Protection
The Rowan tree is at most a symbol of protection. It is used in many ways to protect from darker forms of magic, misfortune in general, or mischievous spirits. The color red itself is a symbol of protection. Scottish tradition calls it ‘the red one’. Rowan tree were planted near houses for protection and insight….carrying with it the protection of the fae to the family who lives near the Rowan.
Each Berry has a tiny five pointed star or pentagram which is an ancient symbol of protection. Rowan twigs are often tied together into a solar cross with red thread and often placed in doorways, entrances, or on farms to protect the space, the herd, or the crop. The Rowan has deep associations with cattle – with red string tied directly to the tails to protect from evil.
Rowan is known to protect, give strength, and courage to people on a path of spiritual growth and enlightenment. Rowan is know to protect against harmful enchantments and negative witchcraft as well as protecting the living from the dead.
The range of protection that the Rowan tree is known for is quite extensive. The Color red extends beyond the berries and is a main symbol of the Rowan tree. A red thread is used to carry the power of protection of the Rowan.
Inspiration
Second to protection, Rowan tree is known for inspiration. Visualizing this tree in meditation can help to clear the mind and open us up for inspiration.
Rowan tree bring colour and beauty into often solitary and barren places. Connecting us to all our sense from the beautiful blossoms and berries to the birds songs it attracts. The rowan emphasizes the need for colour and creativity in our lives and encourages us to open our minds to inspiration. The power of this meditative beauty can inspire us to turn adversity into creative opportunity. Rowan is known as the tree of Bards and bring gifts of inspirations to poets and those who speak oral traditions.
Divination
Rowan tree is know as “the whispering tree”. Known for it’s use to enhance divination. From making runes from the tree to purifying the space, connecting us deeper to liminal realms.
“She is the power within you to call forth your elegance and mastery of your logical mind as it intermingles with your intuitive powers.”
Bringing balance between our intellect and intuitive, Rowan helps us trust our insights for practical planning as our own process unfolds and our dreams come to fruition.
It is believed that what you need with gravitate towards you in much the same way as the birds are so powerfully attracted to the Rowan’s red berries
Cycles of Life – Transformation
Rowan tree also symbolized death and rebirth. Druids would burn the Rowan tree in death ceremonies and during funeral rites. The Druids would also make incenses from Rowan Wood to use as a grounding influence to ground and connect the living with the Otherworld while keeping them firmly rooted in this world.
The element of fire is a common symbolism of the Rowan tree, connecting the power of transformation. Red being the colour of fire, Rowan is also known to mean “flame”.
Rowan tree symbolizes the fragility of life, motherhood, birth, blood, protection, and survival. Rowan tree is associated with humanity and life. The Rowan tree is fragile and its beautiful white flowers do not last long - this remind us of impermanence, transition, and transformation.
Nature Spirits
Known as a magic tree, the Rowan tree is the tree of the Goddess or a Faerie tree. The Essence of Rowan in vibrational medicine is used to assist us in attuning us to nature and broadening our perspectives beyond what we see, creating a deeper understanding of our place here in the universe. The Celts believed that the Rowan was a symbol of the hidden mysteries of nature and the connection to our own and other life forces.
Rowan wood was used in traditional craft such as making spinning wheels or walking sticks, helping us connect to the deeper spiritual meaning of living our day to day lives.
The Rowan Fairy is a strong spirit of nature. They are strong, proactive yet feminine and magical. She is one of the most helpful fairies – she values the matters of the world and supports in establishing our connection with the subtle realms. She is protective and repels intruders yet invites an interchange between realms of beings.
The Rowan tree connects us to the places where the veil is the thinnest. Mountain summits are often known as this place where the heavens and the mortal world connect, and the Rowan has a special spiritual significance due to her ability to flourish in these places. Her form connects us to the three levels with her branches reaching into the sky, her trunk in the earth, and her roots reaching to the Underworld.