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Showing posts with label Celtic Lore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Celtic Lore. Show all posts

Sunday, 16 February 2025

What is Ogham? A look at the ancient Irish alphabet

  Ogham, known as the 'Celtic Tree Alphabet,' dates back centuries and has several theories about its origins.

The ancient script of Ogham, sometimes known now as the 'Celtic Tree Alphabet,'  originally contained 20 letters grouped into four groups of five. Five more letters were later added creating a fifth group. Each of these groups was named after its first letter.

"Its twenty letters, called feda (= ‘trees’), group into four aicme (= ‘family, tribe’) of five letters each. Each letter is simply a cluster of one to five straight lines, scratched along the (usually) vertical edge of a stone.

"The first family (B – L – V/F – S – N) has lines drawn to the right of the edge-line (so one line is B, two lines is L, five lines is N, etc.).

"The second family (H – D – T – C – Q) has lines drawn to the left.

"The third (M – G – NG – ST – R) draws its lines diagonally across both sides of the edge

"And the fourth family (the vowels A – O – U – E – I) is drawn either as short marks on the edge itself, or straight across both sides of the edge."

As far as what Ogham was used for, Dr. Quinn explained: "All we know directly for certain is its use in writing personal names, in possessor form (So-and-So’s…), on the edges of standing stones and the like, as memorial (and possibly as territory/boundary) markers.

"But references in Old Irish (and later) literature also have characters writing Ogham on sticks to send messages, to record information, and to do magic."...<<<Read More>>>....

 

Friday, 4 November 2022

"Ruis" - An Ogham For November

 This is a time of transition; while one phase of life ends, another begins. With maturity and experience comes wisdom and knowledge. Remember that it's fine to be childlike, but not childish

New experiences and new phases of growth are continual, and these will all lead to spiritual renewal, and finally rebirth. Remember that the things we experience are all part of the formation of who we eventually become

R is Ruis, the Elder tree, which is connected to the time of the Winter Solstice. The Elder represents endings, maturity, and the awareness that comes with experience. Pronounced roo-esh, Ruis is a sign that things may be ending, but will yet begin again some day. Although the Elder is easily damaged, it recovers and is rejuvenated easily.

The Elder is also strongly connected with Goddess spirituality, and the workings of the Fae. The soft wood has a lightweight core that can be pushed out to create a hollow tube–perfect for a Faerie flute! Elder was also planted near dairy barns, in the belief that its presence would keep the cows in milk, and prevent collected milk from spoiling. Elder flowers and berries are often brewed to fight fever, cough, and sore throats...<<<Read More>>>....

Thursday, 3 November 2022

"Ngetal" - An Ogham for November

 The 13th letter of the Ogham tree alphabet, representing the sound Ng and meaning "reed."

The reed grows in the shallows. Ngetal is an indication of harmony between you and the rest of the world. It signifies unity of purpose and will. It gives you the ability to adapt to changing conditions. It can also signify spiritual growth.

This is a time to move forward and answer the call of the quest. If your foundations are strong then this will be a perfect time for creating new dreams. However, it will only be through quiet reflection that you will discover the power within you to make those dreams become a reality.

You will need to have a direct approach in life whilst retaining an flexibility to adapt to any changes in circumstances that may arise. Your movement needs to be like the reed blown by the winds of change ... flexing and bending your will in accordance with what those winds demand.

Now is a time to review any issues that are prevalent in order to help clarify where you are in your life right now ... and then you need to focus your intent on where you are heading in the future. 

Ngetal/Reed deals with the time period 28th October to 24th November. 

Saturday, 2 July 2022

What is Ogham? A look at the ancient Irish alphabet

 Ogham, known as the 'Celtic Tree Alphabet,' dates back centuries and has several theories about its origins.

The ancient script of Ogham, sometimes known now as the 'Celtic Tree Alphabet,'  originally contained 20 letters grouped into four groups of five. Five more letters were later added creating a fifth group. Each of these groups was named after its first letter.

