The Ogham Please be aware that this information is offered for your interest only. Please use your common sense and consult an objective, qualified professional rather than self-diagnose if you need a remedy.
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Beith (Birch) |
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Birch trees have thin papery bark that peels easily; so easily that birds use it to build their nests. Birch leaf or Birch twig tea is a laxative, used for mouth sores, kidney and bladder problems, and gout. The tea also helps to ease rheumatic pains. In the last century scientists discovered that betulinic acid found in birch sap has anti-tumour properties that help fight cancer. Dry distillation of fresh birch wood gives tar, which can be used as an ointment for skin irritations. The leaves should be gathered in spring, and the oil is best tapped at the end of winter. In Ireland, the first Ogham symbol was said to have been written on a switch of Birch, which is why the Birch tree got its nickname as the tree of teaching. The Celts also associated the Birch with love and called her Lady of the Woods, Paper Birch and White Birch. Many love poems were written about the Birch. To call love, carefully gather fallen strips of the bark at the New Moon. With red ink, write on a birch strip: Bring me true love and burn this along with a love incense, saying Goddess of love, God of desire, bring to me sweet passion's fire. Remember-- It is unwise to use this incantation and ritual directed toward a specific person as that would violate the rule of non-interference in another's true path. If a love is to come to you, it must be of that person's free will to do so. The Birch is associated with cleanliness and determination in overcoming adversity. This is good medicine to use when you want to make fresh starts and rid yourself of bad influences.
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Luis (the Rowan) |
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Rowans are small, sturdy trees with leaves containing nine to seventeen leaflets. In Spring Rowans give clusters of white flowers. Red rowan berries are bitter, astringent, and very high in Vitamin C. They should be picked just after the first frost when their colour has deepened. They are a mild purgative, diuretic and general tonic, and useful in the treatment of constipation and kidney disorders. One of the sugars in the fruit is used in cases of glaucoma, and sorbose, a sweetening agent for diabetics, is made from Rowan berries. Rowan berries may be added to ales and cordials. A syrup for coughs and colds made from rowan berries, apples, and honey is an old Scottish recipe. The Gaelic for Rowan, Luis, also means flame, hand, branch, mantle or pure which is why the Rowan is associated closely with the Irish goddess, Brigid or Bride and is sacred to the Druids. Rowan is hung over barns and byres to protect against evil influences, and in traditional teachings Rowan guards the gateway to the spirit world. Rowan could also protect against lightening strike. Also known as Mountain Ash, Witchwood and Sorb Apple, Rowan is well known to protect against enchantment and beguiling, which is why Rowan branches are also used to carve Omen Sticks. Rowan wands are useful for knowledge, locating metal and general divination.
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Fearn (the Alder tree)
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Fearn is a small tree that thrives in damp areas such as wetlands and river banks. The drooping flower spikes develop into little cones, like tiny pine cones. Alder bark can be simmered in water to make a healing wash for deep wounds. It is astringent and will help to pull the edges of a wound together. The leaves and bark can be made into a tea that will help attacks of tonsillitis and fever. The leaves can be used in a poultice to dry up breast milk. Alder bark tea can be used as a douche or for haemorrhoids. Fresh sap can be applied to any area to relieve itching. Fearn was one of the nine sacred woods used to kindle the Beltaine fire. Fearn can also mean a shield offering protection against negative emotions. This tree was sacred to the Druids. Alders can also be used to make pipes; the pith is easily pushed out of green shoots to make whistles, then bind several pipes together to produce the note you need to entice the Air elementals. Bran the Blessed is the God associated with this tree. Alder is a tree used for spiritual protection and also for prophecy.
