Category: Celtic Tree Calendar

Ash Tree: February 18th – March 17th

Ash Tree: February 18th – March 17th

Ash Tree Buds

Source: tree2mydoor.com

  • Ogham Letter: Nion (N)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Master-ship, Growth, Power
  • Ruling Planet: The Sun & Neptune
  • Ruling Elements: Water & Fire
  • Season: Spring & Autumn
  • 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 otherworldly 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 is used in protective rituals due to the energies believed to be held within the tree. Its 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.

Ash Tree Seeds

Source: learnreligions.com

In the Norse eddas, Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree, which is also known by the Celtic name Nion, pronounced knee-un. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools — these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae.

Ash Tree

Celtic Tree Month – Rowan: January 21 – February 17

Source: 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 in 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 its 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.

Find out more about Rowan Tree Symbolism here.

Rowan Tree Zodiac

People 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 demeanour 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.

Source: LearnReligions.com

The Rowan Moon is associated with Brighid, the Celtic goddess of hearth and home. Honored on February 1, at Imbolc, Brighid is a fire goddess who offers protection to mothers and families, as well as watching over the hearthfires. This is a good time of year to perform initiations (or, if you’re not part of a group, do a self-dedication). Known by the Celts as Luis (pronounced loush), the Rowan is associated with astral travel, personal power, and success. A charm carved into a bit of a Rowan twig will protect the wearer from harm. The Norsemen were known to have used Rowan branches as rune staves of protection. In some countries, Rowan is planted in graveyards to prevent the dead from lingering around too long.

Celtic Tree Month of Elder November 24 – December 23

ELDER TREE

Source: LearnReligions.com

The winter solstice has passed, and the Elder moon is a time of endings. Although the Elder can be damaged easily, it recovers quickly and springs back to life, corresponding to the approaching New Year. Called Ruish by the Celts (pronounced roo-esh), the month of Elder is a good time for workings related to creativity and renewal. It is a time of beginnings and endings, births and deaths, and rejuvenation. Elder is also said to protect against demons and other negative entities. Use in magic connected to Faeries and other nature spirits.

ELDER TREE LEAVES

Source: ireland-calling.com

Elder (Ruis Ogham): Symbolizes healing, transformation, and wisdom. The Elder tree is associated with the passage of time and the cycles of life, offering guidance and the potential for spiritual growth.

ELDER TREE FLOWERS

Source: tree2mydoor.com

Ogham Letter: Ruis (R)

Symbolic Meaning: Rebirth, regeneration, death, magic

Ruling Planet: Saturn

Ruling Element: Water

Season: Winter

Corresponding Star Sign: Sagittarius

The Elder Tree rules the thirteenth moon and makes up the final month in the Celtic tree calendar. It’s one of the most magical trees and is a symbol of both death, regeneration and magic.

It is thought to house the spirit of the Elder Mother who will both harm and protect those around her. Use the tree selfishly without permission and you will be greeted with bad omens. Plant a tree by your home or hang the branches by your door to grant good fortune and ward away evil spirits.

The deep link to regeneration comes from how broken branches can easily take root and regrow. The rebirth of a new tree. A symbol of the end that takes us back to the beginning in a cycle of life and death.

Many parts of the elder tree are prized for their medicinal properties and were used in herbal medicine to treat and cure many ailments. The high content of vitamin C in the berries for coughs and colds and the flowers used for skin cleansers and lotions.

The month of Elder is perfect for trying something new and challenging, something you may never have done before. It is the darkest time of the year but be ready for the new and be open to change that may come your way.

Elder Tree Zodiac

Those born under the elder tree are thoughtful and empathetic with a philosophical mind. They have a caring persona and are considerate of others but will be brutally honest if the situation calls for it. They have a wild and extroverted personality and tend to seek out thrills wherever they can, however, others sometimes view them as withdrawn and more of an outsider.

Elder signs are compatible with Alder and Holly signs.

ELDER BERRIES

Celtic Reed Month: October 28 – November 23

(I am sorry I am getting this up so late, but I forgot to look to see when the Celtic tree month changed.)

Celtic Reed Month Source: tree2mydoor.com

Ogham Letter: Ngetal (N)

Symbolic Meaning: Security, Expression, Clarity, Meaning

Ruling Planet: Pluto

Reed Zodiac

Those born under the Reed sign have strong and alluring personalities that people tend to be attracted to. They are curious fellows they are known to delve deep trying to discover the truth and will not just take things at face value. They are drawn to careers in investigation such as detective work and journalism. They can be manipulative when they need something but have a strong sense of truth and their actions are never malicious. They are good at keeping secrets.

Reed signs pair well with other Reed signs but are also compatible with Ash and Oak.

Celtic Reed Month Source: learnreligions.com

Reed is typically used to make wind instruments, and this time of year, its haunting sounds are sometimes heard when the souls of the dead are being summoned to the Underworld. The Reed Moon was called Negetal, pronounced nyettle by the Celts, and is sometimes referred to as the Elm Moon by modern Pagans. This is a time for divination and scrying. If you’re going to have a seance, this is a good month to do it. This month, do magical workings related to spirit guides, energy work, meditation, celebration of death, and honoring the cycle of life and rebirth.

Celtic Tree Month Ivy Moon: September 30 – October 27

Source: learnreligions.com

As the year comes to a close and Samhain approaches, the Ivy moon rolls in at the end of the harvest season. Ivy often lives on after its host plant has died — a reminder to us that life goes on, in the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. The Celts called this month Gort, pronounced go-ert. This is a time to banish the negative from your life. Do workings related to improving yourself, and placing a barricade between you and the things that are toxic to you. Ivy can be used in magic performed for healing, protection, cooperation, and to bind lovers together.