"Its twenty letters, called feda (= ‘trees’), group into four aicme (= ‘family, tribe’) of five letters each. Each letter is simply a cluster of one to five straight lines, scratched along the (usually) vertical edge of a stone.

"The first family (B – L – V/F – S – N) has lines drawn to the right of the edge-line (so one line is B, two lines is L, five lines is N, etc.).

"The second family (H – D – T – C – Q) has lines drawn to the left.

"The third (M – G – NG – ST – R) draws its lines diagonally across both sides of the edge

"And the fourth family (the vowels A – O – U – E – I) is drawn either as short marks on the edge itself, or straight across both sides of the edge."

As far as what Ogham was used for, Dr. Quinn explained: "All we know directly for certain is its use in writing personal names, in possessor form (So-and-So’s…), on the edges of standing stones and the like, as memorial (and possibly as territory/boundary) markers.

"But references in Old Irish (and later) literature also have characters writing Ogham on sticks to send messages, to record information, and to do magic."...<<<Read More>>>....

 

Friday, 31 December 2021

Ogham for 2022

 The Ogham is a unique ancient Celtic alphabet used for magic, divination, secret communication. It is of pure Celtic origin, and may have been created some 4000 - 5000 years ago. 

Using this ancient system, we look at what may be in store for us in 2022.

APPLE - Apple is the letter 'Q' and has the keyword 'love'. It is important to accept everything that has happened without any judgement. This includes individuals that have been in-just and cruel. 

OAK - Oak is the letter 'D' and has the keyword of 'boldness and endurance' A new door will open and it is necessary to cross that threshold without any fear. Take each day as it comes, and don't get ahead of yourself. The oak attracts lightning and a tree struck by lightning becomes something of a powerful talisman. Will lightning be permitted to strike twice? Or will be become aware of those who have nasty plans afoot next year? 10th June - 7th July.

HEATHER - Heather is the letter 'U' and has the keyword 'new perspectives'. There are options to gain new insights and to find solutions to problems that up until now appeared unsolvable. A change of approach will bring forth new perspectives and fresh ideas.    

 


Sunday, 8 August 2021

Quote for the Day


"Great, oh Spirit, thy protection. And in protection, strength. And in strength, understanding. And in understanding, knowledge. And in knowledge, the knowledge of justice. And in the knowledge of justice, the love of it. And in the love of it, the love of all existences. And in the love of all existences, the love of spirit and all goodness."

Monday, 11 May 2020

Totem Bird of the Week - 'Blackbird'



The Totem Bird of the Week for Monday 11th May to Sunday 17th May 2020 is the Blackbird. This is a truly potent ancient medicine, representing higher faculty awareness signified by intuition, inner knowledge, understanding and magic. The ancient celts and druids revered the Blackbird for these very reasons. The appearance of Blackbird can signify some intuitive breakthrough about to occur ... wisdom and knowledge combined provides the understanding in a situation ... this is a good week for this occurrence.

Wednesday, 1 January 2020

Birch Celtic Meaning

Celtic Birch Astrology Sign: December 24 – January 20

Ogham Letter: Beth

The birch tree is a symbol of rebirth and purification. It was one of the first trees to grow after the ice age and is one of the first trees to sprout leaves every Spring. This led Celtic Astrology to associate the birch with the Sun.

Birch wood is very strong and sturdy, allowing it be used for many things from handles (brooms, axes and the like) to bobbins and spindles in the cotton industry. The traditional Yule Log and Maypoles were made from birch wood, while birch twigs were used to light Beltane fires.

Young druids and bards wore birch sprigs to signify that they were still in training. The Druids made a cordial from the sap and would drink it to celebrate the Spring Equinox.

The leaves have a long history of use in folk medicine, being used to treat urinary tract infections, gout, kidney stones, and more....<<<Read The Full Article Here>>>

Thursday, 19 December 2019

Willow Celtic Meaning

[What's Your Sign]: The Celtic meaning of willow has a long history of symbolism associated with metaphysical and ritual practices.

