Samhain (pronounced "Sow' en") heralds the beginning of the Celtic New Year. As the days grow shorter, the season colder, and trees shed their leaves, the agricultural season comes to a close ... and a beginning. For in the dark of winter, cold forces seeds to germinate in preparation for their spring emergence. In winter's sleep, all the earth lies in wait for the light and the warm rays of spring--Imbolc to the Celts.
Ancient lore explains Winter in the story of the old woman goddess, Cailleach, who struck the ground with her hammer, and made it hard until Imbolc. It is the time when Celts believed the gates to the otherworld were opened and they could communicate with the dead.
Later, in the Christian era the festival has been reassigned to the Feast of All Saints, however, many of the customs surrounding it concern this understanding of the accessibility to the dead at this time. November is a month of special devotions to the dead.
It was thought that at the feasts of Samhain and Beltaine (May 1st), supernatural events took place. Some believe Samhain is the time the fairy mounds open and the Sidhe--the fairies (pronounced "Shee")--swarm. Some believe the Sidhe are the spirits of the dead, others the Tuatha ("Too'ha") de Dannan. Nevertheless, it was a dangerous time to be abroad at night for fear of abduction by the Sidhe as they traveled around the countryside.
Over hundreds of years, many of the customs and practices of the pagan Celts have been absorbed into Christianity. Halowe'en has been celebrated more than two thousand years in Ireland. Its origins are steeped in antiquity. Even today, some rural Irish people will tell that the moan of the bean Sidhe ("banshee") foretells of a death in a family by morning.
The long barrows where dead heroes were buried are also the fairy mounds, which open up at Samhain. On this evening, it was customary to leave a milk and barley offering for the Sidhe. It was also a time for family feasting, to mark the laying in of a good harvest for winter. To avert the threat of famine, a cake might be thrown against the door. It was a time for storytelling and games, often games of divination. Among the pagan Celts, it was also a time of sacrifice of the black sheep in memory of those who had died in the year.
Stories of ghosts and haunting abound in rural Ireland. Feasting and merrymaking played a big part in rural homes. The mistress of the house prepared a special feast in honor of the night. Colcannon, a mashed potato and kale or cabbage dish with a reservoir of creamy melted butter, was a favorite. Boxty bread, made from mashed potatoes and flour was also popular, as was Barm Brack.
In Waterford, Hallowe'en is called oídhche na h-aimléise, "the night of mischief or con." It was a custom for boys to assemble in gangs and descend on farmers to levy a sort of blackmail, good-humoredly asked for, and as cheerfully given, according to Kevin Danaher in his book The year in Ireland: Irish Calendar Customs. Additional information may be found in Caitlín Matthews' The Celtic Book of Days: A Daily Guide to Celtic Spirituality and Wisdom and the Chronicles of the Celts by Iain Zaczek.
Over the years, fairy beliefs passed from the country people to sophisticated society. Edmund Spenser and William Shakespeare incorporated some of these rituals in their works, while the Elizabethan court initiated elaborate masques, and echoed the peasantry in the folk customs of the mummers and "guising" or begging for money while masked.
Today, much of the past beliefs have moved into the background as costumed children scamper about the neighborhoods begging a sweet in their annual celebration of Hallowe'en. Certainly in America this is true. And in Dublin, a family might be found watching a program on television rather than setting out a portion of barley and milk to appease the Sidhe. However, beneath the cloak of Christianity, Ireland's age old rituals permeate the lives of country and city people alike. Perhaps it is the fey ancestry. Whatever, the rituals of a pagan culture steeped in antiquity, are very much evident in the country people, their beliefs and practices, especially on Samhain, the eve of the Celtic new year.
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Gargoyles
Submitted by Sunwic
What is a "Gargoyle"? Is it a protector or just an artistic gutter?
A true gargoyle is a waterspout. The word “gargoyle” is also a
derivative from the Latin word, “gurgulio”, which had a double
meaning, “throat”, and the “gurgling” sound water makes as it
passes through a gargoyle. A carved creature that does not serve
the purpose of a drainpipe is frequently referred to as a "Grotesque".
