Celtic Ogham Divination: Ioho (Yew)

Name:Ioho, pronounced ee-yoh or ee-woh (some sources say Idad, pronounced ee-duh, which means "mastery")
Tree: Yew
Letter: I, J or Y
Color: Dark green, some sources say bright white
Element: Water
Bird/Animal: Eagle or spider
Deities: Caílte and Oisín (poet/warriors, lone survivors of the Fianna), Tuan mac Cairill (reclusive guardian of Ireland who reincarnated as different animals over 2000-plus years to witness repeated invasions of Ireland); Hecate (crone aspect of the triple goddess)
Month: None
Planet: Saturn or Pluto

Yew is the last of the "traditional" ogham symbols, so it is sometimes called the "oldest letter" or "older than letters." Ideas associated with yew are transformation, rebirth, immortality, transference, passage, illusion, and transition.

As most, if not all, parts of the tree are toxic, it is known as the death tree. It's wood is extremely strong and springy, so it was often used to make longbows, and extract from the berries used to poison the tips of arrows and swords. Because it grows slowly, it is too easily overharvested, so it is not as abundant as it once was; those trees that are left tend to have crooked, twisted trunks and branches.

Its aspect is feminine; in recent years taxol, a substance derived from the bark, has shown promise in fighting breast cancer.

Another interesting fact about yew is that as the tree ages, the outer wood dies, rots and falls away and a new tree grows from within.

"Yew is the link to spiritual guidance through your ancestors, guides and guardians in the Otherworld. The Yew is here to remind us that there are other levels of existence beyond this material plane. By understanding the illusionary nature of the life we have created for ourselves, we can live our lives more consciously. Often death is fraught with a sense of loss, but the Yew can teach us to see death as a form of transformation and that it is never final." (Source, The White Dragon, 1997 article)

Long ago, clan leaders were buried beneath yew trees, and clan members conducted rituals at the tree to connect with those departed leaders to ask for guidance. Therefore the tree symbolizes connection to the ancestors through old stories, lore and tradition.

When yew appears in your reading, it is telling you you've been holding on to something for too long and it's time to either let it go or pass it on. It's a reminder to take comfort in the fact that nothing lasts forever. Spiritually, it is not unlike the Tarot's Death card, signalling that change is afoot and you need to let it happen. Change is your friend, not your enemy. Without change, we don't grow.

Stay tuned for another in this series next time!
Carolan
www.carolanivey.com

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Fearn

Tree: Alder
Letter: F and V
Color: Crimson
Element: Water
Bird: Raven (some sources say Gull)
Deities: Lugh, Bran,
Month: March/April (some sources say January)
Planet: Mars
Crystal: Amethyst
Chakras: Sacral, base and solar plexus

Alder is about balance, compassion and self-preservation. Its root systems are said to return poor soils to healthy pH levels. The Druids regarded Fearn as indicating balance between the male/female energies within the individual.

Associated with death and resurrections, Alder sticks were once used to measure graves. When cut cleanly, a branch first 'bleeds' white, then turns red. In addition, it regenerates itself by sprouting from remaining stumps.

Alder grows in wet places near rivers, streams and in swamps. Its wood, resistant to rot, was used for things that needed to last, like building foundation pilings, milk buckets, bridges and boats. In fact, the wetter it gets, the stronger it gets - let it dry out, and it'll get brittle and break. It was also used to make magical whistles, a figurative bridge between earth and heaven.

It was once said that if you cut one down, its angry spirit might burn your house. Which makes sense, because its charcoal was an excellent ingredient for gunpowder.

When Fearn appears in a reading, it is reminding you to keep a lid on your temper. Keep your eyes open for the unique qualities alive in others. Be a bridge of mediation in a dispute. Look for the unusual or what's "off" or out of place/balance. Stop talking and start listening...then be the voice of reason. Let your intuition be your guide. Fearn is a symbol of the evolving spirit.

The ancient Celts used Alder to make their shields, and used their instincts to know when to attack, when to shield, and when to use their strength to promote peace among warring peoples.

