Black Elderberry - Sambucus nigra
Magical correspondences of the Elder Tree
Gender : Female
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Magical purposes: Protection, Fertility, Love, New beginnings
It´s time again to harvest Elderflowers.
The Elder Tree is one of my absolute favorite trees and I often use it either in kitchen witchery, medicinical or in a magical way.
The Elder Tree is known for its fragrant flowers and berries, which are abundant in antioxidants. The elder is not a new herbal tree, but a plant steeped in history and folklore. Archaeological discoveries date the use of the Elder Tree back to the Neolithic age (2000 B.C.).
In German and Scandinavian folklore the people believed the Elder Tree was sacred. According to Elder Tree Folklore, this sacredness came from the spirit or goddess believed to reside in the plant. Hylde Moer in Danish, the Elder Mother or Holle/ Hulda/Holda in German ( that´s why the Elder Tree is also called "Holler" in Germany), The Elder Tree had the power to protect and to harm. The power of the Elder Mother turned the plant’s natural gifts (flowers, berries and wood) into blessings. From the Elder Mother, the various parts of the tree were imbued with power. For example, the leaves could protect a home or a person from evil spirits when dried and hung in a doorway or around the neck. It was a particularly good omen if an elder grew near a dwelling, as the tree’s proximity to the home would protect the household.
Back in the days it the Elder Tree was plant near the house as a protective tree and elder was called "the apothecary of the house" because of it´s countless medical benefits.
The black elder tree which is called botanical Sambucus Nigra is a very robust tree growing in gardens,
at the country lanes and as forests as well.
The very fragrant Elderflowers are blooming from May to July.
The berries which have a purple to black color and a blood red juice can be harvested from September to October.
All parts of the elder are slightly toxic so make sure that berries only be consumed if they are heated.
Ritual Use
The rituals around the Elder Tree are connected to rituals of attraction and abundance. That's why all Elder Tree spells are usually performed when the moon is waxing. You can use all parts of the Elder Tree. The dried bark or the dried flowers for example to create magical powders. Only the living root is not used because many legends of Nordic folklore are telling us that under the Elder Tree is the entrance to the underworld. Back in the days it was also forbidden to cut down an Elder Tree because of conjuring misfortune.
Elderflowers in Magic
Elderflower Insence
Dried Elderflowers can be used for incense blends.. They have no special fragrance but supporting benefits for new beginnings
the healing of traumatic memories and generally used for protection purposes.
Elderberries in magic
Elderberry Magic Inks
The crushed leaves and the berries as well mixed with some pure alcohol are perfect to create your own magic ink.
The berry ink can be used for love spells. The green ink from Elder tree leaves for wealth, growth and new beginnings.
Make sure that the ink is stored cool and dark in clean bottles.
Elderwood Talisman
The Elderberry wood is generally applicable for protection charms, especially for pregnant women.
It is said to carry an Elderwood talisman protects the unborn child.
A real piece of wood is possible, but of course it gets better with the rights.
Elderflower Syrup
Here is a little recipe for you with Elderflowers, enjoy !
Suggested Uses:
- Add an ounce or two to sparkling water for a refreshing and delicious homemade soda.
- Use in Cocktails. Elderflower Syrup mixed with Champagne or other sparkling wine makes an amazing drink.
- Use to flavor sorbet or ice-cream
- Use in place of sugar to macerate strawberries, blueberries, blackberries etc..
Ingredients
- 5 2/3 cup organic sugar
- 6 1/4 cups water
- 4 lemons
- 15 to 16 large Elderflower heads or 30 small to medium Elderflower heads (shaken to remove bugs and dirt). Harvesting flowers that are not fully open works best-they don't drop off the stem and are easier to remove. (Alternatively, you can substitute 2 cups of dried elderflowers for the fresh flower heads).
Directions
- Combine the sugar and water in a large saucepan and bring to a gentle boil, stirring, to make a simple syrup. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before proceeding, as putting the flowers in hot syrup will ruin the flavor.
- When the syrup is cool and you are ready, finely grate the rinds of all 4 lemons and add the grated lemon peel to the syrup. Remove the ends of the lemons and thickly slice each lemon into 5 slices. Divide the lemon slices equally between the two large mason jars (should have 10 slices per jar). Remove the flowers from the stems; the stems have a bitter flavor so do your best to keep them to a minimum! Divide the flowers evenly between the two mason jars and add the flowers to the jars. Divide the syrup evenly between the two jars and pour the syrup over the lemons and flowers. Cover with a clean cloth and leave to macerate for two days in your refrigerator.
- Remove the syrup from your refrigerator and pour it through a fine sieve to remove the flowers and lemon slices. Using a funnel, fill sterilized bottles with the syrup. Seal and store in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage at room temperature, bring the strained syrup to a boil. Pour it into clean canning jars or bottles leaving 1/2-inch of head space. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Once sealed, the syrup will keep at room temperature for at least a year (store opened jars in the refrigerator).
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