The Oak

June 10 ~ July 7

The Oak was the principal sacred tree of the Druids, symbolizing truth and steadfast knowledge as well as the turning of the year. During this time, Druids would carve a circle in the tree for protection against lightning. The Oak was representative of the trials that individuals experience in life while changing and becoming who they were meant to be. This tree represented the soul which, in Celtic terms, was the "Eye of God." Doors made of Oak were believed to keep out evil. The word "door" derives from the Sanskrit "duir," Ogham for Oak and a word which symbolizes solidity and protection. In the realm of the forest, the Oak is the King of Trees, standing mightily solid with great branches, matched only be even greater roots. Often struck by lightning, the force of the strike and the heat bursts the sap and stem of the Oak apart, leaving the trunk gnarled and withered...yet, the Oak still manages to survive for decades or even centuries. The growth of this tree is slow but sure and it is the forest's marker point, cornerstone and refuge. The Druids often taught lessons beneath the shade of the Oak.

The Oak was long considered by the wise to be a guardian which opened doorways to self spirituality and granted the strength to progress onward which, in time, drew the individual closer to the self. The Oak provided the courage to overcome any obstacles which had to be resolved during the travels of an individual and, in time perhaps, to learn the ways of the wise. In Celtic mythology, it is said that the first tree was an Oak, known by the name of Bile, from which two acorns fell to the ground. These seeds rooted deep within the Earth and gave birth to the God Dagda and the Goddess Brighid...both famed for their patience and goodness. Folklore suggests that if the Oak blooms before the Ash, then there will be a good harvest and its acorns were said to offer protection from lightning...thus, carvings of acorns are often found on staircases in medieval buildings. Medicinally, the Oak was believed to heal gout and cure bleeding gums. The tree has always protected Britain by providing wood for the building of ships and as boundaries between one area and another. The bark of the Oak produces tannin, once used extensively in the leather industry for tanning raw hides. Its acorns may be used to make a powerful antiseptic and the juice from crushed Oak leaves can be applied directly to wounds for the same purpose. A gargle made from the inner bark is said to be useful in relieving sore throats and a decotion of the outer bark is believed to aid in the relief of sever fever symptoms.

In Christian legend, it is said that when the announcement was made of Christ's cruxifixion, all the trees met and agreed that none of them wished to be a part of the event. When the time came for the wood to be selected, each piece began to split and break, making it impossible to use. Only the "Evergreen Oak" or "Ilex" did not split and allowed itself to be used...thus seen by the other trees as a traitor or another Judas. In Greece, by virtue of this legend, the tree is eternally condemned and no part of the Oak may be brought into the house. According to the Bible, when Cain murdered Abel, Cain was obliged to carry the dead body of his brother for seven hundred years before Abel could be buried. To mark the burial place, Cain stuck his staff into the ground, whereupon Seven Oaks (now known as the Seven Oaks of Palestine) immediately sprang forth in a row. The "Holy Groves of the Druids," located in Anglesea on Mona's Isle in Wales, is said to contain the ancient remnants of Oak trees.

The Acorn has long been associated with couples and love divination. Dropping two Acorns into the same bowl of water is said to predict the romantic future...should the Acorns float together, then the couple will marry...the reverse being the case should the Acorns drift apart. The Ancient Druids believed that to carry an Acorn at all times would ensure prevention from aging, a ritual said to be most successful for women.

The Oak of myth and legend is the Common Oak, its name derived from the Latin robur which is the root of the English word "robust." The Oak is often found growing with Ash and Beech in lowland forests. It can reach a height of 150 feet and live for 800 years. Along with the Ash, the Oak has been heavily logged in recent millennia and remaining giant Oaks in many parts of Europe are merely remnants of past forests. The Common Oak is a deciduous tree which loses its leaves before Samhain but is fully-clothed again by Beltane. It is a member of the Beech family.

There are two distinct types of Oak 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" Oak individual is more inclined to take financial risks than his or her "full moon" counterpart and makes personal committments which cannot be easily consolidated. On a more positive note, these people possess strong natural powers of leadership and the ability to rise above the human vices of greed or avarice. There is an element of self-sacrifice inherent in both the "new moon" and the "full moon" Oak, but those who fall under the jurisdiction of the "full moon" are less inclined to make financial losses. These individuals are generally more flamboyant by nature and can be somewhat glory-seeking in character. Nonetheless, the "full moon" Oak is a creative individual who is generous of spirit with an instinctive sense of survival.