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Eadha

Eadha, pronounced "EH-yuh" (or Edad, pronounced "EH-duth", probably depends on the dialect)
Tree: White Poplar (Populus alba)
Letter: E
Month: Autumn Equinox
Color: Silver, white (some sources say red or red-speckled grey)
Animal: White horse, swan
Deities: Angus mac Og, Arawn, Rhiannon
Planet: Mercury or Saturn
Stone: Obsidian

White poplar, aka aspen, is a moisture loving tree that flourishes along rivers, streams and wetlands. Its wood has traditionally been used to make shields. In contrast, it's a flexible tree that will bend a long way before breaking (like its cousin, the willow). Its leaves quiver at the slightest breath of wind, hence its nickname, "the whispering tree."

Its ability to survive averse conditions is a message that we, too, have the ability to endure and overcome. Spiritually, it tells you to stay strong against worldly pressures; know that Universal Love is on your side to help you move beyond fears, doubt and pain.

Arawn is the king of the Underworld, of the unknown, hence his association with Eadha. One of the legends of the goddess Rhiannon is about her being falsely accused of eating her own infant son. Having married a human, she could not return to the underworld. Instead she patiently endured her punishment - standing by the castle gates with a heavy horse collar around her neck, telling passersby of her crime and sometimes carrying visitors on her back - for four long years. Her courage was rewarded when her son was returned to her by a nobleman who had found the kidnapped infant abandoned in a field. She resumed her place as queen, forgiving those who had accused her.

To see other posts in this series click here or click one of the tags below. :)

Carolan
http://carolanivey.com

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Saille

Pronunciation: sahl-yeh
Tree: White Willow (Salix alba)
Letter: S
Deity: Brighid, Cailleach, Morrigan
Month: February, Imbolc, aka "Witch's Moon" or "Moon of Balance"
Color: Yellow (some sources say any bright color)
Animal: Hare, cat, hawk
Planet: Moon
Flower: Primose
Gemstone: Moonstone


The white willow's young branches are feathery, flexible and droopy (though not as droopy as the weeping willow). It grows in wet soil near rivers and streams and has long history in healing and religious ritual. Orpheus was said to have received his gift for poetry by touching the willows Persephone's sacred grove. Since then, many artisans have followed his example to gain eloquence, inspiration and skills.

The Christian celebration of Easter sprang from the ancient of Druid creation mystery that says the universe was hatched from two eggs hidden within the willow's multiple trunks. In spring rituals, colored eggs were placed within a willow to commemorate this event, then eaten at Beltane.

The Celtic word for Saille means sudden outburst of emotion, action or emotion. In Native American culture, the willow's gentle branches were said to sweep away fear. The branches are said to be ideal for Wiccan besoms, divining water, and finding lost objects.

Water always seeks a stable level. In divination, when Saille appears it could be telling you to pay attention to the imbalances in your life, be they physical, spiritual or interpersonal. You could be entering into a time of bursting psychic growth, intuition, imagination - or maybe self deception! A time of enchantment is at hand; new winds are blowing and you need to be prepared to adapt.

Saille could also be warning you of danger to you or loved ones, probably from an older, cronish woman. The lesson she brings will be unpleasant, but in the end all will be well.

It could also be time to root out your tendency to ignore the dormant feelings that lie hidden; to pay more attention to intuition and hunches rather than logic.

To see more in this series, click the tags at the bottom of this post.

Carolan
http://www.carolanivey.com

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Mistletoe

Though not officially part of the Celtic ogham, mistletoe was a sacred plant to the Druids. In in fact, its Irish name is "drualus", a word related to the word "druid". The root of both words refers to the sacred oak tree, upon which mistletoe grows.

Its various names include "all heal" and "Chieftain tree". The Celts used very small amounts of the toxic berry to treat conditions such as convulsions and heart conditions. Native Americans used infusions of it to treat headaches and lower blood pressure. (Disclaimer: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!)

As it isn't a traditional part of the original Celtic ogham, it is sometimes referred to as the "blank" ogham. (In runic traditions, the blank run is called "Wyrrd", representing the unknown or unknowable.)

Its associated with the element of air; its ruling planet is the sun, which is fitting because this is the turning point of the solar year. After Yule, the days begin to get longer.

