Celtic dictionary: Elder

November 25 - December 22 - "Moon of Completeness"

The symbol of death and rebirth to the Celts, the Elder was also known as the 'Tree of Faeries' or 'Pipe Tree'. Its twigs were worn in order to see the spirits and experience all sorts of visions. The Druids believed that it was in this particular period of Winter (around the Winter Solstice) when the Solar Spirit was held prisoner, therefore these days were considered dire times. Being a tree held sacred by the faeries, its twigs were usually hung outside of stables, in order to protect horses from evil spirits. An old superstition stated that whoever fell an Elder would immediately turn to stone. Relying on the fact that the Elder was never struck by lightning, the Celts thought that planting the tree next to their homes would render these immune to the phenomenon. Also, it was considered bad omen to fall asleep under the Elder, as one would attract negative energies that would give one nightmares. This may have been due to the fact that the smell of its flowers is narcotic and quite heady.

The Elder has the tendency to straggle in damp clearings or along the rims of forests. Despite its reduced height (about 30 feet), it has been called a tree, since it is too large and airy to be called a bush. Its branches are feeble and can be broken with ease, revealing a cork-like interior, excellent for your everyday popgun fights. It is believed that the flutes made from the Elder wood had the power to enchant spirits. The tree's damaged branches can regenerate and regrow and that is why the Elder was seen as the symbol of death and rebirth.

The Elder person can be of two distinct types. And it is as such with every tree in the zodiac: a first type called 'the new moon', related to the first two weeks of the sign, and 'the full moon' that obviously goes to the last two weeks of the respective sign.

The 'new moon' individual is straightforward and somewhat rash in taking decisions. These kind of people usually make for good orators, that always denounce injustices or corruption. The 'full moons' prefer more of a different, backstage approach to various situations. They too possess great vision, but avoid direct confrontations.

It is characteristic of Elders to gradually evolve in their lifetime. In their youth, they tend to embark on worthless ventures that are time and energy consuming. If, by fortunate events they inherit large sums of money, the Elder individuals will indulge even more in this kind of lifestyle. Lively and downright, the Elders simply hate routine and pressure from other people. They need to feel constant change and crave to face challenge after challenge, be that spiritual, mental or physical. Later in life, the Elder characters become more patient and impose a great deal of respect. Unfortunately, they can be callous and insensitive. Very outspoken individuals, the Elders occasionally have the tendency to speak without thinking. However, they have a constructive approach to life and are best suited for careers in the military or in journalism. Elder persons are quite open in their relationships, but sometimes they will repress their feelings and not fall deeply in love. Their restless spirit prevents them from being good parents. Instead, they can settle for excellent uncles and aunts.

The Elder characters must learn how to cope with all aspects of life, each new phase in their existence being strongly related to the old one.

The Ogham symbol that is associated with the Elder is Ruis.

The lucky gemstone of the ones born under this sign is the Jet, also known as 'Black Amber'. The Jet is actually a variety of a coal, the Lignite, and it is so hard and uniform that it can be polished and carved without breaking until it resembles black glass, although without the latter's transparency. The Jet was sometimes burned, and the fumes that emanated were inhaled in order to cure a number of conditions, such as edema, colds or hysteria. Pregnant women also drank the water with a piece of Jet inside, believing that this would reduce the pains of labor. The stone was believed to ward off evil, lift fear and cure depression. Jet is the first known material to be carved in the shape of crosses and was regarded as an extremely lucky stone, given to sailors by their women to have them return safely home.

The flower of the Elder is the Dandelion (aka 'Priest's Crown' and 'Swine's Snout'). Its flowers are bright-yellow, and its leaves resemble the canine teeth of a lion, hence flower's name (from the French 'Dent de Lion'). Small birds are very fond of the Dandelion seeds and pigs will eat their way right through these flowers. The young leaves were used in salads (and still are in some areas), while the dried leaves are still used to create digestive drinks.

The celestial body associated with the Elder is planet Saturn ('Sadorn'), God of Time.

The Elder deity is Pryderi, traditionally representing the dark forces as opposed to the light. The son of Annwn and the Goddess Rhiannon, Pryderi was killed in single combat and is buried at Maen Tyriawg.

Three animals are the representations of the Elder: the Black Horse, the Badger and the Raven. The Black Horse, held sacred by Goddess Epona, symbolized vitality and devotion. It was also a faithful guide to the Otherworld. The Badger was supposed to possess enormous courage when facing danger. It was the symbol of the fight for personal rights and ideas. The Raven was regarded as the symbol of healing and protection. Also, it was considered to be an 'oracular' bird, its cries announcing the need for changes in life.

There are also other lesser influences for each sign of the Celtic zodiac. These influences can be traced by the specific date of birth within the major sign. In the case of the individual born under the sign of the Elder, there are four influences, similar to the 'ascendants' in the European zodiac:

 

November 25 - December 1 - The Ash

December 2 - December 11 - The Hornbeam

December 12 - December 21 - The Fig

December 22 - The Beech

 

The approximate equivalent of the Elder sign in the Western/European zodiac is the Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21).