Legend has it, that a fierce dragon named La Gargouille described
as having a long, reptilian neck, a slender snout and membranous
wings lived in a cave near the river Seine. The dragon caused
much fear and destruction with its fiery breath, spouting water
and the devouring of ships and men. Each year, the residents of
Rouen would placate La Gargouille with an offering of a victim, usually a criminal, though it was said the dragon preferred maidens. Around 600, St. Romanics, who promised to deal with the dragon if the town’s people agreed to be baptized and to build a church, saved the village. St. Romans subdued the dragon by making the sign of the cross and then led the now docile beast back to town on a leash made from his priest's robe. La Gargouille was then burned at the stake, it is said that his head and neck were so well tempered by the heat of his fiery breath, that they would not burn. These remnants were then mounted on the town wall and became the model for gargoyles for centuries to come.
In medieval architecture, the gargoyles, which had to be very numerous because of the many gutters which were carried on the tops of flying buttresses, and higher and lower walls, were often very decorative, consisting, as they did, of stone images of grotesque animals, and the like, or, in smaller buildings of iron or lead. Many cultures throughout history have created sculptures of fantastic creatures. These figures stir our imaginations, as they stirred the imaginations of the carvers who lovingly created them. We struggle to understand and explain them, delving deep into the realms of psychology, culture, symbols, history and religion. One of the more common beliefs is that gargoyles served as protectors, keeping evil away from the buildings and their occupants. However, there seems to be much at work here and we can suspect that their reason to be operates on a multitude of levels.
Gargoyles can be traced back 4000 years to Egypt, Rome and Greece. Terra cotta water spouts depicting: lions, eagles, and other creatures, including those based on Greek and Roman mythology, were very common. Gargoyle waterspouts were even found at the ruins of Pompeii. The first grotesque figures came from Egypt. The Egyptians believed in deities with the heads of animals and frequently replicated these deities in their architecture and wall paintings. When the Greeks saw the Sphinx, they began to incorporate grotesques into their own beliefs. The Greeks believed in many grotesques such as harpies, centaurs, griffins, and chimeras. Greek architects would often place statues of animals called acroterium, in the forms of griffins, at each corner of the roof of their treasuries and temples. In Greek mythology, griffins guarded the gold of Scythia from the Arimaspians, a race of one eyed giants or Cyclops, who would try to steal the gold.
Gargoyles and grotesques have always given carvers and sculptors a chance to delight in their creativity and to explore the possibilities in the dance between stone and imagination. Gargoyles freed carvers from the limits imposed by other types of carving, and this was especially true in the Middle Ages. It is certain that stone carver’s love creating these pieces, and viewers certainly love seeing them. This may be one of the more compelling reasons they exist.
Many people in various parts of the world consider it to be extremely unlucky to look at their reflection in a mirror by candlelight on Samhain.
Many people also believe that mirrors are the gateways to the other worlds, and cover mirrors with black cloths on Samhain to keep the gateway closed.
A burning candle placed inside a hollowed out pumpkin or jack-o-latern on Samhain works to keep evil spirits and demons at bay.
For good luck, burn black and orange candles on Samhain. Black and Orange are the traditional colors of Samhain. On this day their magickal vibrations are at their peak.
If a candle should suddenly go out by itself on Samhain, as though being blown out by wind or by breath, this is said to be a sign that a ghost has come to call.
Always burn new candles at Samhain to ensure the best of luck. Likewise, it is not a good idea to burn Samhain candles at any other time of the year. To do so may cause you to experience bad luck and/or strange happenings over which you will have no control.
Gazing into the flame of a candle on Samhain will enable you to peer into the future. Many witches traditionally scry candle flames on Samhain to receive clairvoyant visions.
It is believed that if a person lights a new orange-colored candle at midnight on Samhain and lets it burn until the sun rises, he or she will be the recipient of good luck. However, according to an old legend from Europe, any person who bakes bread or journeys after sunset on Samhain runs the risk of conjuring forth bad luck in great abundance.
If the moon is new on Samhain, this indicates that the coming year will be fertile ground for new beginnings to take place, such as the start of a new project, a new career, or even a new way of thinking. For those desiring children, a new moon at Samhain is a lucky omen, indicating a new birth within a year's time.