Source: tree2mydoor.com

Ogham Letter: Gort (G)

Symbolic Meaning: Growth, Regeneration, Love, Opportunity

Ruling Planet: Moon

Ruling Element:

Season:

Corresponding Star Sign: Libra / Scorpio

Ivy Zodiac

Just like the Ivy can grow despite harsh conditions, those born under this sign are survivors, they face challenges with the strength of their emotions. They make loyal friends and are very giving making them likeable to many different people. When it comes to accepting help from other holly signs tend to keep quiet in times of inner turmoil choosing to suffer in silence than to speak out. Despite this, they go about their life with grace and wit making them charming to others.

Ivy signs pair well with Oak and Ash.

 

Source: druidogham.wordpress.com

Perseverance, strength, tenacity, determination

Tree: Ivy (Hedera spp.)

Letter: G

Ivy, not to be confused with ground ivy, is a tough plant, considered invasive by many. As an Ogham, Gort signifies unbreakable character and nearly-superhuman determination. Gort indicates you are a steadfast personality and will hang in there no matter what, or perhaps a goal that you’ll do nearly anything to achieve, or a person or cause you are willing to put a great deal on the line for. Gort is the fiery energy inherent to water — think of water’s ability to forge any route over time and how it carves canyons out of rock. There is a certain ruthlessness about water. Water can penetrate almost any substance: for instance, you can soak calloused skin in oil and nothing will happen to it, but soak it in water and it becomes soft and pliable. Water is power: most forms of electricity, including electricity created by harnessing nuclear energy, are nothing more than souped up versions of a steam engine.

Gort implies a certain leanness and willingness to sacrifice/impose hard limits to achieve a goal. Drawing Gort is an opportunity to examine your goals and which ones you are the most serious about. Like ivy, you will cling and grow around obstacles. Beaten down by wind, washed loose by rain, and scorched by the sun, you will outlast adversity by the strength of your will.

Questions when you draw Gort:
-What are three of your main goals right now? Which is the one that is the dearest to you?
-When you have gotten something you wanted in the past, what were you willing to do to get it? Were you willing to compromise? What would you have done if it had not worked out?

Gort ill-dignified excess: Victim of your own success
You can actually succeed too much. Think of how ivy, once established, can kill a tree or cause the wall holding it up to crumble. If you succeed too much in business, you may have too many clients to handle, which means it’s either expand the business or not be able to serve all the clients. Many people in the US have too much physical stuff — so much that storage of excess stuff is a multibillion dollar industry. They have succeeded so much, now they feel compelled to pay to store all of the sentimental trophies of excess in a glorified garage. Perhaps you have too many abstract goals and need to whittle down what you can and cannot achieve given this short lifetime; which ones should you release? Success for some people can turn into fairytale-style warnings about greed for more. For instance, the rich man who commits a horrendous crime to become more famous or the fantastically-wealthy author who tweets every passing thought in a vain effort to push DVD sales will never be happy because they will never be able to fill a void that cannot be placated by money. They will try though, and they will try hard!

Gort ill-dignified dearth: Hanging by a thread
Sometimes when the going gets tough, the tough have to cling to a knife edge to survive. The goal you’re clinging to may or may not be worth saving — only you can know this for sure. Look at it with a critical, unbiased eye. Most likely you are feeling tired, weary, blasted, battle-weary, and scattered. You might have anger at the forces working against you that needs to be admitted and analyzed. Sometimes you simply don’t have any more resources to sacrifice towards your goal and you are probably feeling that now.

10th Celtic Tree Month – Vine September 2 – September 29

Source: learnreligions.com

The Vine month is a time of great harvest — from the grapes of the Mediterranean to the fruits of the northern regions, the Vine produces fruits we can use to make that most wondrous concoction called wine. The Celts called this month Muin. The Vine is a symbol of both happiness and wrath — passionate emotions, both of them. Do magical workings this month connected to the Autumn Equinox, or Mabon, and celebrate garden magic, joy and exhilaration, wrath and rage, and the darker aspect of the mother goddess. Use the leaves of the Vines to enhance your own ambition and goals. during this month. The month of Vine is also a good time to get balanced, as there are equal hours of darkness and light.

Source: celticjewelry.com

September, called Muin by the Celts, is the time of the vine. The vine itself is like a green fuse, rising up from the Mother with intensity. Fast growing, prolific, intimately connected to whatever it touches; each type of vine has a certain energetic perspective. Poison ivy, for example, is not the same as a grape vine. Yet they both have in common a certain virility and fertility.

The vine was extremely important in ancient lore because of the grape. Wine has been made for thousands of years and it was considered a highly sacred substance to be used in a ritual context, as it still is today, in the Catholic mass. In ancient times, wine was tied to theater, a transformational rite ruled by the god, Dionysus, who, like Christ, was twice born. Dionysus represents deep, chthonic (subterranean) transformation.

The Maenads, the women who worshipped him, would tear people apart. This dismembering represents spirit coming into the density of matter, the shedding of old patterns that reside in our bones, cells and mind that hold us back from being who are in our divine beauty and power.

