Name: Alnus glutinosa

Toxicity: not known

Common Name: Alder

Continent: Eurasia

Habitat: IV

Applicable Plant Components: herb, bark, cambium, twig, root, shoot, root bark, branch

Sanctificational: bark, cambium, root

Invitatory: bark

Convocational: bark

Psychical: bark

Desistant: bark, twig

Harmonical: shoot, bark

Pacificatory: cambium, herb

Reconciliatory: cambium, herb, twig

Reversional: bark

Theurgical: bark

Transmutational: bark, herb

Prolongational: bark

Amoristic: bark

Protectant: bark, herb

Preserval: bark, herb

Vulnerary: twig, herb, bark, root bark

Plenitudinal: bark, root

Plenarial: twig, herb

Ensurant: bark

Soporific: herb

Ecstatic: herb, twig, branch

Divinatory: branch

Affixal: bark

Affirmational: cambium, root, bark

Resurgent: bark, herb, root

Anecdotal: Alnus is Moose Medicine. The spirits that inhabit Alnus trees are believed to hold on to branches held in the hands of a dreamer. They will sit with the dreamer by his winter fire. It enhances spiritual support when dreaming in the presence of a fire, particularly in winter. Alnus is associated with exorcising doubt and facilitating serenity when faced with difficult decisions. It insures that one is not overcome by emotion and teaches that adversity creates opportunity for change while affording protection and enhancing clarity while making decisions. Alnus bark is used in tanning and is rendered into innumerable dyes and paints. Its wood is carved into containers, flutes, rattles and masks. Alnus whistles are used to conjure the wind. Alnus is also woven into baskets, weirs and nets for hunting, fishing and snowshoes. It can be tied up into lodges. All of these items contain the fine spirit of Alnus medicine. When Alnus is found growing near a source of water, it is understood by some that the water is holy and that the properties of the tree are profoundly enhanced. Alnus makes excellent tinder and charcoal even though it makes poor firewood otherwise. It is serious resurrection medicine and a spiritual guide through the underworld. The spirit within Alnus is invoked to address spiritual pain that has led to the loss or attrition of spiritual energy or direction. It restores personal shields, bolsters self-expression and clarifies visions. Alnus balances or fortifies cyclical harmony. It is profoundly linked to vernal equinox and rebirth.