Runes A-L

Ailm

Tree: SILVER/WHITE FIR

Color: LIGHT BLUE

Character: A

Month: None Fixed

Rank: CHIEFTAIN TREE

Far Sighted - Clear Vision - Perception - Selflessness

Ailm stands tall and proud upon the upper slopes of hills and mountain ranges. Towering above all others he grants the ability to look beyond the first sight and reveals a deeper hidden inner learning which at times may be difficult to comprehend.

Although seen by some as a masculine tree the Fir has also been associated with the triple aspect Goddess Brighid who brings with her the opportunity for learning, choice and progress. Perhaps in the farsighted nature of Ailm she/he is able to see past the limitations of gender definitions.

The Fir helps us in understanding the actions of others and aids in untangling this woven web. This unselfish action not only helps others to move forward in their quests, but also ourselves as we show empathy and compassion for our fellows. In essence truly 'Loving without Desire', perhaps this is also the reason why Ailm is known to some as the Noble Fir.

Ailm is also known to assist in curing those who suffer from poor health if they are prepared to work towards this goal. The strength, energy and health that radiates from the Fir can help to elevate our own troubled state of mind on both the inner and outer levels, creating a balance between our own mental, physical and spiritual states.

Should you feel drawn to Ailm whether silver, noble or others, this indicates an opportunity to see clearly into past, present and future events. Revealing a need to unravel those past and present issues, which have been holding you back. Then with new insights and the ability to develop foresight we may progress forward in our journeys.

Beith

Tree: BIRCH

Color: WHITE

Character: B

Month: NOVEMBER

Rank: PEASANT TREE

New Ventures - Cleansing - Change - Strength and Protection.

A peasant tree belonging to the first month of November which begins the New Year in the Celtic calendar. This Slender but determined tree is used for banishing those negative influences so that we may grow and move towards a new start.

The white wood of Beith signifies a cleanliness and purity which may bring with it, its own cleansing and purification on both the inner and outer levels. The slender form of the Birch tree should not fool one, as she is also renowned for her determined strength and nature.

This is also the tree of spring and one belonging to the Goddess Brighid, who again signals a time for re-birth and growth. Beith is known to be one of the first trees to cultivate new ground and to fertilise this soil so that other trees and shrubs may follow. In time the Birch nurtures a literal forest of rebirth, perhaps this is why she is fondly known to some as the 'Lady of the Woods'.

With this in mind; realize that if you are prepared to work then Beith will walk with you in your travels, both protecting and nourishing along the way. She asks that we clear ourselves from those unwanted influences before we may progress onwards. In return she assists us in leaving behind those outdated modes that have been holding us back from our journey.

Coll

Tree: HAZEL

Color: BROWN

Character: C

Month: JULY

Rank: CHIEFTAIN TREE

Intuition - Divination - Transformation

Celtic lore holds the Hazel in association with the Salmon on account of the nine nuts of poetic inspiration and wisdom, which fell from the Hazel into the river Boyne.

These were in turn eaten by the Salmon, who was in turn eaten by Fionn mac Cumhal. After eating the sacred Salmon Fionn acquired knowledge of all things and later became leader of the Fianna, an Irish warband of great strength.

Twigs of hazel are favored by water diviners and for other methods of divination due to the sensitive nature of the Coll and for this the tree offers a close affinity with the element Water.

Coll holds the ability to bring both the unconscious and conscious minds closer to each other. This may often reveal ideas and bring dreams closer to reality through acts of creativity, which in turn may hold transformational properties.

The Hazel reminds us to trust and listen to our intuition, in essence trusting in the self. Working with Coll in this manner requires us to release the rational thought process and follow the flow of inspiration, while accepting responsibility for our actions.

Coll is a tree favored by the Druids; some prefer the Hazel to the Oak for staffs due to her conductive nature although this is purely a matter of preference. In the past staffs of Hazel were seen as a sign of authority amongst Druids.

Working with the Hazel tree reveals our need to allow our creative abilities to flow. In this act we are allowing ourselves to become open to inspiration, intuition and guidance on the inner levels.

