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ELDER (Sambucus nigra)
Key: Self-worth.
Elder can be found wherever the soil is rich in nitrogen – near abandoned houses, in churchyards, where there is dung and refuge. The breakdown of organic matter frees up this nitrogen for the plants to use. Elder grows vigorously and colonises an area very rapidly. It usually remains a bush but with enough space and light can grow into a small tree up to 30ft. (9m). Elder is probably Britain’s smelliest tree – the leaves have a distinctive sharp pungency which becomes a delicious creamy sweetness in the large umbels of flowers that open in May and June. The elderberries, blue-black and numerous, are edible, nutritious and tasty. In fact, elder is one of the most useful plants commonly found. It provides food, dyes, medicines and alcoholic beverages. The wood is hard enough to be a substitute for boxwood but elder has a large pithy core that limits the size of useful pieces. Elder comes into leaf very early – green shoots begin to be seen in February.
Elder primarily is a calming and stabilising essence. Aggression in any form, outward or inner, can be directed or transformed. Fears and anxieties are eased. There is a greater understanding and acceptance, a clearer insight into one’s emotional reactions. Elder brings an increase of tolerance, love and forgiveness. This has a positive effect on the Lung meridian, clearing from that energy channel blocks caused by scorn, intolerance, prejudice and haughtiness, increasing the qualities of humility, tolerance and modesty.
Solar plexus, heart and brow chakras are strengthened. Here there is an increase in calm and an ability to receive communication from deep intuitive levels. There is greater consideration of options before actions are taken – so can be helpful for the reckless or careless.
The essence can be helpful for all issues of understanding, self-worth and self-esteem. It gives support in times of transformation and change, giving flexibility and creativity to resolve and repair self-damaging beliefs.
Elder is a useful essence for children, particularly fretful babies and toddlers.
Signature: From the buried remains, the detritus, the dead, springs a tree of great value in healing.
Comment: Elder is widely connected to the death aspect of the Goddess in European tradition. “Elder Moeder” is the female/male wildfolk tree spirit whose permission should be sought before anything is taken from the tree.