Mythology
most potent of all trees for control
of spirits and protective against bad luck. Burned to summon spirits (of
dead) to battle
(and control spirits). Found near cairns, stone circles, homes and incorporated
into every object requiring protection. At Beltane lambs encouraged to jump
through rowan hoops On quarter days a wand was placed above doorways and
byres and under vessels in the dairy to guard both cows and milk from witchcraft,
evil eye and murrain (infectious disease).
Brigit: Protector
Protective necklaces from berries,
collar from wand increases hound’s speed, tied to cow’s tail
to protects milk and beast. In its wattles it holds ‘hidden knowledge’.
Feb 2nd feast of Imbolc/ Candlemas, when all fires renewed from single source
of Brighde (St Brigit)
Associations: fire-flame, red, Hercules golden
cup, February fill-dyke, season of floods. Berries colour of blood
Botanical
Names quickbeam, mountain ash, rowan,
quicken. also flaxinus, pyrus, aucuparia. Wood for tool handles, cart wheels, planks
and beams, walking sticks, boats. Bark: tanning, dyeing Berry: flavours ales, liquers, cordials and
cooked makes jam and jelly. coffee substitute. taste of berries wards off
hunger. Branches: (forked) for metal divining
Medicinal: laxative, treats urinary tract
infections, gargle for sore throat,
laryngitis, tonsils, high in vitamin C, cure for scurvy.
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