Alder

The Alder Tree is a water loving tree that can be symbolically interpreted and understood in many ways. In this article I’ll give a brief overview of the tree, it’s historical and magical uses, and it’s symbolic connection to the human body; our Temple of Presence.

The characteristics of Alder wood have made it a useful material in not only shield making but also foundations and boat building. When it is dry, Alder is naturally soft and difficult to split, the grain direction and softness create a clamp on any metal that intends on crack it making it an extraordinarily appropriate wood to use in a shield. This is not the only way Alder was used for battle, whilst the wood was known to make hot charcoal that was used to forge ritual weapons, the bark provides a fiery-red dye known as ‘roeim’. In the Welsh Triads, the term ‘crimson-stained hero’s’ is a term interpreted to be connected to the practice of painting ones faces and bodies before going into battle; both as a protective measure and to instil fear in the enemy.

When Alder is wet it hardens, Venice was built on Alder stilts, because the wood is so durable in wet conditions, for this reason it was used for boat building too.

The physical, physiological and practical uses are numerous but most intersting are some of the magical uses. Due to the beautiful dye that Alder bark creates, it has long been used by skilled crafts people, especially dyers, spinners and weavers wherein magical intent can be ‘woven’ into the clothing. The creatrixes of these fine wares were esteemed for imbuing those who wore their garments with protection and power.

The connection of Alder to the Giant Bran The Blessed speaks to more than just his prophecy. Just like the woven cloth, the story reminds us of the power of his bravery and devotion to truth and belief. While the buds appear in earliest spring it is auspicious to sit in meditation with the Alder tree and ask for prophecy and insight into our lives; an ability to travel high whilst our feet foundations keep us tethered firmly to the earth.

The ritual weapons made in the heat of the Alders charcoals concede to appease the Old Gods by crafting with exquisite elemental magic. Metal from the Earths core, Air that feeds the fire, Fire to melt the metal, Water to quench the blade; all together harnessing the Aether, the spirit of incarnation and alchemical modalities.

Alder trees don’t have seed pods with wings, they rely on water ways to carry their seed to their place of germination. In this sense, symbolically the seeds represent the Mercurial** life force of the tree and the water is the portal to carrying the information and Salt**; these two things combined being a physical manifestation of universal memory. Within the human body, this speaks of the universal blue print of our energy systems and physical body, the memory of our biological seed and our emotional body. We too, are carried in the waters, birthed from them and sustained by them until we die. We too, can be purified, cleansed and transcend our state with the vibrancy of water; master our emotions and build strong foundations of self to belong too.

When the wood is cut, it’s inner wood is white and oxidises to a reddish-pink over time, the connection to Red is symbolically connected to our human blood. Red in many cultures is the colour associated with protection, sacrifice, fertility, and the masculine force. Alder is ruled by the planet Venus which is how this tree carries it’s healing energy that says: “I am worthy of self-mastery”. The way in which Alder bridges and binds water to land, it reminds us that the struggles of life are embodied and emoted, we can strengthen through the integration and acceptance of our emotions, learning to control them through meditation; just as the water King Alder, reflects and meditates above the many water bodies.

So, how can we draw on the wisdom of the Alder to inspire us to tend the temple of the body; the temple of presence?

The body is a finely tuned instrument capable of recieving prophecy, wisdom, inspiration and knowledge. The quality of this is unique to our individual Sulphuric** expression. We each come into this life with a specific gifts and talents, and attract into our existence by the way of the mind and state of the body experiences that draw us closer too or further away from our purpose.

In May 2025 Venus (the ruling planet of Alder) completed a 8 year cycle, starting it’s retrograde position in Aries once again.

”The 2025 Venus retrograde in Aries and Pisces is part of a series that began in 2009 and will continue through 2057, with each cycle occurring roughly every eight years and progressing slightly earlier in the zodiac. This cycle is significant because Venus retrogrades in Aries, a sign opposite its natural rulership of Libra, and ends in Pisces, where Venus is exalted, creating a dynamic interplay between assertive beginnings and compassionate endings.”

Aries is the sign of the Warrior, we are looking at a fierce love. The same kind of love that the Alder brings into our world, through the connotations to shields, ritual weapons and prophecy of battle. I feel that it is asking us to strengthen our emotional resilience and physical capacity for life.

How can we level up in our body and heart right now that will bring us greater clarity, hope and strength?

How can I clean and purify my body to be a receptacle for the correct wisdoms that I need for the pursuance of my unique purpose?

What fight with myself has been standing in the way of my health and progression?

What do I need to do to find my inner Warrior and to carry myself home?

Happy Janus (Doorway)

With love,

Mars of the Woods