If the moon is waxing on Samhain, this indicates good luck throughout the coming year. It also indicates growth and an increase of all things that are positive nature.
If the moon is full on Samhain, this ensures that the powers of all forms of magick and divination practiced on this night will be at their greatest. A secret wish made at midnight will be realized within the coming year, and do not be surprised if an experience of a psychic nature awaits you in the very near future.
If the moon is waning on Samhain, this can be an omen of either good
or bad consquences. It can indicate the elimination of such things as bad habits, unhealthy realtionships and obstacles within the coming year. Or it can point to a decrease (such as in one's health) or a loss of some kind soon to take place.
If the moon is in the dark phase on Samhain, this is believed to be a very negative omen. Exercise extremem caution in all of your endeavours within the next twelve months, and it wouldn't hurt to protect yourself by wearing or carrying any type of amulet or talisman designed to ward off bad luck and misfortune.
Samhain Superstitions & Omens
Source unknown
by Dandelion Nose ~ A Chaotic Kitchen Witch
One of the reasons that I love being a witch is
that there are so many things I can use to enhance
my spells and daily life. The other morning it came
to me that I could use my pestle and mortar to
crush herbs, plants, and leaves into fine enough
grains to be added to clay to be baked into different
shapes to use as talismans. I could use the natural
world around my house to fashion charms for all sort
of different uses—love, money, healing, protection,
and to increase my natural talents to name just a few.
An oven is a perfect vehicle for making enchanted objects because if you are using clay, you have earth. If you have a natural gas stove like I do, fire. There is air trapped inside during baking and the heat will steam out the moisture in the clay during baking for water. When you make an oven talisman, you have all four elements working in unison for you. Isn’t that great? You can use an ordinary kitchen appliance to make something extraordinary!
Everyone has his/her own way of making magic and my way is pretty laid back and simple. If you want to use my idea to make oven talismans, I would like to suggest a couple of things. When you harvest the ingredients for your charm, whether it is in your garden or at the super market, thank the plant for its help and have your goal in mind when you touch the item. Most of magic deals with focusing your will and energy towards a goal, so the more thought and intention you add to your talisman in all stages of making it, the more effective it will be for you. If you need help finding out what you should be adding to the clay to make your talisman, I suggest Scott Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. I love my copy and I use it a lot!
When you have your goal clearly in mind and have gathered your herbs, seeds, whatever, set the stage with candles, incense, or music while you are shaping the clay. Picture your goal in mind as you are mixing the clay with your natural additive. What is it that you want your talisman to do for you? Engage all of your senses; picture the outcome in your heart and mind. How will it make you feel to have your goal realized? After you have shaped the clay and you are ready to place it in the oven, say a spell to seal the deal. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just heart felt.
I was thinking about making a luck talisman. This is what I am planning on saying as I place it into the oven. La Fortuna lend me your aid, while my lucky charm is made, may it always draw money to me, so that I can live my life debt free. If you want to do something else, so be it. Do what feels right to you and use what feels right to you. You already know what is best, so make your talismans the way that the universe moves you. There is no limit to the combinations of shapes and herbs you could use to make your talisman.
After your charm is finished baking, let it cool down completely. You can make it into a brooch, a button, a necklace, a charm to carry in your pocket, or you could place it somewhere in your home or car. There is no wrong way to use your talisman if you are using it for a good purpose and harm none.
Oven Talisman
Celtic New Year ~ The Veil is Thin
A Historical and spiritual history of the Pentagram
by Sharynne NicMacha
Imagine the perfect apple, ripe and bursting with
life. Sliced in half, it reveals a beautiful five-point
symmetry-a star formed by the seeds inside.
In fact, each of these five seeds may be seen to
contain a symbolism of its own mirroring the spiritual
aspects of this universal symbol: idea, sustenance,
life, secret knowledge and the hidden mysteries within
the earth. Why has this beautiful and potent emblem,
the five-pointed star or pentagram, become such a
misunderstood and stigmatized symbol in these times
of re-emerging enlightenment?
