End of Elder Celtic Tree Month

The month of Ruis begins on November 25th and ends on December 22nd. "She Who Takes Back." The time of death and rebirth, of repose, peace and the return of the light. It begins at the darkest time of the year, and ends when the Sun returns. Its symbols are white animals, especially the cow, roebuck, sow, and the mare. Symbolized by the White Goddess (Devi, Danu, Anu, Nut), the Creatrix of all it is also the Symbol of both death and rebirth. Like the Winter Solstice, it highlights a time of evolution. The Celts believed that it was during this time that their sun or solar spirit was held prisoner. Just as Pryderi was forced into exile. It is also a time of trouble and struggle for supremacy. In deed what is now will one day be no more, and that which is to come, will also, one day be no more.

The elder is a very sacred tree, the tree of life, death and rebirth. In popular Celtic folklore, it was believed that it was unlucky to use Elder wood for a child's cradle, but that only Birch wood should be used to symbolize purity and new beginnings.In Europe, spirits were believed to dwell within elder trees and there are still taboos against burning it. The leaf scars have the shape of a crescent moon and the branches have a broad spongy pith in their centers, much like the marrow of long bones, and a branch stripped of its bark is very bone-like. Elder was grown near houses, and considered special to the sidhe. It was, and still is, unlucky to harm an elder.

Elder tree characters evolve gradually during their lifetimes. Initially in their youth they are inclined to waste much time and energy on worthless ventures or projects. They are often fortunate or benefit from inheritances which encourage extravagant tastes or indulgences. They have a basic restlessness or an insatiable curiosity that draws them into the study of profound subjects, and they are inclined to travel great distances in order to further their knowledge. People born during the first two weeks come under the new moon phase of the sign and they are more outspoken and impulsive. They are, however, extremely persuasive orators who will constantly challenge injustices or what they see as corrupt powers. The people born during the last two weeks come under the full moon phase, and while they have great vision, they are inclined to operate more successfully in the background rather than pursue a confrontational approach.

Elder people definitely have a tie to the White goddess. They are very similar to Rowan people. They are very musically inclined and gifted. Most Elder people will be water people as well, having water as their element or even associated with their astrological birth sign. They are excellent healers. They have to be careful not to use their gifts to sway other people's wills and choices. they can also be excellent seers and seem to be not of their time, of their time and before there time in different circumstances.

Truth and honesty. The mental level of the Elder is one of meditation and contemplation, leading to natural progression. In order to grow into a strong, brave person you must become honest and truthful. For it can take strength and bravery to become truly honorable.