Associated deities include Aengus Mac Og, Arianrhod, Brighid, Findlas, Macha and Odin.

Used as a decoration within the home, it's said to provide protection from lightning strikes, fire, misfortune and evil; placed on the headboard of your bed, it inspires beautiful dreams.

Source: my Druid friend Dryadia :)

Slainte mhor agus a huile beannachd duibh!
(Good health and every good blessing to you!)

Carolan
www.carolanivey.com

Click on the "divination" or "ogham" tags below for more in this series!

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Nuin

Welcome back to my series on Celtic Ogham divination! Today's symbol is Nuin (pronounced NEE-uhn).

Plant/Tree: Ash or Mountain Ash
Letter: N
Month: Mid-February to mid-March
Planet: Sun and Neptune; some sources say the Universe)
Animal: Snake
Color: Green or White (depending on source)
Element: Air and/or water
Stone: Turquoise
Deities: Odin, Neptune, Manannan

Ash is one of the three sacred Druid trees (oak, ash, thorn). It is common on nearly every continent, in almost every climate, and its dense wood has been used for oars, tool handles, weaving looms, weapons, wands and baseball bats. :) It's a tall tree (100+ feet) with deep roots; it's often used as the model for the "world tree" with roots that connect to the underworld and branches that support the heavens.

Nuin symbolizes harmony and balance in all things, and is seen as a bridge between the inner and outer worlds. Not surprisingly, its energy is calming and balancing.

The Celts thought that Ash connected the three circles of existence, which are variously interpreted as past/present/future or confusion/balance/creation.

When Nuin appears in your reading, it is reminding you that your every word and action has a consequence, a ripple affect that carries far beyond our own lifespans. You may be feeling bound, tied down, or locked into a chain of events, and need to seek balance and harmony between everyday life and your spiritual life. Tread softly in the natural world. Remember that no matter what problems you are having, there's no need to feel alone; though you feel the need to withdraw from what seems like a chaotic world, reach out and ask for advice and opinions.

As this symbol is sometimes seen as an aid to transition, it could be telling you to prepare for a significant shift in your future.

To view other posts in this series, click the "divination" tag below.

Carolan Ivey
http://www.carolanivey.com

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Ura

Welcome back to my series on Celtic ogham divination! To see all the posts in this series, click the "ogham" tag at the bottom of this post.

Name: Ur/Ura (pronounced OO-rah)
Plant: Heather
Letter: U
Color: purple or red
Month: June
Planet: Venus or Mars
Deity: Branwen,
Crystal: purple and red stones like amethyst or garnet
Chakras: All

Heather is a versatile energy enjoyed by both male and female (hence the dichotomy of the ruling planets!). The Celts found this plant quite useful in making the items that helped them rejoice in the summer solstice - honey and beer! What better way to break down the barrier between the conscious and subconscious, the visible world with the underworld? ;)

The plant is a low-growing shrub that grows thick on the moorlands of Scotland and northern Ireland. The purple blossoms are rich in nectar and very attractive to bees, which are seen as messengers from the Underworld. Its fragrant sprigs are still seen as a symbol of good luck, and most Celtic brides still will not be caught without it at their weddings.

When Ura appears in your reading it reminds you to get back in touch with Mother Earth, and reawaken your awareness of the inner wisdom nature can teach us. Depending on your situation, it could be telling you that you are ready to take the next step in your spiritual development.

If you have health issues, it is telling you to listen to the messages your body is sending you, and to do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Think about integrating your whole self to achieve whole healing - mind, body, spirit. Heather is a traditional symbol of healing and generosity, so be generous with yourself and put you first for a change!



Carolan's Web Site
Latest release: Legends, Book 2: A Ghost of a Chance

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Onn

Welcome back to my series on divination with the Celtic Ogham! To see all the posts in this series, click on the "ogham" tag at the end of this post.

Name: Onn (pronounced "ohn")
Plant: Gorse (other sources say similar plants such as heather, ash, or rowan)
Letter: O
Color: Gold
Animal: Rabbit or Cormorant
Month: March - Spring Equinox/Lughnassagh
Deities: Lugh
Planet: Sun
Crystal: Golden topaz or citrine

Gorse is a tall, thorny, brushy evergreen tree that grows on moors and open woodlands, and bears a bright yellow flowers that are popular in Pagan fertility rites. Honey bees love it, as to livestock for food. In the spring it is set fire to clear away old growth to make way for the new.

