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Botanical name:
Alnus glutinosa
Other names: Whistlewood, Aller
Name origins: The alder derived its name from either the Old
English word "ealdor" meaning "chief" or the old German word "elawer"
meaning "reddish-yellow", the colour of the cut wood.
Folklore:
An
amulet made from alder wood is reputed to have the power to suppress
doubt.
Magickal
uses:
The buds of the alder are set in a spiral arrangement on the
branch and represent resurrection.
A fire made from alder wood and lit at Imbolc (early spring)
symbolises the power to release the earth from cold and death. Playing
a whistle made from the wood heralds the arrival of the sun.
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