Elder Meaning and magickal uses

A wise, protective tree of the Elder Mother, honored at thresholds and midsummer.

• Intentions: Protection, Healing, Banishing, Prosperity
• Element: Water
• Planet: Venus
• Day: Friday
• Parts used: Flowers, cooked berries, wood

Safety: Raw elderberries, unripe berries, leaves, stems, bark and roots are toxic and can cause severe vomiting; berries must be fully ripe and properly cooked before eating, with seeds and stems removed. Elder leaves and stems are toxic to pets and livestock.

How to use it

• Ask before you take. Folklore says to ask the Elder Mother's permission before cutting any elder. Speak your request aloud and leave a small offering before gathering fallen twigs or flowers.
• Hang over the door. Hang a small sprig of dried elder flowers over a doorway to protect the home, an old custom from England and Scandinavia. Keep it out of reach of pets.
• Midsummer blessing. At Litha, place elderflowers on your altar and give thanks for summer's abundance. Elderflower cordial made from a trusted recipe can be shared. Never use raw berries or leaves.

Works well with: Litha, Samhain, White Candle, Friday, Water

Folklore

Elder is surrounded by folklore. In Denmark and England the Elder Mother, or Hyldemoer, was said to live within the tree, and cutting it without asking risked her anger. Elder was hung at doors and over cradles for protection, yet burning its wood was considered bad luck. Its flowers and cooked berries fed families through the year. Witches honor elder at midsummer and Samhain as a tree of protection, transformation and the wise woman.