Specifically, the willow wood has been (and still is) used in ceremonies intended for enhancement of psychic abilities, honoring the moon as well as increase the essence of love in our lives.

Many uses and associations came be traced back to our Celtic ancestors’ observations of the willow tree in their natural environment. Druid priests, dryads (priestesses), bards and ovates all recognized the willow’s affinity to watery domains. Flora and fauna in close connection with water are considered dwellers of the psychic realm, and symbolic of inspired imagination.

The willow gets its moon associations (another powerful symbol of psychic and intuitive energy) because of its relationship to water. We see this when we recognize the moon’s influence over the waters of the earth – it moves the tides, pulling fluids to and fro with her own wax and wane.

Recognizing these natural unions, ancient Celtic spiritual leaders considered the willow a container for water/moon attributes and thus utilized its wood and branches to invoke deeper connections to their intuitive purposes. The Celts understood that the willow was instrumental in bringing about psychic visions that produced a clearer understanding of the world in which they lived....<<<Read The Full Article Here>>>...

Wednesday, 4 December 2019

Ash Tree - Celtic Meaning

[Druidry.org]: The Ash tree has always been given mystical import and character, frequently being associated with healing and enchantment. In Celtic literature, there are many references to the Ash tree, but in particular it is associated with the Welsh Magician-God Gwyddion, who bears an Ash staff/wand, a symbol of healing and especially transformation and empowerment in matters of destiny.

As such, in the Mabinogion, the magic of Gwydion is concerned with tricking Arianhrod to give the young Llew his arms which she had previous sworn never to do, having placed a Geis (or conditional curse or fate ) upon him. Gwydion used his powers of enchantment and transformation to create a phantom army fleet of ships which then tricks Arianhrod into giving Llew his arms, and thus removing the Geis upon his destiny. Llew is later said in the myth to rest as an Eagle in an Ash Tree.

Ash was often used for spear shafts or handles for weapons. Hence Ash can be also seen to be ‘checking the powers of peace’ as above in the Word Ogams of Morann Mac Main. In this sense, application of force to destiny may bring peace through resolution of a conflict - which would be seen as healing.

The English name Ash may have been derived from the Anglo-Saxon word Asec which is the name for a ritualistic spear. The name Nuin or Nin, literally means letters in the Celtic languages...<<<Read The Full Article Here>>>...

Saturday, 30 November 2019

Celtic Meaning of the Blackthorn Tree

Among the Celts, this sacred tree of the Ogham was considered a portent of challenges ahead, but with the promise of improvement once we push through those challenges.

The Druids recognized portents struggle intuitively in the formation of the blackthorn tree's growth. This tree has some wicked thorns that are ominous looking at best. Indeed, when cut by these thorns the human flesh can turn septic fairly rapidly.

In autumn it turns a sulphurous yellow and when these leaves drop they expose a contorted body. This mangled imagery brought the concept of strife and suffering to the Celtic mind. These visual observations made the blackthorn a symbol of the other half of life that we often shrink back from.

When the blackthorn showed itself in Ogham oracle practices, it could be considered as a portent of war, illness or discouragement. It was a sign to get ready and brace yourself...<<>>...

Monday, 25 November 2019

Cedar - Spiritual Meaning

[classroom.synonym.com]: The cedar tree has been revered for its spiritual significance for thousands of years. Its wood was used for the doors of sacred temples and burned in cleansing ceremonies for purification. The tree was thought to house important gods and to be an entrance to higher realms.

Ancient Sumeria revered the cedar over 7,000 years ago, calling it the World Tree, the abode of Ea, their chief god. The Bible has numerous references to the cedar, including its use in the Ark of the Covenant.