Dair

Tree: OAK

Color: BLACK & BROWN

Character: D

Month: MAY

Rank: CHIEFTAIN TREE

Strength - Endurance - Courage - Patience - Guidance

The Oak is known to the wise as a guardian who will open doorways to our own spirituality and grant strength so that we may progress onwards, in time drawing us closer to the self.

This search for the self is often fraught with obstacles that must be resolved during our travels. One attribute of the Oak is that of courage, the courage to face these obstacles and perhaps in time learn the ways of the wise.

By working with Duir he reveals a fresh understanding of any given situation. He strengthens the will by granting insights into the truth surrounding the issues at hand and reveals those we may often miss ourselves.

Standing at the centre of the Ogham calendar he signals the birth of summer and gives way to the Holly who represents the first sight of darker nights. Here we can see the Oak in his role as a guardian who prepares the ground for others to follow.

In Celtic Mythology it is said that the first tree was an Oak who was known by the name of Bile, from which two acorns fell to the ground. These seeds rooted deep within the Earth and gave birth to the God Dagda and Goddess Brighid... both these deities are famed for their patience and goodness.

Some will tell you that 'Duir' originates from Sanskrit and translates as 'Door'. This in turn represents a doorway on both the inner and outer levels which may only be opened with endurance, strength, patience and understanding.

This age old 'King of the Forest' is known to relieve stress and restore faith in oneself, enabling us to continue our journey along our respective spiritual paths.

Eadhadh

Tree: POPLAR

Color: SILVER & WHITE

Character: E

Month: None Fixed

Rank: SHRUB

Spiritual Strength - Trust - Inner Voice

Also known as the Aspen, Eadha can help us with those aspects of our lives, which concern the material realms. In resolving these difficulties the Poplar then helps us towards rebirth and grants spiritual strength upon our journey.

Holding a relationship with the winds, the Poplar is referred to as the whispering tree. Working with Eadha teaches us to listen to the tree and in time we learn how to listen to our own inner voice, which at times can be confusing.

The wind held in the Poplar is known to be the voice of the deities, which bring forth, messages for us to hear. Being able to distinguish those we should act upon and those we should not requires that we trust in the self.

There is a difference between a wild abandoned approach to life and trusting in the self and spirit. The first way will only lead us into difficulties of both a spiritual and material nature, while the latter (trusting in self and spirit) will reveal peace of mind and a sense of security which often only comes through hard work and perseverance.

Listen carefully when working with the Aspen and she may grant the realization and strength required to walk fearlessly towards the eternal rebirth of the self.

Love and an awareness of the ever-changing cycles, which are the foundation of our spiritual paths, accompanies this knowledge. How successfully we tread this path may depend on how well we listen and trust in ourselves, the whispering tree and her many different forest friends.

Fern

Tree: ALDER

Color: CRIMSON

Character: F

Month: JANUARY

Rank: PEASANT TREE

Spiritual Warrior - Oracular - Protection - Balance - Inner Strength

The Alder is another tree held within the Ogham who links both the male and female principles, helping to create a balance between the two within ourselves. Fearn is associated with the Celtic deity Bran who reputedly spanned the river Linon so that his warriors could cross the waters safely while using his back as a bridge.

Needless to say the Alder can be found growing beside rivers and streams etc. which tells of his receptive nature and brings the masculine in direct contact with the feminine. In essence bridging this divide and helping to create the alchemical balance of fire and water within ourselves. Both these attributes become apparent as we look at the maternal instincts of the female and the protective qualities of the Raven God.

The Alder is seen as a tree that will guide us safely through uncharted waters and Fearn's wood is known to be strengthened by this element, which in turn represents 'Spirit' within the Celtic path. This triad of female, male and spirit grants the spiritual warrior strength and the inner confidence to look within and encounter those challenging issues we have yet to face.

Geadal

Tree: REED

Color: GRASS GREEN

Character: Ng

Month: OCTOBER

Rank: No Rank

Action - Protection - Reflection - Cleansing - Patience

Growing in silence by the watersides and in marshlands the Reed offers a period of reflection. This reflection holds a purpose, which gently reveals the action required to reach a particular resolution.

