The Rowan

For its balance of beauty and hardiness, the rowan has long been honored by the Celts. They believed that the rowan spoke to them with a clear message: look deeper, see through the object before your eyes and you will encounter visions into the world beyond the one you physically know.

The wood of the rowan is traditionally used for divination tools and object such as runes and wands. Rowan branches are the prime choice for divining rods, and druids also crafted this wood into staffs. They maintained the rowan as a sacred container for protective energy. It resonates a high vibration that naturally transforms negative energies. This is why it is revered as a protective symbol.

We see more evidence of this protective energy in the white flowers of the rowan. Gorgeous, bold, and crisp, these white flowers are symbolic of cleansing and safekeeping. From these flowers, crimson berries bloom. At the base of each berry is a tiny five-pointed star, an ancient symbol of protection which lends further merit to the protective qualities of the rowan tree. These berries attract all kinds of songbirds and the Celts interpreted this as a positive omen; a blessing of goodwill, honor and peace.

The rowan is also incredibly diverse in its growth; often growing inside other trees, in craggy riverbeds, and in other seemingly impossible locations. This is a powerful analogy for us to find our divine connection in unorthodox places. Sometimes our highest calling is discovered when/where we least expect it.

Nature Connection:

• Call upon the energy of the rowan when you are in need of clarity in your current life situation, or protection from negative vibrations that you may be encountering. Consider the fresh vibrancy the rowan has to offer combined with the clean bright berries that seem to sing out cheerfully through the forest. Such visions and invocations will transform your own vibrations, causing you to see more light and promise infused in your days.