In the tale of Adam and Eve, the apple signified hidden knowledge which was forbidden to human kind. Other early cultures encouraged holy and learned persons in their search for divine wisdom. For example, the Vedas state that the universe and ourselves are One, and that by realizing this and tapping into that Universal energy and state, we achieve wholeness and bliss. These concepts were known to many ancient civilizations. For most of the western culture, sacred knowledge was designated as the right of the One Deity only., It was considered heretical to study the Divine workings of the Universe. The apple signified that which we should not attempt to know, and many attempts over the centuries to obtain knowledge of the Universe (and therefore, ourselves) were suppressed. The pentagram in its modern guise as the pentacle was also a target of this subjugation.
For modern-day Pagans, the Pentacle contains many wonderful layers of symbolism. The five points symbolize the four directions with the fifth point as the sanctity of Spirit, within and without. The circle around the star symbolizes unity and wholeness. It represents the quest for Divine Knowledge, a concept which is ancient in origin and universal in scope from the earliest written ritual texts in Babylonia, to the Celts, to the Native American traditions. Similar to other figures which are made of a single unbroken line, this symbol is used to mark off magical enclosures or ritual areas, especially when used for invocation of deities or spirit.
The pentagram is one of the most powerful and popular symbols used by many Neo-Pagans, including those involved in Wicca and Ceremonial Magic. In working magic, Pagans may draw the shape of the pentagram in the air with the athame, or sacred blade, sometimes in the four directions as part of the ritual. A physical pentacle in the form of a flat disc is often the a main feature of the altar and is a widely used ritual tool. The symbol is used to decorate magickal tools or items such as a chalice, cauldron, or the handle of the athame itself. For some it represents feminine energy relating to the Goddess and may be used to bind elemental spirits of the earth as well as to hold consecrated objects such as herbs, amulets and crystals. The spoken or chanted text of a spell or invocation may be repeated five times to help insure its effectiveness. (3, 5, 7, 9 and 13 being some of the most commonly used repetitions in this context). The pentacle is worn both ornamentally and symbolically by many Pagans for protection and to signify that they are involved in the world of magick and divine wisdom.
It is interesting to note that five-fold symmetries are rarely found in non-organic life forms but are uniquely inherent to life, as in the form of the human hand, a starfish, flowers, plants and many other living things. This pattern of five exists even down to a molecular level. Five, therefore, embodies the form and formation of life, the very essence of life.
The pentagram is a very widespread sacred symbol used since ancient times in many areas including Egypt, India, Persia and Greece. Almost all cultures had a five-fold symbol, which was very important to their religious and spiritual life. The sacred nature of five, the important nature of "five-ness" is amply attested to in Celtic tradition from which much of modern Paganism is derived. Five appears in numerous Celtic contexts: Ireland had five great roads, five provinces and five paths of the law. The fairy folk counted by fives, and the mythological figures wore five fold cloaks.
In the ancient Irish tale, "Cormac's Cup of Gold", the hero "saw a royal fortress with four houses in it, and a bright well with nine ancient hazels growing over it. In the well, were five salmon who ate the nuts that dropped from the purple hazels, and sent the husks floating down the five streams that flowed therefrom. The sound of the streams was the sweetest music...The spring was the Well of Knowledge, and the five streams the five senses through which knowledge is obtained. No one will have knowledge who drinks not a draught out of the well itself or out of the streams. Those who are skilled in many arts drink from both the well and the streams."
In another part of the world, around 500 B.C.E.(Before Current Era) lived Pythagoras, an unparalleled scholar, teacher and leader renowned for his knowledge of arithmetic, music, government and sacred geometry. He tapped into the divine mysteries, and, like the ancient Celts, (and many Neo-Pagans) learned from and existed comfortably between both worlds.
Pythagoras set up a school where he taught many people, both male and female, who flocked to him in pursuit of divine knowledge. Unfortunately, the school was suppressed in a brutal fashion for political reasons. After this, his followers and the knowledge itself were forced underground, Pythagoreans considered the five-pointed star to be a symbol of life and of the divine human. Therefore, it became the secret sign of the pythagorean followers, "so that they may know each other, "
The Pythagorean schools continued on in secret and from this line of descent came the Gnostic and Hermetic Mystery Schools (which contained both men and women and were Christian to varying degrees), as well as the Masonic Guilds, expert stone-masons initiated into Mystery Schools learning which included sacred geometry. Even though the Church considered the Masons to be quite heretical, they hired them to build the most sacred structures in Europe- the great cathedrals-many of which contained pentagonal or five-fold symmetries. Parallel with Masonic culture were the alchemists of medieval Europe, scientists, philosophers and magicians, both male and female, who studied the mysteries of the Universe. These societies held onto this five-fold symbol which kept its positive, ancient attributes and signified hidden, luminous knowledge.
