Tag Archives: Celtic Tree Month

The Celtic Tree Month of Hazel (Coll) August 5th – September 1st.

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The Celtic Tree Month of Hazel (Coll) August 5th – September 1st.

HAZEL LORE: The Tree of Knowledge

Long ago, hazel trees were prized by the Romans who used the limber twigs to support their grape vines. These vines were sacred to the Roman god Bacchus, and goats who were found feeding on them were sacrificed to Bacchus and roasted on hazel spits. The Romans were also responsible for giving Scotland it’s Latin name of Caledonia. Hazel trees were plentiful in Scotland and the Romans called it Cal-Dun or Hill of Hazel. Since the medieval times hazel has been held sacred, particularly in Ireland where it is part of a Celtic triad – Apple for beauty; Hazel for wisdom; Oak for strength. These trees were in fact so sacred that cutting one unnecessarily carried the penalty of death. Hazel was often used in funeral pyres and it was also found in the coffins of people of note like chiefs and rulers.

In Irish legend, 9 hazel trees grew around the sacred well of Connla. The trees produce flowers and fruit (nuts). The nuts fell into the well and were eaten by the salmon, the legend says that the salmon will have the exact number of spots as the number of nuts it has eaten. The salmon became the carrier of all knowledge.



PLANT INFORMATION This tree is found all over the world ( Europe, North Africa, Asia, Britain and the US). It can be found growing in damp places, hedgerows, and oak woods. It resembles a large shrub more than a tree although it grows to heights of 12-20 feet. Hazel trees have heart shaped leaves and produce yellowish catkins (male) along with reddish flowers (female) which can be seen between April and May. There are aproximately 15 species of Hazel and they all produce nuts, called hazelnuts, filberts or cobnuts depending on where you live. The nuts are ripe by September and can be eaten right off the tree, The uneaten nuts fall off the tree and will actually germinate if left. The wood from this tree is tough and limber. It is used to make walking sticks, fishing poles, baskets and hampers. It’s an excellent firewood and the charcoal is used for making gunpowder and crayons.




HAZEL IN MAGICK

Hazel is used for divination and dowsing rods are often made from it. This was actually documented by Roman author, and philosopher, Pliny the Elder. The art of dowsing is called rhabdomancy and traditionally a divining rod was cut at night and from the eastern side of the tree. Before the 17th century these dowsing rods were used not only to find water but treasure, thieves and murders. An interesting fact is that this form of dowsing is still practiced in the Celtic nation of Cornwall. Cornish legend says that the dowsing rod is guided to water or ore loads by piskies who guard the hazel trees. The nuts can also be used for divination. It is said that if you eat hazel nuts prior to divinatory workings you will gain increased knowledge. You can also use the wood, leaves, and nuts in dark moon rituals. The nuts were talismans carried for various reasons. People carried them to prevent toothaches. And they were said to help cure snakebites. Along this line St. Patrick used a hazel rod to drive all the snakes from Ireland. In Scandinavia this tree was sacred to the Thunder God, Thor and were used to protect a person again being struck by lightning.


In Scotland, on Halloween, 2 hazel nuts are given the names of lovers and put into the embers of the fire. If they burn quietly and stay together, the lovers will remain together. But if they crack and move apart they are ill matched. Hazel nuts are also considered good luck, and said to increase fertility. New brides were often given strings of hazel nut as gifts.


Ancient sailors also wore crowns of woven hazel twigs called wishing caps. These caps offered protection against bad storms at sea. The ancient druids believed that that if you wore such a crown you could become invisible.


This wood is also good for crafting wands and record of them can be found in ancient Egyptian and Chaldean records. According to Greek myth Apollo gave a hazel wand to Mercury. With it Mercury was able to instill good virtues into mankind.




HAZEL PEOPLE If you are a hazel person you should pay attention to your own natural rhythm. It is easy for you to be impatient and you should sit back and let thing s happen naturally. You will be much happier. Hazel people are also understanding, moody, honest and tolerant partners and have excellent ideas of right and wrong. Choosing Hazel or Hazelnut as a magickal name represents someone who is wise and experienced.




