Spanning the period from November 25 to December 23, the elder rules over the 13th and final month in the Celtic tree calendar. Because of its association with the darkest time of year and the subsequent re-emergence of light, the elder is considered one of the most magical trees.
Not coincidentally, the tree prevails over the winter solstice, a time that represents both death and the promise of new life. Due to the cold climate and diminished daylight, the ancient Celts were at the mercy of the season. The winter solstice, however, was the turning point when the days began to brighten. It was a celebration of hope, reflected in the modern greeting, “May your days grow brighter.”
Represented by the ogham letter Ruis, the 15th letter of the ogham alphabet, the elder embodies this transormational energy.
By Patti Wigington
Tree of Transition
Lush and lofty, this deciduous tree grows to a height of 15 to 39 feet and boldly reflects seasonal changes. Green leaves unfurl in early spring; scented white flowers blossom in summer; glossy purple-black berries ripen in the autumn amidst yellow or reddish leaves; and stark, woody stems sprout ragged bud scales that promise new life in winter.
Not only does the elder recover quickly from the ravages of winter storms, but its broken branches easily take root and regrow. This emergence of life from death further strengthens its association with renewal.
In winter, elder can be identified through its green and distinctive smelling twigs and ragged buds, which often have leaves showing through the bud scales
Medicinal
Every part of the elder (Sambucus nigra) has medicinal properties.
According to William Coles in Adam and Eden (1656), “There is hardly a Disease from the Head to the Foot but it cures. It is profitable for the Headache, for Ravings and Wakings, Hypocondriack and Melancholly, the Falling-sickness, Catarrhes, Deafnesse, Faintnesse and Feacours.”
To wit, it has been used as a curative for more than 70 diseases, ranging from the plague to toothache.
Its flowers are high in flavonoids and antioxidants that contain vitamin A and C, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects that specifically work on fevers and the upper respiratory tract. Elderflowers soothe inflamed tissues in the sinuses and dry up secretions and excess mucus, making it an apt remedy for sinusitis, colds, and allergies. The flowers also work as an anti-viral and immune booster. Berries were also used as a laxative.
Leaves were applied as compresses for wounds and sore muscles. They break down bruises and work as an anodyne or relaxant to relieve pain.
Washing one’s face in dew gathered from elderflowers was believed to enhance and preserve a woman’s youthful beauty. To this day, derivatives of elder are used as an ingredient in skin cleansers and eye lotions.
While elderberries are poisonous if eaten raw, they can be cooked into jam. The flowers are made into wine and can be dipped in batter and fried as fritters.
Folklore & Mythology
Magical traditions involving the elder tree are extensive.
In Nordic lore, the tree was inhabited by the Elder Mother, Hyldemöer. It was sacred to the wise old woman—the crone—who knew earth medicines. It was necessary to seek permission from her before using any part of the tree. Otherwise, Hyldemöer would take revenge.
Conversely, planting a tree near one’s home, hanging elder branches by the door, or wearing them around the neck ensured good fortune and warded off evil spirits. Headdresses made from woven elder twigs shielded the wearer from evil and enabled sight into the Otherworld. They were often tossed in graves.
Branches were used to make protective wands. Notably, the most powerful wand in Harry Potter’s realm is one known as the Elder Wand.
In Ireland, witches rode elder sticks, not broomsticks. Witches also conjured rough weather by stirring a bucket of water with an elder twig.
While elder is not a wood for burning—it would raise the devil and bring death and disaster—it makes good whistles, pipes, and other musical instruments. The pith of elder has been used by watchmakers for cleaning tools before intricate work.
To learn more, watch this video, “Folklore, Mythology and Magic of the Elder Tree,” by the Story Crow.
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