The Ogham
In the religion of the ancient Celts who lived in Iron Age Europe from 700 BCE to 400 CE, certain natural sites like springs, river sources, and groves were held as sacred. These places, as well as some urban sites, often had purpose-built temples, shrines, and sanctuaries. Here, druids performed rituals and prayers while votive offerings of precious goods, were given to the Celtic gods to gain their favour and ensure the continued success of the community.
Individual trees were held as sacred by local communities and tribal gatherings were often held under their shade. A nemeton or sacred grove of trees was also the site of certain rituals. At what must have once been such sacred areas, votive plaques have been found dating to the Gallo-Roman period. Inscriptions on these plaques reveal they were dedicated to gods of specific types of trees like Fagus (beech), Robur (oak), and several others who have not yet been identified. The oak tree seems to have been particularly important if we are to believe ancient writers who focus on it almost exclusively when discussing the Celts. In Ireland, the ash and the yew tree were especially significant in religion and mythology. Source by Mark Cartwright |
Veronica, a valued member of Ord Brighideach, showcases her personal Ogham Grove on her blog. I find her blog posts to be a treasure trove of intriguing and insightful content.
The trees used to name most of our Cills are trees or plants associated with the Ogham Alphabet. There is no definitive proof about the origin of this alphabet, but it can be certain that the Druids, in the late Iron Age and beyond - last century BC and the first and second centuries AD - used this system in the form of a calendar, based on the thirteen cycles of the Moon, and the celebrations of the four Solstices. The word "Druid" itself comes either from the Celtic name for the oak "duir" or from the Welsh "derwydd" meaning oak-seer. Each of the twenty symbols is the first letter of the name of a tree. The Druids, who were finely attuned to the spiritual powers of nature, are credited (from medieval tradition) with choosing the trees and shrubs to be associated with the moon cycles and Ogham symbols. Each one was already steeped in folklore and healing medicine, each representing long established magical powers and metaphysical meanings. Source by Eco Enchantments |
Artwork below of each Ogham by Lunaria Gold
Birch / BeithDec 24 - Jan 20 / The Achiever
Beginnings *Seek the Birch when you feel as if you are bound by rules, self denial, criticalness, judgmental or intolerance to injustices.
Birch will bring a feeling of protection, welcoming change or new beginnings, the ability to clear old patterns or belief in one's self. **The Birch counsels proper preparation and support of new emergent energies by making way and clearing out the old or negative influences. Its renewing energy must be respected by a phase of recognition of its position - the now in between the past and the future. It encourages self-discipline and inner authority. Birch asks you to check your motivations and purpose, insisting that you clear away old, stuck patterns and energies if a new start is to be achieved. |
Rowan / LuisJan 21 - Feb 18 / The Thinker
Responsibility *Seek the Rowan when you are feeling as if you are day-dreaming, switched off, avoidance of present, feeling unequal to the task, lack of responsibility, disliking/rebelling against authority or repressed.
Rowan will bring a feeling of protection, intuition, deeper insights, responsibility and divine guidance. **The Rowan warns of danger but also suggests that you are suitably protected so long as you do not act foolishly, and remain aware. It fosters courage, greater vision, and imagination to overcome difficulties. Rowan reminds you to keep your wits about you, look deeper, and see what surrounds you with clearer vision. The need to stay grounded and to use common sense is highlighted, as well as the journey into greater spiritual awarenss and magical ability. Progress always means new challenges as well as rewards, and the rowan counsels you to seek the knowledge and protection you need to move forward successfully and in balance. |
Ash / NionFeb 19 - Mar 17 / The Enchanter
Balance *Seek the Ash when you are feeling Impatience with the slow pace of people or life. Ash will bring balance, patience, gentle healing, healing of the inner child, open to the rhythm of life and being true to self.
**The Ash suggest strength, uprightness, and correct focus. It is a symbol of the newly matured, hardened warrior at the height of his or her prowess. It refers to the direct application, the pursuit of wisdom, and the value of getting to the heart of a matter. It encourages the solar qualities of courage and determination, as well as exuberance and vitality. It shows the value and pleasure of being fully alive and being yourself, even in difficult circumstances. As the World Tree (and the connection between earth and sky, male and female), it helps balance the concepts of "being" and "doing" as well as giving and receiving energy and resources in equal measure. It therefore encourages the rebalancing of any excess in behaviour, and it helps your coming into greater balance with the world around you. Ash may be understood as being akin to the lightning flash, the point of union between the mortals and the gods. Prepare for the touch of fate, the spirit world, or magical insight to descent upon you. |
Alder / FearnMar 18 - Apr 14 / The Trailblazer
Awareness *Seek the Alder when your feeling accident prone, out of body, awkward or clumsy. Alder will bring awareness, inner confidence, emotional strength and grace.
