Rowan in Medicine and Magic
General Information
Family: Rosaceae
Botanical Name: Sorbus aucuparia
The genus name comes from the Celtic word "sor" meaning "bitter", and the species name comes from the Latin "aucupari", which means "to catch birds", probably referring to thrushes feeding on rowan berries.
Pharmaceutical: Rowan berries - Sorbi fructus (formerly: Fructus Sorbi).
Genus Name: Sorbus
Common Names: rowan (food for thrushes), Sorbus - The lot of the bull; red, edible (for the edibility of most species).
Planet: Sun
Zodiac Sign: Taurus (?)
Element: Fire
Deities: Thor, Freyja
Runes: Nauthiz and Algiz
Flower Language: symbol of modesty
Main Properties: Protection, healing, success, strength
In the past, sacred places of ancient gods were usually arranged in rowan groves because rowan provided magical protection and contributed to the predictions of shamans and oracles. Additionally, rowan was associated with the ability to control one's emotions. If someone had a toothache... Rowan has long been used in magic and folk medicine as a talisman. After returning from the cemetery, relatives of the deceased would hang rowan branches over the door to prevent the deceased from returning home. In Germany, it was believed that one could ward off any misfortunes by carrying a rowan twig in their pocket. In England, cattle were driven out to pasture in the spring with a rowan stick, and in winter, the same stick was used to drive them back. Rowan branches were also tied to the tail or left horn of a cow. By placing a small rowan chip against the cheek before a long journey, one could ward off any magical curses along the way. In Russia, it was forbidden for a long time to cut rowan bushes, use them as firewood, cut their flowers, or even their berries, as rowan was considered a vengeful tree. It was believed that whoever broke or chopped it down would die. Rowan trees were not to be felled also because rural healers transferred human diseases onto them, particularly by hiding a sick person's hair in a split on the bark, and anyone who cut down such a tree would soon fall ill. According to Russian beliefs, anyone who harms rowan will definitely suffer from toothaches. If experiencing tooth pain, one would secretly kneel in front of the rowan tree growing near an anthill at dawn, hug and kiss it, and recite a spell promising not to harm the tree in exchange for relief from pain. Then, without looking back, they would walk home to avoid meeting anyone. If the pain persisted, they would return to the tree, nibble on one of its branches, and now with a certain threat, recite a spell: "Rowan, rowan, heal my teeth, and if you don't heal them, I'll gnaw you all away." In the past in Russia, the sick were placed under a rowan tree, believing that the "spirit of rowan" would ward off diseases. Furthermore, to cure oneself, the sick person would crawl through a rowan split in half by lightning and bound at the edges or through a rowan bush three times. Since ancient times, it has been believed that tea made from dried rowan berries can not only completely heal but also prevent the influence of magical effects on the human body. Witches would never be able to harm a baby lying in a cradle with rockers made of rowan. Additionally, rowan bark hidden under a child's mattress helps the child to calm down quickly and sleep well. Communication with rowan can awaken feminine instincts. Particularly, the magical tree "favors" women around 40 years old. Psychics assure that it grants them its power. Protection from witches In Norway, sailors and fishermen kept rowan branches in their boats for good luck. In Sweden, a magical rod was made from the so-called "flying rowan," with the help of which, as believed, a hidden treasure could be discovered. The term "flying" is used for rowan that grows on a wall or high mountain. "But in order for such rowan not to lose its magical power, it should be cut down at twilight between the third day and the third night after the Annunciation." In Germany, rowan was often used to make cross beams supporting the chimney on the roof of a house, as well as parts of agricultural tools and water mills. On days marking the beginning of each quarter of the year, as an additional precautionary measure, rowan sticks were placed on door lintels, and double rowan branches tied with red thread in the shape of a cross were hung over the doors of the barn and stable as talismans against witches. Necklaces made from red rowan berries protected against all kinds of magical dangers, and small rowan twigs inserted under the thatched roofs and haystacks protected them from fire. In Great Britain, coachmen and riders used rowan whips or wore rowan branches on their hats to prevent witches from enchanting their horses. "Rowan days" have been observed on May 25 and September 8 in Russia since ancient times. In May on this day, girls wore red dresses and beseeched rowan trees to protect their homes from lightning and fire, solemnly bringing branches and twigs of rowan into their houses to protect them and their outbuildings from any misfortunes for the next twelve months. However, not just any rowan tree could be used for this purpose. It was necessary to find a tree that no one had previously seen or knew about. After finding the necessary rowan tree, one