| Elder |
| " Elder Is the Lady's tree - Burn it not or cursed you'll be. " |
| Sambucus Nigra A member of the Honeysuckle family. Folk Names; Elderberry, Bourtree, Pipetree, Common Elder, European Elder, Elder Blow Description; Bushy shrub or small tree growing to 33 ft. It has furrowed bark and an aroma that is described as deadly or narcotic. Blooming from June to July with flat clusters of small creamy white flowers. Fruit is a purplish black berry that ripens in September. Habitat; Elder is found in temperate, as well as sub-tropical regions. It is found growing wild in wastelands, woods, at roadsides, and beside houses. Planting; The Elder likes damp, chalky, fertile soil that is rich in nitrogen. Prppagate by root cuttings or divisions in February. Harvesting Flowers should be cut in dry weather when they are in full bloom. Spread them out on muslin to wilt, then remove stalks and dry for storing. Harvest the berries when they are fully ripe. use them fresh or dry them for later use. Be certain they are completely dried before storing, and store in a sealed container. Stems can be gathered for pith during the summer. History & Lore; This sprawling beauty maintains a rich history in the mytha and legends of many peoples. The extent of this lore varies from fear and loathing to reverence and respect and mingles in a mixture amongst the peoples of today, no doubt causung a bit of confusion. I find that when we bring together this lore we find that the Elder is a tree of much power as well as much giving and generosity. However it is very well capable of wrath towards those who would treat it with malice, or a general lack of respect. Holler, Hylder, Hyllentree and the German name Holunder refer to the ancient Goddess who was once a prominent figure in the religion and mythologies of the Northern European peoples. In this we find a rich formula in relation to the Elder. In Denmark, the Goddess known as Hylde- Moer had the honor of presiding over the realm of the faeries. The little sprites would occasionally enter out into the world, Exspecially during the Summer Solstice. According to the lore, those wishing to see the fae on their way to the Midsummer's Night Feast, would need to hide in a grove of Elder trees. The Elder being sacred to the Goddess Hylde- Moer, and it's gifts were concidered her blessings. Elder trees that grew close to homes often served as living shrines where people prayed to this Goddess and made offerings to invoke her blessings of protection. In some areas the people also believed that the Elder housed a tree dryad, or a spirit that represented the tree. This was sometimes associated as an aspect of the Goddess herself. It was believed at large that the only legitimate reason for cutting of the tree was for medicine or a protective charm. Yet even when cutting for these reasons, the people would often pray to the Goddess and ask for her permission and blessings. Multitudes of lore surrounded the wrath that the Goddess would envoke when the sacred tree was mishandled. In fact the normal loving Goddess known as Holda, or Lady Ellhorn was said to kill babies whose cradles were made of elder wood. Or that the faeries would come and pinch the baby black and blue. Yet, an equal amount of lore spoke of it's blessings. In some parts of Scotland it ranked only second to Rowan for warding off evils and mischievious spirits. In Ireland the Elder was one of the magickal trees carried on Beltane. as this ancient song sings ~ Holly and Hazel Elder and Rowan and bright Ash From beside the ford It is said that to cut of it's wood is to risk being turned to stone. Which in fact is a lore with a living story behind it. The legend of the famous Rollright Stones in Oxfordshire. The story tells of a king and his arm who were marching accross the land when a witch called out a challenge. The witch tricks the king and he loses the challenge. To which the witch decrees- "Thou and thy men hoar stones shall be, and myself an Elder tree." The king became the lone stone known as the 'King Stone', and the knights grouped together as the ' Whispering Knights' The stone circle is known as the 'Kings Men' Domestic Uses; Plant the Elder in your garden for protection. The twigs contain a light pith that can easily be removed to make a pop gun or a pipe. Wine berries and cordials can be made from the flowers. When the fowers are used as a cuinary herb, they are called Elder Blow. Dried berries are also used. However the fresh berries lack acid and are not palatable. Stew dried berries with sugar for a good sauce, or make an Elder Berry pie ! The dried leaves were once soaked in vinegar adding flavor. Medicine; Dr. Martin Blockwich published a book in 1644 titled "The anatomy of the Elder", This book largely praised the medicinal virtues of the Elder. It was a very popular book and has since been republished several times in English and Latin version. Every single part of the plant earned mention in this plant. Including the fungus that grows on damp specimins known as Judas Ear. Dr. Martin Blockwich states that if the medicinal uses of the Elder were well known to any man, than he would be in need of no other medicine. This is something that the country people had already known. Elder flower~ Diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant. Exspecially helpful in the treatment of various inflammatory and congestive conditions of the respiratory tract. Drink Elder flower tea for coughs, colds, flu, hayfever and asthma. Use an infusion for sore itchy or inflamed eyes. Externally the flowers can be added to bath water to ease nerves and soothe itchy dry skin. Roots: Poisonous and can cause death if ingested ! The Creeks pounded tender roots with a little hot water to treat swollen breasts. The Choctaw Indians made a poultice to ease headaches by pounding the leaves with salt. Magick; According to a 17th century manuscript a potective amulet is made by picking an Elder twig in October, just as the moon waxes to nearly full. The wood between the knots must be cut into nine pieces with a magickal knife. These are bound within a piece of linen and strung upon the neck so that they touch the heart. They remain there until the thread breaks. Now the wearer must bury it far from inhabited soil, where there is no risk of being found. The flute made of Elder wood can be used to summon spirits of the air. The Elder tree can be employed in summoning the ancient Goddess Hylder. Use to bring about the crone aspect of the Goddess into your life. Learn from her. |
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| Image from Vascular Plant Image gallery |