Rowan Tree: The Sacred Enchanter
- Linda Crider
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
I've decided to indulge my fascination with tree medicine by taking a close look at the sacred and mystical ROWAN TREE. As with all trees, there are multiple species of Rowans Most prefer the cool, temperate climate of Northern regions and some can grow to be 400 years old. In the US, they are happiest in mountainous areas such as the Appalachians of North Carolina, and are often called "Mountain Ash"trees.
The Rowan offers a lot of healing medicine on both physical and spiritual levels. Several North American tribes such as the Cree and Chipewyan referred to the shrubby Rowan species that grew in their region as the "medicine stick," and they used this plant to treat a variety of conditions from headaches to diabetes.
Aside from having such physically healing properties, Rowans are heavily steeped in folklore and magic, and they hold a special place in the ancient Celtic Ogham alphabet as the letter "L" or Luis.
Notice that I deliberately titled this post as the "enchanter"rather than the "enchanted" Rowan tree, and there's a reason for this that others have explained.
Medical biochemist and avid forest protector Diana Beresford-Kroeger is well versed in Celtic plant medicine lore. In one of her books To Speak for the Trees, she writes about how the Celts considered the Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) to possess the ability to enchant. Legend says that at night while people slept, fairies would drink the juice of the Rowan's bright red berries to the point of falling into a drunken stupor and then getting into all kinds of mischief.
It follows that Druid physicians worked with this tree to help lull distressed and anxious patients into a greater sense of calm. It's no surprise that the Rowan is actually in the rosaceae family as the Rose is known for it's calming and soothing qualities.
How about that! It looks like these ancient docs were already aware of how stress can negatively affect both animals and humans. According to Beresford-Kroeger, today such a practice would be akin to medically soothing and supporting the overtaxed adrenal cortex of people experiencing the effects of long term stressful lifestyles.
The Druids also saw this tree as a portal between death and rebirth, and the wood was carved to make walking staffs to protect and encourage those who journey to follow their calling. Laural Wauters, host of the website Tree Spirit Wisdom tell us that "Rowan trees were planted in front of walkways to mark the place where one enters and leaves at the same time. This reminds us that when one door closes another immediately opens."
So, aside from having the ability to "enchant," the Rowans encourage us to be open to letting go of the old and welcoming in the new. Examples would be leaving what has become a dead end job, ending a relationship that has run its course, embarking on a different spiritual path or moving to a new place.
In the following short video, this UK Rowan enthusiast summarizes the value placed on this magical tree. Maybe it's her accent, but I get the impression that she has an even stronger connection to the Rowan than she lets on...
If you live in an area where these trees thrive, and you're intrigued with the idea she mentions of making jelly or other edibles from the berries, there are many recipes available online, so go for it! But keep in mind that, like the Elderberry, the raw Rowan berries are poisonous to humans and must be in some way cooked before consuming.
I don't need to point out that these berries are also visually quite stunning, and I've seen them made into decorative and ceremonial garlands and jewelry as you see here...
I've not witnessed this in person, but it looks like the ripe berries are most attractive and potent after they have reached their peak in autumn. Here, you can see how their distinctive red hue is frosted over by a winter snowfall .
In some ways they resemble the winter berries of the Holly tree and both are known for their ability to protect and nurture people and wildlife. However, Rowan trees do leave we humans with a snippet of their own distinctive wisdom.
They remind us that "endings create new beginnings."
Interestingly enough, as I finished writing this post, I realized that we are currently experiencing a partial lunar eclipse (in the water sign of Pisces for those who follow astrology) that prompts us to let go and move forward. According to herbalist and stargazer Emily Ruff:
"This is the Full Moon for turning honestly toward whatever you have been holding onto....You cannot fully step through the door to what is next while the past is still standing in it. This eclipse is the moment to begin, with as much gentleness as you can muster, to set some of that down."
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
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