Post by Mysti on Jul 7, 2007 9:00:58 GMT -5
Celtic Animal Allies
Celtic Animal Allies could be encountered on Vision Quests, in mundane life, and in dreams. When they appear, they can be powerful messengers. It is important to be able to acknowledge their presence and decipher the message they have for us. Here are a few attributes for some Celtic Animal Allies that you may encounter. The Celtic names for these animals are in parentheses.
ADDER, or Snake (Nadredd):
Wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. If you see a snake while Vision Questing, be prepared for the power of transformation to enter your life. The snake represents the life-death-birth cycle.
BADGER (Breach):
Tenacity and courage. The Badger will teach you perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity. The badger is a powerful protector of both material possessions and ideals held close to the heart.
BAT:
The bat is a messenger of the Shadow Worlds. The bat may portend a message from the Under World, or your sub-conscious.
BEAR (Arth):
Strength and stamina.
BEE (Beach):
The bee is industrius, hard working, and very family/clan oriented.
BLACKBIRD (Lon Dubh):
The blackbird imparts mystical secrets. They are messengers from the divinities.
BOAR (Bacrie):
The boar is sacred to the Goddess. It is both cunning and ferocious.
BULL (Tarbh):
Strength and potency, the bull is the symbol of mobile power.
BUTTERFLY:
If a butterfly is seen while Vision Questing, no negative energy will be in the immediate energy.
CAT (Caoit):
The cat is a strong protector in confrontational situations. As a prowling animal, the cat is also a strong guardian of inner powers.
COCK:
The power of the voice to chase away the nights phantoms.
COW (Bo):
Sacred to the Goddess Brigit, the cow symbolizes contentness, nurturing and providing for daily needs.
CRANE:
Associated with both the Cailleach and Mannanan Mac Lir, the crane was a bird of the Moon, Magick, Shamanic travel, secrets, and reaching deep mysteries. The crane also represents the logical mind, as well as patience while healing occurs.
CROW (Badb):
Associated with Macha, Babd, and the Morrigan, the crow is a symbol of conflict, war, and death. It's skill is wisdom combined with trickery. It also is the protector of sacred records.
DEER (Abhach) or STAG (Sailetheach):
The White Stag is a messenger and guide from the Other Worlds. Following the animal often leads to a Quest through the Other Worlds. The Deer represents grace, swiftness, and gentleness.
DOG (Abach, Mada) or HOUND (Cu):
Under World hounds are white with red ears. They chase and punish the guilty. They represent tracking skills, and companionship, as well as a protective companion.
DOLPHIN:
Associated with Sea Deities like Mannanan Mac Lir, they represent harmony, balance, and travelling from rough to smooth waters.
DRAGON (Piastras, Horm):
Wealth, the raw powers of nature, the treasures of the sub-conscious mind.
EAGLE (Iolair):
Wisdom and long-life. The Eagle represents keen sight, knowledge of magick, and swiftness. The eagle is a strong ally when traveling into new territory.
EEL (As-chu):
Adaptability, wisdom, inspiration, and defense. A good protector when defense is needed.
FOX (Mada Rua):
Cunning, slyness, perceptive. The fox makes fools out of those who chase it.
FROG:
Shamanism, magick, nasty illusion with somthing wonderful hidden within.
HARE or RABBIT (Coinin):
Sacred to Adraste, the hare is a symbol of virility, divination, and swiftness.
HAWK (Aracos):
Connected to the willow, the hawk is a messenger between this world and the Other Worlds. It is of greater skill and strength than other birds and thus symbolizes clear sightedness and far memory. It teaches us how to receive and interpret inner and outer signals.
HERON:
Same as the Crane; Associated with both the Cailleach and Mannanan Mac Lir, the heron was a bird of the moon, magick, shamanic travel, secrets, and reaching deep mysteries. The heron also represents the logical mind, as well as patience while healing occurs. Through the heron, one finds magick in nature.
HORSE (Cab-all, Capall):
Stamina, endurance, and faithfulness. Sacred to Epona and Rhiannon, the horse was a faithful guide to the Other Worlds.
MOUSE (Luch):
Secrets, cunning, shyness, the ability to hide. If you see a mouse in a Vision Quest, pay attention to the surrounding details.
OTTER (Balgair):
Enjoying life, recovering from a crisis, faithfulness, friendliness, being helpful to others. The Otter can provide valuable assistance in the Other World.
