ROWAN

Inspiration of the mountain
Intuition powered by logic
Charmed wood of runes
Spirit's wood of magic

Rowan of the high mountain is the tree for January 21 to February 17 on the Celtic tree calendar.  This is a hardy and long lived tree that grows where most other trees won't.  It finds a foothold in the cracks and crevices of the high mountains and thrives where other trees fail to grow.  Rowan has long been used as a nutritional boost and medicinal tonic wherever it grows.  It is seen as a symbol of vitality, tenacity, courage, and inspiration.

The word "rowan" is believed to have been derived from the word "runa".  In Sanskrit, runa refers to magician.  In ancient Norse, runa means charm.  According to Norse legend, the first woman was formed of rowan. 

Rowan, or mountain ash, is a tree of magic for a number of cultures.  The Celts believed it held the hidden mysteries of nature and nature's life force.  It is also seen as a tree of sacred fire and spiritual awakening.  It is used to awaken psychic abilities, visions, and insights.  Because it grows where other trees struggle, it is believed to impart a strong life force, power, and vitality to those who use its wood and fruit.  It is believed to also impart success and healing.

Rowan is believed to be a tree of the Goddess Crone and a tree blessed by the fae.  It is a tree of wisdom, vision, and connection.  Some use it as an aid in meditation and communication with the spirit realms.  Its connection to the sacred feminine encourages intuition and the ability to see beyond the ordinary.  

The wood from mountain ash is strong and elastic, yet easy to carve.  It is used for drop spindles, spinning wheels, and tool handles.  It is used for runes, dowsing rods, and magic wands.  A staff made from rowan is believed to protect a traveler on his journey.  The leaves and branches are used for divination and rowan creates a black dye that is used for dying ceremonial leather, and robes.  Incense made from the leaves, berries, and wood is used to aid in meditation and to increase psychic powers.

Some see this as a tree of the feminine.  Some see this as a tree of the masculine.  I would say that it is both.  It seems to be a tree that balances the feminine and the masculine.  It connects to intuition and spirit and promotes clarity of mind.  It promotes psychic communication and protects from the negative influences.  It promotes both the opening up to inspiration and strength, power, and tenacity.  It is a plant of harmony and courage.

According to thegoddesstree.com,
"Rowan is the power of the logical mind blended with intuition.  She calls you to your path, symbolism, and spirituality, and to act on your dreams."