Eclectic
This set of entries will consider this form of celtic writing and the tight connection between the individual letters and various trees in the celtic experience.
The Fir (Ailm) has been important to humans for eons. To the Celts it stood for resilience, honesty and truth. It may have acquired these associations because it can withstand extreme conditions all the while standing tall and true.
The Ogham symbol for Ailm (Fir) is a bar with a slash through it and corresponds to “A” in the English alphabet (see accompanying image).
`
The birch tree represents beginning, renewal, and youth. This is probably due to the fact that Birch trees are the first to establish themselves in new areas…areas in which other trees cannot grow. Folklore holds that Celts would not cut down birch trees even if they were sorely needed for firewood or shelter.
Ogham script (an early form of writing developed by the Druids….Celtic priests) was intimately tied to trees. The Ogham symbol linked with the Birch tree (Beith) appears below, the English equivalent is “B”.
As might be expected, the Apple tree (Ceirt) is/was held in high regard by the Celts. Its delicate, fragrant spring blossoms lifts/lifted spirits and was a sign of beauty/love. The fruit is/was thought to help transport one into the spiritual realm. This is/was particularly true when cider was allowed to ferment and the “hard” cider consumed.
The Ogham symbol for Ceirt appears below. It translates as “Q” in English.
The oak tree is/was greatly revered by the Celts for its nobility, strength, and stability.
The Ogham symbol associated with the oak tree appears in the accompanying graphic. The Ogham name for oak was Dair. Thus, this symbol represents “D” in Ogham script.
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.
The Ogham symbol for F (standing for Fern or as indicated above Alder) appears in the accompanying graphic.
Edad (Aspen) stands for transition and vision. Its ever-changing leaf pattern tends to capture your attention/imagination. Celts believed Aspens could help you move into a higher plane of consciousness…a means to get in touch with the cosmos if you will.
The Ogham symbol for Edad (Aspen) appears in the accompanying graphic. It translates as an “E” in the English language.
Ivy (Gort to the Celts) is a hardy vine. It withstands harsh conditions and will often regrow when cut back severely. It was a sign of friendship to the Celts. Its interwoven pattern likened to the many twists/turns of friendship, the need to rely on one another, to trust one another, and to appreciate differences. The five pointed leaves were seen by some as representative of the 4 seasons with the fifth being the harmony between the seasons.
The Ogham symbol for “G” (Gort or Ivy in English) appears below. In addition to representing “G” in writing, it carries with it the notion of friendship and harmony.
The Idad (Yew) tends to be a solitary tree and can live for thousands of years. To the Celts, Idad’s longevity was associated with wisdom and introspection.
The Ogham symbol for Idad (Yew) appears in the accompanying illustration. It translates as an “I” in English.
The Hawthorn (Huath to the Celts) with its beautiful white spring blossoms and unpleasant smell is a study in contrast. It has beautiful blossoms and seems delicate from a distance, but anyone trying to pass through a Hawthorn thicket knows its thorns are far from delicate. The Celts used the Hawthorn for medicinal purposes but also felt it was a bad omen to bring the plant indoors (some say the blossoms smell like decaying flesh). Thus, the bush is a symbol of duality (life/death).
In Ireland, it is considered to be a Fairy Tree and thought to be very bad luck to cut one down. They even reroute highways to avoid disturbing a Fairy Tree!
In Ogham writing the Hawthorn (Huath) translates as the letter “H”. The Ogham symbol for Huath is in the accompanying illustration.
Vines (Muin) with their interlocking stocks were signs of interconnectedness, eternity, and diversity to the Celts (by the way the ancient Celts viewed any plants with woody stocks as Trees and this particular Vine was probably the blackberry).
The Ogham symbol for “M” (Muin) in our alphabet appears in the accompanying graphic. Messages starting with this letter conveys a sense of connectedness and perhaps protection (the thorns on blackberries) depending upon the context.