September is the time of the autumn equinox, when light and darkness are in perfect balance. The vine represents the bounty of the harvest, which is also moving toward the completion of a yearly cycle. What we harvest was started in the dreamtime, the dark days of winter when the roots were easing through the cold dense earth. We experience first the green shoots of spring efforts, and then the explosive growth of summer.

The contemplation then becomes, what has been the fruit of your life over the past year? What have all your efforts yielded for you to taste and digest? It is a good time to find balance, just as the light is balancing on the equinox. The fruit from the vine may be bitter or sweet, or both. Do you have the courage to consider all of it, all as blessings? As the days grow shorter, we hope you can celebrate what you have gleaned over the past year. Savor the harvest of your life with gratitude and wonder at the mystery and miracle of the very breath that flows through you now.

( SIDE NOTE from Lady Carla Beltane) I was lucky to find I have grape vines growing in my backyard. I had trimmed them way back the last 2 summers but this year when I got to that point of clearing up the flower and herb beds, I saw teeny, tiny grapes on the vines with leaves that I cut off. I was very careful to try not to cut off anymore vines with grapes growing on them. The problem is because of the drought and the smoke haze from Canada I didn’t harvest any this year. I will however be tending them better next year and hopefully have some delicious grapes to eat and can use the vines minus leaves to make a few Dreamcatchers in the winter of 2024.)

Celtic Tree Calendar – Hazel August 5 – September 1

Hazel Tree from tree2mydoor.com

Ogham Letter: Coll (C)

Symbolic Meaning: Uniqueness, Intuition, Knowledge, Divination

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Ruling Element:

Season:

Corresponding Star Sign: Leo / Virgo

Hazel Tree Zodiac

Those born under the Hazel moon have friendly personalities and find it easy to talk to anyone. They are naturally organised and efficient with a great eye for detail. They are well gifted in the form of academia with their high intelligence and amazing ability to recall information with incredible accuracy. People tend to mistake them for know-it-all’s however they just make sure they are well informed and that they know their facts before they speak. They have a knack for numbers and science so are drawn to careers in this.

Hazel Moon from learnreligions.com

The Hazel Moon was known to the Celts as Coll, which translates to “the life force inside you.” This is the time of year when Hazelnuts are appearing on the trees, and are an early part of the harvest. Hazelnuts are also associated with wisdom and protection. Hazel is often associated in Celtic lore with sacred wells and magical springs containing the salmon of knowledge. This is a good month to do workings related to wisdom and knowledge, dowsing and divination, and dream journeys. If you’re a creative type, such as an artist, writer, or musician, this is a good month to get your muse back, and find inspiration for your talents. Even if you normally don’t do so, write a poem or song this month.

Celtic Tree Month – Holly July 8 – August 4

Holly – guards against spirits and witchcraft

In Celtic mythology, the holly was the evergreen twin of the oak.

While the oak was the controller of the light half of the year, the holly controlled the dark, winter months.

It shares another quality with the oak in that it is resistant to lightning, its spikey leaves acting as mini conductors.

It was thus, also associated with the same Celtic and Norse gods of thunder, Taranis and Thor, and was often planted near dwellings to protect folk from lightning strikes.

Protective qualities

Druids believed the holly to possess protective qualities, guarding against evil spirits and witchcraft.

It was thought that bringing the leaves inside during the winter months would provide shelter from the cold for the fairy folk, who in return would be kind to those who inhabited the dwelling.

When new Celtic Chieftains were chosen, a wreath of holly was often used as a crown for good luck and new-born babies were bathed in the water from the leaves to protect them from harm.

Although taking cuttings was encouraged in this way, due to its protective qualities, it was considered unlucky to cut down a whole tree.

Holly formed part of Jesus’ crown of thorns

Today holly is perhaps most associated with Christmas, when, following the old traditions, it adorns the houses as part of yule-tide decoration and festivities.

However, according to Christian beliefs, holly formed part of the crown of thorns worn at the crucifixion.

Tinne, T – At midsummer the Holly King wins his battle with the Oak King and power over the dark months is his. This is possibly why holly appears as the eighth month in the Celtic tree calendar, following oak and holly is the eighth letter in the ogham alphabet, tinne.

It was the blood of Christ that stained the holly berries red and it was the Christians who gave the holly tree its name from the word holy.

Holly berries are poisonous to humans but a good winter food source for birds. The leaves of the holly tree were used to treat colds and fevers largely associated with the winter months.

As a flower remedy holly is said to rid people of jealousy and hatred and open the heart to love.

Holly Moon: July 8 – August 4 from learnreligions.com

Although the Oak ruled in the previous month, its counterpart, the Holly, takes over in July. This evergreen plant reminds us all year long about the immortality of nature. The Holly moon was called Tinne, pronounced chihnn-uh, by the Celts, who knew the potent Holly was a symbol of masculine energy and firmness. The ancients used the wood of the Holly in the construction of weapons, but also in protective magic. Hang a sprig of Holly in your house to ensure good luck and safety to your family. Wear as a charm, or make Holly Water by soaking leaves overnight in spring water under a full moon — then use the water as a blessing to sprinkle on people or around the house for protection and cleansing.

Celtic Tree Month 7 – Oak June 10 – July 7

Oak – King of the Forest from ireland-calling.com

The Oak tree is Irelands national tree.

Known as king of the forest for its strength and longevity, the oak is most sacred to the Druids and the word Druid comes from the Celtic word for oak ‘Duir’.

The Oak was revered by many cultures throughout Europe, including the Greeks who associated the tree with the king of the gods Zeus, the Vikings who linked the oak to Thor, the Norse god of thunder and protector of mankind and the Celts with their own god of thunder Taranis relating to the tree.

