Fearn

A few of oracular guidance, protection, and transitions between realms.

Pronunciation: FAIR-n
Letter/Sound: F/V
Meaning: Alder
Aicme: 1 (Air)

Associations

Tree/Plant: Alder
Scientific Name: Alnus glutinosa

Colour: Flann, blood red
Bird: Faelinn, seagull
Animal: Faol, wolf
Tool: Fidba, hedge-bill (a hooked-blade tool used for trimming hedges)
Art: Filidecht, bardic poetry

Element: Earth of Air

Symbolism: Protection, courage, passion, Mars, emotional healing, physical healing, shielding, defense, facing obstacles, warriors/military, hunting, emotional protection, finding strength to face challenges.

Divination

Alder reminds us to build bridges in the face of conflict, rather than allowing ourselves to be storm-tossed on the seas of passion.

Upright meaning:

• Steadfastness.
• An unexpected way past a difficulty.
• Reinforcing personal/emotional autonomy.
• Protection and guidance, a bridge over deep waters.
• Alder is here to be a raft over a sea of troubled feelings.
• Good advice received from others or your own inner depths.
• Use Alder’s protective power to withstand fear, anger, and storms of doubt (in yourself and others).

Reversed meaning:

• Abusive relationships.
• You are out of your depth.
• Arrogance and lack of insight.
• Overwhelmed or dominated by others.
• Willful ignorance, refusal to listen to advice.

Question: How do I shelter myself? What do I contain?