Rowan, also known as the Witch Tree or Wicken Tree, is a tree native to the Northern Hemisphere and has been associated with witchcraft and magic throughout history. Its wood was believed to provide protection for livestock and houses, and its wood was even used in the construction of watermills. Rowan trees were also planted in churchyards to deter evil spirits, and pallbearers would rest coffins under them.
Traditionally, the Rowan is thought to be a witch tree, a tree of the Goddess and sacred to the faeries. In the British Isles, the Rowan tree was believed to offer protection from harm and witchcraft. In Celtic Mythology, the Rowan tree was a symbol of death and rebirth. In the British Isles, the Rowan has a long and still popular history in folklore as a tree which protects against witchcraft and enchantment. The physical characteristics of the tree may have contributed to its protective reputation.
The Rowan tree’s deep-rooted significance in Druidry, embodying protection, wisdom, and connection to the divine, is explored in its roles in rituals, mythology, and as a beacon of life. In the British Isles, especially in Scotland, the Rowan is known as the Witch Tree. Protective amulets have long been made there from the wood, and records describe rowan loops as amulets against witchcraft but also appear to have been prophylactic against ghosts, fairies, spirits, and the “wayfarer’s tree”.
The Rowan is a symbol of safety and agent of protection, often used to ward off enchantment and lightning. Its flame-red berries bear the sign of the pentagram, the protective symbol of the Rowan tree. Witches used Rowan to increase their psychic powers, spells of healing, success, and protection, often using the wood for their magic wands.
📹 Rowan: Mythology, Magic, and Folklore of the Witch Tree (Luis)
Rowan: Mythology, Magic, and Folklore of the Witch Tree (Luis) Explore the rich mythology, magical applications, and folklore …
Is Lasher a vampire?
Lasher is an ancient spirit that holds the power of Mayfair witches, with each generation having a favorite powerful witch designated by an emerald key necklace. Lasher can dematerialize, teleport, shapeshift, possess people, and manipulate anyone he or the witch commands. Her power flows through their bloodline, beginning with Suzanne. She also has control over the elements, predominantly fire. Lasher’s powers are inherited through their bloodline, beginning with Suzanne.
Her appearances include The Witching Hour, The Dark Place, Second Line, Curioser and Curioser, The Thrall, Transference, Tessa, and What Rough Beast. The Witching Hour, The Dark Place, Second Line, Curioser and Curioser, The Thrall, Transference, Tessa, and What Rough Beast are some of the seasons she appears in.
What is rowan’s magic?
Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius, a Fae Prince and warrior, is known for his ability to control and manipulate wind. He can create cold and warm breezes and put out Aelin’s fire with a thought. Rowan is the King-Consort and mate to the Queen of Terrasen, Aelin Galathynius. He is a main protagonist in the Throne of Glass series and swore the blood oath to Aelin Galathynius after his blood oath with Maeve ended. Rowan is the most powerful full-blooded Fae male in existence.
Is rowan a powerful witch?
Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches Season 1 is now available on AMC+, with Rowan taking the crown as the most powerful witch. Her incredible power after the Season 1 finale sets her apart from other TV shows. Rowan’s bond with Lasher has created a power level unlike anything seen in the show. With Lasher, Rowan is on a different level, making the announcement of Season 2 even more delectable. The show is set to continue with Wanda Maximoff’s story.
What is the spirituality of the Rowan tree?
The Rowan tree, a symbol of courage, wisdom, and protection, has a long, sacred history in Celtic mythology. Its delicate, symmetrical leaves, which unfurl in bright green every spring, resemble feathers and were believed to be created by a bird of prey. The myth tells of the goddess Hebe losing her chalice of youth, and an eagle fighting to retrieve it. When the bird sheds blood or feathers, a Rowan tree emerges, symbolizing courage, wisdom, and protection.
What is rowan’s IQ?
British comedian Rowan Atkinson, known for his 178-IQ, is considered one of the world’s most intelligent individuals. With an IQ of over 130, he is considered extremely high, with only 2 in the world possessing this number. Academics estimate that Einstein and Hawking have an IQ of around 160, but Atkinson’s 178-IQ is significantly higher. He is best known for his role as Bean in the sitcom Mr Bean and its film spinoffs, Johnny English, and for playing bumbling fools or silly characters.
Atkinson has also appeared in Rat Race, Scooby Doo, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Love Actually. Bean gained fame in the sitcom Blackadder in the 80s. He last appeared in the TV series Man vs Bee in 2022 and is set to return to the big screen in Wonka later this year. To stay updated on news and explainers, follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Who is rowan in mythology?
