by
wensum24
@ 28/11/2005 - 12:17:39
The Alder ( March 18 - April 14 )
I grew up along the Wensum, and marvelled at seeing swans passing beneath Alder trees, until one stormy night, one of our Alders was taken. But they are very tough and resilient, especially when they appear to defy gravity reaching across the water. After the loss of our Alder, it regenerated at rapid speed, healthier than ever...and so was I too!
The Druids believed that the Alder could link both male and female principles and thus create a harmony between the two. In the Tyrol it was believed the Alder was used by sorcerers. Courage and the evolving spirit are associated with this tree, which has also been considered a tree of death and resurrection, and may have been, together with poplar, used in the fe rod, kept in pre-Christian cemeteries for the measuring of graves and corpses. This type of fe rod was used only by an appointed official, and believed to have been carved with an Ogham inscription. It has been found that bridges, boats, clogs and milk jugs were made from Alder wood, which has the quality of resisting the rotting element of water. Magical whistles, flutes and pipes were also made using Alder.
Such was the reverence of the Alder, that it's felling was a considered a crime, folklore believing this would lead to the angry tree spirit taking revenge by burning down houses! Though, it can truly be seen that the tree does indeed 'bleed' upon being felled, turning from white to red, with red dyes being made from the bark, brown dyes from the twigs, and green dyes from the flowers of this tree.
The Alder is recorded as a Faery tree sacred to Bran, and accordingly oracular in nature, frequently used in divination.
Medicinally used to aleviate the problem of fleas and boils. Also the Alder can be used to cure cuts and burns.
Remedy: Boil the bark, them grind it and rub it on the cut or burn.
In Irish legend, the Alder created the first human male, (the Rowan creating the first female.)
The common Alder is a feature of lowland rivers and streams, a deciduous, sometimes considered melancholic tree, happy in the company of Willows, Poplars and Aspens. (In my old garden, they grew alongside Ash under annual flooding.) It compares with the willow by growing from a stump, allowing regeneration after flooding and in favourable conditions may reach 65 feet. In North America, European Alder is sold as"Black Alder" the timber of which is often oily and used in underwater foundations, indeed parts of Venice and many mediaeval Cathedrals have foundations of Alder pilings.
On the continent of Europe, cigar-boxes have been made from Alder, with the branches making good charcoal, also valuable in the manufacter of gunpowder. Heated Alder leaves inside bags, have been known to cure Alpine peasants rheumatic conditions when covered with these bags. The Alder is also eaten by horses, cows, goats and sheep, though the swine refuses it, and many believe horses tongues turn black after eating Alder.
Regarding individuals, the "new moon" and "full moon" according to Celtic Tree Signs, (the former covering the first two weeks of a month, the latter, the final two weeks), the "new moon" Alder individual is most restless, unsettled and indecisive, though personal courage and sincerity remain firmly in place, this type may do no harm in slowing down, taking stock of their environment and actions, even giving reconsideration every now and then. The "full moon" Alder is rather persuasive, radiating a persona of confidence towards life, though they lack the verve and and vibrant energy of the "new moon" Alder. With thoughtful positioning, and timing, these individuals can become extremely successful, coming through a crisis situation.
Generally, Alder individuals are quite powerful, adventurous and more than able to go it alone, frequently disappearing out of sight of friends and family alike. A good ally may be found in these very courageous and powerful individuals, though they retain their own fighting spirit. However, their restlessness and adventurous nature may take them to places or situations that are ill-advised and foolhardy. A nature, incidentally, that is also very competitive which pushes them to the limit, often to the benefit of others, and unfortunately to their own detriment. The Alder individual, being adventurous is likely to explore new territory, open doors to new areas of possibility, and such bravery greatly adds to a leadership quality. Though a selfish streak may be found, along with a short-fuse on occasions, to the extent of making enemies. Homour is a big plus for Alder individuals, who are said to have, "a well -honed sense of humour verging on barbed or satirical" and often playing the joker, as they are decidedly physical people, full of energy, (even seen as hyperactive by some), living life to the full almost 24/7.
Risk-taking is not unusual for the self-reliant and impetuous Alder who are dedicated workers, who can also show affection, charm, gentility and inspire much loyalty in other. They are usually accommodating too. These individuals make fine entrepreneurs, with a fondness for flambuoyancy and an attraction to danger.
Regarding friendship, the Alder ego is high, though their need for acknowledgement can be seen as a liability. The competitive nature can see a defeated Alder throwing in the towel in favour of another pursuit. With the assurance of a fulfilling pursuit, such as humanitarian causes, an Alder will excel. The psychology of an Alder is seen as uncomplicated, with a freewill to express an opinion quite openly. A passionate heart and need for love, marriage is a step often taken quickly, though they may make prized lovers, their suitability as spouses is a little less so, due to the need for personal freedom. The Alders parenting qualities however are without question, ranking amongst the very best. Alders need to realise the importance of diplomacy in order to guard against fruitless disputes.
by lauren6
R. Rapin's poem highlights the origin of the Alder (and Willow);
'De Hortorum Cultura'
'Of watery race Alders and Willows spread
O'er silver brooks their melancholy shade,
Which heretofore (thus tales have been believed)
Were two poor men, who by their fishing lived;
Till on a day when Pales' feast was held,
And all the town with pious mirth was filled,
This impious pair alone her rites despised,
Pursued their care, till she their crime chastised:
While from the banks they gazed upon the flood,
The angry goddess fixed them where they stood,
Transformed to sets, and just examples made
To such as slight devotion for their trade.
At length, well watered by the bounteous stream
They gained a root, and spreading trees became;
Yet pale their leaves, as conscious how they fell,
Which croaking frogs with vile reproaches tell.'
Diviners in search of water hidden underground are known to often use forked branches taken from the Alder tree traditionally called 'Wishing Rods'
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.
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.
You must knock a long while against an alder-bush before you get a swarm of bees out of it.
Danish proverb
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Music: Visage: Fade to Grey
Jam & Spoon: Find Me
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A very hard frost; which is news to us after having none almost these three years.
-Pepys, November 28th, 1662
