Apothecary & Folklore: Elder Flower

Lately I have been studying a lot about the local plants, trees and medicinal herbs. Their history, the knowledge that used to be omnipresent and necessary for people back in the day and that is seemingly being lost more and more. I also started studying the magical properties so I can include more herbs in my witchcraft practice. I think there is a reason why there are so many legends and stories involving certain trees and plants and I love bringing them back to life. So let’s start with the Elder Flower!*

Elder Flower & Its Folklore

The elder tree played an important role in folk customs. According to the old folklore, elder trees are home to domestic gods who are supposed to protect the house and farm from misfortune and harm. So this tree was intentionally planted around houses, farms and villages to attract good spirits. For people in the past, it was particularly important not to damage the elder tree and those who respected the elder tree were protected and blessed - and you tipped your hat when you passed an elder tree. ;)

It was a tree that represented good luck and was treated with utmost respect and reverence. But woe to those who damaged it, as it was said that bad luck would befall you.

In the past, people also believed that by burying their cut fingernails, hair or teeth under the elder tree, they could ward off hexes with just these.

Other customs I found in my research say that the elderberry is also a tree of protection. Therefore branches were often hung over the door to ward off evil spirits.

The elder tree is also known as a gateway to the Otherworld. Dwarves, trolls, gnomes and other magical beings use the elder tree as a portal between the worlds and the house gnomes likes to settle in the elder bush in front of the house. So if you look very closely, you can also see one or two gnomes peeking out from under the elder branches. And gnomes are happy to help and protect your house and land if you treat them with respect and leave them a gift or two.

And an old saying in Germany goes:

Bark, berry, leaf & blossom

Each part is strength and goodness

Each full of blessing!

The saying rhymes in German and sounds quite delightful, but you can see from this saying how important the elder tree was to people in the past. Every part of the tree has healing powers and people were using them for all kinds of occasions.

In a German book from the 19th Century called “Kräutersegen” by E. M. Zimmerer, I found these examples of use of the components of elderberry:

The flowers have a blood-purifying effect and were often used after a long winter to detox the body.

An ointment that can be made from the second, green bark can help with minor burns.

I also found out that elderberries contain various minerals and vitamins, and are extremely high in iron and vitamin C. These inconspicuous black berries are therefore said to strengthen the immune system.

Working with the Elder Tree in your Witchcraft Practice

From my experience, the elder tree is more than happy to give you its flowers and leafs and berries if you ask for permission! Always tell the tree why you need what you are collecting from it, do it with respect and give your thanks for the gift of the elder tree. And only collect what you need. I started using an old scissor to cut the flowers or berries as it felt quite disrespectful to simply tear them off (like I did before).

You will find your own connection to this wise tree if you listen closely to what it has to tell you. :)

What does the Elder Tree symbolise?

• protection; home to domestic gods who protect house & farm from misfortune & harm

• attract good spirits

• good luck

• endings & beginnings

• gateway to the Otherworld (portal between the worlds for dwarves, trolls, gnomes & other magical beings)

• Mother Holle (and to me deeply connected with Hekate)

• good luck, prosperity

• wisdom

Magikal Uses of the Elder Tree

So how can you incorporate her gifts into your witchcraft practice? Keep in mind that there is some knowledge, that has been passed on for generations and is somewhat general wisdom. However, you may also study a plant a lot and find that it works particularly well for you in a different type of spell, for example (so-called UPG). With that being said, let me share with you my favorite ways to use the gifts of the elder tree in my witchcraft practice!

I love to dry the elderflowers which bloom from mid/late May to July (and definitely will dry berries this year as well!). Not only do they look so incredibly pretty but they also make me feel like I’m the Apothecarian I always wanted to be when they fill my home with their gentle smell.

• Spell Jars: make a spell jar with dried elder flowers for protection

• Dream Sachet: put a little dream sachet with dried elder berries, lavender and amethyst under your pillow to enhance lucid dreaming

• Meditation: meditate under an elder tree to connect to the faerie realms. Only do this if you are in a safe environment & feel safe to do so.

• Hang branches over your door to ward off unwanted energies, this is said to keep negative people and spirits from entering

• Incense: cleanse your home with dried elder flowers (I place the dried flowers on a charcoal. You can use abalone shells, for example, into which you first put special quartz sand)

• Amulet: Make yourself a pretty amulet with dried berries to carry around and ward off unwanted energies

• Kitchen Witchery: bake a precious cake with the elder berries, make elderflower jelly or elderberry syrup*

• Candle Magik: dress a candle with oil & coat with powdered elder flower or dried berry dust

• Tea: make yourself a nice cup of tea from dried berries to enhance your intuition & inner knowing*

• Ritual Bath: add some tea water to your bath to release emotional ballast*

Let me know how you incorporate the gifts of the elder tree in your witchcraft practice! :)

*Disclaimer: This is my own research. Please be careful with the information and always do your own research. Only collect plants if you know them 100% and only collect as much as you need. Always make sure you check for allergies. This information does not replace a visit to the doctor!