The symbol of Ngetal is the arrow, which in itself is symbolic of the direct approach required when confronting a dilemma, whether this is within or without. Take care not to assume this is a call to arms as this is not always the case. The Reed is also used in herbalism to heal and bind wounds such as those caused by arrows.

Another attribute of the Reed is that of music. Within many woodwind instruments you will discover the Reed creating a balance. This balance is also found within those upon whose ears the music calls. Often enchanted or at peace with themselves, awaiting the moment in time when they may progress onwards.

Ngetal helps in revealing the ebb and flow of life's journey and how best to deal with the highs and lows we can expect to encounter during this time.

Still today the Reed is used to thatch the roofs of houses, protecting those who dwell within. While in the wilds Ngetal offers protection to Nature's creatures of various kinds.

Weavers would use Ngetal to separate the threads they use to spin; likewise we can employ the Reed to separate issues which may arise in life. This also indicates that with patience the Reed will protect while we undertake the cleansing actions required on our journey towards our own inner healing... on both the inner and outer levels.

Gort

Tree: IVY

Color: SKY BLUE

Character: G

Month: SEPTEMBER

Rank: BRAMBLE TREE

Journey - The Self - Balance - Freedom

The wandering nature of the Ivy represents the search for our own inner self within the Ogham.

Gort is known to have two sides to her nature, on one hand she can destroy even the hardest tree within the forest. While on the other hand she can reveal hidden obstacles which need to be overcome before we can progress onwards.

This act requires us to stop and look towards ourselves. Are the actions you are taking of a destructive nature, do they bind you in your travels? Perhaps it is time to consider the consequence of your actions and try to hold a clearer picture and larger viewpoint in life.

The Ivy will create a labyrinth for us to follow when encountered. At times this may guide the seeker into the maze before once more revealing the lighter side of our nature.

The journey of Gort can be a liberating one and often reveals aspects of the self which may require attention.

Although the journey of the Ivy may seem dark and foreboding to some, she states that with determination and inner strength she will assist the traveler and guide them closer towards spiritual freedom.

Luis

Tree: ROWAN

Color: GRAY & RED

Character: L

Month: DECEMBER

Rank: PEASANT TREE

Insight - Protection against Enchantment - Control over your life

Associated with the month of December the Rowan is a tree of protection and insights, which offers control over your life. Luis is said to hold links with the Norse Runes, which were cut and engraved, from the wood of the Rowan tree. Runa from which the Rowans name is said to derive translates as 'charm' adding strength to her protecting nature.

This peasant tree is also used for divining and attached to barns so the cattle would be protected from misfortune, sprigs of Rowan were/are attached to houses to ensure that only good fortune calls upon the home. Luis may also be found in churchyards quietly protecting the spirits of our ancestors.

The list of examples of the Rowan offering protection is endless and still to this day Druids (and others) carry a piece of Rowan to protect them in the forest at nightfall. If you slice a Rowan's berry in half you will discover the seeds form a pentacle within, this is said to protect the Fairy who are known to favor this tree.

The Druids of old were known to light fires of Rowan wood to help induce insights as to how a battle may go and to invite the Fairy folk of the Sidhi to fight alongside them, thus aiding them in battle.

This is also a tree associated with the God Lugh who may aid the seeker in unearthing aspects of the self previously undiscovered, and also the Fairy Goddess Leanan. She is known to favor poets and offer inspirations for them to pen so that others (along with the bard) may learn.

The Rowan will provide inspiration and enhance creative and psychic abilities while offering vitality, perseverance and strength. These attributes may reveal hidden influences on both the inner and outer realms that may be affecting our spiritual path and help to heighten sensitivity and awareness along the way.

Luis is also known by some as the 'Lady of the Mountains' due to growing in the most inhospitable of places. Here she teaches a valuable lesson and grants us the understanding that as long as we believe in ourselves then she will help to guide us along our journey.