The Celtic’s used a writing system called Ogham or sometimes spelled Ogma which dates hundreds of years BCE (Before the Current Era). Most of the time the credit for the alphabets origins are given to the Druid Priests. As only they could read the meanings of the “Ogham Staves” when they were thrown. The Ogham alphabet consists of 25 different symbols which in turn are associated with specific trees or shrubs.
The alphabet can either be written vertically or horizontally but the actual marking for the symbol or letter always appears on the same side and location on the straight line that all the symbols/letter stem off of.
The Ogham Staves are used as a form of divination. You can use them the same as you would Runes or Tarot cards. To make Ogham Staves they should be craved into a piece of the tree or shrub they are associated with, all 25 pieces of wood should be the exact same length and when possible diameter.
How to use the staves is simple you hold them together in both hands, and roll them on your palms while you ask your question of them (be sure to keep your question clear and concise). When you feel it is time and with the question firmly fixed in your mind you let the staves drop from about 4 to 6 inches off the ground. Those closest to you are the future, the middle ones are for the present, and those furthest away are read for the past which led up to the present which will lead into the future.
Here is a picture of the alphabet writing, name of symbol/letter, and which tree or shrub is associated to it:
Other examples of the alphabet:
Here is are the symbols/letters on the tree or shrub they are associated with:
Onn-Gorse
The Empress
Justice
Temperance
Ura-Heather
In the Celtic religion the yew tree is a symbol of eternal life. Yew is often found in churchyards across Europe, and the oldest known wood artifact is a yew spearhead dating over 450,000 years old. Idho has a long and ancient connection with man, making it symbolic of death and renewal. The yew is a gateway for the dying before they find eternal life. Drawing this letter does not imply physical death, however it does show a great change is about to occur in life!
The Celts believed that hazelnuts gave inspiration and wisdom, even in many other cultures the hazel tree and it’s branches and nuts are used for protection. In Celtic mythology one of the greatest leaders named Fionn Mac Cumhail magically gained wisdom after eating salmon that sustained themselves upon hazelnuts. The ogham letter coll denotes wisdom, divination, and inspiration. Drawing this letter will give you a deeper look into you questions and concerns.
First and foremost Death does not specifically pertain to our physical death. The Death card marks ends and beginnings. Although most illustrations of the Death card tend to be morbid, the forces behind the Death card are actually quite exciting. Yes Death does mark the end of something. But ends are often brought about by completion and not loss. Most endings are actually good, and make room for us to begin new adventures.
The Emperor is gifted with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order, provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t he may well become a tyrant.
In many religious traditions the apple is a mystical or forbidden fruit. Yet to the Celts it was the food of the Gods. Despite it’s often bad reputation it is clear that the apple is a source of nutrition, health, and sustenance. That is why we read this ogham letter has having to do with life, health, and healing… a Quert a day keeps the bad vibes away!
Five of Swords
Eight of Pentacles Reversed
The Hand
The Key
The reversed Hermit asks you to think about whether you miss appropriate partnerships because you place yourself in inappropriate relationships. Mismatched relationships represent little common ground, but they often become battlegrounds. When we are lonely, we are more likely to make poor love choices. If you are in a union, do you feel lonely and misunderstood? It is time to correct that situation. Talk about it with your partner.
When you get the Star card in a reading, you can look forward to a time of rest and rejuvenation in regard to your work and career. You may have the opportunity now to take a vacation or, at the very least, you can get a break from your regular routine. Take full advantage of this time, soaking up whatever healing, nourishing, and enlivening opportunities come your way.
The Wheel of Fortune
The Pope
Brooms tolerate poor soil and growing conditions, they are known for wasteland reclamation, a way of cleaning up hazardous sites. It is no surprise that this plant is also where the term broom arose as a cleaning tool. Over the centuries the Ngetal, or broom, as been associated with healing, cleaning, and restoring what once was. Drawing this letter shows some aspect in life has been cleaned and healed or is in great need of it.
Aspens grow in large colonies, with the root system potentially up to 10,000’s of years old. This tree can survive fires and other harmful conditions. Often this letter can be associated with death and the fear that comes from it. However it is better to see it for what the aspen really is. When one dies another aspen grows from the same root system. Death is not always a negative aspect of life; sometimes it is a necessary transition. The letter Edhadh will force us to look inward for what we need to “let die,” so we can renew ourselves.
The Elder tree has often been associated with the Goddess and Mother Earth. Anyone who would cut down an Elder was risking bad fortune and ill luck. This letter of the ogham is most likely to show karma in action. Ideas that come to mind are regret, dealing with bad choices, and the inevitable. Especially if this symbol shows up in any future readings it is wise to take precautions on potential decisions.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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