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Saille (the Willow)
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Willows are water-loving trees with slender flexible twigs and long, narrow, leaves. In early spring, willows bloom with golden flower spikes that mature into small seed capsules in late summer. The Willow is sacred to the Moon, and Celtic myth says that the universe was hatched from two crimson serpent's eggs which had been hidden in a willow tree. All willow barks have salicylic acid, which is a natural form of aspirin. Willow bark tea treats muscle pain and inflammation, diarrhoea, fever, arthritic pain, and headache. Used externally it makes a wash for cuts, ulcers, and poison ivy. Willow bark in teas and capsules is sedative and eases insomnia. Willow reduces the risk of heart disease and may delay cataract formation. Also known as White Willow, Tree of Enchantment and Witches' Aspirin and one of the seven sacred trees of the Irish, a Druid sacred Tree. Priests, priestesses and artisans sat among these trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills and prophecies. For a wish to be granted ask permission of the willow, explaining your desire. Select a pliable shoot and tie a loose knot in it while expressing what you want. When the wish is fulfilled return and untie the knot. Remember to thank the willow and leave a gift. Time of influence: April/May |
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Nuin (the Ash tree)
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The Ash is a tall tree with multiple leaves made up of five to eleven smaller leaves. It has a tightly furrowed bark and elongated, oval clusters of seeds which turn brown and drop in the autumn. Both the bark and leaves of Ash are mildly laxative and diuretic. An infusion of Ash was used to regulate bowel movements, to expel intestinal parasites, to reduce fever, to treat kidney and urinary infections and to ease rheumatic and gout pains. Externally the leaves were used in compresses or in the bath to treat open wounds that are difficult to heal. The leaves are best gathered in summer and the bark in spring. In Norse mythology, the World Tree was a giant Ash, and three Ash trees were among the five magical trees chosen by Fintan to plant in Ireland. The Ash represents the warrior in us all, and reminds us of our need for strength and self-discipline. The Ash reminds us that we are responsible for our own lives and must act according to our own beliefs, even when we are under threat. Druid wands were often made of ash because of its straight grain. Ash wands are good for healing and for general magic. Put fresh Ash leaves under your pillow to encourage psychic dreams. Ash helps us to link the earthly and spiritual; yourself and your universe; lowest to highest. Ash is also used for meditation and astral travel.
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Huatha (the Hawthorn)
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Hawthorn is a small, round tree with thorns and edible red fruits. The fall berries and spring new leaves and flowers make a cardiac tonic that benefits virtually all heart conditions. Be aware: prolonged use will cause the blood pressure to drop. Use it for a few weeks and then take a week off to prevent a quick drop in blood pressure and always check with your doctor before changing your medication. Use caution when combining this herb with other heart medications to prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure. If your doctor recommends a hawthorn regime, eat fresh raw garlic as well for maximum benefit {Garlic provides extra cleansing of plaque in the blood vessels}. The sharp-thorned Hawthorn is known to be a symbol of psychic protection. In the northern hemisphere, Hawthorn was in blossom for Beltaine, the Celtic fire festival celebrating the time of the Rising of the Sun and the Running of the Deer. Fairies live in Hawthorn, and Hawthorn hedges were planted around fields, houses and churchyards for protection. Also known as May Tree and White Thorn. Wands made of this wood have great power and the blossoms are highly erotic to mankind. Hawthorn can be used for protection, love and marriage spells. This tree is best used for cleansing and chastity; Hawthorn brings protection from the inner magical realms.
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Duir (Oak) |
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Oaks are large trees whose fruit is the acorn. The best oak for internal use is white oak, though all oaks are valuable as external washes. The tannins in oak bark and leaves are useful to pull the edges of a wound together because Oak is antiseptic and antiviral. Oak infusions from the leaf or the bark may be used by women as a douche for vaginitis. White Oak bark tea is used for chronic diarrhoea, chronic mucus discharges, and piles. It makes a gargle for sore throats and washes for skin problems such as poison ivy, burn and wounds. Be aware: Prolonged ingestion of oak is potentially harmful. Oak was an important symbol in Druidic lore as it is strong, tall and very long-lived. The Oak was one of the sacred trees, symbolising truth and steadfast knowledge. Doors were often made of Oak to keep out evil. The oak is the "King of Trees" and is been considered sacred by just about every culture. The Celts held the oak in particular esteem because of its size, longevity, and nutritious acorns. Wands are made of its wood. Acorns gathered at night held the greatest fertility powers. For divination, listen for messages from to the rustling oak leaves and the wrens in the tree. Burning oak leaves purifies the atmosphere. Oak can be used in spells for protection, strength, success and stability. Oak medicine is best when used for securing your pursuits, protecting you until you reach your goals. It is essential protection for those less able and weaker, who require security in order to strengthen their characters.
