The ancient Celts used the first alphabet in Europe which is called the Ogham script. Each letter is associated with a tree or an important plant. The alphabet was used as a mnemonic device to encode knowledge, the Celtic song of the universe, Ceolta na Cruinne (Diana Beresford-Kroeger). The thirteen months of the year (pre-Gregorian calendar) were each represented by a particular tree. The new year began on Nov. 1st with Birch, followed by Rowan in December, Alder in January, Willow in February, Ash in March, Hawthorn in April, Oak in May, Holly in June and Hazel in July. The “tree” associated with August is the Blackberry (Bramble) or Vine. The Celtic word was Muin and it represented the letter M.
Some authors say that the plant for August is the
Blackberry or Bramble and others say the Vine.
Grapes were introduced to Ireland so the original plant was likely
Blackberry. Both grapes and blackberries
are used to make wine so they are linked with intuition and prophecy. They are both plants which bind themselves to
other plants and thus are connectors.
Author Danu Forest writes that both blackberry and grapes are used to make intoxicating beverages, thus the connection with prophecy. In folklore, brambles are often linked with the faeries. There is still a tradition in parts of Britain that the berries not be picked after Samhain (Oct. 31) but left for the faeries. A bramble patch is a community for many beings. It's protective aspect is seen in Sleeping Beauty. Blackberry teaches acting in harmony with nature and waiting for the right time to harvest. Blackberry has very strong life force and it sends out strong suckering roots. It’s powerful life force teaches tenacity. It can go wherever it wants to and it is both tough and flexible. Blackberry is a networker, linking different energies, binding and uniting.
Blackberry is high in Vitamin C. Blackberry leaf tea is good for coughs, colds
and upset stomachs. In medieval
herbals, blackberry wine was taken to restore energy and hope because of its
high life force and tenacity. Muin
concerns itself with the circular nature of life.
According to Diana Beresford-Krueger, Blackberry has a
biochemical called ellagic acid. It is
an immune system booster that appears to offer protection from some forms of
cancer. Blackberry was considered
sacred.
Author Elen Sentier writes that Bramble is a vine like
plant which thrives in moist soils and conditions. They are biennial. A shoot is sent out in the first year and
flowers appear on it in the second years which turn into raspberries or blackberries. This has been part of the diet for Europeans
for thousands of years.
Bramble is good for wildlife. The flowers provide nectar for pollinators while
birds and mammals feed on the fruit.
Bramble is sometimes planted in mixed hedges to “bind the whole together”
and make a strong barrier. This is a
good place to nest or for protection for small mammals. The hooked thorns help to support the plant
by latching onto other plants. They can
provide safety for young saplings as larger mammals can’t graze on them.
Split bramble stems were traditionally used as binding
materials in baskets, chairs and bee skeps (wicker beehives). Bramble leaves and roots were used to remedy
diarrhoea. Chewing leaves is an ancient
remedy for bleeding gums.
Bramble is about weaving your consciousness with the
consciousness of everything or connecting to everything. Bramble can root anywhere the tip of its
branch touches the earth. Bramble is also about listening and not making
assumptions about what another being needs.
Authors Liz and Colin Murray write that Muin is the grape
vine. The Fire Festival of Lugnassadh
falls on the 1st of August.
This was the Celtic autumn harvest festival. The principal deity of this month is the sun
god Lugh. The vine represents intuition
and allowing your senses to open.
Author Glennie Kindred writes that Muin is about uniting, teaching, inspiration, determination, instinct, and the loosening of
inhibitions. The interweaving of the
vine unites the other trees together, linking the teachings of each into a
whole. Kindred writes, “The vine has a
determined energy which if used for teaching will help encourage and guide
others without controlling them… It is better to inspire others than to force
your views on them. This way each person
finds their own path to follow.” (Kindred p. 36) Vine also represents the interweaving of the
conscious and unconscious mind
This is a compilation of information taken from the following sources:
Diana Beresford-Kroeger (2019) To Speak for the Trees. Random House:
Canada.
Danu Forest (2014) Celtic Tree Magic: Ogham Lore and Druid Mysteries.
Llewellyn Worldwide: Woodbury, Minnesota.
Glennie Kindred, (1997) The Tree Ogham. Glennie Kindred: UK.
Liz and Colin Murray (1988) The Celtic Tree Oracle. Connections Book
Publishing: London, UK.
Elen Sentier (2014) Trees of the Goddess. Moon Books: Winchester, UK.
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