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The Rowan is associated with fire and is sacred to Thor, Brighid and Aphrodite, to name a few. Rowan is one of the nine traditional firewoods that should be added to the Belfire that is burned at Beltane.

 

There is an old folk tradition associated with Rowan. Farmers would give their cales a name with the help of the Rowan tree. He would go to a wood just before daybreak and cut a Rowan branch with a piece of copper (sacred to Venus) just as the sun rises. He would then take it back to the calf, hit the calf on the back with it and give it a name. The calf would then be tied to the cowshed door, which would be decorated with ribbons and eggshells. This ritual is said to protect the calf in life and, therefore, the assets of the farmer!

 

Rowan can be used for divination; astral projection; initiation; psychic ability and success. Plant a rowan near a new house to protect it from lightning and evil influences. Rowan also makes a good walking stick, for the same reasons. The Celts believed that no witch or evil spirit could cross the threshhold of a door which had Rowan above it. So far I have had no ill effects from walking near Rowan - so I wouldn't hold out much hope for that working!

 

The best time to harvest a Rowan branch for a wand or staff is at Beltane. Remember to ask the tree if it will allow you to take a branch and be sure to leave the tree an offering of thanks when you are done.