When Onn appears in your reading, it symbolizes that you are getting near to your goal, whatever it is. Information is coming that may change your life. It may also mean it is time for you to shine your light of wisdom and knowledge with others, like a bee gathers pollen and spreads it to other flowers. Sharing with others brings rewards to you!

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Straif

Welcome back to my continuing series on Celtic Ogham divination. Enjoy!

Ogham Letter: Straif (the "st" or "str" dipthong)
Plant: Blackthorn
Month: Samhain
Color: Red
Element:
Bird: Thrush
Animal: Wolf, Black cat or Toad
Planet: Depending on the source: Saturn, Mars or Venus
Deities: Morrigan, Eris, Scathach
Crystal: Obsidian
Old Irish: sraib

Brace yourself! Take stock, batten down the hatches, and count your blessings, because wWhen Straif appears in your reading, it's an indication that rocky times lie ahead. The situation is clouded with confusion and strife; seek clarity by pulling the veil from your eyes that prevents you from seeing the truth. It's a strong, complicated energy (kind of like the Morrigan - don't mess with her!) that reminds us that our own negative attitudes can make a situation worse if we don't recognize and learn to move past them.

But don't dispair! The fruit of the blackthorn may be bitter, indeed, but after a hard frost it turns sweet. Blessings come after the challenge is overcome!

Blackthorn is a relative of cherry and plum, and the source of sloe (anyone a fan of sloe gin?). It's a twisting hardwood popular for walking sticks. Because it grows wild, some think of it as representing independence. It's also thought to be the plant from which Jesus' crown of thorns was made. Also known as the "witch tree", its thorns were used in spellworkings. It is associated with the dark aspect of the Goddess, the shadow self, the part that we'd rather not deal with but we'd better if we're to grow and overcome. :)



Click the "ogham" tag to see the rest of this series!

Slan,
Carolan
www.carolanivey.com
Coming soon: Legends, book 2: A Ghost of a Chance

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Ailm

Welcome back to my Celtic Ogham divination series! To read other installments of this series, click here.

Name: Ailm (pronounced "ahim")
Tree: Silver Fir (or any pine-like species)
Letter: A
Color: Gold (some sources say blue)
Celtic Calendar: Winter Solstice
Planet: Sun, Mars
Celtic Deity: Druantia
Stone: Amber or Citrine
Chakra: Crown and Sacral

Because pine knots were used as torches to light the way (and as Yule logs at solstice), Ailm symbolizes a clear vision to see the way forward, the clarity to discern the difference between good and bad choices. It's foresight, farsight, the light at the end of the tunnel that will lead you to your destiny.

Light signals a clearing of negative energy, and end to painful times. Wear amber, tree resin, as a talisman to remind yourself that the light will always return. Ailm's light allows you to look at past events of your life in a new light, letting you see them for what they are and take the lessons learned with you into the future while leaving behind the pain.

Ailm fires creativity and positive spiritual development.

Silver Fir is a tree that thrives in harsh, mountain climates. It survives by adaptation - opening its cones to the sun and closing them to the rain. In this way it teaches us to be flexible, to roll with the punches.

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Duir

Other names: Dair, Derwen
Pronounced "door" (as in "boo") or "dweer"
Ogham Letter: D
Plant: Oak (Quercus sp.)
Month: May (Some sources say June, or anytime around May and June that includes Summer Solstice)
Energy: Masculine
Color: Black or dark brown, or white
Planet: Sun
Deity: Dagda, Esus, or Taranis
Crystal: Bluestone, sarsen - stones of stone circles

Symbolic of the Oak King, ruler of the lighter half of the year. Its role as the king of trees is set deep in the British psyche, representing the essence of kingship. King Arthur's round table was made of oak.

Oak is a symbol of security, protection and strength. Its roots go as deep into the ground as the branches reach into the air. Good month for working magic of all positive purposes. Root word thought to be the same as that of "Druid", hence the Druids' strong association with this tree as their symbol. Merlin was thought to have practised magic in an oak grove, with an oak wand.

