The Druids, who were the Celtic religious leaders, developed a tree alphabet called the Ogham (pronounced owam). Thirteen of the trees used as symbols in the tree alphabet were selected as totems for astrology and symbolised the characteristics of people born during that time. There are 13 symbols because the Celts worked to the moon rather than the sun and there are 13 full moons in a year.

INDIVIDUAL CELTIC ASTROLOGY

NGETAL, the Reed, is the symbol for people born between 28 October [an Damhair] and 24 November [an t-Samhainn]. Those born in Reed must unite a sense of purpose with their strong will or they can become self-destructive. Their personality opposites are Adaptable/Indecisive. Reed people are proud, surprisingly independent and will rarely compromise. Their complex personality traits include tenacity and fearlessness, and they can show great strength of character. They have an innate belief in their own destiny, and enjoy meeting challenges. The tarot equivalent for this time is the Wheel of Fortune. The traditional Zodiac association is Scorpio and Sagittarius. The Element is Air. The planet of influence is Pluto. The animal symbol for Reed is dog. The dog, or hound, is one of the Celt’s totem animals; a blend of loyal servant, guardian of the house and fierce battle companion. Hound was a title of honour for Celtic chieftains as the dog symbolised enduring loyalty. In the Gaelic the word for dog is “cu”, and name of the greatest hero of Ulster, Cuchulain, actually means hound of Culain or hound of the king. The hound is particularly sacred to the Triple Goddess of the Celts, for the hound is the animal chosen to guard her Mysteries. For this reason, dogs are often featured on Celtic knotwork. If you are born under this sign you have secret strengths, as well as secret motivations. Use your detective abilities wisely.

RUIS, the Elder tree, is the symbol for people born between 25 November [an t-Samhainn] and 23 December [an Dubhlachd]. Elder people are energetic, self-sufficient, impetuous and outspoken. They prefer change to routine, and refuse to be pressured by other people’s desires. They need constant challenge on every level; intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically. The personality opposites for this sign are Intelligent /Unfortunate. The tarot equivalent is the Hanged Man. The traditional Zodiac association is Sagittarius and Capricorn. The planet of influence is Saturn. The Element is Earth. The animal symbol for those born in Elder is the raven. The raven symbolises healing and protection. Elders should look to the raven to learn to how to use change as a positive force in their lives or they can become reckless and confused. Those born under this sign are able to live and prosper under any conditions. You live many lives during your time here and will carry memories into every venture. You are a gypsy and a student gathering experience and knowledge to eventually become a great teacher.

BEITH, or the Birch Tree, is the symbol for those born between 24 December [an Dubhlachd] and 20 January [am Faoilleach]. The Sun is their planet of influence. The personality opposites for this sign are Happy/Immature. The tarot equivalent is the Star. The traditional Zodiac Association is Capricorn. The personality for this sign is renewal. The Birch represented renewal and rebirth as it was the first tree in leaf after winter. Good organisers, leaders and strategists, Birch people are not deterred by misfortune. They have a firm belief in their own ability, and believe that patience and hard work will triumph. Although Birch people don’t often show affection, they are loyal to their selected friends. The animal for Beith people is the white stag, which symbolises high ideals and aspirations. The stag brings the qualities of grace, majesty and integrity. Birch people need a goal in life or they may become depressed and pessimistic. According to Welsh tradition, the stag is one of the five oldest animals in the world; one of the five totem animals that are central to British tradition. He carries on his back not only Merlin, but the King of Faery. The gift, quality or ability for this sign is sensitivity to the otherworld, shape-shifting, journeying, and connecting to the element of Earth. You have unwavering inner strength and gladly lend support to those who rely on you. Purity of thought and a knack for realistic evaluation and quiet determination are also associated with this tree sign.

LUIS, the Rowan tree, is the symbol for people born between 21 January [am Faoilleach] and 17 February [an Gearran]. The Rowan is a tree of high magic, from which potent charms are made. Necklaces of rowan berries with red thread were worn for protection by Highland women. Rowans were planted near doors and gates to ward off evil and were thought to guard the gateway to the spirit world. The personality opposites for Rowan are Spiritual/Fanatical. Aloof, detached Rowan people are secretly idealistic, progressive thinkers with strong spiritual principles. They are original thinkers, impatient with restrictions and enjoy change. The Tarot equivalent is the Hierophant. Their planet of influence is Uranus. The traditional Zodiac association for this sign is Aquarius. The animal symbol is the dragon. The dragon symbolises inspiration and imagination. Rowans need an outlet for their powerful imagination or they can become restless and quarrelsome. The Gaelic word for the Rowan is the letter L-Luis, which also means flame, hand, branch, mantle or pure. This can then be traced to the Rowan’s close association with the goddess Brigid. The Festival of Bride falls on the eve of 1st February, and is one of the cycle of festivals celebrated by the Celts. The time of Brigid, the Goddess of Fertility and Inspiration, is the celebration of the fire of illumination, the impulse of inspiration, of healing and creative energy. Brigid was the daughter of the Dagda, called “the poetess” She was also known as the triple goddess of Fire, Poetry and the Forge. You use your intuition and higher understanding to enchant and protect. Quite often you are seen as unusual by others, mainly due to your ability to envision the future.

