• Ogham Letter: Huathe (H)
• Symbolic Meaning: Purification, sacred marriage and male-female unity
• Ruling Planet: Mars & Venus (Vulcan)?
• Ruling Element:
• Season:
• Corresponding Star Sign: Gemini / Cancer

The Hawthorn Tree rules the sixth month of the Celtic Tree Calendar. It’s a tree of contradictions and opposites, it pulls together the complete idea of duality and oppositions.

The tree has strong links to male energy, however, it is symbolic of fertility and it also deeply rooted to female deities. This balance and unity of male and female energies gave this tree the name the “marriage tree”.

The hawthorn is sacred and its thorny branches produce an abundance of foliage and blossoms that have healing properties thought to circulatory disorders and high blood pressure.

Hawthorn Tree Zodiac

Those born under the sign of the Hawthorn are a paradox and are not at all what they seem at first glance. Seemingly quite average on the outside but inside is burning bright with a creative passion. They are quick witted with an excellent memory making them knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics. They can adapt to almost any situation and will more often than not be able to see the bigger picture making them great listeners and ones to go to in a time of need.

Hawthorn signs pair well with Ash and Rowan

–tree2mydoor.com

• Ogham Letter: Saille (S)
• Symbolic Meaning: Fertility, Flexibility, New Life
• Ruling Planet: Moon
• Ruling Element:
• Season:
• Corresponding Star Sign: Taurus / Gemini

It’s the Willow tree that rules the fifth month in the calendar. The tree thrives in wet boggy areas and can often be found planted next to areas of water.

Willow has deep roots with spirituality and psychic ability with specific links to the lunar realm. The strong association with the moon comes from the trees love for water.

It’s a symbol of fertility and new life, a willow branch can be planted in the ground and from it a new tree will grow in its place. Willow trees are flexible, the branches can be contorted in ridiculous ways without any signs of snapping, this makes it a popular wood to use in weaving and wicker work..

When it comes to medicinal values, the willow has many healing properties. The bark could be used as a treatment for cold and flu and young twigs from the tree were once be chewed in aid of pain relief.

Willow Tree Zodiac

People born under the Willow sign seem understand the world around them a little more than others. They are very intune with their psychic side and their personality is ruled by the moon. They are intuitive and have deep roots within other worldly realms, in particular, the lunar realm. Willow signs are intelligent and highly creative however do not like showing this side of their personality in fear of seeming arrogant or over the top. Other signs find them mysterious and hard to get to know but once they are friends, willow signs are fiercely loyal and great at keeping secrets. They have a realistic outlook on life giving them much more patience than other signs.

Willow signs are compatible with Birch and Ivy signs.

–tree2mydoor.com

• Ogham Letter: Huathe (H)
• Symbolic Meaning: Purification, sacred marriage and male-female unity
• Ruling Planet: Mars & Venus (Vulcan)?
• Ruling Element:
• Season:
• Corresponding Star Sign: Gemini / Cancer

The Hawthorn Tree rules the sixth month of the Celtic Tree Calendar. It’s a tree of contradictions and opposites, it pulls together the complete idea of duality and oppositions.

The tree has strong links to male energy, however, it is symbolic of fertility and it also deeply rooted to female deities. This balance and unity of male and female energies gave this tree the name the “marriage tree”.

The hawthorn is sacred and its thorny branches produce an abundance of foliage and blossoms that have healing properties thought to circulatory disorders and high blood pressure.

Hawthorn Tree Zodiac

Those born under the sign of the Hawthorn are a paradox and are not at all what they seem at first glance. Seemingly quite average on the outside but inside is burning bright with a creative passion. They are quick witted with an excellent memory making them knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics. They can adapt to almost any situation and will more often than not be able to see the bigger picture making them great listeners and ones to go to in a time of need.