 


HAZEL CORRESPONDENCES


Folk Names: Coll, Poets Tree and Dripping Hazel


Deity Associations: Mercury/ Hermes, Thor, Artemis, Arianrhod, Mannen Mac Lir, Ogma and Diana.


Ruled by: Mercury and the Sun


Star Signs: Virgo, Libra, Gemini


Sacred Stones: Lapis, Amethyst, Sapphire


Colors: Brown, Dark Blue


Animals: Salmon, Crane


Key Word: Intuition




Written by CatSister/LBolotin 2010/ Updated 2019 from the following resources:

The New Book of Magickal names by Phoenix McFarland

Flower and Tree Magic by Richard Webster

Whispers from the Woods by Sandra Kynes

Contraversical.com


Photo courtesy of freeimages.com


I invite you to check out my websites!


The Desert Path: The dusty ramblings of a desert pagan. https://thedesertpath.com/


Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! https://thedesertpath.com

Sacred Spirals (the place where all paths meet)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Celtic Tree Month of Oak June 10 -July 7

			
						

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english-oak-1409132 by Steve Knight


“Under yonder oaken tree,

Whose branches oft me shaded;

Elves and fairies dance with glee,

When day’s last beam hath faded:

Then while the stars shine brightly…”

(traditional welsh air circa 1870’s)


The Celtic Tree Month of Oak: June 10 -July 7


OAK LORE


In many cultures  the oak tree was held sacred. The Greeks and Romans viewed the oak as a symbol of power and endurance, it was associated with the Greek deities Artemis, Hecate, Zeus and Cybele. In Rome, Jupiter and Juno were Lord and Lady of the Oak and each year the celebration of their union was held in an oak grove.


The Norse god Thor was also Lord of the Oak. In Scandinavia this tree was called the “thunder tree and people kept oak branches in their homes to protect against lightening strikes. Germanic tribes and Anglo-Saxon people also honored the oak as did many Native American tribes.


The ancient Celts also held the oak sacred. To the ancient Druids, the oak was the most sacred tree in the grove. It was a powerful symbol of the wheel of the year, and called the king of the forest. Groves of oak trees were considered sacred ground and to damage an oak tree carried a penalty of death.


Part of the reason that this tree was given such respect was due to the trees size, life span and it’s production of an important staple food……….acorns. The acorn is claimed to be mans first food. Acorns are tasty and plentiful and can be eaten as they are or ground into flour. When needed they can also be fed to hogs and other animals. The word “door” comes from the Celtic word for oak, “Duir” . Oak doors are still popular today because they are solid and long lasting. It is also part of the bardic alphabet, Ogham.

The Druids also found help for their divination and meditation rites in these groves.

From the wind in the oak leaves and the birds that lived in the trees they were said to gain great insight and be given messages from the gods. Oak groves were gathering places, where the Druids would teach students, draw strength and hold meetings, rites and gatherings. It is also the personification of the Celtic Tree of Life as it appeared to live in lower, middle and upper worlds simultaneously. The oak tree was associated with the thunder god Taranis due to it’s ability to attract lightning.




OAK IN HEALING In ancient healing practices the oak also had it’s uses. Antiseptic was made from the acorns, while juice from the leave could be applied to a wound for the same purpose. A decoction from the inner bark eased a sore throat, while one from the outer bark would reduce fever. The bark itself also produces “tannin” which is important in the tanning of leather.




OAK TREE IN MAGICK


In ritual and magick oak can be used for protection, stability, strength and success. It has long been the custom to carry a piece of lightning struck oak for protection. This custom is still in use in the British Isles today.


Acorns are traditionally carried for fertility and should be gathered at night for this purpose. An acorn should be planted during the dark of the Moon to bring money, and if you catch a falling oak leaf you will be free of illness all winter. Purification can be performed by burning oak leaves and oak galls or serpents eggs are powerful talismans. Since we are coming up on Litha, it is good to point out that oak logs were traditionally burned on this Sabbat.




