The Ash

February 18 ~ March 17

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. Children would be passed through the branches of an Ash in order that they might be protected and to cure them from illness. Ash leaves were placed under pillows to induce prophetic dreams or placed in bowls of water to ward off ailments. The Celts believed that the Ash originated in the Great Deep or the Undersea Land of Tethys. It belongs to the trilogy of sacred Irish trees (the other two being the Oak and the Hawthorn) and is said to offer particular protection from death by drowning. The seeds of the Ash have long been used in love divination. If the seeds did not appear on a certain tree, then its owner was thought to have been unlucky in love or a future venture would be unsuccessful. In Northern England, it was once believed that if a woman placed an Ash leaf in her left shoe, then she would be fortunate enough to immediately meet her future spouse. In Greece, the Ash was sacred to the Sea God Poseidon and in Ancient Wales and Ireland, oars were made of this wood. The shade of this tree is said to be harmful to plants because its roots will strangle other roots.

The Ash of the Ogham alphabet is the Cosmic Ash, also known as the World Tree. It appeared in Norse mythology as Yggdrasil, the Tree of Odin (or Woden) who hung upside-down from its branches in order to gain enlightenment into the secrets of the Runes. Gwydion, the Celtic equivalent of this Norse God, was known to choose the thick, strong twigs of the Ash for his wands and was renowned for his magical abilities. The Ash has roots which deeply penetrate the soil, souring the ground and making it difficult for other vegetation to grow beneath it. The wood of the Ash is tough and pliable and often used in weaver's beams. This tree was indicative of the linking between the inner and outer worlds. In Norse legend, it was an Ash which spanned the Universe...with its roots in Hel and its boughs supporting the Heavens and Earth at its center. In Celtic lore, the Ash connected the three circles of existence...Abred, Gwynedd and Ceugant...which may be interpreted as the Past, the Present and the Future, or as Confusion, Balance and Creative Force. There was no hell in Celtic beliefs...only continual rebirth as passage was made from circle to circle until the Land of the Blessed was finally reached.

The Common Ash is a large, deciduous shade tree with grey-brown bark furrowed in diamond patterns. A major tree of the lowland forests in much of Europe (together with the Oak and the Beech), it can grow to 130 feet in height on open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of the American Elm. The Ash was and still is an important timber tree and traditional material for the handle of a witch's besom. The Common Ash is occasionally cultivated in North America and similar native Ash species are widely grown as street trees. The Ash is a member of the Olive family. The Ash is a tenacious tree, such that it is not unusual for a singular branch to begin to sprout from one tiny point on the bark of an otherwise dead trunk.

There are two distinct types of Ash individuals (a division which relates to all Celtic Tree Signs). The "new moon" character is associated with the first two weeks of a sign and the "full moon" character is associated with the last two weeks.

The "new moon" Ash individual tends to be more impulsive and demonstrative when it comes to emotional relationships. Although he or she may appear apprehensive, hiding beneath the surface is an immensely spontaneous person. The "full moon" Ash individual tend to be a natural exhibitionist who responds to situations with great generosity of spirit. This may be considered by some as a certain gullibility or naivete, but this apparent weakness is just that...merely apparent. In truth, it is the outward display of a humble spirit...a rare and much-coveted quality.

In general, all Ash individuals tend to have duality in their natures. On one side, they are artistic with an aura of vulnerability...on the other side, they are quite pragmatic. Being compassionate and sensitive, they understand the baser elements of humankind, as well as the spiritual aspect. The compassion of Ash individuals also extends to the animal kingdom and they have an innate ability to relieve suffering, both by physical nursing and the power of prayer. The faith of the Ash is rarely orthodox in a religious sense, but they are highly intuitive individuals, often possessing a strong deeper sense of spiritual matters. Ash people are highly adaptable and, despite a frail appearance, can recover from almost any emotional blow. On the negative side, theose governed by the Ash frequently experience trouble when handling the more mundane practicalities of everyday living. Often easily influenced by others, the Ash individual can be low on self-confidence and may become isolated.

Ash people have a creative genuis for making money but frequently fail to carry a project or idea through to its completion. As children, they require careful direction in order to learn how to use their talents to the fullest potential. Possessed of a somewhat mystical quality, Ash individuals are drawn to fantasy worlds. They adore the theater and movies, frequently blessed with beautiful singing voices although their preference is to work behind the scenes. They are also usually attracted to the ocean...or any other body of water...sometimes with fascination and sometimes with fear. There is no compromise for the vulnerable Ash individual where water is concerned...it will be one or the other. The career of the Ash person should never involve a routine which is too strict. The arts are a good choice but, because of the compassionate nature of these individuals, they are often drawn to the medical field and are good at organizing charitable functions.