OWL (Cailleach):
Associated with the Crone, the owl is a guide to and through the Under World. It has keen sight at night and is a flawless hunter. The owl teaches us to silently observe life and gather information in order to gain understanding.
PIG (Muc):
Spiritual food for the Shaman. The pig was the magickal,sacred food of the Tuatha De Dannan.
RAVEN (Bran):
Associated with the Morrigu, it represents the battle cry of an upcoming life crisis. It is a powerful protector if one can gain its favor.
SALMON (Brionnfhionn):
Very wise and magickal creatures in Celtic lore. The salmon helps you to get in touch with ancestral and archetypal wisdom. They represent wisdom, and the acquirement of knowledge.
SOW (Airc):
Associated with the Goddess, the sow is a beast of death and rebirth, as well as fertility.
SWAN (Eala):
Swans help with the interpretation of dream symbols, transitions, and spiritual evolution.
WREN (Dryw, Dreoilin):
Sacred to the Druids, the wren's musical notes were used for divination. It is a messenger of the deities. It also represents the power of strengthening and cleansing.
24 December - 20 January ~ the Birch Tree
To the druids, the Birch represented renewal and rebirth as it was the first tree in leaf after winter. Birch people are determined, resilient and ambitious. Good organisers, leaders and strategists, they are not deterred by setbacks, believing hard work, patience and persistance will triumph. They are loyal but reserved in showing affection.
The Ruling Diety: The Celtic Warrior God Lugh, inventor of all arts and crafts, rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The white stag symbolises high ideals and aspirations - Birch people need a goal in life or they become depressed and pessimistic.
Ogham Word: Beithe
21 January - 17 February ~ the Rowan Tree
Rowans were planted near doors and gates to ward off evil and were thought to guard the gateway to the spirit world. Rowan people are idealistic, progressive thinkers with strong humanitarian and spiritual principles. They thrive on change, becoming impatient with convention or restriction, artistic and original, they can appear detached and aloof.
The Ruling Diety: Brigid, the Goddess of fertility and poetry, rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Dragon symbolises inspiration and imagination - Rowans need an outlet for their powerful imagination or they can become restless and quarrelsome.
Ogham Word: Luis
18 February - 17 March ~ the Ash Tree
The Ash was a sacred chieftain tree, said to "court the flash" as it was prone to lightning strike. Its wood was thought to be enchanted and was used for Druidic wands and spears. Ash people are quick witted, spontaneous and gregarious. They have a lively curiosity and are intellgent, persuasive speakers, enthusiastic, inquisitve and communicative. They love discussing new ideas and projects.
The Ruling Diety: The Magician, storyteller and trickster. Gwydion rules the sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Adder symbolises wisdom and spiritual energy - Ash people need to focus their mental abilities or they can become nervous and irritable.
Ogham Word: Nion
18 March - 14 April ~ the Alder Tree
Alder resists rot in water and was used to make bridges, boats, clogs and milk jugs. It was a crime to fell an alder, as the angry tree spirit would burn down houses. Alder people are courageous, energetic, impetuous and determinded to make their own way in the world. Self-reliant and adventurous, they love taking risks and are tenacious workers. Affectionate and charming, they inspire great loyalty in others.
The Ruling Diety: The God of the spirit world, Bran the Blesses, rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Fox symbolises skill in diplomacy- Alders must learn the art of diplomacy or they waste energy in fruitless disputes.
Ogham Word: Fern
15 April - 12 May ~ the Willow Tree
The Willow was sacred to the Moon and in Celtic myth the universe was hatched from two eggs hidden among the boughs of the Willow. Willow people have good memories and are articulate, strong willed and resourceful, emotional and enigmatic. They have quick responses and are prone to sudden mood changes.
The Ruling Diety: The Celtic Moon Goddess Ceridwen rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Hare symbolises adaptation and intuition. Willows must trust their inner voice ot they can become moody and chronically indecisive.
Ogham Word:Sail
13 May - 9 June ~ the Hawthorn Tree
Hawthorn, or May, was a symbol of psychic protection due to its sharp thorns. Faery spirits were thought to live in Hawthorn hedges, which were planted as protective shields around fields, houses and churchyards. Hawthorn people are mercurial, innovative, creative and confident. Easily bored, they crave mental stimulation and challenge. They are eloquent and gifted performers, exuding natural charm.
