The Alder Tree ~ Myths & Legends The Alder tree, or Alnus cordata, is a rapid growing European native that thrives in truly wet soil. The greyish brown bark is complemented by nutlets that mature in October and persist in pistillate catkins over winter. Alder is a good choice where a large windbreak is needed, clumps have 2 or more stems. It’s a hardy tree, surviving northern winters well, though it does better in wet sites. A water-loving tree that has grown for millions of years throughout Europe. It is only broadleaved tree to bear cones and the stages of production can be seen at any given time, the old cones of the last fruiting, the leaf-buds and the new male and female catkins. The Alder enriches the soil around it by binding nitrogen salts in its root system. It is delicately proportioned, yet has an immense underlying strength, its timbers resist decay even when submerged in water. The Alder has many mystical associations and has been featured in many myths and legends throughout history. We’ve pulled together a few of them for you to indulge in! Ancient Legends The Alder and the Willow were king and queen of the waters. The Alder was considered sacred and seen to represent the generosity of the Gods and the health of the land. The Celtic month of the Alder is a time of lengthening daylight, just as the homes of the Ancient Celts were protected from floods on piles of Alder, so were their spirits raised by the Alders early flowering and its many useful gifts. In Norse legends March was known as the lengthening month of the waking alder, a time known as Lenct. This was a period of fasting when the winter provisions were running low. It is thought that this was the origins of the Christian festival of Lent. With all its kingly qualities, it is essentially a tree of the people. Looking at the legends associated wit the gods gave foundation to the magic of Ancient Britain. It is the totem of a much-loved pagan god Bran who was especially important to the Welsh. When close to death, he instructed his men to cut off his head and take it to London. The head spent 87 years en route. In this time, Bran’s head did not decay and he continued to advise his followers through his songs! His head was finally buried in the White Hill beneath the Tower of London. His shamanistic birds were Ravens acting as his scouts and messenger, these birds stayed to guard him and the land. The bird was regarded as a guise of the White Goddess and their power was oracular and prophetic. The present day ravens at the Tower are a legacy of this legend. Alder was also revered as a source of fine coloured dyes. The flowers provided a green dye, the bark made a fiery red and the young shoots produced a cinnamon colour. The Alder is a protective tree and believed to enable access to the faerie realms. The Celts believed that magical intent could be bound into the fabrics and the clothes of faeries were woven into these colours. It also had a strong association with fire, as the solar energy waxes into summer, the fiery qualities of Alder were used to propitiate the old gods. This element can be used alongside the qualities of Venus, its ruling planet, to bring passion and an extension to healing abilities. Because of its association with water, the Alder is revered all year round particularly from the Autumn Equinox to Samhain. The fast moving visionary qualities of the water-loving Alder are specifically associated with Pisces, the zodiacal sign of the fish. The Alder is a tree that supports and protects, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It reminds us of the need to blend strength and courage with generosity of spirit and compassion. A time to challenge and a time to hold our peace. BACK TO ARTICLES
