Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
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Pretty tree with masses of white flowers in spring followed by red berries. Leaves provide good autumn colour. Also known as Mountain Ash, Quickbeam, Wicken Tree, Witchbane and Witch Wood. Its Celtic name is An Caorthann. Found in the wild in high mountains and growing in crags.
In ancient mythology, the god Thor was pulled to safety by a Rowan sapling on the banks of the River Vimus, which he was crossing from the land of men to get to the land of giants.
In Greek mythology, the drinking cup of Zeus was stolen by demons when Hebe, goddess of youth, was giving rejuvenating ambrosia to the gods. An eagle was sent to retrieve it and, in the battle for it, blood and feathers fell, and wherever they fell a Rowan tree erupted forth � the leaves represent the eagle and the berries its blood. In Norse mythology, the first woman was made from a Rowan tree.
The Rowan is an excellent tree for protection against witchcraft, fairies, disease and the Evil Eye. It was believed that witches favoured chimneys for entering into houses, so Rowan wood was used for chimney crossbeams in Scotland. A Rowan tree was also planted by a door for protection. In Ireland, even a twig amongst the roof thatch, or in a keyhole or bed, was enough to provide protection. Fairies in Rowan trees would protect the house if the Rowan was grown by the house. A piece of Rowan was often sewn into children�s clothing to protect from kidnap by fairies. Similarly, Scottish Highlanders sewed Rowan into clothes before going into battle.
The red berries of the tree form a 5-pointed star shape (pentagon) where the berry joins the stalk. The pentagon was a pagan symbol of protection and so carrying the berries would also protect you. Sprigs of Rowan were placed over doorways and fixed to cattle sheds to protect from harm. Farmers would also drive sheep through hoops of Rowan branches. In Wales, Rowan trees were planted in graveyards to watch over the dead. Plant a Rowan tree on a grave to prevent the dead from haunting. It was also built into coffins to prevent the dead from rising. Highland women wore necklaces of Rowan berries with red thread for protection. In Wales, if you stepped into a fairy circle only a Rowan stick laid across the circle would free you from spending a year and a day there.
The Rowan symbolises beauty, privacy, peace and sanctuary. Your psychic powers will increase if you carry Rowan wood. Walking sticks were made of Rowan for safe night journeys. A Rowan tree growing out of another is particularly potent against witches and magic. The Druids wove wattle beds from Rowan twigs which they laid upon to induce trances. Rowan trees have been found planted around stone circles.
Milk churn handles were made of Rowan wood to stop the milk curdling. Ships were also built of Rowan for protection. Rowan twigs are used for metal divining. If you want to get in touch with the spirits, holding a Rowan twig will aid communication.
The juice from the berries is mildly laxative and will make a good gargle for sore throats. Also used in jam and wine. The berries were also boiled to make a drink rich in vitamin C for treating scurvy. The tree yields a black dye which was used in tanning. The Druids used it to dye their ceremonial robes. Rowan wood was used to make bows in the Middle Ages. Decoction of bark was used to treat diarrhoea and nausea. Rowan has also been used for eye irritations, piles, heart and bladder problems, neuralgia and gout. In ancient Ireland the berries were used for wounds. Carrying a sprig of Rowan in your pocket was believed to protect from rheumatism.
Rowan trees have many wildlife attractions. Chaffinches, siskins and blackbirds are the main seed dispersers after eating the berries. Fieldfares and Redwings time their migrations from Scandinavia to the UK to coincide with the availability of Rowan berries. The larvae of several moth species make mines in Rowan leaves and caterpillars of the Welsh Wave moth feed on the leaves. It is also the food plant of the following moth caterpillars: Orange Underwing, Welsh Wave, Brimstone, Mottled Pug and Red-green Carpet. Red deer find the foliage tasty. Mountain hares like the leaves. A variety of mycorrhizal fungi are associated with Rowan. Rowan is a good host tree for lichens and is the second best in the UK for graphidion lichens. Tree lungwort is common on Rowan trunks in areas of wet or constant humidity. Rowan needs another nearby to make fruit. Protect from deer and rabbits. Will tolerate windy, wet spots and coastal conditions.
CAUTION � COOK BERRIES BEFORE EATING
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*