OAK PEOPLE People who are born during this Tree Month are generally self motivated and determined. They also carry responsibility well. They are born leaders and know how to handle a crisis. They also tend to be a bit on the serious side but are cheerful and optimistic none the less. For a man looking for a strong magickal name Oak is a good choice. It symbolizes strength, fertility and majesty.




OAK CORRESPONDENCES

Folk Names for Oak: Jobe’s Nuts, Tanner’s Bark and Juglans

Element: Fire

Deities: All Thunder Gods (Zeus, Thor, Taranis), Lugh, the Dagda, Hecate, Herne, Rhea, Cybele, Artemis, Jupiter, Juno, Dagda, Hercules, Llyr


Ogham symbol: Duir

Associated Tree: Oak

Colors: Dark Brown and Black

Animals: Lion, Salamander, Horse (white)

Key Word: Protection




Written by CatSister/LBolotin 2010 from the following resources:

The New Book of Magickal names by Phoenix McFarland

Flower and Tree Magic by Richard Webster

treetotem.com


English Oak photo by Steve Knight. freeimages.com


==========================


I invite you to check out my websites!


The Desert Path: The dusty ramblings of a desert pagan. https://thedesertpath.com/


Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! https://thedesertpath.com

Sacred Spirals (the place where all paths meet)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
The Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn:  May 13th to June 9th.

			
						

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daiily crystal 2


The Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn:  May 13th to June 9th.


The origin of the word Hawthorn comes from the Anglo-Saxon “Haegthorn” which means hedgethorn. This tree grows to the size of a large shrub, it is because of this that it popular as a hedge plant in England. It has dense branches that grow in twists and turns which makes it almost impenetrable. It also grows some pretty nasty thorns. The wood is similar to apple and burns hot. The new growth on a hawthorn is reddish and in May it sports white flowers and later in the season red berries both of which have medicinal properties. This tree has a very long life span and has been known to reach 250 yr old. The hawthorn was often called the May Tree because its fragrant white flowers bloomed in May just in time for Beltane. These flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for the holiday.(this custom must have come later because as you will see this tree is a good guy/bad guy tree). The flowers were also used for weddings by the Greeks and Romans who considered them lucky. On the other end of the scale the Europeans said the hawthorn was unlucky and associated with witches.

As I said good tree/ bad tree ( pretty flowers but nasty thorns) and the Irish Brehon word for this tree means “harm”.


In Healing


In healing, the flowers, leaves and berries are used. A tonic made from the berries is said to help water retention in diabetics. The leaves and flowers can be made into a tea that helps anxiety, poor circulation, asthma, arthritis, loss of voice and rheumatism.

In Myth & Magic


In ancient times hawthorn had a double reputation. The Greeks and Romans considered them lucky while the Europeans said the hawthorn was unlucky and associated with witches. In time the flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for the Beltane. One interesting superstition is that the month of May is considered to be unlucky for weddings and is said to be the main reason that June weddings are so popular.


The flowers were used by the Greeks and Romans who considered them lucky at weddings. In mythology, the hawthorn plays a roll in the romantic welsh tale of Kulhwch and Olwen. It embodies the protector of Olwens virginity, a giant called Yspaddaden. The giant is slain as the spring flowers (hawthorn) open which symbolizes summer defeating winter and the turning of the seasons. In other lore, the erotic scent of the hawthorn blossoms is said to enhance fertility and promote chastity. The ancient Turks called it ‘the scent of woman” and was considered an erotic symbol.


As a protective plant hawthorn was used to protect the home from lightning and negative entities and the ancient Romans believed that children were protected from evil spells if it was placed in their cradle. it could grant wishes and could be found guarding sacred wells and crossroads.


Hawthorn has long been considered a witches tree and is part of the sacred triad of oak, ash and thorn (the three realms/ maiden, mother, crone). It is also a favorite of fairies which makes it very unlucky to cut one down or harm it in any way.