NUIN, the Ash tree, influences not only people born between the 18 February [an Gearran] and 17 March [am Mart], but also healing, transformation and life energy. 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 to make Druidic wands and spears. Traditional Zodiac associations for people born in this time are Aquarius and Pisces. The Tarot equivalent is the World. The personality opposites are Charm/Egocentricity. The planet of influence is Neptune. The gift or ability of this sign is Healing and Creativity. The personality for this sign is enthusiasm, inquisitiveness, and spontaneity. The quick-witted and gregarious Ash people need to focus their mental abilities or they can become nervous and irritable. With their lively curiousity and intelligent, persuasive communication style, they love discussing new ideas and projects. Their animal symbol is the Adder, which symbolises healing, transformation and life energy. Welsh bards referred to the Druids as Naddred, or adders, and it is possible that the story of St Patrick ridding Ireland of snakes refers to the Druids. The adder is poisonous and yet speaks of the mystery of death and rebirth, and of the soul’s journey through from this world to the next and back again. Born under this sign are those who have a knowing of the connection between ourselves, our planet, and our universe. You feel the pain and joys of all living creatures, which makes you most compassionate.

FEARN, The Alder Tree, is the Celtic sign for those born between 18 March [am Mart] and 14 April [an Giblean]. While Fearn is the Gaelic word for the Alder tree, it can also mean a shield offering protection against negative emotions. Alder was widely used for making milk pails to protect the milk from souring. It is also one of the nine sacred woods used to kindle the Beltaine fire, although it is a poor fuel tree giving off little more than smouldering smoke. However, it does give one of the finest grades of charcoal. The personality for those born in Fearn is that of courage, energy and impetuosity. Self-reliant Fearns make their own way in the world, love taking risks and work stubbornly. They make many loyal friends through their affectionate and charming nature. The Element for Fearn is Fire. Their rank is Chieftain. Personality opposites for Fearn people are Ambitious/Impulsive. The Tarot equivalent of this sign is Strength, and the traditional Zodiac associations are Pisces and Aries. The planet of influence is Mars. The Deity for this sign is Bran the Blessed, the God of the Spirit World. The animal for Fearn is Fox, which symbolises skill in diplomacy. If you are born under this sign, you have tremendous courage and power to win in disputes. This art is more necessary for Fearn people than others because those born in Fearn may waste energy trying to win unwinnable disputes.

SAILLE, or the Willow, is the tree of influence for those born between 15 April [an Giblean] and 12 May [an Ceitean]. The Willow tree is sacred to the Moon. People born in this time find that the Moon is also their planet of influence, and their Tarot equivalent is also the Moon. This triple Moon influence makes these people extremely intuitive, with an inner knowledge that is often beyond rational explanation. The Element for these people is Water. Their rank is a Chieftain. Their personality opposites are Wise/Bitter. The traditional Zodiac association is Aries and Taurus. Their animal is the Hare, which symbolises adaptation and intuition. Those people born in Willow must learn to trust their intuition or they can become capricious and irresolute. This sign’s personality is both emotional and enigmatic. Willow people have excellent memories, and are both shrewd and practical. Their strong will can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness. They mellow this trait with resourcefulness, quick responses, sudden mood changes and endearing loyalty. Willows often surprise even their closest friends with the brilliance of their extraordinary inventions. If you are born under this sign you are an instinctive creature, reacting to gut responses rather than intellectual information. Be careful of the rhythm of your moods and pay close attention to your dreams - they will help you navigate through life.

HUATHA, The Hawthorn Tree, governs those born between 13 May [an Ceitean] and 9 June [an t-Ogmios]. The Personality for this sign is that of a naturally charming, articulate and gifted player of the game of life. Hawthorn people are confident and creative. They are mercurial innovators who become easily bored when they don’t achieve the stimulation and challenge they seek as quickly as they desire. The Element for Hawthorn people is Fire. Their personality opposites are Passionate/Ruthless. The Tarot equivalent for this sign is Judgement. Traditional Zodiac Associations are Taurus and Gemini. The Planet of Influence is Vulcan. Their animal symbol is Owl which reminds Hawthorn people of their special need to cultivate wisdom and patience. This virtue is so necessary to Hawthorns because their tendency to act impetuously without thinking can ruin their best ideas. If you are born under this sign you have an innate understanding of the importance of process and the necessity for change.

