Rowan – Protection

A tree of protection from occult or all awkward situations.
Key phrases: Psychic protection, unusual resources, insurance, immunity, menstrual cycles and taboos.

The Rowan promotes psychic protection or the need for it. It represents the initial feminine occult principle. This stage still has the aspect of the virginal but the sense of awareness it highlights strips away the veil of innocence. The result of this is a period of adjustment, vulnerability and exposure. This can be related to the male stage development with a passive principle.

The tree is easily recognisible for its clusters of red berries. These gave the nickname of the bird catcher, bececause they were used as bait. The wood was often used for pegs, spindles and spinning wheels. The fruit needs to be cooked and sweetened before being edible. Often seen about farmyards and the entrance to old gardens.

In Celtic mythology the Rowans fruit was called the Ambrosia of the Gods. It is a tree of the healer and is heavily associated with witchraft. A natural lightning conducter in the open spaces. In European mythologies the wood was thought to immobilise the soul. This is apparent in the vampire and werewolf legends, also in the tale of the Sleeping Beauty.

Persons relevant: Teenagers, apprentices, new guides and mentors, persons experiencing separation for the first time, also the psychic initiate.