Samhain Totems: Elder

In our tradition we divide the year not only by eight solar and agricultural holidays, but also by the Kalends. We celebrate twelve months of the year by the common calendar, plus a special thirteenth month for Samhain.  These month cycles are associated with different totemic spirits. Each month is assigned an animal, a bird (or other flying creature), and a tree. Samhain's totems are Toad, Elder, and Crane.

The totemic associations are as follows:

Toad – (Buaf) transformation, inner visions, death and rebirth, hidden power and beauty
Elder (Ruis) – death and rebirth, change and transition
Crane – (Corr) longevity, remembrance, past lives, secret knowledge, patience

Elder

The Elder tree is associated with death and rebirth. The 13^th month is a time of endings and balances, and the Elder is a tree of balance. This tree is never called into the compass, but it is recognized where it stands (outside the sacred space). The Elder is usually found at the opening to barrows and passages to the Underworld.

           

This is a tree of the Faery. If one cuts down this tree without seeking the will of the Tree Spirits and of the Faery, a blight or curse will fall on that person. Her wood is never burned as it is considered bad luck to do so. This injunction is remembered in one of the couplets from the modern Wiccan or Witches' Rede: "Elder be the Lady's tree. Burn it not, or cursed you'll be." 

In some parts of the world the Elder is considered as a protection against snakes and thieves.

             

The Elder protects one from harm and psychic attack. It represents change and transition. The elemental association for the Elder is water, and its gender association is feminine.

           

The Elder is sacred to the various guardians of crossing over from one life to death and from death back into life.