MARCH MADNESS? MORE LIKE MARCH METHODNESS

I was thinking about my recent conversation with my friends regarding growth and resilience, and I kept coming back to the symbolism of the Alder tree. 

In the Celtic Ogham tradition, the Alder (Fearn) represents the period starting in mid-march, the exact moment the world begins to wake up,

what makes the Alder fascinating isn't just the height, but its unique relationship with water and change. I thought you might find these reflections on how it relates to our daily lives helpful:

1. Resilience in mental health: ''the wood that never rots'' The Alder is famous for its durability underwater. while most wood decay when submerged an Alder actually becomes harder, eventually turning as strong as stone. in relation to mental health this is a powerful metaphor. it means that our difficult or submerged emotionally turbulent period don't have to lead to decay. instead high pressure environments should be the very thing that solidifies our characters.

2. Balance in Relationships: The Bridge- Builder

Because Alders grow on the banks of rivers, they act as natural bridge between land and water. They stabilize the soil, preventing erosion while providing shade for the creatures in the stream. In life relationships, the Alder reminds us of being a stabilizing force that provides protection for loved ones to grow, boundaries to keep the soil of our identity from washing away and integration to honor our own needs while staying deeply connected to someone else's flow.

3. Life's Transitions: The courage to Bloom.

The Alder is often one of the first trees to bud in the spring. its wood when cut, changes rom white to a deep, fiery orange- red the color of life force and passion.

Symbolically, this speaks to life's transitions. it reminds us that even when we feel ''cut'' by circumstances or forced into a new season, there is a hidden vibrancy underneath. The Alder encourages us to trust our inner fiery and have more audacity to be the first to move even when the rest of the forest is still dormant.

I hope this' 'tree wisdom'' offers a bit grounding for your month, there is something very comforting about a tree that thrives exactly where the ground is most unstable.