In general, Oak individuals are enterprising people with a refreshing breadth of vision. They are determined, self-motivated, enthusiastic and responsible. Possessed with a high degree of personal magnetism, Oaks make for natural leaders with a great deal of integrity and find it easy to attract and inspire others. They remain calm during a crisis and are not easily swayed by opposition. Although serious-minded, Oak people are cheerful and optimistic by nature, with a keen sense of humor that can make the best of a difficult situation. Being optimists (sometimes blindly so), they do not give up easily and are unafraid to speak the truth in any given situation, regardless of the consequences. However, Oaks do sometimes tend to lack discretion and often take financial risks. Deeply philosophical, they are generous friends but are prone to exagerrate and are inclined toward vanity. It is important that Oak individuals learn to temper pride with humor or they may become pompus and overbearing. Oak individuals are drawn toward demanding professions. They frequently hold positions of power but have an innate sense of fair play. They enjoy life's confrontations and make for formidable enemies, but can be naive in the manner in which they place trust in others, especially concerning affairs of the heart. Often, Oak people set standards in love that are too difficult for partners to attain and they place great importance in moral issues.

Physical Goal: To learn that a hands-on approach will nuture desired skills...that one learns by doing.

Mental Goal: To accumulate the acorns of wisdom and, having done so, to share that wisdom.

Spiritual Goal: To become tough and resilient, despite the unpredictable nature of life...to be strong and wise.

Amergin Verse: "I am a God who sets the Head afire with Smoke"

Ogham Association: Duir

Polarity: Masculine

Color: Black and Dark Brown

Class: Chieftain

Letter Character: "D"

Month: May...the seventh month in the Celtic Ogham. The Oak is thus central of the thirteen months, standing between Hawthorn and Holly and presiding over the celebration of Beltrane...Spring Fire Festival of Fertility and Renewed Growth. Its name probably comes from Maia, the Roman Spring Goddess, whose divine powers encouraged the growth of crops.

Alias: "Moon of Strength," "Moon of Security" and "Bear Moon"

Magickal Properties: All Positive Purposes, Fidelity and Masculine Magick

Some Famous Oak People: Tim Allen, Courtney Cox, Tom Cruise, Helen Hunt and Princess Diana

Gemstone: The Oak gemstone is the Diamond, a sparkling precious stone, white or blue in color, also known as the "King of Crystals" and "Stone of Invulnerability." The Diamond is the hardest substance known in nature. Traditionally, it is the symbol of purity and innocence and is considered luckiest when worn on the left side of the body. It is a crystalline form of carbon and its name is derived from Ademas, which means "indomitable." It represents strength, virtue, bravery and insight, bringing these fine attributes to its wearers. The Hebrews believed that the Diamond lost its sparkle if touched or worn by a traitor and in ancient times, it was thought to drive away the Devil. The Diamond is considered to be the greatest of all gem stones, revered throughout the ages not only for its great beauty and strength, but also for its powerful positive spiritual and physical influences. This stone is said to enhance the wearer with charm and beauty. Physically, it strengthens the kidneys and reproductive organs and gives protection against severe disease. The ancient Romans believed that the Diamond, when worn on the left side next to the skin, bestowed upon the wearer bravery and daring. During the Middle Ages Queen Elizabeth I was made a gift of a Diamond to ward off the plague and Napoleon carried a sword with a Diamond in the hilt to assure victory in battle. Ancient writings tell of a Diamond which hung about the neck of Abraham which could cure the illness of any man who gazed upon it. It is said that when Abraham died, the Lord sealed the gem within the Sun. Even today, the Diamond engagement ring remains the accepted token of promised love and loyalty. It is thought that this tradition may have begun in 1477 when Maximilian I of Austria presented a Diamond ring to Mary, daughter of the Duke of Burgundy, as a bethrothal gift. To dream of Diamonds was once thought to be a sure sign of success, wealth and happiness.

A history of tragedy and misfortune has often accompanied the more highly-prized examples of this gem. Stones such as the Hope Diamond were so unfortunate and brought such ill-luck that the very mention of its name once struck terror into peoples' hearts. However, the gem itself is not unlucky...the bad luck being mainly brought about by the greed and lust with which humankind has fought and thieved and connived in order to obtain such great wealth. A Diamond purchased out of greed, or one that is stolen or won from another, will not bring good luck to the wearer...a Diamond given as a gift or which is representative as a token of trust and affection between sweethearts can never bring ill-luck. According to legend, the Diamond came into existence when the God of Mines called together all his noblemen and instructed them to bring him one of every variety and color of gemstone in existence. Once he had received the collection, he crushed them, forming one magnificent jewel of rare beauty, purity and indestructibility...the Diamond. The Diamond is also known as the "King-Stone" (the Pearl being the "Queen-Stone").

