Alder Cone

Description

Alder cone talismans empower the spoken word and whispered spell with strength and authority. People believe they possess the power of divination, particularly for diagnosing diseases. Sunday marks the holy day of the alder, while January serves as its holy month.

Folklore from Ireland said that those who passed alders during journeys would have bad luck. It was a dangerous ingredient for those who did not know how to use it. Whistles made from alder could invite wolves to attack livestock. Demons and goblins carved changelings from it and switch it for a human child. In Finland, people regarded the Alder Tree as human due to its red interior and ability to feel pain. They called the resin “sudenveri,” which translates to “wolf blood.” In Saami mythology leppä is the sacred tree of the hunter god leablelmai. Alder bark is boiled to create a blood red paint used by hunters to dip their arrows and paint shamans‘ drums thusly increasing their powers.

Alder groves are mysterious sacred places. People whispered of becoming lost in the blanket of alder trees. This would allow fairies to get a hold of them. These were holy places where people left food sacrifices to the spirits.

Hang alder leaves on the door during the Walpurgisnacht can keep evil spirits and witches away.