Let me just say, had I known about Elders back in 1995, wow, how my life may have been very different.
If you have suffered through traumatic events, experienced a great deal of pain, loss, or grief, then I’d love to take a moment to introduce Elder.
This plant is Saturnian in nature in that Saturn is the furthest inner planet before we extend out into the outer planets of Uranus, Pluto, and Neptune.
This makes Saturn the gatekeeper between the invisible and visible “worlds”.
Most people think of Saturn as just a challenging “father” but Saturn and its microcosmic corresponding plants, are truly guardians of hidden knowledge.
As a Capricorn Sun and Mercury, Saturn has played an integral role in coping with very difficult life lessons.
Elder is one of those plants I sure wish I had known about back in my early 20’s, so I could have received divine guidance.
We all deserve to feel protected and guided by those who have walked before us, Elder is one of those plants that can serve you in these ways.
Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a powerful plant ally that has been revered for centuries for its healing properties. Traditionally known for its medicinal uses in supporting immunity and soothing respiratory ailments, elder also holds profound spiritual significance.
Its connection to the cycles of life, death, and rebirth makes it an ideal plant for ancestral healing. Working with elder can help you access the wisdom of your lineage, release generational trauma, and cultivate a deeper connection to your roots.
Understanding Elder's Energetic Qualities
Elder is a tree of transformation. In folklore, it is associated with protection, transition, and the spirit world. Its presence invites us to honor the cycles of life and embrace both the light and shadow aspects of our heritage. Elder embodies the following energetic qualities:
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Protection: Elder was historically planted near homes to ward off negative energies and protect families. Its energy creates a safe space for healing work.
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Connection to the Ancestors: Elder is often seen as a bridge between the living and the spirit world, helping to open channels of communication with ancestral spirits.
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Transformation: The elder tree’s seasonal cycles mirror the processes of decay and renewal, reminding us that healing requires us to release the old to make space for the new.
Steps to Work with Elder for Ancestral Healing
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Create an Altar or Sacred Space Begin by setting up a dedicated space for your work with elder. Include items that symbolize your ancestors, such as photographs, heirlooms, or other meaningful objects. Incorporate elder berries, flowers, or leaves to anchor the energy of the plant.
You might also add candles, crystals (such as smoky quartz for grounding or amethyst for spiritual connection), and other tools that resonate with your healing intentions.
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Brew Elderberry Tea or Infusion Drinking elderberry tea is a simple way to connect with the essence of elder. As you prepare the tea, set your intention for ancestral healing. Sip mindfully, visualizing the energy of elder moving through your body, opening pathways to your lineage, and offering nourishment to your spirit.
Note: Ensure you use elderberries prepared by a trusted source, as raw elderberries can be toxic.
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Meditate with Elder Sit quietly with elder leaves, flowers, or berries in your hands. Close your eyes and take deep breaths. Visualize the elder tree standing tall, with roots extending deep into the earth and branches reaching toward the heavens. Imagine yourself connecting with the wisdom of your ancestors through the tree’s roots. Allow any messages, images, or emotions to surface without judgment.
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Create a Ritual for Release Elder's transformative energy makes it an excellent ally for releasing generational patterns that no longer serve you. Write down any burdens, traumas, or limiting beliefs you’ve identified in your lineage. Burn the paper in a fire-safe bowl while calling upon elder to assist in the release and transmutation of these energies.
As the smoke rises, imagine these patterns dissolving and creating space for healing and renewal.
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Offer Gratitude and Reciprocity Working with elder is a partnership. Show your gratitude by offering something in return, such as water for a nearby elder tree, a small token buried in the earth, or a prayer of thanks. Honoring the elder tree strengthens your bond and keeps the energy exchange balanced.
Journaling Prompts for Deeper Reflection
After each session with elder, take time to journal your experiences. Here are some prompts to guide your reflection:
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What insights or emotions arose during your work with elder?
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Did you feel a connection to any specific ancestor or lineage?
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What patterns or stories from your ancestry are ready to be released?
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How can you honor the wisdom and resilience of your ancestors moving forward?
Safety and Ethical Considerations
When working with elder, it is important to approach with respect and care:
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Harvest Responsibly: If you gather elderberries, flowers, or leaves, do so ethically and sustainably. Never take more than you need, and always ask for permission from the plant.
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Use Proper Preparation: Elderberries must be cooked to remove their toxic components. Consult a trusted herbalist if you are unsure about preparation methods.
Embracing the Journey of Ancestral Healing
Healing your ancestral lineage is a profound and transformative journey. By working with elder, you tap into the wisdom and protection of this sacred plant, creating a bridge to your roots and empowering yourself to release the wounds of the past. As you heal, you honor your ancestors and pave the way for future generations to thrive in wholeness and harmony.
Let's get to know the alchemical properties of Elder.
Elder, a revered botanical treasure, has long been celebrated for its multifaceted benefits to human health. Laden with potent antioxidants, elderberries, the fruit of the elder plant, stand as guardians against oxidative stress, inflammation, and a spectrum of ailments.
From bolstering the immune system to nurturing heart health, elderberries offer a holistic approach to wellness. Moreover, their anti-inflammatory properties provide relief to those grappling with joint discomfort, while their soothing touch extends to respiratory health, offering respite from coughs and congestion.
As we embark on an exploration of elder's physiological prowess, we uncover a tapestry of healing potential woven into its very essence. Join us in unraveling the rich tapestry of elder's physiological benefits, as we delve into its myriad contributions to vitality and well-being.
