In North America, this tree is the Mountain Ash. The same tree in Europe is called the Rowan and has been used since pre-history as a protection against enchantment and evil. For thousands of years people have planted rowans in front of their front doors to turn away evil in all forms, as ill-wishing and evil spell-casting and physical harm. Several years ago, I went to a friend's housewarming party in her newly built sub-development. As often happens, she asked me to identify the tiny tree the landscapers had planted outside her door, and to tell her about its significance. She turned on the outside light and I went back outside to find that it was a Rowan. I have since noticed that Mountain Ashes are often the saplings in the front yards of new-built houses. Of course, they are attractive, quick growing, hardy trees and so a logical choice but this is, to me, an example of the spirit world and the mundane world intersecting.

Making and carrying a little universal cross (one with both arms equal) of Rowan twigs bound with red thread will protect you personally in the same way that a Rowan tree protects your home. The rune that is paired with Luis is the rune of protection, Elhaz, the warding sign. These are the tree and rune most often used in spellcasting and charm making. This use of Luis and Elhaz are an illustration of the first principle of Wicca, "An it harm none, do as ye will." The rune that is paired with Luis is the rune of protection, Elhaz, the warding sign. These are the tree and rune most often used in spellcasting and charm making. An ethical witch cannot cast a spell against someone, but only against the harm directed at her.

In a reading, the message of this card is positive and not negative. It does not tell us that there are things threatening us from outside because we all know already that the world can be a dangerous place. Instead it reminds us that we are already protected and to employ our protections without fear. The card reversed tells us much the same thing, that we should use common sense to overcome what threatens us.

Some of the Ogham are magical weapons, which can be employed against things threatening us. Some of the Ogham are magical warriors, who can be asked to help us. Some are messengers from the Spirit world, alerting us to sendings. Luis has some of all of these qualities, but it is not a personification of a weapon, warrior, or message. It is the personification of the sanctity of the home, and the sacred need for security in our own space.

If we direct all of our energies towards blocking any possible bad or unforeseen outcome then we are left with no energy for forward motion at all. Our Wyrd, or Fate, will sometimes bring us things that are troublesome or disruptive no matter how we try to protect ourselves. We should not refuse to see what we do not welcome but instead pick out the good learning experiences that are imbedded in all unfortunate happenings, send back to the originator the evil, and rise above the sorrow or trouble with confidence.