The Ruling Diety: The summer flower maiden Olwen rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Owl symbolises wisdom and patience - Hawthorns must develop patience or hasty action can sabotage their best efforts.
Ogham Word: Uath
10 June - 7 July ~ the Oak Tree
The Oak was the sacred tree of the Druids, symbolising truth and steadfast knowledge. Doors made of Oak were thought to keep out evil. Oak people are determined, self-motivated, enthusiastic and responsible. Natural leaders, they remain calm in a crisis and are not easily swayed by opposition. Although serious minded, they are cheerful and optimistic and do not give up easily.
The Ruling Diety: The Father of all Gods, The Dagda rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Wren, the Celtic king of the birds, symbolises wit and sublety - Oaks must temper pride with humor or they become pompus and overbearing.
Ogham Word: Duir
8 July - 4 August ~ the Holly Tree
When Celtic Chieftains chose a successor, he was crowned with a Holly wreath. The ever-green Holly was thought to repel enemies, and warriors carried Holy wood cudgels. Holly people are practical, capable and steadfast in adversity, cautious, logical and efficient. They have good business sense but prefer to assist rather than lead. In relationships they are suportive, protective and possessive.
The Ruling Diety: The Smith God Govannon rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Unicorn symbolises purity and strength - Holies must be less perfectionistic or they may suffer loss of confidence and direction.
Ogham Word: Tinne
5 August - 1 September ~ the Hazel Tree
The Hazel was the tree of wisdom and it was a crime punishable by death to fell one. It was thought magical skills and knowledge could be gained from eating Hazel nuts. Hazel people are artistic. They have lively, analytical minds and make inspiring teachers. Imaginative, they are radical and idealistic thinkers.
The Ruling Diety: The Sea Godf Manannan Mac Lir, a master of disguise, rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: To the Celts, the Salmon is the oldest and wisest animal, symbolising inspiration - Hazels need to express their creativity or they can become morbid and introspective.
Ogham Word: Coll
2 September - 29 September ~ the Vine Tree
The Grapevine requires care to bear fruit in the cool Celtic climate and became a symbol of sacred knowledge and spiritual initiation. Vine people are discriminating, authoritative and set high personal standards. They appear cool and detached but are secret romantics and can be sensitive, vulnerable and self critical. Keenly perceptive, they have an eye for detail and refined aesthetic taste.
The Ruling Diety: The Tuatha De Danaan Gods of Light rule this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Swan symbolises grace and beauty - Vines must overcome a tendency to procrastinate or they can become lost in worry and negativity.
Ogham Word: Muin
30 September - 27 October ~ the Ive Tree
The power of the Ivy to cling and bind made it a potent symbol of determination and strength. Ivy can strange trees and was a portent of death and spiritual growth. Ivy people are restless, socialble and good natured. Cheerful, expnasive and magnetic, they win friends easily and dislike offending others. Although often indecisive, they are not weak willed and tackle difficult tasks with infectious optimism.
The Ruling Diety: The faery bride Guinevere rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Butterfly symbolises faery faith - Ivy people must not get too caught up in others problems or they can suffer disappointment and betrayal.
Ogham Word: Gort
28 October - 24 November ~ the Reed Tree
The Druids believed the Reed was a tree because of its dense root system. Cut Reeds were used as pens and symbolised wisdon and scholarship. Reed people are complex, tenacious and fearless. Proud and independent, they have great strength of character and rarely compromise. They thirve on challenge and have an innate belief in their own destiny.
The Ruling Diety: The Celtic God the Underworld, Pwyll rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: Hound or Dog was a title of honour for Celtic Chieftains as the Dog symbolised enduring loyalty - Reeds must unite a sense of purpose with their strong will or they can become self destructive.
Ogham Word: Ngetal
25 November - 23 December ~ the Elder Tree
The Elder tree was sacred to the faeries and branches were hung above stables to protect horses from evil spirits. It was unlucky to burn Elder and an omen of death to bring it indoors. Elder people are self sufficient, lively, impetuous and outspoken. They dislike routine and refuse to be pressured by others. Restless and highly energetic, they thrive on change and need constant mental and physical challenge.
Ruling Diety: The crown Goddess and celtic tribal mother Cailleach Beara rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Raven symbolises healing and protection - Elders must learn to use change as a positive force in their lives or they can become reckless and confused.