Oak is the doorway to inner knowledge, and the ability see the invisible - or to be invisible.

A straight-trunked, slow-growing tree, oak is easy to identify among other trees on the horizon. The wood is hard and burns slowly. The acorns feed animal and human alike.

Divination:

Physical: When Duir appears in your spread, it's an indication that a hands-on approach will help you build the very skills you wish to have. You learn by doing - don't be afraid to get in there and get your hands dirty.
Mental: Your open mind has been accumulating knowledge long enough - it's time to use your generous heart to start sharing the wisdom you've gained.
Spiritual: Have the wisdom to know life is unpredictable. Be strong, as an Oak is strong even when struck by lightning. Duir even makes an appearance in the word endurance (dur = duir).
Negative aspect: Refusal to change your thinking in the face of reason. Be careful you are not forcing issues or overriding others in the pursuit of your own personal ambition.


Oak tree, Middleton Place, South Carolina

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Sources: Joelle's Sacred Grove
Wikipedia
Sacred Texts
Joelle's Sacred Grove
Celtic Tree Mysteries by Stephen Blamires
Celtic Tree Oracle by Colin Murray

Click here to see the rest of the posts in this series!

Divination Sunday: Celtic Ogham - Tinne

Ogham letter: Tinne ("chin-yuh")
Plant: Holly
Month: December (some sources say July/August)
Color: Bright red (other sources say Dark Grey)
Element: Fire
Bird: Starling
Animal: War Horse
Planet: Saturn
Deities: Brighid the Smith, Goibniu the Smith, Cerdne the Craftsman, Lugh
Crystal: Bloodstone
Old Irish: Tind=Brilliant; tend=strong

Meanings:
Creative force; making; mastery of a skill (or oneself); arts and crafts; wealth, money; today (as a time indicator in a reading). With its evergreen quality, it is linked in inspiration and resilience. Balance of strength and power; integrity; courage; fatherhood, growth. Sticking to one's principles. Justice.

Tinne in a reading indicates challenges are on the way. You need to face life's ordeals with the endurance of a warrior. Even in adversity, you will grow stronger. It could also mean that you are letting fear hold you back; you have a lack of direction or balance, or justice is not being served.

Tinne is a protective energy, which makes sense because weapons were once forged in the heat of a holly fire. Shamans and metalsmiths were once held in the same high regard as workers of magic.

It's interesting (to me, anyway) that Tinne reversed is the same as Fearn, or Alder, which carries on the "fire" in terms of inspiration and relying on one's intuition.

Have a good holiday season!

PS - Feel better soon, SJ!

For more in this series, click on the "ogham" tag at the end of this post.

~Carolan
www.carolanivey.com

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Ngetal

Ogham: Ngetal
Letter: NG
Plant: Reed or Broom
Color: green (nGlas) or blue
Animal: Goose
Chakra: All
Month: November
Planet: Moon, Pluto
Energy: Feminine
Deities: Cernunnos, Manannan. Some sources say Pwyll, head of Annwn; Epona, or the Morrigan.
Crystal: Aquamarine, jasper

Ngetal, the 13th letter of the Ogham, is the Ogham of Samhain, as its specific dates are Oct. 28-Nov. 24. Reed in Scottish is "giolc," Irish "giolcach," Old Irish "gilcach."

The Reed (or broom) is a plant that grows straight and tall (up to 12 feet) in the shallow waters of marshes, ponds, streams and other wetlands. Its practical uses included household brooms, pencils, arrows, mats, baskets, roof thatching, and a thread-separating tool for weaving. Ritualistically it is used in besoms to purify sacred space, either by the action of sweeping or by burning it as a smudge.

It is a perennial plant that dies each autumn only to return in the spring. It is a perfect symbol for this time of year, the end of the Celtic year, a time to take stock, to sweep out the old in preparation for the new (Beith, new beginnings). Reed, with the noise it makes when the wind blows through dried stalks, is also symbolic of music, of bagpipes and flutes.

Reed was also known at “physician’s strength” or “robe of the physician”. as it was believed to be a heal-all. Thus it is good for clearing and healing all the chakras. The plant was used to treat malaria, gout and arthritis, toothaches, and as a diuretic.