had to cut twigs and branches from it and bring them home by a different path than the one taken to get there. In September, rowan was collected for winter - for headaches - and people noted: "A large rowan harvest means frost." Symbol of family happiness To this day, rowan is used in wedding ceremonies as the tree is considered a symbol of family happiness. Rowan berries adorn festive tables and are sprinkled over newlyweds. It is believed that if inadvertently the rowan wreath worn by the bride on her head during the wedding ceremony breaks, it means she will not marry for love or her life will be unhappy in marriage. The matchmaker puts tree leaves in the groom's shoes and berries in the pockets of his clothes: to ward off curses and evil eyes on the newlyweds during the wedding. A vase with several rowan twigs is placed in the bedroom of the young couple at the head of the bed - to ensure a happy family life that lasts long. In many countries, spouses celebrate milestone anniversaries throughout their married life. The 5th anniversary in Russia is called the wooden or rowan anniversary, as the rowan branch cluster is a symbol of the strength of the family hearth since ancient times. Our ancestors believed that rowan, preserving its autumn harvest for a long time, would maintain love, drive away illnesses, and bring a son into the family. That's why they decorated entrances with bright red clusters. On the "rowan anniversary," the wife wore a fiery-red rowan wreath, and all shades of ripe red berries were incorporated into her outfit. According to the ritual, the husband should present a rowan spoon carved by his own hands for the 5th anniversary of marriage. And the wife would give him - red woolen gloves and socks. To this day, a rowan tree growing near the house is considered an auspicious sign, and it is considered inauspicious to cut it down without extreme necessity. Firstly, it protects buildings from lightning strikes. And secondly, if a rowan tree suddenly stops bearing fruit or even withers without an apparent reason, it is a bad sign. Either constant quarrels and discord in the family or, worse yet, someone is casting evil spells on the homeowners. If you dream of rowan and you do not yet have a loved one, it means they will soon appear. According to Freud's dream interpretation, seeing a rowan tree laden with berries in a dream promises you harmonious intimate relationships with someone you did not envision as a lover, and therefore, a close bond with them will be revelatory to you.
I would just add: Rowan can be a very good supporting component in rituals for attraction, creation, luck, and prosperity.
Rowan in Medicine and Magic
General Information
Family: Rosaceae
Botanical Name: Sorbus aucuparia
The genus name comes from the Celtic word "sor" meaning "bitter", and the species name comes from the Latin "aucupari", which means "to catch birds", probably referring to thrushes feeding on rowan berries.
Pharmaceutical: Rowan berries - Sorbi fructus (formerly: Fructus Sorbi).
Genus Name: Sorbus
Common Names: rowan (food for thrushes), Sorbus - The lot of the bull; red, edible (for the edibility of most species).
Planet: Sun
Zodiac Sign: Taurus (?)
Element: Fire
Deities: Thor, Freyja
Runes: Nauthiz and Algiz
Flower Language: symbol of modesty
Main Properties: Protection, healing, success, strength
In the past, sacred places of ancient gods were usually arranged in rowan groves because rowan provided magical protection and contributed to the predictions of shamans and oracles. Additionally, rowan was associated with the ability to control one's emotions. If someone had a toothache... Rowan has long been used in magic and folk medicine as a talisman. After returning from the cemetery, relatives of the deceased would hang rowan branches over the door to prevent the deceased from returning home. In Germany, it was believed that one could ward off any misfortunes by carrying a rowan twig in their pocket. In England, cattle were driven out to pasture in the spring with a rowan stick, and in winter, the same stick was used to drive them back. Rowan branches were also tied to the tail or left horn of a cow. By placing a small rowan chip against the cheek before a long journey, one could ward off any magical curses along the way. In Russia, it was forbidden for a long time to cut rowan bushes, use them as firewood, cut their flowers, or even their berries, as rowan was considered a vengeful tree. It was believed that whoever broke or chopped it down would die. Rowan trees were not to be felled also because rural healers transferred human diseases onto them, particularly by hiding a sick person's hair in a split on the bark, and anyone who cut down such a tree would soon fall ill. According to Russian beliefs, anyone who harms rowan will definitely suffer from toothaches. If experiencing tooth pain, one would secretly kneel in front of the rowan tree growing near an anthill at dawn, hug and kiss it, and recite a spell promising not to harm the tree in exchange for relief from pain. Then, without looking back, they would walk home to avoid meeting anyone. If the pain persisted, they would return to the tree, nibble on one of its branches, and now with a certain threat, recite a spell: "Rowan, rowan, heal my teeth, and if you don't heal