This ancient wisdom lived on underground through the mystery schools and other sources and continued throughout the Middle Ages up until modern times. However, because this Divine knowledge threatened the authority and power of the Church, those who pursued
it and the symbols they used were severely persecuted.
The star of life, which had been a symbol of divine illumination,
became stigmatized as a sign of heretical thought and eventually
as something evil. These negative attributes were further reinforced
by the use of the upside down pentagram by some satanic cults who
are probably more "Anti-Christians" than "Pagans". as their beliefs
are not those of most Neo-Pagan groups. Modern media continues
to distort the meaning of the pentagram by showing it in both its
upright and inverted position, yet portraying all who use it as evil.
In spite of this difficulty history, the symbol has survived, and continues to be used by those who uphold the search for divine knowledge. The sacred pentagram maintains its many wonderful and magickal ancient attributes and is still the symbol of life it has always been.
Sharynne NicMacha is a Pagan of Celtic descent and teaches workshops in beginning and Celtic paganism and music. She sings with the Moors, a pagan rock duo.
Note: Special thanks to Scott Dakota for his input and assistance in areas oif his expertise, including Pythagoras, sacred geometry, music of the spheres and Ancient Sumeria. Beannachdan!
The Star of Life~ The Ancient Power of the 5 Point Star in a Circle
9. Either the kitchen's haunted or your mother-in-law's cooking cabbage again.
8. That's where you always find your Mummy.
7. The Pillsbury Doughboy has pins stuck in his head and you've got a migraine.
6. Your pea soup keeps throwing up Linda Blair.
5. Eerily, the contents of your Thermos are either steaming hot or frosty cold.
4. One morning you find your Ginsu knives arranged into a pentagram on your ceiling.
3. Stands to reason; after all, everything in your pantry has long since passed its expiration date.
2. You open a heavy door... you see an eerie light... you feel a rush of cold air....
... and the #1 Sign That Your Kitchen is Haunted ...
1. When you lift the Parkay lid, it moans "Rettub... Rettub...."
Signs That Your Kitchen is Haunted
Adapted from Teen Astrology, by M.J. Abadie
(Inner Traditions, 2001)
Our sun-sign horoscope can give us a simple but
powerful affirmation of what it is we seek in this life.
As we begin the new year we could all benefit from
this reminder, to help us stay on the path that is
right for us.
Find out what your sun sign tells you about your deepest soul nature, and what it is you
seek, here:
Aries, March 21 - April 19
I seek my Self. I accept my energy and ability to launch new
actions for the betterment and benefit of myself or for others.
Taurus, April 20 - May 21
I seek my Self through what I have. I use stability and persistence for the benefit of myself and others.
Gemini, May 22 - June 20
I seek my Self through what I think. My keen perceptive intuition is all that is needed for the evolution of myself and others.
Cancer, June 21 - July 22
I seek my Self through what I feel. I am the star in a sea of stars, I am Water and the Moon, I provide the haven, the safe haven, in the universe.
Leo, July 23 - Aug 22
I seek my Self through what I create. I am the Monarch of the universe, I am the Heart of hearts. I am the heart of Creative energy.
Virgo, Aug 23 - Sept 22
I seek my Self through what I learn. I am the Magician of the universe. I accept the healing and magical powers I have or will use. The key for tapping into my deeper resource is the ever-increasing acceptance of who I am now.
Libra, Sept 23 - Oct 22
I seek my Self through what I unite. I hold the celestial balance in my hands; I am the Cosmic Judge. I am the artist and the lover, Peacemaker of the Heavens.
Scorpio, Oct 23 - Nov 21
I seek my Self through what I desire. I am the Transformer, I am the Keeper of Mysteries, I am the Mystic.
Sagittarius, Nov 22 - Dec 21
I seek, therefore I am. I am the Seer of the Zodiac. I am the future now. I remember the future.