Ogham Word: Ruis
by Serenwen
Celtic Animal Allies could be encountered on Vision Quests, in mundane life, and in dreams. When they appear, they can be powerful messengers. It is important to be able to acknowledge their presence and decipher the message they have for us. Here are a few attributes for some Celtic Animal Allies that you may encounter. The Celtic names for these animals are in parentheses.
ADDER, or Snake (Nadredd):
Wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. If you see a snake while Vision Questing, be prepared for the power of transformation to enter your life. The snake represents the life-death-birth cycle.
BADGER (Breach):
Tenacity and courage. The Badger will teach you perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity. The badger is a powerful protector of both material possessions and ideals held close to the heart.
BAT:
The bat is a messenger of the Shadow Worlds. The bat may portend a message from the Under World, or your sub-conscious.
BEAR (Arth):
Strength and stamina.
BEE (Beach):
The bee is industrius, hard working, and very family/clan oriented.
BLACKBIRD (Lon Dubh):
The blackbird imparts mystical secrets. They are messengers from the divinities.
BOAR (Bacrie):
The boar is sacred to the Goddess. It is both cunning and ferocious.
BULL (Tarbh):
Strength and potency, the bull is the symbol of mobile power.
BUTTERFLY:
If a butterfly is seen while Vision Questing, no negative energy will be in the immediate energy.
CAT (Caoit):
The cat is a strong protector in confrontational situations. As a prowling animal, the cat is also a strong guardian of inner powers.
COCK:
The power of the voice to chase away the nights phantoms.
COW (Bo):
Sacred to the Goddess Brigit, the cow symbolizes contentness, nurturing and providing for daily needs.
CRANE:
Associated with both the Cailleach and Mannanan Mac Lir, the crane was a bird of the Moon, Magick, Shamanic travel, secrets, and reaching deep mysteries. The crane also represents the logical mind, as well as patience while healing occurs.
CROW (Badb):
Associated with Macha, Babd, and the Morrigan, the crow is a symbol of conflict, war, and death. It's skill is wisdom combined with trickery. It also is the protector of sacred records.
DEER (Abhach) or STAG (Sailetheach):
The White Stag is a messenger and guide from the Other Worlds. Following the animal often leads to a Quest through the Other Worlds. The Deer represents grace, swiftness, and gentleness.
DOG (Abach, Mada) or HOUND (Cu):
Under World hounds are white with red ears. They chase and punish the guilty. They represent tracking skills, and companionship, as well as a protective companion.
DOLPHIN:
Associated with Sea Deities like Mannanan Mac Lir, they represent harmony, balance, and travelling from rough to smooth waters.
DRAGON (Piastras, Horm):
Wealth, the raw powers of nature, the treasures of the sub-conscious mind.
EAGLE (Iolair):
Wisdom and long-life. The Eagle represents keen sight, knowledge of magick, and swiftness. The eagle is a strong ally when traveling into new territory.
EEL (As-chu):
Adaptability, wisdom, inspiration, and defense. A good protector when defense is needed.
FOX (Mada Rua):
Cunning, slyness, perceptive. The fox makes fools out of those who chase it.
FROG:
Shamanism, magick, nasty illusion with somthing wonderful hidden within.
HARE or RABBIT (Coinin):
Sacred to Adraste, the hare is a symbol of virility, divination, and swiftness.
HAWK (Aracos):
Connected to the willow, the hawk is a messenger between this world and the Other Worlds. It is of greater skill and strength than other birds and thus symbolizes clear sightedness and far memory. It teaches us how to receive and interpret inner and outer signals.
HERON:
Same as the Crane; Associated with both the Cailleach and Mannanan Mac Lir, the heron was a bird of the moon, magick, shamanic travel, secrets, and reaching deep mysteries. The heron also represents the logical mind, as well as patience while healing occurs. Through the heron, one finds magick in nature.
HORSE (Cab-all, Capall):
Stamina, endurance, and faithfulness. Sacred to Epona and Rhiannon, the horse was a faithful guide to the Other Worlds.
MOUSE (Luch):
Secrets, cunning, shyness, the ability to hide. If you see a mouse in a Vision Quest, pay attention to the surrounding details.
OTTER (Balgair):
Enjoying life, recovering from a crisis, faithfulness, friendliness, being helpful to others. The Otter can provide valuable assistance in the Other World.