Divination:
Ngetal appearing in your draw is a signal you should put yourself first. It isn’t selfish to care for yourself, but sensible. You must look after yourself on all levels in order function well in mind, body, spirit, and emotions.

Harmony between you and the universe; unity of purpose; accepting and adapting to change; spiritual growth.

Taking action to find direction, meaning and purpose to your life journey. Finding order in chaos.

Mentally, stay true to your original intention. Your target is in sight – don’t be distracted by surprises and upsets. The skills you use to overcome trouble and get to your goal, and the wisdom you gain from it, are as valuable as the journey itself.

Slan,
Carolan

Click on "ogham" in the labels to see all posts in this series.

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www.carolanivey.com

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Gort

Welcome back to Divination Sunday, and the continuation of the Celtic Ogham series. Today's symbol: Gort.

Gort: Ivy
(Hedera helix)
Month: Sept. 30-Oct. 28
Color: Blue
Letter: G
Stone/crystal: Moonstone or opal
Planet: Moon
Deity: Arianrhod
Chakra: Heart and/or solar plexus

In Irish, gort is the word for "field", which is related to the Welsh word garth (garden) and Latin hortus.

The spiral growth of Ivy reminds us of the movement and cycles of the planets, stars and season. As it grows, it creates a tangled labyrinth of paths and journeys, which might leads us forward, or send us back to where we started! It's twining pattern indicates the intertwining of the conscious and subconscious mind. Some sources relate this pattern to that of our own DNA.

When it appears in a reading, it means you face some difficult decisions, and it's time to take a giant step back and do some soul-searching, lest you rush forward and choose the wrong path or become entangled in even more difficulty. It could also mean that you're thinking or worrying too hard, and you need to put a problem aside for a while and trust your subconscious to work on it before you come back around to it later.

Ivy is a beautiful and delicate looking, but if you've ever tried to eradicate it from your garden, you find it's a tough, stubborn little plant!

Arianrhod, the "Silver Wheel", considered the ancestral goddess of the Celts, is a symbol of the spiral of time, and of karma. Like ivy, her path has no beginning and no end; one who follows her path must do so with an open heart and mind (hence the trusting of the conscious to the subconscious).

Sources:
Wikipedia
Sacred Texts
Joelle's Sacred Grove
Celtic Tree Mysteries by Stephen Blamires
Celtic Tree Oracle by Colin Murray

Click on the "ogham" tag below this post to see the rest of this series!

Would you like a free, one-ogham reading? Leave a comment and I'll draw a winner!

Divination: Celtic Ogham - Huathe

Huathe - Hawthorn
(Crataegus sp.)
Letter: H
Energy: Masculine
Color: Dark blue or purple
Celtic Calendar: May 13 - Jun 9
Planet: Venus
Celtic Deity: Olwen and Blodeuwedd
Crystal: Lapis lazuli or sodalite
Chakras: Third eye and throat
Bird: Crow
Animals: Dragon, dragonfly

Hawthorn (pronounced HOO-ah), also called whitethorn, is a tree of enchantment, under the protection of the Faery kingdom. The tree is often found near springs and wells, with prayer rags tied to its branches and offerings set beneath it. It is the sixth letter of the Ogham tree alphabet.

The ancient Glastonbury Thorn is a hawthorn, said to be a symbol of protection. It is said to be very bad luck to cut one down - just ask John Delorean, who hacked one down in order to make way for his car-building factory. Uh huh - the Delorean was one of the most famous failures in history.

Positive aspect: Very gentle and calming; the greening of spring; protection; clearing of negative energies, thoughts/attitudes; learning through adversity; this is a time to be patient and grow inwardly.

Negative aspect: Misfortune arising from careless past behavior; rushing ahead, not spending enough time with loved ones; obsession over any one thing causing distress; enforced inactivity leading to new opportunities; be wary of sabotaging your own efforts due to lack of self-wortth.

In Welsh mythology, Olwen is the daughter of the giant Ysbaddaden. She is the heroine of the story Culhwch and Olwen in the Mabinogion.

