Rowan tree studies, at Park Lane and Lagoon Drive, Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada

I always stop for Rowan trees. They are particularly glorious right now in the park. Rowan reminds me to stand quiet for a moment in awe of all the magic both seen and unseen… to contemplate the whole world in a single red berry. To rejoice in myth. The rowan saved Thor (the thunder god) from drowning by bending its branches down… Rowan leaves increase the strength of spells and witches’ power.

Rowans planted near stone circles are said to be particularly enchanted. The Rowan appeared in my graphic novel, Salt Green Death (Conundrum Press, 2025).

… Ah! flutings from the sea of dreams, ye will not let me rest;
Ye call and call, the livelong day, the heart from out my breast. —
The heart from out my breast to the face mine eyes must see
Because I slept at nightfall beneath the rowan tree…
– Katharine Aldrich