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Magick Mondays - Celtic Tree Astrology

Magick Mondays - Celtic Tree Astrology Celtic Astrology was created around 1000 BC by the Druids. The Druid beliefs were based on 3 basic Principles: To remember their ancestors and the past To have an understanding of nature so that they could work with it, not against it To explore the connection of everyday reality with that of the spiritual realm In Celtic astrology, the zodiac is based on the trees that the Druids held sacred trees were sacred to them as they were thought to contain spirits called dryads, as well as infinite knowledge and wisdom. It was thought the trees themselves had personal characteristics that could then be associated with particular months or periods of the year. Celtic Astrology uses the cycle of the moon to create the zodiac. The year is broken into 13 months, each containing 28 days. There is also one extra day, December 23, that is called the Nameless Day. Each month is associated with a different tree, making 13 Celtic zodiac signs. BIRCH - THE ACHIEVER (December 24th - January 20th) The Birch once fulfilled many purposes...from providing handles for brooms and axes to the manufacture of cloth and childrens' cradles. It is particularly well-known for its use in making writing parchment and oil from the bark was often used to treat skin conditions and depression. People were once "birched" in order to drive out evil spirits, while twigs were given to newlyweds to ensure fertility. Witches would use Birch twigs bound with Ash for their broomsticks or "besoms." A person who is highly Driven and quite often will motivate others, making you Tolerant, Tough and Resilient. ROWAN - THE THINKER (January 21st - February 17th) Rowan trees were planted near doors and gates to ward off evil influences and branches were attached to barns in order that the cattle housed inside would be protected from misfortune. This tree was also believed to guard the gateway to the spirit world and its boughs often used for dowsing and deflecting spells. The Rowan is sometimes called the "Whispering Tree" and ancient legend tells that it has secrets to reveal to those who would but listen. A person with a keen mind and of great influence, cool and calm on the outside but burning with passion and ideals. ASH - THE ENCHANTER (February 18th - March 17th) The Ash was a sacred chieftain tree, believed to "court the flash" since it was prone to be struck by lightning. The wood of the Ash was thought to be enchanted and was used by the Druids to fashion wands and spears. Its twigs were placed in circles as a protection from snakes, while witches would use the timber as handles for their broomsticks. A person who is free thinking imaginative and naturally quite artistic, inspired easily by nature and in a constant state of self renewal. ALDER - THE TRAILBLAZER ( March 18th - April 14th) The Alder was believed by the Druids to link both male and female principles, thus helping to create a balance between the two within each individual. It is also associated with courage and represents the evolving spirit. Considered to be a tree of death and resurrection, it may have been used (along with the Poplar) in the fe rod which was kept in pre-Christian cemeteries for the measuring of graves and corpses. A person filled with fiery passion, motivated by results and achievements, having a great deal of self confidence and self faith. WILLOW - THE OBSERVER (April 15th - May 12th) The Willow symbolizes the female and rhythms of the circle. This tree was sacred to the Moon and, in Celtic lore, the Universe was hatched from two crimson serpent eggs (which contained the Sun and the Earth) hidden among the boughs of the Willow. Hens' eggs were later substituted for those of the serpent and symbolically eaten as part of the Beltane feasting. A person of great intelligence and creativity, having a clear and realistic perspective of things and understanding of life cycles. HAWTHORN - THE ILLUSIONIST (May 13th - June 9th) The Hawthorn was a symbol of psychic protection due to its sharp thorns. It was also generally seen as a tree which brought good luck to the owner and prosperity to the land upon which it stood. It belongs to the trilogy of sacred Irish trees (the other two being the Oak and the Ash). Faery spirits were believed to dwell in Hawthorn hedges, which were planted as protective shrubs around fields, houses and churchyards. A person being a natural listener with great interest in many topics, a healthy sense of humour with a great insight into life. OAK - THE STABILISER (June 10th - July 7th) The Oak was the principal sacred tree of the Druids, symbolizing truth and steadfast knowledge as well as the turning of the year. During this time, Druids would carve a circle in the tree for protection against lightning. The Oak was representative of the trials that individuals experience in life while changing and becoming who they were meant to be. This tree represented the soul which, in Celtic terms, was the "Eye of God." Doors made of Oak were believed to keep out evil. A person of nurturing qualities being generous and helpful, giving off an easy confidence and a natural assumption of positive outcomes and that things will work out. HOLLY - THE RULER (July 8th - August 4th) Despite its prickly leaves (which afford protection to the tree during Winter), the Holly offered empathy and understanding within its branches and was often associated with goodwill and love...virtues of certain Gods and Godesses. For this reason, it was frequently planted near homes for protection and to ward off evil, psychic attacks and demons. When Celtic chieftains chose a successor, that successor was crowned with a Holly wreath and branches of the tree were carried by Celtic men for good luck. A person being noble and high minded, willing to take on the role of leadership, confident your abilities will work and being generous and kind. HAZEL - THE KNOWER (August 5th - September 1st) The Hazel was considered to be the Tree of Wisdom and to fell one was once a crime punishable by death. It was believed that magickal skills and knowledge could be gained from eating Hazel nuts, which are the emblems of concentrated wisdom. In Irish folklore, the Hazel tree was the home of Bile Ratha, the poetic fairy. The Hazel is also strongly associated with mediation and meditation. A person of great intelligence, well organised and efficient, naturally gifted in academia and studies, with a great eye for detail VINE - THE EQUALISER (September 2nd - September 29th) Sacred to the deities, grapes were (and are still) used in the making of wine, allowing those who indulge to speak with truth...at least as they perceive it to be...and to release inhibitions. Wine was also once used to stimulate prophecy in the seers by allowing such sages to reach deep within their inner selves, with intuition acting as their guide. A person with great refinement and distinctive taste, both charming and elegant with a classical style and poise IVY - THE SURVIVIOR (September 30th - October 27th) Ivy has been known to strangle trees and was once a portent of death and spiritual growth. Being evergreen in nature, the Ivy represented the perennial aspects of the human psyche. The Celts associated Ivy with their Lunar Goddess, Arianrhod, and their ritual to this deity marked the opening of the portal to the OtherWorld. This door symbolized an entrance to the Realm of Faery A person of sharp intellect and great loyalty and compassion towards others, you endure the troubling times through silence REED - THE INQUISITOR (October 28th - November 24th) The Druids believed the Reed to be a tree because of its dense system of roots. Cut reeds were used as pens and symbolized wisdom and scholarship. Identified with the submerged or hidden Dryad, the Reed was representative of the mysteries of death. It was associated with being both a saviour and a custodian as well as a symbol of royalty. It was used in the making of instruments such as flutes and pipes. A person who digs deep to find the truth hidden between layers of distraction, a strong sense of truth and honour. ELDER - THE SEEKER (November 25th - December 23rd) To the Celts, the Elder was the symbol of both death and rebirth. Its twigs were said to enable the wearer to see spirits and experience visions. Justice was dispensed by the Druids beneath this tree and in some parts of Europe, this tree was once generally regarded as an ally of witches. For many generations, it was thought to be unlucky to burn Elder and an omen of death to bring it indoors. In addition, it was also believed that anyone who cut the wood of this tree risked being turned into stone. A person who is freedom loving, Lives life on the wild side but is equally deeply philosophical and thoughtful, always there to offer help.


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