The Alder

March 18 ~ April 14

The Alder was believed by the Druids to link both male and female principles, thus helping to create a balance between the two within each individual. It is also associated with courage and represents the evolving spirit. Considered to be a tree of death and resurrection, it may have been used (along with the Poplar) in the fe rod which was kept in pre-Christian cemeteries for the measuring of graves and corpses. The fe rod was handled only by an appointed official and was believed to have been carved with an Ogham inscription. Resistant to the rotting element of water, wood from the Alder was often used in the making of bridges, boats, clogs and milk jugs. It was also frequently used in the making of magical whistles, flutes and pipes. It was once a crime to fell an Alder since the angry tree spirit was believed to take revenge by burning down houses. If felled, however, the tree literally "bleeds" by turning from white to red. Red dyes were once made from the bark, brown dyes from the twigs and green dyes from the flowers of this tree. The Alder is a Faery tree sacred to Bran and, therefore, oracular in nature and often used for divination. Medicinally, it would be used to rid people of fleas and boils. In Irish legend, the first human male was created from Alder (the first female being created from Rowan).

The Common Alder is a somber, deciduous tree with a dark bark. It is water-loving and most comfortable along lowland rivers and streams, often in the company of Aspens, Poplars and Willows. Like the Willow, the Alder sprouts from a stump, which allows this tree to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protected areas, Alders may grow to be 65 feet tall. European Alders are not widely cultivated in North America (where they are often sold under the name of "Black Alders"). Alders are members of the Birch family. The timber of the Alder is oily and used extensively for underwater foundations...parts of Venice and many medieval cathedrals were built on Alder pilings. On the Continent, Alder is used extensively to make cigar-boxes and the branches make good charcoal...valuable in the manufacture of gunpowder. Alpine peasants are often reported to have been cured of rheumatism by being covered with bags filled with heated Alder leaves. Horses, cows, sheep and goats are said to eat of the Alder, but swine refuse it and it is thought that it may be bad for horses, turning their tongues black.

There are two distinct types of Alder individuals (a division which relates to all Celtic Tree Signs). The "new moon" character is associated with the first two weeks of a sign and the "full moon" character is associated with the last two weeks.

The "new moon" Alder individual is perhaps the most restless and indecisive. While personal courage and sincerity may never be in doubt, such an individual might be well-advised to slow down every now and again in order to reconsider the cosequences of any actions. The "full moon" Alder individual is the most persuasive, exuding a more confident approach to life in general, but can lack the apparent vibrant energy associated with the "new moon" Alder. Nevertheless, such individuals can become extremely successful by being strategically placed in the right position to take full advantage of any crisis situation.

In general, Alder individuals are powerful, adventurous people prepared to make their own way in the world, often leaving friends and family behind. They possess a great deal of courage and make for wonderful allies, but usually prefer to fight their own battles. They have a restless spirit and, on occasion, can be foolhardy in pursuits due to their sense of adventure. Since they are also very competitive by nature, they are likely to do everything to the limit of their being, but often direct their energies entirely for the good of others...frequently to their own detriment. Alder people are inclined to break down barriers and explore new territory. Their enthusiasm and bravery makes them excellent leaders. They can, however, be selfish and display a quick temper which may earn them enemies. The Alder individual has a well-honed sense of humor (sometimes considered to be barbed or even satirical) and will often "play the clown" when in the midst of a group. Being extremely physical people, Alders are full of energy and have a deep-seated need to be active almost 24 hours a day.

Impetuous and self-reliant, Alders enjoy risk-taking and are tenacious workers. Being affectionate, gentle, charming and usually accommodating, they inspire great loyalty in others. Magnificent as entrepreneurs, Alder individuals are often flamboyant and frequently attracted to dangerous occupations. In friendship, their personal ego rides high but they possess a need for recognition which often makes them vulnerable. They are great competitors but, if on the losing end, have the tendency to quit and try something new instead. If an Alder can be convinced to channel his or her energy into humanitarian causes, then he or she will be the type of person who is not easy to forget. Psychologically, the Alder is uncomplicated and will usually express any opinion quite openly. With a passionate nature and an inherent desire for love, they are apt to marry quickly but usually make better sweethearts than they do spouses, given their need for personal freedom. As parents, however, they rank among the best than can be found. It is important for Alder individuals to learn the art of diplomacy or they are prone to waste energy in fruitless disputes.

Physical Goal: To be aware of the unique quality in self and in others. To keep eyes open in order to see the unusual and to acknowledge what is seen in another, if at all possible.