Lightning strikes

Perhaps it is no coincidence that all these gods, with power over the weather, had an association with the oak tree since the oak is the tree most prone to lightning strikes and when struck will continue to thrive.

Ogham, the mysterious language of the trees The Origins of the Ogham alphabet are still a mystery for many historians, but it is primarily thought to be an early form of the Irish written Language.

Druids believed that when the magical and sacred plant mistletoe grew on an oak tree it had been placed there during a lightning strike and was the most powerful of all the mistletoe.

The Druids had a sacred ceremony for removing mistletoe from the blessed oak using a golden sickle.

This would commence shortly after the new moon following the winter solstice, which may well be a reason why mistletoe is connected to Christmas today.

Inspiration for poets and bards

According to some accounts, one of the five magic trees of Ireland, The Tree of Mugna, was thought to be a mighty oak tree.

This tree was the inspiration for poets and bards, who, in some legends, overturned the tree themselves to save it the humiliation of being cut down by Christian monks as a symbol of paganism, as the other magic trees were.

The Oak is thought to be connected to the movements of the planet Mars. When Mars travels close to the Earth it is believed to stimulate the roots of the oak and when far away, the sun promotes upward growth making the oak one of the largest, most powerful trees in the forest.

Many animals rely on the oak tree for food and shelter and, in turn, regeneration of oak trees partly relies on the help of animals such as forgetful squirrels who bury their acorns as a winter food supply in Autumn, often not remembering where they put them.

Strong oak is used for building

The wood of the oak is very strong and was used in construction of houses and boats, furniture, fencing, barrels, anything where strength was of importance.

Its use in these areas continues today. The bark was used to tan leather and mixed with the leaves was used as an antiseptic tonic for treating infections of the digestive tract, rashes, wounds and burns. When times were hard, acorns were ground down to make bread in replacement of grain.

Oak Moon: June 10 – July 7 information from learnreligions.com

Louisiana’s, USA oldest Oak tree.

The Oak moon falls during a time when the trees are beginning to reach their full blooming stages. The mighty Oak is strong, powerful, and typically towering over all of its neighbors. The Oak King rules over the summer months, and this tree was sacred to the Druids. The Celts called this month Duir, which some scholars believe to mean “door”, the root word of “Druid.” The Oak is connected with spells for protection and strength, fertility, money and success, and good fortune. Carry an acorn in your pocket when you go to an interview or business meeting; it will be bring you good luck. If you catch a falling Oak leaf before it hits the ground, you’ll stay healthy the following year.

The Celtic Tree Calendar – following the lunar cycle

Celtic Tree Calendar information from ireland-calling.com

The Celtic Tree Calendar is based on the ogham alphabet and its association with trees.

It consists of 13 months, each 28 days long, following the lunar cycle, as Roman accounts have suggested the Druids did, with one extra day representing the 23rd December, the ‘Day of Creation’.

Each of the 13 months is represented by a tree together with its ogham letter.

Ogham, the mysterious language of the trees The Origins of the Ogham alphabet are still a mystery for many historians, but it is primarily thought to be an early form of the Irish written Language.

The calendar was conceived by the British poet and scholar Robert Graves. It was an idea put forward in his book The White Goddess, a historical grammar of poetic myth, first published in 1948.

The book focused on the mythology of Ireland, Britain, Europe and the Middle East, interpreting it in Grave’s individual and poetic style.

As historical accounts of ancient Druids are scarce, many of Graves’ ideas regarding the Celtic Tree Calendar were based on the works of Irish historian Ruaidhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh, (Roderick O’Flaherty). Ó Flaithbheartaigh had published Ogygia in 1685, an elaborate history of Ireland that journeys back to the time of myths and legends and contains within it a chapter on understanding the ancient ogham alphabet.

Graves’ works may also have been influenced by the 14th century Book of Ballymote which contains a chapter on the ogham in which many varieties of the alphabet appear in the form of several diagrams thought to be used as secret codes.

Although the calendar is quite new in a historical sense, its influences lie within ancient Celtic mythology and folklore. It is a beautiful example of how modern spiritual beliefs and the customs of ancient times can be combined to form something enchanting.

More on Celtic trees folklore

Trees in Celtic Mythology

Apple – healing, youthfulness and rebirth

Ash – one Ireland’s sacred trees

Aspen – sacred Celtic whispering tree

Birch – the tree of birth

Blackthorn – sinister tree of the dark side

Elder – a tree sacred to the Celts

Gorse – symbol of love and fertility

Hawthorn – the fairy tree

Hazel – the tree at the world’s end

Heather – building block for Celts

Holly – guards against spirits and witchcraft

Ivy – symbol of strength and determination

Mistletoe – sacred plant of the sun god

Oak – king of the forest

Reed – introduction to Ogham

Rowan – the ‘lady of the mountains’

Scots Pine – the ‘pioneer’ plant’

Celtic Month of the Hawthorn Moon May 13 – June 9

Huath, Huathe

H – the hawthorn represents the sixth letter of the ogham alphabet and the sixth month on the Celtic tree calendar, the last weeks of May, when the hawthorn blossom is in flower.