To dream of pink hawthorn flowers means happiness, but if they are white it means money. If you dream of the tree itself it means harmony among friends. As a magical name Hawthorn is perfect for witches of either sex.

Hawthorn People


Hawthorn people are full of great ideas and tend to be multi talented innovators. These people may also be performers in an artistic format, much like the Bards of old. They also make shrewd business people and have little patience with folks who do not take their work seriously. They can also be very protective of family and anyone they consider family.


Correspondences


Magical Properties: fertility(both male and female), protection (the thorns), prosperity, binding and cleansing, fishing magic, chastity and fairy magic.

Also Known As: May Bush, Whitethorn, Bread and Cheese Tree, Mayflower, Tree of Chastity, Gaxels


Deities: Danu, Frigg, Thor, Brigid, Vulcan, Dagda, Goibaniu, Cardea


Sacred Stones: topaz, amethyst

sources: the crystal forest

controversical.com

dutchie.org

The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland

Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham

Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster

Tree Totem.com

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Celtic Tree Month of Alder: March 18th to April 14th.

			
						

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Celtic Tree Month of Alder  or Ffearn (FAIR-n) 


Plant Information:


The Alder is a member of the Birch family and is native to the British Isles, Europe and North America. They require a great quantity of water and can reach 65 feet or more if left to grow undisturbed. The tree itself grows in a rough cone shape with branches that are evenly spaced down its long trunk, The leaves are roundish and finely toothed, and in the spring it produces flowers and catkins. The wood from this sacred tree comes in a number of colors. When an alder is cut down the wood changes from white to reddish-yellow that bears a remarkable resemblance to blood. This caused our ancestors to believe that the tree bled when cut and it was considered unlucky to cut one down. The wood itself is oily and water resistant and in past times was used for shields, the foundations for houses and is still used today in cabinetry and door making.




In healing alder has been used as a substitute for quinine. It has also been used to treat parasites, inflammation coughs, poison ivy, toothache, sprains and strains. On an interesting side note the inner bark is a great natural pesticide.




In Myth & Magick


The time surrounding the Vernal Equinox is and was important in the wheel of the Celtic year. Alder good for fairy magick and the leaves and twigs can be used in charms and talismans for protection. While dyes can be made from the bark, flowers and twigs to dye ritual robes. Red: Bark/ Green: Flowers/ Brown: twigs. Alder is associated with all four elements ( earth, air, water, fire) and is great for elemental magick. Flutes can be made from the wood and whistles from young alder shoots can be made to summon air elemental’s. The alder represents free will and liberty. In some places today it is still a crime to cut down this sacred tree. The person who is dumb enough to cut one down is seen as the cause of any trouble that happens in his neighborhood. The alder tree is also associated with courage and the evolution of spirit. This tree spirit can be called upon for help during disputes, where you need to see clearly to make the right decision or when you simply need to draw and bring forward you own inner strength.




 Born in the Month of Alder


People born in the month of Alder make excellent oracles, they can tell you like it is and manage to do it gently. However, alder people must remember not to abuse their power, and just like the tree itself they tend to mature slowly. Alders are powerful and make steadfast allies, they are trailblazers who set the pace for others to follow. If you are an alder person, just remember to slow down once in awhile and take a good look around you.


As a magickal name Alder works well for people who tend to be secretive and changeable or for those with fire signs. Choosing this name can bring out sensitivity in people who have trouble letting it show.




Other Correspondences:

Names: Tree of Fire


Deity: Bran, Proteus, Branwyn, Freya, Cailleach, Teutates and Ares


Animals: Snake,Fox, Hawk, Gull, Raven


Use in Spells for: Weather, Spiritual growth, Teaching, Banishing, Protection, Healing


 


Article Sources


dutchie.org

crystal-forest.com

Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster

Whispers from the Woods, Sandra Kynes

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Cat’s Bits for Nov. 25 – Dec. 2 The Celtic Tree Month of Elder

			
						

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CBP November


Cat’s Bits for Nov. 25 – Dec. 2 The Celtic Tree Month of Elder


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November Events:


Nov. 25 Celtic Tree Month of Elder begins


December Events:


Dec. 3 Full Long Night’s Moon at 10:47 am EST


Dec. 3 Mercury is Retrograde at 2:34 am EST until Dec. 22


Dec. 13 -20 Hanukkah


Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule and Sun enters Capricorn at 11:28 am EST


Dec. 24 Christmas Eve and Celtic Tree Month of Birch begins


Dec. 25 Christmas Day


Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 Kwanzaa


Dec. 31 New Years Eve


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The Celtic Tree Month of Elder: November 25 – December 22nd






The theme for this month is death, rebirth and the return of light. The month begins with the dark time of the year and ends with the birth of the sun at the Winter Solstice. Other names for this tree are Frau Holle (German), Eldrum, Ellhorn, Boure Tree, Lady Ellhorn. The word Elder comes from the anglo-saxon word “aeld” meaning fire. Evidently the young branches have hollow stems which make them useful in making a fire.TREE INFORMATION


The elder tree is both a tree and a shrub and are members of the honeysuckle family. The shrub grows to about 30 ft. while the tree grows to around 50 ft. Both varieties like damp places along the woods edge. Elder has incredible regenerative power and can quickly regrow branches and roots. The tree has beautiful white flowers in the spring, growing in formations that resemble a bridal wreath. The flowers become reddish-black berries and make the most wonderful jellies, jams and syrups. The branches of the elder tree have a strong resemblance to bones when peeled of their bark. In the middle of the branches is a spongy center that looks similar to marrow. An unsuspecting person might actually believe the bare branches to be human bones!


ELDER IN HEALING


Elder is also a medicinal plant, the berries and flowers have many uses. However, it’s good to point out that the on the whole elder is considered poisonous. The dried berries and flowers make wonderful tea which is high in vitamins A, C, iron, Calcium and Potassium. This makes it beneficial for colds and sore throats. A distilled version of the flowers is good for treating cuts, burns and scrapes. Please keep in mind that if you pick elder berries make darn sure that they are ripe. Unripe elder berries cause severe diarrhea.


ELDER IN MAGIC & MYTH


The Elder has long been associated with Witches but it appears in Christian myths as the tree of doom. Judas was said to have hung himself from one and the cross of Jesus was made of Elder wood.


The Celts believed that these trees were homes to the Sidhe and treated them with respect, when cut the tree produces a reddish sap that made people believe that the spirit within the tree had been hurt. It is considered very bad luck to harm one but if you must cut or prune an elder tree one should always ask permission first. It is also bad luck to make a cradle for a baby out of elder, this is because of the trees association with death. Planting an elder tree near your home will create good relations with the fae as well as bringing prosperity to the home and it’s inhabitants. Even today there remain some taboos against burning the wood. Placing elder wood on your windowsill will keep vampires away, you can also wear it to the same effect. The folk lore about vampires is said to be much older than the the use of garlic.


Use elder for spells of banishing, faery magic, healing, protection and prosperity. Elder wood is also good for making magical tools, but remember to ask first!


As a magical name Elder is good for the person who is serious about magic. It also invokes mystery, luck and a sturdiness of character.


ABOUT ELDER PEOPLE


People born in the Month of Elder can be wonderful healers and seers as well as gifted musicians. They are slow to mature and waste time and energy on things not worth while. They can be very curious about profound subjects and study these things intensely. As healers or seers, elder people must choose their words carefully as they can be very persuasive with their speech. They must be careful not to sway the thinking of others and let them make their own decisions.


Correspondences:


Deities: The White Goddess, Danu, Cailleach, Boann, Hel, Frey, Vulcan, Venus

Animals: All white animals, raven, pheasant

Sacred Stones: Red Jasper, jet, bloodstone








Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!


Cat


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Elder Tree picture by Michael & Christa Richert/freeimages.com


Compiled and written by Cat from the following sources:

the crystal forest

controversical.com

dutchie.org

The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland

Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham

Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster


Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by a “clowder” of cats.