Mental Goal: To utilize something that was previously overlooked. Oracular skills are not easy to acknowledge and the mind is sometimes unwilling to deal with the intuitive part.

Spiritual Goal: To offer spiritual aid and protection in a dipsute...to let inutition be the guide.

Amergin Verse: "I am a Tear the Sun lets fall"

Ogham Association: Fearn

Polarity: Masculine

Color: Crimson

Class: Chieftain

Letter Character: "F" and "V"

Month: January...the third month in the Celtic Ogham, named for Janus, the Roman God with two faces who presided over Gates and Doorways...beginnings and endings...the past and the future. A mild January is said to foretell of bad luck in the coming months, particularly May.

Alias: "Moon of Utility," "Moon of Efficacy" and "Moon of Self-Guidance"

Magickal Properties: Spirituality, Teaching, Weather Magick, Duty and Mental Prowess

Some Famous Ash People: Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, Mata Hari, Harry Houdini, Elton John, Eddie Murphy, Rosie O'Donnel and William Shatner

Gemstone: The Alder gemstone is the Ruby, a variety of the Corumdum family (basically aluminum oxide, of which the Sapphire is also a member), which is next in hardness to the Diamond. A stone of glowing, brilliant red, the Ruby was treasured throughout the Orient as the most precious of the gemstones. Rubies were once given as offerings to Buddha in China and to Krishna in India. It was once believed that the Ruby would change color and become darker when its owner was in danger or when an illness was imminent. It was also thought that this stone could chase away the spirits of the dead and any evil phantom not contained within Hell. The Ruby was once considered a powerful amulet, affording protection from disaster, plague and pestilence and promoting a cheeful disposition upon its wearer. It was also formerly believed to overcome depression and sorrow. In the form of a ring, this stone was said to bestow knowledge, health and wealth. During the Tenth Century in China and Europe, dragons and snakes were carved into the surfaces of Rubies to increase the flow of money and power to those who owned them. The finest Rubies are found in Burma and Ceylon and have a prominent place in the Crown Jewels of almost every empire. The medicinal powers of the Ruby were said to range from that of snake bite antidote to a curative for liver and heart ailments and the gem was also highly-prized as a symbol of love, passion and friendship. It was also believed to guarantee success in battle. To dream of Rubies was thought to bring success in trade for the businessman and a bountiful harvest for the farmer.

Flower: The flower of the Alder is the Broom...a member of the order of Leguminosae, or pod-bearing tribe. Its long, slender, erect and tough branches were often used in the making of brooms...hence its English name. As a medicinal aid, the Broom (under the name "Genista") is mentioned in the earliest printed herbals, especially of benefit in bladder and kidney afflictions. The bark of the Broom also yields an excellent and fine fiber, which has been employed since ancient times in the manufacture of paper and cloth, while the twigs and branches of this plant have often been used for thatching cottages and cornricks. As a heraldic device, the Broom was adopted as the Badge of Brittany and Geoffrey of Anjou thrust it into his helmet at the moment of entering battle in order that his troops might see and follow him. Legend states that the Broom was cursed by the Virgin as she and Joseph fled into Egypt due to the cracking of its ripe pods, which they touched in passing and which risked drawing the attention of Herod's soldiers to the fugitives.

Celestial Body: The celestial body associated with the Alder is the planet Mars ("Maurth"), named for the Roman God of War who was the former God of Agriculture.

Deity: The Alder deity is Bran the Blessed, God of the Spirit World, Celtic Raven God and Welsh God of the Underworld. He is also the God of Prophecy, The Arts, War and Writing, among others, and the patron of bards, minstrels and musicians. Said to be colossal in size, Bran was so large than no house or ship could contain him. A Master of the Isle of Britain, Bran set out with an army to avenge the ill-treatment of his sister Branwen by her husband, King Matholwch of Ireland. Mortally wounded in the foot by a poisoned spear during the battle, he instructed his followers to decapitate him and carry his head to London, where it was buried under the White Mount (now the vicinity of the Tower of London) and set facing France...the chief menace of invasion...in order to defend and protect the realm. It is said that King Arthur later had the head exhumed and then reburied facing a different way, being loath to have the kingdom guarded by any other than himself and his Knights of the Round Table. Some authorities believe Bran to be the root character of the Fisher King mentioned in Arthurian romance and according to medieval christian writings, Bran is credited with being the first British man.

Animals:

The Fox - The Fox symbolizes skill in diplomacy. It is a cunning and sly animal, possessed of the ability to make fools out of those who chase it.