Hawthorn signs pair well with Ash and Rowan

–tree2mydoor.com

• Ogham Letter: Fearne (F)
• Symbolic Meaning: Release, Shield and Foundation, Determination, Discrimination and Inner Confidence,  Healing, Protecting, Peaceful, Passionate Royalty
• Ruling Planet: Mars
• Ruling Elements: Fire & Water
• Season:
• Corresponding Star Sign:

The fourth moon in the calendar is ruled by the Alder tree. The Alder makes up a part of the birch family and is commonly found growing near wetlands, rivers and streams. It’s roots are able to improve the pH of the surrounding soil giving life back to poor soil conditions.

The cutting down of an Alder Tree was once a punishable act and it was believed if you felled one, the fairy that dwells within its branches would burn your house in revenge.

The tree has many magnical influences and was thought to help people to face up to things that may have been avoiding. It was also believed that it could take you the fairy realm. Alder can be used with spells to help with business and academia.

The bark from the Alder Tree was used to treat inflammation and the heated leaves were said to help with chronic skin conditions.

Alder Tree Zodiac

Those born under the Alder sign are straight to the point, they etch paths in the land for others to follow. They will always chase their dreams and work hard to reach their passions. They believe strongly in themselves and have a self confidence that others love to be around. They are energetic and do not tolerate time wasting. Alder signs can get on with almost anyone and are fun to be around, people often feel motivated to get up and do things when they are around.

Alder signs are compatible with Hawthorn, Oak and Birch.

–tree2mydoor.com

• Ogham Letter: Nion (N)
• Symbolic Meaning: Mastership, Growth, Power
• Ruling Planet: The Sun & Neptune
• Ruling Elements: Water & Fire
• Season: ??
• Corresponding Star Sign: Pisces / Aries

The third Lunar month is ruled by the Ash Tree. A large, relentless species that roots penetrate deep into the Earth. It’s strongly associated with the vertical link between otherworldly realms such as the underworld, middle earth, and the spiritual world. This gives it the status of the ‘World Tree’.

This tree that is linked to other worldly realms is also medicinal, especially when it comes to treating childhood ailments. In Celtic Lore the tree is given the name of “Cradle of Life” and from it, remedies could be created that would cure children of their illnesses.

Part of the ash are used in protective rituals due to the energies believed to be held within the tree. It’s leaves are thought to bring love and affluence.

Ash Tree Zodiac

Ash signs are empathetic, compassionate and very creative. They are in tune with nature and others around them and often look upon the world with an artistic perspective. They do well in careers of creativity. They constantly strive for self growth and renewal they think freely without much care for what others may think of them. They are viewed as introverts but are often just immersed in their own world and people are intrigued with their enchanting personality.

Ash signs pair well with Willow and Reed signs.

–tree2mydoor.com

• Ogham Letter: Luis (L)
• Symbolic Meaning: Courage, Protection, Connection
• Ruling Planet: The Sun
• Ruling Elements: Fire
• Season: Spring & Autumn
• Corresponding Star Sign: Aquarius / Pisces

The second lunar month is ruled by that of the Rowan Tree. Another tree associated with a powerful, feminine connection, the small, deciduous rowan is praised for its beauty and hardiness. A strong symbol of courage, protection and connection.

The rowan tree can take root almost anywhere it wants but prefers to grow and thrive in greater heights giving it the name of the ‘Lady of the Mountain’. Even though it looks delicate, up here it will thrive in harsh conditions and always come out stronger on the other side.

The Rowan is deeply rooted with psyche and philosophy. It is thought to open the mind, improve psychic powers and inspire those who come into contact with it.

The tree has a positive presence and it’s protective abilities are used to keep evil spirits at bay. Branches of the rowan were hung around doors to keep those inside safe from wrongdoings.

The celts thought that the rowan berries possessed magical powers. The bright red berries are a sign of protection. Red being the most protective colour. They are a great source of vitamin C and were used to treat scurvy.

