Alder Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Black alder, Alnus
A riverbank tree of courage and protection, bridging water and fire.
- Intentions
- Protection, Confidence, Divination
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- Venus
- Day
- Friday
- Parts used
- Wood, cones, catkins
How to use it
- Bridge charm
Carry a small alder cone when facing a hard conversation. Its folk role as a bridge-builder makes it a charm for courage and steady footing.
- Make a whistle
Folklore says alder whistles call the spirits of air and water. Try making a simple whistle from a fallen green branch, or blow softly on one at your altar.
- Divination by water
Sit beside an alder by a stream and gaze at the moving water, asking a question and noting the first image or thought that arises.
Works well with
History and folklore
Alder grows with its roots in water, and its wood hardens rather than rots when kept wet, so it held up the foundations of Venice and many lakeside villages. When cut, the pale wood turns a striking orange-red, which made people say the tree bled. In Welsh legend the giant Bran used his body as a bridge, and alder is linked with him. Witches work with alder for courage, protection and divination by water.
A riverbank tree of courage and protection, bridging water and fire.
- Intentions: Protection, Confidence, Divination
- Element: Water
- Planet: Venus
- Day: Friday
- Parts used: Wood, cones, catkins
How to use it
- Bridge charm. Carry a small alder cone when facing a hard conversation. Its folk role as a bridge-builder makes it a charm for courage and steady footing.
- Make a whistle. Folklore says alder whistles call the spirits of air and water. Try making a simple whistle from a fallen green branch, or blow softly on one at your altar.
- Divination by water. Sit beside an alder by a stream and gaze at the moving water, asking a question and noting the first image or thought that arises.
Works well with: Water, Red Candle, Laguz, Friday, Bloodstone
Folklore
Alder grows with its roots in water, and its wood hardens rather than rots when kept wet, so it held up the foundations of Venice and many lakeside villages. When cut, the pale wood turns a striking orange-red, which made people say the tree bled. In Welsh legend the giant Bran used his body as a bridge, and alder is linked with him. Witches work with alder for courage, protection and divination by water.
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