The Rowan

The Rowan represented the second month of the Celtic year.  It has a long 
reputation for protecting against enchantment.  Rune staves were cut from the 
Rowan.  The Rowan was reputed to be excellent in divining for metals, just as 
Hazel is used for divining water.  Rowan sprigs were hung over doorways to 
protect homes and over sheds to protect farm animals housed within. It was 
once believed that wearing a sprig of Rowan protected you from the "evil 
eye." The red Rowan berry carries a five pointed star (pentagram) were the 
stalk attaches to the berry.  The pentagram was the ancient symbol of 
protection. The Rowan was thought to help the protected distinguish bad from 
good, harm from help and foe from friend.  Spiritually it was thought to help 
protected you from unwanted influences and spells and it symbolized beauty, 
privacy, peace and sanctuary. Highland women made necklaces of the berries 
threaded with red threat for protection.

The Rowan in the forest can be recognized by it's orange-red berries bearing 
the pentagram and it's tall lanky form.  In the mountains it can appear as a 
shrub as it is more concerned with growing than being tall and weak. It's top 
becomes a domed crown as the tree gets older yet it does not take the 
sunlight from other trees.

Rowan people are protective and full of charm, cheerful, gifted, without 
egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest and even 
complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, 
passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive nor do they forget. 

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