Her father is fated to die if she ever marries, so when Culhwch comes to court her, he is given a series of immensely difficult tasks he must complete before he can win her hand. With the help of his cousin King Arthur, Culhwch succeeds and the giant dies, allowing Olwen to marry her love. -- Wikipedia

Blodeuwedd or Blodeuedd, (Middle Welsh composite name from blodeu 'flowers, blossoms' + gwedd 'face, aspect, appearance': "flower face"), is a woman made from the flowers of broom, meadowsweet and the oak by Math fab Mathonwy and Gwydion to be the wife of Lleu Llaw Gyffes. Her story is part of the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, the tale of Math son of Mathonwy. -- Wikipedia

Sources:
Wikipedia
Sacred Texts
Joelle's Sacred Grove
Celtic Tree Mysteries by Stephen Blamires
Celtic Tree Oracle by Colin Murray

Click on the "ogham" tag below this post to see the rest of this series!

Divination: The Celtic Ogham - Luis

Welcome back to my continuing series about Celtic Ogham divination! Yeah, I know I was supposed to post this last Sunday, but I was ensnared by the last Harry Potter book and was on internet/media blackout all weekend. :)

Today's letter is Luis which stands for the Rowan tree. It's pronounced, depending on what source you're reading, "loosh" or "lweesh".

Rowan, sometimes called Mountain Ash, is a member of the rose family and thrives in poor soils and disturbed areas. It is often found around ancient sites such as stone circles and castle ruins. The red berries, sometimes called serviceberries, were historically used to lure birds into traps; birds are also responsible for dispersing the seeds.

The rowan tree was important to the Druids. Before going into battle, they would say incantations over fires made from rowan wood, so it's not surprising that Luis represents protection and the ability to distinguish good from bad.

Color: Red and or green
Planet: Sun (some sources say Mars)
Element: Fire
Month: December
Bird: Duck
Crystal: tourmaline
Deities: Lugh, Dagda, Brighid, Rhiannon
Meanings: Yang (male) energy, psychic protection, courage in time of strife, empowerment, trusting your instincts.

To see more in this series, click the "celtic divination" tag in the footer of this post.

Slan,
Carolan
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Divination Sunday - The Celtic Ogham

Welcome back to the Hogwart's School Annex!

Today we start a series on divination with the Celtic Ogham, also known as the Tree Alphabet. The Ogham is sometimes confused with Runes, but these are two distinct sets of symbols with differing origins. What they have in common is that both are real alphabets that were used for writing in the ancient languages - in Ogham's case, old Irish and Pictish - and both are now used primarily as divination symbols.

Each letter of the Ogham represents a sacred Druidic tree or plant; the Druids themselves were said to secretly communicate with each other with Ogham hand signs. Divinatory meanings for each symbol are credited to Robert Graves and his book The White Goddess.

So, that's a brief history crammed into a very small nutshell! Before I lose your attention, let's get right into the symbols.

I choose to start with the symbol of "Beith", A) because it's considered the first letter of the Ogham, and B) the heroine in my upcoming novella "Wildish Things" is named Beith. :) Being American, Beith herself pronounces her name "beth", but in Irish it shoulds more like "bayh" or "beh-yeh." This is how the hero, Kellan, pronounces it in the throes of passion.

Ahem.

BEITH

Tree: Silver Birch (betula pendula), the most common birch tree in Europe. One of the first trees to populate a clear-cut area, hence it's association with new beginnings. (Could be any kind of native birch, really.)
Color: White
Planet: Venus
Crystal: White or clear quartz
Bird: Pheasant
Deities: Ogma, the creator of the Ogham. Arianrhod and other forms of the White Goddess.
Meanings: New beginnings, origins, purification, spiritual protection, sources, precedence, warning, writing, eloquence, creativity.

Next time we'll move on to the next letter in the Ogham, "Luis" or rowan. Hopefully SJ will be well enough to rejoin us in a couple weeks!

Leave a comment and I'll hold a drawing for a free three-Ogham reading.

Slan,
Carolan

Abhainn's Kiss, available now from SamhainPublishing.com
Wildish Things, coming Nov. 1 from SamhainPublishing.com
Coming soon: Beaudry's Ghost
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