So ABOVE So BELOW
Spiritual Wellbeing: The Magic of the Elder Moon (Celtic Tree Moon No. 13)
As the final turn of the Celtic Tree Calendar approaches, we step into the embrace of the Elder Moon. This is the moon of protection, introspection, and transformation—a divine mother guiding us through the darkness of winter, holding space for our journey inward. Beneath her watchful branches, we face endings, dream of new beginnings, and emerge renewed, with a deeper understanding of our shadows and our light.
Elder: A Sacred Guardian of Shadows and Light
The Elder Moon carries the potent energy of endings and beginnings, much like the Winter Solstice, where the Sun is reborn from the deepest night. In this sacred time, we are called to descend into our own inner darkness, confronting the shadows that obscure our heart’s truest desires. Only by navigating these depths can we rise, like the Sun, to embrace the light again.
Where Elder grows, she sanctifies and protects. If she has chosen your land to self-seed, it is a profound blessing—a sign that you are under her divine care. Revered as Ruish (pronounced roo-esh) in the Ogham alphabet, Elder stands for the letter R and holds deep ties to goddesses of love, nature, and the underworld: Freya, Holda, and the Great Mother herself.
Her blossoms of pure white speak to life and renewal, while her dark, jewel-like berries symbolize death and release. The Elder Moon reminds us that endings are not failures but sacred thresholds to transformation.
Elder Tree: Botanical Wisdom
The Elder tree mirrors our own resilience. Though she can be easily damaged, she recovers swiftly, flourishing in unlikely places: waste grounds, hedgerows, even scrubby woodland. She thrives in fertile, disturbed soil—a symbol of growth born from life’s challenges.
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Sacred Structure: Elder grows up to 30 feet when bathed in light. Her leaves, arranged in paired symmetry, carry an unusual scent that deters vermin—protection for both hearth and soul.
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Hollow Stems, Infinite Possibility: Her pith is easily removed, making her stems perfect for pipes, whistles, and even floating candles—ancient symbols of illumination and guidance.
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Aging Gracefully: Her bark evolves from smooth youth to deeply furrowed age, reflecting the stories etched upon us through life’s seasons.
Elder’s Edible Magic
Elder offers her gifts through the year, nourishing body and spirit alike.
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Spring Blossoms: Fragrant white saucers of Elderflowers invite us to celebrate life’s sweetness. Brew them into syrups, tonics, or champagne for a Beltane feast, or sip a warming tea to chase away fevers and colds. The flowers work with your body’s rhythms, helping you sweat out toxins and clear energetic stagnation.
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Autumn Berries: As the year wanes, Elder adorns herself with bows of deep purple berries, bursting with medicinal power. Rich in vitamins A, B, and C, these antioxidant gems can be transformed into syrup to soothe coughs and boost immunity—a magical elixir for the colder months.
Elder’s Moon Magic
Under the Elder Moon, we are invited to reflect on the year gone by and release all that no longer serves our highest good. This is a time to honour your shadow journey:
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What lessons have shaped you?
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What burdens are you ready to lay down?
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What seeds of inspiration will you plant for the coming year?
Elder teaches us that transformation is cyclical, and death is not an end but a necessary step toward rebirth. Just as nature withdraws and surrenders in winter, so too must we let go with trust, allowing ourselves to be held in the protective energy of this sacred moon. From this space of acceptance, we find wholeness—embracing both our light and our dark.
The Elder Tree’s Shadow and Light
Elder’s story is one of duality, much like our own. Once revered for her magical protection, she fell from grace during the rise of Christianity, cast as the “Judas Tree” of betrayal and sorrow. Yet her true essence endures: as Tree Moon No. 13, she stands as a guardian of transformation, her dual nature teaching us the balance of life and death, endings and beginnings.
How to Work with Elder’s Magic
The Elder Moon offers a sanctuary for reflection, release, and rebirth. Here’s how you can align with her powerful energy:
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Protective Magic: Craft a protective charm from Elder wood, or place a sprig of her leaves in your attic or cellar to safeguard your space—so above, so below.
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Shadow Work: Use this time to journal your truths, meditate on your intentions, or create a ritual of release under the moonlight. Burn what you’re letting go of, scattering the ashes with gratitude.
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Honor the Cycle: Celebrate the Winter Solstice by lighting candles or floating an Elder-inspired creation on water, symbolizing your journey from darkness to light.
Your Journey with the Elder Moon
The Elder Moon’s sacred lessons remind us of the beauty in letting go, the power of surrender, and the magic of transformation. As your guide, I offer a wealth of tools and practices to support your journey: Celtic wisdom, medical astrology, aromatherapy, and bespoke spiritual guidance.
If you’re ready to explore these gifts or need help navigating your shadow work, book a free 15-minute consultation with me today. Together, we’ll craft a path toward your brightest self.
Blessings,
The Oily Witch
