November 25 - December 22
Names: Ruis(RWEESH), Draenan, Elder, Sambucus nigra
Holiday:The Winter Solstice ( Alban Arthuan )
Celtic Symbol : The Black Horse Or The Raven
Other symbols: the Badger
Zodiac Degrees : 3º00` Sagittarius - 1º59` Capricorn
Ruling Planet : Saturn - Sadorn
Ancient Gods Associated With Saturn :
Greek : Saturn, ChronusCeltic : Pryderi, BranTarot Key: The Star
Full Moon: Elder Moon, Masculine, Moon of Completeness
Magickal Properties:Exorcism; Prosperity; Banishing; Healing
Polarity: Masculine
The month of Ruis begins on November 25th and ends on December 22nd. "She Who Takes Back." The time of death and rebirth, of repose, peace and the return of the light. It begins at the darkest time of the year, and ends when the Sun returns. Its symbols are white animals, especially the cow, roebuck, sow, and the mare. Symbolized by the White Goddess (Devi, Danu, Anu, Nut), the Creatrix of all it is also the Symbol of both death and rebirth. Like the Winter Solstice, it highlights a time of evolution. The Celts believed that it was during this time that their sun or solar spirit was held prisoner. Just as Pryderi was forced into exile. It is also a time of trouble and struggle for supremacy. In deed what is now will one day be no more, and that which is to come, will also, one day be no more.
The common elder (Sambucus nigra L.) is a shrub growing to 10 m (33 feet) in damp clearings, along the edge of woods, and especially near habitations. The tree can grow to 50 ft so it is not the tallest tree in the forest but it definitely has its place. It is also found as a shrub. A waterside and deciduous tree, the Elder has white flowers that bloom to their peak in midsummer and followed by red or black berries. Elders are grown for their blackish berries, which are used for preserves and wine. The leaf scars have the shape of a crescent moon. Elder branches have a broad spongy pith in their centers, much like the marrow of long bones, and an elder branch stripped of its bark is very bone-like. The red elder (S. racemosa L.) is a similar plant at higher elevations; it grows to 5 m (15 feet). Red elder extends its native range to northern North America, and it is cultivated along with other native species, but common elders are seldom seen in cultivation. Elders are in the Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae).
The elder is a very sacred tree, the tree of life, death and rebirth. In popular Celtic folklore, it was believed that it was unlucky to use Elder wood for a child's cradle, but that only Birch wood should be used to symbolize purity and new beginnings.In Europe, spirits were believed to dwell within elder trees and there are still taboos against burning it. The leaf scars have the shape of a crescent moon and the branches have a broad spongy pith in their centers, much like the marrow of long bones, and a branch stripped of its bark is very bone-like. Elder was grown near houses, and considered special to the sidhe. It was, and still is, unlucky to harm an elder.
Elder regrows damaged branches with ease and can root rapidly from any part. The inner bark and the flowers have long been famous for their therapeutic qualities. The elder is a veritable medicine chest in one plant. Their blackish berries are used for preserves and wine, and can be dried for storage, then made into a tea that is rich in vitamins A, C, calcium, iron and potassium. The unripe berries, however, can give one diarrhea, so caution should be used in harvesting. Medicinally, the elder is very useful. The flowers and pollen can be boiled with oil, and used on cuts, abrasions, burns and nettle stings. An ointment from the leaves can aid the healing of bruises and sprains. An infusion of the flowers can treat colds (especially used with peppermint and yarrow), and is good for the complexion and the eyes. A tea for purifying the blood can be made from the flowers and wine from the fruit, but in general the tree is poisonous. Rich in vitamin C, a tea from the flowers is also used for the treatment of coughs and sore throat. Boiled leaves can be used in a mixture for the relief of pain in the ears. A distillation made from the flowers is used a skin cleanser, a cure for headaches and treatment for the common cold. The bark can be dried and used as a laxative.
Celtic Astrology
Elder tree characters evolve gradually during their lifetimes. Initially in their youth they are inclined to waste much time and energy on worthless ventures or projects. They are often fortunate or benefit from inheritances which encourage extravagant tastes or indulgences. They have a basic restlessness or an insatiable curiosity that draws them into the study of profound subjects, and they are inclined to travel great distances in order to further their knowledge. People born during the first two weeks come under the new moon phase of the sign and they are more outspoken and impulsive. They are, however, extremely persuasive orators who will constantly challenge injustices or what they see as corrupt powers. The people born during the last two weeks come under the full moon phase, and while they have great vision, they are inclined to operate more successfully in the background rather than pursue a confrontational approach.
Elder people definitely have a tie to the White goddess. They are very similar to Rowan people. They are very musically inclined and gifted. Most Elder people will be water people as well, having water as their element or even associated with their astrological birth sign. They are excellent healers. They have to be careful not to use their gifts to sway other people's wills and choices. they can also be excellent seers and seem to be not of their time, of their time and before there time in different circumstances.
Truth and honesty. The mental level of the Elder is one of meditation and contemplation, leading to natural progression. In order to grow into a strong, brave person you must become honest and truthful. For it can take strength and bravery to become truly honorable.
Celtic Tree Month of Elder