The rowan tree, a symbol of protection against magic, was believed to be the best choice due to its vibrant autumn berry display. It was also considered a tree of the Goddess or a Faerie tree due to its white flowers. People carried rowan pieces to ward off witchcraft and even used rowan sprigs to protect cows and their produce from enchantment. The tree itself was said to provide protection to the dwelling it grew in, and residents would ensure not to damage it.
Rowan trees still grow beside rural dwellings in the Scottish Highlands and Ireland. On the Isle of Man, people wore crosses made from rowan twigs without the use of a knife, fastened to cattle or hung inside on May Eve each year. Similar equal-armed rowan crosses were sewn into coats or carried in pockets from Scotland to Cornwall.
What tree keeps witches away?
The rowan tree in the British Isles has a long and popular history in folklore as a tree that protects against witchcraft and enchantment. The tree’s physical characteristics, including its berries with a tiny five-pointed star or pentagram, and its vibrant display of berries in autumn, may have contributed to its protective reputation. The rowan was also considered a tree of the Goddess or a Faerie tree due to its white flowers, similar to the hawthorn and elder. People carried pieces of the tree to ward off witchcraft and even used rowan sprigs to protect cows and their produce from enchantment.
What tree is used for witches?
Blackthorn, a sloe tree, is often associated with witches and miscarriage, while May, or hawthorn, is associated with bad luck. However, the first person to bring flowering May indoors on Mayday is assured of good fortune. May was believed to bloom at the Beltane festival to mark the return of summer, although calendar changes in the 18th century meant that may flowered before then. This Goddess tree was used to decorate springs and glades, and was transferred to Christianity to adorn holy wells, with the most famous Christian Hawthorn being that of Glastonbury.
Rowan, also known for its protective qualities against witches and fairies, is believed to be the primary tree of power by ancient Celts. In northern myths, the moon tree was called, and frosts at the winter solstice would leave stars clustered among the upper branches, possibly preparing for the Christmas tree tradition.
What is the significance of rowan?
Rowan, a tree with red berries, was once planted by houses as a protection against witches. In Ireland, it was planted near houses to protect against spirits, while in Wales, it was planted in churchyards. In Scotland, cutting down a rowan was considered taboo. Rowan wood was used for stirring milk, making pocket charms against rheumatism, and making divining rods. Today, rowan is commonly planted as a street or garden tree.
What is the spiritual use of rowan?
On February 28, 1893, Rev. Canon John Christopher Atkinson donated three loops of rowan tree to the Pitt Rivers Museum. These loops are now on display in Case 31. A – Magic, Witchcraft and Trial by Ordeal, located in the Court of the Museum. The records describe the rowan loops as amulets against witchcraft, ghosts, fairies, spirits, and the Evil Eye. The European rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) has long been associated with magic and protection against enchantment and evil beings in Europe.
This tradition allegedly goes back to Greek mythology, where Hebe, the goddess of youth, lost her magical chalice to demons. The gods sent an eagle to recover the cup, and in a fight between the eagle and demons, some of the eagle’s feathers fell to the earth and became rowan trees. The feathers took the shape of leaves, while the drops of blood became rowan’s red berries.
What kind of demon is Lasher?
The Witching Hour is a novel by Anne Rice that takes readers on a journey through the history of the Mayfair family. The story begins with a doctor in San Francisco and ends with the demon ghost of Anne Boleyn’s bastard son, Lasher, trying to knock up the doctor to become embodied after centuries of possessing the Mayfairs. Lasher is the demon ghost reincarnation of a saint born to Anne Boleyn, Taltos, who was killed during the Reformation but reawakened by Rowan’s ancestor, Suzanne. The novel explores the Bitchening trend, which involves turning powerful women into magical girl bosses who are easily manipulated away from their power.
The Witching Hour begins with neurosurgeon Rowan Mayfair discovering her power to kill or heal with her mind. She saves a man named Michael Curry from drowning and discovers he has touch-induced clairvoyance, allowing him to see the history of objects or people. Rowan and Michael become lovers and travel to Michael’s childhood home in New Orleans, where she learns more about Lasher and her family.
📹 The Magick of Rowan
Rowan is great for making protection amulets. Called the Witch’s tree, or the Quickening tree, also known as Mountain Ash, …
Hello. Just discovered you! LOVE LOVE LOVE your website. I’m a 65 year old woman living in Washington state USA. I was lucky enough to be able to visit your wonderful Island twice and it was such a home coming for me, spiritually. I visited Stonehenge, climbed Glastonbury tor, hugged every big oak I saw LOL and also drove up to Wales to see the place where Patrick McGoohan’s The Prisoner was filmed! My four grandparent names are Jessup, Jenkins, Clark and Foster, so you can see I am UK genetics. I think this is why the countryside spoke to me. I did not want to spend anytime in the city LOL, I just spent time out in the countryside. Anyway, thank you for keeping our ancient ways alive in such a fantastic way. You are a treasure!
