CELTIC TREE SIGN ASTROLOGY
ALDER TREE SIGN- March 18 - April 14
Characteristics
The Alder Tree Sign - Alders are powerful individuals prepared to make thier way in the world. They are eager to go off and make thier own way and often leave friends and family behind. They have a great deal of courage. They are wonderful allies to have on your side but prefer to fight thier own battles. They have a restless spirit. Sometimes thier sense of adventure can be even foolhardy in thier pursuits. They break down barriers and explore new territory. Thier enthusiasm and courage makes them good leaders. They can tend to be selfish in their pursuits and have a quick temper which can make enemies. They have a well honed sense of humor and often play the clown in groups. They are extremely physical people and are full of energy. They have a need to be active almost around the clock. They are wonderful entrepeneurs and are often flamboyant. Dangerous occupationas suit them best. In friendship thier personal ego rides high but they have a deep need for recognition that can make them vulnerable. They make great competitors but if they don't win, they tend to quit and try something new instead. If they can be convinced to channel thier energy into humanitarian pursuits, they can be the kind of person not easily forgotten! Psychologically they are uncomplicated and tend to express thier opinions openly. They have a passionate nature and a deep need for love. They have a tendency to marry quickly and make better lovers than spouses. They make excellent parents.
Flower
The Broom
Its long, slender, erect and tough branches were often used in the making of brooms...hence its English name. Legend has it that the Broom was cursed by the Mary as she and Joseph fled into Egypt due to the cracking of its ripe pods, which they touched in passing and which risked drawing the attention of Herod's soldiers to the fugitives.
Gemstone
Ruby
The ruby is next in hardness only to the Diamond. The Ruby was once considered a powerful amulet, affording protection from disaster, plague and pestilence; alerting its owner of danger or when an illness was imminent by changing color and becoming darker. The gem was also highly-prized as a symbol of love, passion and friendship.
Animal
The Hunting Falcon - Celtic tradition lists the oldest animal as the Hawk of Achill. As with many other birds, the Hawk is a messenger of the various worlds. However, it is noted as being more skillful and stronger than most others of its species. The Hawk symbolizes clear-sightedness and far-memory. To hear the cry of a Hawk during a journey is an indication that it would be wise to be alert to upcoming situations that require boldness and decisiveness in order to keep from being thrown off-balance. The Welsh Celtic magician Merlin was said to have often transformed himself into a small Hawk...perhaps the reason why today, the smaller family member of the Hawk is known as a Merlin. Two knights who sat at Arthur's Round Table carried the name of the Hawk: Gwalchmai the "Hawk of May" and Gwalch-Y-Had the "Hawk of Summer," better known respectively as Sir Gawain and Sir Galahad.
Polarity: Masculine
Color: Crimson
Class: Chieftan
Planet: Mars
Letter Character: "F" and "V"
Ogham Association: Fearn
Deity: Bran The Blessed
The celtic deity of the alder tree is Bran the Blessed, also known as God of the Spirit World, Celtic Raven God and Welsh God of the Underworld. He is also the God of Prophecy, The Arts, War and Writing, among others, and the patron of bards, minstrels and musicians. Said to be colossal in size, Bran was so large than no house or ship could contain him. A Master of the Isle of Britain, Bran set out with an army to avenge the ill-treatment of his sister Branwen by her husband, King Matholwch of Ireland. Mortally wounded in the foot by a poisoned spear during the battle, he instructed his followers to decapitate him and carry his head to London, where it was buried under the White Mount (now the vicinity of the Tower of London) and set facing France...the chief menace of invasion...in order to defend and protect the realm. It is said that King Arthur later had the head exhumed and then reburied facing a different way, being loath to have the kingdom guarded by any other than himself and his Knights of the Round Table.
Famous Birches
Mata Hari, Houdini, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Eddie Murphy, Rosie O'Donnel and William Shatner