Hawthorn Tree

The Hawthorn is a prickly sort of plant with beautiful blossoms. Called Huath by the ancient Celts, and pronounced Hoh-uh, the Hawthorn month is a time of fertility, masculine energy, and fire. Coming right on the heels of Beltane, this month is a time when male potency is high — if you’re hoping to conceive a child, get busy this month! The Hawthorn has a raw, phallic sort of energy about it — use it for magic related to masculine power, business decisions, making professional connections. The Hawthorn is also associated with the realm of Faerie, and when the Hawthorn grows in tandem with an Ash and Oak, it is said to attract the Fae.

Hawthorn – the Fairy Tree from ireland-calling.com

The Hawthorn is Known in Ireland as the fairy tree. It is often referred to as the gentle bush, lone bush or thorn, as it is disrespectful to mention the fairies by name.

As it is considered a fairy tree, it is believed to be extremely bad luck to cut one down, remove branches, or even hang things upon it (except at Beltane when this was customary) in case you disturb the little folk.

This belief has survived into modern times.

In 1999 work was interrupted on the main road from Limerick to Galway because a fairy tree stood in its path. The road had to be rerouted and construction was delayed for 10 years.

In 2009 there were numerous sightings of an ancient ghost thought to reappear in Tyrone after the felling of a fairy tree.

Few people will speak of the fairy tree out of a mixture of fear and respect and even fewer would ever remove or damage a hawthorn standing alone.

Couples fell in love under the hawthorn blossom

Contrary to these beliefs, in Britain, the hawthorn was associated with love and springtime, as the warm weather of May would bring couples together under the sweet blossoms of the hawthorn.

Hawthorn branches hung above a door were believed to protect from evil spirits rather than incurring their wrath.

In ancient Greece, likewise, the hawthorn was associated with love and marriage. Hawthorn crowns were worn by brides as decorative headwear and a hawthorn branch would be used as a wedding torch, perhaps where the phrase ‘carry a torch for’ comes from, meaning to love or have strong feelings for.

 

Celtic Tree Month of the Alder Moon: March 18 – April 14

From learnreligions.com

At the time of the Spring Equinox, or Ostara, the Alder is flourishing on riverbanks, roots in the water, bridging that magical space between both heaven and earth. The Alder month, called Fearn by the Celts, and pronounced fairin, is a time for making spiritual decisions, magic relating to prophecy and divination, and getting in touch with your own intuitive processes and abilities. Alder flowers and twigs are known as charms to be used in Faerie magic. Whistles were once made out of Alder shoots to call upon Air spirits, so it’s an ideal wood for making a pipe or flute if you’re musically inclined.

One Type of Irish Alder Tree

From ireland-calling.com

Alder tree in Celtic mythology – balanced between male and female

In Celtic mythology, the alder tree was symbolic of a balance between female and male principles since it possesses both female and male catkins on the same branch.

Alder tree in Celtic mythology

Fearn, F – The alder represents the third letter of the ogham alphabet ‘Fearn’ and the fourth month in the Celtic tree calendar.

The alder is a member of the birch family generally found near streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. It is known for creating a fertile, lush environment for surrounding animal and plant life.

Tree of fairies for the ancient druids

The druids also associated the tree with courage and the evolving spirit, and linked it with death and resurrection. This belief was shared in Austria too, where the wood of the alder was thought to make the dead come back to life.

Ogham, the mysterious language of the trees The Origins of the Ogham alphabet are still a mystery for many historians, but it is primarily thought to be an early form of the Irish written Language.

In Irish mythology the first human man was made from the alder tree which is considered a tree of the fairies, protected by the water fairy-folk but also representing fire and earth.

In parts of old Ireland it was considered a crime to cut down an alder tree because the tree spirit would get angry and burn down houses in revenge.

This possibly came about because when felled, the wood of the alder turns from white to an unnerving blood red due to its bright red-orange sap.

Alder wood good for building

The sap, leaves and bark of the alder were all used to make dyes; green from the leaves, red from the sap and brown from the bark. The dyes were often used to tan leather. Wood of the alder is flexible and resistant to the rotting effects of water.

Fearn, F – The alder represents the third letter of the ogham alphabet ‘Fearn’ and the fourth month in the Celtic tree calendar.

Due to these qualities it was often used to build bridges, pipes, milk pales and pilings for causeways across marshlands. Parts of Venice were built on alder pilings.

In medicine, the alder leaves and bark, which contain tannins, were used as an antiseptic and an astringent to treat skin wounds, rashes and swollen glands.

According to the Woodland League of Ireland, the value of the alder to the Irish in the past was for making clogs, masts of ships and shields. Alder wood was particularly impressive as a shield.

It is so hard that if an opponent buried his axe in the shield, he would find it almost impossible to withdraw it. This would render him defenceless and an easier target to attack.

The alder supports more than 70 different insects, many of them specific to the alder, meaning they can’t survive on another tree.

Discover more about the alder in this video from the Irish Woodland League.

The Alder Tree, the Shield of the Irish

Celtic Tree Month of the Birch December 24 – January 20

(SIDE NOTE: I am sorry I am posting this month so late. I lost track of it going up between all the holidays)

From ireland-calling.com

Birch – the tree of birth

Birch is a hardy and adaptable tree, able to grow where many trees cannot. It seldom grows alone and is often found in groves.

 

The birch tree has many uses both medicinal and practical.

Birch wood is durable but quick to rot, making it a good home for insects and birdlife.

It was often used to make May poles and start the fires at Beltane, the festival of new beginnings, due to a highly combustible tar in its bark.

This tar is furthermore believed to be good for the skin and can be used to treat eczema.