Don’t worry, I’m sure the witches in your area hold you in high esteem. This witch certainly does. I was drawn to rowan in an interesting way. I bought a rowan cross (from England of course!) to hang on my door for protection. One night, a fire started in the apartment next to mine and I had to leave with what I could grab (my cat). After the firefighters left, I went back to my apartment expecting to find a pile of ashes. Other than some water pooling on the floor, my possessions were intact. I went to my door and there was the rowan cross covered with soot. I still have it. Now, whoever reads this can draw their own conclusion or call it a coincidence, but in my experience the coincidences keep stacking up. My only regret is that I can’t grow a rowan tree in California so I have to settle for the charms. Great article, keep ’em coming.
I had a large rowan tree overlooking the conifer hedge beyond my rented home. Found a little sapling growing on my side so I took it and potted it. I was moving out in a few months and liked having a souvenir. For the first month or two it died off to a twig but then developed a little crown of new growth. I’ve now moved and treasure the 18″ rowan and am pondering a permanent position to plant it in the back garden. There’s a road nearby called Rowan Way and a large 35′ rowan tree which in August was a spectacular tower of red berries, on a grassy area there.
The Rowan, great info Story Crow. I have a Rowan that dominates my small front garden. All the properties on the row of semi detached new builds had one. Ours is the last survivor. At 25 yrs old it is a quite a size over 35 ft. tall with quite a girth. It was tipped out a couple of times in its youth to promote spreading so it would have been a lot taller if left to its own devices. Not a week goes by without some tree surgeon or landscape gardener sticking a leaflet through the door asking if we want it felled. That aint going to happen. We will do a bit of judicious pruning this Winter to give ourselves and next door a bit more light. Our neighbour even loves the tree and asked us to leave the branches in place that are inches away from her bedroom windows. Why do we love it, for the birds. My favorite time Rowan tree perusal is late Autumn early Winter when a pair of Mistle Thrushes claim ownership of my tree and berries. Woe betide any Blackbird Robin or Greenfinch that lands in the tree they will be bullied off straight away. If a single Magpie lands it is like MMA and feathers will fly. If a group of Maggie’s land the Mizzies sit off and complain till they leave. On returning the Thrushes carefully inspect the tree and count how many their berries have been stolen. Pure soap opera and only inches away from my bedroom window. Every Season the cast of players using the tree changes and there is always something to find pleasure in when observing.
For the algorithm I’ll blather on about my thoughts on how I named my children without directly naming them all. Loved the tree and the lore so much, named the first born after it. That and the best Actor and Comedian in the World in my humble opinion, but mainly the first reason. I wanted a strong name for my first child that could be easily shifted to suit any personality, since a child of any sort could grow up and be or do anything. So the names of all of my children are very changeable and could be strong or soft or have nick names that go either way depending on their stages of life. Because magically and psychologically names have meaning. I wanted to consider carefully but not pigeonhole them into roles or even strict genders per se. They’re going to have red hair, it’s unavoidable. But with each child the goal was a well considered name that gave them a sense of place in family, but not a sense of entrapment. Anyone else like this?
I walked by one of these trees a couple days ago and stopped because I was strangely captivated by the aura of it. I put my hand on the tree and it almost felt like I could hear the tree. I thought hmm it seems like there is something to this tree. Now two days latter this random article pops up. Interesting.
I only came across your website recently, and as a UK pagan who’s lived in Italy for 20+ years, in the land of catholics (although they are pretty pagan in terms of seasonal festivals…if only they knew), I am loving hearing your bardic approach to folklore and sacred trees. I recently visited friends in the UK and was able to persuade them to go to Glastonbury, and after spending time at the Chalice well, I feel more reconnected to the land, and the energy of Britain. My non pagan Irish husband also listens along… although of course he has differing opinions on a lot of pronunciations!