Ash individuals are quick-witted, spontaneous and gregarious. They possess a lively curiosity and are intelligent, persuasive speakers. Being enthusiastic, inquisitive and communicative, Ash people love engaging in discussions about new ideas and projects. They are gentle individuals and, though easily hurt, are able to cope well with the negative in addition to the positive. They make for kind and considerate friends, ideal sweethearts and caring parents. Being romantics and dreamers, Ash individuals frequently appear to have one foot in the "Land of the Sidhe" and strive constantly to keep order in their lives. On the negative side, Ash people possess a nebulous quality which can lead to an inability to cope with the practicalities of everyday living. They are also easily influenced by others and have a hypersensitive nature which can undermine their self-confidence and ambitions. It is important for Ash people to focus their mental abilities or they are inclined to become nervous and irritable.

Physical Goal: To realize that actions echo in the cosmos as a stone cast into a pond creates ripples. Awareness of self and the world are interconnected and the effect of actions warrants careful consideration.

Mental Goal: To learn that problems and questions are not exclusive to an individual...others also ponder. It is necessary to regard the question in a wider context and learn to ask opinions.

Spiritual Goal: To become aware that all things are connected...to balance individual need with that of the Earth.

Amergin Verse: "I am a Wind on a Deep Lake"

Ogham Association: Nuinn

Polarity: Feminine

Color: Green

Class: Chieftain

Letter Character: "N"

Month: March...the fifth month in the Celtic Ogham and named for Mars, the Roman God of War and Agriculture. To the Celts, this was the time of "Alban Eiler" or "Lady Day," associated with fertility rites. March also celebrated the Vernal Equinox and the First Day of Spring. The Celtic people believed that Hares (sacred to the Moon Goddess) came to chase away the Spririts of Winter during this month. Hares were native to the British Isles and later associated with Easter as the "Rabbit who hides the eggs." March foretold of a need to be aware of the inner and outer worlds and the fine balance between the two. To marry in this month is said to bring both joy and sadness.

Alias: "Moon of Waters"

Magickal Properties: Prosperity, Protection and Healing

Some Famous Ash People: Jane Austen, Drew Barrymore, Albert Einstein, Michaelangelo, John Travolta and George Washington

Gemstone: The Ash gemstone is Coral, also known as the "Forest of the Sea." It is formed from an animal skeleton and thus, is not a true gemstone, but an ocean jewel. One of the most ancient of gem materials, Coral has been used for adornment since prehistoric times. Coral inlays and ornaments have been found in Celtic tombs from the Iron Age. Coral has a history of religious significance, being one of the seven treasures in Buddhist scriptures while in China, it was said that the Altar of the Sun was fashioned from Red Coral. It is said to possess the mystical property which builds an emotional foundation and was often used as a powerful talisman to stop the flow of bleeding, afford protection from evil spirits and ward off hurricanes. In Greek Mythology, when Perseus set the head of Medea on branches near the seashore, the blood which dripped was gathered by the Sea Nymphs and planted in the Sea to grow into Coral. This stone is also believed to protect children, cure madness and bestow wisdom upon those who wear it. Legend states that an amulet of Coral will turn chalky-white when encountering sickness. Once holding a special value for sailors and travelers, it was thought to possess the power of allowing the safe crossing of rivers and seas. Through the ages, Coral has been used extensively as a cure for almost every ailment, from staunching bleeding wounds to curing insanity.

Flower: The flower of the Ash is the Wood Anemone, a member of the Buttercup family. This flower is sometimes referred to as the "Woodland Ghost" because it can often be found on sites which were once covered by ancient woodlands. Blooms usually first appear in March, preferring wooded areas and meadows and it is said that the Wood Anemone never blossoms earlier than March 16 and never later than April 22. The Egyptians held the Anemone as the emblem of sickness and to the Chinese, it was the "Flower of Death." According to one Greek legend, Anemos (the Wind) sent his namesakes, the Anemones, in the earliest Spring days as the heralds of his coming...yet another states that the blooms sprang from the tears of Aphrodite as she wandered the woodlands weeping for the death of Adonis. In Palestine, the Anemone was thought to have grown beneath the cross of Jesus and for many years, the flower was believed to carry diseases. In Europe it was once customary to hold one's breath while travelling through a field of Anemones, the belief being that even the air which surrounded them would be poisonous. In ancient times, herbalists would recommend application of various parts of the Anemone for headache, agues and rheumatic gout.

