Alder
Fearn
(Guidance)
Fearn Pronounced: Fyarn
Fearn corresponds to the letter F or V in the Ogam alphabet and is associated with the Alder tree. This symbol represents strong spiritual foundation and principles, it also is linked with oracular powers.
Status: Chieftain-tree
Element: Air, Fire, Water and Earth
Gender: Masculine
Celtic First Month: January
Celtic First Month: January
Powers: Fearn gives good counsel and oracular power, combined with protection and strength.
Keywords: Divination, oracular powers, guidance, protection.
Deities Associated: Bran, Apollo, Odin, King Arthur, Circe, Calypso.
Interesting Spiritual Information: The alder was sacred to the druids and offers spiritual protection in arguments and the opportunity to use as an oracle. It is also associated with Bran, who used his body to as a bridge to span dangerous water ways. The wood has been used in bridge construction. Bran’s head was oracular. There was a custom to use the alder as a whistle to entice air elements, and so the term whistling up the wind was born.
Folklore: The alder, has special implications in Celtic tradition as it is especially associated with Bran, at Cad Goddeu, The Battle of the Trees. Gwydion guessed Bran’s name from the alder twigs in his hand. Bran’s alder may be a symbol of resurrection. Bran’s shamanistic birds were ravens who acted as scouts and messengers for him. When his head was buried under the White Hill, his ravens stayed to guard him, and carry out any desires he might have. To this day, the ravens at the Tower of London are well guarded as it is said that should they ever leave the tower, Britain will fall.
Interesting Spiritual Information: The alder was sacred to the druids and offers spiritual protection in arguments and the opportunity to use as an oracle. It is also associated with Bran, who used his body to as a bridge to span dangerous water ways. The wood has been used in bridge construction. Bran’s head was oracular. There was a custom to use the alder as a whistle to entice air elements, and so the term whistling up the wind was born.
Ogam Healing: Divination; Negative attitudes;Oracular Guidance; Protection; Strength; Clarifying our perception of life at that moment in time on all levels; Sore throats; Eczema; Skin irritations; Burns; Haemorrhoids; Stiff muscles Swellings…
More Medical information and in-depth healing suggestions can be found in my book The Beginners Book of Ogam Tree Healing, or by attending one of my workshops.
Notes: The alder tree brings you the gifts of prophecy and the creative arts which stem from the Underworld of the Fey. With these gifts from the tree you have the ability to explore the world in your distinct way, using your intuition.