Rowan Tree Zodiac

Those born under the Rowan Tree are quietly influential and aloof. They are idealists and individuals, often feeling misunderstood. They have the natural ability to transform a situation making those around feel comfortable but don’t be fooled by their calm, collected demeanor as inside they are burning bright with a passion for change. They’re diplomatic and great listeners, always respecting others beliefs making them great leaders. It is the philosophical sign in the Celtic zodiac.

Rowan signs pair well with Ivy and Hawthorn.

—tree2mydoor.com

Birch Tree: December 24th – January 20th

• Ogham Letter: Beith (B)

• Symbolic Meaning: New Beginnings, Growth, Renewal, Rebirth, Adaptability

• Ruling Planet: Venus

• Ruling Elements: Air & Water

• Season: Spring & Autumn

• Corresponding Star Sign: Capricorn

The first lunar month of the Celtic Tree Calendar is the Birch Tree. Known as the ‘Lady of the Woods’, birch tree holds deep feminine connections making it a symbol of rebirth and fertility. It’s elegance in the woods is made known by its delicate, peeling silvery white bark.

The leaves from the tree can be brewed into a tea that is used to treat many infections and remove excess water from the body. This tree doesn’t just hold magical energy but practical, medicinal properties too.

Placed at the centre of the Beltane Festival or May Day as it is now commonly known, people will dance around the May Pole made from Birch to bring a fruitful harvest in the following year.

The lunar month of birch is a fantastic time for starting new creativity and projects. Whether that involves a new job or adventure – this is the month to do it!

Birch Tree Zodiac

Just like the birch tree itself, those born under this sign have high ambitions, they are driven and will strive to grow wherever they can. Born at the darkest time of the year they are always reaching towards the light, easily inspiring those around them. Cool headed and natural born leaders but in touch with their softer side bringing beauty where it’s needed the most.

Birch signs are well matched with Vine and Willow signs.

Birch Tree Symbolism and Meaning

The Birch Tree is an elegant force of nature. The silvery white bark looks sophisticated and graceful but under this beauty lies a strong, willfulness to grow where nothing else can.

It is almost always one of the first species to regrow in places of tragedy, a forest fire perhaps or even after the great ice age. It can thrive in harsh conditions of low nutrient soils and colder climates. It’s also one of the first trees to regrow leaves after the depths of winter bringing us into the new life of spring. It’s widespread across the British Isles and a coloniser of many UK woodlands.

The native tree holds strong connections with feminine energies and in Celtic Lore is known as ‘The Lady of the Woods’. It’s most recognisable features are the paper thin bark that peels to reveal dark fissures along the trunk and the delicate, flowing leaves that cover the tree in summer.

The beauty of the tree can be seen in every season making it a great specimen tree for the garden. Silver birch trees are amazing for garden wildlife. The tree is a great attraction and will be unconditionally adored by the birds and the bees.

As the birch is a pioneer species this gives it a symbol of rebirth, new beginnings and growth. It’s a sacred tree within the mythology of the Celts and is thought to have very protective influences.

On Midsummer’s Eve, branches from the tree would be hung around doors of dwellings in hopes to bring good luck and guard against any evil misfortune. To bring in the new year with goodness, evil spirits were brushed from homes using a broom made from the twigs of a birch tree.

Not just magical but also medicinal, the leaves of the birch can be brewed into a tea that can be used to treat infections and remove excess water from the body.

The Birch Tree was the centre of the Beltane Festival, now more commonly known to us as May Day. Maypoles would be created from the wood of the birch and everyone would gather round and dance to ensure a fruitful harvest that year.

Birch is the first lunar month in the Celtic Tree Calendar lying between the dates of 24th December – 20th January.