Celestial Body: The celestial body associated with the Ash is the planet Neptune ("Lir"), Roman Lord of the Sea.

Deity: The Ash deity is Gwyddion, son of the Goddess Don. In Welsh Mythology, the Children of Don were the deities who represented the Sky and the people of Cymru referred to the Milky Way as the "Castle of Gwyddion." Magician, storyteller and trickster, Gwyddion was very wise, particularly in music magick, and once rescued Llew (his nephew) by singing an enchantment. Often referred to as a "Master of Illusion," Gwyddion was a helper of humankind and a warrior against the greedy and small-minded. He supported the cultural arts and learning, and attempted to stamp-out ignorance. For these endeavors, Gwyddion is sometimes called the "Druid of the Gods." Gwyddion and his brothers fought in the Battle of the Trees to ensure that the Dog, Deer and Lapwing which Gwyddion had taken from Annwn could remain on Earth. His last foray into the Otherworld resulted in Pigs (sacred to many Goddesses) being brought to humankind.

Animals:

The Adder - The Adder was symbolic of wisdom and spiritual energy. Snakes have long been associated with wisdom, reincarnation and cunning. Druids often carried an amulet called gloine nathair or serpent glass, which they stated was formed from the egg of an Adder, but is thought today to have actually been made of blown glass.

The Seagull or Common Tern - Although this sea bird does not figure in Celtic legend, it is connected to Lir, the Sea-God and, like many other birds, was considered to be a messenger from the Otherworlds.

The Sea Horse - An important figure in Celtic mythology, the Sea Horse often depicted significant connections with the Otherworlds, as symbolized by the fish tail. It was believed that The Sea Horse invited an individual to travel on a journey of discovery. It was also representative of confidence and grace. Many Celtic cultures regarded this creature as a baby Dragon.

February 18: Those born on this date also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Cedar, whose motto is "Moral Greatness" or "The Confidence." Cedar individuals are often possessed of rare beauty. They know how to adapt, have a love of luxury and are usually blessed with good health. Not in the least shy, Cedar people are prone to sometimes look down on others, they themselves brimming with self-confidence. Determined and often impatient, Cedar individuals like to impress. They have many talents, are industrious and possess a healthy optimism and inner strength. Alert and usually thoughtful, the Cedar lives in enlightenment, responding to precise self-imposed requirements. Neither success nor failure can erode the serenity or the determination of a Cedar individual. Otherwise able to make quick decisions, Cedar people seem to constantly be waiting for their one true love.

February 19-February 28/29: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Pine, whose motto is "Father of Wisdom" or "The Particular." Pine individuals are very robust and active, and also tend to be cautious, provident and hard-working people. They are idealists, being trustworthy and practical by nature. They love agreeable company and know how to make life comfortable without being selfish...if Pine individuals have a benefit, it will almost always reflect on those around them. They make for good companions, though not always overly-friendly to those they do not know. Pine people fall in love easily, but with a passion which is prone to burn out quickly. They have a tendency to give up without much struggle and may suffer many disappointments in life.

March 1-March 10: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Weeping Willow, whose motto is "Nothing Unknown" or "The Melancholy." Willow individuals are extraordinarily attractive and very empathetic...but filled with melancholy. They adore anything beautiful and tasteful and possess an inherent desire to travel. Both psychologically and intelluctually, Willows are flexible and adaptable, blessed with a tolerance which allows them to identify with the most diverse of people. Practical-minded, Willow individuals are able to remain calm during "hustle and bustle." Being restless and capricious dreamers, Willow people are not always easy to live with, often demanding by nature. Honest with good intuition, Willows nonetheless frequently suffer greatly in matters of the heart before they find an anchoring partner.

March 11-March 17: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Lime (whose motto is "The Doubt") or the Linden (whose motto is "Protector of the Oak Trees")...dependent upon the source. Lime individuals are said to be inclined to accept in a composed fashion whatever life hands to them. They detest fighting, stress, laziness and idleness. Limes are relenting people who will often make sacrifices for their friends. They possess many talents but lack the tenacity to make those talents blossom. Lime people can be somewhat jealous and complaining by nature, but are very loyal individuals. Linden individuals are said to love life. No matter how much such people may try to convince themselves that everything is perfect, they cannot help but wonder why their ideas and dreams are more beautiful than reality. Extremely imaginative, Linden people tend to look at the world through "rose-colored glasses." This is an ideal that they are often able to convey to those around them who may then also view life in a more beautiful manner.