DUIR, or the Oak, is influenced by the planet Jupiter and is the Celtic sign for people born between 10 June [an t-Ogmios] and 7 July [an t-Iuchar]. Oak was an important symbol in Druidic lore, as it is strong, tall and very long-lived. The personality opposites for this sign are fatherly/dominating. The traditional Zodiac association is Gemini and Cancer. The tarot equivalent is the Emperor. Their rank is Chieftain. The Element for this sign is Fire. The animal symbol is the wren, the Celtic king of birds, which symbolises wit and subtlety. Those born in this sign need to learn how to temper pride with humour or they may become pompous and overbearing. 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 they can be very serious, they are also cheerful and optimistic and do not give up easily. Those born under this sign have strength of character and purpose to endure, no matter what challenges. Direct your energies wisely.

TINNE, or the Holly tree, governs the time between 8 July [an t-Iuchar] and 4 August [an Lunasdal]. The Element for people born in Tinne is Fire. Their planet of influence is Earth. The traditional Zodiac association for this birthday is Cancer or Leo. Their personality opposites are Determined/Insensitive. The Tarot equivalent is The Chariot. The animal symbol for those born in Holly is the Unicorn. The unicorn is perfection, promising both purity and strength. Hollies should learn not to demand perfection of themselves, or they may lose both direction and confidence. The Holly personality is logical, cautious and efficient. Although they have good business sense, Hollies would rather follow than lead. They are practical and steadfast in life, as well as being protective and supportive of those they care most about. They can also be possessive. Those born under this sign have a strong connection with the Earth and possess amazing physical strength. Your matter-of-fact solidness and generous spirit are respected and admired by others.

COLL (Hazel) - Mercury is the planet of influence for Coll, the Hazel tree. People born between 5 August [an Lunasdal] and 1 September [an t-Sultainn] resonate to this planet. Their personality opposites are Generous/Deceptive. The traditional Zodiac association is Leo and Virgo. The tarot equivalent is the High Priestess. The animal totem is the salmon. To the Celts, the salmon is the eldest and wisest animal, symbolising inspiration. People born to the Hazel tree need to express their creativity or they can become morbid and introspective. Hazel people are lively intellectuals. They are both perceptive and artistic. Their imagination and intelligence leads them to radical paths; their idealism helps them to teach others well. Born under this sign, you are wise and have the ability to communicate ideas, making you capable of transforming the thoughts and opinions of others.

MUIN, the Vine, is the tree symbol for people born between 2 September [an t-Sultainn] and 29 September. The vine needs loving care to bear fruit in the cool Celtic climates and so became a symbol of hidden knowledge and spiritual initiation. Vines must overcome a tendency to procrastinate or they can become lost in worry and negativity. Their personality opposites are Sympathetic/Dependent. The tarot equivalent for Muin is the Lovers. The traditional Zodiac equivalent is Virgo and Libra. The animal totem for this time is the swan, which symbolises grace and beauty. Vine people set high personal standards for themselves, and unfortunately sometimes for others as well. They are very discriminating due to their attention to detail and refined taste, and while they appear cool and detached on the surface they are secret romantics. While they are keenly perceptive, they can often be too self-critical. Venus is the planet of influence for this birth sign. The element is Water. Those born under this sign are natural socializers, with keen abilities to restore balance to all situations. You are instinctive and amazingly perceptive.

GORT (Ivy) - Persephone is the planet of influence for Gort which governs people born between 30 September [an t-Suiltainn] and 27 October. Their personality opposites are Ambitious /Lazy. The animal symbol for these people is butterfly. The butterfly symbolises Faerie faith, and reminds those born in this time to live their own lives and not to become too touched by the problems of others. Ivy people can become very disappointed and disillusioned by their friends, when their expectations are not met. Ivy people are always in motion, like their symbol the butterfly. They dislike antagonising other people, and are extremely sociable and happy creatures. Their intrinsic good nature helps them to make friends easily. Even though they can be cautious and deliberate over decisions, they are not weak and take on big responsibilities with cheerful optimism. The traditional Zodiac association is Libra and Scorpio. The tarot equivalent is Justice. The Element for Ivy people is Earth. If you are born under this sign your abilities further your personal goals and your personal causes. Be sure to use this talent productively.

Here’s a quick checklist of planetary affiliations for both Celtic and Western Astrology, so you may check how your planetary affiliation changes. For instance, if you were born in early August, you’ll find that your Celtic sign of Tinne is influenced by Earth, while your Western Zodiac planetary influence is regarded as Sun for Leo.