The Elder Tree And it's Magical Magnificence
Intro
The Elder tree, know mostly for it's berries and their immune boosting properties, has been healing, feeding, and protecting practitioners and "muggles" alike since (roughly) 1200 BCE.
From Native Americans to ancient Celts this magical, life saving tree has been beloved by all who interact with it.
Leaves
The leaves of the elder tree can be hung around windows, doors, or carried on ones person for protection from magical attacks, illness, and negative energy.
Flower
Elder flower makes a delightful tea, used medicinally it can treat colic and fevers. Additionaly, you could mix Elder Flower with Yarrow and Mugwort (a tea spoon of each) to make a potent psychic dream tea.
Berries
We all know Elderberries have amazing medicinal properties, but I'll bet you didn't know--with their association to favorable conditions, confidence, goal achievement, and good fortune--they make a fabulous addition to any financial spell work. Dried berries can be added to spell jars, fresh berries can be given as offerings to spirits or deities, you could also add them to a baked goodie to enjoy before a bussiness meeting for a successful outcome.
Bark and Roots
Bark of the Elder tree can be harvested and brewed into a strong purgitive tea, similar to the pharmaceutical Ipecac. Which (I have to say for legal reasons) should only be administered under the supervision of an herbal professional!
Elder bark makes a fine addition to healing spells, spell jars, and sachets (hex bags), or ground and added to spell candles. I've also used it as a burial offering for the departed's safe travel too, and good health in the afterlife.
The root of an Elder tree can be carried around or added to spellwork, with largely the same properties as the leaves.
Wood
Ah, one of my favorite uses of the Elder tree.
In hoodoo, stakes of Elder wood anointed (rubbed) with High John the Conqueror oil would be driven into the ground around the four corners of the home or business to protect from negative energy, baneful magic, and troubles with the law.
The Elder Tree Itself
Planting an Elder tree as close to the house as possible is said to bring protection from spiteful spirits, lightning, bad dreams, and diseases, as well as grant good luck and fertility.
Granted this can become somewhat... problematic. because cutting down an Elder tree is a sure-fire way to upset the faeries and forrest spirits and we all know that's a very bad idea. So if you are planning on planting an Elder tree have a really good think about where you plan on putting for it, because once it's there, it's terribly bad luck to kill or move it.
Closing Thoughts
I've heard both good and bad things concerning bringing Elder wood into the house. some sources say never bring it in, others say to bring it in, personally I've never had any problems from having elder wood in the house. So I'd say let your intuition guide you here, harvest it with respect and thank the tree it came from and you should be fine. you could also make offerings to the tree before or after harvesting from it. Trees (in general) enjoy offerings such as, music, energy, and stories. Along with the obvious water, and/or fertilizer, which they almost always appreciate. If you're particularly in tune with nature, you could always just ask the tree if it wants anything specific and see what it has to say. And don't feel bad if it doesn't work right away, it can take years to understand nature on that level.
A Few Quick Things I Have to Mention
This article is not intended as medical advice as I am not a medical professional.
If you try any remidies/recipes listed here you do so at your own risk, and I am not responsible for the outcome.
Additionally, any and all protection charms/spells are not meant to act as a replacement for law enforcement. If your or a loved ones life is in danger please call a doctor or your local authorities!
Photos courtesy of:
Maria Wills, and the fine folks at https://pixabay.com
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