Irish tree alphabet divination is a form of divination that is based on the ancient Irish tree alphabet known as Ogham. Ogham is an ancient system of writing that was used in Ireland and other Celtic regions before the Latin alphabet came into use. Each letter in the Ogham alphabet is associated with a specific tree, and it is believed that these trees hold mystical and symbolic meanings. In Irish tree alphabet divination, the Ogham alphabet is used as a tool to gain insight and guidance from the natural world. Each tree is associated with specific qualities and characteristics, and by drawing a particular tree letter or combination of letters, one can tap into the energies and wisdom associated with that tree. The Ogham alphabet consists of 20 letters, each representing a different tree.
EA - Fair-swimming letter -Admonishing of an infirm person - Fairest fish
OI - Most venerable substance - Splendour of form
UI - Fragrant tree - Great elbow/cubit
IO - Sweetest tree - Most wonderful taste
AE - Groan of a sick person - Groan of a sick person
The origin of the word Ogham is uncertain but it has been associated with the name Ogma , a member of the Irish mythical, god-like race, the Tuatha de Danaan. we can also extrapolate and develop a modern spiritual, magical, and divination practice that is fulfilling and authentic to what we do actually know, while organically growing from and beyond the admitted restrictions of the evidence.
The Ogham alphabet consists of 20 letters, each representing a different tree. Some of the trees associated with the Ogham alphabet include oak, ash, birch, willow, and yew. Each of these trees has its own unique symbolism and significance.
Irish tree alphabet divination
The Celtic ogham is said to be a form of language; in Irish Celtic mythology it is said to have been created by the Celtic God Ogma. It has existed in some form since the 4th century AD, although some believe it originated in the 1st century BC.
It is often called 'the tree alphabet', as many (but not all) of the symbols have been associated with trees, which were sacred to the Irish Celtic peoples. It is worth noting that there are many ogham lists - the tree ogham is just one of them.
The ogham alphabet originally consisted of twenty characters, with an additional five letters being added in later. 'In Lebor Ogaim', also known as 'The Ogam Tracts' or 'The Book of Ogams', an old Irish treaty on the ogham alphabet, also introduces an additional ninety-two characters. However, for the purposes of divination, the original twenty are used.
These twenty-five characters are split into five sections, (or 'aicme') - first, second, third, fourth, and fifth. The first four aicme's contain the symbols which we use in divination. It is worth noting that there is no historical evidence that the Irish Celts definitely used the ogham for divination, but it is generally accepted that the ogham can be used for divination.
The most common use of divination using the ogham is through the use of staves; I have a set of ogham staves, with each stave being made from the tree it symbolises, with the ogham symbol etched into it. You could even make your own set! Or, you could draw the symbols onto stones and use these in the same way you would runes - this is definitely the easier option - take your time and go for a walk, and find some stones to use, or you could even order some crystals online (although if you go down that route, make sure you choose a suitable pen - the first set of runes I tried to make ended up with the symbols rubbed off after not very long at all!).
To perform your reading, place your staves (or stones) into a bag, think of your question, and then pick either one, three, or five stones (depending on the complexity of your question - I personally wouldn't recommend any more than three, but that is just me), and interpret their meanings to give you your answer.
Below is a guide to the different symbols and their meanings, split into their seperate aicme's.
