“Elder – Shapeshifter, The ruler of the 13th Moon-th Month of the year. The most intuitively protective of all the trees, perfect for protection amulets.” – The Growler.

The elder tree, especially in folklore and poetry, carries potent symbolic weight, often associated with transition, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life and death. It’s seen as a tree of endings, winter, and the crone archetype, but also of regeneration and new beginnings.

Endings and Rebirth: Elder is linked to Samhain (Celtic festival marking the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of winter) and is seen as a tree of death and transformation. However, its ability to readily regenerate from broken branches symbolizes rebirth and the cyclical nature of life, where endings lead to new beginnings.
In some traditions, the elder tree is paired with the birch tree, with birch representing new beginnings and the elder representing endings.

The Feminine and the Crone: Elder is frequently associated with the sacred feminine, particularly the crone archetype, representing wisdom, experience, and the shadow aspect of the feminine. It can symbolize the grandmother figure and the spirit of winter.

Protection and Magic:Elder branches were traditionally hung over doorways to ward off evil spirits, highlighting its protective qualities. The tree is believed to be inhabited by spirits, particularly the Elder Mother, and its magical properties were respected and sometimes feared. Elder wood was also used in musical instruments like flutes, which were thought to have magical properties and could be used to induce sleep or raise energy.

Transformation and Adaptability:The elder tree’s ability to thrive in various conditions makes it a symbol of adaptability and resilience. It can represent spiritual growth and the ability to endure challenges.

Celtic Tree Ogham:In the Celtic Ogham calendar, elder is associated with the letter “R” (Ruis) and the month of November-December, further emphasizing its connection to the end of the year and the transition into winter.

In essence, the elder tree’s symbolism is complex and multifaceted, encompassing both positive and negative associations. It is a powerful symbol of life’s cycles, of the feminine wisdom, and of the magic that can be found in both the beginning and the end.

Elder tree ogham necklace – handcrafted and recycled ethical jewellery made from silver 100 year old shilling.

Elder tree leaf necklace, a protective amulet handcrafted and created using recycled raw materials such as this silver shilling.  Consequently the necklace is eco-conscious by nature and completely original.  The individual look is maintained by the traditional tools and techniques used to transform the silver coin into wearable nature art. The fine details are hand carved and cut in a pain staking process to connects my intent with each piece.

The Elder tree Ogham leaf I have created from a recycled silver coin are imbued with these connections and will make beautiful necklace and protection amulet.  Each leaf is lovingly handcrafted to order and a delight to make.   The leaves are available as just the leaves to go on your own special chain, or on a adjustable cotton neckcord (variety of colours), on one of my flourish chains with accompanying star, heart or moon?

Recycled in Cambridge.

Size : Approx 25 mm * 12 mm