Flower: The flower of the Oak is the Coltsfoot, also known as Hallfoot, Horsehoof, Foalsworth, Ass' Foot and Coughwort, among others. This plant, a member of the Birthwort family, is a perennial weed, native to Europe, North African and parts of Asia. It bears deep green leaves (resembling the shape of a horse's hoof) and leaf stems which are distinctly purple in color. The top leaf surface is smooth and almost waxy in appearance, while the underside is covered with white, wool-like hairs. The bright yellow flowers (similar to Dandelions but slightly smaller) appear early in the Spring, prior to the emergence of any leaves. This plant is unusual in that the flowers bloom and die before the appareance of any leaves, which earned Coltsfoot the name of "son before the father" in earlier times. It can be seen in abundance throughout England, particularly along the sides of railway banks and in wasteland areas and can grow in stiff soils, thriving equally as well in wet ground as in dry locations. Before the introduction of matches, the felt-like covering of the plant, wrapped in a rag and dipped in a solution of saltpetre, was considered to be an excellent tinder after being dried in the sun. The name of the Coltsfoot is derived from Farfarus, an ancient name of the White Poplar, the leaves of which bear some resemblance in form and color to those of the plant. The tufts of silky hairs which adorn the seeds of the Coltsfoot are often used by Goldfinches to line their nests and legend states that in former days, this material was often employed by the Highlanders to stuff mattresses and pillows. In gardens and pastures, the Coltsfoot is considered a troublesome weed, very difficult to extirpate. In a medicinal sense, the Coltsfoot has been used in cough remedies and as an aid in the relief of asthma and bronchitis. Indeed, its botanical name, Tussilago, means "cough dispeller." The herb is now restricted in Australia and New Zealand due to its alkaloid content which has been shown to cause liver damage in laboratory rats. In Paris, Coltsfoot flowers were once painted as signs on the doorposts of apothecaries' shops and it is a favored food of Guinea Pigs.

Celestial Body: The celestial body associated with the Oak is Jupiter ("Jovyn"), Roman Ruler of the Gods and Defender of the State.

Deity: The Oak deity is Dagda, the Father of All Gods, also known as the "Good God" and the Irish Lord of the Land. Ancient with grey hair, Dagda was grounded and simple in every way. He is usually depicted as wearing a brown, low-necked tunic, a short hooded cloak and horse-hide boots with the hairy side outward. Dagda possessed a cauldron known as the "Undry," which came from Murias...one of the four mythical cities of the Tuatha De Danaan...and which provided food to all according to the merits of the individual. According to legend, nobody ever left the "Undry" unsatisfied. Believed to be very fond of porridge, the Dagda was said to consume large bowls of it. As "Lord of the Land," the Dagda was a valiant defender who performed great deeds in the battle between his family, the Tuatha and the Fomors...native Gods of Ireland. He was said pull after him a giant wheel on which rested his eight-pronged war club...a weapon so huge that it would take eight mortal men to lift, while the wheel itself would leave a deep furrow in the ground. During times of peace, the Dagda would play his living harp, also known as the "Oak of the Two Cities" or "Hand of Fourfold Music." As he played, the music would cause the seasons to process in order...Spring to Summer...Summer to Autumn...Autumn to Winter...and Winter again to Spring. The wife of the Dagda was Boann, Goddess of the River Boyne, and their son, Angus mac Og, was the Irish God of Love. Eventually driven underground following the conquest of Ireland by mortal humanity, the Dagda became the new King of the Tuatha De Danaan. His final resting place is said to be a small barrow near the River Boyne. This barrow has never been excavated.

Animals:

The Wren - Celtic King of the Birds, the Wren symbolized wit and sublety. Sacred to the Druids, the musical notes of the cunning Wren were used for divination. As with many other birds, the Wren was considered to be a messenger from the deities. Legend states that the Wren once competed with the other birds for supremacy and answered the challenge of the Eagle to race toward the Sun. When the Eagle could fly no higher, the Wren, which has been nestling within the Eagle's feathers jumped upon the back of the Eagle and flew a few inches higher prior to proclaiming himself King of the Birds, and thus humiliating the Eagle. The Wren fell under the particular protection of Taranis, Celtic God of Thunder.

The Otter - Considered by the Celts to be extremely magickal creatures, travelers were often aided in their journeys by helpful Otters. It was believed to be strong protector who helped in the gaining of wisdom, finding inner treasures or valuable talents. The Otter was associated with faithfulness and the power to recover from any crisis. It symbolized the ability to enjoy rather than simply endure life.