The Bear - Although not mentioned in Celtic legend, there is evidence that the Bear was a "totem animal" of the Druids. The word "arth," which means "bear," is the root word for the name "Arthur." The Bear was noted for its strength and stamina, symbolizing balance and harmony in life, and the fortitude to accomplish what is necessary.

The Hunting Falcon or Hawk - Celtic tradition lists the oldest animal as the Hawk of Achill. As with many other birds, the Hawk is a messenger of the various worlds. However, it is noted as being more skillful and stronger than most others of its species. The Hawk symbolizes clear-sightedness and far-memory. To hear the cry of a Hawk during a journey is an indication that it would be wise to be alert to upcoming situations that require boldness and decisiveness in order to keep from being thrown off-balance. A noble bird that brought the Sun within his feathers and enabled recollection with the ability to progress. Merlin was said to have often transformed himself into a small Hawk...perhaps the reason why today, the smaller family member of the Hawk is known as a Merlin. Two knights who sat at Arthur's Round Table carried the name of the Hawk: Gwalchmai the "Hawk of May" and Gwalch-Y-Had the "Hawk of Summer," better known respectively as Sir Gawain and Sir Galahad.

March 18-March 20: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Lime (whose motto is "The Doubt") or the Linden (whose motto is "Protector of the Oak Trees")...dependent upon the source. Lime individuals are said to be inclined to accept in a composed fashion whatever life hands to them. They detest fighting, stress, laziness and idleness. Limes are relenting people who will often make sacrifices for their friends. They possess many talents but lack the tenacity to make those talents blossom. Lime people can be somewhat jealous and complaining by nature, but are very loyal individuals. Linden individuals are said to love life. No matter how much such people may try to convince themselves that everything is perfect, they cannot help but wonder why their ideas and dreams are more beautiful than reality. Extremely imaginative, Linden people tend to look at the world through "rose-colored glasses." This is an ideal that they are often able to convey to those around them who may then also view life in a more beautiful manner.

March 21: Those born on this date also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Oak, whose motto is "Symbol of Vital Strength" or "The Brave." Oak individuals are robust, courageous and strong by nature. People of action who are often adverse to change, Oaks are unrelenting, independent and sensible. Every opposition rouses the fighting spirit of Oak individuals, who possess extraordinary vigor and unfailing endurance, fearing neither death nor the devil. Oak people are happily devoted characters...to family, to neighbors, to a cause, to art...the list is almost endless. They possess a very high self-esteem, believing themselves to be the tool of superior forces and refusing to be duped by pretentious human reason.

March 22-March 31: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Hazel, whose motto is "To Be The First" or "The Extraordinary." Hazel individuals are charming, undemanding and often extremely understanding...they know how to make a good impression. Hazels are also active fighters for social causes. They are akin to pioneers, but with a competitive mind which can consume much of the Hazel energy. It is important that Hazels do not tire themselves out by trying to remedy too many faulty situations. Being honest and tolerant, with a precise sense of judgment, they are usually popular people, but can make for moody and capricious partners. Those born under the jurisdiction of this tree are said to have been conceived during the shortest or longest nights of the year and the number 9 is said to be particularly lucky for such individuals.

April 1-April 10: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Rowan, also known as "The Service Tree," whose motto is "A Delight for Birds" or "The Sensitivity." Rowan individuals are full of charm, cheerful and talented without being egotistical. They like to draw attention and basically love life...even its complications. Somewhat restless, Rowans are both dependent and independent. They constantly strive for approval from others and detest loneliness. Rowans possess excellent taste, are artistic, passionate and emotional, with a burning desire to create a better and more beautiful world. Rowan people make for good company but find it hard to forgive what they perceive to be transgressions.

April 11-April 14: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Maple, whose motto is "Combative Angel" or "Independence of Mind." Maple individuals are far from ordinary and never completely satisfied with standard replies. They admire those who clearly assert themselves and rise eagerly to any challenge. Maple people are full of imagination and originality, inclined to stand out in a crowd due to their willpower and sense of committment. Though appearing shy and somewhat reserved, they are truly ambitious, proud and self-confident. Maples hunger for new experiences and have a desire to impress. They enjoy what is unknown, strange and even hostile. The inherent Maple need for independence often clashes with the need to be surrounded by a community. With a tendency to be nervous, Maple people have many complexities. They possess excellent memories and easily learn new things. The love relationships of Maple individuals tend to be complicated affairs.