Winter

Among Native Americans the season between mid November and mid December is known as 'Popping Trees Moon' - the time of freezing - the stillness of the snow bound countryside only disturbed by the snapping of tree branches and twigs. 

It is a time in many cultures when people retreat into the warmth for protection from the elements, when stories are told and memories shared - it is a time for individuals to look inside their own hearts and to meditate on spiritual beliefs, their place in life, the community and their family.

The colour associated with this period of the year is indigo - deep dark and holding the mystery of life - blue, purple and black are all to be found in this spiritual colour. And in keeping with the time of darkness and wisdom, this season's totem is the owl - bird of the night, a creature associated with the feminine, moon-power and the gift of wisdom and balance. 

(For those interested in knowing more about owls - visit our owl pages on this web site!)

In Ancient Celtic tradition, 23 November to 23 December was the Elder Moon. The elder tree Sambucus nigra was associated also with the symbol of the raven or black horse and female mysteries, earth and water and regeneration through the cauldron of re-birth.

The elder is a common tree in England - easily propagated it grows widely - blossoming with creamy white clusters of flowers in June and laden with blue black berries in autumn. Elder produces a second bud under the main bud to evade frost damage - a sign of its association with earth wisdom and re-birth.

Elder bark is a useful diuretic and purgative and its flowers are a gentle analgesic and can help alleviate respiratory problems, fevers and colds.

Across many nations elder has been associated with wisdom and women. Those who feared earth magic linked it with witches and by that association believed it to be evil. However the gypsies see elder as sacred - not to be burned for fear of attracting the elder 'mother's' wrath and among Native Americans the elder was revered as 'mother of the human race'.

As a wild plant growing unrestrained elder symbolises the uncontrollable and unknowable aspects of nature - its oozing red sap when the wood is cut links it with menstruation and it is truly a tree of Mother Earth and a seasonal reminder of our link with the natural world and our need to respect its rhythms and mysteries.

In wintry depths profound the spirit's very being gathers warmth

Calendar of the Soul - Rudolph Steiner