ALDER ~ Fearn 18th March - 14th April A dark and enigmatic tree, Alder prefers to grow on riverbanks and waterlogged moors, where the boundaries between earth and water merge. As it soaks up the water, it becomes dense and heavy, yet resistant: Alder does not succumb to rotting. This is why it is associated with both water and fire - its inner fire has the power to dry up such damp, watery bogs. Its water resistant wood once furnished the foundations of houses, especially those built near lakes and rivers. Most of Venice is built on Alder stilts. Yet, it was also thought to offer protection against fire if hung above the stable doors. Bogs and moors are spooky places, frequented by fairies, dangerous water spirits and folk from the otherworldly realms and so, Alder also became associated with that magical twilight zone. In Celtic mythology, Alder is the sacred tree of Bran, a God of divination and patron God of bards, poets and musicians. His sacred tree was believed to share in his oracular powers and provide a gateway to the Otherworld. In the Celtic Tree Calendar, Alder signifies the 4th month which forms the bridge between the cold, wet season and the imminent dry and warm time of the year. Wear Alder Tree Wisdom Perfume to get in touch with your inner fire, especially at times of traversing (emotionally) boggy ground. Lest we kindle that fiery spirit within it is easy to get 'swamped' and drawn down into the watery abyss.
