These traditional Rowan Protection Charms are completely hand made. Both the rowan wood and its berries were lovingly collected from different trees grown on our local mountain, here in County Clare. Each tree spirit was asked if it was willing to allow these items to be made into rowan crosses, and they have been treated with great respect and care ever since. I have used red ribbon to decorate them as well as red thread. As this colour was always seen as being especially protective.

The Rowan Tree has been used in folk charms for hundreds of years, and is thought to be a powerful charm of protection.  At the base of each of its striking red berries can be seen a small pentagram, or five pointed star, which it was believed would protect you against harm, especially malignant witchcraft. Witches had no power where there was Rowan wood, so it was widely used to protect against negative magic, the Evil Eye and Sorcery.

Two twigs were commonly tied in an equal armed cross, attached with red thread and then affixed to doors, or barns to prevent the family and livestock from becoming enchanted. They would often then say a charm, such as the following: 

“Rowan tree and red thread will put witches to their speed”.

or, 

“Rowan tree and red thread, leave the witches all in dread”.

Hang one of these equal armed crosses above, or on your front door, above your fireplace, or window\s. Such places were always seen as being especially vulnerable to attack; areas where negative energies or spirits could enter a home.

“Their spells were vain, the boys returned, to the queen in sorrowful mood, Crying that the witches have no power, where there is Rowan tree wood.” 

From the traditional song 

‘Laidley Worm.’