Honoring the Natural World
By Gythia Ashley Stockton
November
November is truly a magical month, a time when we find ourselves betwixt and between, standing on the threshold between the worlds. Having passed through the enchanting gateway of Samhain and the Wild Hunt’s beginning, we now find ourselves fully immersed in the dark embrace of the year. It is during these days, as the cold winds bite and the nights stretch endlessly, that we eagerly await the rebirth of light at the forthcoming Yule.
Even though nature has started its winter slumber, there is a gentle reminder of life's persistence that lingers in the November air. On the twenty-fifth day of this month, the Celtic month of Elder commences, paying homage to the sacred Elder tree. This majestic tree is deeply revered as protection from trolls and evil, as well as being associated with the mighty deity Freya. In numerous regions, legends speak of an ancient and wise female spirit who finds her dwelling within the Elder tree. In Germany, this spirit is known as Dame Ellhorn, in our own mythology, Freya herself is said to have lived in one. Both seen as a guardian of ancient wisdom and feminine power.
If fortune smiles upon you and an Elder tree graces your surroundings, it is customary to respectfully take a branch and place it upon your altar. By doing so, you pay tribute to both the spirit dwelling within the tree and the divine essence of Freya herself. Such an offering serves to enhance your wisdom and power, providing a focal point for rituals and meditations throughout this sacred season. Furthermore, should you find yourself facing negativity or spiritual attacks, the beautiful elderberries, harvested during their flowering months, can prove to be powerful allies of protection. By hanging elderberry flowers above your altar and repeating a mantra nine times, you can ward off any negative spiritual attacks that may come your way.
Elderflowers, with their delicate beauty and fragrant essence, hold their own sacred significance. As an offering to Freya or Freyr, they hold great potential for bridging the physical and spiritual realms. Furthermore, creating an infusion from these ethereal blossoms serves as a potent cleanser, purifying the space before embarking on meditation, ritual, or Seidr.
When Yule finally dawns upon us, you can release the branch from your altar in a ceremonial burning. This act not only expresses gratitude to the land wights and the spirit of the Elder tree but also symbolizes the cycle of life and the ever-turning wheel of the seasons. However, if your circumstances prevent you from obtaining an Elder branch or if it simply does not resonate with you, you can carve the runic symbol associated with Elder, Fehu, onto a brown taper candle and light it every ninth night until the joyous arrival of Yule.
As with any sacred practice, it is vital to approach the energies of the land, and the Elder with respect and discernment. Trust your inner intuition, for if it does not feel right to you, it is likely a sign that you are not yet ready to fully engage with this potent energy. May the Ogham symbol of Ruis and the runic force of Fehu guide you on your journey through this transformative month, unlocking the mysteries and wisdom that await those who dare to tread the path of the Elder.