Capricorn, Dec 22 - Jan 19
I seek my Self through what I use. I am enterprising, the Builder, the Organizer who looks toward higher orders, greater justice, constantly building relationships, families, communities, and countries.
Aquarius, Jan 20 - Feb 18
I seek my Self through Humanity. I am the Truth Sayer, the Scientist, the Revolutionary. I am the genius Sign of the Zodiac.
Pisces, Feb 19 - March 20
I seek my Self when I don't seek my Self. I am the Beloved, I am the Loving, I am the Poet. I am the Divine Dark Warrior, I am the Divine White Healer.
What Does Your Sun-Sign
Seek?
by Owen Waters
In the Old Reality, things were seen as opposites - black or
white, hot or cold, good or bad, this way or that way. In the
expanded view of New Reality consciousness, life is seen in a
unified way. Opposite sides of the coin are viewed, not as
polar opposites, but rather as just being different aspects of
the one coin.
In the New Reality view of the world, the opposite extremes of
black and white become, instead, endless shades of gray. Hot
and cold become variable degrees of warmth. Good and bad
become different shades of human nature; free of the judgment,
hate and fear that comes with Old Reality, polarized thinking.
In the Old Reality, destiny and free will were seen as mutually exclusive. The reasoning was that, if destiny exists, then it controls everything and, therefore, free will does not
exist. On the other hand, you can prove that free will does exist by making a choice. So, as the thinking goes, if free will does exist, then there can be no destiny.
But, wait. Perhaps that choice of "free will" was really a pre-destined one. Perhaps the person was destined to make that choice all long, so the experience of choice was just an illusion. At this point, people usually give up on the whole question because it has turned into one of those brain teasers, like asking which came first - the chicken or the egg.
Brain teasers keep your mind in an endless loop until you try stepping back from the situation and seeing it in a wider perspective. The new, wider perspective allows for the inclusion of non-materialistic factors. In deciding whether the chicken or the egg came first, for example, you just have to step back and see that the Creator designed the chicken to be self-perpetuating.
When you step back and see destiny and free will from a wider perspective, you realize that nothing has to be absolute. If every event in your life were pre-ordained, there would be no such thing as free will or self-determination. As we do have free will, destiny cannot be fixed.
Destiny is therefore variable, not fixed. Destiny and free will both exist as interwoven facets of your life. Like threads in a tapestry, they interact with each other and blend to form
the outcomes that are the events in your life.
Your destiny is created by plans that you made at a soul level of consciousness. Before you were born, you made your main plan for this life. Then, the minute you were born, the rules of the game demanded that you also get a case of amnesia about the whole arrangement. Such is the game of life in the physical realm.
However, at night when you go to sleep, you have the chance to visit the deepest levels of human consciousness and review how the original plan is unfolding and make changes to your plan if desired. When you return to your physical body and awake in the morning, amnesia strikes again. Within seconds of your conscious mind returning into your physical brain, you forget both the surface dreams and the deep experiences of the night.
Amnesia may be a part of the game we are playing in this life, but inner guidance is always is always available to anyone who pays attention to it. Your intuition is your link to your soul, or inner being, which is also linked to the rest of the universe and all levels of Creation.
You are never left alone to fumble in the darkness of a purely physical life. Your inner being is always there with you, expressing itself through the quiet whisperings of intuitive information. Thanks to this inner compass of knowing, you can always sense which choice feels right. You can always tell when your life is running on plan, and you can tell equally well if you'vebecome temporarily distracted from your plan. You always have the means to be right on course, or get back on course, and explore the fascinating themes that make up your life plan.
The most productive use of free will is to explore your true potential within the themes of your life, thus gaining the greatest possible experience from your life plan.
Destiny is an influence that comes from your inner plan. There is nothing absolute about your destiny. It's a pressure which constantly seeks the best route to unfold into manifestation.
Free will provides the means to manifest that destiny in a way that provides the learning that you came here to acquire in this life.
Destiny is variable. It adapts to the circumstances of your life every second of the day. As destiny unfolds, you feel it within as a sense of being a part of the flow of life, of manifesting your potential in the way that you planned for this day and that you planned for this life.
