Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Symbolism: Judgment, Transformation, Death & Regeneration, Fate, The Inevitable
Sacred numbers:
Five: each elderflower has 5 petals, 5 yellow stamens, and 5 sepals which form a tiny green star.
Thirteen: Elder is associated with all superstition surrounding the number 13.
Stone: Olivine, Jet (Black Amber)
Flower: Dandelion
Birds: Pheasant, Raven, Rook
Color: Black, Dark Green, Blood Red
Deity: Hel, Hela, Holda, Venus, Hilde, The White Lady
Folk Names: Alhuren, Battree, Boure Tree, Eldrum, Elhorn, Hylder, Lady Ellhorn, Old Gal, Old, Lady, Pipe Tree, Rob Elder, Sweet Elder, Tree of Doom
Medicinal properties:
Traditionally all parts of Elder are useful medicinally. The berries and the leaves are both rich in vitamin C. The leaves can be made into ear drops to treat pain and inflammation. The flowers make a tea that is good for treating coughs and irritable throats, as well as being made into a skin cleanser and lotion. The bark of the new small twigs can be made into a laxative. The bark, roots, berries and leaves can all be used as a dye. And the berries are good for making jam, wine, vinegar, and syrups.
Magickal properties:
Exorcism, Prosperity, Banishment and Healing
The leaves and berries are used for protection and in breaking spells that were cast against you or to undo spells of evil intent. Growing an elder in your garden will protect your property from misfortune and harm. In Europe they planted elder in cemeteries to keep away the evil spirits.
The elder tree ruling time is within the cycle of the thirteenth moon. This is also the end of the old year at the time of Samhain. This is where the elder derives its symbolism of endings and/or death.
In this same vein, the druids and ancient Celts recognized the elder had natural banishing abilities.
The essence of its leaves, and the odor of its pretty white flowers were proven to ward off pesky insects. This origin might have been expanded upon in Celtic lore where we learn branches were hung over doors to ward off evil spirits.
Right on the heels of its associations of banishment and death come the elder’s attributes of rebirth and renewal. The elder earns this symbolism honestly as it has long been recognized as a prized medicinal tree. Everything from bark to berries has been used to treat all manner of ailments. The ancient Celtic people recognized its healing abilities, and honored the elder for the gifts of good health.
Symbolic Celtic Meaning of the Elder Tree
- Death
- Cycles
- Rebirth
- Renewal
- Creativity
- Regeneration
- Transformation
Learning Wicca and the Tradition of the Craft 