Celtic Tree Calendar: Alder Tree

As we continue through the year, we come to the fourth month of the Celtic Tree Calendar, the month of the alder tree. The fourth month of the Celtic Tree Calendar falls between March 18 and April 14. We celebrate the end of winter and the beginnings of new life during this time. Alder trees fit this period best due to their abundance worldwide and how easily they reproduce. They are most commonly found in wetland forests and can improve soil fertility by absorbing and fixing nitrogen in the air. Alder trees are part of a group of about 35 monoecious trees and shrubs. Some Witches may not know much about the alder tree month because it not only includes trees but also bushes. But, the alder tree has gained the right to be a part of the Celtic Tree Calendar. To understand what magick the alder tree carries, we will look into different aspects of the alder tree and what it represents.

Alder Facts and Ecology

The alder is a member of the birch family. It can reach up to 30 meters in height, depending on where the tree grows. It can be distinguished from other birch trees by its stalked winter buds and the conelike shape of its branches when the leaves fall. The leaves are oval and shallowly lobbed, and the young leaves also have a layer of stickiness that turns glossy when mature.

It can grow rapidly, with some trees living up to 150 years. New shoots can sprout from the base when the original tree dies, creating new trees. It is a monoecious tree, meaning it carries male and female reproductive parts. The male and female flowers are born in separate catkins that form over the summer and blossom in spring. So, the tree can self-fertilize, creating seeds quicker with less strain or needing a large amount of outside help.

Alder plays a crucial role in riparian forests. Since it is a deep-rooted species, it maintains the health of the soil in riverbanks and reduces erosion. Its leaves decompose quickly in water and provide nutrients for invertebrates. It has a symbiotic relationship with the animals it helps by providing food, homes, and protection from predators. Its most crucial symbiotic relationship is with the Frankia alni, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium. Frankia forms nodules on the tree’s roots to create a home. From there, it absorbs any nitrogen from the air and makes it available to the tree, which then returns the favor with carbon, thus causing photosynthesis. Without this relationship, the species that rely on the alder tree would not thrive or be able to breathe.

Correspondences

The correspondences will help Witches incorporate elements of the alder tree should they not be able to obtain parts of the alder tree or enhance the tree’s magick for better spell results.

Here are the correspondences to consider and collect, if needed.

Ogham Letter: Fearn

Planet: Neptune

Element: Fire and Water

Stone: amethyst and lapis lazuli

Birds: hawk and raven

Color: purple

Deity: Bran, Apollo, and Odin

Sabbat: Ostara

Its Place in the Celtic Tree Calendar

It does not matter where you live, be it the city or the countryside, you should be able to find magick in plants. The Celtic Tree Calendar is an excellent way to find magick in trees, depending on what time of year it is. The alder tree is celebrated in the period between March 18 and April 14, where spring is right around the corner after a brutal winter period. The alder tree keeps energies grounded while helping Witches fine-tune their intuition. It helps you enjoy your unique magick and what to do when seeking spiritual guidance. If you are lucky to live near a field of alder trees, you can take advantage of meditating amongst them or gathering freshly fallen pieces to work with your spells.

Alder Tree Mythology and Lore

In Celtic mythology, alder trees symbolized a balance between females and males since they carry both genders for self-pollination. Since alder trees are mainly found near bodies of water, they are associated with fertility. So, people trying to conceive or start a family should put a piece of alder under their mattress. In folklore, the alder tree was called the “King of the Waters” and had them willow tree as its queen. This connection is due to their similar habitats despite being in different parts of the country. Thus, it shows that relationships can grow, no matter the distance.

The druids also believed that the tree brought courage and spirits. Faeries were believed to make their home in alder trees because of their strong spiritual connections. It was considered a crime to cut down an alder tree while it was still young, as the spirits would get angry and come back for revenge. The wood of alder was believed to be a connection to death and resurrection because, when the wood is cut, it turns from white to blood-red due to its bright red-orange sap seeping out. Because of its blood-like sap, some parts of Ireland mythology said the first human was made of alder.

Irish lore also said that the figure of Deirdre of Sorrows hid away inside alder wood with her lover, the fleeing King of Ireland. So if alder trees are cut down without justification, her soul would come out and seek vengeance for being exposed.

Finding yourself in an alder forest or being stopped by an alder tree was considered a bad omen. Since alders grow tall and tend to block out the sun, it could risk you being in danger of having something positive smothered out. To avoid this, go back the way you came or cleanse yourself before stepping out of the forest.

Magickal Uses and Properties

Alder wood is regarded as being highly magickal. It is a healing tree that can protect against disasters. Holding an alder branch will help you connect to spirit guides when you are in need of guidance or answers for a troubling situation. Witches can turn young, green alder branches and hollow them out to create panpipes. When playing these panpipes, Witches can summon the four winds for rituals. If you have alder growing on your property, leave an offering so that fairies can come and bring you good luck.

You can collect fallen catkins from the tree to burn them for banishing rituals. Or, you can crumble the catkins and sprinkle them on your altar when working on spells that incorporate the elements of nature. Carrying even a tiny twig of alder can act as a protective charm to keep bad energies at bay. Alder leaves can help clear your mind for Divination, like placing a leaf under your pillow for prophetic dreams or holding leaves in your palms before meditating for clarity and awakening your Third Eye.

The alder tree is a highly useful material for making wands. Since alder wood can harness the four elements, you can use any of the elements to help you during spells. But what is good can also be harmful, as the four elements together can be unpredictable, so caution and limitations should always be on your mind.

The sap, leaves, and bark can all be used to make dyes. The dyes are typically used to color leather as it tans. In medicine, the leaves and bark are used for antiseptics. They contain tannins that can clean skin wounds, ease rashes, and reduce swollen glands. A decoction of the bark makes a highly useful bath to reduce swelling and inflammation. Placing leaves in your shoes before hikes can ease weary feet, leading to less pain after returning home. Use alder wood as a base for incense as it can help you drive away negativity that’s near instantly.

Alder wood is highly sought out due to how effective a timber wood it is. Its wood ranges from pale yellow to reddish-brown, and it is fine-textured and durable, even underwater. Alder is used to make furniture, cabinetry, and turnery. The wood is pliable and durable, so it can also be used to make bridges, pipes, and pilings to cross marshlands.

Alder trees are magickal, despite not looking as majestic as other trees in the Celtic Tree Calendar. They stand tall and proud and signify that new beginnings are coming, fertility is pure, and that spring is just over the horizon. Using the alder tree during spring spells and rituals will help boost abundance and encourage positive results at a higher success rate. If you decide to use alder trees, be sure to thank the tree you collect your elements from to show respect and that you are grateful for everything the tree has done for nature. If you are not able to get some elements of the alder tree, you can use the correspondences listed to get similar results. Here’s to high successes during this time of rebirth and fertility.