**The Alder encourages you to move ahead with confidence and courage. It tells you to get grounded and practical, ensuring your own safety in physical realms but also aiding in psychic protection where a grounded and present attitude ensures you remain self-possessed and empowered. It is an excellent ally in aiding and teaching you how to defend yourself emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. As a tree closely associated with warrior hood, it encourages you to seek honorable conduct and the right use of power, in addition to discrimination and discernment-when to use the shield and when to use the sword forged in its slow-burning flame. |
Willow / SailApr 15 - May 12 / The Observer
Trust *Seek the Willow when you are feeling resentful, sorry for self, are blaming others, victim, bitterness or unable to forgive. Willow will bring trust, forgiveness, acceptance of life's situations, adaption to change, inner strength, healing of pain, bending rather than breaking, vision and fertility.
**The Willow suggest harmony and balance, being in tune with feeling and wisdom that comes from otherworld sources and dreams. It encourages flexibility, especially emotionally and practically, to help expand awareness and knowledge of the otherworld as well as altered states of consciousness. It encourages healing and a gentle, forgiving attitude. It also encourages remembering the healing virtues of the tears and increased compassion. It gently asks you to tune in to your heart and move forward aligned with the heart's wisdom. You can access otherworldly magic and insights. There is more to see and to understand than mortal knowing can contain, and this is a blessing;the otherworld is not a place of sorrow but of ease and refreshment. The willow encourages you and nurtures you to return to this gentle divine state. |
Hawthorn / UathMay 13 - Jun 9 / The Illusionist
Forgiveness *Seek the Hawthorn when you are feeling aggressive, easily agitated or hyperactive. Hawthorn will bring forgiveness, courage, open up to love and the ability to release blocked energy. **The Hawthornn suggests challenge in both positive and/or difficult ways. It also suggest a surge in energy to rise to the test. It questions your worthiness, and even if you fail, you will be nearer your goal than before. Hawthorn leaves you changed, transformed into something more real, honorable, and capable than before. It shows you the truth of your heart. That truth may not always be pleasant but it is always worthwhile. You are encouraged to consider your boundaries and remember to respect the boundaries of others in equal measure. It can signify love, union, and connection with the goddess if your heart is ready. |
Oak / DairJun 10 - Jul 7 / The Stabiliser
Strength *Seek the Oak when you are struggling on regardless, taking on too much, despair whilst never giving up, inflexibility or overly demanding on self. Oak will bring inner strength, accepting of ones limits, endurance, wisdom and truth. **The Oak implies and teaches strength, security, and the ability to sustain growth over lengths of time, through varied circumstances. It helps and encourages you to open the doors of your perception and enter into initiatory experiences that allow you to do and be more than you were before, in addition to assimilating this new way of being. It is a symbol of growth in all ways-materially, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually via the connection in yourself between earth and sky, divinity and matter. As the ogham of sovereignty, it encourages right action and being fully present and conscious of your actions, embodying wholeness and nobility. |
Holly / TinneJul 8 - Aug 4 / The Ruler
Gratitude *Seek the Holly when you are having feelings of suspicion, jealousy, isolation, feelings of revenge or hostility to close ones especially family. Holly will bring gratitude, communication, responsibility, strength of family bonds and unconditional love. **The Holly invites the raising of internal energy to endure through difficulties and melt through the snows of winter in the soul's life. Everyone undergoes occasional periods of hardship physically, emotionally, or spiritually. The holly encourages us to raise our life force, and it ensures we will have the energy to make it through and bring illumination to our darkness, raising the kundalini to new heights. This is a robust and passionate energy, akin to the hunter gods and the guardians of the underworld. The holly spirit lends its seasoned and experienced qualities to aid all souls in making it through to the spring. |
Hazel / CollAug 5 - Sept 1 / The Knower
Lessons *Seek the Hazel when you feel as if you are repeating the same mistakes or lack of observation. Hazel will bring deep listening and learning, inner wisdom and guidance, creativity and authority. **The Hazel suggests the time of divine inspiration is at hand. Challenges have been endured, and now radiant light breaks through the clouds, illuminating everything with meaning and beauty. This is the purpose and source of poetry - written upon all existence to reveal the divine spark in all our souls. By living in connection with our own souls, our inner and outer lives become gradually aligned. We become able to see our place in infinity - a beautiful and awe inspiring experience. Yet like the hazelnut, all this potential is held in a single point, the individual, until such a time when it can become manifest in the world. Thus we find a balance between the self and all creation. We are able to draw upon the whole as we choose. Often the result is a joyful surrender to the greater All That Is - illumination. Ultimately this signifies both the pursuit and purpose of wisdom. Your evolution is at hand. |