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Tinne (Holly)
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English holly or European holly is a familiar evergreen usually seen as decoration at Northern Hemisphere Yule. This is the holly of Christmas cards with spiny, oval leaves and bright red glistening berries. Holly leaves can be used as a tea substitute and in infusions for coughs, colds and flu. Be aware: The berries of all holly varieties are strongly purgative. When Celtic chieftains were chosen by the tribe, their first crown was a Holly wreath because Holly would repel enemies. Holly looks like ivory because it gives a beautiful white wood with an almost invisible grain. Holly is associated with the death and rebirth symbolism of winter in both Pagan and Christian lore and is important to the Winter Solstice. In Arthurian legend, Gawain (representing the Oak King of Summer) fought the Green Knight, who was armed with a Holly club to represent winter. Holly may be used in spells having to do with sleep or rest, and to ease the passage of death. It was said that a man who carried a bag of Holly leaves and berries would attract the attention of women.
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Coll (the Hazel)
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The Hazel is a small tree with small clusters of two to four round nuts. Hazel nuts benefit the kidneys. Huron herbalists used the bark in poultices for tumours and ulcers. The Iroquois mixed the nut oil with bear grease to make mosquito repellent. The Chippewa used a mixture of hazel root, white oak root, chokecherry bark, and ironwood for bleeding from the lungs. Hazel is the easiest tree to find in Celtic legends. Each tree carries both male and female flowers. It is known as Bile Ratha or “the sacred / venerated tree of the Rath (or the place of the Sidhe or fairies)”. If you need wisdom, you should eat the nuts of the Hazel, and if you are in need of inspiration you should go fishing in a pool using a Hazel rod with a Rowan berry attached to it by a thread. Wands made of this wood are good for healing. Hazel twigs that are forked are traditionally used by dowsers to find hidden sources of water or buried treasure. To enlist the aid of plant fairies, string hazelnuts on a cord and hang up in your house or ritual room. Hazel wood is used to gain knowledge, wisdom and poetic inspiration.
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Quert (the Apple tree)
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As well as being the top left hand letters on a typewriter (go figure!!!), Qwert is the Celtic for the Apple tree. Apples are rich in magnesium, iron, potassium, and Vitamins C, B and B2. Interestingly, when apples are peeled, grated and eaten, they relieve diarrhoea while stewed unpeeled apples are a laxative. Eating apples regularly promotes restful sleep. Baked apples can be applied warm as a poultice for sore throats and fevers. Raw apple cider will restore the correct bacteria to the bowels after a course of antibiotics. Apples reduce acidity in the stomach and help to clean the liver. Add garlic and horseradish to apple cider, use the mixture as a wash externally and take it internally as a drink to clear the skin. The bark of the root of apple trees is used for fevers. In Celtic tradition, the apple is associated with the Otherworld. The woman who guides you to the Lands of Promise and the Isles of Women always carries a sacred Apple Branch. The Mother aspect of the Triple Goddess can often be found in an apple orchard and fairies always knew when a powerful Druid was near, because his approach was heralded by the ringing of silver bells tied to an apple branch. The custom of dooking for apples in water at Samhainn symbolises the fruits of our aspirations; some we achieve, some we don’t. Apple is another tree sacred to the Druids, you can substitute apple cider in any old spells calling for blood or wine. Apple indicates choice, and is useful for love and healing magic when the choice is the one you make between similar but equally attractive things. This is good medicine to use when you are having difficulty in making decisions in your life...whether they are work or relationship oriented.
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Muin (the Vine)
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The vine needs loving care to survive well enough to bear fruit in the colder northern Celtic climates, and so became a symbol of sacred knowledge and spiritual initiation. Muin is used in the development of prophetic powers. Best use is when trying to reach a deeper state of consciousness and when doing healing work on others.
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Gort (the Ivy)
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Ivy can strangle trees and was a sign of death and spiritual growth. Ivy’s circuitous climb represents the search for self in the inner spiral of knowledge. Ivy's ability to cling and to bind outwardly stronger plants made it a symbol of stubborn determination. The maze, spiral or labyrinth is also linked to Ivy, because these symbols also mean the wandering soul, searching for truth. Ivy is a good aid if you are helping others on a spiritual journey. Time of influence: September/October |
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Ngetal (the Reed)
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The Celts believed the Reed was a tree because of its dense root system. Because cut reeds were used as pens, Reeds symbolise wisdom and scholarship. Reed helps create spiritual weapons and gives you direction. Reed is good to use before beginning healing work or working on soul retrievals.