Birch is also associated with purification and protection. The leaves of the birch can be brewed into a tea that treats infection, stimulates the gall bladder and kidneys and is said to dissolve gravel and kidney stones.

Birch used to stimulate purification process

In Scandinavia birch is used in saunas to stimulate the purification process and in Russia birch branches are beaten against the skin at steam rooms for the same purpose. This practice was also used as a punishment in old England to purify a criminal of evil.

The Birch was seen by the Druids as the tree of birth – a symbol of new beginnings. Beth, meaning birch, is the first letter in the Ogham alphabet and the first month in the Celtic Tree Calendar.

Brooms were often made out of birch twigs as birch was believed to have protective qualities.

The birch brooms were used to drive away the spirits of the old year in a protective ritual called ‘beating the bounds’.

Babies’ cradles were often made of birch for these same protective qualities and it is said that carrying a piece of birch will protect you from fairies.

Elder Moon: November 24 – December 23

American Elder Tree

From LearnReligions.com

The winter solstice has passed, and the Elder moon is a time of endings. Although the Elder can be damaged easily, it recovers quickly and springs back to life, corresponding to the approaching New Year. Called Ruish by the Celts (pronounced roo-esh), the month of Elder is a good time for workings related to creativity and renewal. It is a time of beginnings and endings, births and deaths, and rejuvenation. Elder is also said to protect against demons and other negative entities. Use in magic connected to Faeries and other nature spirits.

Ireland Elder Tree

From Ireland-Calling.com

Elder – a tree sacred to the Celts

In Ireland, the elder was considered a sacred tree and, like the hawthorn, it was forbidden to cut one down. The elder tree was prized for its many uses culinary, medicinal and mystical.

Both the flowers and berries of the elder can be used to make wine. Elderflower wine was said to be drunk at the Beltane celebrations and elderberries were made into a wine at Samhain which was consumed to promote divination and hallucinations.

Ogham, the mysterious language of the trees The Origins of the Ogham alphabet are still a mystery for many historians, but it is primarily thought to be an early form of the Irish written Language.
Ruis, R, Elder is the fifteenth letter in the ogham alphabet, Ruis, and the thirteenth and final month of the Celtic tree calendar.

Poisonous

The seeds, bark, leaves and flowers of the elder can be poisonous as is the unripe fruit so special care must have been taken when preparing such beverages.

The superstition of never cutting down an elder bush was not unique to Ireland. In Denmark, peasants never chopped an elder because Hyldemor, The Elder Mother, lived in the trunk.

This belief was possibly brought to the East of England by the Vikings and, even today, in Lincolnshire people ask permission from ‘The Old Lady’ before taking cuttings from the tree.

Christians gave elder a bad reputation

Christians believed that the elder tree was the tree that Judas hanged himself from, therefore making it unlucky. Some also believed the cross was made of elder wood. In fact the Christians gave the elder a bad reputation in general.

It was during Christian times that the elder became most associated with witches and many stories of ‘elder-witches’ spread throughout Ireland and Britain. This developed into an association with the devil.

To burn elder wood in your fire would bring the devil into your house.

Celts believed it protected the from evil spirits

It seems more likely that rather than a tree to be feared the elder was a highly respected tree in the old Celtic land. It was said to protect from evil spirits as well as inviting them.

Cradles were built from elder wood to protect babies and elder bushes were often planted around cattle to keep them healthy. It was believed that planting an elder near your house would also protect it from lightning.

At the same time, a flute made of elder could be used to summon spirits and, in Scotland, if you stand under an elder tree at Samhain you will be able to see the fairies riding by.

Celtic Tree Ivy Month: September 30 – October 27

From LearnReligions.com

As the year comes to a close and Samhain approaches, the Ivy moon rolls in at the end of the harvest season. Ivy often lives on after its host plant has died — a reminder to us that life goes on, in the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. The Celts called this month Gort, pronounced go-ert. This is a time to banish the negative from your life. Do workings related to improving yourself, and placing a barricade between you and the things that are toxic to you. Ivy can be used in magic performed for healing, protection, cooperation, and to bind lovers together.

From Ireland-Calling.com

Ivy has many superstitions and beliefs attached to it.

Because it had the ability to form dense thickets in woodland, grow where other plants could not and block out the light from even the mighty oak, ivy was believed to be very powerful by the Druids, more powerful than its enemy, the vine and quite sinister.

The ivy and the vine have been seen as enemies since ancient times. This seems odd since the same Greek and Roman gods are associated with each.

Bacchus, god of wine

In Greek mythology ivy was sacred to Osiris and also associated with Dionysus. In Roman mythology Ivy was connected to Bacchus, the god of wine as it grew over his home land.

Bacchus is often portrayed wearing an ivy crown, perhaps because this was once thought to prevent intoxication. The poisonous berries of the ivy, when ground into a powder were also once believed to be a hangover cure.

The link between Bacchus and ivy was taken over to England where old English Taverns would display ivy above their doors indicating the high quality of their drinks.

The proverb ‘Good wine needs no bush’, meaning good wine speaks for itself, comes from this practice.

Gort, G –

Ivy, a symbol of strength and determination to the Druids, is the twelfth letter of the ogham alphabet, gort, and the eleventh month in the Celtic tree calendar, representing September 30th to October 27th.

Protection from evil

In old Ireland ivy was thought to provide protection from evil when growing on or near to a dwelling.

However, if it should die or fall down then misfortune would fall upon those therein.

Ivy was often carried by young women for good luck and fertility. Used at weddings intertwined with holly, the ivy would symbolise fidelity and at Yule-tide, would bring peace to the household.