Blackberry / MuinSept 2 - Sept 29 / The Equalizer
Expression *Seek the Blackberry when you are feeling domineering or overbearing, bullying, inability to translate goals into actions, procrastination, ego strength or ruthlessness. Blackberry will bring expression, loosen inhibitions, help change thought patterns, bring flexibility, wise leadership, instinct and selfless service. **The Blackberry shows that the harvest you have sown is coming in due course; the fruition of plans are always in their timeliness and in the quality give to their achievement. Blackberry is a kindly ogham, revealing the bounty of the goddess and nature herself, which gives out to those in need and those who have plenty, the deserving and the undeserving in equal share. Blackberry concerns itself with the circular nature of life on earth and human existence. All things come around, good and bad, and the things that need learning or attending to will have another chance at a later time if the present opportunity is missed. Those goals achieved now also need maintaining into the future. These are the challenges of being alive in space and time. |
Ivy / GortSept 30 - Oct 27 / The Survivor
Determination *Seek the Ivy you are feeling indecisive, unfulfilled, confused, restricted, search for self or attachment. Ivy will bring passion, purposefulness, undying love and endurance. **The Ivy indicates that good support is available, and it reminds us that none of us were ever meant to be isolated or removed from the loving ties that connect us to others. Its spiral form reminds us of our soul's journey through infinity and the balance between the self and the all/whole/collective/infinite. The ivy cautions us against holding on too tightly and smothering others; we are reminded that we are all safe to go with the flow. It teaches that love and connection are our greatest gifts. Sacred to the gods of revelry and the wild, it reminds us of our natural selves and inheritance to find our place amount our people and the universe as a whole. Sacred to the goddesses of the moon, it also reminds us of her gently, all-embracing side that understands the subtleties of the human journey. We are reminded to view ourselves and others with compassion. None of us ever fully comprehends the true mystery of life, it is a journey without end, a question without an answer; all we can do is appreciate the effects of the unknown and unknowable upon us and value ourselves and each other as humans who are "being" and "becoming" rather than as finished, perfect creations. It is this compassion and acceptance of our human condition that can unite us all. |
Broom / nGéadalOct 28 - Nov 24 / The Inquisitor
Communication *Seek the Broom when you are feeling pessimistic, despair, unable to adapt to change or disheartened. Broom will bring optimism, harmony, unfolding of one's own greatness, communication and help cleaning up self. **The Broom increases resourcefulness and independence. Broom reminds us of the importance of combining skills and knowledge for the best end, being resourceful and flexible in our thinking and approach to life. Like the web of creation itself, Broom draws from many aspects and areas, maximizing the uses of all whilst depleting nothing. In this way knowledge is discovered, maintained, and preserved for future generations, in addition to serving as future steps along our own paths through life. This ogham encourages the seeker to think outside the box and maintain clarity of purpose and energetic hygiene. Broom also encourages the seeker to be discreet in sharing or broadcasting knowledge, choosing only suitable people and places. It reminds us to be conscious of the effects and consequences of disclosure. In this way nothing is lost, and new ground may still be discovered. |
Elder / RuisNov 25 - Dec 23 / The Seeker
Transformation *Seek the Elder when you are feeling Exhaustion, mental agitation, obsessive fear, apprehensions, shock, over influence of others or anticipation of problem. Elder will bring compassion, inner calm, freedom from limiting beliefs, transformation, peace of mind and wisdom of an elder. **The Elder shows sacrifice must be made in order to gain in the long term. It reveals the need to balance energies to restore equilibrium, health, and wellbeing. Mistakes must be corrected and wrong deeds put right lest the blushing of embarrassment and shame follow as well as the red of wounds. It reveals the possibility of forgiveness and redemption in these circumstances if right action is taken to restore and repair the situation. Often this rebalancing means cooling one's temper and releasing resentments, calm wisdom reflected in the soothing effects the flowers have on the body's feverishness. As within, so without. Cool, calm thinking often guides the way out of the troubles hot-headedness can unwittingly create. Elder encourages us to face our shadow selves and come to a state of peace with our less graceful or positve aspects. It reminds of the need to be responsible, upright, honest, and honourable. It also shows the time has come to move from one phase of life to the next - moving, through transitions with grace, ease, and honor. On its deepest level, the elder shows the presence of the ancestors and their guidance. It counsels the proper conduct necessary to be worthy to join the ancestors in due time. |
Yew / IodhadhWinter Solstice / The Alchemist