OWL (Cailleach):
Associated with the Crone, the owl is a guide to and through the Under World. It has keen sight at night and is a flawless hunter. The owl teaches us to silently observe life and gather information in order to gain understanding.
PIG (Muc):
Spiritual food for the Shaman. The pig was the magickal,sacred food of the Tuatha De Dannan.
RAVEN (Bran):
Associated with the Morrigu, it represents the battle cry of an upcoming life crisis. It is a powerful protector if one can gain its favor.
SALMON (Brionnfhionn):
Very wise and magickal creatures in Celtic lore. The salmon helps you to get in touch with ancestral and archetypal wisdom. They represent wisdom, and the acquirement of knowledge.
SOW (Airc):
Associated with the Goddess, the sow is a beast of death and rebirth, as well as fertility.
SWAN (Eala):
Swans help with the interpretation of dream symbols, transitions, and spiritual evolution.
WREN (Dryw, Dreoilin):
Sacred to the Druids, the wren's musical notes were used for divination. It is a messenger of the deities. It also represents the power of strengthening and cleansing.
24 December - 20 January ~ the Birch Tree
To the druids, the Birch represented renewal and rebirth as it was the first tree in leaf after winter. Birch people are determined, resilient and ambitious. Good organisers, leaders and strategists, they are not deterred by setbacks, believing hard work, patience and persistance will triumph. They are loyal but reserved in showing affection.
The Ruling Diety: The Celtic Warrior God Lugh, inventor of all arts and crafts, rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The white stag symbolises high ideals and aspirations - Birch people need a goal in life or they become depressed and pessimistic.
Ogham Word: Beithe
21 January - 17 February ~ the Rowan Tree
Rowans were planted near doors and gates to ward off evil and were thought to guard the gateway to the spirit world. Rowan people are idealistic, progressive thinkers with strong humanitarian and spiritual principles. They thrive on change, becoming impatient with convention or restriction, artistic and original, they can appear detached and aloof.
The Ruling Diety: Brigid, the Goddess of fertility and poetry, rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Dragon symbolises inspiration and imagination - Rowans need an outlet for their powerful imagination or they can become restless and quarrelsome.
Ogham Word: Luis
18 February - 17 March ~ the Ash Tree
The Ash was a sacred chieftain tree, said to "court the flash" as it was prone to lightning strike. Its wood was thought to be enchanted and was used for Druidic wands and spears. Ash people are quick witted, spontaneous and gregarious. They have a lively curiosity and are intellgent, persuasive speakers, enthusiastic, inquisitve and communicative. They love discussing new ideas and projects.
The Ruling Diety: The Magician, storyteller and trickster. Gwydion rules the sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Adder symbolises wisdom and spiritual energy - Ash people need to focus their mental abilities or they can become nervous and irritable.
Ogham Word: Nion
18 March - 14 April ~ the Alder Tree
Alder resists rot in water and was used to make bridges, boats, clogs and milk jugs. It was a crime to fell an alder, as the angry tree spirit would burn down houses. Alder people are courageous, energetic, impetuous and determinded to make their own way in the world. Self-reliant and adventurous, they love taking risks and are tenacious workers. Affectionate and charming, they inspire great loyalty in others.
The Ruling Diety: The God of the spirit world, Bran the Blesses, rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Fox symbolises skill in diplomacy- Alders must learn the art of diplomacy or they waste energy in fruitless disputes.
Ogham Word: Fern
15 April - 12 May ~ the Willow Tree
The Willow was sacred to the Moon and in Celtic myth the universe was hatched from two eggs hidden among the boughs of the Willow. Willow people have good memories and are articulate, strong willed and resourceful, emotional and enigmatic. They have quick responses and are prone to sudden mood changes.
The Ruling Diety: The Celtic Moon Goddess Ceridwen rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Hare symbolises adaptation and intuition. Willows must trust their inner voice ot they can become moody and chronically indecisive.
Ogham Word:Sail
13 May - 9 June ~ the Hawthorn Tree
Hawthorn, or May, was a symbol of psychic protection due to its sharp thorns. Faery spirits were thought to live in Hawthorn hedges, which were planted as protective shields around fields, houses and churchyards. Hawthorn people are mercurial, innovative, creative and confident. Easily bored, they crave mental stimulation and challenge. They are eloquent and gifted performers, exuding natural charm.
