The Rowan Tree

The Rowan, genus Sorbus, is a part of the Rosaceae or Rose family. It can grow to a height of over 65 feet as a tree, but some species grow as bushes and hedges. It is often referred to as the Mountain Ash for its ability to grow high upon mountain sides, cling precariously to outcrops of rock and fissures in boulders which is common in the mountains of Colorado. Depending on the species the berries are orange, bright red, or white. You can always spot a Rose family tree as there will be little silver slits or pores all over the bark called lenticels. The flowers are a beautiful white and bloom in May. The berries become full and ripe in the fall. The berries are edible but require cooking to neutralize the bitter components called parasorbic acid that can cause indigestion and damage to the kidneys when eaten raw. They are often made into pies, tarts, or jelly. A jelly is often made into a sauce for game and meats. It is believed the druids made ale from the berries. Wine or flavored Meade may also made of the fruit. The berries contain vitamin C and were used as a cure for scurvy. The branches are strong and flexible and were used to make longbows, and tool handles.

Rowan has a strong history with magic, and witches. The Rowan is highly associated with protection. There is even a natural little pentagram on the top of each berry. The color red was also associated with protection against enchantment and the charms of bad witches. Like in the old rhyme:  "Rowan tree and red thread make the witches tine (meaning 'to lose') their speed".

The Rowan tree is considered a faerie tree in Ireland like the hawthorn and the elder. The alternative name Quicken Tree refers to the “quickening” or lifegiving powers it provides. It also reminds me of how the ‘quaking’ aspen leaves rustle and speak on the breeze communicating to each other, the birds, and to those who have the ability to hear. It has been called the “whispering tree” because, in ancient tales, it had secrets and mysteries to impart to persons who would listen.

There are many types of protection provided by the Rowan repeatedly documented. The tree itself was said to give protection to the home if it grew nearby, and bits of Rowan would be hung in the house to protect it from fire. Hung above the entrance or hearth it protects from evil spirits or negativity from entering. It is a great wood to make a broom handle from for this double purpose as a broom adds extra protection. Sprays of Rowan flowers were used as protection for animals so their milk would not go dry and prevent the ruin of dairy products.  It was kept in the barn to protect the animals and put in the milk pail and around the churn to ensure that the health of the milk was not stolen. People have been warned against removing or damaging a Rowan in a garden or around a home or even out in nature as doing so may provoke the faeries and bad luck. They were planted in church yards to protect against evil and to scare away demons. The berries were strung and hung around the house and person. They were added to sachets and amulets to be worn or hung for protection against evil and curses.

The word Rowan may come from the Norse word runa meaning charm or spell. Its name Luis in the Tree Ogham, means swarm or great many. Referring to it exceptional abundance and power. Warriors or huntsman would gather at Rowan tree groves in the old stories before a battle for good luck and to aid the abilities of the tacticians. It is also told of as being associated with the Druids and used as magickal weapons. Rowan wood was used to meditate and enter trances and altered states of being through which magickal knowledge could be gained. Rowan was burned in fires before big battles and to focus incantations to bring the outcome that was desired.

In Ireland there is an ancient story told of Cú Chulainn where he has many encounters with the Goddess Morrigan. Now Cú Chulainn had some geasa, (a powerful supernatural taboo), placed upon him in his youth. One of them was he must never eat dog meat, and the other, he must always eat food offered to him from a woman. Violating either of these could bring misfortune, loss of power, or death. In one of his encounters with the Morrigan, she is disguised as an old woman, and he comes upon her cooking meat on a spit made of Rowan branches, (which aids her magickal endeavor). She offers him the meat he knows is dog meat, but he has no choice as either eating or refusing would break a geas, so he eats. 

The Rowan is a great tree to make wands as they afford extra energies to ward off evil spirits, and unwanted influences and can help in many magickal endeavors that require more assistance and protection than usual. You can add sigils and include the Rowan Luis Ogahm symbol on your wand. 

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This month at the store we are giving away little bags of Rowan Berries to each customer to aid in your protection. We have also placed Rowan Berries in our Mabon incense to provide protection, bring manifestation results, and to aid in bringing wisdom and insight when it is burned. Blessed Be your Autumnal Equinox!