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Please feel free to check out my websites!


The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com


Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/


This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat 2007-2017

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Celtic Month of Reed: October 28-November 24

			
						

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Celtic Month of Reed: October 28-November 24


The month of Reed represents the mysteries of death and the hidden roots to all life it is sometimes called the “tree of doom” although it’s by no means a tree.  It is also the symbol for Samhain which is the beginning of the Celtic New Year.


PLANT INFORMATION


Reed is a marsh growing plant and while it is not considered a tree, it was named as such by the druids. This was due to the fact that like a tree, reed has a deep, dense root system. While reeds are found all over the world. From the humble reed the Druids made sacred darts and arrows. Pens were also crafted from reeds and were a sacred symbol of wisdom and scholarship. The reed can reach 12 ft. in height in marshy areas and usually in thick stands. The dried stalks produce a dry rattle that can have an eerie sound. The roots and seeds can be ground into flour. The the Celts and later people of the British isles, also used this plant to thatch their roofs. A well thatched roof kept all kinds of weather out and depending upon the kind of reed you used a reed roof could last for 15 to 75 yrs. And in many places woven reeds make beautiful baskets. Reeds were also a cheap substitute for candles, if you soaked them in fat they could be burned.


“There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest clothed to its very hollows in snow. It is the still ecstasy of nature, wherein every spray, every blade of grass, every spire of reed, every intricacy of twig, is clad with radiance.”

~ William Sharp


IN MYTH


In mythology reed is connected with Pwyll the ruler of the Underworld. Pywll was given a sacred stone for safekeeping. This Stone was said to represent the divine power of The King and Queen and thus this humble plant was associated with royalty. Ancient Mediterranean people also associated reed with royalty as did the Egyptians. They made scepters from reeds and if the scepter broke it was thought that the King had lost both virility and vitality.


IN MAGIC


In magic Reed has the following uses: Growth, Healing, Harmony, Willpower, Loyalty. Reed is said to be useful when one is ready to expand their awareness both spiritually and mentally as well as balancing your energy. And as a herb for Samhain it can be used in spells for travel to the otherworld and for Shamanistic soul retrieval.


    

  • Reed, although not a tree but a grass-like plant, is usually associated with Samhain, the Celtic New Year.
    • 

  • The Reed Moon means winter is approaching. It is a month of turning our energies toward hearth and home. The tree symbolizes family, fidelity and trust.
    • 

  • Reeds are burned to honor household spirits and a family’s patron deity; and in ancient Scotland, a broken reed was an omen of familial betrayal.
    • 

  • Reeds may be placed through your home, especially the kitchen area, to bring the blessing of unity to your family.
    • 

  • Reed represents the turning within that we must undergo to nurture our souls hunger for spirituality.
    • 

  • The reed’s qualities include protection, spiritual progress and hunger for truth
    • 



“Man is only a reed, the weakest thing in nature, but he is a thinking reed.”

– Blaise Pascal


REED PEOPLE


People born during the month of Reed can be cocky, arrogant and uncompromising which gives them a forceful energy. Reed people are not competitors but rather the catalyst that makes things happen because they have great dramatic flair and plenty of passion. This dramatic flair helps them to role play well and you will rarely see a Reed person show weakness although on the downside they can take great pleasure in pointing out weakness in others. However they are fantastic caretakers of both property and family and make strong friends.  As a magickal name Reed is wonderful for caregivers or if you wish to give your personal energy a boost.


