pushed out with a smaller stick.

One can even cut a series of branches to various sizes and by tying them together create what is similar to a Pan pipe. It is said that such pipes are magical and have the ability to call the four winds. The Alder is also found near water frequently. The Alder’s oily wood gives it a resistance to the water. Concerning fire, alder is not the form of wood that one would choose for a fire. It does not burn well. However it can be used to create a form of charcoal. It is said that such charcoal was once used for the burning of incense.

Celtic Tree Month - Alder

arch 18 through April 14 is celebrated as the month of the Alder; according to the Celtic tree Calendar. Because of its love for the water, the Alder is often used for underwater foundations. Examples: structures found in Venice, bridges, as well as medieval cathedrals are some of the many used for Alder wood. Its wood is easily worked and quite attractive when tinted or stained. It is sometimes called the Scottish Mahogany. Other uses for Alder wood are in the construction of chairs, barrels, bowls, and wooden clogs.

Alder leaves are simple and serrated and found in most parts of of the world.  The largest grove of Red Alder is said to be on the west coast of North America whereas Black Alder is native to most of Europe.  It is also kin to the Birch family.  The catkins which fall from the tree are high in protein and are edible although they leave a bitter after taste.  The bark of the Alder is also useful.  Native Americans used the Red Alder to treat poison oak, and other skin irritations.  Most recently studies have found that Red alder contains ingrediants that have shown to be effective against various tumors. 

Alder is most notably associated with the Celtic hero of Bran the Blessed. The Alder deity is considered to be Bran the Blessed or God of the  Underworld. Bran was said to have enormous size likened to that of a giant.  It has also been written that he was the first British man.