*In the poetic language of the Druids, health is a harmonious balance of all the Constitutions. Each one of us is a unique and characteristic blend of Nature. But we have one dominant Constitutional Tree. If you are dominated by the Yew character: You may be overcome with the feeling of grief, steeped in sadness. You may be overly critical. Or have trouble letting go. A person with well balanced Yew energy is well organized, self disciplined, and conscientious. They like structure in their life. They are most comfortable in situations when they know the rules and can succeed by following them. A Yew constitution bestows a deep inner strength, like the ancient Yew itself. **The Yew counsels patience and perseverance if either has been absent. yet it also may suggest the need to rebalance the other way, seizing the day or the moment wholeheartedly, as if it were the last. The ending of one thing inevitably leads to the beginning of another, and this process may become a wonderful, joyous dance just as easily as it may invoke mortal dread. Yet the truth remains the same; trying not to hold on too tight and carry the infinite lightly is the best way. After all, in the Celtic tradition the afterlife is a splendid, beautiful place full of wonder, joy, and love. Finding this in the mortal world and the easing of difficulties is achieved through small, simple acts of progress and tenderness towards ourselves and others. It is our subjective experience that we have the most power to change, and peace is something that is therefore best sought within rather than without. In the face of eternity we are all divine children, and it is our task to remember this. In doing so we honour the past, present, and future with equal compassion. Yew asks us to enter into silence and surrender to creation with joy. |
Scots Pine / AilmStart of The Lunar Year
**The Scots Pine suggest that clear headedness and a calm viewpoint should be sought - quiet, contemplative times between periods of action. Listen, both to the prompting of spirit and the words and implications of those around you. You have a great opportunity to affect chance by becoming present in each moment and aware of your surroundings physically, psychologically, and energetically. This is your route to empowerment and your protection. If you have lost clear perspective in the situation around you and are instead propelled by people or events that are no longer under your control, you are urged to seek clarity and vision through stillness, cleansing, rectification, and the detoxification of your being. Sitting at the crown of the tallest of trees, you will receive new vision, wider horizons, and in time, perceive the way ahead to a better future. |
Gorse / OnnSpring Equinox / The Pioneer
*In the poetic language of the Druids, health is a harmonious balance of all the Constitutions. Each one of us is a unique and characteristic blend of Nature. But we have one dominant Constitutional Tree. If you are dominated by the Gorse character: You can be indecisive, without strong direction in live, and stuck. They may be constrained emotionally, unable to express anger. When the Gorse energy is congested or stagnant, people can be arrogant, over controlling, and have angry dispositions. They may have a tendency to be workaholics or have addictive personalities, including the possibility of abusing drugs and alcohol. People who have strong Gorse energy have a clear vision and goals, and know how to bring them into being. They excel at planning and decision making. They can be forceful in disagreements and can strongly argue their opinions. Their piercing, penetrating eyes may attract you, but avoid their wrath. **The Gorse signifies a time of reserving life force and inspiration, and guidance from the visionary within. It ushers in a time of new ideas and great fertility. It is a fiery catalyst for change. However, it also warns of the potential for life force to burn out of control, or even burn out entirely, when primal or inspirational energies simply cannot be found or they have become so imbalanced that they no longer have a basis in the health and right action of a properly functioning life. Gorse brings cleansing, as well as renewal and restoration, so that properly balanced energy and inner equilibrium will return. Gorse reminds us that a time of high power, pride, and the inner light of an empowered soul are our birthrights. The light of summer is ahead. |
Heather / ÚrSummer Solstice / The Wizard
*In the poetic language of the Druids, health is a harmonious balance of all the Constitutions. Each one of us is a unique and characteristic blend of Nature. But we have one dominant Constitutional Tree. If you are dominated by the Heather character: You may be lackluster or bland. You may suffer from anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. People with strong Heather energy may be quite charismatic. They excel at commanding others to action. They may love talking and socializing. **The Heather reminds us of the love of the goddess and the love the universe has for us. It encourages us to reconnect with ourselves and each other. We are encouraged to follow our passion and desire. It is that which propels us forward in a never-ending cycle through seasons, life-times, birth and death, in an eternal dance with life itself. Even death is a part of life, and as our consciousness flows between one life from and another we enact and embody the relationship between the individual and the infinite, of which we are always a part. We are connected by the web of life and are also the web itself, the conduit through which other forms also travel through time and space, as we do. Heather encourages us to be children of the universe, beginning again, opening up to the kindness and comfort of the divine. We are reminded that if we simply follow what feels comfortable and wholesome, only goodness follows. By trusting our luck, we open ourselves in innocence to the bounty of the universe, and that makes us lucky; we receive the goodness that is always available. New doors of opportunity are opened, and Spirit is allowed to lend a hand. We become more confident and positive, and our lives are filled with ease and playfulness. Growth and abundance is our natural state; healing and wholeness are restored by listening to the body, rediscovering our ability to love, restoring the flow and our connection to the life around us. |
