Eclectic
Gorse (Onn) is an early blooming bush (tree to the Celts). It is a sign that winter is on its way out and the growing season about to begin. In the blooming stage, it is often swarming with bees because it is one of the few sources of nectar at that time of year. These things did not go unnoticed by the Celts. The bush was a sign of renewal and energy…a time to get on with it.
The Ogham sign for Onn (Gorse) appears in the accompanying graphic. It is equivalent to “O” in the English alphabet.
The Ash (Nion in Gaelic) can grow to great heights (200 feet or more). To sustain that height, an Ash tree must have a massive root system. To the Celts, the tree is/was related to the need to be well grounded in order to seek spiritual enlightenment. Wood from the ash burns with great intensity helping Celts in a variety of ways. Its massive size is comforting in a certain sense and may be why the Ash is a symbol of protection…especially for children.
The N for Nion (Ash) in Ogham script appears in the accompanying illustration. As we work our way through the 20 letters in the Ogham alphabet, one gets a sense of how these characters are linked to the trees they are associated with. When a reference to the Ash appears in a story for instance, one might expect a need for protection to arise in subsequent sections of the story.
The Willow (Sail) is a tree of consequence to Celts. To them, the ever shifting branches gives/gave the willow quite different qualities than other trees. Such shifting patterns suggest change and difference. Thus, Sail is/was associated with imagination and thought to enhance psychic properties.
The willow or Sail is associated with the English letter “S” in Ogham script. It bears the characteristics noted above and is shown in the accompanying graphic.
