The Celitc Zodiac is based on the cycle of the moon with the year divided into 13 lunar months, each associated with a tree sacred to the Druids. The Druids believed the human race originally desended from the trees. Each tree had particular magical qualities. They encoded these mysteries in a secret shamanic alphabet, known as the Ogham, the origin of which is ascribed to Ogma, the Celtic God of Poetry. The 13 tree - months each correspond to a tree, a letter of the Ogham alphabet, a Guardian Animal and a
Celtic God.

The Birch Tree.. 24 December - 20 January

To the druids, the Birch represented renewel and rebirth as it was the first tree in leaf after winter.Birch people are determined, resilient and ambitious. Good organisers,
leaders and strategists, they are not deterred by setbacks, believing hard work, patience and persistance will triumph. They are loyal but reserved in showing affection
The Ruling Diety - The Celtic Warrior God Lugh, inventor of all arts and crafts, rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The white stag symbolises high ideals and aspirations - Birch people need a goal in life or they become depressed and pessimistic.
Planetary Ruler - Sun
Ogham Word - Beithe

The Rowan Tree.. 21 January - 17 February

Rowans were planted near doors and gates to ward off evil and were thought to guard the gateway to the spirit world. Rowan people are idealistic, progressive thinkers with strong humanitarian and spiritual principles. They thrive on change, becoming impatient with convention or
restriction, artistic and original, they can appear
detached and aloof.
The Ruling Deity - Brigid, the Goddess of fertility and poetry, rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Dragon symbolises inspiration and imagination - Rowans need an outlet for their powerful imagination or they can become restless and quarrelsome. Planetary Ruler - Uranus
Ogham Word - Luis

The Ash Tree.. 18 February - 17 March

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 for Druidic wands and spears. Ash people are quick witted, spontaneous and
gregarious. They have a lively curiosity and are
intellgent, persuasive speakers, enthusiastic, inquisitve and communicative. They love discussing new ideas and projects.
The Ruling Deity - The Magician, storyteller and trickster. Gwydion rules the sign.
The Druic Animal - The Adder symbolises wisdom and
spiritual energy - Ash people need to focus their mental abilities or they can become nervous and irritable.
Planetary Ruler - Neptune
Ogham Word - Nion

The Alder Tree.. 18 March - 14 April

Alder resist rot in water and was used to make bridges, boats, clogs and milk jugs. It was a crime to fell an alder, as the angry tree spirit would burn down houses. Alder people are courageous, energetic, impetuous and determinded to make their own way in the world.
Self-reliant and adventurous, they love taking risks and are tenacious workers. Affectionate and charming, they inspire great loyalty in others.
The Ruling Deity - The God of the spirit world, Bran the Blesses, rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Fox symbolises skill in diplomacy- Alders must learn the art of diplomacy or they waste energy in fruitless disputes.
Planetary Ruler - Mars
Ogham Word - Fern

The Wilow Tree.. 15 April - 12 May

The Willow was sacred to the Moon and in Celtic myth the universe was hatched from two eggs hidden among the boughs of the Willow. Willow people have good memories and are articulate, strong willed and resourceful, emotional and enigmatic. They have quick responses and are prone to sudden mood changes.
The Ruling Deity - The Celtic Moon Goddess Ceridwen rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Hare symbolises adaptation and intuition. Willows must trust their inner voice ot they can become moody and chronically indecisive.
Planetary Ruler - Moon
Ogham Word - Sail

The Hawthorn Tree.. 13 May - 9 June

Hawthorn, or May, was a symbol of psychic protection due to its sharp thorns. Faery spirits were thought to live in Hawthorn hedges, which were planted as protective shields around fields, houses and churchyards. Hawthorn people are mercurial, innovative, creative and confident. Easily bored, they crave mental stimulation and challenge. They are eloquent and gifted performers, exuding natural charm. The Ruling Deity - The summer flower maiden Olwen rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Owl symbolises wisdom and patience - Hawthorns must develop patience or hasty action can
sabotage their best efforts.
Planetary Ruler - Vulcan
Ogham Word - Uath

The Oak Tree.. 10 June - 7 July

The Oak was the sacred tree of the Druids, symbolising truth and steadfast knowledge. Doors made of Oak were
thought to keep out evil. 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 serious minded, they are cheerful and optimistic and do not give up easily.
The Ruling Deity - The Father of all Gods, The Dagda rules this sign.
The Druic Animal - The Wren, the Celtic king of the birds, symbolises wit and sublety - Oaks must temper pride with humor or they become pompus and overbearing.
Planetary Ruler - Jupiter
Ogham Word - Duir

The Holly Tree.. 8 July - 4 August

When Celtic Chieftains chose a successor, he was crowned with a Holly wreath. The ever-green Holly was thought to repel enemies, and warriors carried Holy wood cudgels.
Holly people are practical, capable and steadfast in
adversity, cautious, logical and efficient. They have good business sense but prefer to assist rather than lead. In relationships they are suportive, protective and
possessive.
The Ruling Deity - The Smith God Govannon rules this sign The Druic Animal - The Unicorn symbolises purity and strength - Holies must be less perfectionistic or they may suffer loss of confidence and direction.
Planetary Ruler - Earth
Ogham Word - Tinne<BR. crime
punishable by death to fell one. It was thought magical skills and knowledge could be gained from eating Hazel nuts. Hazel people are artistic. They have lively,
analytical minds and make inspiring teachers. Imaginative, they are radical and idealistic thinkers.
The Ruling Deity - The Sea God Manannan Mac Lir, a master of disguise, rules this sign
The Druic Animal - To the Celts, the Salmon is the oldest and wisest animal, symbolising inspiration - Hazels need to express their creativity or they can become morbid and introspective
Planetary Ruler - Mercury
Ogham Word - Coll