Mother’s side of the family is surname Rowan. Always found this very interesting as soon as I discovered the very rich mythological mysteries behind the Rowan tree. Still wonder about that pentagram on the berry – Venus comes to mind for some reason. Put one in my front yard. Was the only one I could find in a nursery around here and it was oldish, maybe 2 metres high and rootbound when I got it. Has been stunted in its growth which I have put down to being rootbound when I got it. Grown about a metre at least in 6 years but not filled out yet. Maybe it does not like the more Mediterranean climate of NW Tasmania. Long, dry summer days most likely. Surface alluvial soil before clay loam at about a 1/2 metre deep may have something to do with it. But very highly reliable in going through its yearly cycle and lovely to observe that unfold. Foliage comes out later than pretty much everything else and then the last of deciduous trees to lose its leaves. Makes me feel connected with ancestors particularly with its flowering and berry development. Gives that protective, looked after feel from the encroaching domestication. I like it, and remain confident it will mature well but slowly. Says to the outside world magic lies within – keep your distance – enter at own risk and value nature ☺ Thanks very much for the always excellent and enjoyable mythological overview 🕯
Planning to plant at least one rowan tree on my property. There was a rowan tree on the school grounds where I work. I regularly visited it all year and watched such a variety of different birds enjoy it throuout the year. I came to work one day a few months back and it had been removed. I was so upset. The birds loved that tree. I will plant one for them to visit. Love your website and I’m spreading the word about you in some facebook websites I visit. Keep up the good work!
We have many Rowans around our garden here in North Wales, our cottage is at the base of a small mountain/hill – very rocky covered in heather & bracken some of the trees have red berries and a couple have yellow berries, the Blackbirds love the berries and strip the trees bare, love hearing your stories.
Just discovered your website as a keen outdoors person,I think the knowledge we have is little in comparison on what our Ancestors knew about trees,tracks and healing .I saw this article about the Rowan tree because me being Scottish Robert Burns write a very good poem about it (in old Scots language) wasn’t sure if you heard about this,Burns often wrote poems that involved traditional ways of the land and people who worked on the land,before becoming a poet he was. A farmer so he would have knew exactly what you spoke about in this article 100% it is usually sang or played at traditional Scottish music fairs .Thank you for your knowledge on this .
as soon as you started telling the norse connections, straight to mind came Loki. When you mentioned about it maybe being a Thor’s tree or Thor’s wife’s… I felt a gentle giggle from Loki. And at the end, when you shared your thoughts association it’s like I heard him say “of course it’s my tree, but I’m not at it for the recognition”. Thought you’d appreciate this. Thanks for the article
Brilliantly told! What a wonderful article. When I moved into my home, there was a wonderful Rowan tree in the middle of our garden! I took it as an omen that it was the right place for us! Sadly it blew down in Storm Desmond. Got one in the hedge at the bottom of the garden. Thankfully never had any issues with witches
I had zero knowledge of the meaning of Rowan or anything about the tree. I had a celestial trip where I saw this red tree, still no clue what it was. Then many years later I was blessed to find out I was having a baby girl. I knew she would be strong like a tree. Then two weeks into the pregnancy I decided her name would be Rowen. I have had some sort of protector keeping me safe through quite a wild life. Almost taking off this plane several times. Then Rowen was born, she has a red birthmark on her head that looks like the leaf. I can’t help but think I was kept safe all these years so she could come into this plane. Truly has me bewildered of how her name came to me, did I mention how big and strong she is.
Thank you for a fantastic presentation! My first time seeing a article from you, but not the last. I ll be switching from blackberries picking to rowanberries for the next jam batch! So enjoyed your winding between different myths and texts. Been doing this for decades now but wouldn’t be able to bring it into such an informative and interesting documentary😊🎉
I just came across your profile. I’m Norwegian, and we have a lot of Rowan trees where I live in Middel-Norway. Both at home and at our summer house, and old farm at an island at the coast of Norway. Our home is the last house in the street, so we live next to the forrest. Loved to hear all about the myths and stories of the rowan tree.
I have a rowan growing in a tub. It was grown from seed around ten years ago by students at the school I worked at. It was students for whom the classroom was not suited to their learning needs. I have a birch too but she needs desperately re potting or moving into a garden. Still under debate. And a lilac though I’ve no idea how she came to me. Great articles. Will be perusal all several times over as a lot to take in. Thank you for doing these😀
Very nice. My family and I have the surname Rowan tree or Rountree in our family tree. They were part of the North Carolina settlers from Ireland. 🇮🇪 I have studied the non Christian part of our family heritage for the last few years because of our other indigenous roots and beliefs from another side of our family. Thank you for sharing.