Salt: Physiological Benefits
Antioxidant Properties: Elderberries are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. These antioxidants can support overall health and may help protect against chronic diseases.
Immune Support: Elderberries have been traditionally used to boost the immune system and fight off colds and flu. Studies suggest that compounds in elderberries may help stimulate the immune response, potentially reducing the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Heart Health: Some research indicates that elderberries may have benefits for heart health. The antioxidants in elderberries may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel function, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Elderberries possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Consuming elderberry extract or tea may help reduce swelling and pain associated with inflammation.
Respiratory Health: Elderberries have been used traditionally to support respiratory health. They may help alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections like coughs, congestion, and sore throat. Elderberry syrup or tea is often used as a natural remedy for respiratory ailments.
Mercury: Psychological/Emotional Benefits
Elder offers not only a wealth of physiological benefits but also a profound potential for psychological and emotional well-being. As a source of comfort and nurturing, elder-based remedies provide solace in moments of stress and tension, while fostering a sense of connection to nature through the act of foraging or appreciating its beauty.
Engaging with elder invokes a timeless tradition, linking individuals to cultural heritage and fostering a sense of continuity with the past. Moreover, the mood-enhancing properties of elderberries offer a natural pathway to uplift spirits and promote emotional balance.
Whether sipping elderberry tea for relaxation or incorporating elder-based products into daily rituals, the holistic impact of elder transcends mere physical health, offering a harmonious blend of healing for the mind, body, and soul.
Stress Reduction: Consuming elderberry tea or extract may help reduce stress levels due to its calming properties. The act of sipping a warm, soothing beverage can promote relaxation and alleviate tension, contributing to a sense of emotional well-being.
Mood Enhancement: Elderberries contain flavonoids and other compounds that may positively influence mood. Incorporating elderberry products into one's diet or wellness routine could potentially uplift spirits and promote feelings of happiness and contentment.
Comfort and Nurturing: Elderberry-based remedies, such as elderberry syrup, have a comforting and nurturing quality. The act of self-care, whether through preparing elderberry-infused beverages or incorporating elderberry supplements, can foster a sense of self-nurturance and emotional well-being.
Connection to Nature: Engaging with elder, whether through harvesting elderberries or utilizing elder-based products, fosters a connection to nature. Spending time outdoors, foraging for elderberries or simply appreciating the plant's beauty, can promote feelings of grounding, serenity, and connection to the natural world.
Tradition and Ritual: Elder has a rich cultural and historical significance, with traditions of elderberry usage spanning centuries. Incorporating elder into one's life, whether through traditional remedies or modern wellness practices, can evoke a sense of continuity with the past and contribute to a feeling of cultural connection and rootedness.
Sulphur: The Initiatic Virtue
Elder, with its profound symbolic significance and spiritual essence, offers a journey of soulful exploration and growth. Rooted in wisdom and guidance, it beckons individuals to trust their inner knowing and navigate life's twists and turns with clarity and insight.
Through the cycles of transformation and renewal, Elder teaches the timeless lesson of embracing change and embracing the opportunity for personal growth and evolution. Its protective qualities remind us of the importance of setting boundaries and safeguarding our energy, while its deep connection to ancestry and tradition invites us to honor our roots and find strength in the wisdom of the past.
Ultimately, Elder embodies the harmony and balance that we seek in our lives, guiding us towards inner peace and alignment with the rhythms of the soul.
Wisdom and Guidance: Elder is often seen as a symbol of wisdom and guidance, imparting lessons learned from the cycles of nature and the passage of time. Like the elder tree, individuals can learn to trust their inner wisdom and intuition, navigating life's challenges with clarity and insight.
Transformation and Renewal: Elder teaches the lesson of transformation and renewal, as it transitions through the seasons, from blossoming flowers to ripening berries. Just as elder undergoes cycles of growth and change, individuals can embrace the process of personal growth, shedding old patterns and embracing new beginnings.
Protection and Boundaries: Elder is traditionally associated with protective qualities, guarding against negative energies and unwanted influences. Learning to set healthy boundaries and protect one's energy is a key lesson of elder, empowering individuals to cultivate inner strength and resilience.
Connection to Ancestry and Tradition: Elder carries deep cultural and ancestral significance, linking individuals to traditions passed down through generations. By honoring ancestral wisdom and connecting with the traditions of the past, individuals can deepen their sense of identity and belonging, finding strength in the roots of their heritage.
Harmony and Balance: Elder embodies the principle of harmony and balance, with its branches reaching towards the sky while its roots anchor firmly in the earth. Learning to cultivate balance in life, honoring both the spiritual and material aspects of existence, is a central lesson of elder, guiding individuals towards inner peace and equilibrium.
In embracing the holistic wisdom of elder, we uncover a tapestry of healing that extends beyond the physical realm, touching the depths of our psyche and soul. From its physiological benefits that nourish the body to its psychological effects that soothe the mind and uplift the spirit, elder offers a sacred journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Through its timeless lessons of wisdom, renewal, protection, and balance, elder becomes a guiding light on our path towards wholeness and harmony.
If you are ready to embark on a journey of esoteric healing and self-exploration, we invite you to join the Alchymia Membership.
Here, you will find a community of like-minded souls dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of nature and the soul, delving into the ancient wisdom of plants like elder to cultivate healing on all levels of being. Join us as we uncover the hidden alchemy of life and awaken the magic within.