them, I'll gnaw you all away." In the past in Russia, the sick were placed under a rowan tree, believing that the "spirit of rowan" would ward off diseases. Furthermore, to cure oneself, the sick person would crawl through a rowan split in half by lightning and bound at the edges or through a rowan bush three times. Since ancient times, it has been believed that tea made from dried rowan berries can not only completely heal but also prevent the influence of magical effects on the human body. Witches would never be able to harm a baby lying in a cradle with rockers made of rowan. Additionally, rowan bark hidden under a child's mattress helps the child to calm down quickly and sleep well. Communication with rowan can awaken feminine instincts. Particularly, the magical tree "favors" women around 40 years old. Psychics assure that it grants them its power. Protection from witches In Norway, sailors and fishermen kept rowan branches in their boats for good luck. In Sweden, a magical rod was made from the so-called "flying rowan," with the help of which, as believed, a hidden treasure could be discovered. The term "flying" is used for rowan that grows on a wall or high mountain. "But in order for such rowan not to lose its magical power, it should be cut down at twilight between the third day and the third night after the Annunciation." In Germany, rowan was often used to make cross beams supporting the chimney on the roof of a house, as well as parts of agricultural tools and water mills. On days marking the beginning of each quarter of the year, as an additional precautionary measure, rowan sticks were placed on door lintels, and double rowan branches tied with red thread in the shape of a cross were hung over the doors of the barn and stable as talismans against witches. Necklaces made from red rowan berries protected against all kinds of magical dangers, and small rowan twigs inserted under the thatched roofs and haystacks protected them from fire. In Great Britain, coachmen and riders used rowan whips or wore rowan branches on their hats to prevent witches from enchanting their horses. "Rowan days" have been observed on May 25 and September 8 in Russia since ancient times. In May on this day, girls wore red dresses and beseeched rowan trees to protect their homes from lightning and fire, solemnly bringing branches and twigs of rowan into their houses to protect them and their outbuildings from any misfortunes for the next twelve months. However, not just any rowan tree could be used for this purpose. It was necessary to find a tree that no one had previously seen or knew about. After finding the necessary rowan tree, one had to cut twigs and branches from it and bring them home by a different path than the one taken to get there. In September, rowan was collected for winter - for headaches - and people noted: "A large rowan harvest means frost." Symbol of family happiness To this day, rowan is used in wedding ceremonies as the tree is considered a symbol of family happiness. Rowan berries adorn festive tables and are sprinkled over newlyweds. It is believed that if inadvertently the rowan wreath worn by the bride on her head during the wedding ceremony breaks, it means she will not marry for love or her life will be unhappy in marriage. The matchmaker puts tree leaves in the groom's shoes and berries in the pockets of his clothes: to ward off curses and evil eyes on the newlyweds during the wedding. A vase with several rowan twigs is placed in the bedroom of the young couple at the head of the bed - to ensure a happy family life that lasts long. In many countries, spouses celebrate milestone anniversaries throughout their married life. The 5th anniversary in Russia is called the wooden or rowan anniversary, as the rowan branch cluster is a symbol of the strength of the family hearth since ancient times. Our ancestors believed that rowan, preserving its autumn harvest for a long time, would maintain love, drive away illnesses, and bring a son into the family. That's why they decorated entrances with bright red clusters. On the "rowan anniversary," the wife wore a fiery-red rowan wreath, and all shades of ripe red berries were incorporated into her outfit. According to the ritual, the husband should present a rowan spoon carved by his own hands for the 5th anniversary of marriage. And the wife would give him - red woolen gloves and socks. To this day, a rowan tree growing near the house is considered an auspicious sign, and it is considered inauspicious to cut it down without extreme necessity. Firstly, it protects buildings from lightning strikes. And secondly, if a rowan tree suddenly stops bearing fruit or even withers without an apparent reason, it is a bad sign. Either constant quarrels and discord in the family or, worse yet, someone is casting evil spells on the homeowners. If you dream of rowan and you do not yet have a loved one, it means they will soon appear. According to Freud's dream interpretation, seeing a rowan tree laden with berries in a dream promises you harmonious intimate relationships with someone you did not envision as a lover, and therefore, a close bond with them will be revelatory to you.
I would just add: Rowan can be a very good supporting component in rituals for attraction, creation, luck, and prosperity.