Ivy was also linked to inspiration and worn by poets in the form of a crown.

Celtic Vine Month: September 2 – September 29

Vine – the tree of joy

From Ireland-Calling.com

Vines, or grape vines, didn’t reach the shores of Ireland until the Romans introduced wine around 2000 years ago.

The bramble, however, is native to the cool climate of Northern Europe, shares the winding characteristics and bares sweet fruit like the vine. This is why the ogham muin could represent either the vine or the bramble.

Since the introduction of wine to Ireland, the country has had a long love affair with both the plant and the drink, believed to loosen the tongue, release inhibitions and consumed by seers to stimulate prophecy.

Wine

During the 9th century, Viking traders who had already settled in the Loire Valley would bring wine to Ireland and it later became used as a tribute to the king; one ton of wine for each day in the year.

Wine was a big part of the feast culture of the old chieftains and, in later years it was Irish emigrants escaping English rule, known now as ‘Winegeese’ who were responsible for introducing vineyards to many countries throughout the world.

In mythology the vine is sacred to the Greek gods Dionysus and Osiris and the Roman God Bacchus. The vine is known as the tree of joy, exhilaration and wrath and is believed to be one of the sacred woods burned on the Beltane fires in Britain and Ireland representing joy and happiness.

Romans and Greeks celebrated the vine tree

The Romans and Greeks also had a festival involving the vine called Vinalia Rostica which celebrated and gave thanks the first harvest.

In the Celtic tree calendar the vine represents harvest time and the beginning of Autumn. The Autumn Equinox and festival of Mabon falls within the vine month, a festival of thanksgiving and learning.

In Christian belief, wine was the drink shared by Christ at the last supper and is still consumed in churches for this reason. It was the monasteries who cultivated the vine in Ireland and the British Isles for it could not grow in the wild as brambles could.

The bramble bush…

Christians had a very different story involving the Bramble. It was that when the devil was thrown out of heaven he landed on a bramble bush. This made him so angry that he cursed the plant and spat upon it.

Because of this, it was wrong to eat the fruit of the bramble after Michaelmas, September 29th, because the devil enters them.

This belief had a few variations. In Celtic Brittany it was said to be because of the fairies, and, in Wales, simply because they were poisonous by that time.

This is not actually the case, however certain insects do begin to lay their eggs on the ripened fruit during October which could well have been the cause of some stomach upsets.

Bramble wood was used in basket weaving and to make beehives, in a similar way to willow and bramble was often planted with hawthorn, sometimes known as the fairy tree, in hedgerows in order to bind a hedge.

Perhaps the close association to these very pagan trees and old ways is what made the Christians link the Bramble to a story about the devil.

Vine trees in Celtic mythology

Muin, M – The vine represents the eleventh letter in the ogham alphabet, muin, and the tenth month in the Celtic tree calendar.

 

Vine Moon: September 2 – September 29

From LearnReligions.com

The Vine month is a time of great harvest — from the grapes of the Mediterranean to the fruits of the northern regions, the Vine produces fruits we can use to make that most wondrous concoction called wine. The Celts called this month Muin. The Vine is a symbol of both happiness and wrath — passionate emotions, both of them. Do magical workings this month connected to the Autumn Equinox, or Mabon, and celebrate garden magic, joy and exhilaration, wrath and rage, and the darker aspect of the mother goddess. Use the leaves of the Vines to enhance your own ambition and goals. during this month. The month of Vine is also a good time to get balanced, as there are equal hours of darkness and light.

Celtic Tree Month of Holly July 8 to August 4

From LearnReligions.com

Although the Oak ruled in the previous month, its counterpart, the Holly, takes over in July. This evergreen plant reminds us all year long about the immortality of nature. The Holly moon was called Tinne, pronounced chihnn-uh, by the Celts, who knew the potent Holly was a symbol of masculine energy and firmness. The ancients used the wood of the Holly in the construction of weapons, but also in protective magic. Hang a sprig of Holly in your house to ensure good luck and safety to your family. Wear as a charm, or make Holly Water by soaking leaves overnight in spring water under a full moon — then use the water as a blessing to sprinkle on people or around the house for protection and cleansing.

From Ireland-Calling.com

While the oak was the controller of the light half of the year, the holly controlled the dark, winter months.

It shares another quality with the oak in that it is resistant to lightning, its spikey leaves acting as mini conductors.

It was thus, also associated with the same Celtic and Norse gods of thunder, Taranis and Thor, and was often planted near dwellings to protect folk from lightning strikes.

Protective qualities

Druids believed the holly to possess protective qualities, guarding against evil spirits and witchcraft.

It was thought that bringing the leaves inside during the winter months would provide shelter from the cold for the fairy folk, who in return would be kind to those who inhabited the dwelling.

When new Celtic Chieftains were chosen, a wreath of holly was often used as a crown for good luck and new-born babies were bathed in the water from the leaves to protect them from harm.

Although taking cuttings was encouraged in this way, due to its protective qualities, it was considered unlucky to cut down a whole tree.

Holly formed part of Jesus’ crown of thorns

Today holly is perhaps most associated with Christmas, when, following the old traditions, it adorns the houses as part of yule-tide decoration and festivities.

However, according to Christian beliefs, holly formed part of the crown of thorns worn at the crucifixion.

It was the blood of Christ that stained the holly berries red and it was the Christians who gave the holly tree its name from the word holy.