Destiny is the plan. Free will is the action. Experience is the result.
That's what being human is all about.
This article was written by Owen Waters, author of "The Shift: The Revolution in Human Consciousness"
Available in hardcover or via immediate download at: http://www.infinitebeing.com/theshift
The Celtic Zodiac is based on the cycle of the moon
with the year divided into 13 lunar months, each
associated with a tree sacred to the Druids. The Druids
believed the human race originally descended from
the trees. Each tree had particular magical qualities.
They encoded these mysteries in a secret shamanic
alphabet, known as the Ogham, the origin of which is
ascribed to Ogma, the Celtic God of Poetry. The 13 trees -
months each correspond to a tree, a letter of the Ogham
alphabet, a Guardian Animal and a Celtic God.
The Birch Tree - 24 December - 20 January - To the druids, the Birch represented renewal and rebirth, as it was the first tree in leaf after winter. Birch people are determined, resilient and ambitious. Good organizers, leaders and strategists. Are not deterred by setbacks, believing hard work, patience and persistence will triumph. They are loyal but reserved in showing affection.
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 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 intelligent, persuasive speakers, enthusiastic, inquisitive and communicative. They love discussing new ideas and projects.
The Alder Tree - 18 March - 14 April - Alder resists rot in water and was used to make bridges, boats, clog 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 determined 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 Willow 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 Hawthorn Tree - 13 May - 9 June - Hawthorn, or May, was a symbol of psychic protection due to its sharp thorns. Fairy 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 Oak Tree -10 June - 7 July - The Oak was the sacred tree of the Druids, symbolizing 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 Holly Tree - 8 July - 4 August - When Celtic Chieftains chose a successor; he was crowned with a Holly wreath. The evergreen 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 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 Vine Tree - 2 September - 29 September - The Grapevine requires care to bare 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 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, sociable 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 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 symbolized 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 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
Celtic Tree Lore
Pagan News ~ Witch School
The Wild Hunt Blog ~ A Modern Pagan Perspective
www.wildhunt .org
Closing Schools, Meth, and Witchcraft
The Chicago Tribune takes a closer look at Witch School's
recent move to Rossville, IL and finds a troubled town
deeply unhappy with its new Pagan neighbors.
"Things were already going downhill in this small
farming community when the witches arrived. Area
factories had shut down. So had the local high school.
A suspicious fire had gutted much of the downtown.
The use of methamphetamine was destroying families.
So when a group of Wiccans from out of town moved into a storefront this summer and erected a sign advertising "Witch School," it was only a matter of time before alarm bells sounded and tempers started to boil in this village of 1,200, about 125 miles south of Chicago near the Indiana border."
It seems that anti-Witch canvassing, regular prayer meetings, and even an anti-Pagan billboard reading "Worship the Creator not Creation" have all emerged since Witch School's move here from Hoopeston with dreams of building a new "Salem" in the Midwest. But it may not be the Salem they were hoping for.
"'Remember the Salem witch trials?' resident Adam Marganski said. 'That's what is happening here.' ... more than 150 people filed into the shuttered high school Wednesday night for the meeting, Andy Thomas, youth minister at the Rossville Church of Christ, said residents had a spiritual responsibility to drive the witches out. If they didn't, he said, young people were in danger of being pulled off the Christian path ... 'They're trying to make us scapegoats,' [Don Lewis] said as he slipped into the meeting unannounced."
On Wednesday, another meeting was held concerning the "Witch problem" featuring speaker Robert Kurka. While Kurka presented a message of tolerance instead of hostility, this new truce seems fragile at best.
"When the meeting was over, many of the opponents appeared calmed. They vowed to turn down their anger and increase their prayers. Lewis was pleasantly surprised. "It seemed like he was trying to uphold the peace," he said. But it was unclear how long the peace would last. When a local pastor approached Lewis shortly after to say he would pray for him, the exchange between the two men quickly heated up. It looked as if a fistfight might break out. Then Lewis decided Kurka was right. He turned and walked away."
It remains to be seen if something like Witch School can survive in a small Christian town already troubled by economic and social problems. While tolerance should be practiced (and enforced) on all sides, one has to wonder if such ingrained hostility will ever allow the enterprise to truly flourish.
