The Elder tree embodies the seasonal energy of diminishing of light, the last leaves dropping, the plant’s concentrated essence sinking into the root, the quietude and mystery of the earth itself in a wintery landscape. This is a time of endings and beginnings, the least light and the return of the sun toward a longer day... completion and rebirth.
Reeds are large perennial grasses with smooth, flat leaves. They grows in wet areas such as marshlands or streams—often at the edge of distinct ecological zones. Today reeds grow a few yards high, but there are accounts of reeds growing up to twenty feet—almost as tall as a small tree. Reeds stabilize banks, marking a transition point between land and shore.
The symbolism of Ivy fits well with this time of year. Though it is not a tree, it has remarkable resilience and intimacy with its host trees, as it spirals up in the primordial double helix pattern. This spiraling movement of ivy, like our own DNA, symbolizes the soul’s sojourning, seeking experiences though life both within, through introspection, and outwardly in the world. The Celts considered this the time of the Ivy Moon.
The Celtic Tree Zodiac is an ancient wisdom tradition based upon the essential nature or qualities of different trees, as they are related to months of the year. The druidic priests based their understanding of trees upon on observation, and an intimacy with the natural world that is almost unimaginable today. By understanding that everything is alive, and has the right to exist as much as we do, the Celts were able to study how each tree has a particular energy that can ultimately be a profound alliance.
The Hazel Tree is tied to inspiration and wisdom. How can we begin to understand this time of year, from August 5th to September 1st, as the ancient tribal people of Europe once did? We can begin by looking around at what is taking place in the yearly cycle. August is the time when the summer ripens and mellows. The pumpkins are green, their orbs increasing in size by the day.
Holly is the Celtic Tree spirit for July 8 - August 4. The Holly Moon was called Tinne by the Celts. It lasts from a few weeks after the summer solstice through early August, a few days after one of the most important Celtic ritual seasonal holidays—Lughnasa.
The question I want to explore here is, why did the Celts choose the holly tree at this time of year? How can it help us, today, as a kind of “medicine” for our own calendar year?
Oak tree Celtic moon is June 10th to July 7th. It is always worth considering the particular time in a seasonal cycle when looking at the significance of a particular tree tied to the Celtic moon calendar. Each time of year has its particular task, from a literal and metaphoric viewpoint. The tree itself is representational of what is most needed as an alliance to support the accomplishment of the task.
This time of year the dose of sunlight rises each day toward the long fuse of solstice. In the Celtic tree zodiac, the period from May 13th to June 9th is represented by Hawthorn—or huath as it was called in old Irish. In the most general sense, this time of year, also known as the Hawthorn moon, is associated with fertility—and also the rising of light, suggestive of male sexuality. “Ne'er cast a cloot til Mey's oot," it was said. Don’t take off your cloots (clothes) until the May blossoms (hawthorn) appear.
Willow is tied deeply to this time of year, which marks great growth and emergence. What has been latent and gathered in the depths of winter now begins to really leap forth. For this reason, Willow is deeply associated with Brigid, the maiden element of triple goddess (mother, maiden and crone).
In the Celtic Tree Zodiac, Alder is the wise spirit for March 18 - April 14. This is a time of rebirth, sunrise, initiation—and indeed, resurrection. Alder is the tree which fairies love. These nature spirits appreciate the beautiful and subtle; the play and celebration of life coming back from the soil. There is also the flowering, the vitality of new energy, the dancing and flowing of water, the emotions and exuberance of life.
Now, the dark pockets of earth begin to stir awake from the long and frozen cold. The energy of the earth is rising up. Walking through the woods, we can feel in our bones the change in the earth—the lengthening of the days, the wind that contains a hint of spring. This is a time of awaking from a long and quiet dream time.
This time of year, when the influence of winter is waning and the first imaginations of spring are in the air, is when the Rowan tree is represented on the Celtic calendar. This is a time of subtle beginnings and dreams. Early in February we find the energetic seed of spring, which peaks on the vernal equinox.
For six months, light has been decreasing, leading up to the solstice, the darkest time of year. Some of us have spent a few days, perhaps, reflecting upon the essence of what has been garnered over the past season. Now we move from the Elder tree to Birch. To glean the choice of Birch, we have to start with the time of the year. It is just a few days after the winter solstice, but this time is a major shift for those who attuned their spiritual life closely to the movement of earth and light.