The Hawk - Celtic tradition lists the oldest animal as the Hawk of Achill. As with many other birds, the Hawk is a messenger of the various worlds. However, it is noted as being more skillful and stronger than most others of its species. The Hawk symbolizes clear-sightedness and far-memory. To hear the cry of a Hawk during a journey is an indication that it would be wise to be alert to upcoming situations that require boldness and decisiveness in order to keep from being thrown off-balance. A noble bird that brought the Sun within his feathers and enabled recollection with the ability to progress. Merlin was said to have often transformed himself into a small Hawk...perhaps the reason why today, the smaller family member of the Hawk is known as a Merlin. Two knights who sat at Arthur's Round Table carried the name of the Hawk: Gwalchmai the "Hawk of May" and Gwalch-Y-Had the "Hawk of Summer," better known respectively as Sir Gawain and Sir Galahad.

The White Horse - A popular totem animal of the Celts, the Horse was considered to be a faithful guide to the Otherworld. It symbolized stamina, endurance and faithfulness and was sacred to the Goddess Epona. Even today, the White Horse is regarded as sacred and protected by gleaming brasses which ward off the "evil eye." In Scotland, Kelpies would transform themselves into Horses in order to lure the traveler into their realm. Although predominantly connected with Goddess figures, the Horse is also a solar creature which suggests the finding of balance between the male and female. Both the Oak and the Holly were symbolic of the Summer Solstice when the White Horse of the Oak became the Unicorn of the Holly in transformation.

June 10-June 13: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Hornbeam, whose motto is "Monument of Loyalty" or "The Good Taste." Hornbeam individuals possess a cool beauty and exquisite taste. Although Hornbeams are concerned about their appearance, they are far from egotistical. They like their reasonable and disciplined lives to be as comfortable as possible. Hornbeam people look for kindess and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, though they are seldom happy with their own personal feelings. They are prone to mistrust and are never sure about the decisions they make, although they are the most conscientious characters. There is a tendency for Hornbeams to shoulder the responsibility for mistakes of others, it being more important in their eyes to promote tolerance and maintain harmony rather than respect rigid rules which demand a scapegoat.

June 14-June 23: Those born on this date also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Fig, whose motto is "Soul of Kindess" or "The Sensibility." Fig individuals are very strong, independent and somewhat self-willed. They love life, their family and animals but cannot bear to be contradicted. Something of a social butterfly, Figs possess a good sense of humor, practical talent and intelligence. However, there is a tendency toward idleness and laziness. The sensitivity of Fig people can make them find life rather bitter, but they have the necesssary strength to preserve a human susceptibility. Born on one of the shortest or longest days of the year, it may be more difficult for Fig individuals to find the right balance between spontaneity and reason...quietness and restlessness...sweetness and bitterness...than it is for others. It is in the Fig nature to switch back-and-forth between the two sides of this flexible personality, along with a tendency to exaggerate from time-to-time.

June 24: Those born on this date also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Birch, whose motto is "Light of the Initiates" or "The Inspiration." Birch individuals are vivacious, attractive, elegant and friendly. They are unpretentious characters, modest with little ambition, who dislike anything in excess. With a distaste for what they perceive to be vulgar, Birch people love life in nature and are calm individuals. While not very passionate in character, Birches are nonetheless full of imagination and tend to create a content atmosphere. They are helpful and devoted people but often experience personal disappointments. There is a great tendency for the Birch individual to lapse into excessive tyranny or selfishness if he or she suffered any type of abuse as a child.

June 25-July 4: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Apple, whose motto is "Fulfilled In Love." The Apple Tree is the tree of perfection, the love link that unites nature with mankind, life with death and the beyond with the here and now. It is one of the seven sacred Celtic trees. The Celtic calendar has only two fruit trees...one is the Apple and the other is the Fig. Apple individuals are usually slight of build and blessed with an abundance of charm, appeal and attraction. They exude a pleasant aura and are flirtatious, adventurous and sensitive. Always in love, Apple people seek to be loved and make for faithful and tender partners. They are generous, stable and possessed with scientific talents. A person who "lives for today," the Apple individual is a carefree philosopher endowed with imagination who dreams about an untroubled life with no division. Apples are excellent mediators, their moral tolerance being beyond reproach and they like to be in contact with people they can help, for by helping others, they can often help themselves out of a bad patch.

July 5-July 7: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Fir, whose motto is "To Watch Over Every Birth" or "The Mysterious." Fir individuals have extraordinary taste, dignity and sophistication. They love anything that is beautiful, but tend to be somewhat moody and stubborn. Though somewhat egotistic, Fir individuals nonetheless care deeply for those close to them. They are usually quite modest, very ambitious, talented and industrious. Fir people tend to make many friends...and equally as many foes...but are very reliable in character. Reserved about everything that affects them closely, Fir individuals tend to take refuge beneath the facade of prosperity, with a paradoxical need to feel free and protected at the same time.