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Straif (the Blackthorn)
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Blackthorn is a winter tree, with white flowers appearing even before its spring leaves. It has nasty thorns and black bark (hence the name) and grows into a thicket. The wood is traditionally used to make the shillelagh and the Druid’s Blasting Stick. Blackthorn indicates strong action of fate or outside influences that must be obeyed in your life. Use Blackthorn during times that seem insurmountable. Blackthorn may help to conquer the problems but should be used with caution and appropriate respect. Be aware: The Gaelic word "straif" has links with the English word "strife".
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Ruis (the Elder) |
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Elders like the damp and are small trees with clusters of white flowers in Spring and purple berries in Autumn. Elderberries are used to make preserves, pies, and wine. Elderberry tea benefits the lungs and the blood. Healing salves and poultices for skin ailments are made from the young leaves. Tea made from the roots clears congestion, eases headaches, and is used in poultices for mastitis. A tincture of the flowers encourages sweating and is used to lessen fever heat. Elderflower water is a traditional remedy for skin blemishes and sunburn. Cold elderflower tea is placed on the eyes as a soothing compress for inflammation. Elderflower oil makes a soothing balm for sore nipples of nursing mothers. Elder trees are sacred to the faeries and branches of Elder are hung above stables to protect the horses. Also known as Elkhorn, Elderberry, Lady Elder. Sacred to the White Lady and Midsummer Solstice. The Druids used it to both bless and curse. Standing under an elder tree at Midsummer, like standing in a Fairy Ring of mushrooms, will help you see the fairies. Elder wands can be used to drive out evil spirits. Remember the words of the Rede. Elder is the Lady's Tree, burn it not or cursed ye be. This tree reminds us of the Wheel of Life, to think on life and death, birth and rebirth. Elder also reminds us of creativity and renewal and helps with new beginnings.
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Ailim (Pine or Silver Fir) |
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Pine trees are revered worldwide as healing trees. Every pine or other evergreen such as spruce, larch, and cedar will contain antiseptics useful as a wound wash. The most palatable pine for internal use is the white pine and a tea made from needles and twigs is rich in Vitamin C. This tea can also be useful for sore throats, coughs, and colds. Pine baths help kidney ailments, improve circulation, and will relax aching muscles. Pine tea makes a wonderful foot bath. The aroma of pine is soothing to the nerves and lungs. Pine was known to the Druids as one of the seven trees of the Irish and its old title was the sweetest of woods. Mix the dried needles of pine with equal parts of juniper and cedar and burn to purify the home and ritual area. The cones and nuts can be carried as a fertility charm. A good cleansing and stimulating bath is made by placing pine needles in a loose-woven bag and running bath water over it. To purify and sanctify an outdoor ritual area, brush the ground with a pine branch. The Silver Fir is used in bringing the knowledge of both your present and past lives into the Now; can help you become aware of your progress on your Journey. Silver Fir is especially beneficial if you search for insight. Time of influence: None |
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Ohn (Furze) |
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Furze is also known as Gorse and Whin and its golden yellow flowers are often used to celebrate the Spring Equinox. Both the wood and blooms of Furze can be burned for protection, especially when preparing for conflict. Although Furze looks tough, it is a fragile plant that can be injured by severe frost. Furze blooms almost all year, leading to the old saying When Gorse is out of bloom, Kissing's out of season, and an old custom in some parts of Britain of inserting a spray of Gorse in the bridal bouquet alludes to this saying. Old writers tell us that 'sodden with honey, it clears the mouth' and that it 'is good against snake-bite.' Gorse was also used as an insecticide: 'Against fleas, take this same wort, with its seed, sodden; sprinkle it into the house; it killeth the fleas.'
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Ur (Heather) |
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Heather is useful for solitary healing work, when you want to journey within. Heather, along with Misletoe, create a powerful healing medicine in both spiritual and physical aspects and is even being used today in some forms of alternative medicines as a treatment for cancer.
