Magical Elder by Unity
Elder -
Sambucus nigra
Gender-
Feminine
Planet -
Venus
Element -
Water
Deities -
Holda, Venus
Powers -
exorcism, protection, healing, prosperity, sleep
The elder
tree is a common sight in the British countryside and gardens with its creamy
white frothy blossoms in the summer, and black/purple berries in the Autumn. It
is considered to be unlucky to cut down or burn elder as the Elder Mother was
thought to reside within it, and it should never be cut without her permission.
Before cutting any wood from it the following formula was recited while
kneeling before the tree, prior to making the first cut:
'Lady
Elhorn, give me of thy wood,
and I will
give thee of mine
when I
become a tree.'
Always
remember to thank the tree after you have cut any wood from it as well and if
possible leave an offering for the tree spirit.
The elder is
a medicine chest, from the mud growing at its roots, traditionally thought to
have special power in treating toothache; its bark being used as a painkiller
and emetic; the leaves being used to treat eczema and sores; the flowers for
fevers, coughs and colds and the berries to boost the immune system.
In the
Forest of Dean, elderflower wine was regarded as such a good all-round cure,
that it was given for any ailment for a couple of days, if the patient showed
no improvement after that, then it was time to call the doctor! Modern
herbalists use the berries for their anti-viral properties and to stimulate the
immune system, however don't eat the berries or seeds raw as they will make you
sick.
Elderflower
water in centuries gone by was used by women to clear freckles, ease sunburn
and soften and whiten skin. It is still used today in some skin and body
lotions. Going back even further, the Romans used elderberries as a hair dye.
Branches
from the elder tree contain a soft pithy core which is easily removed to create
a whistle or pipes, it is said the faeries use them for their music. Children
also used to use the hollow branches as pop guns.
The best
time to encounter faeries is under an elder bush on Midsummer eve, when the
faery King and Queen and their followers may be seen passing by. Do not fall
asleep under the elder though, you may be kidnapped and taken to faeryland as
Thomas the Rhymer was. Cradles were never made of elder wood as it was thought
a faery would replace your child with a changeling.
In common
with other trees with white blossom, such as hawthorn and rowan, the elder has
a strong connection with many Mother Goddess figures. Like rowan, elder was
seen as a protective tree and it was auspicious if it was growing in your
garden, especially if it was self-seeded.
The rowans
place was by the front door and the elder at the back door to keep evil spirits
and other negative influences from entering your home.
An elder
tree in your garden is also said to bring prosperity to the household, and
sticks placed around the house will protect it against snakes and burglars!
The aroma of
the leaves also keeps flies away which is another reason why it's a great idea
to have one near your back door which in many homes leads to the kitchen, the
last place you want flies.
Bunches of
leaves were hung in doorways, livestock barns and attached to horse’s harnesses
for the same reason.
The name 'elder'
may have been derived from 'Hylde- Moer', the Scandinavian deity associated
with the tree. It has also been suggested that the name may derive from the
Anglo-Saxon 'Aeld' meaning 'Fire', possibly referring to the pithy core of the
wood which was used as tinder.
Elder has
the power to force an evil magician to release any enchantments or spells they
may have cast against you.
Carry the
berries to protect you from evil and negativity.
Tie a twig
of elder into three or four knots and carry in your pocket to prevent
rheumatism.
Elder
flowers can be used in wedding bouquets and decorations to bring good luck to
the couple.
It is said
if a pregnant woman kisses an elder tree it will bring good fortune for the
baby.
Place elder
leaves under your pillow or add to a sleep pillow to help you get a good night’s
sleep.
In the past,
it was thought that warts could be cured by rubbing them with a green elder
twig then burying it in mud to rot.
In some
rural areas, it was believed that chastising a child with an elder switch would
stop the child growing.
The elder is
one of the Celtic Ogham trees, its Ogham name is Rui and its energies are
'transformation, renewal, regeneration and wisdom.'
I feel the
elder is a tree of wisdom, and if approached and treated with respect it has a
very warm and loving energy which is shown in its gifts of medicine and food. I
often pick the flowers in Spring and berries in Autumn from a local tree (after
asking permission and leaving an offering, usually plant fertilizer)
I use the
flowers in a tea for colds and flu. Just mix equal amounts of elder flowers,
peppermint and yarrow and keep in a jar. When you feel a cold coming on make a
tea using 1 tbsp. of the mix.
With the berries,
I make elderberry syrup: Remove the berries from the stems with a fork and
place in a large saucepan with half their volume of water. Simmer and stir for
20 minutes and mash the berries up with a potato masher or fork whilst it's
cooking. Allow to cool a bit them pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a
jug. Measure the juice and for every 500ml of juice add 250g muscovado sugar or
honey, a stick of cinnamon, cloves, a piece of fresh ginger root and a few
slices of honey. Simmer for 20 minutes. Strain again and pour into sterilized
bottles. Label with the name and date. Dose: 1 tsp neat every few hours for
colds, coughs and flu or drink it with hot water.
Unity
Elderflower image from the Woodland Trust
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