Aspen / EadhadhAutumn Equinox / The Peacemaker
*In the poetic language of the Druids, health is a harmonious balance of all the Constitutions. Each one of us is a unique and characteristic blend of Nature. But we have one dominant Constitutional Tree. If you are dominated by the Aspen character: You may be a worrier or meddler. Prone to pensiveness you may overwork, especially in studying or other intellectual work. Someone with well developed Aspen energy is a well grounded, nurturing, compassionate person, sometimes depicted as the archtypical “earth mother”. Earth people like to bring others together and make good mediators or peacemakers and reliable friends. They often enjoy both preparing food and eating. You may be attracted by their generous mouth and full, sensuous lips. **The Aspen relates to communication and connection between worlds, peoples, and individuals. It encourages animation and urges you to get things moving, drawing in life force and enthusiasm. It also urges you to remember the life is always in a state of flux; to stand still for too long is to stagnate and resist the very flow of life itself. There is always more life, just as there is always more death. In balance, this knowledge can be a great source of comfort and support. Listen to your inner promptings and the messages of spirit. Consider advice from your elders. Attend to and value your inner rhythm. Aspen may suggest becoming imbalanced with the ebb and flow of life, either in overload - shaking and trembling with fear or unused energy - or in a state of inner drought and stuckness where life needs stirring up and quickening once more. Breathe in the connection you have with the infinite, trust, and take steps to restore your balance. Consider this a threshold, and cross over. You have nothing to fear |
Apple / QuertThe Light Side
*Seek the Apple when you are feeling as if you are having poor self image, feeling unclean, toxic, obsessed with perfection or feeling unacceptable. Apple will bring acceptance, inner beauty, fulfillment of desire, open hearted love or fertility. **The Apple works with the connection between mind, body, and spirit, aiding the seeker in the quest for wholeness. It is a good magical symbol to aid in seeking inspiration from dreams and other worldly connections, reminding us of the continual connection with the otherworldly paradise and our inner divinity. It suggests and helps in operating from "right action," coming from an inner sense of wholeness, and returning to wholeness. In divination it suggests that right action can be found when acting from a sense of vision and goodness. Kindness, to the self and others, as well as generosity and compassion are timeless heal-alls that lead the soul to wisdom.. |
Blackthorn / StraifThe Dark Side
*Seek the Blackthorn when you are feeling gloomy, depressed, circling thoughts, karmic issues or difficult times. Blackthorn will bring acceptance, help deal with adversity, clear your mind, feel protected and bring cheerfulness. **The Blackthorn reminds us that magic is the nature of the universe and that wonders are the normal reality of the world. Accepting the darkness is the first step to enlightenment, giving balance and clarity to see and acknowledge our pains and difficulties, paradoxically leading us back into the light. Through challenges we are born anew. After the maturing lessons of the broom, blackthorn gives true power and the ability to wield it well. Straif, the composite of the s for saille, the willow, and t for tinne, the holly, show that this is a combination of movement to and from the otherworld as seen in the willow together with the energy and vital life force of the holly. The movement of this energy from Source to the outer world is magic, s to t, the blackthorn. This can only be held by the gaining of wisdom, the initiation into love which is its great test for us. If we are worthy, the power is ours. |
MistletoeHealing
*Seek the Mistletoe when you are feeling lonely, empty, drained, out of balance or stressed. Mistletoe will bring peace within, open to the journey in life, creativity and love. **Mistletoe was called the druid's herb as well as "all heal" due to its many healing and magical properties. These are thought to vary depending on what tree the mistletoe grows upon; mistletoe growing on the oak has different properties from mistletoe growing on any of the other trees it colonises, such as the apple. The combination of oak and mistletoe in magical workings lends extra power and manifestation potential, as well as extremem fertility and fecundity. Traditionally mistletoe is hung over beds for fertility and to ensure healthy pregnancy. The addition of oak will help with becoming a good parent and provider. |
*Sourced from Ogham Trees
**Sourced from Danu Forest's book Celtic Tree Magic: Ogham Lore and Druid Mysteries
**Sourced from Danu Forest's book Celtic Tree Magic: Ogham Lore and Druid Mysteries