Beith - Birch Tree - Represents new beginnings, change, and the birth of new ideas
Luis - Rowan Tree - The strength to turn away and dispel negativity, protection, control of your senses, vitality, and healing
Fearn - Alder Tree - Scrying, divination, prophecy, intuition, morality, music, and poetry
Saille - Willow Tree - Represents feminine energy, fertility, intuition, psychic powers, enchantment, cunning
Nuin - Ash Tree - Fate, divine process, connection to the world within you and around you, spiritual inspiration, and taking action
Huathe - Hawthorn Tree - Protection, purification, learning through adversity, self-sacrifice, and sexuality
Duir - Oak Tree - Strength, endurance, opening new doors, protection, and leadership
Tinne - Holly Tree - Balance, integrity, justice, courage, overcoming adversary, mastery over oneself, growth, legal and financial matters
Coll - Hazel Tree - Creativity, poetry, intuition, divination, perception, and inspiration
Quert - Apple Tree - Love, beauty, healing, nourishment, living life to the full, making beneficial decisions
Third Aicme:
Muin - Vine or Bramble - Psychic powers, prophecy, patience, releasing logic and reason, examining life's lessons
Gort - Ivy - Transformation, exploring your own path, career, and education
Ngetal - Reed/Broom/Guelder Rose - Creating order from chaos, harmony, will, action, awareness of the environment that surrounds you
Straif - Blackthorn - Fate, fortune, trials and tribulations which you may encounter on the path to change, liberation, and rebirth
Ruis - Elder Tree - Looking ahead, letting go of that which no longer serves you, change, renewal, career, and health
Ailim - Fir Tree - Foresight and vision, being grounded, nurturing new projects
Ohn - Gorse - Sexual energy, repelling negativity, increasing material possessions
Ur - Heather - Represents the otherworld, healing, romance, fertility, faerie magick, and personal success
Eadha - Aspen Tree - Overcoming fear and doubt, inner guidance, determination, rebirth, and omens
Ioho - Yew Tree - Reincarnation, death and rebirth, accepting that which you cannot change, new beginnings, connecting with the past
Below are the symbols for the different trees; please ignore the cursor mark next to 'Muin', couldn't get rid of it!
Though very popular, this nonsense comes from a misunderstanding that the Ogham alphabet is ALL about trees, and each ogham divinatory meaning is related to trees, or worse, a 'Celtic Tree Calendar'.
To use Irish tree alphabet divination, one typically holds a set of Ogham sticks or cards, and then draws a random letter or combination of letters. The chosen letter(s) are then interpreted to reveal insight, guidance, and messages from the natural world. This can include guidance on personal situations, relationships, health, and spiritual development. Irish tree alphabet divination can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. It encourages individuals to connect with nature and tap into the wisdom and energy of the natural world. By using the Ogham alphabet as a divination tool, individuals can gain clarity and guidance in various aspects of their lives. Overall, Irish tree alphabet divination is a unique and ancient form of divination that offers individuals a way to connect with the natural world and gain insight and guidance. By utilizing the symbolism and energy of the Ogham alphabet, individuals can tap into the wisdom of the trees and the natural world to enhance their personal growth and spiritual development..
Reviews for "The Wisdom of the Trees: Irish Tree Alphabet Divination for Modern Seekers"
1. John - 2/5 - I found "Irish tree alphabet divination" to be quite disappointing. The book promised a unique and interesting approach to divination using the Irish tree alphabet, but it fell short in delivering on that promise. The explanations provided for each letter and tree were vague and lacking in depth. I was hoping for more detailed interpretations and guidance, but instead, I was left feeling confused and unsure of how to apply the information. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive and insightful guide to divination.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - As someone interested in divination and Celtic culture, I was excited to delve into "Irish tree alphabet divination", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The book lacked structure and clarity, making it difficult to follow along and understand the divinatory meanings associated with each letter and tree. Additionally, the examples provided for readings were quite simplistic and didn't offer much insight. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the Irish tree alphabet and its connection to divination, but this book merely scratched the surface. Disappointing overall.
3. Michael - 1/5 - "Irish tree alphabet divination" was a complete letdown for me. The book seemed disorganized and lacked a clear methodology for using the Irish tree alphabet in divination. The interpretations provided felt random and didn't resonate with me at all. It was evident that the author did not have a strong grasp on the subject matter, as the explanations were brief and often contradictory. I was hoping to learn something new and interesting about divination, but this book left me feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. I would not recommend it to anyone serious about studying divination or Celtic folklore.