The street where I live has a Rowan planted each side of the entrance to keep evil away, not sure it works all the time as I still get bills posted. Like the gathering of tales about the Rowan. I am Lammas born and make a fine loaf in my wood fired stove, but not this month. Subbed and will g through your mix. Cheers
Just found your articles. I I love all trees. I will try not to complain about the Rowan that my car is parked under now lol. My poor car is covered with the berries. Even the engine when I open my bonnet. I’ll remind myself it’s protection. It’s very full of berries this year so the branches are hanging heavy and low
Very interesting article… was out walking today in woods near where I live in Scotland and there must have been about 30 to 40 rowan trees in the area and I asked myself there must be a purpose or a use for all of these berries I’m seeing….lol…and tonight your article popped up on my YouTube feed fantastic I love how the universe answers the question you ask of it ❤ ….there were crab apple trees growing beside some of the rowan trees which I’ve been eaten the last few times I’ve been there I’m now going to forage from them both and have myself some jam 😊 thanks for this ❤
Just found ypu, love the stories and information thank you. Just struggled with a clicking noise, i thought it was the posca pen i was using to begin with lol. But as you say, you will be getting some new equipment. I will go look at your other articles, love the information you share, thanks once again.
Hi Terri, have recently found your website and am loving perusal your articles. I just wanted to ask a question about the garlic in the oil. I’ve just made some but lots of people were saying that you shouldn’t put/leave garlic in the oil due to the risk of botulism. Is it OK to leave a couple of cloves in? Thx so much. Clare x
Quick question to whomever: Story Crow mentioned the Glastonbury thorn being cut down. A couple times. He mentioned militant Christians. I liked what his Budha friend said about not letting hate “win”. I couldn’t find anything on line about who actually did the destruction. Was it ever determined? And is the new thorn actually in a cage? Thank you.
I have a big Rowan tree in my small front garden and is 57 years old. I live in a town. I’m now 66 and need to pare down my shrubs etc as its getting difficult to manage and have been considering cutting the tree down. I found out a long time ago the Rowan was related to witches and it would be bad luck to cut it down. I’m also Catholic, so its a😢 dilemma for me, but I heard you say there was a connection to the Virgin Mary. Further explanation of that would be welcome.
Enjoyed that, thank you. Just to note, Gráinne is not pronounced ‘grain-ya’ it’s (and I’m doing my best to spell it phonetically) ‘graw-nya’. The fada (the little accent) over a vowel (eg. á) in Irish elongates the vowel’s sound. I’ll leave the mispronunciation of the Irish names and words for now because otherwise it was an excellent article.
The Rowan is also used in the folk tale of the Laidley Wyrm to defend the hero against dark magic… Consulting a wizard, the locals feed the dragon seven cows per day until they contact Childe Wynd. With 33 of this best men, Wynd vows to rescue his sister and punish the evil queen, sailing home on a boat of rowan wood. The queen sends her henchman to sabotage the voyage, but they find that magic has no affect on rowan wood.
i was told that my last name had its origins in the rowan tree. but im a little confused about that as Lewis is a very old ancient name and has 100s of veriants world wide like levi in the early Hebrew/ lewin in Irish/ Louis in france/ and of cause Lewis in wales also llewellyn /England / Scotland/ and theres even more variants around the world. like لويس in Arabic. But this is my Question with this in mind could we still get our name from the tree? As it must be very old name to have been spread throughout the world as our families passed through and settling. As im confused very confused. I know also that variants of my name have sprung up by separate name evolution and not really connected.??
☘️💜So the story goes… My paternal side who were the original owners of Rock Castle, which is now called “McDermott’s Castle… assassinated by their Scottish cousin. Oral history has a story that mentioned that we’re tied to the 2nd Deidre! So… is there a 3rd!?! Trinity style!?! Cycles of 3? Right!?!💜☘️
No, the “row” rhymes with “cow” not with “slow”. You can tell this because that’s how “Rowntree”, the town and the chocolate brand once made there, is pronounced. Your simpering pronunciation has been widely taken up during the last few years, but you didn’t hear it 60 years ago when I first learned it. If you’re going to talk about traditions, be traditional.
So nice ! This tree started to call me this year, I always thought it’s toxic so I was kinda afraid of it and wouldn’t touch it, but my feeling about changed this year as I was walking by in the forests where I live and seeing lots of them ! These forests feel very energetic and magic indeed. And as I’m going further in my researches about withcraft, I realize how much potential the region where I live has. Definitely gonna do something out of it, if it allows me 🙂 my first intuition is to make a 108 beads mala out of the berries, but let’s see 🙂 Thank you for this article !
Brilliant article, I love to make little charms for my home and gift to friends. We have two small rowen trees in our garden and have read about making rosary’s before but not yet made one as I tend to leave the berries for the birds. Will definitely be making the rowen cross. This is a great website you have here, just perusal a few articles I have learnt so much. Thank you so much.