Ancient Celtic Trees: Alder (Mar 18 - Apr 17)

Ancient Celtic Lore tells of how the Druids used trees as birth signs. The spiritual connection to nature inspired their lives. Trees were central in community life: nature’s air cleansers, nourishing and sheltering, feeding and protecting them, the trees embodied life itself.

Rowan, Ash, Alder, Willow, Hawthorn, Oak, Holly, Hazel, Vine, Ivy, Reed, Birch

These trees are all native to Ireland and many can still be found dotted around the countryside. Many druids felt that the trees had spiritual powers and wisdom.

Fairy folk lived within and near some of the trees. Mysterious events occurred if certain trees were cut down. Wands were made from various trees and used to cast blessings and spells.

Hawthorn hailed in the Spring with its white flowers. Rowan was used to protect and for divining water. The Celtic lore surrounding the trees was often based on their uses; herbal remedies and usefulness of both structure and form of particular wood.

The Celtic Tree sign was significant to your personality and each had a part to play in the living and the quality of lives within the community. Strong or weak, tall or small, thorny or plain, berries or flowers, all were of equal importance to their communities.