The Spiritual Meaning of the Elder Tree
The elder is a tree of folklore, protection and transformation, associated in European lore with the Elder Mother who guarded it and with both blessing and caution.
The Elder Mother
Folklore said a spirit lived in the tree and that one should ask her permission before cutting it.
Protection and Healing
Elder was hung at doors and used in cough and cold remedies, as elderflower and elderberry still are.
Life and Death
Its association with both healing and death made it a tree of thresholds and transformation.
Key spiritual meanings of Elder Tree
- Protection
- A household guardian.
- Healing
- Elderflower and berry.
- Transformation
- Between life and death.
- Respect
- Ask before cutting.
- Folklore
- A tree of spirits.
- Renewal
- Quick growth.
Frequently asked questions
What does Elder Tree mean spiritually?
The elder is a tree of folklore, protection and transformation, associated in European lore with the Elder Mother who guarded it and with both blessing and caution.
The Elder Mother
Folklore said a spirit lived in the tree and that one should ask her permission before cutting it.
Protection and Healing
Elder was hung at doors and used in cough and cold remedies, as elderflower and elderberry still are.
Life and Death
Its association with both healing and death made it a tree of thresholds and transformation.
What are the 6 spiritual meanings of Elder Tree?
1. Protection: A household guardian. 2. Healing: Elderflower and berry. 3. Transformation: Between life and death. 4. Respect: Ask before cutting. 5. Folklore: A tree of spirits. 6. Renewal: Quick growth.