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Eadha (Aspen or White Poplar) |
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Poplars are known by their drooping flower spikes and round leaves with a pointed tip. Gather the sticky Spring buds to make salves for skin problems, sprains, sore muscles, wounds, headaches, tumors, eczemia, bruises, gout, and on the chest for lung ailments and coughs. Internally, Poplar buds were used for phlegm, kidney and bladder ailments, coughs, scurvy, and rheumatic pains. Aspen and White Poplar roots were combined to stop premature bleeding in pregnancy. White poplar juice was dropped into sore ears. Poplar barks are high in salicin, making them useful in treating deep wounds, gangrene, eczema, cancer, burns, and strong body odor. The inner bark of young Poplar should be collected in Spring. It has a bitterish taste and no odour and can be simmered into a tea for liver and kidney ailments. Aspen is a febrifuge and tonic, chiefly used in intermittent fevers and has been used as a diuretic in urinary affections and gonorrhoea. Aspen and White Poplar is concerned with earthly and material aspects of life, finding the spiritual determination to face the hardships that we endure through the course of our lifetime. The Poplar tree has the ability to resist and to shield, an ability with languages and speech, and a close relationship with the winds.
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Ioho (Yew) |
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The Yew can grow into a very large tree 40 to 50 feet high, covered with red-brown, peeling bark and with an equally large spread of branches and leaves. The Yew is famous in the history and legends of Great Britain. Originally sacred to the Druids, Christians followed the custom of building their holy places near these venerable trees. Although the Yew is important to the Winter Solstice and to the knowledge of death and rebirth, it is also used at Samhainn in a mourning ritual:.
Yew wood or leaves were laid on graves as a reminder to the departed spirit that death was only a pause in life before rebirth. The Irish used Yew to make dagger handles, bows and wine barrels, even though all parts of the tree are poisonous except the fleshy covering of the berry. The Yew is used to enhance psychic abilities, and to induce visions. Many cases of poisoning amongst cattle have resulted from eating parts of the Yew. The Yew is good when used in working with past life issues and regression. Time of influence: None |
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Chelwydd (Mistletoe) |
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Another favourite illustration for Christmas cards, the well-known Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant, growing on the branches of host trees. It will grow on almost any deciduous tree, although it prefers trees with a soft bark like apple trees. Although the berries are poisonous they are used in love incenses. Bunches of mistletoe can be hung as an all-purpose protective herb and Misletoe rules the Winter Solstice. It is told that Druids dressed in white robes to search for this sacred plant armed with a golden knife to cut the Mistletoe free from the host Oak tree. Oaks that had Mistletoe growing on them were highly respected, because these trees could effect miraculous cures. Mistletoe was only cut at a special cycle of the Moon and only after the Druids had visions telling them it was time to seek the Mistletoe. If the Druids were not gifted with a vision to cut Mistletoe so there was a long time between cuttings, or if the Mistletoe fell to the ground, it was an omen that some mischance would befall the whole nation. Mistletoe protects its possessor from all evil. Time of influence: None |
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Uilleand (Honeysuckle) |
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The native English Honeysuckle has expectorant and laxative properties. Syrup made from honeysuckle flowers is used for diseases of the respiratory organs and in asthma and the leaves are used for diseases of the liver and spleen. Honeysuckle is also used as a good allrounder for gargles. Culpepper says: Honeysuckles are cleansing, consuming and digesting, and therefore no way fit for inflammations. …. It is fitting a conserve made of the flowers should be kept in every gentlewoman's house; I know no better cure for the asthma than this besides it takes away the evil of the spleen: provokes urine, procures speedy delivery of women in travail, relieves cramps, convulsions, and palsies, and whatsoever griefs come of cold or obstructed perspiration; if you make use of it as an ointment, it will clear the skin of morphew, freckles, and sunburnings, or whatever else discolours it, and then the maids will love it. Honeysuckle helps you to distinguish what is real from what is false, and what is of real value on your journey. The Honeysuckle will help you to tread safely remaining true to your ideals and principles. Time of influence: None |
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Phagos (Beech) |
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Beech trees have grey bark which is used as a tea for lung problems, including tuberculosis. Beech bark tea is also a good blood cleanser and a good wash for poison ivy, warning: not good for pregnant women. Poultices made from beech leaves are useful for burns and for frostbite. Beech medicine can tell you much about yesterday and how it is relevant today. Handling old objects or visiting a place connected with your past will bring understanding of people and incidents, reviving the memories within you that you need. Time of influence: None |
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