Birch Tree Zodiac

• Ruled by: the 1st Lunar Month
• Dates: 24th December – 20th January
• Ogham Letter: Beith (B)
• Ruling Planet: Venus
• Ruling Elements: Air and Watery7

–tree2mydoor.com

The Celtic tree calendar, also called the Beth-Luis-Nion Calendar, is a modern calendar based on modern, theoretical interpretations of the Ogham alphabet, or the Celtic Tree Alphabet. While there is no evidence of ancient Celts or Druids using a calendar that even resembled this one, it has, however, become a valuable spiritual, liturgical and magical tool for some modern NeoPagans who identify with the ancient Celts. Celtic Reconstructionist Pagans reject it utterly as a complete fabrication with no historic basis. Which of course it is. Others embrace it as a tool to enhance their magic, their spirituality and their connection with nature and to help give structure to their rituals.

A Celtic tree calendar was first posited in the 19th century by Edward Davies based on research of the Ogygia and the Book of Ballymote further developed by Robert Graves in his book The White Goddess and further developed by Ross Nichols.

The calendar has 13 months of 28 days and an extra day posited as the “year and a day” day. It begins with the winter solstice, in contrast to the tradition of Samhain as the Celtic New Year.

Graves’ Celtic Tree Calendar

Beth (Birch) December 24th to January 20th
Luis (Rowan) January 21 to February 17
Nion (Ash) February 18 to March 17
Fearn (Alder) March 18 to April 14
Saille (Willow) April 15 to May 12
Uath (Hawthorn) May 13 to June 9
Duir (Oak) June 10 to July 7
Tinne (Holly) July 8 to August 4
Coll (Hazel) August 5 to September 1
Muin (Vine) September 2 to September 29
Gort (Ivy) September 30 to October 27
Ngetal (Reed) October 28 to November 24
Ruis (Elder) November 25 to December 22
December 23 Extra day for “Year and a Day”

Variations on the Calendar

Due to its obvious limitations, the calendar has been changed a little here and there to fit with various traditions. Some have altered the start dates of the month to begin on the new moon or the full moon make the calendar more in line with lunar tradition and many believe the calendar should have been started at Samhain, which is regarded as the traditional Celtic New Year.

Gregorian Variation
A simpler variation based on the Gregorian calendar makes it much easier to keep track of though it has many problems. As many believe the calendar should begin on November 1st to correspond with Samhain as the Celtic or Witches New Year, this variation would assign Beth to November, Luis to December and so on. However, this leaves the problem of what to do with the extra month. One solution is to declare Ruis an extra month for leap years.

Lunar Variation, beginning at Samhain
This variation begins with Beth at Samhain and ending on the first new moon (or full moon) after Samhain. It is true that this could result in Beth lasting only a day, but it follows with the tradition of lunar days. The new moon starts the first lunar day and the next moonrise starts the second lunar day, the first may last only a few minutes. This also solves the problem of extra moons and extra days. The extra “Year and a Day” day posited by Graves would occur on Samhain eve.

Full Moon Names

Much more widely accepted than the calendar is naming the full moons based upon it. If you follow Graves’ model of beginning with the winter solstice, the first full moon after the winter solstice would be the Birch moon, etc. More popular, however, is the Samhain as New Year model, in which case the first full moon after Samhain, November, is the Birch moon. The next in November/December is the Rowan Moon, then the Ash Moon in December/January, the Alder Moon in January/February, the Willow Moon in February/March, the Hawthorn Moon in March/April, the Oak moon in April/May, the Holly Moon in June/July, the Hazel moon in July/August, the Vine moon in August/September, the Ivy moon in September/October, the reed moon in October and the Elder moon, the 13th moon when needed.

Celtic Tree Astrology

In The White Goddess, Grave suggested a system of astrology that went along with this calendar. This idea has been further developed in modern times.

More Information on the Web

http://www.maryjones.us/jce/celtictreecalendar.html
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/moonphasemagic/ss/Celtic-Tree-Months.htm

Further Reading

The White Goddess by Robert Graves
The Book of Druidry by Ross Nichols
The Handbook of Celtic Astrology by Helene Patterson
Year of Moons, Season of Trees by Pattalee Glass-Koentop

Published on Witchipedia