An Caorann, ann an Gàidhlig — A tree of old magic and protection. Its name Gàidhlig coming from the red berries (Caor: berry, round thing, cluster of berries). The colour red worldwide is reputed worldwide for its protective qualities (because it represents blood? fire? I’ll let you think about the “why?”), but there is truly something about the Rowan that is extra special. It’s wood used to makes crosses, its berries to make necklaces, and its bark used for staves and ranns.

“Rowan and red thread, bring a’ witches to their sped.“

An infamous charm calling upon the vibrant red berries of the rowan tree. Iterations of this charm made of rowan berries and red thread can be found across Britain and wider world, with its roots firmly held in Scotland. The Rowan is the tree in Scottish folk magic for the best protection against witchcraft, and enchantment. Crosses made of Rowan would be slipped between clothes, or hung above doors, children adorned with necklaces, and its wood burned for Saining rites and curing.

In many northern traditions, the Rowan is sacred to Þòrr, and Òðinn and has many stories connected to its creation and why it is revered so much. It is the Rowan that lends its branches down when Þòrr is being swept away by the river of the Underworld, and thus blessed by him. It is the Rowan that is used for creating numerous sorcerous staves in Icelandic magic. A tree of potent magical power and connections to the Otherworld.

Working with the Rowan myself, I have learned a lot about magical potency. Harvesting the berries under autumn full moons, listening to its spirit talk as I string the berries out to dry, it taught me of magical timings, and power. Magical timings within Scottish folk magic, aren’t super common as we didn’t really have the same cunning traditions as England. Liminality is important, but the works of Solomon, Planetary and Grimoire magic was not widespread up this way, as compared to English traditions — by this I mean the travel and trade of Grimoires, and other magical texts, not that those books come from England. However, we do have our ways of harvesting plants! No metal, humming certain tunes (often prayers to Catholic Saints), but I won’t go into it for the sake of this post, but you can check out a sneak peek in my other article here.

When the autumn comes, and the berries are bursting with their beautiful colour again, expect a more in-depth tutorial on making rowan crosses and berry charms.