The Ruling Diety: The summer flower maiden Olwen rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Owl symbolises wisdom and patience - Hawthorns must develop patience or hasty action can sabotage their best efforts.
Ogham Word: Uath
10 June - 7 July ~ the Oak Tree
The Oak was the sacred tree of the Druids, symbolising truth and steadfast knowledge. Doors made of Oak were thought to keep out evil. Oak people are determined, self-motivated, enthusiastic and responsible. Natural leaders, they remain calm in a crisis and are not easily swayed by opposition. Although serious minded, they are cheerful and optimistic and do not give up easily.
The Ruling Diety: The Father of all Gods, The Dagda rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Wren, the Celtic king of the birds, symbolises wit and sublety - Oaks must temper pride with humor or they become pompus and overbearing.
Ogham Word: Duir
8 July - 4 August ~ the Holly Tree
When Celtic Chieftains chose a successor, he was crowned with a Holly wreath. The ever-green Holly was thought to repel enemies, and warriors carried Holy wood cudgels. Holly people are practical, capable and steadfast in adversity, cautious, logical and efficient. They have good business sense but prefer to assist rather than lead. In relationships they are suportive, protective and possessive.
The Ruling Diety: The Smith God Govannon rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Unicorn symbolises purity and strength - Holies must be less perfectionistic or they may suffer loss of confidence and direction.
Ogham Word: Tinne
5 August - 1 September ~ the Hazel Tree
The Hazel was the tree of wisdom and it was a crime punishable by death to fell one. It was thought magical skills and knowledge could be gained from eating Hazel nuts. Hazel people are artistic. They have lively, analytical minds and make inspiring teachers. Imaginative, they are radical and idealistic thinkers.
The Ruling Diety: The Sea Godf Manannan Mac Lir, a master of disguise, rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: To the Celts, the Salmon is the oldest and wisest animal, symbolising inspiration - Hazels need to express their creativity or they can become morbid and introspective.
Ogham Word: Coll
2 September - 29 September ~ the Vine Tree
The Grapevine requires care to bear fruit in the cool Celtic climate and became a symbol of sacred knowledge and spiritual initiation. Vine people are discriminating, authoritative and set high personal standards. They appear cool and detached but are secret romantics and can be sensitive, vulnerable and self critical. Keenly perceptive, they have an eye for detail and refined aesthetic taste.
The Ruling Diety: The Tuatha De Danaan Gods of Light rule this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Swan symbolises grace and beauty - Vines must overcome a tendency to procrastinate or they can become lost in worry and negativity.
Ogham Word: Muin
30 September - 27 October ~ the Ive Tree
The power of the Ivy to cling and bind made it a potent symbol of determination and strength. Ivy can strange trees and was a portent of death and spiritual growth. Ivy people are restless, socialble and good natured. Cheerful, expnasive and magnetic, they win friends easily and dislike offending others. Although often indecisive, they are not weak willed and tackle difficult tasks with infectious optimism.
The Ruling Diety: The faery bride Guinevere rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Butterfly symbolises faery faith - Ivy people must not get too caught up in others problems or they can suffer disappointment and betrayal.
Ogham Word: Gort
28 October - 24 November ~ the Reed Tree
The Druids believed the Reed was a tree because of its dense root system. Cut Reeds were used as pens and symbolised wisdon and scholarship. Reed people are complex, tenacious and fearless. Proud and independent, they have great strength of character and rarely compromise. They thirve on challenge and have an innate belief in their own destiny.
The Ruling Diety: The Celtic God the Underworld, Pwyll rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: Hound or Dog was a title of honour for Celtic Chieftains as the Dog symbolised enduring loyalty - Reeds must unite a sense of purpose with their strong will or they can become self destructive.
Ogham Word: Ngetal
25 November - 23 December ~ the Elder Tree
The Elder tree was sacred to the faeries and branches were hung above stables to protect horses from evil spirits. It was unlucky to burn Elder and an omen of death to bring it indoors. Elder people are self sufficient, lively, impetuous and outspoken. They dislike routine and refuse to be pressured by others. Restless and highly energetic, they thrive on change and need constant mental and physical challenge.
Ruling Diety: The crown Goddess and celtic tribal mother Cailleach Beara rules this sign.
The Druidic Animal: The Raven symbolises healing and protection - Elders must learn to use change as a positive force in their lives or they can become reckless and confused.
Ogham Word: Ruis
by Serenwen