The Birch Tree.. 24 December
- 20 January - To the druids, the Birch represented
renewel 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 Deity - The Celtic Warrior God Lugh, inventor of
all arts and crafts, rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The white stag symbolises high ideals and
aspirations - Birch people need a goal in life or they become
depressed and pessimistic.
Planetary Ruler - Sun
Ogham Word - Beithe
The Rowan Tree.. 21 January
- 17 February - 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 Deity - Brigid, the Goddess of fertility and poetry,
rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Dragon symbolises inspiration and imagination
- Rowans need an outlet for their powerful imagination or
they can become restless and quarrelsome.
Planetary Ruler - Uranus
Ogham Word - Luis
The Ash Tree.. 18 February -
17 March - 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 Deity - The Magician, storyteller and trickster.
Gwydion rules the sign.
The Druic Animal - The Adder symbolises wisdom and spiritual
energy - Ash people need to focus their mental abilities or
they can become nervous and irritable.
Planetary Ruler - Neptune
Ogham Word - Nion
The Alder Tree.. 18 March - 14 April Alder
resist 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 Deity - The God of the spirit world, Bran the Blesses,
rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Fox symbolises skill in diplomacy-
Alders must learn the art of diplomacy or they waste energy
in fruitless disputes.
Planetary Ruler - Mars
Ogham Word - Fern
The Wilow Tree.. 15 April -
12 May - 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 Deity - The Celtic Moon Goddess Ceridwen rules
this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Hare symbolises adaptation and intuition.
Willows must trust their inner voice ot they can become moody
and chronically indecisive.
Planetary Ruler - Moon
Ogham Word - Sail
The Hawthorn Tree.. 13 May -
9 June - 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 Deity - The summer flower maiden Olwen rules this
sign.
The Druic Animal - The Owl symbolises wisdom and patience
- Hawthorns must develop patience or hasty action can sabotage
their best efforts.
Planetary Ruler - Vulcan
Ogham Word - Uath
The Oak Tree.. 10 June - 7 July
- 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 Deity - The Father of all Gods, The Dagda rules
this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Wren, the Celtic king of the birds,
symbolises wit and sublety - Oaks must temper pride with humour
or they become pompus and overbearing.
Planetary Ruler - Jupiter
Ogham Word - Duir
The Holly Tree.. 8 July - 4
August - 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 supportive, protective and possessive.
The Ruling Deity - The Smith God Govannon rules this sign
The Druic Animal - The Unicorn symbolises purity and strength
- Holies must be less perfectionistic or they may suffer loss
of confidence and direction.
Planetary Ruler - Earth
Ogham Word - Tinne, crime punishable by death to fell one.
The Hazel Tree ... 5 August
- 1 September - 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 Deity - The Sea God Manannan Mac Lir, a master
of disguise, rules this sign.
The Druic 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
Planetary Ruler - Mercury
Ogham Word - Coll
The Vine Tree.. 2 September
- 29 September - 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 Deity - The Tuatha De Danaan Gods of Light rule
this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Swan symbolises grace and beauty -
Vines must overcome a tendency to procrastinate or they can
become lost in worry and negativity.
Planetary Ruler - Venus
Ogham Word - Muin
The Ivy Tree.. 30 September
- 27 October - 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, expansive 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 Deity - The faery bride Guinevere rules this sign
The Druic Animal - The Butterfly symbolises faery faith -
Ivy people must not get too caught up in others problems or
they can suffer disappointment and betrayal.
Planetary Ruler - Persephone
Ogham Word - Gort
The Reed Tree.. 28 October -
24 November - The
Druids
believed the Reed was a tree because of its dense root system.
Cut Reeds were used as pens and symbolised wisdom and scholarship.
Reed people are complex, tenacious and fearless. Proud and
independent, they have great strength of character and rarely
compromise. They thrive on challenge and have an innate belief
in their own destiny.
The Ruling Deity - The Celtic God the Underworld, Pwyll rules
this sign
The Druic 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.
Planetary Ruler - Pluto
Ogham Word - Ngetal
The Elder Tree.. 25 November
- 23 December - 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.
The Ruling Deity - The crown Goddess and celtic tribal mother
Cailleach Beara rules this sign.
The Druic 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
Planetary Ruler - Saturn
Ogham Word - Ruis