Holly berries are poisonous to humans but a good winter food source for birds. The leaves of the holly tree were used to treat colds and fevers largely associated with the winter months.

As a flower remedy holly is said to rid people of jealousy and hatred and open the heart to love.

Celtic Tree Month – Hawthorn Tree May 13 – June 9

Hawthorn Tree – Spring

The Hawthorn is a prickly sort of plant with beautiful blossoms. Called Huath by the ancient Celts, and pronounced Hoh-uh, the Hawthorn month is a time of fertility, masculine energy, and fire. Coming right on the heels of Beltane, this month is a time when male potency is high — if you’re hoping to conceive a child, get busy this month! The Hawthorn has a raw, phallic sort of energy about it — use it for magic related to masculine power, business decisions, making professional connections. The Hawthorn is also associated with the realm of Faerie, and when the Hawthorn grows in tandem with an Ash and Oak, it is said to attract the Fae.

From LearnReligions.com

Hawthorn Tree – Summer

The Hawthorn is Known in Ireland as the fairy tree. It is often referred to as the gentle bush, lone bush or thorn, as it is disrespectful to mention the fairies by name.

As it is considered a fairy tree, it is believed to be extremely bad luck to cut one down, remove branches, or even hang things upon it (except at Beltane when this was customary) in case you disturb the little folk.

This belief has survived into modern times.

In 1999 work was interrupted on the main road from Limerick to Galway because a fairy tree stood in its path. The road had to be rerouted and construction was delayed for 10 years.

In 2009 there were numerous sightings of an ancient ghost thought to reappear in Tyrone after the felling of a fairy tree.

Few people will speak of the fairy tree out of a mixture of fear and respect and even fewer would ever remove or damage a hawthorn standing alone.

Couples fell in love under the hawthorn blossom

Contrary to these beliefs, in Britain, the hawthorn was associated with love and …

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Hawthorn Tree Leaves and Fruit

Celtic Tree Calendar 3 of 13 – Ash Tree February 18 to March 17

(I am sorry this is a couple of days late.)

Ash Moon: February 18 – March 17

From LearnReligions.com

In the Norse eddas, Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree, which is also known by the Celtic name Nion, pronounced knee-un. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools — these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae.

Ash – one Ireland’s sacred trees

From Ireland-Calling.com

The Ash is part of the olive family and is prized for its strength as well as its healing qualities. In Ireland the ash was considered one of the trilogy of sacred trees along with the oak and hawthorn.

In Ireland the ash was considered one of the trilogy of sacred trees along with the oak and hawthorn. Three of the five magic trees of Ireland were ash along with one oak and one yew.

Sadly, these trees were cut down in 665 by the Christians to symbolise their victory over paganism, although some of the pagan traditions were adopted by the Christians and some trees were linked to the stories of the saints.

St Patrick supposedly banished the snakes from Ireland with an ash stick, which, in Irish mythology, was the preferred wood for a magic wand.

Irish emigrants took  Ash to America

According to the writer Robert Graves who created the modern Celtic tree calendar, a tree descended from the sacred tree of Creevna, another sacred ash was still standing in the 19th century.

Irish emigrants to America took pieces of the ash with them as a charm against drowning. Ash was thought to have power over water and was often planted near sacred springs known as ‘cloothe wells’.

It was also used to build boats. In Ancient Greek mythology ash was associated with Poseidon the god of the sea.

Possibly due to its strength and ability to grow to great heights (over 130ft), Celtic mythology refers to the ash tree as The World Tree, a tree that spans between worlds, the backbone of the universe.

It is the tree that represents The Tree of Life, with its tall branches reaching up into the heavens and its vast root system spread deep below the Earth.

Norse mythology had similar beliefs that the ash was the tree said to span the universe, linking worlds.

Medicinal uses of ash

The bark, seeds and leaves of the ash are all believed to have medicinal qualities. They have been used throughout time to strengthen the liver and spleen, cleanse the system and detoxify the body.

In Ancient Greece Hippocrates was known to have used ash to concoct remedies for gout and …

Celtic Tree Month of Rowan: January 21 – February 17

Second consonant of the Ogham alphabet – Luis  “R”  (pronounced loush)

Planet: The Sun, Mercury

Element: Fire

Symbolism: Protection and Inspiration

Stone: Tourmaline

Birds: Duck, Quail

Animals: Serpent, Dragon

Color: Red

Gemstone: Yellow Crysolite

Deity: Brigantia, Brigid,  Thor

Sabbat: Imbolc, Candlemas

Folk Names: Witch Tree, Delight of the Eye, Mountain Ash, Quickbane, Ran Tree, Roden-Quicken, Roden-Quicken-Royan, Roynetree, Sorb Apple, Thor’s Helper,  Whitty, Wicken-Tree, Wiggin, Wiggy, Wiky, Wild Ash, Witchbane, Witchen, Witchwood

The Rowan Moon is associated with Brigid, the Celtic Triple Goddess of Imbolc or Candlemas. Brigid is also a Goddess of spinning and weaving who prepares the never-ending fabric of life and guides the passage of the Sun through the constellations and the seasonal cycles.  Rowan was therefore the wood traditionally used for the making of spindles and spinning wheels.

Irish Druids held Rowan trees sacred and called them “The Tree of Life”.  The Rowan’s old Celtic name is Fid na ndruad which means Wizards Tree and this shows its long tradition of being associated with Druids, sorcerers and …

Click here to read the rest of this article about the Celtic Tree month of Rowan from sacredwicca.com