A little more detail….

Ogham tree pendant – Alder – “Fearn” – Ruler of the 4th Lunar Moonth – (18th March – 14th April)

Ogham tree pendant made from a recycled silver Victorian Shilling.  Given to the fourth moonth of the thirteen month Lunar calendar (18th March – 14th April) by ancestors the Alder was the magical first tree of Bran, most high of the Celts. Giver of courage, rhythm, vibration and connection conscious awareness. Never far from source material, water, it spans the whurlds between the physical reality and non physical consciousness. Among the many British places carrying the alder name from centuries past are Aldreth in Cambridgeshire and Alderford in Norfolk.

The alder tree, deeply rooted in Celtic lore, is a powerful symbol of courage, protection, and transformation. It’s often associated with water, suggesting fluidity, intuition, and connection to the spiritual realm. According to Celtic mythology, it represents balance between genders and fertility.

Balance and Fertility: The alder’s monoecious nature (having both male and female flowers on the same tree) symbolizes balance and the unity of opposing forces, including the masculine and feminine. It’s also associated with fertility, as it thrives in wet, seemingly infertile areas, transforming them into thriving ecosystems.

Protection and Courage: The alder was used in Celtic mythology for crafting shields and weapons, representing the warrior’s need to balance strength and protection. It’s seen as a source of courage and a shield against adversity.

Connection to the Otherworld:In Celtic traditions, the alder is linked to water and the journey of the soul, making it a symbol of spiritual fluidity and connection to the Otherworld. It’s associated with divination and psychic abilities.

Healing and Renewal:The alder is also linked to healing, breath, and new beginnings, suggesting its role in spiritual and physical restoration.

Intuition and Divination:The ability of the alder to grow in diverse conditions and its connection to water also symbolize intuition and the ability to access hidden knowledge.

Strength and Confidence:The Alder’s ability to grow in challenging environments and its association with weapons and shields also makes it a symbol of inner strength and confidence.

Poetry and Music:In the Celtic Ogham alphabet, the alder is associated with music and poetry, suggesting inspiration and creative expression.

In Mythology:The Celtic god Bran, who uses a cauldron to resurrect the dead, is associated with the alder.
The alder is also linked to the story of Deirdre and Naoise, who hide in the alder woods to escape persecution.

The alder tree’s multifaceted symbolism offers a rich tapestry of meaning, encompassing protection, courage, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of life and death

The leaves I have created from a recycled coins are imbued with these connections and will make beautiful necklace and protection amulet. Each set is lovingly handcrafted to order and a delight to make. Each one is hand cut and engraved.

Recycled in Cambridge.

Size : Approx 25 mm * 15 mm each