CORRESPONDENCES


Reed:

Names: Sedge, Sweet Flag,

Animals: Kingfisher, Wild Goose, Owl

Element: Air, Earth and Water

Deities: Pywll, Rhiannon, Morrigan, Poseidon, Coventina, Manannan Mac Lir, Arawen, Pluto

Sacred Stone: Jasper, Chysophrase, Aquamarine

Color: Light Green


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Photo: Wetlands at Sunset by Lisa Langell freeimages.com


Written by CatSister/LBolotin  from the following resources:

The New Book of Magickal names by Phoenix McFarland

Flower and Tree Magic by Richard Webster

treetotem.com


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Cat’s Bits for October 1-7 :  The Celtic Tree Month of Ivy

			
						

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Cat’s Bits for October 1-7 :  The Celtic Month of Ivy, Sept 30- Oct 27


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October Events:


October 5: Full Harvest/Blood Moon at 2:40 pm EST


October 9: Indigenous Peoples’ Day


October 19: New Moon at 3:12 pm EST


October 23: Sun enters Scorpio at 1:27 am EST


October 28: Celtic Tree Month of Reed begins


October 31: Samhain / Halloween


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Celtic Month of Ivy


“Oh, a dainty plant is the Ivy green,

That creepeth o’er ruins old!

Of right choice food are his meals, I ween,

In his cell so lone and cold.

The wall must be crumbled, the stone decayed,

To pleasure his dainty whim:

And the mouldering dust that years have made

Is a merry meal for him.

Creeping where no life is seen,

A rare old plant is the Ivy green.”


Charles Dickens: The Ivy Green


IVY LORE


The Celtic Month of Ivy / Gort/ Gwinwydden runs from Sept 30- Oct 27


The ancient Celts and in particular the Druids, held ivy in high regard. In Wales ivy was related to the goddess Arianrhod, and was used in her ritual of opening a portal into the Otherworld, also known as the dark side of the moon and the Realm of Faery. This realm is symbolized by the butterfly and gives ivy a mysterious and mystical aspect. (If you look closely, ivy leaves resemble butterfly wings) Persephone is also associated with this month, this begins the time when she departs for the underworld for the dark half of the year. This month is time of settlement and reconciliation as it relates to karma. This month also corresponds to the Hunters Moon (aka Harvest or Blood Moon) which is this month’s full moon. It relates to female hunting animals wolf (Brigid), boar (Garbh Ogh), Lioness (Sekhemet)


Ivy is associated with the Goddess because it grows in a spiral. It is also sacred to the God Dionysus and during the Bacchanal people would run around waving the thyrsus which was actually fir branches that were wrapped with ivy, and the ancient Greeks would give a wreath of ivy to newlyweds as a symbol of fidelity.


PLANT INFORMATION


This “super vine” has great strength because of it’s ability to force it’s way into solid rock and it was powerful enough to kill a full grown oak tree. Ivy is another “Celtic tree” that is not a tree, and depends upon a real tree to give it support. It is a member of the Ginseng family although it is considered an evergreen. It also represents the ever blooming aspect of the human psyche. It develops yellowish flowers in October and then black berries.


Ivy is a POISONOUS plant and while it is said to have been used for medicinal purposes (like curing hangovers and cleansing wounds) I would highly recommend AGAINST it , as all parts of this plant are poisonous.


IVY IN MAGIC


In it’s magical role ivy protects against evil spirits negativity and all forms of disaster, it is used in healing rituals and is a symbol of loyalty and longtime friendships. It can be used in love charms to promote fidelity. As a magical name Ivy denotes strength and to give someone ivy as a gift state’s “attachment” and be mine forever.


IVY PEOPLE


People born in this month have great stamina and talents that can bring them great public honors. Ivy people also tend to radiate success even when they are not so fortunate. They are colorful and unique individuals who can be manipulative and use their power ruthlessly to get what they want. The key for Ivy people is not to abuse this power.


Deities: Dionysus, Artemis, Ariadne, Bacchus, Osiris, Arianrhod, Danu, Hel, Persephone, Rhea, Frey, Ogma, Cerrunos


Sacred Stones: Opal, Chrysoberyl, Alexandrite


Colors: Blue and light brown/tan


Animals: Butterfly, swallow, mute swan, lark


written by CatSister 2010 sources:

The New Book of Magical Names by Phoenix McFarland

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

Whispers from the Woods by Sandra Kynes

dutchie.org

controverscial.com

crystalforest.com










Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!


Cat


(C) LBolotin 2017


Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by 6 cats.


 


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Please feel free to check out my websites!


The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com


Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/


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