I have a strong connection with the Alder Tree, it is my birth Tree and as such a tree that I really identify with. It is also the 3rd Tree in the Celtic Tree Ogham. At this time of the year it is easily recognised due to the beautiful red catkins that are on the tree and give the whole tree a red haze. These catkins are both male and female and this really shows the tree for what it is, the tree of balance.

It is said that those born under the Alder Sign are natural leaders or pioneers, with the ability to inspire and move people with their words and actions. We are meant to have a magical way with words and that most people love to be around us. We appear well balanced, confident and hold a lot of faith in our selves. But we can be restless and impatient and will never suffer fools. We tend to go at things alone, and find it difficult to accept help. Indeed I can see some of these characteristics in myself.

When we look to trees for healing, it is important to know the tree, to observe it and to feel the energy of it.

The Alder is associated with both the water and fire elements. It needs access to a lot of water to grow and you will find it along rivers or on swampy ground. This amazing tree can take oxygen from the air via it's trunk and transport it to it's roots. It is the only tree in Europe able to do this. Where other trees would suffocate and die, being immersed in water, the Alder has found a way to breathe, to survive. This tree that at times is overlooked, has such strong roots. The alder is a tree to sit with when we wish to strengthen our foundations.

It's main association with fire is because once you cut the wood it turns red, as if the tree itself is bleeding. For this reason few people would ever cut the tree. Also the bark also gives a beautiful red dye. But more than that, Fire is all about transformation and change , it purifies, energizes and liberates and the Alder tree has a very dynamic and fiery energy. And yet, it has roots that travel deep into water. Remember that this is the tree of balance. Balance between two very different elements.

Listen and hear it call on us to follow our own intuition and to draw inspiration from within. To bring balance between our intuitive selves and our rational selves.

The Alder tree helps us to move forward in life, giving us the courage to face up to the things we may have been avoiding.
It is there to help us achieve flow, calling on us to sit with it, to acknowledge it's strength and balance and encouraging us to build stronger foundations in our lives. For this reason it is good for anxiety and nervousness, helping us to feel more grounded, to become more rooted in our self belief and self confidence.

Always remember to look to the tree to guide you. What do you see? Let it speak to you. Because when you take the time to study this tree, you will suddenly notice all the amazing healing that it provides us. How the buds of the Alder Tree are set in spirals, reminding us of connection, of balance, of rebirth. How the catkins represent both the feminine and masculine, reminding us the importance of balance and acceptance. This Tree which survives on nutrient poor soils living in symbiosis with bacteria that can bind nitrogen direct from the air. In turn enriching the soil it now grows on. Showing us the importance of partnership and connection, the importance of being active in bringing about change.

I like to collect the fallen twigs and branches of the Alder Tree, this is a tree that clearly states it must not be cut. The wood when used as a talisman or wand is used for protection and spiritual growth. To help us find the balance between our emotions and the desire to act out on them. Because of it's connection to the faerie realm, as it connects our world to the Otherworld, it is used to protect from negative energies.

I like to carry the wood around with me, especially when I wish to be proactive and tap into my inner strength. But mostly I like to sit with this tree, to connect with it and to observe how it interacts with the world around it. There is great healing to be had when we sit and be silent, when we observe and listen, when we allow ourselves to fully interact with our surroundings. Something that the Alder is very good at.

This is my entry into the Plant Medicine Challenge, created by the wonderful @naturalmedicine community. You can read all about it here and make sure to look out for people's entries so that we can all share and learn together.

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