Also known as the Tree of Life, Arbor Vitae, Yellow Cedar. Ancient Celts on the mainland used cedar oil to preserve the heads of enemies taken in battle. To draw Earth energy and ground yourself, place the palms of your hands against the ends of the leaves.

Wednesday, 30 October 2019

Yew Tree Symbolism

[Sun Signs]: Often times, the yew is considered to be one of the most ancient trees in all of the world. Some sources even say that it is the oldest-living one. This makes it an incredibly important tree when considering creation and time itself.

Appropriately, the yew tree is symbolic of immortality and everlasting life, rebirth, changes and regeneration after difficult times, and protection – the yew is, after all, quite massive.

The yew tree is also very strong, making it very useful for making bows, spears, and other items. Its physical composition makes it a powerful symbol of vitality, as each of its parts plays a particular role in its cycle. The Yew’s branches grow into the ground so, when the trunk dies, the tree is able to continue living. This also lends support to the yew being a symbol of connection between the past and present, particularly in terms of having a relationship with one’s ancestral heritage...<<<Read The Full Article Here>>>...

Saturday, 20 April 2019

Favourite's Collection #252

Numbers of the UK's Blackbird are declining noticeably; as are Sparrow, Starling, Thrush, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch. In some places, they are so scarce they are now rarely seen. This is very sad, because perhaps a decade ago, these same places were literally teeming with these UK icons.

Blackbird is sacred to the Celts and the Druids and the symbolic meaning of Blackbird speaks of the Great Mystery. His flight beckons the telling of the story of the mystery of the Universe, unfolding as he sings his song. Blackbird teaches that life is a great mystery and we can never know how it will unfold before us.

I managed to capture Blackbird today about five minutes walk from home. I have a number of decent images already in the collection, but I've included this one as I was so pleased to see Blackbird today. 

Thursday, 29 November 2018

The Alder


The Alder tree (Fern in Ogham and F in the Ogham alphabet) is often found near water. Its roots stabilize stream banks, give shelter to various aquatic creatures, and its decomposing leaves add considerable nutrient value to the water. Not surprisingly then the Alder was associated with nurturing/giving. It was also a sign of strength and passion.

It is good to connect with when you feel like you must remove negative energy in your life. It is also a strong tree for healing and meditation.

Wednesday, 7 November 2018

I is for Immrama

Celticawitch: Immrama (singular – immram) are Celtic (specifically Irish) stories about a hero’s journey to the Other World, or Western Isles. The voyages are full of adventures, meeting with many strange beings and challenges along the way, and arriving at various magical islands before reaching the destination. Typically the hero may or may not be able to return home again.

The stories, told in the oracular in pre-Christian times, were written down as early as the 7th century by monks and scholars. Originally there were seven recognised Immrama in the ancient text but only four now remain – The Voyage of Mael Duin, The Voyage of the Ui Chorra, The Voyage of Snedgus and Mac and The Voyage of Bran....read more>>>...

Monday, 6 August 2018

Strange Visions, Strange Dreams

It always occurs after I have worked with raised energy; particularly a night or two after a significant energy working.

Last night, the strange visions, strange dreams were there again.

Clambering on board a small boat, much like a celtic Coracle. The boat partially submerged. The waterway perhaps symbolising the journey into the underworld; the boat a vessel over-weighted with earthly burdens.

Inhabitants of the underworld then joining me on the journey. One, a female, misleading me to follow a tributary that leads into a dead end. My apparent search for 'water' unsuccessful in the gully and wilderness to which I'd been led. The gully was noticeably underground. Water was present, but it had been indicated as out of bounds; like a water works owned by another party?

Returning then to another tributary with other companions, I venture along with no memory of the boat. I come upon a pool of what appears frozen water. I see droplets and then, startling me as it appears right in front of me, a scrawny female Blackbird.

And then I'm able to perceive an unfrozen pool of water and I'm able to fill the clear bottle I needed to fill with water. Perhaps this symbolises a fresh set of experiences, free from the burdens of the past?

Only time will tell ... ... ...