Keywords
Abundance, Blessings, Consecration, Creativity, Healing, Prosperity, Protection, Sleep, Success, Transition

Historical Background and Folklore
It was believed that if you stand under an elder tree on Midsummer’s Eve you will be able to see the faeries. Cutting down or burning elder was not recommended as this action would not please the faeries who take shelter there. A woven crown of elder twigs worn at Beltane is said to provide second sight. A branch used in the Beltane procession consecrates the circle.

Elder symbolizes the Goddess’s roles as life-giver, death-wielder, and transformer. At one time the odor of the elder flowers was thought to cause death. This made it an appealing wood for battle shields.
In Denmark during the Middle Ages, elders were called guardian trees because sailors entrusted part of their soul to an elder tree for safekeeping and to ensure that they would return from sea.

Other Beings/Characters: dryads, elves, faeries, Hylde-moer/Hylde-vinde
Zodiac: Aries, Taurus
Celestial Bodies: Saturn, Venus
Colors: bright red, light red
Gemstones: bloodstone, jet, red jasper
Ogham Character: Ruis – Letter: R
Rune Character: Feoh/Fehu – Letter: F
Dates: November 25 - December 22 (Celtic tree calendar)
Miscellaneous: good fortune; knowledge of magic; positive change; Monday; Druidic wisdom; sabbats: Beltane, Litha/Summer Solstice/Midsummer’s Eve

© Llewellyn - Whispers from the Woods

For more information, refer to the full text in Whispers from the Woods.